DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEGLIGENCE TO BLAME FOR FIRES .................................. 1
TRADE OFFICIALS VISIT BEIJING AND DALIAN ....................... 2
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS ORGANIC FARMING 2
DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS MUST HAVE SAFE WORK PLANS ............... 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON TSING YI ........ 4
BARGAINS AT CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AUTUMN FAIR .................. 5
REMOTE VILLAGES GET CONSTANT IMPROVEMENTS ...................... 5
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
NEGLIGENCE TO BLAME FOR FIRES
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT MORE THAN 65 PER CENT OF THE FIRES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO HUMAN NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THIS YEAR’S FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN AT EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL, MR LAM SAID THE CAUSES INCLUDED CARELESS DISPOSAL OF CIGARETTE ENDS, MISHANDLING OF COOKING STUFF, AND FAILURE TO OBSERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
"SUCH LOSSES COULD BE AVOIDED IF DUE ATTENTION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO DAILY ROUTINES AT HOME AND AT WORK," HE STRESSED.
HE CITED TWO RECENT TYPICAL FIRES THAT WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN SPARKED OFF BECAUSE OF HUMAN NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS.
A FOURTH ALARM FIRE BROKE OUT IN AN OFFICE UNDER EXTENSIVE RENOVATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUILDING IN AUGUST, INJURING SIX PEOPLE AND FORCING MORE THAN 150 OCCUPANTS TO TAKE REFUGE ON THE ROOF.
A DOMESTIC FLAT IN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN THAT WAS ALSO UNDER RENOVATION CAUGHT FIRE IN SEPTEMBER, BRINGING NOT ONLY PROPERTY LOSSES BUT ALSO CLAIMING THE LIVES OF TWO WORKERS.
MR LAM SAID WHILE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE STEPPING UP FIRE PREVENTION PUBLICITY, CO-OPERATION FROM THE PUBLIC WAS VITAL TO PREVENT FIRE.
THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HAS PRODUCED A SERIES OF POSTERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE.
LAST YEAR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED 1,011 EDUCATIONAL VISITS, ORGANISED 372 LECTURES FOR ABOUT 18,000 STAFF MEMBERS OF HOTELS, HOSPITALS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, AND STAGED SEVEN MOBILE EXHIBITIONS IN COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES AND HOUSING ESTATES.
MR LAM CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE EXTRA CARE AT HOME AND AT WORK TO GUARD AGAINST FIRE.
/2 .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
2
TRADE OFFICIALS VISIT BEIJING AND DALIAN
*****
A DELEGATION OF SENIOR TRADE OFFICIALS, LED BY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, HAS LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO BEIJING AND DALIAN.
"THE MAIN PURPOSE OF OUR VISIT IS TO MAINTAIN A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR COUNTERPARTS IN THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE (MOFERT) IN THE CAPITAL OF CHINA, AND TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN DALIAN," MR TSANG SAID.
THE FOUR-MEMBER DELEGATION WILL SPEND THE FIRST THREE DAYS IN BEIJING WHERE THEY WILL BE RECEIVED BY OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF MOFERT.
THEY WILL ARRIVE IN DALIAN LATER IN THE WEEK, AND MEET OFFICIALS OF THE MUNICIPAL COMMISSION FOR FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE.
MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MR JOHN C TSANG, PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER MISS LISA CHAN AND TRADE OFFICER MISS ELIZA LAM.
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AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS ORGANIC FARMING
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A KEEN SUPPORTER OF ORGANIC FARMING, AFFORESTATION, COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND NATURE EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
ADDRESSING THE "AUTUMN FESTIVAL" GATHERING AT THE PRODUCE GREEN’S HOK TAU FARM IN FANLING, HE SAID AS RICE FARMERS IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN SCARCE NOWADAYS, IT WAS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HARVESTING FUNCTION.
DR LEE NOTED THAT SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PRODUCE GREEN IN EARLY 1989, EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE TO PROMOTE ORGANIC FARMING.
"IN AUGUST 1989, IT JOINED THE AGRICULTURAL LAND REHABILITATION SCHEME BY RENTING ABOUT 20 "DAU CHUNG" (AROUND 1.5 HECTARES) OF FARM LAND IN HOK TAU TO CONDUCT VEGETABLE GROWING WITH HELP FROM THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION," HE SAID.
"SINCE THEN, PRODUCE GREEN HAS DIVERSIFIED ITSELF FROM PRODUCING ORGANIC VEGETABLES TO PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH SOME MUCH-WELCOMED EDUCATIONAL COURSES ON ORGANIC FARMING."
/AT PRESENT, ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
3
AT PRESENT, THE FARM LAND RENTED BY PRODUCE GREEN HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MA MEI HA WITH A TOTAL AREA OF AROUND 50 "DAU CHUNG" (ABOUT 3.2 HECTARES).
"IT IS MOST ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT THEY HAVE ACHIEVED SUCH A GOOD RESULT WITHIN ONLY SEVERAL YEARS," HE ADDED.
DR LEE TOOK THE LEAD TO PERFORM THE HARVESTING WORK AT THE FARM. JOINING HIM WERE OTHER GREEN LOVERS INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PRODUCE GREEN, MR LAU NAI-KEUNG; MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR ALBERT CHEUNG CHI-PIU AND DIRECTOR, MR SIMON CHAU; AS WELL AS A REPRESENTATIVE FROM OXFAM.
THE HARVESTED RICE WAS PRESENTED TO OXFAM FOR RAISING FUNDS FOR NEEDY PEOPLE IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES.
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DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS MUST HAVE SAFE WORK PLANS
*******
DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO DEVISE AND ADOPT A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK TO GUARD WORKERS AGAINST POSSIBLE DANGERS.
"A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IF DEMOLITION OF A VACATED BUILDING HAS BEEN DELAYED OVER A PROTRACTED PERIOD OF TIME," CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE SHORINGS, SCAFFOLDS AND OTHER SUPPORTING STRUCTURES MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THEY WERE FIRST PUT UP BECAUSE OF EITHER WEATHERING OR HUMAN TAMPERING, MR CHAN SAID.
"THERE ARE USUALLY SERIOUS DANGERS ON THESE BUILDINGS, SUCH AS CRACKS AND SPALLING CONCRETE RESULTING FROM LACK OF MAINTENANCE, EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND CHANGING TEMPERATURES, ESPECIALLY AFTER HOSTILE TYPHOONS OR HEAVY RAINS," HE SAID.
MOREOVER, THERE MAY BE DANGEROUS, ILLEGAL RE-CONNECTIONS OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, HE ADDED.
"THEREFORE, THE BUILDING SITE MUST BE THOROUGHLY RE-ASSESSED FOR ANY HIDDEN DANGER BY A COMPETENT PERSON, AND A SAFETY WORK PLAN BE DEVISED, BEFORE DEMOLITION WORK BEGINS," MR CHAN SAID.
"THE ASSESSMENT SHOULD INCLUDE CHECK-UP FOR THE PRESENCE OF ASBESTOS IN THE INSULATION MATERIALS OF BOTH THE BUILDING AND ADD-ON STRUCTURES," HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID IT WAS THE DUTY OF THE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE SUITABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS SAFETY HELMETS, DUST MASKS AND EAR PROTECTORS, FOR WORKERS.
/"IF WORKERS .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
4
"IF WORKERS ARE REQUIRED TO WORK AT A HEIGHT OR NEAR FLOOR OPENINGS, THEY MUST BE PROVIDED WITH SAFETY BELTS WITH HARNESS ATTACHED TO A SUITABLE ANCHORAGE POINT OR HOOKED ON TO STRONG SLIDING WIRE ROPES," HE SAID.
WORKERS SHOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH WORK, MR CHAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD BE TRAINED AND SUPERVISED TO CARRY OUT ALL THE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, HE SAID.
MR CHAN ALSO REMINDED WORKERS TO CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS IN USING SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR THEM.
HE SAID THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WAS ALWAYS READY TO OFFER WORK SAFETY ADVICE.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON TSING YI *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DISTRICT OPEN SPACE IN AREAS ONE AND TWO ON TSING YI ISLAND.
IT IS PART OF A CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING YI TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE PUBLIC IN ITS NORTHEASTERN PART.
THEY INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE TENNIS COURTS, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, AN ORNAMENTAL LAKE WITH LAKE-SIDE CAFETERIA, SITTING-OUT AREAS, LANDSCAPED AREAS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY 1995.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 20.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM URBIS TRAVERS MORGAN LTD, WHICH DESIGNS AND SUPERVISES THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS AS CONSULTANT TO TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, FIRST FLOOR, LOK MOON COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 29 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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/5 .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1,
1892
5 BARGAINS AT CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AUTUMN FAIR *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A BARGAIN SALE OF STUFFED TOYS AND HANDICRAFTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT ITS AUTUMN FAIR ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS.
ON OFFER WILL BE 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 SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FAIR HAD BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY 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 SOME 30 STALLS THIS YEAR WILL INCLUDE STUFFED TOYS, HANDICRAFT, RATTAN AND WOODEN FURNITURE.
IN ADDITION, TAI TAM GIRL PIPERS AND MARCHING TEAM AND CAPE COLLINSON BAND WILL PERFORM AT THE FAIR. THERE WILL ALSO BE A PARACHUTE DISPLAY, DANCE PERFORMANCES AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DOG UNIT.
THE FAIR WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 11 AM AND 5 PM AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON. ADMISSION IS FREE.
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REMOTE VILLAGES GET CONSTANT IMPROVEMENTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSTANTLY IMPLEMENTED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR REMOTE VILLAGES, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE "TA CHIU" CEREMONY AT LAI CHI WO IN SHA TAU KOK, MR LAM SAID SUCH IMPROVEMENTS TO THE VILLAGES, INCLUDING THOSE IN SHA TAU KOK, HAVE NEVER BEEN IGNORED.
/THESE INCLUDED .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
6
THESE INCLUDED BUILDING OF THE SHA TAU KOK ESTATE, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN YIM LIU HA CHUEN AND CHOI YUEN KOK CHUEN, EXTENSION OF THE SHA TAU KOK ROAD, BUILDING OF A PROMENADE, A TYPHOON SHELTER AND A FOOT PATH.
ALL THESE SHOW THAT CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS FRUITFUL TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, MR LAM ADDED.
"TA CHIU" IS HELD ONCE EVERY 10 YEARS IN HING CHUN YORK TO GIVE THANKS TO THE DEITIES AS WELL AS TO COMMEMORATE THE DEAD.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
GOVERNOR ADDRESSES FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS’ CLUB HK, NETHERLANDS SIGN FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AGREEMENT
MR WILLIAM O’NEIL VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT
WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY
MARKET OPERATIONS ..
13
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
GOVERNOR ADDRESSES FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS’ CLUB * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF A SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS’ CLUB TODAY (MONDAY):
STEVE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED FOR THAT OBITUARY NOTICE, I AM MUCH OBLIGED. I DON’T WANT TO SPEAK FOR TOO LONG TODAY BECAUSE I WANT TO GIVE YOU AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE TO ASK QUESTIONS, THOUGH IT’S NOT MANDATORY. BUT PERHAPS I COULD SET THE SCENE JUST FOR A FEW MOMENTS AND BEGIN BY A PIECE OF INSIGHT WHICH MAY HAVE ESCAPED SOME OF YOU, BY ACCIDENT.
I THINK I’M RIGHT IN SAYING THAT YOUR LAST SUBSTANTIAL
I PUT THE POINT IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD - YOUR LAST SUBSTANTIAL VISITOR TO THE CLUB FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS SIR EDWARD HEATH. HE HAD, OF COURSE, JUST COME FROM PEKING WHERE HE HAD VERY SUCCESSFULLY HELPED TO PAVE THE WAY FOR MY OWN VISIT. I'M TOLD THAT DURING THE COURSE OF ONE OF HIS MEETINGS WITH A SENIOR CHINESE LEADER - NOT A SENIOR CHINESE LEADER THAT I WAS ABLE TO MEET - HE TOLD HIM THAT I’D BE PERFECTLY OK TO DEAL WITH, INDEED EXTREMELY GOOD TO DEAL WITH, SINCE I’D BEEN TO BALLIOL. SO IF ANY OF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE REAL INSIDE STORY ABOUT SOME OF THE LITTLE DIFFICULTIES, PASSING DIFFICULTIES, THAT WE’VE HAD RECENTLY, IT’S OBVIOUSLY THAT THE GOVERNMENT IN PEKING IS DOMINATED BY TRINITY COLLEGE MEN.
I HAVEN’T YET BEEN DENOUNCED BECAUSE OF MY COLLEGE, WHICH AS YOU KNOW, WAS ONCE DESCRIBED AS, "C’EST MAGNIFIQUE MAIS CE N’EST PAS LA GARRE", BUT I HAVE BEEN CALLED MOST OTHER THINGS IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, NOT LEAST IN MY FAVOURITE BASTION HERE OF A FREE PRESS, WHICH EVEN BROUGHT OUT THE OTHER DAY, AN ENTIRE SUPPLEMENT, BY PUBLIC DEMAND, OF ITS MAIN CRITICISMS OF ME. I’VE BEEN DESCRIBED AS, "A SLY LAWYER", WHICH IS SURELY A CONTRADICTION IN TERMS. I’VE BEEN CALLED "A PIRATE", "A COLONIAL OPPRESSOR", "A CUNNING POLITICAL TRICKSTER", "A FALSE SAVIOUR”, AND "GOD OF DEMOCRACY". I JUST WANT YOU TO IMAGINE WHAT SORT OF LANGUAGE THEY’D HAVE USED IF NORMAN TEBBIT HAD BECOME GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG.
ALL THIS HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT A CHAP, WIDELY REGARDED IN BRITISH POLITICS, AS ABOUT AS CONFRONTATIONAL AS A MUG OF HOT MILK. THE WORST THAT YOUR OWN GREAT ORGAN, 'THE GUARDIAN’, HAS SAID ABOUT ME IS THAT I TEND TO THE DEMOTIC; AND I AM, I GUESS, THE MAN WHO GAVE TO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE THE WORDS, "DOUBLE-RUNNY" AND "GOBSMACKED". BUT I’M USUALLY DESCRIBED AS, "IRRETRIEVABLY WET", WHICH MAKES SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN SAID ABOUT ME IN HONG KONG RECENTLY, I FIND SOMEWHAT SURPRISING.
/SO HOW .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
2
SO MOW HAS ALL THIS HAPPENED? LET ME SET THE PRESENT DEBATE IN ITS CONTEXT BY REPEATING KHAT I BELIEVE TO BE 10 VERY SIMPLE TRUTHS. THE FIRST IS THAT THE 28TH GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG DIDN’T INVENT THE FACT THAT WE NEED TO BRING FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE 1995 ELECTIONS. AS YOU’LL KNOW, SINCE 1989/1990, THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO PRESSING FOR A FASTER PACE OF DEMOCRATISATTON AND TO AN INCREASE TN THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS IN 1995. I SUGGESTED, IN MY SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE 7TH OF OCTOBER, A DIFFERENT APPROACH BASED ON WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAD SAID TO ME IN THE THREE MONTHS SINCE I FIRST BECAME GOVERNOR.
SECONDLY, THE APPROACH WHICH I’VE PUT FORWARD IS WHOLLY CONSISTENT BOTH WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WITH THE BASIC LAW. I DON’T THINK THAT ANYBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE OTHERWISE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, HENCE, I SUSPECT, SOME OF THE ADJECTIVES WHICH HAVE BEEN USED. I ALWAYS THINK THAT ADJECTIVES ARE A POOR REPLACEMENT FOR ARGUMENTS.
THIRDLY, THE ANSWERS ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN 1995, AREN’T TO BE FOUND IN THE BASIC LAW. THE BASIC LAW DOESN’T TELL US WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE VOTING METHOD FOR DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS. THE BASIC LAW IS SILENT, LITERALLY SILENT, ON WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES OR ABOUT THE ELECTION COMMITTEE.
FOURTH, IT’S NOT, THEREFORE, ENOUGH FOR CRITICS TO SAY WHEN WE SAY DON’T JUST SAY WHAT’S WRONG WITH WHAT WE’VE PROPOSED, SAY WHAT YOU WOULD DO - IT’S NOT ENOUGH FOR THOSE CRITICS TO SAY, "BUT WE’VE SAID IT ALL, WE’VE SAID IT ALL IN THE BASIC LAW.” IT ISN’T SET OUT IN THE BASIC LAW AND THEREFORE CRITICS, I REPEAT, SHOULD PUT FORWARD THEIR OWN ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS IF THEY DON’T LIKE MY OWN.
FIFTH, I THINK THAT THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE DOING NOW. I THINK THAT HONG KONG WON’T UNDERSTAND IF CRITICS OF MY PROPOSALS, WHETHER HERE IN THE TERRITORY OR OUTSIDE, SIMPLY DENOUNCE THE ARGUMENTS THAT I’VE PUT FORWARD. I THINK IT’S INCUMBENT ON EVERYONE TO PUT FORWARD ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS AND TO BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS THEM. AND I HOPE, FOR INSTANCE, THAT CHINA WILL BE PREPARED TO DO THAT IN THE FORUM OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AN IDEA WHICH CHINA WAS TALKING ABOUT WHEN I WAS IN PEKING.
SIXTH, THERE HASN’T BEEN, TN THE PAST, A SECRET DEAL,
NO SECRET AGREEMENT, NO SECRET UNDERSTANDING. AND I NOTICE THE WAY
THAT THE "DEAL" TURNED INTO AN "AGREEMENT" TURNED INTO
AN
"UNDERSTANDING".
BUT IF
OTHERS ACTUALLY THINK THAT THERE WAS A
SECRET DEAL OR AGREEMENT
ELECTION COMMITTEE, LET
OR UNDERSTANDING, FOR EXAMPLE, THEM SAY PRECISELY WHAT THAT
ON THE
SECRET
UNDERTAKING OR UNDERSTANDING AMOUNTED TO. THAT WOULD BE A VERY
HELPFUL WAY FORWARD, PERHAPS, OFFERING AN ALTERNATIVE TO WHAT I’VE SUGGESTED.
/NEXT, THE ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
NEXT, THE MODEST PROPOSALS THAT I’VE PUT FORWARD FOR BROADENING THE BASE OF DEMOCRACY HERE IN HONG KONG, DO, IN MY JUDGMENT, REPRESENT A WAY OF SECURING GREATER POLITICAL STABILITY RATHER THAN THE REVERSE. LET’S NOT FORGET THAT THERE ISN’T A CHOICE BETWEEN WHAT I PROPOSED ON THE ONE HAND OR THE STATUS QUO ON THE OTHER, WE HAD TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR 1995. IF I’D PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS WHICH WERE UNFAIR, WHICH APPEARED TO BLOCK OFF ANY FURTHER MODEST STEPS TOWARDS GREATER DEMOCRACY, 1 THINK THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF GREATER POLITICAL INSTABILITY, BOTH BEFORE 1997 AND AFTER 1997 .
NEXT, I WANT TO HAVE A GOOD AND EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. HONG KONG WANTS TO HAVE A GOOD AND EFFECTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA. I DON’T THINK IT WOULD MAKE MUCH SENSE FOR ME TO TRY TO CONSTRUCT SUCH A RELATIONSHIP ON A BASIS WHICH I BELIEVED WAS BAD FOR HONG KONG, AND ON A BASTS WHICH I BELIEVED MIGHT DAMAGE CHINA’S RELATIONS WITH HONG KONG.
MY PENULTIMATE POINT IS SIMPLY THIS, THAT BETWEEN NOW AND 1997, I AM GOING TO BE CALLED UPON TO GIVE REASSURANCES, NOT JUST BY BRIAN WALDEN, REASSURANCES EVEN DEMANDED BY SOME WHO ARE AT PRESENT CRITICAL OF WHAT I’VE SUGGESTED, REASSURANCES THAT HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE WILL BE GUARANTEED AND SECURED AS SET OUT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, BEYOND 1997. I THINK I’LL BE BETTER PLACED TO GIVE THOSE REASSURANCES, IF I’M THOUGHT TO BE SOMEONE WHO HAS A VISION FOR HONG KONG AND IF I’M THOUGHT TO BE SOMEONE WHO’S PREPARED TO STAND UP FOR HONG KONG.
AND LAST, MY TENTH POINT, I AM UNINHIBITEDLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. OF COURSE MUCH OF THE ECONOMIC DYNAMISM IN HONG KONG WILL DEPEND ON CHINA’S OWN SUCCESSFUL OPENING UP, BUT I THINK AT PRESENT OUR ECONOMIC PROSPECTS ARE SET FAIR, AND I FOR ONE WILL BE LOBBYING EXTREMELY HARD TO ENSURE THAT THOSE PROSPECTS AREN’T JEOPARDISED BY THE POLITICISATION OF TRADE TN THE COMING MONTHS. I SAY NOTHING ABOUT EVENTS OVER THE NEXT 24-36 HOURS, BUT I THINK YOU SEE WHAT 1 MEAN.
I THINK HONG KONG HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MIRACLES, ONE OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL MIRACLES, OF THE SECOND HALF OF THIS CENTURY, AND IN MY VIEW, THE STORY HAS ONLY JUST STARTED. IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND MONTHS, I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE CALM AND THOUGHTFUL AND RATIONAL, AND I’M SURF THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD HOPE FOR AS WELL, SO THAT WE CAN DISCUSS THE IMPORTANT ISSUES AFFECTING OUR POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FUTURE, SO THAT WE CAN GET THEM RIGHT, SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THAT THIS REMARKABLE COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO ENJOY PROSPERITY, STABILITY AND THE WAY OF LIFE ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, FOR AS LONG AHEAD AS ANY OF US CAN SEE.
STEVE VINES: THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED. INDICATED, WILL NOW TAKE SOME QUESTIONS.
THE GOVERNOR, AS HE HAS
/QUESTION: ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
QUESTION: I KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE MAKING OUT THAT THE REASON FOR THIS CHANGE IN APPROACH TO CHINA IS BASED ON AN EVALUATION BY BRITAIN THAT CHINA NOW, BECAUSE OF THE HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY IT’S BEEN POURING INTO HONG KONG, HAS AS MUCH OR MORE TO LOSE -PROBABLY MORE - ECONOMICALLY, BY DE-STABILISING HONG KONG OR MESSING THINGS UP, THAN BRITAIN DOES, THAT THIS IS A GAMBLE THAT BRITAIN HAS TAKEN AND IT’S DECIDED IT’S A GAMBLE WORTH TAKING, SIMPLY BECAUSE CHINA HAS MORE TO LOSE. ARE YOU TAKING THAT GAMBLE?
GOVERNOR: I DISAGREE WITH YOUR PREMISE. THE POLICY OF THE CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM TOWARDS HONG KONG WAS SET OUT VERY CLEARLY IN THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY’S ELECTION MANIFESTO AND THAT IS THE POLICY WHICH I AM SEEKING TO IMPLEMENT: A COMMITMENT TO WORKING FOR THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, A COMMITMENT TO NURTURING DEMOCRACY. I SUPPOSE WHERE THERE MAY HAVE BEEN SOME DIFFERENCE IS IN THIS RESPECT: THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT, THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER, HAS FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS BEEN PRESSING THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER TO ACCEPT THE CASE FOR AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. I PROPOSED AN ALTERNATIVE TO THAT, WHICH I KNOW A NUMBER OF LIBERALS IN HONG KONG BELIEVE DOESN’T GO FAR ENOUGH, BUT IN MY VIEW, REPRESENTED THE BEST POSSIBLE POINT OF BALANCE IN THE COMMUNITY. BUT I DON’T ACCEPT THE PREMISE THAT UNITED KINGDOM POLICY HAS CHANGED, EITHER FUNDAMENTALLY OR AT ALL.
WHAT I’D ALSO DISAGREE WITH, IS THE ASSUMPTION THAT ANY OF US ARE GAMBLING, EITHER CHINA OR THE UNITED KINGDOM, WITH THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. HONG KONG’S SUCCESS MATTERS ENORMOUSLY; IT MATTERS TO THE REGION, IT MATTERS TO THE WORLD, AND OF COURSE IT MATTERS TO CHINA AS PART OF THE REGION AND AS THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER. BUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND SUCCESS MATTERS ABOVE ALL TO THE SIX MILLION PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE, AND I WOULDN’T SEEK TO DOUBT OR DISPUTE THE CONCERN OF MY CHINESE COLLEAGUES ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I HOPE I’LL BE ABLE TO PERSUADE THEM THAT THERE IS AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY ON THE ONE HAND, AND ITS WAY OF LIFE ON THE OTHER. AND 1 HOPE THAT I’LL BE ABLE TO CONVINCE THEM THAT THE PROPOSALS I’VE PUT FORWARD, AS I SAID IN MY SPEECH, ARE MORE RATHER THAN LESS LIKELY TO PROMOTE POLITICAL STABILITY. THAT’S WHAT I’LL CONTINUE TO ARGUE BUT I CERTAINLY WOULDN’T SEEK TO SUGGEST THAT ALL THOSE CHINESE OFFICIALS WITH WHOM I DISAGREED, WEREN’T ALSO COMMITTED TO SUCCESS IN HONG KONG.
THE ONLY POSTSCRIPT THAT I WOULD ADD, IS THAT I’M SURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN RATIONAL DISCUSSION RATHER THAN THREATS OR BACKGROUND MUSIC. THE ISSUES THAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND DESERVE TO BE DISCUSSED IN A CALM AND RATIONAL AND CONSTRUCTIVE WAY.
TERRY NEALON (RTHK) : MR PATTEN, ARE YOU CONCERNED THAT CRITICAL COMMENTS MADE LAST FRIDAY NIGHT BY SIR GORDON MCWHINNIE AT THE INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANTS ANNUAL DINNER, MAY BE AN INDICATION THAT THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY WORRIED ABOUT WHAT IT REGARDS AS CONFRONTATION WITH CHINA?
/GOVERNOR: .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
GOVERNOR: FORTUNATELY, WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY WHERE PEOPLE CAN MAKE THEIR VIEWS PLAIN AND GET THEM REPORTED, EVEN WHEN THEY DON’T AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR. I’D SAY THREE THINGS IN RESPONSE TO THAT SORT OF CRITICISM. FIRST, AS I’VE SAID ALREADY DURING THE COURSE OF MY REMARKS, I BELIEVE VERY STRONGLY THAT THE PROPOSALS, THE RATHER RESTRAINED PROPOSALS THAT I’VE PUT FORWARD, ARE THE BEST WAY OF ACHIEVING POLITICAL STABILITY, AND THAT IT WOULD BE NO WAY OF ACHIEVING POLITICAL STABILITY, TO BLOCK OFF, TO RESIST, EVERY AMBITION OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO HAVE A RATHER GREATER SHARE IN MANAGING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS. I DON’T THINK THAT SOME OF THOSE WHO HAVE OFFERED CRITICAL OBSERVATIONS WOULD ARGUE, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT DEMOCRACY HAD BEEN APPALLINGLY BAD FOR THE ECONOMY OF JAPAN.
SECONDLY, I ALSO THINK THAT PEOPLE WHO MAKE THOSE SORT OF REMARKS MIGHT THINK FORWARD TO THE POSITION AFTER 1997, AND MIGHT THINK ABOUT THE BEST WAYS IN WHICH TO SECURE THE WAY OF LIFE WHICH THEY ENJOY AND THE WAY OF LIFE WHICH HAS HELPED TO MAKE HONG KONG SO PROSPEROUS.
AND THIRDLY, I THINK SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE WILL BE HOPING THAT THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG WILL BE A VERY ACTIVE LOBBYIST FOR FREE TRADE, NOT LEAST BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES, IN THE COMING MONTHS, AND I THINK THEY MIGHT HAVE A THOUGHT ABOUT THE CREDIBILITY OF THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG WHEN HE’S ARGUING THE CASE FOR FREE TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES. I THINK HE’S MORE LIKELY TO BE ABLE TO PUT THOSE ARGUMENTS WITH AUTHORITY AND CONVICTION IF HIS AUDIENCES THINK THAT HE’S SOMEBODY WHO STANDS UP FOR HONG KONG RATHER THAN THE REVERSE.
FRANK CHING (FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW) : MR PATTEN, IF, AS YOU SAY, THE UK GOVERNMENT WAS ALWAYS COMMITTED TO DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG, WHY IS IT THAT WHAT YOU’RE PROPOSING NOW IS COMING AT SUCH A LATE DATE? WHY, FOR INSTANCE, WAS IT DECIDED NOT TO HOLD DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1988, WHEN IT WAS CLEARLY THE VIEW OF THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AT THE TIME THAT THAT SHOULD HAPPEN? AND IN THAT CONNECTION, HAVE YOU READ THE REPORT WRITTEN BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF GALLUP ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S OPINION SURVEYS IN 1987?
GOVERNOR: ON THE LATTER POINT, NO, I HAVEN’T, BUT I WILL BEFORE YOU ASK ME THE QUESTION AGAIN. AND I’M NOT SURE THAT MY KNOWLEDGE OF RECENT POLITICAL HISTORY IN HONG KONG IS AS GOOD AS YOURS, BUT LET ME JUST SAY WHAT I’M TRYING TO DO. THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WERE NOT CUT AND DRIED, WE ALL KNOW THAT. WE ALL KNOW WHAT THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER AND THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER HAD IN THE PAST SAID ABOUT ONE ASPECT OF THOSE ELECTIONS, THAT IS THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS TO BE IN THE LEGISLATURE AFTER 1995. I’VE TRIED, I THOUGHT REASONABLY CONSTRUCTIVELY AND HELPFULLY, TO FIND A WAY IN WHICH WE COULD ACHIEVE SOME OF OUR OBJECTIVES WHILE GETTING ROUND THAT ROAD-BLOCK. I STILL HAVEN’T HEARD ANY BETTER WAY OF ACCOMPLISHING THAT EXERCISE.
AS FOR THE PAST, I THINK THAT THERE HAVE BEEN, OBVIOUSLY, DISAGREEMENTS WITHIN HONG KONG, AND BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, ABOUT THE PACE OF DEMOCRATISATION --
/FRANK CHING: .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
6
FRANK CHING: PEOPLE?
HAS THERE BEEN BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE
GOVERNOR: -- I LEAVE THAT TO COMMENTATORS AND HISTORIANS LIKE YOU. WHAT I TRIED TO DO WAS TO FIND A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ON WHICH MOST PEOPLE MIGHT BE ABLE TO STAND. WHETHER OR NOT I’VE CONSTRUCTED THE RIGHT EDIFICE WILL, I GUESS, BE DECIDED IN PART, OR IN WHOLE, BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SOME TIME IN THE FIRST PART OF NEXT YEAR.
FRANK CHING: YOU HAVEN’T ANSWERED THE QUESTION --
GOVERNOR: WELL, I’M NOT VERY KEEN ON GETTING INTO AN ARGUMENT ABOUT HISTORY IN THE LATE 1980S, I’M MUCH MORE INTERESTED - THOUGH WHEN I KNOW THE TEXT AS WELL AS YOU DO I MAY BE BETTER PLACED - I’M MUCH MORE INTERESTED IN TRYING TO FIND A WAY FORWARD NOW.
BRIAN CAPLEN (ASIAN BUSINESS) : I WONDER IF I COULD ASK YOU ABOUT ANOTHER ROAD-BLOCK, WHICH IS THE AIRPORT. WOULDN’T IT BE A SIMPLER SOLUTION IF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AGREED TO PUT THE AIRPORT IN SHENZHEN RATHER THAN CHEK LAP KOK, WHICH WOULD COST A LOT LESS MONEY AND WOULD, PRESUMABLY, BE BETTER RECEIVED IN BEIJING?
GOVERNOR: NO, I DON’T THINK THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA. IT WOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INVOLVE THE UNITED KINGDOM RESILING FROM THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, AND BOTH THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA ARE COMMITTED TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WHICH GIVES WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT BY BOTH PRIME MINISTERS TO THE CASE FOR BUILDING A NEW AIRPORT IN HONG KONG. I DON’T THINK IT WOULD MAKE VERY MUCH SENSE TO HAVE A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, AFTER 1997, OUT OF WHICH YOU HAD TO DRIVE IN ORDER TO GET TO THE AIRPORT. I THINK THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF OTHER DOWNSTREAM ARGUMENTS FOR A NEW AIRPORT FOR HONG KONG, WHICH YOU LEAVE ON ONE SIDE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT CASE FOR REPLACING KAI TAK, FOR EXAMPLE THE IMPORTANT SPECIFIC ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO HONG KONG, THE LAND RECLAMATION BENEFITS TO HONG KONG, SO I THINK THERE’S AN OVERWHELMINGLY STRONG CASE FOR AN AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND I’M ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED, AS I THINK MOST PEOPLE ARE IN HONG KONG, THAT WE’LL HAVE AN AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
QUESTION: ... I WONDER IF YOU WERE SURPRISED BY THE RESISTANCE OF MEMBERS OF LEGCO TO ACTUALLY HAVING TO VOTE ON THIS ISSUE AND WHAT YOUR RESPONSE WOULD BE TO MEMBERS OF LEGCO WHO ARE RELUCTANT TO VOTE ON YOUR PROPOSAL?
GOVERNOR: IT’S OBVIOUSLY A GREAT HONOUR TO BE A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AN HONOUR AND A RESPONSIBILITY, AND PEOPLE WHO ARE LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY DO HAVE TO TAKE A SHARE IN DETERMINING THE FUTURE OF THAT COMMUNITY. I CAN’T IMAGINE THAT ANYBODY WOULD WANT TO BE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHO DIDN’T WANT TO DISCHARGE THE RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH BEING PART OF A LEGISLATURE BRINGS. SO I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW ANYBODY COULD SAY, "WELL, WE’LL BE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUT WE DON’T WANT TO BE AROUND IF THERE’S EVER A DIFFICULT DECISION TO MAKE." WHAT LEADERSHIP IN A COMMUNITY AMOUNTS TO, FOR THE GOVERNOR AND FOR THE SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT, FOR THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IS FACING UP TO THE LONG AGENDA OF TOUGH CHOICES, WHICH IS WHAT POLITICS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IS ALL ABOUT.
/I'M SURE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
I’M SURE THAT THE PROPOSALS THAT I PUT FORWARD IN THE FUTURE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, I'M SURE THAT THOSE PROPOSALS WILL BE PROPERLY DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AS THEY SHOULD BE, THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL DEBATE AND THEN DECIDE. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS IN A COMMUNITY LIKE THIS; THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS TN A COMMUNITY WHERE THE EXECUTIVE HAS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LEGISLATURE.
QUESTION (AFP) : GOVERNOR, REGARDING FRANK CHING’S QUESTION JUST NOW, YOU STILL HAVEN’T ANSWERED IT. YOU SAY YOU'RE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN HISTORY, BUT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IN 1997 THEY’LL HAVE TO FACE UP TO REALITY AND MR LU PING HAS SAID THAT HE’S GOING TO OVERHAUL THE WHOLE PROCEDURE AND ARRANGEMENTS IN 1997 AND STICK TO THE BASIC LAW. SO WHAT KIND OF COST -- DO YOU THINK THE COST THAT THE HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE PAYING FOR YOUR FASTER SPEED OF DEMOCRAT ISATION -- DO YOU THINK THIS IS WORTH THE PRICE PAYING FOR WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 1997? AND AGAIN, WHY DO THE BRITISH COME OUT WITH FRESH SUGGESTIONS FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS BEFORE THE HANDOVER? WHY NOT EARLIER, EVEN IN 1990 WHEN THE BASIC LAW WAS BEING DISCUSSED? THANK YOU.
GOVERNOR: BUT I’VE JUST DESCRIBED TO YOU THAT I HAD TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR 1995 BECAUSE THE ARRANGEMENTS AREN’T IN PLACE. 1 REMAIN WHOLLY CONVINCED THAT IF WE INTRODUCE ARRANGEMENTS IN 1995 WHICH WORK AND WORK SUCCESSFULLY FOR HONG KONG, THEN THEY WILL SURVIVE BEYOND 1997. I SAID THAT AT INORDINATE LENGTH YESTERDAY, IN AN INORDINATELY LONG INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN WALDEN, DURING WHICH HE ASKED THE SAME QUESTION AN INORDINATELY LARGE NUMBER OF TIMES, AND IT REPRESENTS MY STRONGLY HELD VIEW - OTHERWISE I’LL GET IN TROUBLE.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, I DON’T BELIEVE YOU’VE ACTUALLY ANSWERED MR CHING’S QUESTION. WHY DID YOU NOT? WHY WEREN’T THESE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD IN 1990? SURELY, IT’S A BIT LATE NOW AND THERE CLEARLY IS A SORT OF DIFFERENCE OF INTERPRETATION BETWEEN THE BRITISH THAT THERE’S AN UNDERSTANDING AND WHAT CHINA THINKS. WHY WEREN’T THESE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD EARLIER IF BRITAIN WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THEM?
GOVERNOR: YOU KNOW PERFECTLY WELL. YOU KNOW PERFECTLY WELL THAT ONE OF THE PROPOSALS WHICH I’VE SUGGESTED AN ALTERNATIVE FOR, WAS PUT FORWARD VERY VIGOROUSLY IN 1990. WHAT WAS THE ARGUMENT ABOUT IN 1990? THE ARGUMENT WAS ABOUT WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE A FASTER PACE OF DEMOCRATISATION AND WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE MORE DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER 1995. THAT, BOTH DURING THOSE DISCUSSIONS AND AFTERWARDS, WAS STATED ON THE RECORD AS BEING THE POSITION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT. NOW, BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT CHINA WOULDN’T MOVE ON THE QUESTION OF THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS, BECAUSE WE WERE TOLD THAT CHINA WOULDN’T MOVE ON ANYTHING WHICH INVOLVED CHANGING THE BASIC LAW, I PROPOSED AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH, I PROPOSED A PARALLEL APPROACH. I THINK IT’S A VERY SENSIBLE APPROACH.
/IF YOU ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
8
IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO THE ARGUMENT ABOUT DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS, OR IF ANYBODY ELSE WANTS TO GO BACK TO THAT ARGUMENT, SO BE IT, BUT I THINK THE PROPOSALS I’VE PUT FORWARD REPRESENT A SENSIBLE ALTERNATIVE AND I HOPE THEY’LL BE REGARDED AS SUCH. THEY SEEM TO BE REGARDED AS SUCH, EVEN BY THOSE OF MY CRITICS WHO THINK WE SHOULD GO FASTER AND FURTHER.
PHILIPPE LE CORRE (RADIO FRANCE INTERNATIONAL) : GOVERNOR, ABOUT THOSE PROPOSALS YOU’VE TAKEN NOW, AS WAS SAID, NOT BEFORE, ARE THEY OF A GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR THE IMAGE OF THE UK IN ASIA-PACIFIC? AND IF, YES, IS THAT IMAGE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UK AND CHINA?
GOVERNOR: WHAT THEY’RE MOST IMPORTANT FOR IS THE FUTURE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG. WHAT THEY’RE MOST IMPORTANT FOR IS PRESERVING THE WAY OF LIFE, THE PROSPERITY AND THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG. THAT’S WHAT SHOULD DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT ONE BRINGS FORWARD ANY PARTICULAR SET OF PROPOSALS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG. THOSE PROPOSALS WERE MADE IN HONG KONG, THEY REPRESENT THE RESULT OF THE CONVERSATIONS THAT I HAD WITH POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN HONG KONG. THE MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT WE SHOULD HAVE IN PLACE FOR 1995, AS I’VE SAID AGAIN AND AGAIN, ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE FAIR, WHICH ARE OPEN, AND WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. IN THAT WAY, WE CAN ENSURE THAT THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE LAST FIVE YEARS OF BRITISH STEWARDSHIP, ARE HONOURABLE AND COMPETENT, AND THAT IS WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM AS.
LARRY ZUCKERMAN (INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE) : I’D LIKE TO GET BACK TO A SUBJECT I KNOW YOU LIKE TALKING ABOUT, WHICH IS THE AIRPORT. I WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR YOU SAY THAT YOU WERE WORRIED THAT BRITAIN MIGHT VIOLATE THE MOU. ISN’T IT TRUE NOW THAT CHINA’S HAS VIOLATED BOTH THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT OF THE MEMORANDUM?
GOVERNOR: YOU’D BETTER ASK THAT QUESTION NEXT TIME THE HONG KONG AND MACAU OFFICE GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE. WE REMAIN WHOLEHEARTEDLY COMMITTED TO DOING ANYTHING WE CAN TO GIVING HONG KONG THE AIRPORT THAT HONG KONG NEEDS, WANTS, AND WILL EVENTUALLY GET, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT THE BEST WAY OF SECURING THAT OBJECTIVE IS THROUGH AN OVERALL AGREEMENT WITH CHINA. CHINA HAS COMMITTED HERSELF TO SUCH AN OVERALL AGREEMENT. THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE PRC AND THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED KINGDOM BOTH SIGNED THAT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING. I ASSUME THAT EVERYONE, LIKE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT, STILL STANDS BY IT.
LARRY ZUCKERMAN
STILL NOT BUILT
: WILL YOU BE SAYING THEN IN 1997 WHEN THE AIRPORT IS ... THE MOU, THAT THEY HAVEN’T VIOLATED IT?
GOVERNOR: I THINK, WERE THAT TO BE THE CASE, WHICH I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE, AND WERE YOU TO BE STILL HERE IN HONG KONG IN 1997 TO ASK THE GOVERNOR, WHO TN 1997 WILL BE CHRIS PATTEN, I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO GIVE YOU A DIFFERENT ANSWER. BUT AS I SUGGESTED IN THE FIRST THREE CLAUSES OF THAT SENTENCE, I THINK IT’S A HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION.
/(REUTERS): .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
9
(REUTERS) : MR PATTEN, SINCE YOU’VE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG YOU’VE CONSTANTLY STRESSED YOUR CLOSE POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LEADERSHIP IN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. IS IT THAT YOU’RE TRYING TO SAY THAT YOU’RE NEGOTIATING POSITION WITH CHINA WOULD BE WEAKENED IF THAT LEADERSHIP WERE TO CHANGE, IF THERE WERE OTHER PERSONALITIES THERE, OR EVEN ANOTHER PRIME MINISTER?
GOVERNOR: WELL - I THINK THAT’S THE LABOUR PARTY CHIEF WHIP AT THE BACK - FIRST OF ALL IT’S, ON THE WHOLE, NOT BEEN ME WHO’S STRESSED THE CLOSENESS OF THAT RELATIONSHIP BUT OTHERS WHO’VE WRITTEN ABOUT ME OR SPOKEN ABOUT ME, BUT IT EXISTS, IT’S A MATTER OF FACT. I DON’T THINK, HOWEVER, THAT YOUR QUESTION WILL ARISE, SINCE I BELIEVE THAT, FOR INSTANCE - IF YOU’RE REFERRING TO EVENTS THIS WEEK - I THINK THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL WIN THE VOTE ON WEDNESDAY. I WAS INTERESTED, THE OTHER DAY, THAT THE LEADER OF THE LIBERAL PARTY BY AND LARGE ENDORSED THE POLICY THAT I’D PUT FORWARD. I WAS INTERESTED THAT THE OTHER DAY, THE SPOKESMAN ON HONG KONG FOR THE LABOUR PARTY BY AND LARGE ENDORSED THE PROPOSALS THAT I’D PUT FORWARD, THOUGH HE WOULD HAVE LIKED ME TO HAVE GONE RATHER FURTHER. SO IT APPEARS AS THOUGH THERE IS FAIRLY BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FOR THE POLICIES WHICH I’VE BEEN PURSUING. THEREFORE, I DON’T IMAGINE THAT EVEN SOME NAMELESS CALAMITY AT WESTMINSTER WOULD MAKE VERY MUCH DIFFERENCE, OR ANY DIFFERENCE AT ALL, TO POLICY IN HONG KONG. BUT I LIKE MY FRIENDS TO DO WELL IN LIFE AND THEREFORE MY OWN FEELINGS ABOUT EVENTS THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER CAN BE TAKEN AS READ.
(ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL) : GOVERNOR, YOU HAVE SAID THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO SECRET DEALS. COULD WE INVITE YOU, TODAY, TO GO ON RECORD AS SAYING THAT FOR THE REMAINDER OF YOUR TENURE AS GOVERNOR HERE, THERE WILL BE NO SECRET DEALS WITH CHINA?
GOVERNOR: THERE WILL BE NO SECRET DEALS, NOR COULD THERE BE, ON THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG. IF YOU’RE SAYING, WILL THERE NEVER BE ANYTHING WE DISCUSS ABOUT THE FUTURE WITH CHINA WHICH IS SECRET, THEN I’D BE A LIAR IF I SAID," NO, WE’LL NEVER TALK SECRETLY TO CHINA." BUT I DON’T THINK THAT IT’S POSSIBLE TO TALK ABOUT THE CENTRAL ISSUES AFFECTING THE GOVERNMENT OF THIS COMMUNITY WITHOUT THE PUBLIC THEMSELVES HAVING A SHARE IN THE DEBATE AND THE DISCUSSION.
IF, IN MY SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE 7TH OF OCTOBER, I’D SAID, "NOW I TURN TO THE 1995 LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS, I’M GOING TO GO AND TALK ABOUT THEM IN PEKING AND WHEN WE’VE SORTED IT ALL OUT WE’LL LET YOU KNOW, BUT WATCH THIS SPACE.", I DON’T THINK THAT THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN CONDUCIVE TO POLITICAL STABILITY AND I CAN’T HONESTLY COMPREHEND HOW ANYBODY COULD THINK THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN CONDUCIVE TO POLITICAL STABILITY. ONE OF THE THINGS WHICH WOULD HAVE IMMEDIATELY RESULTED WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT PUFF OF SPECULATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF EVERY WORD, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN ENDLESS EXEGESIS OF EVERY PUNCTUATION MARK IN EVERY SPEECH IN EVERY PRESS CONFERENCE AND AT CONFERENCES ON THE AIRPORT. I THINK IT WOULD HAVE LED TO AN IMPOSSIBLE SEVERAL MONTHS OR YEARS IN HONG KONG.
/IF IT'S ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
10
I-F IT’S RIGHT TO TALK OPENLY ABOUT HOW TO BUILD AN AIRPORT, FOR HEAVENS SAKE, WHY IS IT WRONG TO TALK OPENLY ABOUT HOW TO SECURE PEOPLE’S FREEDOMS AND WAY OF LIFE AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG? WHAT I THINK HAS EVERYTHING TO BE SAID FOR IT, IS A DISCUSSION IN WHICH, IF THERE ARE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW THEY ARE PUT FORWARD INTELLIGENTLY ABOUT HOW TO SECURE THAT WAY OF LIFE. WHAT I DON’T THINK THERE’S MUCH OF A CASE FOR IS ONE SET OF PEOPLE PUTTING FORWARD IDEAS AND ANOTHER SET OF PEOPLE EITHER JUST RUBBISHING THEM OR MAKING UiTTMIDATORY NOISES, I DON’T THINK THAT’S THE BEST WAY OF CARRYING THE DEBATE AND THE DISCUSSION FORWARD. SO THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION IS - IF I’VE GOT IT THE RIGHT WAY ROUND - NO, THERE WON’T BE ANY SECRET DEALS ON THE FUTURE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
(SCM POST) : GOVERNOR, NOW YOU’VE APPARENTLY REACHED THIS ROAD-BLOCK IN YOUR NEGOTIATIONS FOR POLITICAL REFORM WITH CHINA, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU’RE NEXT GOING TO DO? ARE YOU GOING TO INVITE CHINESE OFFICIALS TO HONG KONG OR WILL YOU SEEK AN INVITATION TO GO TO BEIJING TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS?
GOVERNOR: WHEN I WAS IN PEKING IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE NEXT STEP FORWARD COULD BE DISCUSSIONS IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AND IF THAT IS THE WAY CHINA WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THINGS FORWARD, THEN I THINK IT WOULD BE A VERY SENSIBLE WAY TO CONTINUE THE DEBATE. SO I HOPE THAT WE’LL HAVE THAT SORT OF MEETING, OTHERWISE WE’LL HAVE TO LOOK AT OTHER WAYS OF COMMUNICATING AND DISCUSSING THINGS. IT DOES MAKE MORE SENSE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION. IT DOES MAKE MORE SENSE TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS AND DEBATE THEM WITH ONE ANOTHER, RATHER THAN JUST HAVE ONE SIDE PUTTING FORWARD PROPOSALS AND THE OTHER SIDE EITHER SAYING, NO, OR EVEN DECLINING TO SAY, NO.
--------o ---------
HK, NETHERLANDS SIGN FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AGREEMENT
*****
AN AGREEMENT ON THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS WHICH WILL REMAIN IN FORCE AFTER 1997 WAS SIGNED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE NETHERLANDS TODAY (MONDAY).
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT HONG KONG HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH ANOTHER COUNTRY IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA OF CRIMINAL CO-OPERATION.
THE AGREEMENT SETS OUT THE CONDITIONS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
SIGNING THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY. THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF THE NETHERLANDS, MR HENDRIK J VAN PESi’H, SIGNED THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS.
/MR ASPREY .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
11
MR ASPREY NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS WERE BASED ON BILATERAL TREATIES BETWEEN BRITAIN AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND A SET OF ARRANGEMENTS WITH COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES, BOTH OF WHICH THE UNITED KINGDOM HAD EXTENDED TO HONG KONG.
BUT THESE ARRANGEMENTS CANNOT CONTINUE IN THEIR PRESENT FORM BEYOND 1997.
"IT IS IMPORTANT, THEREFORE, THAT HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE AN EFFECTIVE NETWORK OF ARRANGEMENTS WITH OTHER JURISDICTIONS WHICH WILL ENDURE BEYOND 1997.
"SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WILL ASSIST IN MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S STANDING AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE WHERE THE RULE OF LAW PREVAILS," MR ASPREY SAID.
THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS HAVE THEREFORE AGREED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THAT THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY BINDING BILATERAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS WHICH WILL CONTINUE TN FORCE AFTER 1997.
THEY HAVE AGREED ON A MODEL AGREEMENT ON THE BASIS OF WHICH HONG KONG CAN NEGOTIATE AND CONCLUDE AGREEMENTS ON THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE AGREEMENT WITH THE NETHERLANDS CONTAINS SAFEGUARDS WHICH ARE NORMALLY FOUND IN AGREEMENTS GOVERNING THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS:
* DOUBLE CRIMINALITY RULE: THE ACT IN RESPECT OF WHICH A FUGITIVE’S RETURN IS REQUESTED MUST CONSTITUTE A CRIME IN BOTH JURISDICTIONS AT THE TIME IT WAS COMMITTED;
* THE PRIMA FACIE RULE: THERE MUST BE A PRIMA FACTE CASE AGAINST A PERSON WHOSE RETURN IS REQUESTED;
* SPECIALITY RULE:A RETURNED FUGITIVE SHOULD NOT BE TRIED FOR OFFENCES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH HE WAS SURRENDERED; AND
* THE POLITICAL OFFENCES RULE: RETURN MAY BE REFUSED IF THE OFFENCE IN QUESTION IS A POLITICAL OFFENCE.
THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE SIDE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
MR ASPREY TODAY EXPRESSED HIS GRATITUDE TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR GIVING IT CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND FOR GIVING IT THEIR SUPPORT.
THE AGREEMENT WILL COME INTO FORCE AFTER THE ENACTMENT IN HONG KONG OF A NEW FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE LEGISLATIVE BACKING FOR IT.
IT IS HOPED THAT, FOLLOWING CONSULTATION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR.
-----o------
/12 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
12
MR WILLIAM O’NEIL VISITS MARINE DEPARTMENT *****
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO), MR WILLIAM O'NEIL, TODAY (MONDAY) HAD A FIRSTHAND LOOK AT THE POLICIES, PLANS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER.
MR MILLER TOLD MR O’NEIL THAT HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PORTS IN THE WORLD TO HANDLE MORE THAN SIX MILLION TEUS (20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS) OF CONTAINERISED CARGO A YEAR AND SOME 130,000 OCEAN-GOING AND RIVER-TRADE VESSELS CALLED AT HONG KONG ANNUALLY AND LOADED AND DISCHARGED MORE THAN 100 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO.
"TO MEET ANTICIPATED GROWTH, PLANNING IS WELL IN HAND FOR MAJOR PORT DEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL MORE THAN DOUBLE CARGO HANDLING CAPACITY BY 2006.
"THE PRINCIPAL FEATURES ARE TO DEVELOP CONTAINER TERMINALS TOGETHER WITH OTHER MARINE FACILITIES ON TSING CHAU TSAI PENINSULA ON LANTAU ISLAND OVER THE NEXT DECADE," MR MILLER SAID.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO PORT STATE CONTROL AND AIMS AT THE INSPECTION OF FIVE PER CENT OF OCEAN-GOING SHIPS WHICH VISITED HONG KONG ANNUALLY.
MORE THAN 1,050 OCEAN-GOING SHIPS VISITING THE PORT OF HONG KONG ANNUALLY WERE SUBJECT TO PORT STATE CONTROL INSPECTION TO CHECK COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL CONVERSATIONS, NAMELY THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS AND THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS.
OF THESE, 10 PER CENT REQUIRED DEFICIENCIES BEFORE THE SHIP COULD SAIL FROM HONG KONG.
TO BE MADE GOOD
MR O’NEIL WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION UNDER LOCAL LEGISLATION IN DECEMBER 1990, REFLECTS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF MARITIME SAFETY.
ADMINISTERED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG REGISTER NOW HAS A TOTAL FLEET AMOUNTING TO 7.2 MILLION GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE COMPARED WITH 6.4 MILLION GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE IN
DECEMBER 1990.
MR O’NEIL, IN TURN, BRIEFED MR MILLER ON ITEMS ON THE IMO
AGENDA.
MR O’NEIL IS THE PRINCIPAL SPEAKER AI THE PORTS 2000
CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO
THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 5). HE WILL FLY TO JAPAN ON THURSDAY.
/13 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1992
13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * t *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 79.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 465.367 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 278.772 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 47.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0 ------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,324
REVERSAL OF LAF -824
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +125
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,625
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.2 *+0.1* 2.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.68 PCT 13 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.22 4.09
1 MONTH 3.41 PCT 16 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.30 4.50
3 MONTHS 3.33 PCT 19 MONTHS 2405 5.502 101.30 4.67
6 MONTHS 3.45 PCT 22 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.32 4.83
12 MONTHS 4.05 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,163 MN
CLOSED 2 NOVEMBER 1992
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT GIVES HIGH PRIORITY TO PORT DEVELOPMENT: GOVERNOR ............. 1
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR AUGUST RELEASED ..... 1
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 2ND QUARTER OF 1992 ............. 4
HK/EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT GETS EXTENSION ........................... 6
CALL FOR EARLY CONCLUSION OF URUGUAY ROUND ......................... 7
LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST GETS CASH BOOST.......................... 7
TWO PLANNING STUDIES COMMISSIONED .................................. 8
OLI - KEY TO UPGRADING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ..................... 9
CAD CO-ORDINATES ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE ................. 10
$64 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS SIGNED ............. 11
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE NAMED .......... 12
LEGCO TO MEET TOMORROW ............................................. 12
QUIZ ON CURRENT AFFAIRS ............................................ 13
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR SOCIAL SERVICE AWARDS ...................... 13
229 VMS RETURNED TODAY ............................................. 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ................. 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 16
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
1
GOVT GIVES HIGH PRIORITY TO PORT DEVELOPMENT: GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS GIVING A VERY HIGH PRIORITY TO PORT DEVELOPMENT, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"WE WILL BUILD ON NATURE’S GIFT, TO DEVELOP THE FACILITIES WHICH HONG KONG, CHINA AND THE REGION NEED TO FUEL THEIR ECONOMIC REVOLUTIONS," MR PATTEN SAID, WHEN OPENING THE "PORTS 2000" CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
HE SAID HONG KONG WOULD BE DOING IT BY USING ITS OWN SPECIAL BRAND OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.
"THAT IS, BY JOINTLY PLANNING WHAT IS NEEDED AND THEN LETTING THE PRIVATE SECTOR GET ON WITH IT," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR IS ALSO DETERMINED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD REMAIN A FREE PORT, A PORT THROUGH WHICH THE WORLD’S COMMERCE CAN FLOW UNIMPEDED BY TARIFFS AND UNIMPEDED BY RED TAPE.
HE SAID THE PORT WAS AN ENORMOUS ASSET FOR HONG KONG AND AN ENORMOUS ASSET FOR CHINA.
"THAT’S CERTAINLY TRUE TODAY AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE TRUE UP TO 1997, IN 1997 AND BEYOND 1997 WELL INTO THE 21ST CENTURY," HE SAID.
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PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR AUGUST RELEASED *****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST, ESTIMATED AT $14.5 BILLION, INCREASED BY 19% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE INCREASE IN RETAIL SALES REFLECTED A CONTINUED GROWTH IN SPENDING BY BOTH LOCAL CONSUMERS AND TOURISTS.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 13% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING ON MOTOR VEHICLES, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR.
SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN AUGUST CONTINUED TO REGISTER A LARGE YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE, BY 35% IN VALUE AND 28% IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES WENT UP BY 15% IN VALUE AND 14% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 26% IN VALUE AND 14% IN VOLUME AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
/CONSIDERABLE INCREASES .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
- 2 -
CONSIDERABLE INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES, BY 20% IN VALUE AND 10% IN VOLUME, AND FOR SALES OF JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS AND VALUABLE GIFTS, BY 11% IN VALUE AND 14% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF FUELS WENT UP MORE MODERATELY, BY 16% IN VALUE AND 8% IN VOLUME.
SALES IN SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 9% IN VALUE AND ONLY SLIGHTLY BY 1% IN VOLUME, WHILE THAT OF OTHER FOODSTUFFS BY 6% AND 4% IN VALUE AND VOLUME RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO AUGUST 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 19% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING WITH JULY 1992, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST 1992 INCREASED BY 7% BOTH IN VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES ARE DERIVED FROM FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES AFTER HAVING ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES.
THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE AUGUST 1992 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 802 1258).
/TABLE 1 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
3
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for August 1992 (Provisional Figure) = HK$14,478.3 million
for July 1992 (Revised Figure) = HKS13.S84.2 million
TABLE 2 : VALUE AMD VOLUME INDEXES OF RETA IL SALES FOR JULY 1992 AND AUGUST 1992
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 • Sept. 90 = 100)
t . Index of August 1992 August 1992 Jan-Aug 1992
I tern Retai I July August compared with compared with compared with
Sales 1992 1992 July 1992 August 1991 Jan-Aug 1991
(Revised (Provisional Points % Points % Points %
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS figures) figures) ♦24.1 +18.6 ♦21.9 *19.0
Value 144.6 154.2 ♦9.5 +6.6
Volume 127.5 136.0 +8.4 +6.6 ♦15.6 +13.0 ♦14.0 +13.0
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 114.8 120.3 ♦5.6 *4.9 ♦6.3 *5.5 ♦5.4 *4.9
drinks and tobacco Volume 96.1 102.3 ♦6.2 +6.5 ♦3.8 *3.9 -2.7 -2.7
(other than
supermarkets)
Supermarkets Value 129.2 133.0 ♦3.8 *3.0 ♦11.0 *9.0 ♦12.1 *10.5
Volume 105.2 107.8 ♦2.6 +2.5 ♦1.3 *1.2 ♦2.0 *2.0
Fuels Value 141.2 146.2 ♦5.0 +3.6 ♦20.0 +15.9 ♦10.2 +8.5
Volume 108.0 111.8 ♦3.8 *3.5 ♦8.2 +7.9 ♦1.3 *1.3
Clothing, footwear and Value 155.4 173.6 ♦18.2 +11.7 ♦36.3 +26.4 ♦28.4 <23.7
allied products Volume 129.2 145.8 ♦16.6 *12.8 ♦17.8 *13.9 ♦14.2 *12.7
Consumer durable goods * Value 164.9 183.5 ♦18.7 +11.3 ♦34.6 +23.3 ♦40.5 *33.9
Volume 148.8 165.8 ♦17.0 +11.4 ♦27.0 +19.5 ♦32.0 +28.5
- Motor vehicles Value 187.8 204.4 ♦16.6 +8.8 ♦52.5 *34.5 ♦73.4 +64.4
and parts Volume 159.2 172.4 ♦13.2 +8.3 ♦37.6 *27.9 +56.4 +54.6
- Consumer durable Value 148.2 168.4 ♦20.2 *13.6 ♦21.7 +14.8 ♦16.7 +13.5
goods other than Volume 141.3 161.0 ♦19.7 +13.9 ♦19.3 *13.6 +14.3 +12.0
motor vehicles
and parts
Department stores Value 133.1 149.4 ♦16.3 *12.3 ♦24.8 +19.9 +18.1 + 16.5
Volume 113.2 128.3 ♦15.1 *13.3 ♦11.2 +9.6 ♦7.2 +7.0
Jewellery, watches Value 144.5 146.0 ♦1.5 *1.1 ♦14.8 +11.3 ♦22.7 +20.4
and clocks, and Volume 151.0 150.4 -0.6 -0.4 ♦18.2 *13.8 ♦28.3 *25.8
valuable gifts •
Other consumer goods Value 162.1 162.9 ♦0.8 *0.5 ♦37.9 *30.3 ♦21.6 *18.1
not elsewhere Volume 140.3 141.0 ♦0.7 *0.5 ♦25.2 *21.7 ♦9.8 *8.7
classified
NOTE : * This covers both "Motor vehicles and parts" and "Consumer durable goods other than motor vehicles and parts".
- - 0---------
/4 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 2ND QUARTER OF 1992 *****
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, AMOUNTED TO $16.3 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, AND WAS 3.3% HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 SLIGHTLY INCREASED BY 1.0%.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT PRIVATE SITES TOTALLED $7.6 BILLION AND WAS 4.2% LOWER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR. COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE GROSS VALUE DECREASED BY 4.8% .
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT PUBLIC SITES WAS $4.1 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 6.4% OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR. THE INCREASE WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION WORK IN A NUMBER OF AIRPORT RELATED PROJECTS.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE GROSS VALUE DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.8%.
AS A NUMBER OF LARGE PUBLIC PROJECTS HAS JUST STARTED IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN THE COMING QUARTERS.
THE GROSS VALUE OF NON-SITE WORK PERFORMED BY GENERAL CONTRACTORS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 WAS $3.3 BILLION, BEING 11.9% AND 14.8% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR AND THE PRECEDING QUARTER RESPECTIVELY.
SUCH WORK INCLUDED MINOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION WORKS AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF WORK PERFORMED BY SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS WAS $1.3 BILLION, BEING 23.5% AND 13.2% HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR AND THE PRECEDING QUARTER RESPECTIVELY.
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONTRACTORS ENGAGED IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTINGS.
ANALYSED BY END-USE, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS (INCLUDING COMBINED RESIDENTIAL / NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS) CONTINUED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE GREATEST PORTION OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SITES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF THESE PROJECTS WAS $4.7 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 2.7% AND 5.4% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR AND THE PRECEDING QUARTER RESPECTIVELY.
/COMMERCIAL BUILDING .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
- 5 -
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PROJECTS CONTINUED TO FORM THE SECOND LARGEST CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION SITE WORK. THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN SUCH PROJECTS TOTALLED $2 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, BEING 6.4% AND 12.6% LOWER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR AND THE PRECEDING QUARTER RESPECTIVELY.
THE DECREASE WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A DROP IN THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK RELATED TO HOTELS.
TRANSPORT PROJECTS CONSTITUTED THE THIRD LARGEST CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION SITE WORK. THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN SUCH PROJECTS WAS $1.4 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992, WHICH WAS 9% LOWER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR BUT 1.5% HIGHER THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
INCREASE IS EXPECTED IN THE COMING QUARTERS AS A NUMBER OF TRANSPORT PROJECTS RELATING TO THE NEW AIRPORT STARTED IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992.
OWING TO THE WIDESPREAD SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, A CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT CAN BE A MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR ONE CONTRACT AND A SUB-CONTRACTOR FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT AT THE SAME TIME.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING BOTH GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, COVERS ONLY THOSE PROJECTS IN WHICH THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT TAKES THE ROLE OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR, BUT NOT PROJECTS IN WHICH IT TAKES ONLY THE ROLE OF A SUB-CONTRACTOR.
HOWEVER, SUB-CONTRACTORS’ CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THE MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR WHOM THEY WORKED.
MORE DETAILED STATISTICS ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT ARE GIVEN IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 2ND QUARTER 1992".
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $4 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, WANCHAI TOWER I, 19TH FLOOR., 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3265.
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/6 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
- 6 -
HK/EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT GETS EXTENSION
*****
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT AN AGREEMENT WAS INITIALLED TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE HONG KONG/EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT LARGELY ON EXISTING TERMS.
THIS FOLLOWS CONSULTATIONS WITH THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES IN BRUSSELS LAST WEEK.
THE CURRENT AGREEMENT, WHICH EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR, WILL BE EXTENDED FOR TWO YEARS UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1994.
SUBJECT TO ADVANCE CONTRARY NOTIFICATION BY EITHER PARTY, IT MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ONE MORE YEAR UP TO DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE AGREEMENT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY TERMINATED UPON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESULTS FOR THE URUGUAY ROUND.
IN LINE WITH ITS COMMITMENT TO A SINGLE MARKET IN 1993, THE COMMISSION WILL BE ABOLISHING ITS LONG-STANDING PRACTICE OF BREAKING COMMUNITY QUOTA LIMITS DOWN INTO REGIONAL LIMITS.
THE TWO PARTIES ALSO AGREED THAT FIVE CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS, CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO RESTRAINT AT REGIONAL LEVEL, WOULD BE DERESTRAINED AND TWO SUBLIMITS APPLICABLE AT REGIONAL LEVEL WOULD BE REMOVED.
COMMENTING ON THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATIONS FROM BRUSSELS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE AND THE LEADER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, MR ALAN LAI, SAID: "IT HAS BEEN A VERY DIFFICULT NEGOTIATION GIVEN THAT THE COMMISSION HAD A TIGHT MANDATE, AND THAT SOME MEMBERS STATES HAVE BEEN UNDER SEVERE DOMESTIC PRESSURE BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THEIR DOMESTIC TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
"IN LINE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (ITCB) POSITION, WE HAVE SOUGHT IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKET ACCESS.
"THE COMMISSION WAS HOWEVER MOST RELUCTANT TO MEET HONG KONG’S REQUEST. NEVERTHELESS, WE MANAGED TO SECURE SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN THE USE OF THE FLEXIBILITY PROVISIONS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
"ON BALANCE, THE NEW AGREEMENT SHOULD PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE HONG KONG’S OVERALL ACCESS TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE YEARS TO COME."
"THE CONCLUSION OF AN AGREEMENT MEANS THAT THE TRADE CAN NOW PLAN AHEAD FOR 1993 WITH CERTAINTY," HE ADDED.
DETAILS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT WILL BE NOTIFIED TO THE TRADE IN DUE COURSE.
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/7........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
CALL FOR EARLY CONCLUSION OF URUGUAY ROUND * * * *
HONG KONG IS AMONG THE 29 CONTRACTING PARTIES TO THE GATT WHICH HAVE JUST ISSUED A MESSAGE TO THE G7 COUNTRIES, URGING THEM TO INTERVENE NOW SO AS TO BRING THE URUGUAY ROUND TO AN EARLY AND SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION.
"WE ARE PLEASED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS INITIATIVE. HONG KONG HAS BEEN PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART IN URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT IT CAN TO PROMOTE AN EARLY AND BALANCED OUTCOME,” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"A SUCCESSFUL URUGUAY ROUND WILL BOOST THE WORLD ECONOMY AND STRENGTHEN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM. BOTH ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED GROWTH."
"I HOPE THE MESSAGE WILL PERSUADE THE KEY PARTICIPANTS TO EXERCISE THE NECESSARY POLITICAL WILL TO OVERCOME THE PRESENT IMPASSE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS.
"THIS WILL THEN ENABLE THE MULTILATERAL PROCESS TO RESUME IN GENEVA FOR A CONCLUSION OF THE ROUND BY THE END OF THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST GETS CASH BOOST * * * * *
MORE THAN 60 DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTED $43 MILLION TO THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST WERE TONIGHT (TUESDAY) PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION AT A DINNER RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AND THE BARONESS DUNN.
SO FAR THE TRUST HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $26 MILLION, WITH A FURTHER $17 MILLION BEING PLEDGED, OF WHICH $15 MILLION IS FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, SIR DAVID SAID THE TRUST WOULD COMMEMORATE THE TENURE OF LORD WILSON AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG AND PROVIDED A MEANS FOR THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PRESERVATION OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
HE SAID THE TRUST WOULD PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE CONSERVATION OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
MUCH HAD BEEN DONE BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, . THE UNIVERSITIES, MANY DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES SUCH AS THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY IN HERITAGE PRESERVATION, SIR DAVID SAID.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF THE CAUSE OF PRESERVING HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
/AFTER ALL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
- 8 -
AFTER ALL, HERITAGE PRESERVATION MUST BE A COMMUNITY CONCERN IF WE WANT IT TO BE A SUCCESS, HE ADDED.
BARONESS DUNN, WHO HAS AGREED TO BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST, THANKED THE DONORS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT.
SHE LOOKED FORWARD TO WORKING WITH ALL CONCERNED IN THE MOST WORTHWHILE COURSE.
AMONG THE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ATTENDING RECEPTION WERE THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, AND THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN.
THE DINNER
MR JAMES SO
OF THE DONORS, 16 OF THEM HAVE DONATED OR PLEDGED MORE THAN $1 MILLION. THEY ARE CHEUNG KONG (HOLDINGS) LTD AND HUTCHISON WHAMPOA LTD, DR STANLEY HO, WORLD INTERNATIONAL (HOLDINGS) LTD, SWIRE/CATHAY PACIFIC, MR CHEN DIN-HWA, SEAKER CHAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION, SULTAN VICWOOD CHONG KEE TING, CHIU CHOW ASSOCIATION BUILDING (PROPERTY HOLDING) LTD, HANG SENG BANK LTD, THE SHAW FOUNDATION, HONGKONG BANK FOUNDATION, MR THOMAS T T CHEN, LEE HYSAN FOUNDATION, DR LOUIS CHA, MR TSUI TSIN-TONG, AND MR LAU WONG-FAT.
---------U-----------
TWO PLANNING STUDIES COMMISSIONED *****
THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN, TODAY (TUESDAY) SIGNED TWO AGREEMENTS WITH SHANKLAND COX LIMITED FOR THE CONDUCT OF A REVIEW OF DENSITY GUIDELINES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND A STUDY ON PLANNING FOR VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOPS.
THE REVIEW SEEKS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING GUIDELINES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, FORMULATING NEW ONES IN RESPONSE TO THE CHANGING PLANNING ENVIRONMENT.
THE OBJECTIVES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PRESENT GUIDELINES IN REGULATING POPULATION AND BUILDING DENSITIES WILL ALSO BE EVALUATED.
ALSO, IT WILL EXAMINE THE PRACTICABILITY OF ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENDING AN APPROPRIATE FORM OF DENSITY GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION IN TERRITORIAL, SUB-REGIONAL AND DISTRICT PLANNING.
THE STUDY ON PLANNING FOR VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOPS WILL, ON THE OTHER HAND, COLLECT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SIZE, NATURE, DISTRIBUTION AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THESE WORKSHOPS.
IT WILL ALSO EXAMINE THE ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL, PLANNING AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, AND THEIR POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.
/IT IS .......
9
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
IT IS HOPED THAT THE STUDY CAN HELP TO DEVELOP A PLANNING STRATEGY FOR THE TRADE THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION.
BOTH THE REVIEW AND THE STUDY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN THIS MONTH AND MAY 1993.
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES IF THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THEM.
------0-------
OLI - KEY TO UPGRADING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS *****
DISTANCE LEARNING CAN QUICKLY MAKE A USEFUL CONTRIBUTION IN HONG KONG BY PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR UPGRADING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO DEGREE STATUS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"DISTANCE LEARNING, COMBINED WITH FACE-TO-FACE TUITION, SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS PROCESS WHICH TOTALLY CAN INVOLVE ABOUT 7,500 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS," HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN OPENING THE PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR DISTANCE LEARNING WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY 60 PARTICIPANTS FROM 12 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.
REPORT NO. 5 OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAD RECOMMENDED UPGRADING 35 PER CENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO GRADUATE STATUS BY IN-SERVICE COURSES OVER A PERIOD OF 15 YEARS.
"WITH ITS ECONOMY OF SCALE AND ITS COST-EFFECTIVE METHODS, I AM SURE THAT THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG (OLI) WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE TEACHER QUALIFICATION UPGRADING PROCESS," HE SAID.
TEACHERS, HE POINTED OUT, WERE NOT NEW TO THE OLI - ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT OF REGISTERED STUDENTS WERE ENGAGED IN TEACHING.
THEY HAD DONE VERY WELL, AND SOME HAD WON PRIZES AFTER EACH CONCLUDED COURSE.
HE HOPED THAT THEIR SUCCESS WOULD ATTRACT OTHER TEACHERS TO ENROL FOR FUTURE COURSES.
EARLIER, HE TOLD THE GATHERING THAT IN COMMON WITH OTHER PLACES IN ASIA, HONG KONG WAS CHANGING RAPIDLY AND THAT SUCH CHANGE HAD NOT ONLY BROUGHT PROSPERITY BUT HAD ALSO RESULTED IN CHANGES OF DEMOGRAPHY AND OF THE ECONOMY.
"TO MAINTAIN THIS PROSPERITY, LET ALONE INCREASE IT, WILL REQUIRE AN EVEN MORE ADAPTABLE AND VERSATILE WORKFORCE THAN BEFORE," HE SAID.
/HE EXPLAINED .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
10
HE EXPLAINED THAT TERTIARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN INCREASING STEADILY IN RECENT YEARS.
THERE WERE NOW SUFFICIENT PLACES FOR 12 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE OF APPROPRIATE AGE TO STUDY FOR FIRST DEGREES AND, IN TWO YEARS’ TIME, THE PROPORTION WOULD INCREASE TO 18 PER CENT.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE SUB-DEGREE PLACES FOR SIX PER CENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
"EVEN SO, THERE IS STILL A NEED TO PROVIDE READY ACCESS TO LIFELONG LEARNING WITHOUT DISRUPTION TO CAREERS OR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES," MR WONG SAID.
"IT IS IN THIS AREA PARTICULARLY THAT DISTANCE LEARNING HAS AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY."
------0-------
CAD CO-ORDINATES ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE
*****
THE ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE CO-ORDINATED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT (CAD) WILL BE HELD FOR TWO DAYS STARTING TODAY (TUESDAY).
IT INVOLVES A SHORT-RANGE AND A LONG-RANGE EXERCISE.
PARTICIPATING IN THE EXERCISE ARE A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY UNITS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
A CAD SPOKESMAN SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE EXERCISE WAS TO PROVIDE TRAINING AND FAMILIARISATION FOR STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER RESCUE UNITS IN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES.
"PERSONNEL FROM OTHER PARTICIPATING UNITS FROM THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION INVOLVED IN SUCH OPERATIONS WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE EXERCISE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT WILL ALSO TEST ALERTING, CO-ORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
"IN ADDITION, THE EXERCISE WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR PROCEDURES," HE ADDED.
THE EXERCISE COMPRISES A SHORT-RANGE AND A LONG-RANGE SEARCH OPERATION INVOLVING FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT, HELICOPTERS AND VESSELS PLUS A SERIES OF GROUND-BASED SUPPORTING SERVICES.
THE SHORT-RANGE EXERCISE WAS HELD THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON IN TSO WO HANG, SAI KUNG SIMULATING A DISTRESS AIRCRAFT DITCHING WITH A DEMONSTRATION OF WINCHING 'SURVIVORS’ FROM THE SEA ONTO HELICOPTERS.
/THE LONG .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
11
THE LONG-RANGE EXERCISE WILL BE ACTIVATED THIS EVENING, SIMULATING AN AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS ABOUT 130 KILOMETERS SOUTH-WEST OF HONG KONG.
AIRCRAFT, HELICOPTERS AND SHIPS WILL BE DESPATCHED TO SEARCH AND LOCATE THE TARGETS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S EXERCISE ARE THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, MARINE DEPARTMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ROYAL AIR FORCE, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AND NAVY, JAPANESE MARITIME SAFETY AGENCY, GUANGDONG MARINE EMERGENCY SEARCH AND RESCUE CENTRE, ROYAL NAVY, CIVIL AID SERVICES AND AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES.
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$64 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS SIGNED * * * * *
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS (PHASE ONE) AND PIPELINE.
THE $64.1 MILLION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TO AOKI CORPORATION.
WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS AND AN 8.4 KILOMETRE-LONG PRESSURE PIPELINE WITH THREE PUMPING STATIONS.
THE LEACHATE TREATMENT WORKS CONSIST OF OPEN AIR LAGOONS, UNDERGROUND PUMPING STATIONS AND A CONTROL BUILDING FOR PRE-TREATED LEACHATE GENERATED FROM THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL.
BEING ONE OF THE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS UNDER THE MUNICIPAL WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE LANDFILL IS PROGRAMMED TO BE COMMISSIONED IN FEBRUARY 1995.
THE PRESSURE PIPELINE IS USED TO CONVEY THE PRE-TREATED LEACHATE TO THE SHEK WU HUI SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS FOR FINAL TREATMENT.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT ARE THE CONSTRUCTION OF PIPE BRIDGES CROSSING RIVER GANGES AND RIVER INDUS, IMPROVEMENTS TO SECTIONS OF LIN MA HANG ROAD AND MAN KAM TO ROAD AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TRACKS AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN 27 MONTHS.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR CHUNG KWOK-LEUNG, SIGNED THE CONTRACT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF AOKI CORPORATION.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
12
CHIP EXECUTIVE OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE NAMED * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF DR PANG KING-CHEE, SENIOR LECTURER AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (CDI).
HE WILL TAKE UP THE NEW POST ON JANUARY 2 NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID DR PANG, AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CDI, WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN THE PROVISION OF A BROAD, BALANCED AND COHERENT SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION FROM KINDERGARTEN TO THE SIXTH FORM, INCLUDING SPECIAL EDUCATION.
HIS DUTIES WILL ALSO INCLUDE INITIATING, DIRECTING AND EVALUATING RESEARCH PROJECTS RELATED TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, AND ORGANISING WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES FOR TEACHERS AND OTHER EDUCATIONALISTS ON CURRICULUM MATTERS.
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LEGCO TO MEET TOMORROW *****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SIX BILLS AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OF THE SIX BILLS, THREE WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
DEBATES ON THE OTHER BILLS WILL BE RESUMED. THEY ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THEY ARE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE.
MEANWHILE, THE HON ALBERT CHAN WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS AND THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK WILL MOVE ONE UNDER INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY WILL TABLE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1991/1992.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
QUIZ ON CURRENT AFFAIRS * * * *
PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE TESTED ON THEIR CURRENT AFFAIRS AND ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE IN A 13-PART TELEVISED COMPETITION TO ENHANCE CONCERN FOR SOCIETY.
THE TEST WILL TAKE THE FORM OF AN INTER-PRIMARY SCHOOL QUIZ COMPETITION WHICH WILL START IN MID-DECEMBER.
"THE COMPETITION IS A COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT AIMED AT DEVELOPING TALENT AND HEALTHY HOBBIES AS WELL AS PROMOTING BOTH ACADEMIC AND CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPETITION WOULD ENCOURAGE HEALTHY HOBBIES AND APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE HEALTHY COMPETITION WHICH WOULD ENABLE STUDENTS TO REACT AND MAKE DECISIONS SUITABLY.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE NOW BEING INVITED TO PARTICIPATE.
TWENTY-SEVEN TEAMS, EACH COMPRISING FIVE PRIMARY 4-5 STUDENTS, WILL BE CHOSEN TO TAKE PART.
TROPHIES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THREE FINALISTS. THE WINNER WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED WITH A $3,000 BOOK COUPON AND THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP, $2,000 AND $1,000 COUPONS.
ENTRY FORMS AND DETAILS OF THE INTER-PRIMARY SCHOOL QUIZ COMPETITION ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND ITS HEADQUARTERS IN SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
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NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR SOCIAL SERVICE AWARDS
*****
NOMINATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE 1992 SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME WHICH AIMS TO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE MADE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY.
NOW IN ITS NINTH YEAR, THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ANOTHER OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME WAS TO INSPIRE RESIDENTS TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN VOLUNTARY SOCIAL WORK.
/"WE HAVE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
14
"WE HAVE ADOPTED THE SLOGAN 'DO YOUR BEST TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY’ TO PROMOTE THIS YEAR’S SCHEME," HE ADDED.
NOMINATIONS CAN BE MADE BY SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS TO WHICH THE NOMINEES ARE AFFILIATED, OR BY INDIVIDUALS.
THE NOMINEES MUST LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT. THEY SHOULD HAVE A COMMENDABLE TRACK RECORD OF SERVICES TO YOUTH AND CHILDREN, AND THE NEEDY SUCH AS THE ELDERLY, THE DISABLED AND THE HANDICAPPED.
"THOSE WHO HAVE OFFERED HELP TO RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY SERVICE AGENCIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR NOMINATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE NOMINATIONS WILL COME UNDER FOUR AGE GROUPS: CHILDREN, YOUTH, ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY DIVISIONS.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AS GROUPS OF THREE OR MORE PEOPLE, THEY CAN BE NOMINATED IN THE GROUP DIVISION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SHORT-LISTED NOMINEES WOULD BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW WITH AN ADJUDICATION PANEL APPOINTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD BETWEEN JANUARY 13 AND 15.
HE ADDED THAT THE THREE LAUREATES IN EACH CATEGORY WILL EACH BE AWARDED A COMMENDATION CERTIFICATE AND A BOOK COUPON AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AS PART OF A SEMINAR ON SOCIAL SERVICES IN FEBRUARY.
THE OTHER SHORT-LISTED NOMINEES WILL BE GIVEN A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AND AN INVITATION TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR DURING WHICH THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE EXPERIENCES WITH VETERAN SOCIAL WORKERS.
DETAILS OF THE AWARD SCHEME AND NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET.
THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS DECEMBER 19. FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MISS ADA KONG ON TEL 554 0271.
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/15........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
15
229 VMS RETURNED TODAY * * * * *
A GROUP OF 229 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 96 MEN, 64 WOMEN, 31 BOYS AND 38 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 131 ST BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 10,147 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 24,127 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 3 NOV 92 3 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q245 Y296
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,605 MN HKD 740 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.38 PCT 4.22 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.38 PCT 4.22 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO 100 PCT 9 5 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.49 PCT 4.29 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 9 NOVEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 10 NOV 92 10 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q246 H277
ISSUE DATE 11 NOV 92 11 NOV 92
MATURITY DATE 10 FEB 93 12 MAY 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160 MN HKD 300+60 MN
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/16 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1992
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET 01 ERATIONS » * * » *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,625
REVERSAL OF LAF -125
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -200
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,300
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.6 *+0.4* 3.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.56 PCT 13 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.25 4.06
1 MONTH 3.36 PCT 16 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.30 4.49
3 MONTHS 3.31 PCT 19 MONTHS 2405 5.502 101.30 4.67
6 MONTHS 3.43 PCT 22 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.33 4.82
12 MONTHS 4.07 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,092 MN
CLOSED 3 NOVEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSAFE TOYS AND PRODUCTS PASSED .... 1
EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL ....................................... 2
DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 INTRODUCED ...................... 4
FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO ..................... 5
MOTIONS UNDER COMPANIES AND BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCES PASSED ............. 6
MEASURES TO IMPROVE VENTILATION IN AIRPORT'S ARRIVAL KERBSIDE .... 7
1,493 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ................ 8
CHINA RESPONSIBLE FOR ONE-WAY PERMIT QUOTA ALLOCATION ................ 8
PILOT SCHEME TO HELP IMPLEMENT TTRA .................................. 9
CLASS SIZES TO BE REDUCED ONE LEVEL AT A TIME ....................... 10
MEASURES TO MINIMISE SICK BUILDING SYNDROME IN GOVERNMENT'S PROPERTIES ........................................................... n
GOVT AIMS TO GET CHINA'S SUPPORT ON AIRPORT PROJECT.................. 12
CLEARANCE PROCESSES AT LOWU UNDER REVIEW ............................ 12
GOVT WORKING TO MAXIMISE EASE OF TRAVEL OF ALL RESIDENTS ............ 13
ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS REMAINS UNCHANGED ........................... 14
PROPOSAL TO EXTEND EXHIBITION FACILITY BEING STUDIED ................ 15
DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS IN HK LESS SERIOUS .......................... 16
NEW SYSTEM TO IMPROVE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC HOUSING ................. 17
SYMPATHY FOR WAR VICTIMS ............................................ 18
NEW COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION ................... 18
LAW GOVERNING PRIVATE TUITION SCHOOLS TO BE AMENDED ................. 19
INFORMATION ON FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES PROVIDED ..................... 20
INITIATIVES BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE STANDARD OF ENGLISH .............. 21
WATER QUALITY OF SHING MUN RIVER IMPROVING .......................... 22
REALISTIC TARGETS SET FOR MANPOWER SAVINGS .......................... 23
/THREE BILLS .......
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
THREE BILLS PASSED IN LEGCO.......................................... 24
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS OUR PRIORITY: CS .......................... 25
MEASURES TO REDUCE USE OF HARDWOOD .................................... 25
FREE TRADE POLICY REITERATED .......................................... 26
LANTAU TAXI FARES TO BE REVISED ....................................... 28
SUPERCITY 2001 COMPETITION ........................................... 28
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY ................................... 29
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 30
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
- 1 -
BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSAFE TOYS AND PRODUCTS PASSED * * ♦ » *
A BILL AIMS TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM UNSAFE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS WAS PASSED INTO LAW TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TO PROMOTE CONSUMER AWARENESS AND FACILITATE COMPLIANCE BY SUPPLIERS OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS, A PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THE LEGISLATION WILL BE LAUNCHED.
THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM JULY NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE, SAID A MULTIPLE-STANDARD-REGIME FOR TOYS, INSTEAD OF A SINGLE-STANDARD-REGIME, WOULD BE ADOPTED.
UNDER THE ADOPTED REGIME, THE ICTI STANDARD, THE ASTM STANDARD ADOPTED IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EN71 STANDARD ADOPTED IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY WILL BE PRESCRIBED AS EQUALLY ACCEPTABLE STATUTORY SAFETY STANDARDS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT A MULTIPLE-STANDARD-REGIME WILL MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG AS A SMALL TOY MARKET," THE SECRETARY SAID.
MS YUE ALSO SAID IT WOULD MAXIMISE THE CHOICE OF TOYS SUPPLIED IN HONG KONG AND PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FLEXIBILITY FOR TOY SUPPLIERS WITHOUT UNDERMINING THE PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN.
TO ENSURE AN EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LEGISLATION, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL ACT EXPEDITIOUSLY UPON RECEIPT OF COMPLAINTS.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT SPOT CHECKS ON TOYS AND CH ILDREN’S PRODUCTS.
A DEDICATED TEAM OF TRADE CONTROL OFFICERS WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO PERFORM THESE FUNCTIONS, SHE SAID.
THE LEGISLATION ALSO STATED THAT PRE-SALE TESTING SHOULD BE VOLUNTARY. IT IS IN VIEW OF LEGAL ADVICE THAT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SANCTIONS PROVIDED MAY BE REDUCED BY THE ADOPTION OF COMPULSORY PRESALE TESTING.
AS A POSITIVE STEP TO ENCOURAGE SUPPLIERS TO CONDUCT PRE-SALE TESTING, AN AMENDMENT TO THE ORIGINAL BILL WAS MOVED, STIPULATING THAT THE COURT MAY TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE EXISTENCE OF A TESTING CERTIFICATE SHOWING COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATUTORY SAFETY STANDARDS, WHEN CONSIDERING A SPECIAL DEFENCE OF DUE DILIGENCE BY A SUPPLIER OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS IN PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HIM.
MS YUE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHARED THE VIEW THAT THE TOY INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIND OUT EASILY WHICH LABORATORIES HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TESTING TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS.
/SHE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
2
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO PUBLISH FROM TIME TO TIME SUCH LABORATORIES WHICH WOULD INCLUDE THOSE ACCREDITED UNDER THE HONG KONG LABORATORIES ACCREDITATION SCHEME.
MOVING AMENDMENTS AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY SAID IT REMAINED THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY INTENTION THAT THE PRIMARY APPLICATION OF THE BILL WOULD BE TO TOYS FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE 14 YEARS OF AGE OR BELOW.
"THIS IS WITHIN THE UPPER AGE LIMIT SPECIFIED IN ANY ONE SET OF THE PRESCRIBED SAFETY STANDARDS AND WILL PROVIDE A USEFUL GUIDELINE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND TOYS SUPPLIERS WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER A TOY FALLS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE BILL," SHE SAID.
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EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL * * * * *
A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) AND FOR THIS PURPOSE EXTENDS THE FUNCTIONS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND BY INTRODUCING A SECONDARY ROLE OF MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE MONETARY AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND.READ I NG OF EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID UNDER THE PROPOSALS THE HKMA WOULD REMAIN AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE GOVERNMENT.
BUT MR NENDICK ASSURED THAT IT WOULD BE GIVEN A HIGH DEGREE OF DAY TO DAY AUTONOMY, INCLUDING THE NECESSARY FLEXIBILITY TO DEPLOY STAFF RESOURCES IN RESPONSE TO PRIORITIES AND TO ENABLE IT TO IMPLEMENT AND ACHIEVE EFFICIENTLY MONETARY POLICY OBJECTIVES DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FULLY INDEPENDENT MONETARY AUTHORITY IN HONG KONG SEPARATE FROM THE GOVERNMENT WOULD, I BELIEVE, BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN THESE DOCUMENTS STIPULATE THAT THE EXCHANGE FUND SHALL BE MANAGED AND CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION PRIMARILY FOR REGULATING THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
AN INDEPENDENT MONETARY AUTHORITY SEPARATE FROM THE GOVERNMENT WOULD THUS NOT HAVE AVAILABLE TO IT THE RESOURCES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID AS THE GOVERNOR EXPLAINED IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGCO ON OCTOBER 7, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY WOULD HELP ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S MONETARY POLICY WAS CONDUCTED WITH THE CONTINUITY AND PROFESSIONALISM NECESSARY TO COMMAND THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.
/TO EFFECT........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
3
TO EFFECT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY, CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL EMPOWERS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO APPOINT A MONETARY AUTHORITY.
LEGALLY, THE MONETARY AUTHORITY WOULD BE A PERSON RATHER THAN AN INSTITUTION.
BUT IN PRACTICE THE TERM "MONETARY AUTHORITY" WOULD BE REGARDED AS AN ORGANISATION SO THAT AN INSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY WOULD BE PROMINENT.
THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE FORMED BY MERGING THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WITH THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
THE STAFF AND OPERATING COSTS OF THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE CHARGED DIRECTLY TO THE EXCHANGE FUND INSTEAD OF TO THE GENERAL REVENUE, THUS TAKING THE AUTHORITY OUTSIDE THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION CONSTRAINTS APPLICABLE TO OTHER PARTS OF GOVERNMENT.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD RETAIN ALL HIS STATUTORY POWERS UNDER THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE.
HE WOULD, HOWEVER, DELEGATE SUCH POWERS AS HE SAW FIT TO THE MONETARY AUTHORITY AND OTHER SENIOR STAFF EMPLOYED TO HELP THE MONETARY AUTHORITY.
THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WHO WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ADVISED BY THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE CONTROL OF THE EXCHANGE FUND.
TO REFLECT THE WIDER AMBIT OF THE FUND AND THE INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMITTEE, THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE SUITABLY EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE FINANCIAL AND RELATED SECTORS.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONETARY AUTHORITY WOULD NOT AFFECT THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WHO WOULD CONTINUE TO SUBJECT THE RESOURCES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TO STRINGENT AND CONTINUOUS AUDITING.
THE PUBLICATION OF THE EXCHANGE FUND'S ACCOUNTS IN JULY THIS YEAR HAS ENHANCED THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TN THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND IS NOW SUBJECT TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY, HE SAID.
TO FURTHER ENHANCE PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY, IT IS INTENDED THAT THE AUTHORITY’S ANNUAL REPORTS SHOULD BE TABLED IN THE LEGCO, MR NENDICK SAID.
CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL GIVES STATUTORY RECOGNITION TO THE MONETARY POLICY OBJECTIVES OF HONG KONG.
IT PROVIDES THAT, APART FROM THE PRIMARY USE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TO AFFECT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY USE THE EXCHANGE FUND TO MAINTAIN THE STABILITY AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE MONETARY AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS OF HONG KONG, WITH A VIEW TO MAINTAINING HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
/"I SHOULD .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
4
"I SHOULD EMPHASISE THAT THIS SECONDARY USE OF THE FUND WOULD BE STRICTLY LIMITED TO DEALING WITH PROBLEMS WITH SYSTEMIC IMPLICATIONS AND NOT FOR BAILING OUT INDIVIDUAL BANKS PER SE.
"WHILE THERE MIGHT BE OCCASIONS WHERE THE RESCUE OF AN INDIVIDUAL BANK PROVED NECESSARY TO PREVENT A DOMINO EFFECT ACROSS THE WHOLE BANKING SYSTEM, EACH CASE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE EXAMINED ON ITS MERITS."
THIS SECONDARY PURPOSE WOULD BE SUBORDINATE TO THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY.
SHOULD THERE BE ANY CONFLICT, THE PRIMARY PURPOSE WOULD PREVAIL, HE SAID.
CLAUSES 6 TO 45 OF THE BILL CONTAIN CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO A NUMBER OF ORDINANCES TO TRANSFER THE STATUTORY POWERS PRESENTLY VESTED IN THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS IN SUCH ORDINANCES TO THE MONETARY AUTHORITY.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 INTRODUCED
*****
PROPOSED LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID AT PRESENT, A DISTRICT JUDGE WHO HAD DELIVERED A JUDGEMENT OR MADE AN ORDER IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS WAS ENTITLED, OF HIS OWN MOTION OR UPON APPLICATION, TO RE-OPEN A CASE AND REVERSE OR VARY HIS JUDGEMENT OR ORDER.
FURTHERMORE, WHERE A DISTRICT JUDGE SUBSEQUENTLY RECORDED IN WRITING THE REASONS HE DELIVERED ORALLY, HE MIGHT MODIFY HIS LEGAL REASONING.
"THE COURT OF APPEAI, COMMENTED IN 1990, AND I AGREE, THAT SUCH POWERS DO NOT ENHANCE GENERAL CONFIDENCE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. BY CLAUSES 2 AND 3 THE BILL REPEALS THESE POWERS," MR MATHEWS SAID.
WHERE A DISTRICT JUDGE DELIVERED ORAL REASONS IN A CIVIL CASE, THE REASONS NEEDED ONLY BE RECORDED IN WRITING IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.
GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN THE DISTRICT COURT, THIS WAS CLEARLY INAPPROPRIATE, MR MATHEWS SAID.
/"THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
5
"THE BILL THEREFORE PROVIDES THAT IN FUTURE ALL JUDGEMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE REDUCED TO WRITING."
BY CLAUSE 4, THE TIME LIMIT FOR APPEALING AGAINST A DECISION IN A CIVIL CASE WAS EXTENDED WITH A VIEW TO ENSURING THAT A PARTY WOULD HAVE RECEIVED THE JUDGE’S WRITTEN REASONS BEFORE HAVING TO DRAFT THE GROUNDS FOR ANY APPEAL.
AT PRESENT THE TIME LIMIT FOR 'APPEALING MIGHT EXPIRE BEFORE THE WRITTEN REASONS FOR THE JUDGMENT WERE AVAILABLE.
THE BILL ALSO ADDRESSED THE QUESTION OF RECORDING VERDICTS AND JUDGEMENTS IN CRIMINAL CASES. THE EXISTING PROVISION IN SECTION 80 OF THE DISTRICT COURT ORDINANCE WAS LOOSELY WORDED.
CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL SUBSTITUTED A NEW SECTION. THIS REQUIRED THE VERDICT AND ANY SENTENCE, TOGETHER WITH THE REASONS, TO BE ANNOUNCED ORALLY. THIS WAS FOR THE BENEFITS OF THE ACCUSED.
THE CLAUSE ALSO PROVIDED THAT THE VERDICT AND SENTENCE BE FORMALLY RECORDED AT THE TIME OF HANDING DOWN, AND THE REASONS REDUCED TO WRITING WITHIN 21 DAYS.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE JUDICIARY AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAD EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE PRINCIPLES OF THE BILL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO
******
i
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO UPDATE THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ONE OF THE PROPOSALS IS THE REMOVAL OF COLLECTIVE LIABILITY IMPOSED ON VILLAGERS COMMITTING THE OFFENCES OF FELLING, CUTTING, BURNING OR OTHERWISE DAMAGING OR DESTROYING TREES ON GOVERNMENT LAND.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE OF CHANGES IN SOCIOECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES, TREES WERE NO LONGER USED AS A SOURCE OF FUEL.
MOST IF NOT ALL OF THE IMPORTANT FORESTS AND PLANTATIONS ARE NOW PROTECTED UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
ANOTHER PROPOSAL SEEKS THE INCLUSION OF MORE DETAILED PROVISIONS IN RELATION TO POWERS OF INSPECTION, SEARCH, ARREST AND SEIZURE BY AUTHORISED OFFICERS AND THE ISSUE OF SEARCH WARRANTS.
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
MR EASON SAID THEY FOLLOWED THE PROVISIONS RECENTLY INTRODUCED INTO THE POLICE FORCE ORDINANCE AND WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO REVISE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE FROM $2,000 TO $25,000 TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE GRAVITY OF THE OFFENCE AS WELL AS INFLATION, AND TO MAINTAIN THE DETERRENT EFFECT.
REFERRING TO ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CUTTING GRASS OR PLANTS AND REMOVING TURF OR EARTH IN FORESTS AND PLANTATIONS, MR EASON SAID SUCH ACTS WERE SOMETIMES NECESSARY FOR EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PURPOSES.
THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSES TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO ISSUE SPECIAL PERMITS TO ALLOW THESE ACTS FOR SUCH PURPOSES, HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THE POWERS TO MAKE REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 3 OF THE ORDINANCE BE VESTED IN THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS INSTEAD OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL SINCE THESE INVOLVE PURELY ROUTINE AND TECHNICAL MATTERS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
MOTIONS UNDER COMPANIES AND BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCES PASSED * * * t t
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED TWO MOTIONS TO INCREASE CERTAIN FEES PAYABLE IN RELATION TO PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE COMPANIES AND THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCES.
THE FEES PAYABLE IN THE HIGH COURT IN RELATION TO PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WERE LAST REVISED IN 1988.
THOSE PAYABLE IN RELATION TO PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE WERE LAST REVISED IN 1985, 1988 AND 1989 RESPECTIVELY.
MOVING THE MOTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID THE REVISION REFLECTED THE INCREASES IN THE COST OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES SINCE THE DATES.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
7
MEASURES TO IMPROVE VENTILATION IN AIRPORT’S ARRIVAL KERBSIDE
*****
A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD RECENTLY BEEN IMPLEMENTED TO TRY AND ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM OF FOUL AIR IN THE ARRIVAL KERBSIDE AREA AT KAI TAK AIRPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG, MRS CHAN SAID THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY INADEQUATE CIRCULATION OF AIR IN THE ENCLOSED SECTION OF THE ARRIVALS KERBSIDE AREA, AND WAS AGGRAVATED BY THE TENDENCY FOR VEHICLES - IN PARTICULAR COACHES - TO KEEP THEIR ENGINES AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS RUNNING WHILE WATTING TO PICK UP ARRIVING PASSENGERS.
”IN ORDER TO IMPROVE VENTILATION A NEW FRESH AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM WAS COMMISSIONED IN AUGUST. THIS DRAWS AIR DOWN FROM THE ROOF OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL TO VENTILATE THE ARRIVALS KERBSIDE AREA.
’’THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO CARRY OUT TESTS TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE AIR QUALITY IN THE VICINITY NOW MEETS ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID TO REDUCE THE NUISANCE CAUSED BY EXHAUST EMISSIONS FROM VEHICLES A NEW CONDITION WAS INCLUDED IN THE PERMIT FOR COACHES HAVING ACCESS TO THE ARRIVALS FORECOURT REQURING THEM TO SWITCH OFF THEIR ENGINES WHILE PARKED AT THE KERBSIDE.
"AS A FURTHER MEASURE, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IS CONSULTING THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL ON THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A SYSTEM WHEREBY COACHES WOULD WAIT IN A HOLDING AREA, AWAY FROM THE ARRIVALS FORECOURT, UNTIL CALLED TO THE KERBSIDE TO PICK UP WAITING PASSENGERS.
"A FURTHER BENEFIT OF THIS APPROACH IS THAT PASSENGERS COULD REMAIN IN THE AIR-CONDITIONED BUFFER HALL UNTIL THEIR TRANSPORT ARRIVES," SHE ADDED.
MRS CHAN SAID THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND EXPLORE ALL POSSIBILITIES FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT.
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/8.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
8
1,493 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES *****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE POLICE ARRESTED 1,493 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1, 1990 AND SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, HE SAID THE OVERALL PERCENTAGE OF MULTIPLE EVADERS OUT OF ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED WAS NOW MORE THAN 40 PER CENT.
"OUR DATA DOES NOT ENABLE ME, IN THE SHORTAGE OF TIME, TO SPECIFY FURTHER HOW CLOSELY THIS PERCENTAGE IS MATCHED ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, BUT THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE RATIO IS MUCH DIFFERENT," HE ADDED.
SECTION 38A OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE CREATES AN OFFENCE FOR AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT TO BE ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO PROVE THAT HE IS WORKING ON THE SITE.
IN RELATION TO THIS SECTION, 29 PROSECUTIONS HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED AGAINST CONSTRUCTION SITE CONTROLLERS.
OF THESE, 13 HAVE PLEADED GUILTY; NINE HAVE BEEN CONVICTED AFTER TRIAL; FIVE SUMMONSES HAVE NOT BEEN PROCEEDED WITH; AND TWO ARE AWAITING TRIAL.
THE PENALTIES IMPOSED ON THE 22 CONVICTIONS HAVE BEEN FINES RANGING FROM $10,000 TO $125,000. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS $250,000.
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CHINA RESPONSIBLE FOR ONE-WAY PERMIT QUOTA ALLOCATION *****
THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ALLOCATION WITHIN THE ONE-WAY PERMIT QUOTA OF 75 IMMIGRANTS A DAY FROM CHINA UNDER AN AGREEMENT DATING FROM 1982.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, IN HIS REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’ANY CHANGE IN THE QUOTA WOULD NEED TO BE DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES BEFORE IT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD STARTED A REVIEW ON THE EXISTING QUOTA.
/•'UNTIL THIS .........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
9
’’UNTIL THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN COMPLETED I CANNOT ADVISE THIS COUNCIL WHETHER OR NOT WE WOULD WISH TO CHANGE ANY ASPECT OF THE QUOTA,” HE ADDED.
NINETY PER CENT OF THE PRESENT QUOTA IS ALREADY USED IN PRACTICE FOR FAMILY REUNION.
NEARLY HALF OF THESE PLACES ARE FILLED BY THE WIVES OF HONG KONG MEN WHO MARRIED IN CHINA, AND WHOSE WIVES HAD THEREFORE TO WAIT IN THE QUOTA QUEUE.
- - 0 - -
PILOT SCHEME TO HELP IMPLEMENT TTRA *****
A TARGET AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENT (TTRA) PILOT SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 20 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR TO OBTAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN ITS OPERATION AND TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WHICH MIGHT BE ENCOUNTERED IN LAUNCHING THE SYSTEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
INTRODUCED AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE OMELCO EDUCATION PANEL, THE PILOT SCHEME SHOULD HELP MAKE THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF TTRA AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN, MR CHAN SAID TTRA WOULD BE LAUNCHED INITIALLY AT PRIMARY 4 COVERING THE CORE SUBJECTS OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS TN MAY 1993.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PILOT SCHEME, HE NOTED, SHOULD BE JUDGED BY THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT EITHER CONFIRMS THAT THE SCHEME CAN BE IMPLEMENTED SMOOTHLY OR IDENTIFIES AREAS WHERE IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES ARE NECESSARY.
TO ASSESS THIS, QUESTIONNAIRES FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, PUPILS AND PARENTS WILL BE ISSUED; AND FEEDBACK SESSIONS AND INTERVIEWS WITH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS AND PUPILS WILL BE ORGANISED AT REGULAR INTERVALS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE CLASSROOM OBSERVATION AND SCHOOL
VISITS.
AT PRESENT, THE PILOT SCHEME IS BEING RUN WITHIN THE EXISTING RESOURCES OF THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS.
HOWEVER, ADDITIONAL RESOURCES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP THE NECESSARY SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS AS WELL AS TO TRAIN TEACHERS IN THEIR NEW TASKS.
THESE AMOUNT TO $18 MILLION IN 1992/93 RISING TO $33 MILLION IN 1995/96.
/MEANWHILE, THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
10
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT IS IMPLEMENTING A RANGE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO ENABLE TEACHERS TO DEVOTE MORE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION TO STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS.
"THESE MEASURES, IN PARTICULAR THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TEACHERS, WILL CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING TTRA WORK IN THE DESIRED MANNER,” HE ADDED.
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CLASS SIZES TO BE REDUCED ONE LEVEL AT A TIME * * * *
ALL LEVELS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL HAVE THEIR CLASS SIZES REDUCED TO 35 PER CLASS BY 1998, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
THE SMALLER CLASSES WILL THEN BE EXTENDED TO SECONDARY 1 AS FROM 1999, HE ADDED.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN SAID THE REDUCTION IN CLASS SIZES, STARTING WITH PRIMARY 1 IN SEPTEMBER 1993, IS PART OF A COHERENT AND INTEGRATED PACKAGE OF MEASURES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
"PRIMARY I HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE STARTING POINT FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS: IT IS LOGICAL; IT ACCORDS WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 5 WHICH HAVE BEEN WIDELY SUPPORTED; IT IS LIKELY TO PRODUCE THE GREATEST BENEFITS IN THE LONG TERM; AND IT IS PRACTICABLE," HE POINTED OUT.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN IS TO WORK THROUGH THE SYSTEM ONE LEVEL AT A TIME."
TO REDUCE SECONDARY 1 CLASSES TO 35 AS FROM NEXT YEAR WOULD BE UNREALISTIC AND WILL REQUIRE THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD 65 ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS DURING THE NEXT NINE MONTHS.
NOTING THAT THERE IS NO QUESTION OF PARTIALITY OR UNFAIRNESS OF TREATMENT, THE SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE DIFFERENT FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN MANY RESPECTS.
FOR EXAMPLE, SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE BIGGER BY 17 PER CENT. 70 PER CENT OF THE TEACHING POSTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE AT GRADUATE LEVEL, COMPARED TO NONE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS AT THE MOMENT.
IN ADD1TON, SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENJOY A MORE FAVOURABLE STAFF TO CLASS RATIO.
"THESE DIFFERENCES APART, SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR REMEDIAL TEACHING AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ARISING FROM EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4.
/"THEY WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
11 -
’’THEY WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH ADDITIONAL TEACHERS AS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS,” SAID MR CHAN.
MR CHAN ALSO REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S UNDERTAKING TO RESTORE, BY 1996, THE TWO REPEATED PLACES PER CLASS WHICH WERE WITHDRAWN FROM THE MAJORITY OF SECONDARY 1 CLASSES AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE TAKING WILL ADDRESS SPECIFIC AREAS OF NEED AND CONTRIBUTE TO AN OVERALL UPGRADING OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS.
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MEASURES TO MINIMISE SICK BUILDING SYNDROME
IN GOVERNMENT'S PROPERTIES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT AS A DEVELOPER AND BUILDING OWNER HAS TAKEN STEPS TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF SICK BUILDING SYNDROME WITHIN PROPERTIES IT CONTROLS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN PARTICULAR, AIR-CONDITIONING DESIGNS MUST COMPLY WITH APPROPRIATE BRITISH AND AMERICAN STANDARDS, WHERE THE PROBLEM OF SICK BUILDING SYNDROME IS ALSO BEING STUDIED, MR BLAKE SAID.
"ADDITIONALLY, STANDING INSTRUCTIONS TO ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT DEAL WITH BUILDING ENGINEERING SYSTEMS INCLUDING THEIR DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE, WITH A VIEW TO AVOIDANCE OF THE SICK BUILDING SYNDROME IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS." HE SAID.
SO FAR THERE HAVE BEEN BNO NOTIFICATIONS OF CASES OF "SICK BUILDING SYNDROME" HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
MR BLAKE ALSO THREW SOME LIGHT ON GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS:
* A SPECIALIST CONSULTANT WAS ENGAGED IN 1990/91 TO INVESTIGATE
THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM IN A FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL WHICH HAD BEEN IN OPERATION FOR SIX YEARS. NO SERIOUS PROBLEM WAS FOUND;
* OUT OF MORE THAN TWO THOUSAND AIR-CONDITIONED GOVERNMENT
BUILDINGS WE HAVE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM THE OCCUPANTS OF ONLY THREE BUILDINGS WHICH MIGHT BE RELATED TO SICK BUILDING SYNDROME. SINCE THE ISSUE FIRST CAME TO PUBLIC ATTENTION IN 1989; AND
/* AIR QUALITY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
12
* AIR QUALITY SURVEYS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED IN GOVERNMENT
BUILDINGS SINCE 1989. THE RESULTS HAVE SHOWN NO SERIOUS PROBLEM.
"TO INVESTIGATE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM, WE WOULD NEED AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF ALL BUILDINGS. THIS WOULD REQUIRE SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES AND YEARS OF RESEARCH," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
GOVT AIMS TO GET CHINA’S SUPPORT ON AIRPORT PROJECT *****
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S PRINCIPAL AIM TO SECURE CHINA’S SUPPORT FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"ANY OTHER OPTION WAS SECOND BEST," MR YEUNG SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAD REITERATED THIS AIM ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.
"BUT - AS THE GOVERNOR HAS SUGGESTED - UNTIL WE GET AN OVERALL AGREEMENT, WE SHOULD DO WHAT WE CAN TO CONTINUE TO TAKE THE PROJECTS FORWARD," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
CLEARANCE PROCESSES AT LOWU UNDER REVIEW
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN REVIEWING AND STREAMLINING THE PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARD OF CLEARING A PASSENGER WITHIN 30 MINUTES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN, MR STRACHAN SAID: "WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING FURTHER STREAMLINING OF ACTUAL PROCEDURES. THIS WILL REQUIRE THE CO-OPERATION OF THE CHINESE SIDE. "
IF AND WHEN SUCH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ABLE TO BE IMPLEMENTED, IT WILL VERY CONSIDERABLY REDUCE THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR VISITORS FROM CHINA, HE SAID.
THE OVERALL TRAFFIC THROUGH LOWU HAD BEEN INCREASING VERY DRAMATICALLY, UP BY 39% SINCE 1989.
/THIS GROWTH .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
13
THIS GROWTH IN TRAFFIC HAS NOT BEEN MATCHED BY A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN RESOURCES, HE SAID.
"THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAS THEREFORE HAD TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY," HE SAID.
DESPITE THESE DIFFICULTIES, MR STRACHAN SAID THE ABOVE STANDARD WAS STILL ACHIEVED FOR 90% OF THE PASSENGERS ON NORMAL WEEKDAYS.
ON WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS WHEN THE TRAFFIC IS ALWAYS EXTREMELY HEAVY, 65% OF THE PASSENGERS ARE CLEARED WITHIN 45 MINUTES, HE ADDED.
AS FOR THE HOLDERS OF ONE-WAY PERMITS, MR STRACHAN SAID THEY WERE PROCESSED AT THE DESIGNATED EXAMINATION AREA (PERMIT OFFICE) BECAUSE THEY WERE COMING FOR SETTLEMENT AND WERE THEREFORE SUBJECT TO A DIFFERENT AND MORE DETAILED SET OF PROCEDURES.
MEMBERS OF CHINESE TOUR GROUPS FOR HONG KONG OR OVERSEAS ORGANISED BY DESIGNATED TRAVEL AGENTS AND HOLDERS OF CHINESE PASSPORTS IN TRANSIT TO OTHER DESTINATIONS ARE CLEARED AT THE PERMIT OFFICE IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH THEIR BONA FIDE AS VISITORS AND TO ENSURE THAT SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THEIR VISIT TO/TRANSIT THROUGH HONG KONG.
HE SAID: "GIVEN THE EXTRA STEPS REQUIRED, CLEARANCE TAKES LONGER TIME THAN AT THE COUNTER."
THE CORRESPONDING WAITING TIME FOR PASSENGERS FROM CHINA BEING CLEARED VARIES FROM 1 TO 3 HOURS.
HE NOTED THAT THE WAITING TIME WAS OFTEN AFFECTED BY THE VERY UNEVEN FLOW OF TRAFFIC OF TWO-WAY PERMIT VISITORS.
"THE MAJORITY ARE CLEARED WITHIN 90 MINUTES," HE ADDED.
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GOVT WORKING TO MAXIMISE EASE OF TRAVEL OF ALL RESIDENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS WORKED CONSISTENTLY TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES WHICH PRESENTLY REQUIRE HONG KONG RESIDENTS TO HAVE VISAS TO VISIT THEM, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE REALISTICALLY THAT SOME COUNTRIES HAVE IMMIGRATION OR POPULATION CONTROL PROBLEMS WHICH THEY CONSIDER REQUIRE THEM TO IMPOSE VISA RESTRICTIONS ON MOST IF NOT ALL VISITORS," MR STRACHAN SAID.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ARGUE STRONGLY FOR OPENING OF TRAVEL AS IT DID FOR OPENING OF TRADE EVERYWHERE.
/IN A .......
14
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR STRACHAN SAID:
"IT WOULD MAKE VERY LITTLE SENSE IN MOST CASES TO IMPOSE CORRESPONDING ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR NATIONALS OF THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH DO NOT OFFER RECIPROCAL ENTRY VISA REQUIREMENTS TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS.”
THIS WOULD TN GENERAL BE DETRIMENTAL TO HONG KONG WHICH DEPENDS SO MUCH ON TRADE AND TOURISM.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS KEEN TO MAXIMISE THE EASE OF TRAVEL OF ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS, INCLUDING HOLDERS OF HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY.
HONG KONG OFFERS NATIONALS OF 170 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES VISA-FREE VISIT TO HONG KONG. 75 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES OFFER VISA-FREE VISIT TO HOLDERS OF HONG KONG BDTC OR BN(O) PASSPORTS.
---------0--------
ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS REMAINS UNCHANGED * * * » *
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS NO INTENTION OF CHANGING THE BASIC ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG, MR SUEN SAID THERE WAS NO PLAN TO LET THE DISTRICT BOARDS TAKE OVER THE WORK AND FUNCTION OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD STILL REMAIN THE FORUM FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL DELIBERATION OF DISTRICT MATTERS AND CO-ORDINATION OF ACTION TO DEAL WITH DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
HOWEVER, MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO STRENGTHEN THE INFLUENCE AND PARTICIPATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN LOCAL AFFAIRS.
’’THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED BY REQUIRING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO TAKE HEED OF THE ADVICE OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN THEIR WORK AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
’’COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLANS ADOPTED BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO TACKLE DISTRICT PROBLEMS WILL HAVE TO BE DEVISED IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
’’DEPARTMENTS WILL BECOME MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCH ACTION PLANS. REGULAR REPORTS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO DISTRICT BOARDS TO ENABLE THEM TO MONITOR PROGRESS MORE CLOSELY,” HE SAID.
AND, MR SUEN NOTED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO AMEND ANY LEGISLATION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THIS.
/ON THE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
15
ON THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, MR SUEN REITERATED THAT IT WOULD BE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE ADVISORY BODIES TO UNDERTAKE MORE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THEIR DISTRICTS.
HE ADDED THAT DISTRICT BOARDS ALSO RECEIVED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR WORTHWHILE DISTRICT PROJECTS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES SUCH AS THE LOTTERIES FUND, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND LOCAL BUSINESSMEN.
FOR THIS REASON, THERE WAS NO PLAN TO SUPPLEMENT THESE ARRANGEMENTS BY ALLOWING DISTRICT BOARDS TO HAVE INDEPENDENT SOURCES OF REVENUE SIMILAR TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, HE SAID.
MR SUEN SAID THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS AMONG THE 19 DISTRICTS WAS DETERMINED BY THE POPULATION OF THE DISTRICT, THE GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF THE DISTRICT, DISTRICT NEEDS AND PAST RECORD OF EXPENDITURE.
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PROPOSAL TO EXTEND EXHIBITION FACILITY BEING STUDIED ♦ * * * *
THE ADMINISTRATION IS STUDYING A PROPOSAL BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO CONSTRUCT AN EXTENSION FACILITY TO THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (HKCEC), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, MS YUE SAID THE OCCUPANCY RATE OF THE TWO EXHIBITION HALLS OF HKCEC, TOTALING 18,000 SQ.M., FOR THE YEAR MAY 1991 TO APRIL 1992 WAS AROUND 60%.
HONG KONG’S EXHIBITION FACILITIES ARE MAINLY PROVIDED BY HKCEC THOUGH SOME SMALLER-SCALE EVENTS ARE HELD TN VENUES SUCH AS (HI1A RESOURCES CENTRE, HOTELS AND SOMETIMES SHOPPING COMPLEXES.
MS YUE SAID IT WAS NOT EASY TO FORECAST THE DEMAND FOR EXHIBITION FACILITIES SINCE DEMAND WAS AFFECTED BY A NUMBER OF FACTORS SUCH AS THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE ENVIRONMENT, THE AVAILABILITY AND RELATIVE COMPETITIVENESS OF OTHER EXHIBITION CENTRES IN THE REGION.
’’HOWEVER, BASED ON HISTORICAL DATA OF THE OCCUPANCY RATE OF THE HKCEC EXHIBITION FACILITIES, THE UTILISATION RATE FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITIONS IS LIKELY TO GROW BY ABOUT 7% ANNUALLY.
”ON THE SUPPLY SIDE, WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY FIRM PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES TO CONSTRUCT ANY PREMISES FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF HOLDING EXHIBITIONS. IT SHOULD HOWEVER BE NOTED THAT NEW FACILITIES FOR SMALL- TO MEDIUM-SCALE EVENTS MAY BE AVAILABLE IN HOTELS OR SHOPPING ARCADES TO BE BUILT IN THE YEARS TO COME,” SHE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
16
DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS IN UK LESS SERIOUS *****
THERE ARE INDICATIONS, BASED ON ANECDOTAL INFORMATION, THAT DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG IS A LESS SERIOUS PROBLEM THAN ELSEWHERE IN SOUTH EAST ASIA, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR STRACHAN SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO MAKE COMPARISONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NEIGHBOURING SOUTH EAST ASIAN CITIES, BECAUSE STATISTICS ON DRUG ABUSE IN THESE PLACES WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE.
HE ALSO SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EDUCATIONAL MEASURES TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE HARM OF DRUG ABUSE.
"HOWEVER, WE REGULARLY SEEK FEEDBACK FROM TEACHERS AND PUPILS AND THIS SUGGESTS THAT THE MESSAGE IS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT PAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 21.
TWO SCHOOL SURVEYS WERE CONDUCTED IN 1987 AND 1990 TO COLLECT DATA ON DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. A THIRD SURVEY IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY.
MR STRACHAN ALSO SAID A PILOT SCHEME HAD BEGUN TO EXTEND DRUG EDUCATION TALKS TO PRIMARY 6 STUDENTS. AT PRESENT, THESE TALKS ARE HELD IN ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS, BOYS AND GIRLS HOMES AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
"WE ARE ALSO ARRANGING TALKS ON DRUG MATTERS FOR BOTH PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER. A NUMBER OF TALKS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED, BUT THE RESPONSE, SO FAR, HAS BEEN DISAPPOINTING," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO PERSEVERE WITH THESE TALKS BECAUSE EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE HONG KONG SUGGESTED THAT TALKS WHICH INVOLVED BOTH PARENTS AND CHILDREN HAD A MUCH GREATER IMPACT THAN THOSE WHICH INVOLVED ONLY ONE OR THE OTHER.
HE ALSO SAID PLANS ARE AFOOT TO CONDUCT A SERIES OF TALKS IN TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGES.
"OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO ENCOURAGE TEACHERS TO DEAL WITH DRUG ISSUES DURING NORMAL LESSONS," HE SAID.
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/17........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
- 17 -
NEW SYSTEM TO IMPROVE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC HOUSING *****
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS RECENTLY INTRODUCED A NEW MAINTENANCE PLANNING SYSTEM TO ENSURE REGULAR AND BETTER CO-ORDINATED INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ITS PROPERTIES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR EASON SAID THE SYSTEM, KNOWN AS CONDITION, APPRAISAL, REPAIR AND EXAMINATION, WOULD PRODUCE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AUTHORITY’S MAINTENANCE SERVICE.
FROM JANUARY 1990 TO JUNE THIS YEAR, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 9,970 COMPLAINTS OR REPORTS ON GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS AND A FURTHER 6,524 IN RESPECT OF BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS.
"THE STATISTICS GIVEN SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S STOCK OF ABOUT 845,000 UNITS," HE STRESSED.
DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THERE WAS ABOUT ONE REPORT FOR EVERY 100 FLATS.
ON THE COMPLETION TIME FOR REPAIRS, HE SAID FOR EMERGENCY WORK AND IN PARTICULAR CASES WHERE SAFETY WAS IMPORTANT, THE RESPONSE WAS IMMEDIATE.
"FOR NORMAL ROUTINE REPAIRS, RANGING FROM FIXING A DOOR LOCK TO WATER SEEPAGE, THE TIME TAKEN VARIES FROM AN HOUR TO A FEW WEEKS," MR EASON ADDED.
"HOWEVER, THE AUTHORITY HAS TAKEN ACTION TO IMPROVE RESPONSE TIME, TIME NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE WORK THROUGH IMPROVED SUPERVISION OF CONTRACTORS AND THE USE OF NEW CONTRACTORS’ PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM.
"FOR EXAMPLE, OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS, THE AVERAGE LIFT BREAKDOWN RATE HAS BEEN HALVED TO 0.5 BREAKDOWNS PER LIFT PER MONTH AND THE NUMBER OF ELECTRICAL RISER FAULTS HAS DROPPED FROM 770 IN 1990 TO ABOUT 300 SO FAR THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
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/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
SYMPATHY FOR WAR VICTIMS
* » » t »
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT BOTH HONG KONG AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS SYMPATHISED GREATLY WITH THOSE WHO SUFFERED LOSS AND HARDSHIP IN HONG KONG DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION.
HOWEVER, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS NO STANDING TO PRESS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE MATTER UP FURTHER WITH THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SZETO WAH, MR NENDICK SAID WHEN THE MATTER WAS LAST RAISED IN THE COUNCIL IN DECEMBER 1990, IT WAS REFERRED TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
IN A LETTER DATED JANUARY 25 LAST YEAR FROM THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO THE HONG KONG REPARATION ASSOCIATION, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ADVISED THAT UNDER THE TREATY OF PEACE WITH JAPAN SIGNED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OTHER ALLIED POWERS IN SAN FRANCISCO IN 1951, THE SUMS RECEIVED AT THE TIME WOULD BE RECOGNISED AS A FULL DISCHARGE BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS.
THE 1951 PEACE TREATY APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
"THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES ARE, OF COURSE, FREE TO PURSUE ANY CLAIMS DIRECTLY WITH THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
"IF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT DECIDED OF THEIR OWN WILL TO MAKE SOME COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF SUCH CLAIMS, WE ARE SURE THIS WOULD BE WELCOMED," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
NEW COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION * * t t t
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TAKING STEPS TO SET UP A NEW STANDING COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON WAYS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE ATTITUDES AMONG HEADMASTERS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS TOWARDS HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD EARMARKED $5 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE.
THESE ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE CONDUCTING A SURVEY TO INVESTIGATE CURRENT PERCEPTIONS OF HOME-SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS; DRAWING UP A STATEMENT OF THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS, SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS IN THE EDUCATION PROCESS; PRODUCING TRAINING MATERIALS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS; AND DISBURSING PROJECT GRANTS TO SCHOOLS.
/MR CHAN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
19
MR CHAN ALSO TOLD MEMBERS THAT GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING FORMS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT IN THE CORE PROGRAMME OF ALL INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSES BY THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
"AS RECOMMENDED IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 4, THIS COMPONENT HAS BEEN STRENGTHENED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1991 TO HELP ALL TEACHER TRAINEES DEVELOP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN ASSISTING STUDENTS TO RESOLVE THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
"TEACHER TRAINEES ARE PROVIDED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS THROUGH ACADEMIC, CULTURAL, CREATIVE AND CONTEMPORARY STUDIES, AS WELL AS THROUGH SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ON CIVIC EDUCATION, SEX EDUCATION, JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND GOOD PARENTING.
"THEY ALSO LEARN HOW TO CONDUCT EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS OUTSIDE NORMAL CLASSROOM SITUATIONS, THEREBY FACILITATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION."
REGULAR PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ARE CONDUCTED FOR TEACHERS BY EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLORS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
EIGHT ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS ON "EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION" FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ENHANCE THEIR COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN WORKING WITH STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS WERE HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR AND 12 MORE WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MID-1993.
IN ADDITION, 12 REGIONAL DISCUSSION SESSIONS FOR TEACHERS REPRESENTING SCHOOLS IN THE SAME AND NEIGHBOURING REGIONS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES IN WORKING WITH STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE SCHEDULED BETWEEN OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND FEBRUARY 1993.
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LAW GOVERNING PRIVATE TUITION SCHOOLS TO BE AMENDED ******
APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION TO RECTIFY THE EXISTING PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF PRIVATE TUITION SCHOOLS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD IDENTIFIED THREE BROAD PROBLEM AREAS DURING ITS INVESTIGATIONS INTO EXISTING REGISTERED AND UNREGISTERED PRIVATE TUITION SCHOOLS.
THE FIRST CONCERNS REGISTERED SCHOOLS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS, SUCH AS REPORTING THE APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS AND OBTAINING APPROVAL TO OPERATE NEW COURSES.
MR CHAN SAID THESE PROBLEMS, WHERE FOUND, HAD BEEN RECTIFIED ON THE ADVICE OF THE SCHOOL INSPECTORS.
/THE SECOND .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
20
THE SECOND PROBLEM RELATES TO AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNREGISTERED OPERATIONS.
"AS THESE DID NOT REACH THE MINIMUM ENROLMENT TO TRIGGER THE NEED FOR REGISTRATION AS SCHOOLS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY MET REASONABLE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE SAFETY OF PREMISES, THE QUALITY OF SERVICES RENDERED AND THE LEVEL OF FEES CHARGED," HE NOTED.
ANOTHER PROBLEM RELATES TO WHETHER THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE PROVIDES THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH ADEQUATE POWERS TO EXERCISE PRUDENTIAL CONTROL OVER THE OPERATIONS OF PRIVATE TUTORIAL SCHOOLS, BOTH IN REGARD TO THEIR REGISTRATION AND THE WAY SOME OF THEM ADVERTISE THEIR COURSES.
MR CHAN SAID THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND SUPPORTS IN PRINCIPLE THE POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS TO THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED.
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INFORMATION ON FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES PROVIDED
*****
INFORMATION ON THE ROUTEING, TIMETABLES AND FARES OF INDIVIDUAL FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES IS DISPLAYED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE AT BUS TERMINI AND STOPS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR LEUNG SAID ALL FOUR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES ALSO PROVIDED A HOTLINE FOR HANDLING PASSENGER ENQUIRIES IN BOTH LANGUAGES.
"THEY HAVE ALSO DEVELOPED VARIOUS OTHER WAYS TO DISTRIBUTE PASSENGER INFORMATION," HE SAID.
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB) AND CITYBUS LIMITED PROVIDE ROUTE MAPS. THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY PUBLISHES ROUTE INFORMATION IN LEAFLETS FOR NEW SERVICES.
THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY DISSEMINATES CUSTOMERS INFORMATION AT A CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE AT MUI WO, THE MAIN INTERCHANGE FOR BUSES SERVING LANTAU.
ALL SUCH INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IN BOTH LANGUAGES.
MR LEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION ISSUED BROCHURES FOR FOREIGN VISITORS IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES.
"THESE BROCHURES CONTAIN INFORMATION ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, INCLUDING SELECTED FRANCHISED ROUTES SERVING PLACES OF INTEREST TO TOURISTS AND KMB’S SERVICES TO THE AIRPORT," HE SAID.
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/21 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
21
INITIATIVES BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE STANDARD OF ENGLISH
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE ENGLISH STANDARD OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG, MR CHAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
FIRST, THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IS RUNNING A 16-WEEK IN-SERVICE REFRESHER COURSE FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS IN BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
SINCE 1987, MR CHAN SAID, THE COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO INCLUDE A FOUR-WEEK COURSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 100 TEACHER TRAINEES MAJORING IN ENGLISH AT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ARE ALSO SENT EVERY YEAR TO BRITAIN ON A SIX-WEEK TOTAL IMMERSION ENGLISH COURSE.
SECONDLY, THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SET A CONSISTENT POLICY ON THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS IN 1994.
"UNDER THIS POLICY, SCHOOLS AND PARENTS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO CHOOSE EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ON THE BASIS OF OBJECTIVE MEASURES OF THEIR CHILDREN’S NEEDS," MR CHAN SAID.
"STUDENTS IDENTIFIED AS BEING ABLE TO LEARN THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF ENGLISH WILL BE OFFERED A BRIDGING COURSE IN SECONDARY 1 TO HELP THEM CHANGE OVER FROM CHINESE MEDIUM IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO THE ENGLISH MEDIUM.
"THE ENGLISH STANDARDS OF THESE STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE VERY CONSIDERABLY IN THE YEARS TO COME."
THOSE WHO WILL STUDY IN THE CHINESE MEDIUM ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO BE ABLE TO LEARN ENGLISH BETTER BECAUSE OF THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR LEARNING CAPACITY THROUGH THE USE OF THE MEDIUM THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WITH, MR CHAN ADDED.
THIRDLY, ENGLISH IS ONE OF THE THREE CORE SUBJECTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE TARGET AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENTS (TTRA) INITIATIVE WHICH WILL BEGIN WITH PRIMARY 4 IN MAY 1993 AND EXTEND FROM PRIMARY 1 TO SECONDARY 3 BY 1997.
THE TTRA IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO ATTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS THAT CAN REALISTICALLY BE ACHIEVED WITHIN THE TIME ALLOCATED TO ENGLISH AS A SUBJECT TN THEIR SCHOOLS.
FOURTHLY, BASED ON RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL ENGLISH MATERIALS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN AND A CERTIFICATION SCHEME IS BEING PREPARED AT VARIOUS LEVELS.
/"FROM SEPTEMBER .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
22
"FROM SEPTEMBER 1993 LANGUAGE INSTITUTES AND INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYERS WILL BE ABLE TO MOUNT COURSES USING THE VOCATIONAL ENGLISH MATERIALS TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF THE WORKPLACE.
"THE VOCATIONAL ENGLISH PROGRAMME, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS OF ENGLISH IN THE WORKPLACE, WILL EVENTUALLY BE EXTENDED FROM BASIC TO ADVANCED LEVEL," MR CHAN ADDED.
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WATER QUALITY OF SHING MUN RIVER IMPROVING
*****
THERE HAVE BEEN SLOW BUT STEADY IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WATER QUALITY OF THE SHING MUN RIVER, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID SUBSTANTIAL MEASURES WERE IN HAND TO UPGRADE THE SEWERAGE PROGRAMMES FOR THE RIVER AND ITS CATCHMENT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING, HE SAID THESE MEASURES WERE PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ABATE POLLUTION IN TOLO HARBOUR - THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN.
THE ACTION PLAN COMBINES ENFORCEMENT OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WITH SEWERAGE PROGRAMMES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND REDUCE THE QUANTITY OF DISCHARGES INTO THE TOLO HARBOUR CATCHMENT INCLUDING THE SHING MUN RIVER.
THE SEWERAGE PROGRAMMES ARE:
* UPGRADING OF THE SHA TIN AND TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO ABATE THE NITROGEN POLLUTION IN DISCHARGES FROM THE WORKS;
* IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN FOR THE UNSEWERED AREAS IN THE TOLO CATCHMENT. THE PLAN INVOLVES THE PROVISION OF SEWERAGE FACILITIES TO SOME 165 UNSEWERED VILLAGES OVER A 10-YEAR CONSTRUCTION PERIOD;
* TO REDUCE STILL FURTHER THE POLLUTION LOADING ENTERING THE TOLO HARBOUR AN EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. THIS SCHEME WILL TRANSFER ALL TREATED EFFLUENTS FROM THE SHA TIN (STAGE ONE) AND THE TAI PO (STAGE TWO) SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO VICTORIA HARBOUR THROUGH THE KAI TAK NULLAH. STAGE ONE WILL BE COMPLETED IN NEXT YEAR; STAGE TWO IN 1995.
THE SHING MUN RIVER LIES WITHIN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE.
TO DATE, ALL PRIVATE DOMESTIC SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS IN UNSEWERED AREAS ARE LICENSED AND OVER 90 PER CENT COMPLY WITH THE TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM (TM) REQUIREMENTS, THE REMAINING 10 PER CENT ARE BEING ADVISED TO COMPLY BY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STAFF.
/OVER 90 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
23
OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES IN THE AREA, PARTICULARLY THOSE FROM THE ELECTROPLATING AND THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FACTORIES IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AT FO TAN AND TAI WAI, COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS IN THE TM.
MR EASON SAID MOST OF THE REMAINING INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES WERE IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING FACILITIES TO PROVIDE PRE-TREATMENT BEFORE DISCHARGE INTO SEWERS.
SLUDGES DISCHARGED FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S SHA TIN WATERWORKS AND FROM THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED AWAY FROM THE SHING MUN RIVER FOR MARINE DISPOSAL SINCE JULY LAST YEAR.
"AS A RESULT OF THESE MEASURES, THERE HAVE BEEN SLOW BUT STEADY IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WATER QUALITY OF THE RIVER," MR EASON SAID.
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REALISTIC TARGETS SET FOR MANPOWER SAVINGS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISED THE NEED TO SET REALISTIC TARGETS FOR MANPOWER SAVINGS AND TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE ACHIEVED, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING, MR YEUNG SAID A FORMAL SYSTEM OF POST-IMPLEMENTATION REVIEWS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR ALL ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTER SYSTEMS COSTING MORE THAN $5 MILLION.
SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 1989, FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD APPROVED 10 COMPUTERISATION PROJECTS WHICH ENVISAGE MANPOWER SAVINGS UPON IMPLEMENTATION.
SEVEN OF THE PROJECTS ARE STILL UNDER WAY. THREE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND THE MANPOWER SAVINGS ENVISAGED HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
- 24 -
THREE BILLS PASSED IN LEGCO * * * * *
THREE MOTIONS UNDER INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE MOVED BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN AND THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK RESPECTIVELY WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THREE BILLS WERE ALSO PASSED. TWO WITHOUT AMENDMENT. THEY ARE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992. THE THIRD BILL, TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.
THREE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED. THEY WERE: DISTRICT COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
TWO MOTIONS UNDER COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS WERE PASSED.
THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT 1991/92 WAS TABLED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
/25 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
25
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS OUR PRIORITY: CS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNOR IN HIS SPEECH LAST MONTH HAS PUT MUCH EMPHASIS UPON THE NEED TO GIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION A PRIORITY WITHIN THt GOVERNMENT AND IN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIf DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL * 92, SIR DAVID SAID THE WORLD HAD IGNORED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR A LONG TIME.
"FOR YEARS, WE HAVE IGNORED IT. WE’VE USED THE PLANET LIKE A GIANT GARBAGE CAN. BUT WE KNOW WE SIMPLY CANNOT GO ON DOING THAT SORI OF DAMAGE WITHOUT CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES BOTH FOR US, AND THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR OUR CHILDREN,” SIR DAVID SAID.
"AND IT IS PARTICULAR SAD HERE IN HONG KONG, BECAUSE HONG KONG HAS SOME OF THE FINEST SURROUNDINGS IN THE WORLD AND YET SOME OF THE WORST POLLUTIONS.
WE HAVE THE MONEY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM NOW, WE HAVE THE
TECHNOLOGY. AND WHAT WE MUST MAKE SURE WE ALSO HAVE IS THE WILL POWER. AND THAT IS WHY THERE ARE OF COURSE, MANY OTHER PRESSING ISSUES, BUT WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE GREAT NEED TO KEEP PUSHING THE NEED TO IMPROVE OUR ENVIORNMENT.
"WE CANNOT GO ON PUTTING FILTH INTO OUR AIR, POURING CHEMICALS INTO OUR WATER AND DUMPING RUBBISH INTO THE SEA. WE HAVE TO PUT A STOP TO IT," HE SAID.
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MEASURES TO REDUCE USE OF HARDWOOD
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS AIMING THROUGH SPECIFICATION AS AN IMMEDIATE MEASURE TO MINIMISE THE USE OF HARDWOOD, TROPICAL OR OTHERWISE, FOR HOARDINGS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, AT A SEMINAR ON PROGRESS AND PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"CONTRACTORS TENDERING WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROPOSE ALTERNATIVES IN THEIR TENDERS, OR DIRECTED TO USE SPECIFIED ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVES WHEN A NUMBER ARE READILY AVAILABLE," MR BLAKE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO ENCOURAGING ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS FOR HOARDINGS AND FORMWORK, THE GOVERMENT WILL LOOK TO MINIMISE THE USE OF HARDWOOD FOR PROPPING AND STRUTTING OF FORMWORK, OR PLANKING AND SHORING FOR TRENCHES, BY ASKING CONTRACTORS TO PUT FORWARD SYSTEMS THAT MAXIMISE THE RE-USE OF MATERIALS OTHER THAN WOOD.
MR BLAKE HOPED THAT ACTIONS IN THESE AREAS WOULD BE SEEN TO BE PRODUCING RESULTS EARLY NEXT YEAR.
/ON PREVENTION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
26
ON PREVENTION OF WASTE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, MR BLAKE SAID THE EFFECTIVE USE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS BY WAY OF QUALITY CONTROL WOULD BE A WAY TO REDUCE THE NECESSITY FOR RECYCLING, REDUCE THE NECESSITY FOR FINDING MORE LANDFILLS, AND LEAVE MORE NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE GROUND EXACTLY WHERE THEY BELONG.
IN REGARD TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY, MR BLAKE NOTED THAT THE MURRAY BUILDING, IN WHICH OFFICES OF THE WORKS BRANCH WERE HOUSED, HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO BE AND STILL WAS A SUCCESSFUL ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN AN INITIATIVE IN MOVING TOWARDS TIGHTER CONTROL OVER THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF BUILDING EXTERIORS.
i
"HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT REMOVE THE NEED FOR A TOTAL ENERGY APPROACH ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IN DEVELOPING ITS CONCEPT DESIGNS, CONSTRUCTING, AND OPERATING ITS BUILDINGS," MR BLAKE SAID.
ON MEASURES OF HANDLING WASTES, MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY EXERCISED AND WILL CONTINUE TO EXERCISE CONTROL BY MEANS OF REGULATIONS AND ORDINANCES.
"IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF SCARCE RESOURCES TO ENSURE THAT CONTRACTORS CAN USE SUCH RESOURCES WITHIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS," MR BLAKE SAID.
HE CITED THE EXAMPLE OF THE FILL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHICH IDENTIFIED AND MANAGED THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF LAND AND MARINE FILL RESOURCES, AND ALSO ENSURED THAT THERE WAS ADEQUATE PROVISION OF PUBLIC DUMPS FOR LANDFILL OR MARINE MUD.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO UNDERTOOK THE CO-ORDINATION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, FOR EXAMPLE THE ROAD OPENING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WHICH HAD THE UNENVIABLE TASK OF CO-ORDINATING ROAD AND FOOTPATH WORKS BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PRIVATE COMPANIES, TO MINIMISE DISTURBANCE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION BROUGHT ABOUT BY SUCH WORKS.
------0----------
FREE TRADE POLICY REITERATED *****
AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR FRANCIS HO, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THE GOVERNMENT’S FREE ENTERPRISE AND FREE TRADE POLICY WHICH WAS BASED ON A PHILOSOPHY OF MINIMUM INTERFERENCE OF MARKET FORCES AND MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS.
SPEAKING AT THE AUSTRALIA - HONG KONG/CHINA BUSINESS FORUM IN MELBOURNE, MR HO SAID THIS WAS ONE BASIC REASON WHY HONG KONG WAS A LEADING MANUFACTURING, FINANCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE FOR GOODS AND SERVICES OF THE WORLD.
/"THUS INSTEAD .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
27 -
"THUS INSTEAD OF REGULATIONS, CONTROLS AND SO-CALLED ’NATIONAL’ PLANNING, MY GOVERNMENT SEES ITS ROLE IN HUMAN RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT SO THAT THEY DO NOT LAG BEHIND OPPORTUNITIES; ENFORCEMENT OF EQUITABLE BUSINESS LAWS INCLUDING THOSE WHICH CONCERN THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; MAINTENANCE OF A LOW AND STABLE TAX REGIME; ENSURING THE FREE FLOW OF CAPITAL AND GOODS; KEEPING TO PRUDENT FISCAL POLICIES AND SO ON," HE SAID.
MR HO SAID THESE INITIATIVES HAD PAID OFF.
"WE HAVE AN INTELLIGENT, VERSATILE AND PRODUCTIVE AND HIGHLY MOTIVATED WORKFORCE.
"THERE HAS BEEN ACTIVE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN EVERY LINE OF BUSINESS, INCLUDING FINANCIAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES OF THE HIGHEST STANDARDS. THIS AGAIN IN TURN REINFORCES ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG.
"IN SUM WE DO NOT OFFER MATERIAL INVESTMENT INCENTIVES — BUT WE TREASURE THE BUSINESS FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT WHICH WE HAVE CREATED THROUGH THE UNIQUE ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR HO SAID THE OPENING UP OF CHINA IN 1979 GAVE HONG KONG A NEW IMPETUS IN ITS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITH HONG KONG BUSINESS CARRYING ON MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER IN GUANGDONG.
"THIS HONG KONG/GUANGDONG PARTNERSHIP NOW HAS A SUCCESSFUL TRACK RECORD OF MORE THAN 13 YEARS, DRIVEN ENTIRELY BY ECONOMIC FORCES," HE SAID.
MR HO SAID THE VERY CLOSE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAD PLACED HONG KONG IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHILE FURTHERING ITS OWN.
HE SAID THE OPENING UP OF CHINA AS A MARKET AND A SOURCE OF LABOUR AND LAND SUPPLY FACILITATED THE FURTHER UPGRADING AND TRANSFORMATION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
"THE FLOURISHING RE-EXPORT TRADE BRINGS BUSINESS NOT ONLY TO OUR IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADERS, BUT ALSO OUR SERVICING SECTOR SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION, FINANCE AND EVEN TOURISM. THIS ENHANCES HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
"OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA ALSO ALLOW HONG KONG COMPANIES TO CONCENTRATE THEIR EFFORTS IN MARKETING AND DEVELOPING MORE CAPITAL INTENSIVE AND HIGHER TECHNOLOGY PROCESSING IN HONG KONG AND TO MOVE UP MARKET," HE SAID.
/AS FAR ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
28
AS FAR AS THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG WAS CONCERNED, MR HO SAID THE SHIFTING OF HONG KONG’S LABOUR INTENSIVE ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS INTO SOUTHERN CHINA HAD CREATED A STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG TO BECOME A SUPPORT BASE NOT ONLY IN PROVIDING A VARIETY OF TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICES BUT ALSO IN THE SUPPLY OF MATERIALS, PARTS, COMPONENTS AND TOOLING.
’’THE RELOCATION PROCESS HAS ALSO ENABLED HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR WORKFORCE TO CONCENTRATE ON THE MORE SKILL-INTENSIVE ACTIVITIES LOCALLY, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING DIRECTLY TO THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY,” HE SAID.
------0-------
LANTAU TAXI FARES TO BE REVISED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FARES FOR LANTAU TAXIS WILL BE REVISED FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
THE NEW FARES WILL BE $8 FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES AND 80 CENTS FOR EVERY 0.2 KILOMETRE THEREAFTER.
THE FARES WERE LAST REVISED IN JUNE 1990.
PENDING THE CONVERSION OF TAXI METERS, LANTAU TAXIS MAY CHARGE THE REVISED FARES BY DISPLAYING A CONVERSION TABLE SHOWING THE REVISED FARE SCALES.
STARTING FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), OPERATORS AND DRIVERS OF LANTAU TAXIS CAN OBTAIN THE FARE CONVERSION TABLES FROM THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AT MUI WO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LANTAU ISLAND; AND
♦ PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION AT MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, CENTRAL.
------0--------
SUPERCITY 2001 COMPETITION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EDUCATON DEPARTMENT WILL INTRODUCE A NEW SECONDARY 4-5 SUBJECT ON "TRAVEL AND TOURISM" IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR AND THE FIRST HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION ON THE SUBJECT WILL BE HELD IN 1995.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM PLANNING OFFICER, MR NG KWOK-CHUEN, OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH A DESTINATION HONG KONG TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMPETITION.
i 1
, !* : /'IWO TOPICS......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
TWO TOPICS SELECTED FOR THE COMPETITION WERE "HONG KONG: A CITY OF MANY FACES" AND "HONG KONG: SUPERCITY 2001".
THE COMPETITION, OPEN TO SECONDARY 3 TO 5 STUDENTS, WOULD FURTHER PROMOTE STUDENTS' AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"IN TACKLING THESE TWO TOPICS, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG AS A TOURIST DESTINATION FOR TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE," MR NG SAID.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE AMERICAN EXPRESS.
- - 0 - -
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 6) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
ADVANCE COPIES OF THE COMMITTEE’S PAPERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE MEDIA FROM 4 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAPERS WILL BE EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING ENDS.
- - 0 - -
/30
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1992
30
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,300
REVERSAL OF LAF +200
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.3 *-0.3* 4.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.30 PCT 13 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.46 3.84
1 MONTH 3.23 PCT 16 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.55 4.29
3 MONTHS 3.21 PCT 19 MONTHS 2405 5.502 101.57 4.48
6 MONTHS 3.35 PCT 22 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.60 4.66
12 : MONTHS 3.86 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,676 MN
CLOSED 4 NOVEMBER 1992
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR SECOND QUARTER ................... 1
GOVT-LEGCO COMMITTEE PROPOSAL REMAINS AVAILABLE ..................... 3
HK TO SET EXAMPLE IN SHIPPING SAFETY ................................ 3
COUNTRY PARKS BOARD OBJECTS GOLF COURSE PROPOSAL .................... 4
40 VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS UP FOR AUCTION ........................ 5
GOVERNMENT SEEKS DISTILLED WATER SUPPLIER ........................... 5
BUSINESS REGISTER OFFERS UPDATED INFORMATION ........................ 6
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW ........................................ 7
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO HOLD AUTUMN FAIR IN STANLEY ................ 7
BOE MEMBERS VISIT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ............................... 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5,
1992
1
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR SECOND QUARTER
*****
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY 3.3% OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FINDINGS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE INDEX SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 18.9%. THIS MARKED INCREASE WAS, HOWEVER, LARGELY SEASONAL AS PRODUCTION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF A YEAR IS USUALLY LOWER BECAUSE OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 17.8% IN PRODUCTION WAS RECORDED IN THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP OF PAPER PRODUCTS AND PRINTING. THE INCREASE REFLECTED THE CONTINUED BOOMING OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY.
THE OUTPUT OF THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP OF TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) ALSO SHOWED A NOTABLE INCREASE OF 11.1%.
THE OUTPUT OF THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, MACHINERY, PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL GOODS INCREASED MODESTLY BY 3.8%.
WITHIN THIS GROUP, THE PRODUCTION OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS INCREASED FASTER BY 12.2%.
AS REGARDS THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY, PRODUCTION DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1.9%.
THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP OF CHEMICALS, RUBBER, PLASTIC AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS ALSO SHOWED A SLIGHT DECREASE OF 2.4%. THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO A DROP IN THE PRODUCTION OF PLASTIC PRODUCTS.
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REFLECTS CHANGES OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE VOLUME OF LOCAL PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992, THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC) HAS BEEN USED TO FORM THE INDUSTRY GROUPS AND BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, 2ND QUARTER 1992", WHICH IS ON SALE AT $3.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 839 3238.
/INDEXES OF .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
- 2 -
Indexes of industrial production by broad industry group and-Selected indu^try-group (1986 = 100) ’
Index % change over
for
Broad industry group / 2nd Qtr. 2nd Qtr. 1st Qtr.
Selected industry group 1992 1991 1992
1. Food, beverages and tobacco 152 +2.0 + 12.6
2. Wearing apparel, except footwear 105 -1.9 + 10.5
3. Textiles (including knitting) 130 + 11.1 +47.7
4. Paper products and printing 232 + 17.8 +22.8
5. Chemicals, rubber, plastic and non-metallic mineral products 81 -2.4 + 12.5
— Plastic products (63) (-7.4) (+10.5)
6. Basic metals and fabricated metal products 105 -3.7 +4.0
— Fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment (103) (-2.8) (+2.0)
7. Electrical and electronic products, machinery, professional equipment and optical goods 162 +3.8 +21.8
— Consumer electrical and electronic products (141) (+4.4) ( + 34.3)
— Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components (202) (+12.2) (+21.0)
8. Miscellaneous manufacturing industries 96 -2.0 + 4.3
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 126 +3.3 + 18.9
Notes : 1. Four selected industry groups, which carry relatively large weights and are major
components of the respective broad industry groups, are also included in the above table. For easy reading, the figures of these selected industry groups are shown in brackets.
2. As from the first quarter of 1992, the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) is used to form the industry groups and broad industry groups presented in the above table. For the exact coverage of the groups in terms of HSIC codes, please refer to the ’Report on the Quarterly Index of Industrial Production, 2nd Quarter 1992’.
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/3.........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
3
GOVT-LEGCO COMMITTEE PROPOSAL REMAINS AVAILABLE
******
IN REPLY TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE GOVERNOR’S SPOKESMAN, MR MIKE HANSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) EMPHASISED THAT THE OPTION OF ESTABLISHING A GOVERNMENT-LEGCO COMMITTEE REMAINED AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE STRESSED THAT THE PROPOSAL HAD NOT BEEN SCRAPPED.
"A LETTER WAS SENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY SUGGESTING THAT THE EXISTING CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS SHOULD CONTINUE FOR THE TIME BEING, BECAUSE SOME MEMBERS HAVE DIFFICULTIES AGREEING ON AN APPROPRIATE MEMBERSHIP FOR THE COMMITTEE,” HE SAID.
"THEIR DIFFICULTIES ARE QUITE UNDERSTANDABLE."
"LET US EMPHASISE THAT THIS OPTION REMAINS AVAILABLE AND IF MEMBERS DECIDE THAT THEY WISH TO PROCEED WITH IT, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE HAPPY TO OBLIGE."
------0-------
HK TO SET EXAMPLE IN SHIPPING SAFETY
*****
HONG KONG WAS DETERMINED TO SET AN EXAMPLE TO THE WORLD IN THE FIELD OF SHIPPING SAFETY, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT PORTS. AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF SHIPPING PASSES THROUGH THE PORT," MR MILLER SAID IN HIS KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO THE PORTS 2000 CONFERENCE.
HE ALSO SAID HONG KONG HAD AN AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER.
"IT IS IMPORTANT, THAT AS A RESPONSIBLE MARINE ADMINISTRATION, WE TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMOTING SHIPPING SAFETY."
MR MILLER EXPLAINED THAT THERE WERE TWO BROAD ASPECTS TO THIS. FIRST, TRAFFIC SAFETY WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS AND SECOND, ENFORCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS.
"WE HAVE A STATE-OF-THE-ART VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM ALREADY IN PLACE. IT MUST BE EXPANDED TO ACCOMMODATE FORECAST GROWTH OF TRAFFIC THROUGH THE PORT," HE SAID.
IT MAY ALSO HAVE TO BECOME MORE PRO-ACTIVE THAN IN THE PAST AS TRAFFIC VOLUMES INCREASE, HE ADDED.
THERE IS, HOWEVER, ANOTHER ASPECT TO SAFETY, MR MILLER SAID.
THAT IS THE ENFORCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS THROUGH PORT STATE CONTROL INSPECTIONS.
/"AS AN .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
4
”AS AN AUTONOMOUS REGISTER, WE HAVE OBLIGATION TO LOOK TO THE CONDITION OF SHIPS ON OUR OWN REGISTER. IF WE FIND SHIPS ARE NOT UP TO STANDARD WE WILL HAVE NO QUALMS ABOUT DEREGISTERING THEM.”
AS A MAJOR PORT, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD AN OBLIGATION TO CHECK THE CONDITION OF VESSELS FLYING OTHER FLAGS.
”WE TAKE THIS RESPONSIBILITY MOST SERIOUSLY, CONCENTRATING OUR EFFORTS ON OLDER VESSELS AND ENFORCING THE RULES IMPARTIALLY, EFFICIENTLY AND PRAGMATICALLY.”
”WE DO NOT WANT A RUST-BUCKET FLEET ON OUR OWN REGISTER, NOR WILL WE CONDONE UNSAFE CONDITIONS ON VESSELS FLYING OTHER FLAGS," MR MILLER SAID.
HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PORTS IN THE WORLD TO HANDLE MORE THAN SIX MILLION TEUS (20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS) OF CONTAINERISED CARGO A YEAR AND SOME 130,000 OCEAN-GOING AND RIVER-TRADE VESSELS CALLED AT HONG KONG ANNUALLY AND LOADED AND DISCHARGED MORE THAN 100 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO.
MORE THAN 1,050 OCEAN-GOING SHIPS VISITING THE PORT OF HONG KONG ANNUALLY WERE SUBJECT TO PORT STATE CONTROL INSPECTION TO CHECK COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS.
THEY ARE, NAMELY, THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPTNG FOR SEAFARERS AND THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS.
OF THESE, 10 PER CENT REQUIRED DEFICIENCIES TO BE MADE GOOD BEFORE THE SHIP COULD SAIL FROM HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
COUNTRY PARKS BOARD OBJECTS GOLF COURSE PROPOSAL
*****
AT ITS MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY), THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD DECIDED NOT TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL BY A PRIVATE DEVELOPER FOR THE USE OF 95 HECTARES OF COUNTRY PARKS LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GOLF COURSE AT LUK KENG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID: ’’THE VIEW WAS TAKEN HAVING REGARD TO THE SCOPE OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, THE CONCERN OVER CONSERVATION AND THE USE OF COUNTRY PARKS LAND.”
THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD INVOLVE ABOUT 130 HECTARES OF LAND OF WHICH 95 HECTARES WOULD BE LOCATED INSIDE PAT SIN LENG COUNTRY PARK.
OTHER ITEMS DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING INCLUDED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO COUNTRYSIDE AND NATURE CONSERVATION, AS WELL AS TREE PLANTING IN THE TERRITORY.
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/5 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
5 -
40 VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS UP FOR AUCTION * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 7) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
EZ7609 EZ1681 EZ162 EZ233
EY8017 ♦ 6282 ♦ BB78 BB2389
EZ732 EZ9U EX211 EZ325
♦HK9595 AE316 EZ8986 ♦CC1000
EZ850 ♦ FC96 ♦FC500 EZ897
CT9918 EZ1238 EZ1668 AB2111
EZ922 EC968 AA7992 EZ4321
♦FA1818 ♦ CS64 ♦ FC41 ♦BN7557
EZ7772 EZ321 EZ9692 EY6968
EP1668 EY288 EY8883 EZ2133
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED BIDDERS THAT A VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK 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 BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 182ND ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
-----q------
GOVERNMENT SEEKS DISTILLED WATER SUPPLIER
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF DISTILLED WATER TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS STARTING APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE DEPARTMENTS INCLUDE THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
THE DISTILLED WATER MUST COMPLY WITH B.S. 1958 (OR EQUIVALENT) FOR PURIFIED WATER IN RETURNABLE CARBOYS OF 18 LITRES SUITABLE FOR EXISTING DISPENSERS IN GOVERNMENT PREMISES.
/THE ESTIMATED .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
6
THE ESTIMATED QUANTITY REQUIRED IS 680,000 CARBOYS.
TENDER NOTICES FOR THE SUPPLY WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PROCUREMENT DIVISION, SIXTH FLOOR, GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 12 OIL STREET, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON DECEMBER 18.
------0--------
BUSINESS REGISTER OFFERS UPDATED INFORMATION
******
PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS DOING MARKET RESEARCH, STATISTICAL SURVEYS AND BUSINESS PROMOTION MAY MAKE USE OF AN UP-TO-DATE REGISTER OF ABOUT 300,000 LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS KEPT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTER CONTAINS DETAILS SUCH AS NAME, ADDRESS, MAJOR TYPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND EMPLOYMENT SIZE CLASS OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IT SERVED AS THE SAMPLING FRAME FOR VARIOUS ECONOMIC SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
’’MANY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO MAKE USE OF THE REGISTER FOR PUBLICITY, SURVEY AND RESEARCH WORK,” HE SAID.
TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE REGISTER, A RANDOM SAMPLE LISTING CONTAINING 20 PER CENT OF THE RECORDS IS AVAILABLE FOR USE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
CHARGES FOR USING THE SERVICE ARE:
* $4.3 PER PAGE OF PHOTOCOPY; AND
* A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $480 FOR A JOB REQUIRING UP TO 20 COMPUTER RESOURCES UNIT (CRU) PLUS $24 FOR EACH CRU IN EXCESS OF 20 CRUS, IF THE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ON MAGNETIC TAPES. THE MAGNETIC TAPES ARE TO BE PROVIDED BY APPLICANTS.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 582 4760.
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/7 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
7
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW
*****
AN EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AMONG EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WILL BE HELD IN HUNG HOM FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION WILL, IN A SIMPLE AND ANIMATED MANNER, HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
THESE INCLUDE PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, MATERNITY PROTECTION, LONG SERVICE AND SEVERANCE PAYMENTS, AND ENTITLEMENT UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.
LABOUR OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES.
A QUIZ WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE VENUE DAILY TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND LABOUR RELATIONS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM ON FRIDAY AT BASEMENT 1 OF THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX .PHASE 11, WHAMPOA GARDEN IN HUNG HOM AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM OVER THE WEEKEND.
------u--------
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO HOLD
* * * *
AUTUMN FAIR IN STANLEY *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A BARGAIN SALE AT AN AUTUMN FAIR IN STANLEY ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS, INCLUDING STUFFED TOYS, HANDICRAFTS, AND RATTAN AND WOODEN FURNITURE, WOULD BE ON SALE AT THE FAIR.
THE PRODUCTS ARE MADE BY INMATES OF VARIOUS PENAL INSTITUTIONS IN THEIR SPARE TIME.
"THE FAIR IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY. IT IS AN ESTABLISHED PART OF OUR LONG-TERM COMMITMENT AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE FAIR LAST YEAR, RAISING MORE THAN HALF-A-MILLION DOLLARS.
THE FAIR WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 11 AM AND 5 PM AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON. ADMISSION IS FREE.
AS PARKING PLACES ARE LIMITED, VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT. THEY CAN TAKE BUS NOS. 6 OR 260 (FROM CENTRAL), NO. 73 (FROM WAH FU ESTATE), NO. 63 (FROM NORTH POINT) OR NO. 14 (FROM SAI WAN HO).
------0----------
/8 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
- 8 -
BOE MEMBERS VISIT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE * * * *
TEN MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION VISITED THE SHA TIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING AS PART OF A SERIES OF VISITS TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE GROUP WAS LED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO.
MEMBERS INCLUDED MISS BOW SUI-MAY, MS SANSAN CHING TEH-CHI, MR ALBERT LAI, MRS MINNIE LAI WEI KIT-LIN, DR LESLIE LO NAI-KWAI, MISS SO YAN-LAP, DR ANDREW WONG KAM-CHEUNG, MR LUKE YIP JING-PING AND MR H R KNIGHT WHO IS ALSO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THEY WERE MET ON ARRIVAL AND BRIEFED BY THE PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE, MR KENNETH NG.
FOUNDED IN 1986 ON A SITE OF 2.9 HECTARES, THE INSTITUTE HAS SEVEN DEPARTMENTS - APPLIED SCIENCE, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, COMPUTING STUDIES, DESIGN, ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING.
THE INSTITUTE OFFERS TWO-YEAR DIPLOMA COURSES FOR SECONDARY 5 TECHNICIAN AND ONE-YEAR CRAFT CERTIFICATE COURSES.
AT PRESENT, THE INSTITUTE HAS 8,000 STUDENTS, COMPRISING 2,550 FULL-TIME STUDENTS, 1,250 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS AND 4,200 PART-TIME EVENING STUDENTS.
THE PARTY ALSO TOURED THE CAMPUS AND TALKED TO STUDENTS BEFORE CONCLUDING THE VISIT.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER 1,500 NIL 1,500 NIL NIL 1,500 TWI 112.4 *+0.1* 5.11.92 /HONG KONG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1992
9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.85 PCT 13 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.49 3.81
1 MONTH 2.93 PCT 16 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.60 4.24
3 MONTHS 3.18 PCT 19 MONTHS 2405 5.502 101.60 4.46
6 MONTHS 3.31 PCT 22 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.60 4.64
12 MONTHS 3.90 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5,055MN
CLOSED 5 NOVEMBER 1992
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SCS PLEDGES MORE SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS .............................. 1
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR SECOND QUARTER .......................... 2
BUSY SCHEDULE FOR THE PRINCE ....................................... 5
TRADING FUNDS BILL ................................................. 5
BILL TO FACILITATE REORGANISATION OF REGISTRAR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT 7
LAW TO IMPROVE SITE SAFETY ......................................... 8
TRADE DEPARTMENT MAKES PREFORMANCE PLEDGES TO THE PUBLIC ........... 9
KOWLOON WALLED CITY DEMOLITION CONTRACT AWARDED .................... 10
BILL TO ALLOW DISABLED FREE PARKING AND ABATE TRAFFIC NOISE GAZETTED 11
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR AU TAU WATER TREATMENT WORKS ................... 12
APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATING NEW MINIBUS ROUTES INVITED .............. 13
FACE-LIFT FOR WAN ON STREET ........................................ H
TA KWU LING LOTS TO BE RESUMED ..................................... 15
CARNIVAL FOR RESIDENTS IN SOUTHERN ................................. 15
LOCKHART ROAD CARNIVAL ............................................. 16
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR SHAM SHUI ................................. 17
HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF COMMENDED FOR LONG SERVICE ................. 17
POSTMAN AWARDED IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL ............................. 18
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT TO PROMOTE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES IN MONG KOK ...... 19
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 20
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
1
SCS PLEDGES MORE SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS * # :t * *
THE SERVING THE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IS IN LINE WITH THE SELF-IMPROVING TRADITION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID.
ALTHOUGH MANY WOULD BE SCEPTICAL, HE NOTED, THE TRACK RECORD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE PROVES THAT IT CAN INITIATE CHANGE AND TMPROVt? EFFICIENCY.
"AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO," HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION NINTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, MR WIGGHAM SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS INTRODUCED A NUMBER Ol REFORMS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE MACHINERY.
"WE FEEL WE CAN NOW TAKE THE REFORM FURTHER BY PUSHING IT DOWN TO THE INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVANT, AND PUSHING IT OUT TO' THE POINTS OF-INTERFACE WITH OUR CUSTOMERS," HE SAID.
"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES WF DELIVER TO OUR CUSTOMERS, BY MEASURES SUCH AS PUBLICISING INTERNAL MANAGEMENT STANDARDS THAT DEPARTMENTS SET TO MONITOR THEIR '* OUTPUT; AND INTRODUCING MORE TRANSPARENT MEANS FOR THE PUBLIC TO MONITOR PERFORMANCE.
"THIS, I KNOW, IS AN AMBITIOUS TASK, GIVEN THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SUCH A HUGE ORGANISATION. WE SHALL THEREFORE ADOPT A STEADY PACE AND IMPLEMENT THE EXERCISE IN PHASES.”
BUT MR WIGGHAM TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICES HAD BEEN UNDER CONSTANT CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS.
HE QUOTED A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC AS SAVING THAT SINCE HIS LAST VISIT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICE THREE YEARS AGO, IT HAD "IMPROVED FROM A NIGHTMARE PLACE TO A COMPETENT OFFICE".
MR WIGGHAM ALSO SAID THE AVERAGE PROCESSING TIME FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS AT THE AIRPORT WAS REDUCED EROM ONE MINUTE TO 34 SECONDS FOLLOWING THE COMPUTERISATION OF THE CONTROL POINTS AND A NEW IDENTITY CARD FIVE YEARS AGO.
THE PROCESSING TIME WILL BE FURTHER REDUCED BY AROUND FIVE SECONDS WHEN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTS ITS INFORMATION SYSTEM STRATEGY.
"THE REDUCTION OF FIVE SECONDS MAY NOT SOUND MUCH, BUT IT IS SIGNIFICANT WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS.
"I CAN’T HELP FEELING THAT HAD WE CHOSEN TO PUBLISH STANDARDS SOME YEARS AGO, MANY OF OUR IMPROVEMENTS WOULD THAT MUCH MORE APPARENT, EVEN DRAMATIC," KE SAID.
OUR SERVICE
HAVE BEEN
/BEING THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
2
BEING THE LARGEST SERVICE-PROVIPFR IN HONG KONG IN TERMS OE THE RANGE OF ITS PRODUCTS AND THE SIZE OF ITS CLIENTELE MR WIGGHAM SAID, THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS BEEN SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND HAS BEEN PRO-ACTIVE IN MEETING THOSE NEEDS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS MAY SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
IN PART DUE TO THE UNIQUE GOVERNMENT
MR WIGGHAM SAID: ARE MADE BY POLITICIANS, BOTH THAT OF THE SERVICE
"UNI, IKE MANY PLACES, WHERE GOVERNMENT POLICIES OUR CIVIL SERVICE HAS A DUAL ACCOUNTABILITY, -PROVIDER, AND THAT 01 THE POLICY FORMULATOR.
"THE CIVIL SERVICE’S CREDIBILITY, IN THE COMMUNITY, DEPENDS ON ITS ABILITY
AND THE EXTENT OF ITS SUPPORT TO SATISFY ITS CUSTOMERS.
"THIS AWARENESS HAS SPURRED US ON, AND I U LIKE TO IN THE PROCESS, THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS FsECOME AN IMPORTANT THE SUCCESS STORY OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
THINK THAT
FACTOR IN
--------0-----------
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR SECOND QUARTER ♦ » * * *
HONG KONG'S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR BY 4.7% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THE MAIN DOMESTIC COMPONENTS OF THE GDP ESTIMATES, GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION GREW SIGNIFICANTLY BY 10.9% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991.
WITHIN THIS COMPONENT, INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, IN PARTICULAR, SHOWED A REMARKABLE INCREASE OF 22.6%.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS FOR PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE WAS 8.0%, WHILE THAT FOR GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE WAS 11.8%.
REGARDING EXTERNAL TRADE IN GOODS, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 WAS 3.0% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND 30.4% FOR RE-EXPORTS. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR IMPORTS OF GOODS WAS 23.9%.
AS WAS 16.7%. 10.3%.
REGARDS EXPORTS OF SERVICES, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR IMPORTS OF SERVICES WAS
THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OF GDP, AS A BROAD MEASURE OF OVERALL INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, ROSE BY 10.7% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 12.4% IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
/THE GROWTH .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
- 3 -
THE GROWTH RATE OF OVERALL GDP FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 WAS COMPARATIVELY LOWER THAN THE GROWTH RATES RECORDED FOR THE VARIOUS FINAL DEMAND COMPONENTS, INCLUDING PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION AND TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS AND SERVICES.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE INCREASES FOR THE VARIOUS FINAL DEMAND COMPONENTS WERE SUPPORTED TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT BY A LARGE INCREASE IN IMPORTS, APART FROM THE INCREASE TN LOCAL PRODUCTION.
GDP REFLECTS HOW MUCH THE LOCAL ECONOMY HAS PRODUCED AND IS ACTUALLY THE SUM OF ALL FINAL DEMAND COMPONENTS NET OF THEIR CORRESPONDING IMPORT CONTENTS.
ALSO RELEASED TODAY ARE THE REVISED GDP ESTIMATES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992. HAVING INCORPORATED LATEST DATA AVAILABLE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, THE REVISED (NOVEMBER 92) ESTIMATES SHOW THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF GDP IN REAL TERMS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 REMAINED AT 4.7%.
BASED ON THE LATEST GDP ESTIMATES FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS OF 1992, THE GDP GREW BY 4.7% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE LATEST ESTIMATES OF QUARTERLY GDP FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1990 TO THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ENTITLED "QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 2ND QUARTER 1992".
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, HONG KONG; AND AT THE PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY CALLING 582 5077.
/EXPENDITURE-BASED
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
Expenditure-based GDP Estimates first quarter of 1990 to second quarter of 1992
GDP at Current Market Prices GDP at Constant (1980) Market Prices
Year/quarter BK$ Mn % Change over same period of the preceding year BK$ Mn % Change over same period of the preceding year
1990 559,623 12.1 262,603 3.2
1991 643,728 15.0 273,547 4.2
1990 Ql 122,894 11.5 59,127 0.8
Q2 132,574 11.7 61,943 3.6
Q3 150,011 12.5 70,579 4.2
Q4 154,144 12.6 70,954 4.0
1991 Ql 139,937 13.9 61,753 4.4
Q2 152,117 14.7 64,318 3.8
Q3 172,268 14.8 73,199 3.7
Q4 179,406 16.4 74,277 4.7
1992 Ql 164,654 17.7 64,659 4.7
Q2 176,344 15.9 67,330 4.7
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
5
BUSY SCHEDULE FOR THE PRINCE * ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE PRINCE OF WALES BEGAN HIS SECOND DAY OF VISIT IN HONG KONG BY PRESENTING PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS SCHEME 1992 AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS MORNING (FRIDAY).
THE PRINCE PRESENTED AWARDS TO 18 STUDENTS FROM THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS, WHO WON IN THE AWARDS SCHEME JOINTLY ORGANISED BY ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
AFTER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, HE THEN WENT TO HMS TAMAR TO INAUGURATE THE NAVY DAYS.
THE EVENT, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL TOMORROW, WILL BE THE LAST TO BE HELD AT HMS TAMAR BEFORE THE NAVY MOVES TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND NEXT YEAR. VARIOUS ATTRACTIONS ARE OFFERED.
AFTER DOTTING THE EYES AND MOUTH OF A LION AND DECLARING THE OPENING OF THE NAW DAYS, THE PRINCE THEN TOURED VARIOUS STALLS ON DISPLAY AND MET SOME SAILORS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
HE ALSO VIEWED PARACHUTE JUMP BY THE FLYING DRAGONS AND FLYPAST OF HELICOPTERS BY 28 SQUADRON AND 660 SQUADRON.
IN THE AFTERNOON, HE WENT TO THE LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE IN SHA TIN.
IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGE, THE PRINCE UNVEILED THE PLAQUE COMMEMORATING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE COLLEGE.
THE COLLEGE IS MAINLY FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE LI PO CHUN CHARITABLE TRUST FUND. IT ACCEPTED ITS FIRST STUDENTS AT THE START OF THE PRESENT ACADEMIC YEAR AND IS THE EIGHTH AND NEWEST OF THE COLLEGES PROVIDING A TWO-YEAR RESIDENTIAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME.
THE PRINCE ENDED HIS VISIT WITH A TOUR OF THE COLLEGE.
---------0---------
TRADING FUNDS BILL ♦ * * * *
A BILL SEEKING TO ENABLE THE SETTING UP OF TRADING FUNDS TO FINANCE THE OPERATION OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT SERVICES WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EFFICIENCY UNIT SAID UNDER THE BILL, TRADING FUNDS WOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN CERTAIN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC ON A SELF-FINANCING BASIS.
THESE DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OPERATE MORE LIKE BUSINESSES AND TO PROVIDE A GOOD STANDARD OF SERVICES, WHILE AIMING TO BREAK EVEN WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME.
/BUT FEES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
6
BUT FEES AND CHARGES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER A TRADING FUND WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUBJECT TO THE USUAL APPROVAL PROCEDURES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DEPARTMENTS UNDER TRADING FUNDS WOULD REMAIN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THEIR STAFF WOULD REMAIN CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR ASSETS WOULD REMAIN GOVERNMENT ASSETS.
UNDER THE TRADING FUND OPERATIONS, DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THEIR FEE-PAYING CLIENTS MORE PROMPTLY, TO THE BENEFIT OF THESE CLIENTS.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN DEMAND FOR SERVICES INCREASE, REVENUE FROM FEES WOULD ALSO INCREASE AND, UNDER THE TRADING FUND, THE INCREASED REVENUE CAN BE USED TO ACQUIRE THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARD OF SERVICE, SUCH AS BY TAKING ON MORE FRONT-LINE STAFF OR TO ACQUIRE MORE EQUIPMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL NO LONGER BE CONSTRAINED BY THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS VOTED IN THE ANNUAL ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, WHICH CANNOT BE PROMPTLY ADJUSTED IN RESPONSE TO RAPIDLY CHANGING DEMAND.
THE TRADING FUNDS BILL WOULD PUT IN PLACE A NEW SET OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DEPARTMENTS FINANCED BY TRADING FUNDS.
UNDER THESE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, A CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOULD BE APPOINTED TO CONTROL AND MANAGE EACH TRADING FUND.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE AN ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN WHICH WOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, SET OUT THE STANDARD OF SERVICE HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD BE AIMING TO ACHIEVE, THE STAFFING AND INVESTMENT PROPOSALS, AND FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS.
”THE BUSINESS PLAN HAS TO BE AGREED WITH THE RELEVANT POLICY SECRETARY AND WOULD PROVIDE THE BASIS AGAINST WHICH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S AND THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE IN THE COMING YEAR ARE TO BE JUDGED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”THIS IS TO ENABLE THE POLICY SECRETARY TO SATISFY HIMSELF THAT A GOOD STANDARD OF SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT A REASONABLE COST.”
THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS OF A TRADING FUND WILL BE AUDITED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, AND THE ANNUAL STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNTS WOULD BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL WOULD BE AN ENABLING LEGISLATION. THE ACTUAL SETTING UP OF A TRADING FUND IN A DEPARTMENT WOULD BE BY RESOLUTIONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
EACH TRADING FUND WILL NEED A SEPARATE RESOLUTION SETTING OUT THE TERMS, WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE PREPARED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS APPROPRIATE TO THE OPERATION CONCERNED.
/SUBJECT TO . .
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
SUBJECT TO THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL, THE GOVERNMEN INTENDS TO INTRODUCE TRADING FUNDS INTO THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND THE LAND REGISTRY OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT BY JULY 1, 1993.
A PROGRAMME FOR THE SETTING UP OF TRADING FUNDS FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.
------0----------
BILL TO FACILITATE REORGANISATION OF REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT * * * ♦ ♦
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REORGANISE THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT (RGD) WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF ACHIEVING GREATER EFFICIENCY IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (ESTABLISHMENT) (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AND REPEAL) BILL, THE REMAINING STATUTORY FUNCTIONS OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE LAND REGISTRAR, THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES AND THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, AND TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS IN RESPECT OF CHINESE CUSTOMARY RIGHTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND MATTERS.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID: "THE BILL ALSO KEEPS INTACT THE RIGHTS OF OFFICERS TRANSFERRED FROM THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
"THESE INCLUDE THE RIGHT OF AUDIENCE IN THE COURTS, VOTING RIGHTS IN THE LEGAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY AND ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE DISTRICT COURT AND HIGH COURT BENCHES."
MR GLEESON SAID: "IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONVEYANCING SECTION OF RGD’S LAND DIVISION WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 1, 1992.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT THE REMAINING DIVISIONS OF RGD WILL BE SET UP AS THE LAND REGISTRY AND COMPANIES REGISTRY IN APRIL 1993.
"THESE CHANGES WILL NOT INVOLVE ADDITIONAL COST.
"AS THE OPERATIONS OF THE TWO REGISTRIES ARE ESSENTIALLY DEMAND-LED, IT IS INTENDED THAT THE TWO REGISTRIES WILL OPERATE ON A TRADING FUNDED BASIS COMMENCING JULY 1993," HE ADDED.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRADING FUNDS IS COVERED BY THE TRADING FUNDS BILL WHICH IS ALSO GAZETTED TODAY.
THE REORGANISATION OF RGD ALSO INVOLVED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE IN JUNE 1990, THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT IN JULY 1990 AND THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE IN JUNE 1992.
/THE FUNCTIONS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
THE FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICIALS TRUSTEE, JUDICIAL TRUSTEE AND OFFICIAL SOLICITOR WERE TRANSFERRED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT IN APRIL 1991.
ON COMPLETION OF THE REORGANISATION, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WILL BE DISESTABLISHED.
- - 0 - -
LAW TO IMPROVE SITE SAFETY ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING TO INTRODUCE IN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS SOME STANDARD FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SPECIFYING THAT CONTRACTORS SHOULD PROVIDE FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES ON MAJOR CONSTRUCTION SITES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION’S SITE SAFETY WEEK TODAY (FRIDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID IF IT WAS PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL, LEGISLATION WOULD BE DRAFTED TO APPLY THESE REQUIREMENTS ON ALL CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENTS.
"ELECTRICITY SAFETY ON SITE IS ANOTHER AREA OF MAJOR CONCERN," MR BLAKE SAID.
STARTING FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS HAVE COME INTO FORCE REQUIRING ELECTRICAL WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT BY REGISTERED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR/WORKERS.
"A CODE OF PRACTICE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND ON SALE GIVING GUIDELINES TO CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS ON SAFE WORKING PRACTICES.
"IN PARTICULAR, A SECTION HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON TEMPORARY ELECTRICAL WORKS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES."
MR BLAKE HOPED THAT THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LEGISLATION WOULD FURTHER ENHANCE ELECTRICAL SAFETY.
"WE ARE THEREFORE DEVISING WAYS OF MEASURING SAFETY COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE AND HAVE EVERY INTENTION OF MAKING SURE THAT THE CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS ARE FOLLOWED BY SUITABLY EMPOWERING OUR SITE STAFF AND REFLECTING POOR SAFETY PERFORMANCE IN CONTRACTORS’ STATUS ON OUR LISTS."
MR BLAKE EXPECTED THAT THESE MANDATORY SAFETY PROCEDURES WOULD RESULT IN THE FULL PARTICIPATION OF ALL ON SITE, SO THAT THEY WERE WELL INFORMED, APPRECIATED THE HAZARDS AND ACCEPTED THE PRECAUTIONS THAT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
TRADE DEPARTMENT MAKES PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TO THE PUBLIC ♦ * * * ♦
CUSTOMERS OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ARE GIVEN A PERFORMANCE PLEDGE TODAY (FRIDAY) ON WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT, WHAT PERFORMANCE STANDARDS HAVE BEEN SET, WHETHER SUCH STANDARD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED AND WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY ARE NOT.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL STAFF DINNER, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WAS EXCITED IN TAKING ON THE GOVERNOR’S CALL FOR ’’OPENNESS, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD STANDARDS OF SERVICE”.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IS ONE OF THE FEW GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH ARE SELECTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO COME UNDER PHASE I OF THE ’’SERVING THE COMMUNITY” SCHEME.
’’THE GOVERNOR ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THIS EXERCISE. WE ARE PROUD TO BE IN IT AT THE OUTSET. IT SIGNIFIES TRADE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUOUS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING ITS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
"MY COLLEAGUES AND I ARE ALWAYS CONSCIOUS OF THE EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR BETTER SERVICE FROM THE PUBLIC, AND THE NEED TO UPGRADE OUR PERFORMANCE TO MEET SUCH DEMAND,” MR TSANG SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL PUBLISH, BY MEANS OF TRADE CIRCULARS, PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS AND POSTERS, ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TO THE PUBLIC.
”1 AM CONFIDENT THAT OUR COLLEAGUES WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR’S CHALLENGE,” HE SAIF).
FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL POST PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND TARGETS AT EACH OF ITS POINTS OF SERVICE. A PAMPHLET EXPLAINING THE NEW STANDARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE ENQUIRY COUNTER.
FOR SERVICES PROVIDED IMMEDIATELY AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, THE TARGET WAITING TIME, WHICH INCLUDES QUEUING AND PROCESSING TIME, IS 30 MINUTES.
FOR OTHER SERVICES, THE TARGETS ARE EXPRESSED AS TURNROUND TIME IN CLEAR WORKING DAYS.
SHOULD CUSTOMERS HAVE TO WATT FOR LONGER THAN THE TARGET ITEMS, THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO A FULL AND PROMPT EXPLANATION.
"IF A CUSTOMER WANTS SUCH \N EXPLANATION OR FEELS THAT AN APPLICATION HAS NOT BEEN DEALT WITH ADEQUATELY, HE OR SHE IS AUTHORISED TO NOTIFY THE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER IN THE LICENSING BRANCH CONCERNED.
’’ALTERNATIVELY, A COMPLAINT MAY BE LODGED TO THE DEPARTMENTAL CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER,” MR TSANG EXPLAINED.
HE ASSURED CUSTOMERS THAT ALL STRAIGHT-FORWARD ORAL COMPLAINTS WOULD BE HANDLED IMMEDIATELY, WHILE THE DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE A REPLY IN RESPONSE TO ANY WRITTEN COMPLAINT WITHIN 10 DAYS.
/"IF A .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
10
"IF A CUSTOMER STILL FEELS THAT A CASE HAS NOT BEEN DEALT WITH ADEQUATELY AFTER ALL THE EXPLANATION GIVEN, HE OR SHE SHOULD COME TO ME," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR TSANG REMINDED USERS OF TRADE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES THAT THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED MORE THAN SIX MILLION LICENCES EVERY YEAR.
"WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ACHIEVE OUR TARGETS. BUT THERE WILL BE OCCASIONS WHEN CUSTOMERS MAY HAVE TO WAIT FOR LONGER THAN THE TARGET ITEMS," HE SAID.
"QUEUING TIME IS NORMALLY LONGER DURING PEAK HOURS (11 AM TO 12.30 PM AND 3.30 PM TO 4.30 PM) AND ON DAYS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER A LONG HOLIDAY," MR TSANG ADDED.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE WILL PUBLISH EVERY YEAR PERFORMANCE RESULTS AGAINST TARGETS.
THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AND TRADE ADVISORY BOARD WILL HELP MONITOR MATTERS COVERED BY THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE.
A SERVICE STANDARDS COMMITTEE IN THE DEPARTMENT, CHAIRED BY A DIRECTORATE OFFICER, HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO SERVICE THE TWO ADVISORY BODIES ON MATTERS CONCERNING THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE EXERCISE.
FURTHERMORE, A DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP, HEADED BY ANOTHER DIRECTORATE OFFICER, HAS BEEN SET UP TO PLAN AND CO-ORDINATE RELATED EFFORTS IN DEVELOPING A CLIENT-BASED CULTURE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.
"THIS IS AN IMPORTANT EXERCISE FOR ALL OF US. ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT AT ALL LEVELS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE KEY TO ITS SUCCESS," HE SAID.
ON THE SAME OCCASION, MR TSANG ANNOUNCED THAT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WOULD ADOPT A NEW LOGO WHICH COULD HELP REINFORCE THE CORPORATE IMAGE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
"OUR LOGO IS DEVELOPED FROM THE CHINESE CHARACTER THAT MEANS MUTUAL AND SYMBOLISES THE MUTUAL BENEFIT DERIVED FROM THE DYNAMIC INTERACTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE," MR TSANG EXPLAINED.
- 0 -
KOWLOON WALLED CITY DEMOLITION CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED A $42 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY, THE LARGEST SINGLE DEMOLITION PROJECT OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY.
THE DEMOLITION, TO BE CARRIED OUT BY MECHANICAL MEANS, WILL PRODUCE 140,000 CUBIC METRES OF DEBRIS AND MAKE AVAILABLE A 2.7-HECTARE LAND LOT.
/HEAVY SPECIALISED
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
11 -
HEAVY SPECIALISED DEMOLITION PLANT, INCLUDING RIGS WITH EXTENDED ARMS THAT CAN REACH MORE THAN 30 METRES HIGH AND EQUIPPED WITH CONCRETE CRUSHERS AND GRAPPLES, WILL DISMANTLE THE STRUCTURES IN 18 MONTHS.
THE DEBRIS WILL BE RECYCLED, WITH A MAJOR PORTION USED AS FILL MATERIAL IN RECLAMATION PROJECTS.
THE HISTORICAL ’YAMEN’ BUILDINGS AT THE CENTRE OF THE WALLED CITY WILL BE PRESERVED IN SITU DURING THE DEMOLITION AND REMAIN AS THE CENTRE THEME OF A PUBLIC PARK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ALTHOUGH THE USE OF EXPLOSIVES WAS ALLOWED IN THE PROJECT, DEMOLITION BY CONVENTIONAL MEANS WAS FOUND TO BE MORE COST-EFFECTIVE.
THE CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TO A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN EXPRESS BUILDERS COMPANY LIMITED AND CLEVELAND WRECKING COMPANY. t -----------------------------------o--------
BILL TO ALLOW DISABLED FREE PARKING AND ABATE TRAFFIC NOISE GAZETTED *****
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO EXEMPT DISABLED PERSONS FROM PAYING PARKING FEES AT METERED PARKING SPACES AND TO IMPLEMENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PURPOSES WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FIRST PART OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992 ENABLES THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUE OF DISABLED PERSON’S PARKING PERMITS AND TO EXEMPT THE HOLDERS OF SUCH PERMITS FROM PAYMENT OF METER FEES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS EXEMPTION RELEASED DISABLED DRIVERS WITH WALKING DIFFICULTY FROM THE BURDEN OF HAVING TO RETURN TO THEIR CARS AT REGULAR INTERVALS TO PAY FEES.
THE PERMITS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING PRIVILEGED PARKING LABELS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE ISSUE OF SUCH LABELS HAD BEEN AN ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE SINCE 1972 UNDER AN AGREEMENT AMONG THE POLICE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
AS AT SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, 595 DISABLED PERSONS WERE ISSUED WITH PRIVILEGED PARKING LABELS.
THE SECOND PART OF THE BILL SEEKS TO AMEND THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO EXPRESSIVELY EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO REGULATE THE USE OF ROADS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL.
/THE SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
12
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO IMPLEMENT THE TSING YI TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TRIAL SCHEME TO DIVERT HEAVY VEHICLES FROM CENTRAL/WESTERN/NORTHERN ROADS TO SOUTHERN ROADS ON THE ISLAND DURING NIGHT HOURS.
"THE SCHEME, WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON A TRIA1 BASIS FOR THREE MONTHS, WILL BRING RELIEF TO THE MAJORITY OF TSING YI RESIDENTS FROM NIGHT-TIME TRAFFIC NOISE DISTURBANCES CAUSED BY HEAVY VEHICLES,-4'' HE SAID.
THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN CONSULTED ON THE RESPECTIVE PARTS OF THE PROPOSAL AND HAVE SUPPORTED IT.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WAS ALSO CONSULTED ON THE TRIAL SCHEME IN MARCH 1991 AND MEMBERS GENERALLY SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL.
THE BOARD WILL BE FURTHER CONSULTED BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRIAL SCHEME.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ON NOVEMBER 18.
------0-------
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR AU TAU WATER TREATMENT WORKS
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED A $260 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE STAGE II EXTENSION OF THE AU TAU WATER TREATMENT WORKS.
THE EXTENSION, AIMED AT HELPING TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR POTABLE WATER IN YUEN LONG, TIN SHUT WAI AND TUEN MUN AREAS, WILL HAVE A DAILY CAPACITY OF 220,000 CUBIC METRES AND A TOTAL ULTIMATE DAILY CAPACITY OF 330,000 CUBIC METRES ON COMPLETION.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIX CLARIFIERS, 14 RAPID GRAVITY FILTERS AND A SLUDGE THICKENING TANK.
WORKS ARE ALSO REQUIRED FOR THE EXTENSION OF CONTACT TANK, TREATED WATER AND PRIMARY SERVICE RESERVOIRS, PIPELINES, SLUDGE DEWATERING FACILITIES AND THE SUPPLY AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PLANT.
WORKS ON THIS CONTRACT WILL START THIS MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, THE CIVIL AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS ARE COMBINED TO ALLOW THE RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE OF BOTH CONTRACTORS TO BE SHARED.
/THIS WOULD .......
13
■FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
THIS WOULD LEAD TO A MORE COST-EFFECTIVE PLANT DESIGN AND MINIMISE POTENTIAL DELAYS BY ELIMINATING INTERFACE PROBLEMS NORMALLY EXPERIENCED IN THE CONVENTIONAL, SEPARATE CONTRACTS.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES OF A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY AND HYDROPOWBK ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED AND PWT (HK) LIMITED.
------0-------
APPLICATIONS FOR OPERATING NEW MINIBUS ROUTES INVITED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF 19 NEW GREEN MINIBUS (GMB) ROUTES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
DETAILS OF THE ROUTES AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE 19 ROUTES WERE GROUPED INTO 12 PACKAGES AND INCLUDED A 24-HOUR SERVICE BETWEEN WAH KWAI ESTATE AND TIN WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND AN ALL-NIGHT SERVICE BETWEEN MONG KOK AND KAM YING COURT.
"AN APPLICANT MAY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION ONLY. IF A POTENTIAL APPLICANT CANNOT SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT IN RESPECT OF THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES FOR ANY PARTICULAR PACKAGE, HE SHOULD NOT APPLY FOR IT," HE SAID.
PRESCRIBED APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM:
* TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 41ST FLOOR, WANCHAI
TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI;
* KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICES, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, 7TH FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN ROAD, KOWLOON;
* HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 MURRAY ROAD, CENTRAL;
* KWUN TONG LICENSING OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 12 LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KWUN TONG; AND
* SHA TIN LICENSING OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY REGISTERED MAIL TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 4 THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT APPLICATIONS BY ANY OTHER MEANS OR LATE SUBMISSIONS WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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/14 .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
- 14 -
FACE-LIFT FOR WAN ON STREET ♦ t * ♦
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO GIVE A FACE-LIFT TO WAN ON STREET IN HUNG HOM.
THE AFFECTED STREET FALLS WITHIN KOWLOON MARINE LOT NO. 52 AND ITS EXTENSION.
UNDER THE PLAN, THE EXISTING CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTWAY WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED WHILE IMPROVEMENT WILL ALSO BE MADE TO THE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND UNDERGROUND SERVICES.
AT PRESENT, WAN ON STREET IS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND MANAGED BECAUSE IT IS UNDER MULTIPLE SUBDIVIDED OWNERSHIP.
THE POOR CONDITION RESULTED IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND ACCESS PROBLEMS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY, IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, TO RESUME THIS PRIVATE STREET TO ENSURE ITS PROPER MAINTENANCE AND USE.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN AUGUST 1994 AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE, HE ADDED.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROJECT CAN BE SEEN IN THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, YAU MA TEI; AND
* KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 141-143 KAU PUT LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JANUARY 5 NEXT YEAR.
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/15........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
15
TA KWU LING LOTS TO BE RESUMED » ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME FIVE PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS IN TA KWU LING, NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LANDFILL AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF WELLS AND PIPELINES FOR SUPPLYING IRRIGATION WATER.
TWO OF THE LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 1,601 SQUARE METRES WILL BE RESUMED IN KONG YIU FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL PHASE II.
THE OTHER THREE LOTS ARE IN HA HEUNG YUEN AND COVER A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 412 SQUARE METRES.
THEY ARE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERIES OF DEEP WELLS AND PIPELINES FOR SUPPLYING IRRIGATION WATER TO THE AREA WHERE SUPPLY IS EXPECTED TO BE AFFECTED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LANDFILL.
THESE LOTS WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION HAVE BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
------0-------
CARNIVAL FOR RESIDENTS IN SOUTHERN * * * ♦
A LARGE-SCALE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN ABERDEEN PROMENADE IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8), BEGINNING AT 1 PM.
THE CARNIVAL IS BELIEVED TO BE THE LARGEST EVER IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FOUR-HOUR CARNIVAL IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE A HUGE AIR-FILLED LABYRINTH AND A PHOTOGRAPH CORNER WHERE RESIDENTS CAN TAKE FREE INSTANT PICTURES OF THEMSELVES AGAINST A LARGE CARICATURE BACKDROP WHICH DEPICTS THE MANY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE MORE THAN 20 GAME STALLS AND HANDICRAFT STANDS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE AN EXHIBITION ON THE HISTORY AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE DISTRICT, FEATURING HISTORIC PICTURES DATING BACK TO THE 19TH CENTURY AS WELL AS THE MORE CURRENT ONES.
TWO VENUES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR A VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, RANGING FROM CHINESE AND WESTERN DANCES, SINGING, INSTRUMENT PERFORMANCES TO DRAMAS, KUNGFU DEMONSTRATIONS AND ACROBATIC SHOWS.
A 10-MEMBER BAGPIPE BAND WILL ALSO CONDUCT DRILLS TO ADD TO THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
16
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE (SDFOC) SAID THE CARNIVAL WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH POOLED RESOURCES FROM THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART, HE ADDED.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE; THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; SDFOC*S CHAIRPERSON, MRS SO CHAU YIM-PING; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF ITS WORKING GROUP ON THE CARNIVAL, MR KO TAM-KAN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8) IN ABERDEEN PROMENADE.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 1.45 PM.
------0-------
LOCKHART ROAD CARNIVAL ♦ * * ♦
TROUPES OF DANCERS, MUSICIANS AND JUGGLERS WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8) FOR THE LOCKHART ROAD CARNIVAL.
BILLED AS THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE ONGOING WAN CHAI FESTIVAL, THE STREET CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE SOUTH AMERICAN DANCES, CHINESE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AND WESTERN BAND PERFORMANCES.
TEN PERFORMING GROUPS, INCLUDING THE FRINGE CLUB AND THE GUANGZHOU LIWAN ’’SHAONIAN GONG”, WILL PRESENT SHOWS FROM NOON TO 7 PM AT THE SECTION BETWEEN LUARD ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD.
HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE ’’SHAONIAN GONG” OR YOUNG ARTISTS’ GROUP WHICH COMPRISES 30 YOUNGSTERS AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 13.
THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE 47 FOOD STALLS AND HANDICRAFTS STANDS ON THE PAVEMENTS, WILL ENSURE AN ENTERTAINING AFTERNOON.
REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG; WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR LEE MING-KWAI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 12.15 PM.
/THE EVENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
17
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE WAN CHAI FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE WAN CHAI TENANTS ASSOCIATION AND TWO AREA COMMITTEES, WITH HELP FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND PRIVATE SECTOR SPONSORSHIPS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LOCKHART ROAD CARNIVAL FROM NOON TO 7 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8) AT THE SECTION BETWEEN LUARD ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 12.15 PM.
-----0-------
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR SHAM SHUT PO
*****
MISS LINDA LAI WAI-MING WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHAM SHUT PO TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
MISS LAI, AGED 30, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1984 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER.
SHE HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS POLICY BRANCHES, INCLUDING CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, SECURITY BRANCH AND FINANCE BRANCH.
HER LAST POSTING WAS ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE FINANCE BRANCH.
------0--------
HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF COMMENDED FOR LONG SERVICE
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED CERTIFICATES TO 163 STAFF MEMBERS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN THE GOVERNMENT.
THEY INCLUDED DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER SUPPORTING STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.
AT A CEREMONY HELD THIS AFTERNOON, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, PRESENTED THE CERTIFICATES TO THEM WHO HAD SERVED THE GOVERNMENT FOR 20 OR 30 YEARS.
UNDER THE LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE AWARD SCHEME, CERTIFICATES ARE AWARDED TO CIVILIAN STAFF WHO HAVE SERVED THE GOVERNMENT FOR 20 OR 30 YEARS AND WHO HAVE RECEIVED GOOD REPORTS IN THE PAST 10 YEARS.
/IN HIS ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
18
IN HIS ADDRESS, DR LEE THANKED THE RECIPIENTS FOR THEIR HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND CO-OPERATION WHICH HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE TERRITORY’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAD RECENTLY BEEN CHOSEN TOGETHER WITH SIX OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO LAUNCH THE PHASE I OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES SCHEME.
THE SCHEME MARKED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
HE APPEALED TO ALL STAFF MEMBERS FOR THEIR FULL SUPPORT, CO-OPERATION AND PARTICIPATION.
"YOUR PARTICIPATION WILL HELP EXTEND OUR CARING ATTITUDE TO EVERY RESIDENT AND PATIENT,” DR LEE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE GENERALLY GOOD LEVEL OF HEALTH OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WAS WELL REFLECTED IN THE ENCOURAGING HEALTH INDICES AND THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS MADE IN HEALTH SERVICES AND THE CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT THREE YEARS AGO, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS BEEN WORKING TO IMPROVE ITS SERVICES AND TO DEVELOP INTO A "CARING DEPARTMENT", DR LEE ADDED.
"I FIRMLY ASSURE ALL COLLEAGUES THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR MORE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STAFF --- A VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR US," HE SAID.
THESE WILL INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING ENVIRONMENT, PARTNERSHIP IN HEALTH, ENHANCEMENT OF THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT, AND MORE TRAINING PROSPECTS FOR STAFF.
THE DIRECTOR LOOKED FORWARD TO ALL COLLEAGUES GIVING CONTINUED SUPPORT AND EXERCISING THEIR PROFESSIONAL SPIRIT TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY AND EFFICIENT SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
------9-------
POSTMAN AWARDED IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT SENIOR POSTMAN MR LEUNG YUN-KAN HAD BEEN AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL BY THE QUEEN ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER SERVING IN THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE FOR OVER 39 YEARS.
MR LEUNG, AGED 60, JOINED THE POST OFFICE IN 1953 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SENIOR POSTMAN TN 1989.
DURING HIS LONG CAREER, HE HAS SPENT A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOADING AND UNLOADING OF MAIL TRAINS FROM CHINA.
/HE IS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
- 19 -
HE IS THEREFORE ONE OF THE FEW HONG KONG POSTMEN TO HAVE DIRECT, PERSONAL CONTACT WITH HIS CHINESE COUNTERPARTS WITH WHOM HE HAS MAINTAINED SMOOTH WORKING RELATIONS OVER THE YEARS.
MR PAGLIARI DESCRIBED MR LEUNG AS AN OUTSTANDING SENIOR POSTMAN WHO DEMONSTRATED INITIATIVE AND ENTHUSIASM.
"MR LEUNG HAS SET A WORTHY EXAMPLE WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION TO DUTY," HE SAID.
FOR COLLEAGUES
WITH HIS
MR LEUNG RECEIVED WARM CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE GOVERNOR, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON THE HONOUR.
--------0-----------
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT TO PROMOTE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES IN MONG KOK
* * * * *
A SEVEN-A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT AIMED AT ENCOURAGING YOUNGSTERS TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND TO STAY AWAY FROM CRIME WILL BE HELD AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN MONG KOK THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
THE TOURNAMENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
A KICK-OFF CEREMONY WILL BE HELD PRIOR TO THE MATCHES.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER (MONG KOK), MR C J GLOVER; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR CHAN KWOK-MING; ASSISTANT MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT TANG AND MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS TAM CHEUNG KIT-YING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TOURNAMENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 8) AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK.
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/20 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1992
20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +2,500
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 4,000
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.5 *+0.1* 6.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.66 PCT 13 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.38 3.90
1 MONTH 2.79 PCT 16 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.48 4.33
3 MONTHS 3.17 PCT 19 MONTHS 2405 5.502 101.48 4.54
6 MONTHS 3.33 PCT 22 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.50 4.72
12 MONTHS 3.92 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,220 MN
CLOSED 6 NOVEMBER 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPOSALS SHOULD BE FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE, GOVERNOR ............. 1
GOVT RESPONSES TO LI HOU'S STATEMENT ................................
TRANSCRIPT OF A SPEECH BY HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES AT THE BUSINESS
LEADERS FORUM .....................................................
TRANSCRIPT OF THE CONCLUDING ADDRESS BY HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES AT THE BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM ............................................ 4
TRANSCRIPT OF A SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AT THE BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM .................................. 7
THE PRINCE PROMOTES HOSPICE CARE ....................................
CYCLISTS TO PROMOTE ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION .............................
TEACHERS REQUIRE UPDATED PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ........................ 10
VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTION .................................. 11
EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED ........................................... 12
OPTICAL GOODS INDUSTRY FARES WELL ................................... 12
CHINESE DANCE TROUPE TO PERFORM IN HONG KONG ........................ 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 14
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
1
PROPOSALS SHOULD BE FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE, GOVERNOR * It * *
PROPOSALS FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS SHOULD BE FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING THE PRINCE OF WALES BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM AT HONG KONG PARK, HE SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED THAT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER HIS VISIT TO PEKING, DIRECTOR LU PING ACCEPTED THAT THOSE CRITERIA OF FAIRNESS, OPENNESS AND ACCEPTABILITY WERE THE RIGHT ONES TO APPLY.
"ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BRING FORWARD PROPOSALS WHICH MEET THOSE CRITERIA IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND MONTHS WILL BE EXTREMELY WELCOMED," HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO REPORTS THAT SOME BUSINESSMEN WILL BE WANTING TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS, HE SAID: " I THINK THAT THERE ARE TWO IMPORTANT THINGS WHICH I’M SURE THAT THEY WILL WANT TO REMEMBER.
"THE FIRST THING IS THAT IT’S NOT ENOUGH JUST TO PUT FORWARD RATHER GENERAL PROPOSALS; ANY PROPOSALS FOR ELECTIONS HAVE TO BE PRECISE AND SPECIFIC AS WELL AS COHERENT, AND MEETING THE CRITERIA THAT I MENTIONED.
"SECONDLY, I’M SURE THAT ANY BUSINESSMEN PUTTING FORWARD PROPOSALS WOULD WANT TO AVOID SEEING A GAP OPENING UP BETWEEN WHAT SOME BUSINESSMEN HAD TO SAY AND WHAT CLEARLY THE COMMUNITY WANTS. THE COMMUNITY PLAINLY WANTS TO HAVE A RATHER GREATER SHARE, A MODEST INCREASE IN THE SHARE THAT IT HAS IN RUNNING IT’S OWN AFFAIRS AND DETERMINING IT’S OWN FUTURE.
"SO I HOPE THAT ANY PROPOSALS THAT COME FORWARD TAKE ACCOUNT OF THAT AND THAT WE DON’T SEE A DIVIDE OPENING UP, BECAUSE THAT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE DAMAGING WHEN WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IS THE BROADEST POSSIBLE BASE OF AGREEMENT FOR THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THIS TERRITORY."
"BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO DEBATE AND WILL HAVE TO DECIDE," HE ADDED.
"AND WHAT I WANT TO DO IS TO SEE, INSTEAD OF CRITICISMS, I WANT TO SEE ANYONE WHO’S GOT ANY IDEAS OF PUTTING THEM FORWARD IN A CONSTRUCTIVE AND CALM WAY. RATHER LIKE THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG HAS DONE."
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID: "WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT IS HONG KONG, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG HAVING A RATHER SLIGHTLY GREATER SHARE IN DETERMINING THEIR OWN AFFAIRS WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH WAS AGREED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM."
/2 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
2
GOVT RESPONSES TO LI * * * *
HOU’S STATEMENT *
IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS BY THE MEDIA FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMENTS ON A STATEMENT MADE BY MR LI HOU IN A MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE CHINESE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS TODAY, THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS SECRETARY, MR MIKE HANSON MADE THE FOLLOWING
STATEMENT:
" MR LI HOU HAS EXPLAINED THE CHINESE POSITION, BUT I REGRET TO SAY THERE APPEARS TO BE NOTHING NEW IN HIS STATEMENT. THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS ARE ENTIRELY IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION , THE BASIC LAW IS COMPLETELY SILENT ON THE 1994 AND 1995 ELECTIONS AND THERE WAS NO SECRET DEAL IN 1990.
IF THE CHINESE SIDE OR ANYONE ELSE HAS SPECIFIC PROPOSALS TO PUT FORWARD FOR THE 1994 AND 1995 ELECTIONS, I HOPE THEY WILL DO SO. BUT THE CHINESE SIDE AND THE BRITISH SIDE HAVE AGREED THAT WHATEVER ARRANGEMENT WE PUT IN PLACE MUST COMPLY WITH THREE PRINCIPLES - THEY MUST BE FAIR, THEY MUST BE OPEN AND THEY MUST COMMAND THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
MR PATTEN’S PROPOSALS ARE FAIR, ARE OPEN AND THEY COMMAND THE SUPPORT OF THE LARGE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW MR LI HOU’S CONCLUDING REMARKS WILL DO ANYTHING TO SECURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION AND STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG."
--------0-----------
TRANSCRIPT OF A SPEECH BY HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES AT THE BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM *****
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
IF I MAY SAY HOW PI,EASED I AM TO HAVE THIS CHANCE OF BEING HERE TODAY. THE TROUBLE WITH THESE SORT OF OCCASIONS IS I NEVER KNOW WHAT KIND OF ENVIRONMENT I’M GOING TO FIND MYSELF IN FOR THESE FORUM GATHERINGS, AND THIS WAS NOT EXACTLY WHAT I WAS EXPECTING. HOWEVER, I HOPE YOU CAN HEAR ALL RIGHT.
THE OTHER THING, TOO, IS WHEN I WAS SITTING DOWN THERE LOOKING AT THIS PLATFORM, IT DID RATHER REMIND ME OF SOME KIND OF RATHER ESOTERIC POLITICAL RALLY, AND I HAVE A DREADFUL FEELING THAT YOU COULD ALREADY INVENT THE TABLOID HEADLINES TO GO WITH IT: "GREEN PRINCE IN NEW RED SHOCK" OR SOMETHING EQUALLY FATUOUS. - AND THEY’RE ALL HERE TODAY SPECIALLY FOR IT.
BUT THE GREAT THING ABOUT IT IS OF COURSE, THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME PRACTICALLY EVER, WE’VE ACTUALLY GOT A LEVEL PLAYING-FIELD FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN WHICH TO FUNCTION IN THIS PARTICULAR AREA, AND IT MAY BE THE ONLY PLACE WHERE THERE IS A LEVEL PLAYING-FIELD - IN A SPORTS-HALL - BUT WE SHALL SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
/BUT IF .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
3
BUT IF I MAY SAY SO, I WAS DELIGHTED TO HAVE A CHANCE LAST NIGHT AT DINNER, TO SEE A FEW OF YOU ANYWAY, AND AGAIN, I AM PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL THAT YOU HAVE ALL TAKEN THE TROUBLE TO COME BACK AGAIN TODAY, AND I THINK ROBERT HAS FORCED YOU INTO LITTLE GROUPS TO GO ROUND DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG LOOKING AT VARIOUS EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICE AND ALSO TALKING ABOUT DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF THIS PARTICULAR SUBJECT. AND I DO THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS - OR I FEEL ANYWAY - IS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE AT LEAST TO GO AND LOOK AND TO LEARN FOR THEMSELVES, AND MY PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE IN BRITAIN, OF TRYING TO DRAG BUSINESS LEADERS FROM BEHIND THEIR DESKS IN LONDON, TO COME WITH ME TO LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL, LEEDS, GLASGOW OR WHEREVER, TO SEE THE PROBLEMS AT FIRSTHAND, AND TO FIND OUT ABOUT THEM, HAS MADE AN ENORMOUS DIFFERENCE IN TERMS OF PEOPLE BELIEVING THROUGH SEEING.
I’VE ALSO LEARNT THAT IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW MANY LETTERS YOU WRITE TO PEOPLE OR HOW MANY VIDEOS YOU SEND THEM, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTUALLY SEEING FOR YOURSELF, AND THAT, I HOPE, HAS BEEN AT LEAST PART OF THE EQUATION IN THE LAST DAY-AND-A-HALF. SO IF NOTHING ELSE, THE GREAT THING IS THAT MAYBE YOU WILL HAVE SEEN SOMETHING THAT WILL GIVE YOU NEW IDEAS, FOOD FOR THOUGHT, AND SO ON.
AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, I HOPE THAT THIS WILL HAVE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY, IN A SMALL WAY, FOR ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE TO SIT DOWN TOGETHER WITH EACH OTHER, PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE AND DIFFERENT SECTORS OF SOCIETY, DIFFERENT GROUPS AND SO ON, BECAUSE AGAIN IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF OPERATING IS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND SIT THEM DOWN TOGETHER, PEOPLE WHO DON’T NORMALLY DO SO. AND AGAIN, A THING THAT I FIND QUITE REMARKABLE, IN MY EXPERIENCE, IS THE NUMBER OF TIMES THAT I’VE HAD GATHERINGS OF PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS, TO FIND THAT THEY’D NEVER ACTUALLY SAT DOWN WITH EACH OTHER BEFORE AND TALKED ABOUT THESE SORTS OF VARIOUS ISSUES. AND THAT IN ITSELF, HAS BEEN ENORMOUSLY VALUABLE TO THOSE PEOPLE ONCE THEY’VE MET TOGETHER.
AND THAT’S ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I’VE, AGAIN, BEEN PARTICULARLY KEEN, WITHIN MY BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM ORGANISATION, TO BRING IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY GROUPS, ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE LIKE THAT, WHO BRING AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO THE WHOLE DISCUSSION. AND VERY OFTEN IT HELPS PEOPLE TO OVERCOME THEIR NATURAL SUSPICION OR PREJUDICES ABOUT EACH OTHER; AND THOSE PREJUDICES ARE VERY REAL INDEED, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
AND NOW, AS A RESULT OF SITTING DOWN WITH A WELL-KNOWN AGITATOR LIKE JONATHAN PORRITT, WHO IS ALSO HERE TODAY, YOU’LL DISCOVER WHAT A REMARKABLE SORT OF PERSON HE IS, ALONG WITH ALL SORTS OF OTHERS WHO'VE COME FROM OTHER COUNTRIES WHO’VE BEEN INVOLVED FOR MANY YEARS IN DOING SOME REMARKABLE THINGS AGAINST ALL SORTS OF HAZARDS AND DIFFICULTIES. SO I MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO THE REMAINING DISCUSSIONS AND TO HEARING SOME OF THE REPORTS BACK OF YOUR EXPERIENCES SO FAR. BUT AGAIN, I’M MOST GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR TAKING THE TROUBLE TO BE HERE.
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/4 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7,
1992
4
TRANSCRIPT OF THE CONCLUDING ADDRESS BY HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES AT THE BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM *****
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
THE TROUBLE IS, WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME THAT HAS TO DO THIS? THIS IS THE PROBLEM, WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY PARTICULAR STRANDS THAT HAVE TO BE DRAWN TOGETHER. BUT I PROMISE YOU I WON’T TAKE VERY LONG BECAUSE I’M SURE EVERYBODY WANTS TO GO AND HAVE LUNCH, OR AT LEAST A RELATIVELY STIFF DRINK, AFTER HAVING BEEN LOCKED IN THIS SPORTS-HALL ALL MORNING.
BUT I DID PARTICULARLY WANT TO THANK ALL THE PARTICIPANTS, THOSE WHO’VE SO KINDLY COME HERE FROM MILES AWAY TO ILLUSTRATE - AND SOME NEAR AT HAND - TO ILLUSTRATE SOME OF THE INTERESTING EXAMPLES OF WHAT CAN BE DONE, THAT ARE BEING DONE ALREADY, SO OFTEN UNKNOWN TO SO MANY PEOPLE BECAUSE MOST OF US ARE LIVING IN OUR OWN PARTICULAR FURROW AND IT’S VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND OUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE’S FURROWS CONTAIN. SO I HOPE THIS KIND OF GATHERING HELPS THAT PROCESS OF FINDING OUT AND BECOMING MORE AWARE.
I’M ALSO PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR FOR HAVING AGREED TO SPEAK, SO ELOQUENTLY, AND I THOUGHT SO ENCOURAGINGLY, ABOUT THE KIND OF DIRECTION WHICH NEEDS TO BE TAKEN IF WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A CHANCE OF ENSURING THAT THE FOLLOW-UP TO WHAT TOOK PLACE IN RIO DE JANEIRO EARLIER THIS YEAR, ACTUALLY IS CARRIED OUT IN A SENSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE MANNER. IT DOES SEEM TO ME SO OFTEN THAT YOU HAVE THESE SORT OF EVENTS, FREQUENTLY - YOU HAVE UNITED NATIONS YEARS OF THIS, THAT OR THE OTHER - AND IT’S ALL VERY WELL BECAUSE EVERYTHING HAPPENS DURING THAT YEAR AND EVERYBODY GETS FRIGHTFULLY EXCITED AND COMMITTEES ARE FORMED ALL OVER THE WORLD IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES, BUT THEN AT THE END OF THAT YEAR, SO OFTEN, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS FROM THEN ON. AND IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE REALLY CRUCIAL PART ABOUT RIO AND ITS GATHERING THERE, IS HOW TO BUILD ON THE VARIOUS DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS THAT WERE MADE THERE.
AND THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF ALL, OF COURSE, IS THIS ONE OF HOW TO CREATE THE KIND OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, WHICH BOTH THE GOVERNOR WAS TALKING ABOUT, AND ALSO JONATHAN PORRITT, FAR MORE ELOQUENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY THAN I EVER CAN. BUT IT IS A CHALLENGE, AND I THINK THE TROUBLE IS THAT WE’RE SO ASSAULTED NOWADAYS BY JARGON OF EVERY KIND, THAT IT SOMETIMES OBSCURES THE REAL POINT OF THIS WHOLE EXERCISE, CERTAINLY AS FAR AS I SEE IT. AND I THINK IT’S ALSO MORE DIFFICULT FOR US - MOST PEOPLE NOW ARE URBAN-MINDED.
THERE ARE STILL, IN SO-CALLED DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, OBVIOUSLY, A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE STILL LIVING IN RURAL AREAS. THE DIFFICULTY, IT SEEMS TO ME, IS WHEN YOU’RE LIVING IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT YOU TEND TO LOSE TOUCH WITH SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN LIFE WHICH I THINK HAVE ALWAYS TENDED TO REMIND PEOPLE OF THE NEED TO THINK A LITTLE BIT FURTHER THAN JUST TODAY, IN TERMS OF THE CONCERN FOR THOSE WHO COME AFTER US. AND REALLY, I THINK IT BOILS DOWN TO HAVING A DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY AND, FROM VARIOUS POINTS OF VIEW, HUMILITY, TO APPRECIATE WHAT ACTUALLY IS REQUIRED.
/I ALSO .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
5
I ALSO FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT THERE IS NO CHANCE OF EVER REALLY ACHIEVING VERY MUCH, IT SEEMS TO ME, IN THIS SORT OF FIELD, WITHOUT VERY STRONG, COMMITTED, ENTHUSIASTIC LEADERSHIP FROM THE TOP. AND I DO FEEL THAT IN ALL COMPANIES, THAT ANY MOVE THAT IS MADE IS MOST SUCCESSFUL IF IT COMES FROM THE VERY TOP, AND THIS IS WHERE 1 HOPE, GRADUALLY BIT BY BIT, WE CAN HELP TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMPANY CHAIRMEN TO REALISE THAT THERE ARE USEFUL THINGS TO BE GAINED FROM TAKING A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT APPROACH AND REALISING THAT WHAT HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN CONSIDERED A COST, ON THE ACCOUNTS AS IT WERE, CAN EASILY BE SEEN, ULTIMATELY, AS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT AND A GAIN, IN THE LONGER TERM.
AND I DO BELIEVE, FUNDAMENTALLY, THAT THOSE BUSINESSES WHO SEE THIS POINT AND HAVE THE FAR-SIGHTEDNESS TO REALISE THAT IT’S WORTH INVESTING IN ENERGY-SAVING SYSTEMS AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS THAT YOU’VE ALREADY HEARD ABOUT FOR THE LAST DAY OR TWO, THAT IT ACTUALLY WILL MAKE THE BUSINESS MORE PROFITABLE AND MORE EFFECTIVE. LET ALONE THE OTHER ELEMENTS IN THE EQUATION WHICH ARE THE SOCIAL ONES, AND THE EFFECT THAT THESE PARTICULAR MEASURES CAN HAVE ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND ON THE HEALTH OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND ON THE HEALTH AND THE WEALTH, AS IT WERE, OF THE CONSUMERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR PARTICULAR PRODUCT. SO I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFINITE BUSINESS CASE IN TERMS OF SAVING MONEY AND MAKING MONEY, WHEN YOU START TO CONSIDER SOME OF THESE THINGS WE’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT, MORE CAREFULLY.
I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE OTHER AREAS IN WHICH BUSINESS CAN GAIN, PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION. AND AS JONATHAN PORR1TT WAS SAYING, THERE ARE A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE "OUT THERE" - YOUNGER ONES IN PARTICULAR - WHO ARE PUTTING MORE PRESSURE, I THINK, ON MANY PEOPLE, TO SEE THAT AN INVESTMENT IN THESE SORTS OF AREAS, IN ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY, CAN PRODUCE ENORMOUS DIVIDENDS. AND THOSE PEOPLE WHO SEE THIS ARE THE ONES, I THINK, WHO STAND TO HAVE THE BIGGEST SUCCESS IN A VERY BIG MARKET.
AND FINALLY, ONE OF THE REASONS THAT I WAS VERY KEEN TO START THIS BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM IN THE FIRST PLACE, TWO YEARS AGO -AND I APOLOGISE TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE HEARD THIS BEFORE - WAS BECAUSE I FELT THAT IN THE AFTERMATH OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED TN EASTERNCENTRAL EUROPE AND THE FORMER SOVIET UNION, WHERE THE EXPERIENCE OF STATE INTERVENTION ON A PARTICULARLY LARGE SCALE HAS TENDED TO BE EXTREMELY UNFORTUNATE TO SAY THE LEAST, THAT IF THERE IS LIKELY TO BE ANY CHANCE OF ANY REASONABLY BALANCED SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE, IT DOES SEEM TO ME THAT WITHIN A FREE-MARKET FRAMEWORK IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL FOR BUSINESS, FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO ACCEPT NEWER RESPONSIBILITIES; THE KIND OF RESPONSIBILITIES THAT HAVE NOT NECESSARILY BEEN TAUGHT IN BUSINESS SCHOOLS FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS. AND THAT, AGAIN, IS ANOTHER ELEMENT TN THE EQUATION, THAT I BELIEVE WE NEED TO THINK MORE CAREFULLY AND REVIEW THE KIND OF EDUCATION THAT BUSINESS SCHOOLS ARE PROVIDING. AND THERE ARE SOME VERY GOOD EXAMPLES ALREADY OF CHANGES IN THIS AREA.
/BUT THEN .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
6
BUT THEN IF STATE INTERVENTION ON THE SCALE THAT WE’VE SEEN IN SOME OF THESE COUNTRIES, HAS MADE A MESS - AND MR PATTEN, THE GOVERNOR, MENTIONED EASTERN EUROPE - THEN BUSINESS, I BELIEVE, WITH ALL ITS SKILLS AND MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE AND SO ON AND SO FORTH, COULD PERHAPS SEE IF IT CAN DO ANY BETTER. BUT, IT SEEMS TO ME ALSO, IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PUBLIC SECTOR, WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, WITH NGO’S, WITH ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THESE AREAS. AND AS THE GOVERNOR SAID, THE SECRET SEEMS TO BE, ALTHOUGH NOTHING IS IDEAL, AT LEAST ONE SECRET PERHAPS IS THE KIND OF FRAMEWORK WHICH IS PROVIDED FOR PEOPLE TO OPERATE WITHIN.
SO, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I HOPE THAT THIS PARTICULAR GATHERING HAS GIVEN YOU SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT. AT LEAST, SO OFTEN IN MY EXPERIENCE, PEOPLE, WHEN YOU TALK TO THEM ABOUT SOME OF THESE ISSUES, IMMEDIATELY REACT AND SAY, "OH, WE CAN’T DO THIS, IT’S TOO DIFFICULT”, AND "IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE", AND "YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND, I’M TOO BUSY", AND ALL THAT SORT OF THING, BUT IN FACT YOU FIND FREQUENTLY - I DO THIS MYSELF, I GO AWAY AND THINK ABOUT IT LATER IN THE BATH OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT - AND THEN YOU SUDDENLY START TO THINK, WELL PERHAPS THERE IS SOMETHING HERE THAT WE COULD LOOK AT A LITTLE BIT MORE CLOSELY. SO 1 HOPE THAT AT LEAST, IF NOTHING ELSE, YOU MAY STOP AND THINK IN YOUR BATH, OR IN THE CAR BACK TO WHEREVER IT IS YOU’RE GOING, AND THAT MAYBE SOME NEWER THOUGHTS AND ACTION WILL TAKE PLACE HERE IN HONG KONG, AND IN CLOSER RELATIONSHIP PERHAPS WITH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. AND IN THAT SENSE 1 AM DELIGHTED AND GRATIFIED THAT THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS BEEN ABLE TO BE HERE TODAY, AND I HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPED, AND A FRUITFUL ONE, IN THAT PARTICULAR AREA.
AND THE FINAL THING TO DO IS TO THANK ROBERT DAVIES HERE, FOR HIS EXTREMELY SKILFUL HANDLING OF THIS WHOLE EXERCISE. WITHOUT HIS ENTHUSIASM AND EXTRAORDINARY ORGANISATION, WITH HIS VERY SMALL TEAM, NONE OF IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE, AND I AM ENORMOUSLY GRATEFUL TO YOU, ROBERT.
SO, THANK YOU, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT LUNCH.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
7
TRANSCRIPT OF A SPEECH BY
THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AT THE
THE GOVERNOR, BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM
YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS, LORD YOUNG, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
AS 1 SAID AT THE MAGNIFICENT DINNER WHICH THE HONGKONG BANK HOSTED LAST NIGHT, I DO VERY WARMLY WELCOME YOUR CHOICE OF HONG KONG AS A VENUE FOR THIS FORUM AND LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO YOU, SIR, FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE FORUM AND TO THIS IMPORTANT CONFERENCE IN PARTICULAR.
YOU HAVE, SIR, GIVEN A COURAGEOUS INTERNATIONAL LEAD ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND WE ARE IMMENSELY PLEASED THAT YOU'VE BROUGHT THIS ALL IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO HONG KONG THIS WEEKEND. TO SOME EXTENT, I SUSPECT THAT IN THE OECD COUNTRIES AT LEAST, SOME OP THE IMPERATIVE NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MESSAGE HAS BEEN BLUNTED BY THE RECESSION, OR THE "FLAT RECOVERY” AS IT IS SOMETIMES CALLED, THAT THOSE COUNTRIES HAVE ENDURED FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. BUT WE SHOULD NOT FORGET, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. WHAT THAT MESSAGE AMOUNTS TO. IT’S BASICALLY, I THINK, A REMINDER FIRST, OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY, AND SECOND, A REMINDER OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF COLLECTIVE ACTION.
LET ME EXPLAIN FOR A MOMENT WHAT I MEAN. FIRST, HUMILITY: EVER SINCE THE EUROPEAN ENLIGHTENMENT, WE’VE BELIEVED THAT WHATEVER MEN AND WOMEN DID, WHATEVER THE ADVANCES IN SCIENCE, WHATEVER THE INCREASE IN TRADE OR ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE ENVIRONMENT WE LIVED IN WOULD STAY EXACTLY THE SAME. NOW WE KNOW THAT THAT IS NO LONGER TRUE. THE WAY WE MULTIPLY, THE WAY INDUSTRY USES UP NATURAL RESOURCES, THE WAY WE POISON OUR AIR, POISON THE WATER, POISON THE LAND, THOSE THINGS LITERALLY THREATEN THE BALANCE OF NATURE. SO WE CAN’T GO ON ACTING, WITH THAT ENORMOUS SELF-CONFIDENCE OF THE VICTORIANS, AS THOUGH WE WERE LORDS OF NATURE; WE HAVE TO SHOW RESPECT FOR OUR PLANET OR WE’LL TURN IT INTO AN INCREASINGLY HOSTILE HABITAT FOR ALL OF US.
SECONDLY, ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEMS WE FACE, OF CLIMATE CHANGE, OF POLLUTION, OF THE THREAT TO BIO-DIVERSITY, OF POPULATION GROWTH, ARE SO DIFFICULT, THEY ARE FAR FROM INSUPERABLE. IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WE NEED TO ACT; WE NEED TO ACT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, AS WE’RE TRYING TO DO IN HONG KONG, TO CLEAN UP THE AIR WE BREATHE AND THE WATER THAT WE SWIM IN AND DRINK. AND I TAKE WHAT PETER SAID EARLIER, ABOUT SWIMMING ACROSS THE HARBOUR, AS A COLLECTIVE IF NOT A PERSONAL CHALLENGE. 1 HOPE THAT WHEN THAT’S DONE IN THE FUTURE, PETER AND I WON’T EMERGE GLOWING AND GREEN.
REGIONALLY, AS WELL, WE INCREASINGLY HAVE MORE TO DO WITH OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS. AND FOR THOSE OF US IN HONG KONG, AS I SAID LAST EVENING, WE HAVE TO WORK IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH OUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES IN GUANGDONG AND IN THE SOUTH OF CHINA, SO THAT THE ASTONISHING ECONOMIC GROWTH TO WHICH THE WHOLE WORLD IS LOOKING, DOESN’T WRECK OUR ENVIRONMENT HERE. AND GLOBALLY, I’VE LONG HELD THE VIEW THAT THE ENVIRONMENT WILL PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT PART IN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY. 1 HAPPEN, ALSO, TO SUPPORT A ROLE FOR THE UNITED NATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND POSSIBLY AS WELL, A ROLE OF SOME KIND FOR THE SECURITY COUNCIL OF THE UNITED NATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING AND ENFORCING ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES THAT ARE URGENT TO US ALL.
/WHETHER WE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
8 -
WHETHER WE SUCCEED, HOWEVER, WILL DEPEND NOT ONLY OR PRINCIPALLY ON GOVERNMENTS OR INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, BUT ON INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOUR AND ON THE WAY OUR ECONOMIES GROW AND DEVELOP. I DON’T BELIEVE FOR ONE MOMENT THAT WE CAN LEAVE EVERYTHING TO REGULATION. IF WE COULD, EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE WHICH DAVID WAS TALKING ABOUT A FEW MOMENTS AGO, WOULD BE AN ENVIRONMENTAL PARADISE, NOT, AS IS ALAS THE CASE, AN ENVIRONMENTAL WASTELAND. NOR, ON THE OTHER HAND, CAN WE LEAVE EVERYTHING TO MARKET FORCES. WHAT WE NEED IS A JUDICIOUS COMBINATION OF MARKET FORCES AND REGULATION. I’M CONVINCED THAT WE WILL MAKE THE BEST PROGRESS WORKING WITH MARKET FORCES, NOT LEAST WORKING WITH THE PRICE MECHANISM, AS WE’RE SEEKING TO DO IN CLEANING UP OUR WATER HERE IN HONG KONG, RATHER THAN WORKING AGAINST MARKET FORCES. AND IF ANYBODY DOESN’T THINK THAT USING THE PRICE MECHANISM MAKES SENSE NOT ONLY ENVIRONMENTALLY BUT ALSO AS GOOD ECONOMICS, THEY SHOULD, FOR EXAMPLE, JUST CONSIDER THE PRICE OF PETROL IN THE UNITED STATES.
MORE AND MORE, BUSINESS LEADERS LIKE YOU HAVE COME TO RECOGNISE THAT BEING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY IS NO! ONLY GOOD IN ITSELF BUT ALSO THE BEST WAY OF DOING BUSINESS. IT’S NOW A TRUISM TO SAY THAT SINCE THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION, AN AWFUL LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE MADE AN AWFUL LOT OF MONEY BY MAKING THE WORLD A MUCH DIRTIER PLACE. IT’S EQUALLY TRUE TODAY - AN EXAMPLE THAT CLICHES ARE SOMETIMES WORTH HAVING - THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL MAKE A LOT OF MONEY CLEANING UP OUR WORLD. I’M ESPECIALLY KEEN TO WORK WITH BUSINESS IN HONG KONG TN DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY TO DO PRECISELY THAT. IN THAT WAY, HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO EARN A PLACE IN THE FIRST-DIVISION IN THIS SECTOR AS IT HAS DONE IN SO MANY OTHER AREAS.
YOU ALL KNOW THAT HONG KONG IS AN ASTONISHING EXAMPLE OF A MARKET ECONOMY WORKING IN THE INTERESTS OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, A MARKET ECONOMY THAT HAS GENERATED THE WEALTH THAT WE NEED TO PAY FOR OUR IMPRESSIVE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE PROGRAMMES. IT’S BY HARNESSING THOSE SAME MARKET FORCES, NOT BY SNUFFING THEM OUT, THAT WE SHALL BE ABLE TO GENERATE THE WEALTH WE NEED TO PAY' FOR THE BEST STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. I LOOK FORWARD TO US DOING THAT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. I LOOK FORWARD TO US DOING THAT WITH OUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES IN CHINA. I LOOK FORWARD TO US GIVING AN EXAMPLE, GIVING LESSONS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD AS WE HAVE DONE IN SO MANY OTHERS, AND IN THAT WAY WE CAN CERTAINLY DISCHARGE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE FUTURE, AS WELL AS OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PRESENT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED. THE LAST TIME I CAME TO THIS GREAT HALL WAS FOR A SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP. SQUASH WOULD BE SLIGHTLY BEYOND ME TODAY, AS YOU WILL SEE WHEN I BEGIN THE LONG AND HAZARDOUS TRIP BACK TO MY SEAT, BUT I HOPE THAT AT LEAST SPEAKING HASN’T BREN AFFECTED BY MY TENNIS.
0
/9
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
9
THE PRINCE PROMOTES HOSPICE CARE
* * t * *
THE PRINCE OF WALES BEGAN HIS THIRD-DAA VISIT IN HONG KONG BY ATTENDING THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM AT THE HONG KONG PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL.
THE PRINCE THEN WALKED THROUGH THE PARK AND ATTENDED A LUNCHEON FOR DELEGATES TO THE BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM AT THE FLAGSTAFF HOUSE MUSEUM OF TEAWARE.
IN THE AFTERNOON, HE WENT TO THE BRADBURY HOSPICE IN SHA TIN WHERE HE UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HOSPICE,
THE OPENING MARKED AN IMPORTANT NEW PAGE IN HOSPICE CARE.
THE BRADBURY HOSPICE RECEIVED ITS FIRST PATIENTS IN JUNE 1992. A LAND GRANT FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBSTANTIAL DONATIONS FROM THE BRADBURY CHARITABLE TRUST AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB LAUNCHED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOSPICE ITSELF.
THE PRINCE ENDED HIS VISIT WITH A TOUR OF THE COMMUNITY ENGLISH LANGUAGE LABORATORY IN KENNEDY TOWN.
THE LABORATORY, WHICH OFFERS FREE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES AND GUIDANCE, PARTICULARLY CATERS FOR ADULT BEGINNERS AND CHILDREN.
------0-------
CYCLISTS TO PROMOTE ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION
*****
OVER 150 ENTHUSIASTIC CYCLISTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A CYCLING COMPETITION AT VICTORIA PARK, CAUSEWAY BAY, TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO PROMOTE ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION THROUGH THE PURSUIT OF HEALTHY ACTIVITIES.
ORGANISED B^ THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG CYCLING ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE COMPETITION IS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO "SAY YES TO LIFE, SAY NO TO DRUGS”.
IN THE OPEN GROUP, THE COMPETITION COMPRISES MEN’S 18-30, MEN’S 31-40 AND WOMEN’S. PARTICIPANTS FINISH 2.4 KM 3 LAPS.
THREE DIVISIONS:
ARF REQUIRED TO
FOR THE TALENTS GROUP, THE THREE DIVISIONS ARE: 4 KM 5 LAPS TEAM TIME TRIAL, 8 KM 10 LAPS 2/3 GRADE HANDICAPPED AND 24 KN 30 LAPS POINT RACE.
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS IN EACH DIVISION.
THE STARTING-OFF AND PRI ZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONIES WHICH WILL BE OFFICIATED BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (NARCOTICS), MS MAUREEN TO, ARE SCHEDULED AT 2 PM AND 5 PM RESPECTIVELY.
DISPLAY PANELS \ND QUIZ GAMES WILL ALSO BE SET UP AT THE VENUE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE HARM OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ABUSE.
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/10 .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER. 7, 1992
TEACHERS REQUIRE UPDATED PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
*****
TEACHERS TODAY ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE ON MANY MORE RESPONSIBILITIES THAN JUST TEACHING♦
THEY MUST BE AWARE OF THE CHANGES IN THE COMMUNITY AND PREPARE THE YOUNG PEOPLE FOR A RAPIDLY EVOLVING ADULT WORLD, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE FOR SERVING SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR WONG SAID:
’’THEY MUST ACQUIRE NOT ONLY UP-TO-DATE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TO TEACH PARTICULAR SCHOOL SUBJECTS, BUT ALSO EQUIP THEMSELVES WITH SUPPORTING SKILLS SO THAT THEY CAN PERFORM EFFECTIVELY IN THE SOCIAL AND CORPORATE LIFE OF THEIR SCHOOLS, INTERACT WITH STUDENTS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM, AND ESTABLISH POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE”.
ORGANISED BY THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE HAS AN ENROLMENT OF 228.
MR WONG SAID A SIMILAR COURSE WAS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AMD THERE WERE 191 PARTICIPATING TEACHERS.
’’TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO OUR TWO COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TEACHERS ENROLED THIS YEAR. REACHES A RECORD HIGH OF 653," HE SAID.
EARLIER, MR WONG SAID IN THE PAST DECADE REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES FOR BOTH GRADUATE AND NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE OPERATED BY NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
THE AIM OF THIS TYPE OF COURSE IS TO UPDATE SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ UNDERSTANDING OF MODERN TEACHING METHODS.
"WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR REFRESHER TRAINING PLACES FOR GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED RECENTLY TO COMMISSION THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HUNG KONG TO CONDUCT COURSES FOR GRADUATE TEACHERS AS FROM THIS SCHOOL YEAR, WHILE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL OPERATE COURSES FOR NON-GRADUATE AND TECHNICAL TEACHERS," HE SAID.
AS OF THIS SUMMER, A TOTAL OF 1,865 TEACHERS HAVE COMPLETED COURSES OFFERED BY THE TWO COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, HE ADDED.
WHILE PRAISING THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KQNG FOR MAKING THIS COURSE A REALITY AND FOR SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASING THE PACE OF TEACHER RETRAINING, HF SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD STRONGLY SUPPORT AND WOULD CONTINUE WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE COURSE FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
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/Il
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7,
1992
11
VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTION
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,476,000.
THE SUM WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK CC1000 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $200,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK BB78 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $150,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $5,000 EACH FOR EZ7609, CT9918 AND EZ1681 .
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
EZ7609 5,000 EZ1681 5,000 EZ162 33,000 EZ233 35,000
EY8017 W/D ♦ 6282 90,000 ♦ BB78 150,000 BB2389 40,000
EZ732 7,000 EZ911 40,000 EX21 8,000 EZ325 25,000
♦HK9595 100,000 AE316 28,000 EZ8986 8,000 ♦CC1000 200,000
EZ850 10,000 ♦ FC96 40,000 ♦FC500 75,000 EZ897 10,000
CT9918 5,000 EZ1238 23,000 EZ1668 58,000 AB2111 30,000
EZ922 17,000 EC968 38,000 AA7992 20,000 EZ4321 8,000
♦FA1818 63,000 ♦ CS64 53,000 ♦ FC4 1 35,000 ♦BN7557 16,000
EZ7772 7,000 EZ321 22,000 EZ9692 8,000 EY6968 9,000
EP1668 55,000 EY288 55,000 EY8883 38,000 EZ2133 6,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS 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 182ND ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $151,057,905.
THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR EY8017. THIS WLLL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
MARK
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/12 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
12
EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED
* * * ♦ ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED ALL EMPLOYERS OF THE REQUIREMENT TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE REMINDER FOLLOWED A RECENT CASE AT THE EASTERN MAGISTRACY IN WHICH HOP HING PRINTING COMPANY IN ABERDEEN WAS FINED $2,000 FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE A VALID INSURANCE POLICY FOR ITS EMPLOYEE.
THE OFFENCE WAS DETECTED BY LABOUR INSPECTORS DURING A ROUTINE VISIT TO THE COMPANY, WHICH EMPLOYED ONE WORKER.
’’ALL EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND UNDER COMMON LAW,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) MR JOHN SUNG EXPLAINED.
”AN INSURED EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO DISPLAY, IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE OF THE WORKPLACE, A NOTICE SHOWING THE NAME OF THE EMPLOYER AND THE NAME OF THE INSURER,” MR SUNG SAID.
’’OTHER DETAILS SHOULD INCLUDE THE POLICY NUMBER, THE DATE OF ISSUE OF THE POLICY AND THE COMMENCEMENT AND EXPIRY DATES OF THE INSURANCE PERIOD,” HE SAID.
’’THE NOTICE SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND THE EXTENT OF THE LIABILITY INSURED,” HE ADDED.
’’THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE LS A FINE OF $20,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR,” MR SUNG SAID.
------U - - - -
OPTICAL GOODS INDUSTRY FARES WELL
*****
THE OPTICAL GOODS INDUSTRY HAS ATTAINED A VERY IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT WITH PRODUCTIVITY RISING AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 19 PER CENT BETWEEN 1986 AND 1990, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG, SAID TONIGHT (SATURDAY).
THE RISE IN PRODUCTIVITY, WHICH WAS MEASURED TN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED PER PERSON ENGAGED, WAS ATTRIBUTED TO AUTOMATION, IMPROVED PRODUCT DESIGN, BETTER ORGANISATION AND INTEGRATION WITH MANUFACTURING IN SOUTHERN CHINA TO SAVE ON LABOUR AND LAND INTENSIVE PROCESSES.
SPEAKING AT THE EIGHTH INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG OPTICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, MR FUNG SAID OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE OPTICAL GOODS INDUSTRY HAD TRANSFERRED MANY OF ITS REPETITIVE AND ASSEMBLY-ORIENTED PROCESSES TO SOUTHERN CHINA, IN PARTICULAR SHENZHEN AND DONGGUAN.
HOWEVER, MANY OF THE KEY FUNCTIONS SUCH AS MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT, MOULD-MAKING AND QUALITY CONTROL WERE RETAINED IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
/IN THE ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
13
IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE INDUSTRY’S TOTAL EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO HKS1.9 BILLION, 58 PER CENT OF THIS WAS MADE UP OF RE-EXPORTS MOSTLY ORIGINATING IN CHINA FROM ENTERPRISES WORKING FOR HONG KONG COMPANIES.
LAST YEAR THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF OPTICAL GOODS ROSE 9.1 PER CENT TO HK$3.1 BILLION, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS ACCOUNTING FOR HKS1.321 MILLION, OR YBOI.'T 42 PER CENT OF THIS FIGURE.
APART FROM PRODUCTIVITY RISE, MR FUNG SAID HONG KONG’S OPTICAL FRAMES AND SPECTACLES HAD ALSO ATTAINED A REPUTATION OF INNOVATIVE DESIGN AND HIGH QUALITY IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
"OUR MANUFACTURERS ARE TO BE CONGRATULATED FOR THEIR INVESTMENT IN BETTER PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND FOR PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO PRODUCT DESIGN IN WHAT IS A HIGHLY FASHION-DRIVEN INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE INDUSTRY CAN FARE EVEN BETTER, IF IT CONTINUES TO INVEST IN PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT, BECOMES MORE CONSCIOUS OF QUALITY, AND BUILDS IIP STRONGER MARKET RESEARCH AND INNOVATE CAPABILITY," HE ADDED.
MR FUNG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG OPTICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION FOR GO-ORGANISING Till- HONG KONG OPTICAL ’92 WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO PROMOTE HONG KONG'S OPTICAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
BRINGING TOGETHER MANUFACTURERS, OPTICAL SPECIALISTS, SUPPLIERS OF MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT, AND BUYERS OF OPTICAL GOODS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, THE EVENT PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INDUSTRY TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.
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CHINESE DANCE TROUPE TO PERFORM IN HONG KONG * * t * *
A YOUNG DANCE TROUPE FROM (’HINA WILL GIVE A PERFORMANCE AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE LATER THIS MONTH.
LED BY CHOREOGRAPHER MR WANG JU THE TAI HING DANCE TROUPE WILL STAGE A SHOW AT 7.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 23 (MONDAY) AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE THEATRE. TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS AT A PRICE OF $30.
THE PROGRAMME IS ONE OF THE MAN\ ATTRACTIONS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CULTURAL AND ARTS MONTH WHICH HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE CULTURAL AND ARTS MONTH WILL LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 29. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MISS SHEILA WONG ON TEL 852 3485.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1992
- 14 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
******
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 4,000
REVERSAL OF LAF -2,500
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO*
PRINCE OF WALES, GOVERNOR LAY WREATHS AT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY ...................................................... X
CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER WORK SAFETY IN CONTAINER INDUSTRY .......... 1
THE MAKING OF AN ETV PRODUCTION ................................ 2
TENDERS INVITED FOR FIRE SERVICES QUARTERS AND WORKSHOP ........ 5
WATER CUTS IN YAU MA TEI AND SHAM SHUI PO ...................... 5
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1992
PRINCE OF WALES, GOVERNOR LAY WREATHS AT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY * * * * *
THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, LAID WREATHS AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING TO HONOUR THOSE WHO HAD GIVEN THEIR LIVES ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
THE SOLEMN CEREMONY MARKING REMEMBRANCE DAY BEGAN AT 11 AM WITH THE FIRING OF A GUN AT HMS TAMAR WHICH SIGNALLED THE OBSERVANCE OF TWO MINUTES’ SILENCE.
AT THE FIRING OF A SECOND GUN, BUGLERS OF THE FIRST BATTALION THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF WALES SOUNDED THE "LAST POST".
WREATHS WERE ALSO LAID BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG; THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN FOLEY; REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS; COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVES; DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, BRIGADIER CHRISTOPHER HAMMERBECK; CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE, CAPTAIN TOM SUNTER; THE COMMANDER ROYAL AIR FORCE, GROUP CAPTAIN SAM HUNT; THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY LAYING OF WREATHS BY REPRESENTATIVES OF SERVICE UNITS, THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (HONG KONG AND CHINA BRANCH), COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATION, SOCIETIES AND OTHER BODIES.
AFTER HIS FOUR-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG, THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON TONIGHT BY A SPECIAL FLIGHT AT 10.30 PM.
----0-----
CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER WORK SAFETY IN CONTAINER INDUSTRY
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PROMOTE WORK SAFETY IN CONTAINER
LAUNCHED A MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN TERMINALS AND DEPOTS.
TO
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, FACTORY INSPECTORS CALL ON CONTAINER TERMINALS AND DEPOTS TO HELP OWNERS AND THE MANAGEMENT UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR WORKERS, DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR KAN HON-SANG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS MADE TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS EARLIER THIS YEAR, OWNERS OF CONTAINER TERMINALS OR DEPOTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE WORKERS WITH A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT, MR KAN SAID.
’’THERE ARE ALSO NEW PROVISIONS FOR THE PROPRIETORS TO TAKE ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATION IN THE CONTAINER HANDLING BUSINESS,” HE SAID.
/FOR INSTANCE, ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1992
2
FOR INSTANCE, FORKLIFT TRUCKS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE USED FOR CONTAINER HANDLING UNLESS THEY ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND OPERATED BY A COMPETENT PERSON.
OWNERS ARE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT CONTAINERS ARE SAFELY STACKED ON LEVEL AND FIRM GROUND, AND TO TAKE ADEQUATE MEASURES TO PREVENT PEOPLE FALLING FROM CONTAINERS, HE ADDED.
"ALSO, IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON IN THE TRADE TO DO THINGS LIKELY TO ENDANGER OTHER PERSONS WILFULLY AND WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE," MR KAN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THESE AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN WIDELY PUBLICISED.
AN ADVISORY LETTER HIGHLIGHTING THE NEW PROVISIONS AND THE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WAS SENT TO ALL THE CONTAINER HANDLING ESTABLISHMENTS IN SEPTEMBER.
"WE HOPE THE CAMPAIGN WILL REINFORCE THE SAFETY MESSAGE," HE STRESSED.
"ALTHOUGH THE CAMPAIGN IS EDUCATIONAL IN NATURE, WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO PROSECUTE BLATANT OFFENDERS," HE ADDED.
MR KAN SAID THAT SIMILAR CAMPAIGNS IN THE PAST TWO YEARS HAD RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN THE TRADE.
"IN PARTICULAR, THERE WAS NO FATAL ACCIDENT LAST YEAR," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THEY HOPED THE TREND WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE.
-----0------
THE MAKING OF AN ETV PRODUCTION ♦ * ♦ * ♦
A DAILY TELEVISION AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN HALF A MILLION WATCH A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES, SOME OF WHICH HAVE ALL THE EARMARKS OF A DAVID ATTENBOROUGH WILDLIFE PRODUCTION.
THE CAPTIVE AUDIENCE ARE HONG KONG’S PRIMARY 3 TO SECONDARY 3 STUDENTS AND THE PROGRAMMES WHICH THEY WATCH DAILY ARE PRODUCED BY THE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL TELEVISION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
AND THERE MAY BE COUNTLESS MORE PRIMARY SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WATCHING THESE PROGRAMME AT HOME BEFORE GOING TO SCHOOL IN THE AFTERNOON.
THESE ARE NOT ONE-HOUR DOCUMENTARIES.
THESE ARE PROGRAMMES LASTING FROM 15 TO 20 MINUTES.
/BUT THESE .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1992
3
BUT THESE EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION (ETV) PROGRAMMES ARE PRODUCED JUST AS METICULOUSLY AND PAINSTAKINGLY AS THOSE PRODUCED BY INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION HOUSES.
THE ETV PRODUCTIONS MAY BE SHORT, BUT THE MESSAGES THEY CARRY HAVE LASTING EFFECTS ON THE EDUCATION OF THE CHILDREN OF HONG KONG AND THEY RANGE FROM SIMPLE ADDITIONS TO SOLVING EQUATIONS, FROM SIMPLE CONVERSATIONS IN ENGLISH TO WRITING CHINESE ESSAYS USING THE CORRECT CHARACTERS AND EXPRESSIONS.
THOUGH SHORT IN DURATION, FILMING OF SUCH FEATURES AS THE LIFE OF A BAT OR THE METAMORPHIC CHANGES OF A BUTTERFLY CAN BE JUST AS TIME-CONSUMING AND CARRY NEARLY THE SAME RISKS AS A SOJOURN IN THE WILDS OF BORNEO.
"WE HAVE TO LOOK FOR CAVES IN REMOTE AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IN DOING SO COULD UNSUSPECTINGLY WALK INTO DEEP POOLS. THEN THERE IS ALSO THE INEVITABLE ENCOUNTER WITH HUNDREDS OF BATS ESCAPING FROM OUR INTRUSION." SENIOR ETV PRODUCER (SCIENCE) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN KAI-BUN, RECALLED.
SIMILARLY, A FIVE-MINUTE SEGMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS OF A BUTTERFLY CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED IN SEVERAL MONTHS, STARTING FROM LIAISON WITH EXPERTS, THEN COLLECTING LIVING SPECIMENS IN THE VARIOUS STAGES OF THE METAMORPHIC CYCLE AND FILMING THEM UNDER A SIMULATED ENVIRONMENT.
"WE HAVE TO ENLIST THE HELP OF SNAKE EXPERTS IN THE CASE OF FILMING THE LIFE AND HABITS OF SNAKES." MR CHAN SAID.
HE SAID POISONOUS SNAKES WOULD BE RELEASED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR THE FILM CREW TO CAPTURE EVERY MOVEMENT OF THE SNAKES IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. THE SNAKES HAD TO BE RECAPTURED AFTER FILMING.
"IT IS NOT A FUN EXERCISE. OUR FILM CREW HAS TO BE ON FULL ALERT IN CASE THE REPTILES SUDDENLY CHANGE DIRECTION AND ATTACK THEM. AND IT WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME AND EFFORT IF THE ’STAR’ ESCAPED INTO THE BUSHES ANYTIME," MR CHAN EXPLAINED.
MR CHAN ALSO ADDED THAT A LOT OF HARD WORK HAS TO BE CHANNELED INTO THE DESIGN OF SPECIAL PROPS AND ANIMATIONS, AND THE MODIFICATION OF EXPERIMENTAL SET-UPS TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE PRESENTATION ON TELEVISION.
SOMETIMES THERE WOULD BE DISAPPOINTMENT AND FRUSTRATION.
THERE WOULD BE OCCASIONS WHEN THE DESIRED RESULTS COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED DESPITE MONTHS OF PREPARATION AND HARD WORK.
"HOWEVER, ETV PRODUCTION IS VERY REWARDING, PARTICULARLY WHEN WE VISIT THE SCHOOLS AND FIND OUR YOUNG AUDIENCE ARE REALLY ENJOYING THE PROGRAMMES," HE SAID.
MR CHAN HAS BEEN PRODUCING SCORES OF ETV PROGRAMMES FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. HE NOTED THAT FORWARD PLANNING, COORDINATION AND PATIENCE WERE VITAL IN PRODUCING ENTERTAINING ETV PROGRAMMES.
/HE POINTED .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1992
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJORITY OF SCIENCE PROGRAMMES WERE PRODUCED OUTDOORS AND, IN MOST CASES, EXPERT ADVICE HAD TO BE SOUGHT FROM THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SOME OTHER ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE OCEAN PARK.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1976, ETV OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED MORE THAN 1,000 SYLLABUS-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES WITH THE FULL SUPPORT FROM RTHK’S TECHNICAL STAFF FOR ANNUAL REGULAR TRANSMISSION TO SCHOOLS.
"ETV’S MAIN AIM IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND ITS PURPOSE IS TO COMPLEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT THE WORK OF TEACHERS IN THE CLASSROOM, TO FACILITATE CURRICULUM REFORM AND DEVELOPMENT WHERE NECESSARY AND TO SHARE THE SKILLS OF EXPERIENCED TEACHERS," MR CHAN EXPLAINED.
HE ALSO SAID ETV WAS A COMBINATION OF INSTRUCTION AND ENTERTAINMENT.
PROGRAMME CONTENTS, MR CHAN ADDED, CAME MAINLY FROM ETV SYLLABUSES WHICH WERE DESIGNED BY ETV PROGRAMME COMMITTEES COMPRISING PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION LECTURERS, INSPECTORS OF SCHOOLS AND ETV PRODUCERS.
IN ADDITION TO THE SYLLABUS-BASED PROGRAMMES, ETV ALSO PRODUCES SPECIAL PROGRAMMES TO MEET SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, SUCH AS THOSE PRODUCED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION WITH TITLES INCLUDING "THE ONSET OF ADOLESCENCE", "GIGI’S FIRST DATE", "TEENAGERS’ PUZZLE ABOUT SEX”, "THE TRUTH OF LOVE" AND, "SHOULD I SAY NO" .
MR CHAN ALSO SAID TEACHERS’ NOTES FOR USE WITH THE ETV PROGRAMMES WERE PREPARED BY THE ETV PRODUCERS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE PROGRAMMES AND SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES.
ALL ETV NOTES, HE ADDED, WERE PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT AND SOLD TO SCHOOLS BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT. NEARLY TWO MILLION COPIES WERE SOLD LAST YEAR.
"WALL CHARTS OR MAPS FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ETV PROGRAMMES ARE ALSO PRINTED FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS," MR CHAN SAID.
HE FURTHER SAID ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE PROVIDED WITH THE NECESSARY TELEVISION EQUIPMENT.
-----0.-----
/5 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1992
TENDERS INVITED FOR FIRE SERVICES QUARTERS AND WORKSHOP
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MARRIED QUARTERS FOR STAFF OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN AREA 22, TSE'JNG KWAN O.
THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE TWO 21-STOREY BLOCKS CONTAINING 320 UNITS AND ANCILLARY AMENITY FACILITIES.
WORKS WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER 1994.
TENDERS ARE ALSO BEING CALLED FOR ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO THE LAl KING HILL WORKSHOP OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TN KWAI CHUNG.
WORKS WILL COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, A CARGO CONTAINER TOOL STORE, THE DEMOLITION OF EXISTING EXTERNAL FEATURES AND MODIFICATION WORKS TO THE EXISTING WORKSHOP, TOGETHER WITH PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
WORKS WILL START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS. FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDERS FOR BOTH PROJECTS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON NOVEMBER 27.
------o--------
WATER CUTS IN YAU MA TEI AND SHAM SHUI PO *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL GO OFF FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO FACtlITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES BOUNDED BY MAN CHEONG STREET, FERRY STREET AND MAN WUT STREET.
ALL PREMISES BOUNDED BY CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, WONG CHUK STREET, LAl CHI KOK ROAD AND NAM CHEONG STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL NOT GET FRESH WATER FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 11) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO VISIT CANADA ............................................ 1
GOVT STATEMENT ON ELECTIONS .........................................
WHITE BILL ON TOWN PLANNING TO BE PUBLISHED .........................
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST ..............
TENDER FOR FIFTH ISSUE OF GOVERNMENT BONDS ..........................
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO HAVE NEW LOOK .........................
CONTRACT FOR CHINA WATER PUMPING WORKS AWARDED ......................
TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION TO ENHANCE WORK SAFETY ...................... 1°
NEW ROAD TO AIRPORT BUILDING PLANNED................................. 12
10 STAND FOR LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION ......................... 13
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS GET CASH AID................................ 14
WORKSHOP ON SOILLESS CULTURE OF VEGETABLES .......................... 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................ 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 16
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
1 GOVERNOR TO VISIT CANADA * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL VISIT CANADA FROM NOVEMBER 11 TO 14 TO MARK THE CLOSING OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92.
THE FESTIVAL, THE LARGEST OVERSEAS PROMOTION EVER ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, FEATURED OVER 150 EVENTS STAGED IN FIVE MAJOR CITIES ACROSS CANADA.
IT RECIPROCATES FESTIVAL CANADA WHICH WAS HELD IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR.
UPON HIS ARRIVAL ON REMEMBRANCE DAY (NOVEMBER 11) IN CANADA, MR PATTEN WILL LAY A WREATH AT THE CENOTAPH AT VICTORY SQUARE IN VANCOUVER TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE CANADIAN SOLDIERS WHO HELPED TO DEFEND HONG KONG DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
DURING HIS TWO-DAY STAY IN VANCOUVER, MR PATTEN WILL MEET WITH THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE HON DAVID LAM AND THE PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE HON MICHAEL HARCOURT.
MR PATTEN WILL ALSO ATTEND A GALA DINNER, TOUR THE CHINATOWN, VISIT THE DR SUN YAT-SEN GARDEN AND THE CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE IN VANCOUVER.
HE WILL DEPART FOR OTTAWA ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 12) AFTERNOON ON BOARD A CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AIRCRAFT AND WILL STAY AT THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT GUEST HOUSE IN OTTAWA.
AFTER MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER, THE RT HON BRIAN MULRONEY, ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 13) MORNING, MR PATTEN WILL PRESENT AN OFFICIAL GIFT FROM HONG KONG TO THE PEOPLE OF CANADA: A TRADITIONAL 12-METRE DRAGON BOAT SPECIALLY MADE FOR THIS OCCASION.
THE DRAGON BOAT WILL BF. PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CIVILIZATION IN OTTAWA.
THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AND OTTAWA-CARLETON BOARD OF TRADE WILL HOST A LUNCHEON FOR MR PATTEN, AND MR MULRONEY WILL HOST A DINNER FOR MR PATTEN ON FRIDAY.
MR PATTEN WILL ARRIVE IN TORONTO ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 14) MORNING AND MEET WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, MRS BARBARA MCDOUGALL.
AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY MRS MCDOUGALL IN CHINATOWN, MR PATTEN WILL MEET WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS AND HONG KONG STUDENTS AT A TEA RECEPTION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO.
THE GOVERNOR WILL DEPART FOR LONDON THAT EVENING FOR A DUTY VISIT AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 22.
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/2 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
2 -
GOVT STATEMENT ON ELECTIONS * * * ♦
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR, MR MIKE HANSON, MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
"MR PATTEN IS VERY PLEASED THAT A DEBATE IS NOW BEGINNING. HE WELCOMES ANY PROPOSALS FOR THE 1994 AND 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH MEET THE CRITERIA AGREED BY BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES I.E. THEY MUST BE OPEN; THEY MUST BE FAIR; AND THEY MUST COMMAND THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE MAKE THEIR PROPOSALS SPECIFIC. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DEBATE GENERALITIES. THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONALS FEDERATION’S PROPOSALS ARE VERY GENERAL AND THE GOVERNOR LOOKS FORWARD TO RECEIVING THEIR DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS LATER. HE LAST MET THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONALS FEDERATION ON SEPTEMBER 9 AND HE LOOKS FORWARD TO MEETING THEM AGAIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."
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WHITE BILL ON TOWN PLANNING TO BE PUBLISHED *****
A WHITE BILL ON THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE IS EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED FOR FURTHER PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN MID-1993.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING AT A CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE FOR REAL ESTATE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
IN ORDER TO MEET CHANGING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CIRCUMSTANCES, A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT WITH A VIEW TO BRINGING IT UP-TO-DATE, HE SAID.
"PART OF THE AIM IS TO MAKE THE SYSTEM MORE OPEN AND FAIRER AND TO PROVIDE A HIGHER DEGREE OF CERTAINTY FOR DEVELOPERS.
"THE SYSTEM MUST, HOWEVER, BE AFFORDABLE BY THE COMMUNITY.
"IN VIEW OF THE COMPLEXITY AND THE TECHNICAL NATURE OF THE LEGISLATION, WE ARE NOW PREPARING DETAILED DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR A WHITE BILL TO BE PUBLISHED FOR FURTHER PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN MID-1993 IF ALL GOES WELL.
"THIS WILL ENABLE EVERYONE TO SEE WHAT THE PRACTICAL EFFECT OF OUR PROPOSALS WOULD BE BEFORE FINAL DECISIONS ON THEIR INTRODUCTION ARE MADE," MR EASON ADDED.
REFERRING TO LAND ADMINISTRATION, HE SAID LAST YEAR ABOUT $2 BILLION WAS PAID TO MEET LAND ACQUISITION AND CLEARANCE COSTS AND THE 1992 FIGURE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE OVER $3 BILLION.
/MR EASON .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
3
MR EASON SAID: "GOVERNMENT IS NO ORDINARY LANDLORD. WE HAVE TO ACQUIRE LAND FOR OUR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, TO DISPOSE OF LAND IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES TO MEET DEMAND FROM ALL SECTORS AND TO MANAGE GOVERNMENT LAND."
TURNING TO BUILDING CONTROL, MR EASON SAID THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN ENSURING SAFETY AND HEALTH IN RELATION TO THE CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE AND USE OF BUILDINGS.
"IT ESTABLISHES A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BUILDING AUTHORITY AND BUILDERS AND OWNERS OF BUILDINGS, THROUGH WHICH THE AUTHORITY’S REQUIREMENTS ARE ENFORCED BY LAW," HE ADDED.
THIS TASK IS VERY IMPORTANT," HE SAID.
"WHILE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY PROVIDES AND LOOKS AFTER 45 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION, THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO ENSURE THAT THE REMAINING 55 PER CENT OF THE HOUSING STOCK MEETS ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY."
MR EASON NOTED THAT MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE WERE OTHER FIELDS OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST.
"THUS, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAS TAKEN AN ACTIVE PART IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES AND HAS CARRIED OUT DISTRICT CLEARANCE PROGRAMMES INVOLVING UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, DEFECTIVE CONCRETE, DANGEROUS SIGNS AND DEFECTIVE DRAINS," HE SAID.
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VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST * * * * *
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1% IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1992, AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 30%, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21%. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 22% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH TN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY 1%. IMPORT PRICES REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.
PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES TN UNIT VALUE INDEXES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.
/THE TERMS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
4
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, INCREASED BY 1% IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING AUGUST 1992 WITH AUGUST 1991, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 28%. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 18%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ALL ROSE BY 1%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING AUGUST 1992 WITH AUGUST 1991, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+31%); AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+23%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-42%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-41%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-22%); AND FOOTWEAR (-20%).
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, THE COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES INCLUDED FOOTWEAR (+6%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+5%); CLOTHING (+4%); AND METAL MANUFACTURES (+4%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD; ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS; AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS DECLINED BY 4%, 4% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 9% IN AUGUST 1992 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991.
SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; AND VEGETABLES.
HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE INCREASE WAS RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 24%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; FOOTWEAR; AND CLOTHING. HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 9% IN AUGUST 1992 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991.
/SIGNIFICANT INCREASES .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1.992
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, AND SO ON, EXCEPT GLASS; LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS; BASE METALS (OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL); WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; AND PLASTIC MATERIALS.
HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON; MAN-MADE FIBRES; YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; SILK FABRICS; AND INEDIBLE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 10% IN VOLUME IN AUGUST 1992 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 32% IN AUGUST 1992 OVER. AUGUST 1991.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; TEXTILE MACHINERY; OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY (OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY); AND OFFICE MACHINES.
THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN AUGUST 1992 OVER AUGUST 1991 : CAPITAL GOODS (+3%); CONSUMER GOODS (+3%); FUELS (+2%); AND FOODSTUFFS (4-1%). HOWEVER, THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 2%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS HAD GROWN SUBSTANTIALLY BY 51% IN AUGUST 1992 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1991.
THAT OF CONSUMER GOODS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES REGISTERED INCREASES OF 28% AND 21% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 9% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS, CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY 8%, 2% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 2% AND 1% RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE AUGUST 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE AROUND NOVEMBER 13 AT $6 PER COPY AT EITHER (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
/ENQUIRIES REGARDING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG RONG (TEL NO.: 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL NO.: 582 4918) .
TABLE 1
CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP COMPARING AUG 1992 WITH AUG 1991 COMPARING JAN-AUG 1992 WITH JAN-AUG 1991
VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME
% % •V /□ %
CLOTHING 7 4 3 4 3 1
TEXTILE FABRICS 3 -1 4 2 1 A 1
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -5 -4 -2 -6 -3 -3
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -39 5 -42 -20 6 -24
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -18 -3 -15 -36 -2 -35
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 18 -4 23 18 -5 24
FOOTWEAR -15 6 -20 -25 3 -28
METAL MANUFACTURES 7 4 3 8 4 5
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 31 * 31 -4 -4 l
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -8 1 -9 -10 -1 -10
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -21 1 -22 t 2 -1
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -40 2 -41 -35 1 -36
ALL COMMODITIES 2 1 1 2 1 1
* LESS THAN 0.5%
/TABLE 2........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, ’992
7
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING AUG 1992 WITH AUG 1991 COMPARING JAN-AUG 1992
WITH JAN-AUG 1991
UNIT UNIT
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE VALUE VOLUME VALUE VALUE VOLUME
% % % % % %
FOODSTUFFS -8 1 -9 10 1 8
CONSUMER GOODS 28 3 24 29 3 26
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 6 -2 9 13 -2 16
FUELS -8 2 -10 4 -12 18
CAPITAL GOODS 36 3 32 36 2 33
ALL COMMODITIES 19 1 18 23 ♦ 22
* LESS THAN 0,5%
TABLE .3 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING AUG WITH AUG 1992 1991 COMPARING JAN-AUG 1992
WITH JAN-AUG 1991
END-USE CATEGORY UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
% % % % % %
FOODSTUFFS -2 -1 - 1 6 1 4
CONSUMER GOODS 30 2 28 33 3 29
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 19 -2 21 22 -2 25
FUELS -1 8 -9 5 -8 14
CAPITAL GOODS 51 1 51 50 1 49
ALL COMMODITIES 29 1 28 31 1 30
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/8........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
8
TENDER FOR FIFTH ISSUE OF GOVERNMENT BONDS
*****
THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE TENDER FOR THE FIFTH ISSUE OF GOVERNMENT BONDS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 16 FOR SETTLEMENT ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17.
AS WITH THE PREVIOUS FOUR ISSUES, AN AMOUNT OF HK$500 MILLION TWO-YEAR BONDS WILL BE ON OFFER.
IN ADDITION TO THAT, ANOTHER HK$100 MILLION WILL BE HELD AS RESERVE BY THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND FOR SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS THROUGH SECONDARY MARKET TRADING.
THE BONDS WILL MATURE ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 1994 AND WILL CARRY INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 4.625% PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE BONDS MAY DO SO THROUGH ANY OF THE MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AT 24TH FLOOR, ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER II, 18 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG (OR TELEPHONE 528 9110).
EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF HK$50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF.
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CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO HAVE NEW LOOK
*****
THE WEST WING OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (CGO) WILL UNDERGO A FACE-LIFT IN THE NEXT 15 MONTHS.
THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER, TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A $138 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE REFURBISHMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE WORKS WILL UPGRADE THE BUILDING SERVICES AND FINISHES AND BETTER ALLOCATE ACCOMMODATION FOR GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT OFFICES.
THE BUILDING AND SERVICES OF THE OFFICE BLOCK, WHICH WAS CONSTRUCTED IN THE 1950’S, ARE NEARING THE END OF THEIR ECONOMIC LIFE SPAN.
ON COMPLETION, THE UPPER FLOORS OF THE I3-STOREY BUILDING WILL PROVIDE PREMISES FOR A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BRANCHES.
THE ARRANGEMENT, COVERING ALSO OFFICES NOW LOCATED IN LEASED PREMISES, WILL ACHIEVE SUBSTANTIAL RENTAL SAVINGS.
/TWO LOWER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
9
TWO LOWER FLOORS OF THE BUILDING WILL BE USED AS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS’ OFFICES.
WORKS INCLUDE THE REFURBISHMENT OF 15,300 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACE, COMMON AREAS, LOBBIES AND ANCILLARY AREAS, AS WELL AS THE RENEWAL OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM TO MODERN STANDARDS.
THEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN FOUR PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE STARTING IMMEDIATELY.
THE PROJECT IS UNDER A "DESIGN-AND-BUILD" CONTRACT FORM UNDER WHICH THE CONTRACTOR IS PROVIDED WITH OUTLINE DESIGN BRIEF, PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND PARTICULAR SPECIFICATIONS.
THE CONTRACTOR HAS TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNDERTAKING A COMPLETE PACKAGE OF SERVICES THROUGH TO PHYSICAL COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, ALL UNDER THE SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR CORSER SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD PIONEERED THE USE OF THIS FORM OF CONTRACT FOR GOVERNMENT BUILDING PROJECTS WHICH WAS FOUND TO WORK WELL WITH FAST TRACK ITEMS.
SO FAR, MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED USING THIS FORM INCLUDE THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, THE CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, THE EXTENSION TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES MAIN WING, IMMIGRATION BUILDING AT MA TAU KOK ROAD AND TAI A CHAU DETENTION CENTRE. THE TOTAL VALUE AMOUNTS TO OVER $600 MILLION.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE CGO WEST WING REFURBISHMENT WAS AWARDED TO WOON LEE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MRS LESSIE WEI, WITNESSED THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY.
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CONTRACT FOR CHINA WATER PUMPING WORKS AWARDED
******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) AWARDED A $68 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF PUMPSETS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE TAI PO TAU ’D’ PUMPING STATION.
THE NEW INSTALLATION IS PART OF A $2.1 BILLION PROJECT TO EXPAND THE FACILITIES FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSFERRING WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE EXPANSION BY THE END OF 1994, THE RECEPTION AND TRANSFER CAPACITY WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES A YEAR TO 1,100 MILLION CUBIC METRES A YEAR.
/THE TAI .......
10
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
THE TAI PO TAU ’D’ PUMPING STATION, WHICH ULTIMATELY HOUSES 14 PUMPS WITH A TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY OF THREE MILLION CUBIC METRES A DAY, WILL BE THE LARGEST RAW WATER PUMPING STATION IN HONG KONG.
THE PRESENT CONTRACT INCLUDES THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF FIVE PUMPSETS AND PIPEWORK, FOUR BANDSCREENS AND ASSOCIATED SWITCHGEAR.
OTHER MAJOR ITEMS INCLUDE FOUR OVERHEAD TRAVELLING GANTRY CRANES, DEWATERING PUMPS AND STATION VENTILATION SYSTEM.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES/CHINA WATER, MR KO CHAN-GOCK AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF MITSUBISHI CORPORATION (HONG KONG) LIMITED.
THE PROJECT CONSULTANT IS BINNIE CONSULTANTS LTD.
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TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION TO ENHANCE WORK SAFETY
*******
THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES MUST WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH) WEEK ’92, MRS FOK NOTED THAT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WAS RECEIVING INCREASING CONCERN IN HONG KONG.
"IT HAS BECOME MORE WIDELY ACCEPTED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROMOTING A SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT FALLS NOT ONLY ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE GOVERNMENT, BUT ALSO ON THOSE OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES," MRS FOK SAID.
"INDEED, THE GOVERNMENT ALWAYS SUPPORTS AND ENCOURAGES TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION IN PROMOTING WORK SAFETY AND HEALTH," SHE SAID.
"THIS IS WHY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT JOINS HANDS WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL (OSHO 1'0 ORGANISE THE SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK THIS YEAR," MRS FOR SAID, STRESSING THAT SUCH COOPERATION WOULD CONTINUE.
SHE NOTED THAT THE SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AUDITING, WHICH MARKED THE OPENING OF THIS YEAR’S OSH WEEK, WAS A NEW CONCEPT OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT FOR SOME PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
"IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING COMPLEXITY OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES AND GROWING DEMAND FOR HAZARD PREVENTION, THERE IS A NEED FOR MORE ACCURATE MEASUREMENT AND BETTER ASSESSMENT OF FORESEEABLE HAZARD AT WORK TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE MORE EFFECTIVELY," SHE SAID.
"SAFETY AUDITING, A MODERN TECHNIQUE IN AUDITING THE PERFORMANCE OF A COMPANY’S SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMME, HAS BEEN PRACTISED IN SOME DEVELOPED COUNTRIES FOR MANY YEARS," MRS FOK SAID.
/"IT HAS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
11
"IT HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY MANY SAFETY MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONALS AS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOLS IN EVALUATING AN UNDERTAKING’S SAFETY POLICIES AND IDENTIFYING NEEDS FOR SAFER PROCEDURES," SHE ADDED.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE OSHC AND THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OSH WEEK ’92 WAS OFFICIATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CHEUNG KONG (HOLDINGS) LIMITED, MR LI KA-SHING; OSHC CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR LEUNG PING-CHUNG; AND CO-CHAIRMEN OF THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR KWAN KON-WAH AND MR TSANG BUN.
PROFESSOR LEUNG, IN HIS OPENING SPEECH, POINTED OUT THAT TRIPARTITE CO-OPERATION WAS ESSENTIAL IN THE PREVENTION OF' INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WHICH WAS OF INCREASING IMPORTANCE IN MODERN SOCIETY.
HE NOTED THAT THE OSHC HAD BEEN WORKING HARD TO PROMOTE AND COORDINATE TRIPARTITE EFFORTS AND CONVEY THE IMPORTANT MESSAGES OF WORK SAFETY SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1988.
"WE BELIEVE THAT WITH THIS MESSAGE ON SAFETY AND HEALTH DEEP ROOTED, WE WILL EVENTUALLY BRING ABOUT A NEW WORKING GENERATION WHICH INCLUDE BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WHO TREAT SAFETY AS A NECESSITY’ AND A STYLE OF THEIR WORK," PROFESSOR LEUNG SAID.
"THIS CHANGE IN WORKING ATTITUDE WILL HELP TO ENSURE ALL PREVENTIVE MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMISE ACCIDENT RATE AND TO PROMOTE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH," HE ADDED.
PROFESSOR LEUNG THANKED MR LI KA-SHING FOR HIS SUPPORT IN THIS YEAR’S OSH WEEK.
HE BELIEVED THAT AS A MAJOR DEVELOPER AND EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG, MR LI’S PATRONAGE WOULD DEFINITELY STIMULATE STRONGER CONCERN OVER OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AMONG MEMBERS IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS.
THE SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH AUDITING SYSTEM, WHICH WAS HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, ATTRACTED MORE THAN 480 PARTICIPANTS, MOSTLY MANAGERS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK .
OVERSEAS EXPERTS, INCLUDING MR FRANK LINDSAY, DIRECTOR OF THE UK ACCIDENT PREVENTION ADVISORY UNIT, HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE; AND MR GOH CHYE-GUAN, A SAFETY AUDITOR IN SINGAPORE, GAVE TALKS ON THEIR EXPERIENCE IN MODERN TECHNIQUE TO ACHIEVE A SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORK ENVIRONMENT.
DURING THE OSH WEEK, THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY’ WHICH ARE SPONSORED BY THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDE FLOAT PARADES IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN, AND A SPORTS MEET AT THE HAMMER HILL STADIUM TO EMPHASISE CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
/12 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
12
NEW ROAD TO AIRPORT BUILDING PLANNED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CARRY OUT A PACKAGE OF ROADWORKS TO IMPROVE THE ROAD TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT PLANS WERE FORGING AHEAD TO PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE VEHICULAR RAMP TO THE DEPARTURE PODIUM OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING AS WELL AS A CARRIAGEWAY FOR EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG A SECTION OF CONCORDE ROAD,
THE PROPOSED WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CARRIAGEWAY LINKING UP ELECTRA DRIVE ROUNDABOUT WITH THE SERPENTINE SECTION OF CONCORDE ROAD AS WELL AS THE RE-ALIGNMENT AND WIDENING OF THE SECTION OF CONCORDE ROAD ADJACENT TO OIL COMPANY TANK FARM.
A BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE BUILT ACROSS THE KAI TAK NULLAH WHILE ASSOCIATED RECONSTRUCTION AND RESURFACING WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON THE EXISTING ROADS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THESE WORKS ARE PROGRAMMED TO START TN MAY NEXT YEAR AND WILL COMPLETE IN 10 MONTHS.
A NOTICE OF THE PROJECT IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN IN THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY.
♦ DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, YAU MA TEI; AND
* KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUT LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON CITY.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED WORKS MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JANUARY 5, 1993.
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/13 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
- 13 -
10 STAND FOR LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED FROM TRADE UNIONS 10 NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
OF THE CANDIDATES, FIVE WILL BE ELECTED TO THE BOARD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING NEXT JANUARY.
THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 5 AT WAH YAN COLLEGE IN KOWLOON ON THE BASIS OF ONE-UNION, ONE-VOTE.
THE CANDIDATES ARE:
* MR LEUNG FU-WAH
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RUBBER AND PLASTIC WORKERS GENERAL UNION
* MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI, FELIX
HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS GENERAL UNION
* MS LI FUNG-YING
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES’ GENERAL UNION
* MR CHU MING
HONG KONG PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS ASSOCIATION
* MS CHEUNG WAI-LIN
BRITISH ARMED FORCES CHINESE EMPLOYEES FREE UNION, HONG KONG
* MR LEUNG CHOK-FU
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CLOCK AND WATCH TRADE WORKERS UNION
* MR CHEUNG PAK-CHI
CABLE AND WIRELESS (HK) LTD STAFF ASSOCIATION
* MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG
HONG KONG BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS GENERAL UNION
* MR LEUNG SHIU-CHUN
UNION OF HEADS OF AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF HONG KONG
/* CAPTAIN W
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
14
* CAPTAIN W B TUCKNOTT
HONG KONG AIRCREW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
"LETTERS WERE SENT TO ALL 479 REGISTERED EMPLOYEES' TRADE UNIONS TODAY (MONDAY), INVITING THEM TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS IF THEY WISH TO VOTE IN THE ELECTION," THE BOARD’S SECRETARY, MRS TERESA LO, SAID.
"EACH ELECTOR MAY APPOINT UP TO TWO AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES, WHO MUST EITHER BE PAID-UP MEMBERS, OFFICERS OR PAID STAFF OF THE UNION, TO ATTEND THE ELECTION," MRS LO EXPLAINED.
COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS SHOULD REACH THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 21 (SATURDAY).
"REGISTRATION FORMS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THEY WERE POSTED ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 21," SHE SAID.
- - 0----------
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS GET CASH AID *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) APPROVED $64,330 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO THE DEPENDENTS OF A FACTORY WORKER KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 26.
THE 21-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, WHO WAS KNOCKED DOWN BY A LORRY AT CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, WAS SURVIVED BY HER PARENTS AND FOUR SISTERS.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT GRANTED $10,910 FROM THE FUND TO THREE OTHER VICTIMS WHO WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDED QUICK FINANCIAL HELP TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT REGARD TO THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE FAULT ELEMENT IN THE ACCIDENT.
BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME WILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO RECEIVE OTHER DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION RELATING TO THE SAME ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO REPAY THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM THE SCHEME.
BUT IN ANY CASE, THE AMOUNT REPAID WILL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION AWARDED, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION IN ROOM 942, NINTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI OR ON TEL 892 5526.
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/15 .....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
15
WORKSHOP ON SOILLESS CULTURE OF VEGETABLES
*****
ABOUT 100 FARMERS, UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND TEACHING STAFF ARE TAKING PART IN A WORKSHOP ON SOILLESS CULTURE OF VEGETABLES AND PROTECTED CROPPING FROM TODAY (MONDAY) TO NEXT TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 17).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE WORKSHOP WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING THE KNOW-HOW OF FARMERS ON THE GROWING OF PROTECTED CROPS AND HYDROPONIC VEGETABLES.
APART FROM THE FARMERS, SOME 30 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND TEACHING STAFF MAY ALSO PRACTISE MODERN FARMING TECHNIQUES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE EIGHT-DAY WORKSHOP, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE (KARO OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, COMPRISES SEVEN MORNING LECTURES AND SEVEN AFTERNOON PRACTICAL SESSIONS.
THE LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN BY DR KAO TE-CHEN, AN EXPERT FROM THE AGRICULTURE IMPROVMENT STATION OF TAI CHUNG DISTRICT, TAIWAN, AT KARC AT LAM KAM ROAD IN SHEK KONG.
AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE COVERED WILL BE: PROTECTED VEGETABLE CULTURE IN SUB-TROPICAL REGIONS, COMMERCIALISED HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD, DYNAMIC ROOT FLOATING SYSTEMS, NUTRIENT SOLUTION PREPARATION AND MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS MICRO-CLIMATE ON VEGETABLE GROWTH AND PEST/DISEASE OCCURRENCE.
THE LECTURES WILL BE FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
THE AFTERNOON SESSIONS, TO BE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S EXPERIMENTAL STATION IN TAI LUNG, LIN TONG MEI, WILL INCLUDE HYDRO-CULTURE VIDEO SHOWS AND OTHER PRACTICAL VEGETABLE CULTURES AND ANALYSIS, SEEDING AND SEEDLINGS TRANSPLANTATION, PREPARATION OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION AS WELL AS GREENHOUSE INSTALLATION.
A VISIT TO A MAJOR HYDRO-CULTURE FARM IN THE TERRITORY WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED IN THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 14, A SATURDAY, TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A BROADER VIEW ON THE NORMAL OPERATION OF THESE SET-UPS UNDER THE LOCAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND OTHER LIMITATIONS.
THE WORKSHOP WAS LAUNCHED THIS (MONDAY) MORNING AT A CEREMONY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE), MISS VERA SO AND THE KARC’S DIRECTOR, PROFESSOR DANIEL CHAN KWONG-ON.
- - 0 - -
/16........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1992
16
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 76.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 447.658 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 279.185 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 47.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500 REVERSAL OF LAF NIL BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY nil EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +1,800
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.8 *+0.1* 9.11.92
EF TERMS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
BILLS HONG ISSUE KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
YIELD TERM COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.73 PCT 12 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.25 4.03
1 MONTH 2.91 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.30 4.48
3 MONTHS 3.25 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.502 101.30 4.66
6 MONTHS 3.45 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.30 4.85
12 MONTHS 4.04 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,783 MN
CLOSED 9 NOVEMBER 1992
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
VIEWS SHOULD BE PUT TO COMMUNITY: GOVERNOR .............................. 1
DECISION ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ANNOUNCED .............................. 2
CS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT ..........................................-•••• 3
HK RETURNS TO ENTREPOT ROLE ............................................. 4
JOSEPH YAM APPOINTED TO HEAD MONETARY AUTHORITY ......................... 5
FS WELCOMES YAM'S APPOINTMENT ........................................... 5
EPCOM MEMBERS VISIT NEW AIRPORT SITE .................................... 6
GROUP CO-ORDINATES TRAFFIC SCHEMES IN KWAI TSING ........................ 7
NO POLICY CHANGE BURGLARY INVESTIGATION ................................. 7
PARENTS' DUTY DOES NOT STOP IN SCHOOL ................................... 8
BIGGEST JIGSAW IN HK TO FORM ON SUNDAY .................................. 9
MORE VIETNAMESE GO HOME ................................................ 1°
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ...................... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 11
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
VIEWS SHOULD BE PUT TO COMMUNITY: GOVERNOR
******
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT AS THE DEBATE ON THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT HAD STARTED THOSE WHO HAD VIEWS NEED TO PUT THEM OUT SO THAT THE COMMUNITY COULD EVALUATE AND BE AWARE OF THEM.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MR PATTEN SAID: "AT PRESENT THERE IS ONLY ONE SET OF PROPOSALS ON THE TABLE, BUT I’M SURE THAT AS THE DEBATE UNFOLDS OTHERS WILL PUT FORWARD THEIR PROPOSALS AS WELL, AND THAT WILL BE VERY WELCOMED."
"I HOPE PEOPLE WILL NOTICE AND TAKE SOME SATISFACTION FROM THE FACT THAT THE DEBATE ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE IS TAKING PLACE HERE IN HONG KONG.
"AFTER WIDESPREAD DISCUSSIONS THROUGH THE SUMMER AND EARLY AUTUMN, I PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH HAVE, I THINK, PRODUCED A GOOD DEAL OF PUBLIC SUPPORT. FIVE, I THINK OUT OF THE SEVEN PROPOSALS THAT I PUT FORWARD ARE PRETTY WIDELY ENDORSED," HE SAID.
"THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF DEBATE, HOWEVER, ABOUT TWO OF THOSE PROPOSALS, PRINCIPALLY THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTION COMMITTEE.
"I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE VIEWS ON THOSE MATTERS WILL PUT FORWARD SPECIFIC PROPOSALS THEMSELVES. THAT’S THE WAY IN WHICH I THINK WE SHOULD CARRY FORWARD THE DEBATE," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"WHAT WE ALL WANT, AND IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS ENDORSED, I WAS GLAD TO NOTE, BY DIRECTOR LU PING OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE IN PEKING, IS PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH ARE FAIR, AND WHICH ARE OPEN AND WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"THAT IS THE TRIO OF CRITERIA WHICH I HAVE RIGHT AT THE TOP OF MY AGENDA AND I HOPE EVERYBODY ELSE WILL HAVE THOSE CRITERIA AS WELL," HE ADDED.
ASKED IF HE WOULD MEET THE CHINESE VICE-PREMIER, MR ZHU RONGJI IN LONDON, MR PATTEN SAID: "I BELIEVE THAT I’M LIKELY TO MEET HIM AT A SOCIAL OCCASION. I DON’T THINK THAT IS LIKELY TO BE AT A TIME WHEN WE’LL HAVE SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS."
"BUT I KNOW THAT HE IS MEETING THE PRIME MINISTER; I KNOW THAT HE IS MEETING THE FOREIGN MINISTER AND IT’S CONCEIVABLE THAT THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG WILL BE A MATTER THEY DISCUSS. I IMAGINE THEY’LL HAVE OTHER THINGS TO DISCUSS AS WELL," HE ADDED.
/WHEN ASKED .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
2
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY A SECTOR OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "IF THERE ARE BUSINESS GROUPS OR BUSINESSMEN WHO THINK THAT THE PROPOSALS THAT I’VE PUT FORWARD WOULDN’T SURVIVE, I HOPE THAT THEY WILL SET OUT IN TERMS, THE SORT OF PROPOSALS WHICH THEY THINK WOULD BE LIKELY TO SURVIVE AS WELL AS MEETING THE CRITERIA WHICH ARE AGREED BY BOTH ME AND BY DIRECTOR LU PING."
"SO WHEN I SEE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONALS FEDERATION IN DECEMBER I VERY MUCH HOPE THEY’LL HAVE WORKED UP THEIR GENERAL PRINCIPLES IN TWO SPECIFIC PROPOSALS. BECAUSE SOONER OR LATER, WHAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO DO IS TO MAKE IT’S MIND UP ON SPECIFIC PROPOSALS," MR PATTEN SAID.
- - 0 - -
DECISION ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ANNOUNCED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 (CT9) ON TSING YI WOULD BE OFFERED JOINTLY TO MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED (MTL), HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS (HIT) AND THE TSING YI CONTAINER TERMINAL CONSORTIUM BY PRIVATE TREATY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S KEY OBJECTIVES WAS TO INCREASE COMPETITION IN THE PORT, ADDING THAT THIS WAS A FIRST STEP.
"AT THE SAME TIME GIVEN THE CONTINUED STRONG GROWTH IN DEMAND, THE GOVERNMENT IS KEEN TO ENSURE THE TIMELY CONSTRUCTION OF CT9. HENCE THE DECISION TO INVOLVE BOTH EXISTING AND NEW PLAYERS," HE SAID.
THE OFFER WOULD, HOWEVER, BE CONDITIONAL.
"THE CONDITIONS ARE THAT THE GRANTEES FORM A SINGLE GROUP TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT THE FOUR-BERTH TERMINAL BUT, ON ITS COMPLETION, THEY REORGANISE THAT GROUP SO THAT TWO BERTHS ARE OWNED AND OPERATED BY HIT/MTL AND TWO ARE OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE TSING YI CONTAINER TERMINAL CONSORTIUM," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THESE ARRANGEMENTS REPRESENTED A PRACTICAL AND REASONABLE WAY FORWARD.
THEY WERE NECESSARY FIRST, TO INTRODUCE GREATER COMPETITION INTO THE CONTAINER TERMINAL BUSINESS, AND SECONDLY, TO ENSURE THE SPEEDY CONSTRUCTION OF THE TERMINAL TO MEET FORECAST DEMAND.
HE EXPLAINED THAT IN THE LONGER TERM IT WAS NECESSARY TO INCREASE COMPETITION IN THE PORT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND TO GIVE CUSTOMERS A WIDER CHOICE.
"HENCE THE DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO BRING IN ONE OF THE TWO NEW PLAYERS WHICH HAS EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN THE DEVELOPMENT.
/"IT IS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
3
’’IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT INTRODUCING A NEW OPERATOR WILL INCREASE INTEREST IN OPERATING THE NEW TERMINALS ON LANTAU WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED IN 1997 AND BEYOND,” HE SAID.
THE CHOICE OF THE TSING Yl CONTAINER TERMINAL CONSORTIUM WAS MADE ON THE BASIS OF ITS COMPARATIVELY STRONGER BACKGROUND IN LOCAL TERMINAL CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT THE EXISTING OPERATORS HAD EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE NOT ONLY TN TERMINAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION BUT ALSO IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT.
’’GIVEN THAT CT9 IS REQUIRED TO BE BROUGHT INTO USE IN ABOUT TWO YEARS’ TIME, THE ADMINISTRATION WISHES TO OPTIMISE OPERATORS’ EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA.
’’INVOLVING THEM ALSO RECOGNISES THE LONG-STANDING COMMITMENTS THEY HAVE MADE TO THE PORT,” HE SAID.
NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PROSPECTIVE GRANTEE WOULD START SHORTLY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
OS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT * * t *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS INQUIRIES, A GOVENMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY):
’’TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS CARRIED INCORRECT AND GARBLED ACCOUNTS OF A PRIVATE AND WIDE RANGING DISACUSSION WHICH CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, HAD WITH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN AT A DINNER LAST NIGHT.
”IN THE DISCUSSION, SIR DAVID MADE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
"IT IS IN EVERYONE’S INTEREST TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING ON THE AIRPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOU. THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRST PRIORITY IS TO OBTAIN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE OVERALL FINANCIAL PACKAGES FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY;
”IF AGREEMENT CANNOT BE REACHED IMMEDIATELY ON THE OVERALL FINANCIAL PACKAGES, PROGRESS WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A STEP BY STEP BASIS: THE FIRST STEP IS A DECISION ON THE AIRPORT SITE FORMATION CONTRACT WHOSE TENDER VALIDITY RUNS TO THE END OF THIS MONTH;
’’THE CHINESE SIDE SAID IN JULY IT WOULD HAVE NO OBJECTION TO US GOING AHEAD WITH THIS CONTRACT PRIOR TO AN OVERALL AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT FINANCIAL PACKAGE. THAT OFFER IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED.
"AT NO POINT DID SIR DAVID SUGGEST THAT A DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN TO GO AHEAD, REGARDLESS OF ANY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE.
/"NO DEADLINE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
4
"NO DEADLINE DATES FOR PARTICULAR PIECES OF WORK WERE MENTIONED BY SIR DAVID, A GREAT DEAL OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME IS ALREADY GOING AHEAD.
"ON THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, SIR DAVID SAID IF EVENTUALY THERE WAS NO AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE, THEN IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO CONSIDER HOW THE MTRC COULD IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION THROUGH THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR TO TSING YI."
- 0 -
HK RETURNS TO ENTREPOT ROLE * * * * *
THE RAPID GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF GUANGDONG'S ECONOMY WILL PROVIDE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG-GUANGDONG ECONOMIC RELATIONS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, WHILE ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID INFRASTRUCTURAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ITEMS IN THE REGION WERE BEING ADDRESSED AND ONCE RESOLVED HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG SHOULD GROW RAPIDLY AND DRAMATICALLY.
MR BLAKE NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS RETURNING TO ITS TRADITIONAL ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT CITY AND HAD ASSUMED A NEW ONE AS A CONDUIT FOR FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY AND INVESTMENT IN CHINA.
HONG KONG IS TODAY RANKED AS THE WORLD’S 1OTH LARGEST TRADING ECONOMY AND IN TERMS OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES HONG KONG’S CONTAINER PORT RANKS AS THE BUSIEST IN THE WORLD.
KAI TAK AIRPORT IS THE FOURTH BUSIEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN THE WORLD FOR CARGO AND THE FIFTH BUSIEST FOR PASSENGERS.
"HONG KONG HAS BECOME A MAJOR FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE WHICH WELCOMES TOURISM AND INVESTMENT AND IS THE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS FOR MANY OPERATIONS AND ALL INDICATORS SUGGEST THIS IS GOING TO CONTINUE UNABATED FOR FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
"TO ACCOMMODATE THIS GROWTH AND TO PLAN FOR FUTURE GROWTH THIS ENTREPOT CITY IS UNDERGOING DRAMATIC EXPANSION TO ITS INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS," HE ADDED.
OUTLINING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND ITS RELATED PROJECTS, THE FUTURE CONTAINER TERMINALS AND THE LAND TRANSPORT, MR BLAKE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WOULD ALL STRENGTHEN HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE AND COMMUNICATIONS HUB, ABLE TO SERVE CHINA’S RAPIDLY EXPANDING ECONOMY, ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTH.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
5
JOSEPH YAM APPOINTED TO HEAD MONETARY AUTHORITY * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR JOSEPH YAM CHI-KWONG HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE) OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
MR YAM WILL UNDERTAKE THE NECESSARY PREPARATION AND PLANNING WORK FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY, PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE 1 DESIGNATE) WILL FORTHWITH ALSO OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AND OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
MR YAM, AGED 45, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1971 AS A STATISTICIAN.
HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1991.
DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR YAM SERVED IN THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH.
IN 1982 HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH WHERE HE HAS WORKED UNTIL NOW.
MR YAM WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS IN 1985 AND TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND IN FEBRUARY 1991.
- - 0 - -
FS WELCOMES YAM’S APPOINTMENT *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR JOSEPH YAM CHI-KWONG AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE) OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY.
MR MACLEOD SAID MR YAM HAD PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN THE INTRODUCTION OF A SERIES OF MONETARY REFORM MEASURES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS WHICH INCREASED THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN MONETARY STABILITY IN HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
6 -
EPCOM MEMBERS VISIT NEW AIRPORT SITE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE VISITED CHEK LAP KOK TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE MODIFIED AIRPORT LAYOUT.
LED BY THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR WANG GUNGWU, SIX MEMBERS TOOK A BOAT TRIP ARRANGED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) TO SEE THE COASTLINE OF THE CHEK LAP KOK ISLAND.
TOURING SHA LO WAN AND THE HEADLAND ON FOOT, THEY WERE BRIEFED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON DETAILS OF THE MODIFIED LAYOUT AND THE MITIGATION MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED.
THE PARTY WAS INFORMED THAT THE NEW LAYOUT INVOLVED SHIFTING THE PASSENGER TERMINAL COMPLEX ALONG WITH ROAD AND RAIL LINKS ABOUT 190 METRES TO THE WEST.
THE SHIFT WILL ALLOW MORE OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING BE BUILT ON THE LAND OF THE CHEK LAP KOK ISLAND RATHER THAN ON RECLAIMED LAND, THUS ACHIEVING SAVINGS IN COSTS.
IT WILL ALSO PRESERVE 2.5 KILOMETRES OF THE NATURAL COASTLINE ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE ISLAND.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PAA AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS EXPLAINED THAT THE REVISED LAYOUT NECESSITATED A 360-METRE SHIFT OF THE SOUTHERN RUNWAY TO THE WEST.
ALSO, RECONFIGURATION OF THE ISLAND’S WESTERN BOUNDARY AND PARTIAL REMOVAL OF A SMALL HEADLAND TO THE WEST OF SHA LO WAN ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE SEA CHANNEL BETWEEN THE AIRPORT ISLAND AND THE NORTH LANTAU COAST.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO TOLD THAT CONSULTANTS OF THE PAA HAD CONDUCTED AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ON THE NEW LAYOUT TO STUDY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS AND TO MAKE CHANGES IN THE MITIGATION AND MONITORING PROGRAMMES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE ASSESSMENT RESULTS AT ITS NEXT MEETING ON NOVEMBER 18.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ACCOMPANYING THE MEMBERS ON THE VISIT INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE.
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/7........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
7
GROUP CO-ORDINATES TRAFFIC’ SCHEMES IN KWAI TSING
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL GROUP TO CO-ORDINATE THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SCHEMES DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI AREAS.
THE KWAI TSING TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION GROUP COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, POLICE, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
IT WILL APPROVE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SCHEMES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ENGINEERING PROJECTS IN KWAI TSING, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT BOTH EXISTING AND OTHER PLANNED SCHEMES IN THE AREAS.
THE GROUP WILL REVIEW AND, IF NECESSARY, MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SCHEMES DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND WILL RESOLVE ANY CONFLICTS AND INTERFACE PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
AT ITS FIRST MEETING THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING, THE GROUP DECIDED TO MEET REGULARLY TO UPDATE PROGRESS MADE ON PROJECTS AND ENHANCE LIAISON BETWEEN CONCERNED PARTIES.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO REGULARLY REPORT TO THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS.
------0-------
NO POLICY CHANGE BURGLARY INVESTIGATION *****
A POLICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) CLARIFIED FORCE POLICY ON THE INVESTIGATION OF BURGLARIES IN HONG KONG.
A NUMBER OF RECENT PRESS REPORTS HAD STATED THAT THE FORCE WAS PLANNING TO CEASE THE INVESTIGATION OF BURGLARIES WHERE THE VALUE OF STOLEN PROPERTY WAS BELOW A CERTAIN AMOUNT.
THIS IS INCORRECT.
POLICE SPOKESMAN ERIC LOCKEYEAR TODAY CONFIRMED THAT FORCE POLICY WAS TO INVESTIGATE FULLY ALL REPORTS OF BURGLARY, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER CRIME. THIS WAS REGARDLESS OF THE VALUE OF STOLEN PROPERTY, AND APPLIED EVEN WHERE NO PROPERTY HAD BEEN STOLEN AT ALL.
HE CONFIRMED FURTHER THAT THERE WERE NO PLANS TO CHANGE THIS POLICY IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
IN THIS RESPECT, HE ADDED, HONG KONG ENJOYED A LEVEL OF POLICE SUPPORT AND INVESTIGATION WHICH WAS NO LONGER THE NORM IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
- 8 -
PARENTS’ DUTY DOES NOT STOP IN SCHOOL
*****
PARENTS SHOULD NOT CONSIDER THEIR DUTY TO HAVE BEEN FULFILLED BY MERELY SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL OR PASSING THEM ON TO PRIVATE TUTORS OR GIVING THEM MATERIALISTIC COMFORT.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE SPEECH DAY OF RAIMONDI COLLEGE IN ROBINSON ROAD.
"PARENTAL CARE AND FAMILY SUPPORT ARE ESSENTIAL IN CREATING A WARM, HEALTHY AND CARING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO GROW UP AND IN ENSURING FUTURE SUCCESS," MR WONG EXPLAINED.
"IN A HECTIC CITY LIKE HONG KONG, MANY PEOPLE WORK EXTREMELY HARD FOR A GOOD LIVING FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES. THIS IS FINE ON ITS OWN," HE SAID.
"BUT THIS TYPE OF MATERIALISTIC PURSUIT IS BOUND TO CREATE PROBLEMS UNLESS PARENTS CARE ALSO FOR THEIR CHILDREN. I WOULD URGE PARENTS TO PAY A GREAT DEAL MORE ATTENTION TO THEIR CHILDREN AND TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH THEIR CHILDREN MAY ENCOUNTER IN THE PROCESS OF GROWING UP," HE SAID.
"IT IS ONLY WITH THE CONTINUOUS SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF PARENTS, SCHOOL AND PEER GROUPS THAT OUR STUDENTS CAN DEVELOP INTO RESPONSIBLE YOUNG PEOPLE AND GROW UP AS SUCCESSFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY," HE POINTED OUT.
MR WONG SAID A COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION WOULD BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS AND THAT THE SETTING UP OF MORE PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS WOULD BE ENCOURAGED.
MR WONG ALSO SAID WITH 1997 DRAWING NEAR, SOME PEOPLE WERE APPREHENSIVE ABOUT THE FUTURE YND THE CHANGES THAT MIGHT TAKE PLACE.
IT WAS TRUE THAT HONG KONG WOULD GO THROUGH A MAJOR CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE TO BECOME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA. ALTHOUGH THIS CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY WAS INEVITABLE, THERE SHOULD BE NO FEAR, HE POINTED OUT.
"OUR SYSTEMS AND LIFESTYLE CAN REMAIN BASICALLY UNCHANGED IF WE WISH, AND ALL THIS IS GUARANTEED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
"HONG KONG WILL ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN MANY AREAS OF OPERATION, INCLUDING EDUCATION. THUS I EXPECT HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF BROAD OR SPECIALISED EDUCATION," HE SAID.
RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS COULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE SCHOOLS AND TO TEACH COURSES IN RELIGION, HE ADDED.
/A MORE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
9
A MORE IMMEDIATE TASK WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD BE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND TO STRENGTHEN TEACHER EDUCATION.
"BUT IMPROVED QUALITY ALONE CANNOT SOLVE THE MANY SOCIAL PROBLEMS WHICH OUR SCHOOLS FACE NOWADAYS. THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO ESTABLISH CLOSE LINKS AMONG PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS,” MR WONG SAID.
- - 0 - -
BIGGEST JIGSAW IN HK TO FORM ON SUNDAY * * * *
MORE THAN 3,000 PEOPLE FROM ABOUT 1,000 FAMILIES WILL WORK HAND-IN-HAND TO FORM A MAMMOTH JIGSAW IN A CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 15) TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE OF HAPPY MARRIAGE AND RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD.
THE ’’FAMILY PORTRAIT OF LOVE” JIGSAW, MEASURING 400 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE THE BIGGEST EVER FORMED IN HONG KONG.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, MRS ANNIE LEE, SAID THE FORMATION OF THE JIGSAW WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CARNIVAL ON THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
OFFICIATING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.
PROGRAMMES WILL ALSO INCLUDE STALL GAMES AND EXHIBITION TO FEATURE HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONS, AND PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON FAMILY PROBLEMS.
ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE VICTORIA PARK, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY.
THE FORMING OF THE MAMMOTH JIGSAW WILL START AT 11 AM THAT DAY.
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/10
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
10
MORE VIETNAMESE GO HOME * * * * *
A GROUP OF 224 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 69 MEN, 61 WOMEN, 38 BOYS AND 56 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 132ND BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BRINGS TO 10,371 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 24,351 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 10 NOV 92 10 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q246 H277
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,235 MN HKD 490 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 300 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.49 PCT 3.59 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.58 PCT 3.63 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 53 PCT ABOUT 62 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.53 PCT 3.64 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 16 NOVEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 16 NOV 92 17 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER GOVT BOND EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER 2411 Q247
ISSUE DATE 17 NOV 92 18 NOV 92
MATURITY DATE 17 NOV 94 17 FEB 93
TENOR 2 YEARS 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 500+100 MN HKD 800+160 MN
COUPON 4.625 PCT N. A.
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/Il ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1992
- 11 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
***** $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,300
REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF -1,800 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT + 990 2,490
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.0 *+0.2* 10.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.10 PCT 12 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.25 4.02
1 MONTH 3.18 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.32 4.46
3 MONTHS 3.48 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.502 101.35 4.62
6 MONTHS 3.60 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.08 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.33 4.83
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,570 MN
CLOSED 10 NOVEMBER, 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AT THE P & O
DINNER AT THE H.K.C.E.C. ON NOVEMBER 10, 1992 .................. 1
SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, ON
THE MOTION ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL .. 3
BRITISH GOVT SEEKS DEMOCRACY FOR HK .............................. 5
GOVERNOR'S SPENDING PROPOSALS WILL NOT CUT RESERVES .............. 5
WITHDRAWAL OF CBF FROM EXCO ENDORSED ............................. 6
MITIGATION MEASURES TO IMPROVE FLOODING .......................... 6
PLUTONIUM CARRIER WILL NOT NAVIGATE CLOSE TO HK .................. 7
COMPANY INVESTIGATION POWER UNDER REVIEW ......................... 8
ADEQUATE AIR SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TAIWAN ................ 8
LAND RESUMPTION PROCEDURES FAIR AND REASONABLE ................... 9
REVIEW TO IMPROVE LAND USE UNDERWAY .............................. 9
LDC INSPECTS ACQUIRED BUILDINGS REGULARLY ....................... 10
VULNERABLE SQUATTERS TO GO BY WET SEASON ........................ 11
TELEPHONE INTERCEPTION APPLICATIONS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED ........ 12
KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME SET FOR IMPROVEMENT ........... 12
MEASURES TO CURB ILLEGAL CAR RACING.............................. 14
CONTAINER PORT PARKING PROBLEM TO BE RELIEVED ................... 15
STOP LIST SYSTEM FUNCTIONS WELL ................................. 15
84 LAWS TO GO BEFORE LEGCO THIS SESSION ......................... 16
RULES TO GOVERN VENTILATING SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS ................ 16
DISABLED ENCOURAGED TO JOIN DAILY ACTIVITIES .................... 17
QUALITY OF LEGCO DOCUMENTS ASSURED .............................. 18
BILL TO ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY INTRODUCED ........................ 19
45 SPEAK ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT MOTION ........................ 20
/TRANSCRIPT OF
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR CANADA TODAY ECONOMIC MISSION TO VIETNAM .......................................
FORFEITURE OF SEIZED GOODS TO BE STREAMLINED ......................
NEW POST OFFICE OPENS TODAY .......................................
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ...........................................
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992 - 1 -
SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AT THE P & O DINNER AT THE H.K.C.E.C. ON NOVEMBER 10, 1992 ********
THE REPULSE BAY IS A TRULY MAGNIFICENT SHIP. I SAW HER BRIEFLY IN THE GAPS THAT WE CAN SEE FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE THROUGH THE BUILDINGS, BETWEEN AS IT WERE NORMAN FOSTER AND I.M. PEI, AND SINCE PRINCE CHARLES ISN’T HERE I WON’T SAY ANY MORE ABOUT THAT; BUT I SAW HER STEAMING GRACEFULLY INTO THE HARBOUR THIS MORNING, HER RED ENSIGN FLYING PROUDLY AT THE STERN, A SYMBOL OF P & O’S ENDURING CLOSE LINKS WITH HONG KONG. AND I MUST SAY I AM DELIGHTED TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH HER FORMAL NAMING HERE BY MY WIFE IN HONG KONG.
LIKE HONG KONG, SHE IS ALREADY A RECORD BREAKER. THE LARGEST CONTAINER SHIP FLYING THE RED ENSIGN AND IT’S THEREFORE FITTING THAT SHE SHOULD BE NAMED IN THE BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
THE REPULSE BAY WILL CARRY WITH HER THE NAME AND SPIRIT OF HONG KONG WHEREVER SHE GOES. THE SHIP COULD HARDLY BE BEGINNING HER WORKING LIFE AT A BETTER TIME. HERE IN HONG KONG WE STAND, AS ALL OF US KNOW, AT THE EPICENTRE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIC REGION IN THE WORLD. OUR OWN HARBOUR, WHICH FIRST INSPIRED SEE-GOING MERCHANTS A CENTURY AND A HALF AGO REMAINS THE FINEST DEEP WATER PORT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
TODAY AN OCEAN-GOING SHIP ENTERS OF LEAVE ITS WATERS EVERY 13 MINUTES. MOST OF THEM ARE CONTAINER SHIPS LIKE REPULSE BAY LOADING OR UNLOADING AT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT, WHICH HAS NOW SURPASSED SINGAPORE AS THE BUSIEST IN THE WORLD.
THE TRADE THAT PASSES THROUGH OUR HARBOUR COMES AND GOES TO PORTS RIGHT ACROSS THE GLOBE. BUT MUST OF THE CARGO WE HANDLE IS GOING TO OR COMING FROM MUCH CLOSER TO HOME, ALONG THE COAST OF SOUTHERN CHINA. AND IT IS ACROSS THE BORDER IN SOUTHERN CHINA WHERE FREE MARKET ECONOMICS ARE BLAZING A TRAIL IN THE MOST REMARKABLE ECONOMIC REVOLUTION OF MODERN TIMES.
IT IS THOSE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AND BEYOND THAT ARE HELPING TO DRIVE GROWTH IN HONG KONG AND IN OUR OWN CONTAINER PORT. THE ECONOMY OF GUANGDONG, WITH A POPULATION OF 63 MILLION PEOPLE, BIGGER THAN BRITAIN, BUT ONLY A FRACTION OF THE MASSIVE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA; THE ECONOMY OF GUANGDONG HAS GROWN BY 13% EACH YEAR OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS SOME 90% OF THE GOODS RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG ARE DESTINED FOR OR ORIGINATE IN CHINA.
HONG KONG IS SET TO CONTINUE AS THE ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE OF THE REGION. FOR A START WE ARE DETERMINED TO BUILD FOR TOMORROW TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE TRADE BOOM WE ARE SEEING TODAY. WE ARE ALREADY BUILDING HONG KONG’S EIGHTH CONTAINER TERMINAL AT STONECUTTER’S ISLAND. AND WE ARE PLANNING FOR THE NINTH ON TSING YI AND THEN THE TENTH ON LANTAU.
BY THE SUMMER OF 1997, HONG KONG’S PORT WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE OVER 10 MILLION TWENTY FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS, AS I THINK THEY ARE KNOWN EVERY YEAR. WE ARE, TO PUT IT IN TERMS THE REST OF US WOULD UNDERSTAND, BUILDING THE EQUIVALENT OF A NEW OAKLAND OR SEATTLE EVERY YEAR THROUGH TO THE TURN OF THE CENTURY.
/OUR PORT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
2
OUR PORT, AND THE ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY WITH WHICH IT OPERATES, MAKE HONG KONG THE MARITIME CENTRE OF THE FAR EAST. OUR PORT IS AT THE HEART OF OUR PROSPECTS AND I THINK AT THE HEART OF OUR PROSPERITY.
AT THIS TIME OF ASTONISHING CHANGE, THERE IS ONE THING THAT DOES NOT CHANGE, HOWEVER. AND THAT IS THE FORMULA FOR HONG KONG’S EXTRAORDINARY ECONOMIC SUCCESS OVER THE YEARS. OUR WINNING FORMULA -THE HONG KONG FORMULA - IS NO TRADE SECRET. BUT IT IS THE BEST PROOF, LIVING PROOF, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, THAT A FREE ECONOMY, OPERATING WITHIN A SOUND FRAMEWORK OF LAW, AND GUARANTEED BY THE GROWING PARTICIPATION OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF HONG KONG IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR OWN AFFAIRS, OFFERS THE BEST PROSPECT OF PROSPERITY AND RISING STANDARDS OF LIVING.
OUR PRESCRIPTION FOR PROSPERITY IS STRAIGHT-FORWARD. WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT BUSINESSMEN - NOT POLITICIANS OR CIVIL SERVANTS - MAKE THE BEST COMMERCIAL DECISIONS. THE JOB OF GOVERNMENT IS TO OFFER MAXIMUM SUPPORT BUT MINIMUM INTERFERENCE. WE BELIEVE IN COMPETITION WITHIN A SOUND, FAIR FRAMEWORK OF REGULATION. WE BELIEVE IN LOW TAXES AND IN FIRM CONTROL OF PUBLIC SPENDING, WHICH MUST FOLLOW NOT OUT-PACE ECONOMIC GROWTH.
IT IS THAT SIMPLE, TRIED AND TESTED ECONOMIC PRESCRIPTION, COUPLED WITH THE HARD WORK OF HONG KONG’S REMARKABLE PEOPLE, THAT HAVE TURNED THIS GREAT COMMUNITY INTO ONE OF THE ECONOMIC WONDERS OF THE WORLD. AN ECONOMIC PRESCRIPTION THAT ITSELF FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF WHAT WE MEAN BY HONG KONG’S ’’WAY OF LIFE”, A WAY OF LIFE DESCRIBED IN LINE AFTER LINE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. IT IS THAT WAY OF LIFE THAT UNDERPINS HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY. THAT WAY OF LIFE WHICH IT IS MY JOB AS GOVERNOR TO PRESERVE IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND THE NIGHT WHEN THE FLAG COMES DOWN. ALL THOSE VALUES OF AN OPEN, TOLERANT AND FREE SOCIETY INTERLOCK. TAKE AWAY ONE AND THE WHOLE EDIFICE IS ENDANGERED. BIND THEM TOGETHER AND THE COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO THRIVE AND PROSPER.
P & O’S ASSOCIATION WITH HONG KONG IS, AS WE LEARNED THIS EVENING, AS OLD AS THE TERRITORY ITSELF. REPULSE BAY IS ONLY THE LATEST - IF THE LARGEST - OF A LONG LINE OF YOUR VESSELS THAT HAVE STEAMED IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG HARBOUR. TODAY YOUR SHARES ARE LISTED ON THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE. YOU PLAY A FORMIDABLE PART IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, JUST AS YOU DO IN SO MANY ECONOMIES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD. YOU ARE GOING, I KNOW, TO PLAY AS IMPORTANT A PART IN SHAPING THE HONG KONG OF TOMORROW, JUST AS YOU HAVE PLAYED A LARGE PART IN SHAPING THE HONG KONG OF TODAY.
AS REPULSE BAY PREPARES TO PLY HER TRADE, THE PROSPECTS COULD HARDLY BE SET MORE FAIR FOR HER. JUST THINK. DURING HER WORKING LIFE SHE WILL SEE THIS REGION TRANSFORMED. YOU CAN ALREADY FEEL IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD THE ECONOMIC PULSE. IN THE COMING YEARS ASIA IS SET TO TRANSFORM ITSELF INTO THE WORLD’S ECONOMIC HEART. REPULSE BAY AND HER CREWS WILL WITNESS IT HAPPEN AS ALL OF YOU, THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG, HELP TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. I WANT THIS EVENING TO SALUTE YOU BOTH.
/THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
3
THIS IS, I SUPPOSE, THE MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD. IT IS A COMMUNITY IN WHICH EVERYONE SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT REALLY MAKES AN ECONOMY TICK. AND IT’S A COMMUNITY IN WHICH EVERYONE PLAYS A PART IN CREATING OUR SUCCESS STORY. THE STORY OF A VIBRANT, SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE MARKET ECONOMY, WHICH EMBRACES CHANGE; CHANGE IN EVERY SECTOR RATHER THAN REJECTING IT.
SO WHEN YOU SALUTE BUSINESS YOU SALUTE HONG KONG, AND WHEN YOU TOAST HONG KONG YOU TOAST BUSINESS.
AND IT’S IN THAT SPIRIT OF ENTHUSIASTIC REALISM AND CHEERFUL AMITY, I ASK EVERYONE TO RAISE THEIR GLASSES AND DRINK A TOAST TO THE CORE OF OUR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND SUCCESSFUL. ECONOMY, TO THE CONTINUING REASON FOR OUR ABILITY TO SUSTAIN CIVILISED VALUES. THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG.
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SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTI ONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, ON THE MOTION ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL *****
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
WE CHAMBER. EXPRESSED CHRISTINE
HAVE SEEN TODAY ONE OE THE MOST LIVELY DEBATES IN THIS I AM GRATEFUL TO MEMBERS FOR ALL THE VIEWS SO ELOQUENTLY ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT. I CONGRATULATE MISS LOH FOR HER POWERFUL SPEECH.
MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN HAVE PLACED EMPHASIS ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS IN THIS DEBATE. THIS IS ALSO EVIDENT FROM THE SUCCESSIVE AND, I WOULD SAV, IMAGINATIVE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED TO THE ORIGINAL MOTION. DESPITE THIS, I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THERE IS INDEED A COMMON THEME IN ALL THE EXPOSITIONS, AND THAT IS : ANY CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM MUST BE OPEN, FAIR AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. AS THE GOVERNOR HAS SAID ON MANY OCCASIONS, THIS IS PRECISELY THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE OF HIS CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE. INDEED, IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S BOTTOM LINE. IT IS ALSO THE COMMON VIEW OF THIS COUNCIL AND, I FIRMLY BELIEVE, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
THE OBJECT OF OUR PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE IS CLEAR. IT IS TO FIND A POINT OF BALANCE BETWEEN DEVELOPING A GREATER MEASURE OF DEMOCRACY TN ACCORDANCE WITH THE \SP1RATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE ONE HAND, AND ON THE OTHER, MEETING THE GENERAL DESIRE FOR SUCH REFORMS TO BE COMPATIBLE, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, WITH THE BASIC LAW AND, THEREFORE, CAPABLE OF TRANSCENDING 1997.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
4
THE GOVERNOR HAS REPEATEDLY EMPHASISED, AS I POINTED OUT IN MY SPEECH IN THIS COUNCIL ON 14 OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THAT THESE PROPOSALS WERE PUT FORWARD FOR CONSULTATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG AND WITH CHINA. DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAVE STARTED WITH THE VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR TO PEKING LAST MONTH. I ENTIRELY AGREE WITH MEMBERS THAT OUR DIALOGUE WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON THIS MATTER MUST CONTINUE. BUT LET ME REPEAT ONE POINT. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT MAKING A "SECRET DEAL" OVER THE HEADS OR BEHIND THE BACKS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND IMPOSE IT ON THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY.
GIVEN THAT DOUBTS EXPRESSED BY SOME MEMBERS ON THE NATURE OF THE GOVERNOR’S PACKAGE, I THINK IT IS WORTH REPEATING THAT THE PRESENT PACKAGE IS A SET OF PROPOSALS, NOT DECISIONS. WE ENCOURAGE MEMBERS, AND THE COMMUNITY, TO CONTINUE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THESE PROPOSALS. IF ANYBODY HAS OTHER SPECIFIC PROPOSALS, LET US HEAR THEM AND LET US DISCUSS THEM LOGICALLY AND RATIONALLY. I HOPE THAT SUCH A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS IS TAKEN POSITIVELY. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT A THREAT. I HAVE HEARD RUMOURS AND ALLEGATIONS OF INTIMIDATION BUT CANNOT IMAGINE THAT ANYONE WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS THE CULPRIT. I AM ENCOURAGED THAT WE ARE BEGINNING TO SEE SOME IDEAS EMERGING FROM WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. I AGREE WITH SOME MEMBERS WHO HAVE MADE THE POINT THAT THE TIME FOR A FINAL DECISION IS NOT YET WITH US. MUCH MORE DISCUSSION WILL NO DOUBT TAKE PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND IN THIS CHAMBER BEFORE THAT TIME COMES. UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO HAVE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE WELL BEFORE THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN 1994 AND THEIR ENABLING LEGISLATION WOULD HAVE TO BE IN PLACE MUCH EARLIER, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR US TO ADOPT THE GREEN PAPER FOLLOWED BY THE WHITE PAPER PROCESS. WE DO NOT UNFORTUNATELY HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME. IT IS THEREFORE ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS NOW.
OUR CURRENT INTENTION IS TO INTRODUCE INTO THIS COUNCIL, BY EARLY NEXT YEAR, LEGISLATION ON THE PRECISE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994-95 ELECTIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REASSURE MR NGA1 THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE ASKED TO ADVISE ON THESE PROPOSALS BEFORE THEY ARE PRESENTED TO THIS COUNCIL. MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WILL THEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JUDGE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER THESE PROPOSALS TRULY REFLECT THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND WHETHER THEY SERVE THE LONG-TERM INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, AS THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO MADE CLEAR, WE INTEND TO BE FRANK AND TO BE OPEN WITH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. FOR IT IS THEIR FUTURE THAT WE ARE DISCUSSING, AND IT IS THEY WHO WILL BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR DECISIONS. CLEARLY, WE ALL ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO CONVERGENCE OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM BEFORE AND AFTER 1997; I ENTIRELY AGREE WITH MR BARROW AND MR IP THAT IT IS WRONG TO ASSUME THAT CONVERGENCE AND DEMOCRACY ARE IRRECONCILABLE OPPOSITES. MR BARROW IS RIGHT THAT CONVERGENCE IS NOT A ONE-SIDED PROCESS. THE ULTIMATE TEST IS WHETHER SUCH ARRANGEMENTS ARE OPEN, FAIR AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION OF QUALIFYING THAT ACCEPTABILITY WHICH IS, AS I SAID, THE GOVERNMENT’S VERY BOTTOM LINE. FOR THAT REASON, EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ARE NOT ABLE TO SUPPORT MR CHIM PUI-CHUNG’S AMENDMENT. THANK YOU, MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
5
BRITISH GOVT SEEKS DEMOCRACY FOR HK *****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY CONSULTED AT ALL TIMES ABOUT THE POSITION BEING ADOPTED BY BRITISH GOVERNMENT WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING, MR SZE SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S AIM IN THESE DISCUSSIONS WAS TO SEEK THE MAXIMUM EXTENT OF DEMOCRACY FOR THE FUTURE CONSISTENT WITH THE EXPRESSED DESIRE FOR THE SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT IN 1997.
MR SZE ADDED THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WERE KEPT FULLY BRIEFED THROUGHOUT THESE DISCUSSIONS.
ON THE REASONS WHY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DID NOT MENTION T'rfE OMELCO CONSENSUS ON POLITICAL REFORM IN THE SINO-BRITISH DIPLOM’u'TC LETTERS, THE SECRETARY SAID THE OMELCO CONSENSUS WAS PASSED TO THE CHINESE SIDE AT AN EARLIER STAGE AND IT WAS POINTED OUT THAT IT COMMANDED WIDE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN HONG KONG.
"THE REASON WHY IT WAS NOT MENTIONED IN THE PUBLISHED DOCUMENTS IS THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS HAD BY THEN MOVED BEYOND THAT STAGE," MR SZE SAID.
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GOVERNOR’S SPENDING PROPOSALS WILL NOT CUT RESERVES
*****
THE SPENDING PROPOSALS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS WILL NOT REDUCE THE LEVEL OF THE FISCAL RESERVES THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS SHOWN IN THE LAST BUDGET, IN IT’S MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST FOR 1992/93 TO 1996/97, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI KWOK-PO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR YEUNG SAID AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO FORMULATE MORE CONCRETE GUIDELINES.
"HOW LARGE THE RESERVES SHOULD BE MUST INEVITABLY REMAIN A MATTER OF JUDGEMENT, WHICH WOULD BE INFLUENCED BY A NUMBER OF FACTORS," THE SECRETARY SAID.
THESE INCLUDED THE LEVEL OF ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE; THE LEVEL OF OUTSTANDING CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS; THE EXTENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINGENT LIABILITIES; AND ANY COMMITMENT SUCH AS THAT UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED QUESTIONS.
MR YEUNG ALSO REASSURED THAT THE SPENDING PROPOSALS ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND OTHER KEY PROGRAMME AREAS OVER THE FORECAST PERIOD CONFORMED WITH THE BUDGETARY GUIDELINE THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE WOULD NOT OUTPACE THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
6
WITHDRAWAL OF CBF FROM EXCO ENDORSED ******
THE SECRETARY OF STATE ENDORSED THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL THAT THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES’ EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP ON THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHOULD CEASE, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID.
HE SAID THE COMMANDER WOULD REMAIN FORMALLY A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL UNTIL THE NECESSARY AMENDMENTS WERE MADE TO
THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS TO ABOLISH HIS MEMBERSHIP.
’’THERE IS THEREFORE NO QUESTION OF ANY VIOLATION TO CLAUSE II OF THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS,” HE ADDED.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SZE SAID THE COMMANDER HAD AGREED THAT HE WOULD NOT NORMALLY ATTEND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS IN THE INTERIM.
THIS WILL NOT IN ANY WAY AFFECT THE COUNCIL’S OPERATION, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THERE WAS NO REQUIREMENT THAT MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MUST BE ATTENDED BY ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS.
MR SZE SAID IT WAS NOT UNCOMMON FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ANNOUNCE, IN THE PUBLIC’S INTERESTS, CERTAIN POLICY DECISIONS BEFORE THE RELEVANT LEGAL PROVISION WAS IN PLACE.
’’PROVIDING THE PUBLIC WITH TIMELY INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT’S DECISIONS IMPROVES, RATHER THAN WEAKENS, THE GOVERNMENT’S CREDIBILITY,” HE SAID.
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MITIGATION MEASURES TO IMPROVE FLOODING
*****
AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING THE PHASING AND DESIGN OF FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS IS THAT FLOODING PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE WORSENED DURING THE PROGRESS OF WORK.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT HAD DEVISED BOTH LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE FLOODING PROBLEM IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
MR BLAKE SAID THE LONG-TERM WORKS TO MITIGATE FLOODING THERE COMPRISED RIVER TRAINING SCHEMES AND VILLAGE FLOOD PUMPING SCHEMES.
SPECIFIC WORKS WERE CARRIED OUT IN TIN SHUI WAI, YUEN LONG, KAM TIN, NGAU TAM MEI AND SAN TIN.
/THE WORKS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
7
THE WORKS WERE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1999 IN TIN SHUI WAJ, 1998 IN YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN, 1997 IN NGAU TAM MEI AND 1999 IN SAN TIN.
DURING CONSTRUCTION THERE WOULD BE CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS FOR THE WORKS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH THE FREE FLOW OF THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND FOR CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCES AND TEMPORARY WORKS TO RECEIVE INDEPENDENT CHECKS BY THE RESIDENT ENGINEERS.
"THEY WILL BE PARTICULARLY WATCHFUL TO ENSURE THAT THESE CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS ARE COMPLIED WITH, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WET SEASON," HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WOULD TAKE SOME TIME FOR THE BENEFITS OF THE LONG-TERM FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS TO BE REALISED.
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNDERTAKING A VARIETY OF SHORT-TERM FLOOD MITIGATION MEASURES.
THE SHORT-TERM FLOOD MITIGATION MEASURES INCLUDED FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT, RIVER MAINTENANCE, LOCAL DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND A FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM.
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PLUTONIUM CARRIER WILL NOT NAVIGATE CLOSE TO HK * * * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE COURSE OF THE PLUTONIUM CARRIER "AhATSUKI MARU" WILL BRING IT CLOSE TO HONG KONG.
iHIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MS ELIZABETH BOSHER, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH KUNG-WAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MS BOSHER SAID ASSURANCES HAD BEEN GIVEN BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT THAT SHOULD THE CARRIER ENTER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, IT WOULD, IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, REMAIN IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS AND NOT NAVIGATE CLOSER THAN 200 MILES TO THE TERRITORY.
THE JAPANESE VESSEL IS CARRYING A CARGO OF RADIOACTIVE PLUTONIUM FROM FRANCE TO JAPAN.
SHE SAID HONG KONG PORT AUTHORITIES WOULD, IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS, BE ENTITLED TO DENY ENTRY INTO HONG KONG WATERS OF ANY VESSEL DEEMED TO POSE A GRAVE AND IMMINENT THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF THE PORT OR TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
SHE SAID THE NUMBER OF IMPORT LICENCES ISSUED FOR RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES TRANSHIPPED OR LANDED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS WAS 1,140 (IN 1990) AND 1,180 (IN 1991) RESPECTIVELY.
THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THESE WERE IN RESPECT OF MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED BY HOSPITALS AND BY LABORATORIES IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
/FURTHER CONTROLS .......
8
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
FURTHER CONTROLS ON TOXIC MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) ORDINANCE AND THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE, DEPENDING ON THEIR NATURE.
SHE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE SHIPMENT OF RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE NATIONAL INTERESTS OF BRITAIN.
------G-------
COMPANY INVESTIGATION POWER UNDER REVIEW
*****
THERE HAVE BEEN ON-GOING DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND THE ADMINISTRATION ON SOME PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO ALLOW THE POWERS OF INVESTIGATION TO BE EXERCISED MORE EFFECTIVELY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR NENDICK SAID MEMBERS WOULD BE ABLE TO EXAMINE THE DETAILED PROPOSALS ON THE POWER OF INVESTIGATION UNDER THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND/OR OTHER ORDINANCES WHEN A BILL IS SUBMITTED TO LEGCO.
MR NENDICK SAID UNTIL CONCRETE PROPOSALS WERE DEVELOPED, IT WAS PREMATURE TO SAY WHETHER OR NOT ANY FURTHER LEVY, IN ADDITION TO THE PRESENT TRANSACTION AND THE SPECIAL LEVIES WOULD HAVE TO BE ENVISAGED TO FUND THE INVESTIGATION WORK.
’’BUT J AM CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG SECURITIES MARKETS REMAIN COMPETITIVE AS FAR AS INTERMEDIATION COSTS ARE CONCERNED,” HE SAID.
THERE WERE THREE INSPECTIONS CONDUCTED OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS UNDER THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE.
THE TOTAL COSTS FOR THE THREE INSPECTIONS AMOUNTED TO ABOUT $47 MILLION AND THE TIME TAKEN BY THE INSPECTORS TO COMPLETE THEIR TASKS VARIED FROM SEVEN-AND-A-HALF MONTHS TO FOUR YEARS AND TWO MONTHS.
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ADEQUATE AIR SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TAIWAN *****
THE EXISTING AIR PASSENGER AND FREIGHT SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TAIWAN ARE GENERALLY ADEQUATE TO COPE WITH CURRENT DEMANDS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ON WHETHER IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR SUCH SERVICES WILL BE CONTEMPLATED, MRS BOSHER SAID THE PLANNING OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND WAS A MATTER FOR THE AIRLINES IN WHICH GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTERVENE.
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/9 .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
9
LAND RESUMPTION PROCEDURES FAIR AND REASONABLE *****
THE CURRENT LAND RESUMPTION PROCEDURES, BOTH STATUTORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE, ARE CONSIDERED TO BE FAIR AND REASONABLE, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EASON EXPLAINED THAT PROPERTY OWNERS WERE OFFERED COMPENSATION BASED ON THE MARKET VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTIES.
IF THEY DO NOT AGREE WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION OFFERED, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR A DETERMINATION, SHE ADDED.
"THE ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO REVIEW THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE RESULTS OF THE CURRENT REVIEW OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE SINCE THE TWO ORDINANCES ARE CLOSELY CONNECTED.
"EXPERIENCE FROM PREVIOUS LAND RESUMPTIONS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," HE SAID.
REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE, MR EASON SAID THE SYSTEM HAD BEEN OPERATING SATISFACTORILY FOR MANY YEARS.
THERE APPEARS TO BE NO NEED FOR STATUTORY GUIDELINES TO HELP THE DETERMINATION OF WHAT CONSTITUTES A ’PUBLIC PURPOSE’ WHEN APPLYING SECTION 2(D) OF THE ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
GENERALLY, PROPOSALS FOR RESUMPTION ARE ONLY PUT TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OR TOWN PLANS.
"ADVICE FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS IS INVARIABLY SOUGHT BEFORE RESUMPTION PROPOSALS ARE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL," MR EASON SAID.
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REVIEW TO IMPROVE LAND USE UNDERWAY *****
A REVIEW OF THE APPLICATION OF THE PROVISIONS INTRODUCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991 TO IMPROVE CONTROL OVER HAPHAZARD LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE RURAL AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS BEEN CONDUCTED, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO, MR EASON SAID AREAS COVERED BY THE REVIEW ALSO INCLUDED THE STORAGE OF CONTAINERS AND OTHER MATERIALS ON AGRICULTURAL LAND.
/HOWEVER, MR ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
10
HOWEVER, MR EASON SAID IT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NEW OPERATORS COULD APPLY TO THE PERMISSION TO USE LAND NOT ZONED
WAS A LITTLE TOO EARLY TO EVALUATE PROVISIONS, SINCE LAND OWNERS AND TOWN PLANNING LUARD FOR PLANNING
FOR OPEN STORAGE FOR THAT PURPOSE.
"THEY CAN ALSO SEEK A REVIEW AND APPEAL IF THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE NOT APPROVED," HE ADjED.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID THE NEW PROVISIONS HAD AT PRESENT COME TO PUBI.T^ ATTENTION AND WERE HELPING THE PROCESS OF DETECTING AND CONTROLLING NEW UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT AND CONTAINER AND OTHER OPEN STORAGE ON AGRICULTURAL LAND AND PREVENTING THE PROBLEM WORSENING.
"THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR PROGRESS AND REPORT TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD," HE SAID.
WITHIN THE 31 DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS WHICH HAD SO FAR BEEN DESIGNATED, 53 CASES OF UNAUTHORISED OPEN STORAGE USES WERE DETECTED, AND 232 WARNING LETTERS WERE ISSUED.
IN SOME CASES THE UNAUTHORISED USES CEASED UPON RECEIPT OF THE WARNING LETTERS; AND ONLY EIGHT ENFORCEMENT NOTICES HAD TO BE ISSUED. IN 16 CASES PLANNING PERMISSION WAS SOUGHT.
ON WHETHER THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENTS AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAVE SUFFICIENT STAFF AND RESOURCES TO ENFORCE THE SAID LEGISLATION, MR EASON SAID BOTH DEPARTMENTS HAVE CREATED OR ARE CREATING NEW POSTS TO SUPPORT APPLICATION OF THE NEW PROVISIONS SINCE THEIR ENACTMENT IN JANUARY LAST YEAR; AND INTENDED TO CREATE MORE POSTS NEXT YEAR.
"THE NEED TO ALLOCATE MORE STAFF RESOURCES TO THIS TASK IS KEPT UNDER REVIEW AND WILL BE CONSIDERED IF NECESSARY, AS USUAL IN THE LIGHT OF OTHER PRIORITIES AND THE OVERALL LIMITS ON WHAT CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE.
"IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE RESOURCES PROVIDED SO FAR ARE SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN CURRENT LEVELS OF ENFORCEMENT," MR EASON ADDED.
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LDC INSPECTS ACQUIRED BUILDINGS REGULARLY
*****
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGULARLY INSPECTS BUILDINGS IT HAS ACQUIRED AND GENERALLY WILL KEEP THEM UNDER REPAIR UNTIL THEY ARE REDEVELOPED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON YEUNG SUM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID WHERE THEIR CONDITION WARRANTED IT, BUILDINGS, ONCE VACATED, WOULD BE DEMOLISHED PROVIDED THIS COULD BE DONE WITHOUT AFFECTING ADJACENT BUILDINGS.
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
11
MR EASON SAID THERE WERE NO RECORDS WHICH SHOWED SPECIFICALLY THAT STRUCTURALLY UNSAFE BUILDINGS HAD BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
HOWEVER, 15 BUILDINGS HAD BEEN CLOSED AND WERE BEING DEMOLISHED OR WERE AWAITING DEMOLITION IN AREAS TO BE REDEVELOPED BY THE CORPORATION.
MR EASON NOTED THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THOSE WITHIN AREAS DESIGNATED FOR URBAN RENEWAL, WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNERS.
PRE-WAR BUILDINGS IN THE URBAN AREA WERE INSPECTED BY BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE STAFF PERIODICALLY, HE ADDED.
THEY ALSO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CONDITION OF BUILDINGS AND TAKE ACTION TO SECURE THEIR REPAIR, CLOSURE OR DEMOLITION UNDER SECTIONS 26 AND 27 OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IF THEY ARE FOUND TO BE STRUCTURALLY UNSAFE, HE SAID.
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VULNERABLE SQUATTERS TO GO BY WET SEASON
*****
ALL OF THE ABOUT 6,000 NEW TERRITORIES SQUATTERS FOUND BY THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE TO BE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO LANDSLIPS DURING HEAVY RAIN WILL BE CLEARED BY THE NEXT WET SEASON, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL , MR EASON SAID ABOUT 5,000 OF THESE HAD BEEN CLEARED TO DATE.
SQUATTERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE CLEARED EITHER WHEN THE LAND IS REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC WORKS OR ON SAFETY GROUNDS WHEN RECOMMENDED BY THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
THE OFFICE IS CARRYING OUT A RE-INSPECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SQUATTER AREAS PREVIOUSLY COVERED BY THE STUDIES BETWEEN 1988 AND 1991, HE SAID.
"THIS WILL BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 1993 AND ADDITIONAL AREAS WILL BE INSPECTED THEREAFTER.
"FURTHER CLEARANCES ON SAFETY GROUNDS ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW," MR EASON SAID.
AS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, THERE WERE ABOUT 414,000 SQUATTER STRUCTURES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, OF WHICH SOME 88,000 WERE USED FOR DWELLING PURPOSES, HOUSING ABOUT 228,000 PEOPLE.
THE NUMBER OF SQUATTER STRUCTURES FOR DOMESTIC USE ON STEEP SLOPES IS AROUND 16,000.
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/12 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
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TELEPHONE INTERCEPTION APPLICATIONS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED » ♦ * » » *
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT ALL APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED AND DECISIONS MADE REGARDING INTERCEPTION OF TELEPHONE TRANSMISSIONS WERE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY ON THEIR OWN MERITS.
ORDERS UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE TO INTERCEPT TELEPHONE TRANSMISSIONS ARE MADE ONLY WHEN THE PUBLIC INTEREST SO REQUIRES AND ONLY IN CASES INVOLVING THE PREVENTION OR DETECTION OF SERIOUS CRIME, INCLUDING CORRUPTION, OR IN THE INTERESTS OF THE SECURITY OF HONG KONG.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO, MR STRACHAN SAID: ’’SUCH ORDERS ARE AUTHORISED BY THE GOVERNOR, WHO HAS TO BE SATISFIED PERSONALLY THAT THESE CRITERIA ARE MET.”
"IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE ON LAW AND ORDER AND SECURITY GROUNDS TO DISCLOSE DETAILS OF ORDERS MADE, INCLUDING NUMBERS," HE ADDED.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING AT ITS LEGISLATION TO SEE IF IT WAS IN NEED OF MODERNISATION IN THE LIGHT OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, AND A REVIEW WAS UNDER WAY.
IN THE REVIEW THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE CAREFULLY INTO ACCOUNT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, WHICH IS AT PRESENT EXAMINING EXISTING HONG KONG LAWS AFFECTING PRIVACY, INCLUDING THE INTERCEPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS, HE SAID.
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KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME SET FOR IMPROVEMENT
*****
THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME IS BEING IMPROVED TO ALLOW MORE PARENTS TO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THEREBY MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE OPERATORS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR TEACHERS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HELPED PARENTS WHO PASSED A MEANS TEST WITH FEE REMISSION, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN WERE IN NON-PROFIT-MAKING OR OTHER PRIVATE KINDERGARTENS.
THEY ARE REIMBURSED THE STANDARD FEE, EITHER IN FULL OR IN PART, DEPENDING ON NEED.
IN 1991/92, THESE REIMBURSEMENTS RANGED FROM $100 TO $400 A MONTH IN THE CASE OF SINGLE SESSION KINDERGARTENS OR $200 TO $800 A MONTH IN RESPECT OF WHOLE-DAY OPERATIONS.
/"ABOUT 22 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
- 13 -
’’ABOUT 22 PER CENT OF ELIGIBLE PARENTS WERE REIMBURSED THE FULL STANDARD FEE,” MR CHAN NOTED.
"TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS AMOUNT TO $24.7 MILLION FOR THE PARENTS OF 10,988 CHILDREN, REPRESENTING 5.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENT," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN TOLD THE COUNCILLORS THAT FUNDING FOR THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $26 MILLION AT PRESENT TO $63 MILLION BY 1996/97.
HOWEVER, HE SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO SAY HOW THIS INCREASE WOULD BE TRANSLATED INTO A NEW RATIO AS OTHER FACTORS TO BE INVOLVED IN THE CALCULATION WERE UNKNOWN.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO SUBSIDISES NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS BY REIMBURSING THEIR RENTS AND RATES. EXPENDITURE IN THIS RESPECT IN 1992/93 AMOUNTED TO $113 MILLION.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPENDITURE ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION TOTALLED $83.7 MILLION IN 1989/90, $93 MILLION IN 1990/91 AND $128.9 MILLION IN 1991/92.
THE FIGURES REPRESENTED ONE PER CENT, 0.9 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE SAME PERIOD RESPECTIVELY.
MR CHAN ALSO CITED STATISTICS SHOWING THERE WERE 86,867 CHILDREN AGED SIX, WHICH IS THE NORMAL AGE OF ENTRY INTO PRIMARY ONE, IN 1989, 81,992 IN 1990 AND 77,043 IN 1991.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE 201,750 TWO TO SIX-YEAR-OLDS ENROLLED IN VARIOUS KINDERGARTENS GRADES INCLUDING NURSERY CLASSES, LOWER KG CLASSES AND UPPER KG CLASSES IN 1989, 196,466 IN 1990 AND 193,658 IN 1991.
DURING THE SAME THREE-YEAR PERIOD, THERE WERE 791, 785 AND 767 NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND OTHER PRIVATE KINDERGARTENS IN HONG KONG RESPECTIVELY.
TOGETHER, THEY PROVIDED 224,267 PLACES IN 1989, 224,718 IN 1990 AND 223,376 IN 1991.
THE ACTUAL ENROLMENT IN THE THREE YEARS WAS 201,750, 196,466 AND 193,658 RESPECTIVELY.
AS TO THE QUESTION WHETHER CHILDREN ENROLLED IN PRIMARY 1 DIRECT WITHOUT COMPLETING KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION AND MORE LIKELY TO HAVE LEARNING PROBLEMS, MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT CARRIED OUT ANY SPECIFIC STUDY TO EXAMINE THIS ISSUE.
"THE PRESENT PRIMARY 1 CURRICULUM DOES NOT PRESUPPOSE THAT PUPILS STARTING THEIR SCHOOLING HAVE ANY PRIOR ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE," HE SAID.
/"WE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
14
"WE ARE AWARE, HOWEVER, THAT ONE RESEARCH PROJECT, WHICH IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MAY THROW LIGHT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KINDERGARTEN EXPERIENCE AND POSSIBLE LEARNING PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY PRIMARY 1 PUPILS.
’’THIS STUDY HAS STARTED BUT IS NOT EXPECTED TO PUBLISH ITS FINDINGS ON THE ISSUE IN QUESTION FOR SOME TIME,” MR CHAN ADDED.
------0-------
MEASURES TO CURB ILLEGAL CAR RACING *****
THE POLICE TASK FORCES HAVE MOUNTED SOME 60 SPECIAL OPERATIONS TO COUNTER ILLEGAL CAR RACING ACTIVITIES SINCE JANUARY 1990, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN, MR STRACHAN SAID OTHER MEASURES TAKEN INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OF TRAFFIC PATROLS, RADAR SPEED DETECTION AND ROAD BLOCK CHECKS TO DETECT OFFENDERS.
THE PUBLIC MADE 112 COMPLAINTS IN 1990, 89 IN 1991 AND 90 IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR TO THE POLICE ABOUT NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY CARS.
SOME OF THESE COMPLAINTS MAY RELATE TO ILLEGAL CAR RACING. ALL THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED ON THE KOWLOON SIDE OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
MR STRACHAN SAID PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD WAS POPULAR AMONG ILLEGAL CAR RACERS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF WEEKENDS.
HE ADDED THAT THOSE WHO TOOK PART WERE FAIRLY WELL ORGANISED AND WERE EXTREMELY ALERT TO POLICE ACTION.
FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS SUSPECTED THAT THEY HAVE THEIR OWN TOWING TRUCKS TO CLEAR AWAY CARS THAT HAVE BROKEN DOWN.
THEY MAY ALSO HAVE THEIR OWN SPEED OBSERVATION, RADAR TRACKING DEVICES AND RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT TO MONITOR POLICE ACTION AGAINST THEM.
IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN CAR RACING AND THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS A FINE OF $10,000 AND IMPRISONMENT OF 12 MONTHS AS WELL AS DISQUALIFICATION TO HOLD A DRIVING LICENCE FOR 12 MONTHS UPON CONVICTION.
"OTHER TRAFFIC OFFENCES SUCH AS SPEEDING, RECKLESS DRIVING, DRIVING WHILST DISQUALIFIED AND DRIVING WITHOUT INSURANCE, MAY BE INVOKED AS APPROPRIATE," MR STRACHAN SAID.
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/15........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
15
CONTAINER PORT PARKING PROBLEM TO BE RELIEVED
*****
THE PARKING PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTAINER PORT SHOULD BE RELIEVED OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF TERMINALS 8 AND 9, WHICH WILL HAVE 52 HECTARES OF BACK-UP LAND, INCLUDING SPACE FOR HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE PARKING.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID MAKING THE AVAILABILITY OF FIXED PARKING SPACES A LICENSING REQUIREMENT FOR HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES AND CONTAINER TRUCKS WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE.
"INSTEAD, THE ADMINISTRATION IS CONCENTRATING ON INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF PARKING SPACES AS A BETTER SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM."
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PLANNED TO PROVIDE ABOUT 2,000 PARKING SPACES FOR HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES IN THE COMING YEAR.
"CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATORS HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE SPACES WITHIN THEIR TERMINALS FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING, AND ONE OPERATOR HAS ALREADY AGREED TO DESIGNATE 300 SUCH SPACES," HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG SAID THE POLICE INVARIABLY TOOK ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING, PARTICULARLY WHERE THIS CAUSED TRAFFIC CONGESTION OR POSED A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER ROAD USERS.
"THEY INTENSIFY ENFORCEMENT MEASURES IN BLACKSPOT AREAS WHERE POSSIBLE, COMMENSURATE WITH THEIR MANPOWER RESOURCES AND OTHER PRIORITIES.
"CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO RAISING THE LEVEL OF FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR ILLEGAL PARKING AND OTHER OFFENCES," HE ADDED.
------0-------
STOP LIST SYSTEM FUNCTIONS WELL
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SEES NO REASON TO CHANGE THE PRESENT STOP LIST SYSTEM WHICH OPERATES LAWFULLY, FLEXIBLY AND SUCCESSFULLY IN THE PURSUIT AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP SIK-ON, MR STRACHAN SAID THE ONLY PEOPLE STOPPED WHEN LEAVING HONG KONG BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS BECAUSE OF THEIR NAMES BEING ON THE STOP LIST WERE PEOPLE ACTUALLY SUBJECT TO ARREST WARRANTS OR IMMEDIATE ARREST, OR WHO WERE REASONABLY SUSPECTED EITHER LOCALLY OR THROUGH INTERNATIONAL INTERPOL NOTIFICATION, OF TRYING TO EVADE THE DUE PROCESS OF LAW.
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/16 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
16
84 LAWS TO GO BEFORE LEGCO THIS SESSION *****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT 84 ITEMS OF LEGISLATION WERE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE COUNCIL IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, INCLUDING THE NINE BILLS WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED.
REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW, HE SAID THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICE WAS ARRANGING FOR A LIST OF THESE ITEMS TO BE CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS FOR INFORMATION.
"THE LIST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, SINCE NEW ITEMS MAY BECOME NECESSARY AND EXISTING ITEMS MAY BE POSTPONED OR DROPPED ALTOGETHER," MR MATHEWS SAID.
HE SAID 64 PROPOSED ITEMS OF LEGISLATION HAD NOT BEEN ALLOCATED A LEGISLATIVE SLOT IN THIS SESSION, EITHER BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT CONSIDERED TO MERIT PRIORITY OR BECAUSE THEY WERE UNLIKELY TO BE READY FOR INTRODUCTION IN THIS SESSION.
MR MATHEWS SAID: "WE HAVE EMBARKED ON AN 'ADAPTATION OF LAWS’ EXERCISE TO REVIEW, AND IF NECESSARY, AMEND EXISTING LEGISLATION TO ENSURE ITS COMPATIBILITY WITH THE BASIC LAW WHEN THAT LAW COMES INTO FORCE ON JULY 1, 1997.
"THIS EXERCISE IS CARRIED OUT IN PARALLEL WITH THE HANDLING OF OTHER LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS."
HE SAID AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, ADAPTATION WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THE COURSE OF REGULAR AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING LEGISLATION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ADAPTATION BILLS THAT WERE NEEDED.
PROBLEMS OF ADAPTATION THAT APPLIED ACROSS THE BOARD (FOR EXAMPLE, CHANGES IN TERMINOLOGY) MIGHT BE DEALT WITH IN A SINGLE ADAPTATION BILL.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE PROGRESS OF ALL DRAFT LEGISLATION WAS CAREFULLY MONITORED IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT DEADLINES WERE MET AND THAT THE DRAFTS WERE HANDLED EFFICIENTLY.
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RULES TO GOVERN VENTILATING SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS
*****
THERE ARE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE VENTILATING SYSTEMS INSTALLED IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS WHICH INVOLVE THE USE OF DUCTING OR TRUNKING PASSING THROUGH COMPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THOSE IN UNDERGROUND PUBLIC CAR PARKS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/THE BUILDING .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
17
THE BUILDING (VENTILATING SYSTEMS) REGULATIONS SPECIFY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS USED IN THE VENTILATING SYSTEMS TO MINIMISE FIRE HAZARDS.
MR EASON SAID THE OWNER OF THE VENTILATING SYSTEM WAS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN IT IN SAFE CONDITION AND EFFICIENT WORKING ORDER AT ALL TIMES.
A REGISTERED VENTILATION CONTRACTOR HAS TO BE EMPLOYED TO INSPECT THE DAMPERS, FILTERS AND PRECIPITATORS FITTED IN THE SYSTEM AT INTERVALS NOT EXCEEDING 12 MONTHS, HE ADDED.
’’FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT IS AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF $2,000 ON CONVICTION," HE SAID.
AFTER THE INSPECTION, THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES, WITH COPIES TO THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, TO THE OWNERS CONFIRMING THAT THE DAMPERS, FILTERS AND PRECIPITATORS ARE IN SAFE AND EFFICIENT WORKING ORDER.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IS AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE ON CONVICTION BY A FINE OF $2,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS, HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THE PROVISION.
- - 0 - -
DISABLED ENCOURAGED TO JOIN DAILY ACTIVITIES ♦ ♦ * * ♦
DISABLED PERSONS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO TAKE PART IN DAILY ACTIVITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MRS WONG SAID THE ULTIMATE GOAL WAS TO ACHIEVE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PERSONS INTO THE COMMUNITY.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT NO RATIO HAD BEEN SET ON THE NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED MAINLY BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, INCLUDING DISABLED PERSONS WHO HAD ACCESS TO MOST OF THE VENUES.
IN RESPECT OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS FOR DISABLED PERSONS, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD SPENT $1.42 MILLION TO ORGANISE A TOTAL OF 466 ACTIVITIES WITH 26,670 PARTICIPANTS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
/DURING THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
18
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD ORGANISED 272 ACTIVITIES FOR 13,752 DISABLED PERSONS, AND A TOTAL OF $518,000 WERE SPENT AS DIRECT PROGRAMME EXPENSES.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED EXCURSIONS, FUN DAYS, CAMPING AND SPORTS TRAINING COURSES.
APART FROM THESE, MRS WONG SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ORGANISED SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR DISABLED PERSONS THROUGH SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL CENTRES, SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIAL CLUBS.
’’THEIR ABLE-BODIED RELATIVES AND FRIENDS ALSO TAKE PART IN SUCH ACTIVITIES,” SHE ADDED.
IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, 225,260 PERSONS HAD PARTICIPATED IN DAILY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHILE 348,300 PERSONS HAD TAKEN PART IN 9,470 SPECIAL ACTIVITIES. THE EXPENDITURE INCURRED TOTALLING $34.5 MILLION.
IN ADDITION, MRS WONG SAID WORK GROUP UNITS AND YOUTH OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ALSO ORGANISED PROGRAMMES FOR DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED PERSONS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSON/TIMES OF DISABLED PARTICIPANTS IN THESE PROGRAMMES AMOUNTS TO 38,972 OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.
MRS WONG SAID: ’’THE INTEREST CULTIVATED BY SPORTS TRAINING COURSES ORGANISED BY THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE TALENTS OF OUR DISABLED ATHELETES HAVE ENABLED THEM TO ACHIEVE RESOUNDING SUCCESS IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENT.”
"A TOTAL OF 344 GOLD, 227 SILVER AND 171 BRONZE MEDALS HAVE BEEN WON OVER THE LAST DECADE,” MRS WONG SAID.
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QUALITY OF LEGCO DOCUMENTS ASSURED ♦ » ♦ * *
GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE REMINDED THAT WRITTEN MATERIAL GIVEN TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS SHOULD BE OF A GOOD LEGIBLE QUALITY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID.
”WE ARE AWARE THAT ON OCCASIONS THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED TO MEMBERS ARE QUITE DIFFICULT TO READ BECAUSE OF THE POOR QUALITY OF FAXES OR AS A RESULT OF FAXING A FACSIMILE COPY," HE SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SIR DAVID SAID SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE OMELCO SECRETARIAT HAD ALSO TAKEN THE NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE MATERIAL WAS OF A GOOD LEGIBLE QUALITY.
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/19 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
19
BILL TO ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY INTRODUCED *****
THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1992 PROPOSING TO REMOVE CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FROM THE STATUTE BOOKS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ONCE THE BILL BECOMES LAW, ALL THOSE WHO ARE THEN UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH WILL HAVE THEIR SENTENCES COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
CURRENTLY THERE ARE 32 PRISONERS WHO FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, EXPLAINED THAT CAPITAL PUNISHMENT WAS AT PRESENT THE MANDATORY PENALTY FOR MURDER, TREASON AND PIRACY WITH VIOLENCE.
THE DEATH PENALTY MAY ALSO BE IMPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE EMERGENCY REGULATIONS, HE ADDED.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO MAKE ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS TO LEGISLATION NECESSARY TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY.
IN ITS PLACE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT LIFE IMPRISONMENT SHOULD BE THE MANDATORY SENTENCE FOR MURDER, TREASON AND PIRACY WITH VIOLENCE.
ALSO MANDATORY LIFE IMPRISONMENT IS PROPOSED TO BE THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE THAT MAY BE PROVIDED FOR BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE EMERGENCY REGULATIONS.
IN CASES WHERE A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT IS IMPOSED, THE GOVERNOR WILL CALL ON THE TRIAL JUDGE TO GIVE HIM A WRITTEN REPORT INDICATING ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS OR MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, WHAT IN HIS VIEW SHOULD BE THE MINIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT TO BE SERVED.
HE SAID THIS WAS CURRENTLY THE PRACTICE WITH REGARD TO SENTENCES OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.
THE BOARD OF REVIEW WILL REVIEW LIFE SENTENCES INITIALLY AFTER FIVE YEARS AND SUBSEQUENTLY EVERY TWO YEARS, UNLESS THE GOVERNOR DIRECTS THAT A CASE SHOULD BE REVIEWED EARLIER AFTER HAVING CONSIDERED THE TRIAL JUDGE'S REPORT.
ON JUNE 26 LAST YEAR, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL VOTED IN FAVOUR OF THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATIVE MEASURES WHICH WOULD ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY AND REPLACE IT WITH LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/20 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
20
45 SPEAK ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT MOTION
*****
A TOTAL OF 45 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS SPOKE IN A SIX-HOUR MOTION DEBATE ON THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION PROPOSED BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH AS AMENDED BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR WAS PASSED. AN AMENDMENT MOVED BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG WAS DEFEATED.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE WAS THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE.
IN ADDITION, THE WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WAS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT.
ALSO PASSED WAS A MOTION MOVED UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE BY
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER.
TWO BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY
WERE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3 ) BILL 1992 AND LORD WILSON HERITAGE
TRUST BILL. DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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/21........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
- 21 -
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR CANADA TODAY *****
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. AS 1 THINK YOU KNOW, I AM GOING ON A TEN-DAY VISIT TO CANADA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. IT’S AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT VISIT FOR HONG KONG FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS. FIRST OF ALL, IN CANADA I AM GOING TO THE GALA DINNER WHICH WILL CLOSE THE EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE AND IMPORTANT FESTIVAL WHICH WE HAVE HELD IN CANADA. IT HAS PROVED I THINK ANOTHER OF THE VERY STRONG LINKS BETWEEN OUR COMMUNITIES. I’M LOOKING FORWARD OF COURSE TO SEEING MANY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY IN CANADA WHO ARE MAKING SUCH A CONTRIBUTION TO THEIR NEW HOME AND I’M LOOKING FORWARD AS WELL TO MY TALKS WITH PRIME MINISTER MULRONEY AND WITH THE EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SECRETARY BARBARA MCDOUGALL. SO IT’S A VERY IMPORTANT TRIP FOR ME TO CANADA BECAUSE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG ARE SO STRONG AND SO IMPORTANT. I’LL THEN BE GOING ON TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THE MOST IMPORTANT OF MY FUNCTIONS IS TO ADDRESS A DINNER OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AT WHICH THERE WILL BE VERY MANY FRIENDS OF HONG KONG. I’M ALSO UNDERTAKING A NUMBER OF OTHER SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, I’M MEETING THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND OTHER MINISTERS AND TAKING PART IN A NUMBER OF TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HONG KONG. SO IT’S A VERY IMPORTANT TRIP, AND THEN BACK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN I HAVE AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO JAPAN. SO I’LL SEE YOU WHEN I COME BACK.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN WHAT SORT OF ADVICE WILL YOU BE SEEKING WHEN YOU MEET PRIME MINISTER MAJOR.
GOVERNOR: I’LL BE HAVING A GENERAL DISCUSSION ABOUT THE POSITION IN HONG KONG, ABOUT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND ABOUT OTHER MATTERS AS WELL. AS YOU KNOW, THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT IS WHOLLY BEHIND THE PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND LIKE US THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE FOREIGN SECRETARY SAY THAT IF OTHERS HAVE PROPOSALS WHICH THEY THINK ARE BETTER THAN OURS THEY SHOULD PUT THEM FORWARD SO THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG CAN SEE WHETHER THERE ARE ANY VIABLE ALTERNATIVES. LIKE ME, THEY ALSO TAKE THE VIEW THAT ANY PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS HAVE TO BE FIRST OF ALL FAIR, SECONDLY OPEN AND THIRDLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU HAVE TALKED WITH MR ZHOU NAM YESTERDAY?
GOVERNOR: I HAD A 45-MINUTE DISCUSSION WITH MR ZHOU NAM. I DON’T THINK, TO BE HONEST, THAT EITHER OF US WAS SURPRISED BY THE TERMS OF OUR DISCUSSION. I SAID TO MR ZHOU NAM ONCE AGAIN THAT IF THE CHINESE SIDE HAD ANY PROPOSALS TO PUT FORWARD FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS ON, FOR EXAMPLE, FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES OR THE ELECTION COMMITTEE OR ANY OTHER MATTERS, I THOUGHT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD WELCOME A CONSTRUCTIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEBATE WHICH SEEMED TO ME TO BE THE BEST WAY OF DEALING WITH ISSUES WITH THE SERIOUSNESS AND RATIONALITY THAT THEY DESERVE. AND NOW I HOPE THAT WHILE I’M AWAY THE DEBATE WILL CONTINUE IN A CALM AND CONSTRUCTIVE AND REASONABLE WAY, AND THAT IF ANYBODY DOES HAVE ANY BETTER PROPOSAL TO PUT FORWARD THEY WILL PUT THEM FORWARD EITHER DURING MY ABSENCE OR SHORTLY AFTER I GET BACK.
/QUESTION: DO
22
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT APPOINTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS SHOULD RESIGN IF THEY DO NOT SUPPORT YOUR PROPOSALS?
GOVERNOR: NO, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS AS IT IS. I NOTE THAT I
THINK AT THE MOMENT MANY COUNCILLORS FROM ALL DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT HAVE SUPPORTED VARIOUS ASPECTS OF MY PROPOSALS. FOR EXAMPLE, THERE WAS A VOTE THE OTHER DAY ABOUT THE PROPOSALS I HAD PUT FORWARD ON THE ELECTION COMMITTEE WHICH SUGGESTED THAT THERE WAS A GOOD DEAL OF SUPPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THOSE PARTICULAR PROPOSALS, BUT THE FINAL VOTES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WON’T COME FOR SOME TIME UNTIL THEY ARE ACTUALLY PRESENTED WITH REAL LEGISLATION. AND THEN THEY’LL HAVE TO MAKE UP THEIR MINDS AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY AND AS LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND THEY’LL HAVE TO EXPLAIN THE DECISIONS THEY MAKE TO THE COMMUNITY.
QUESTION: ANY NEWS ON SODA? AND GARETH EVANS REMARKS?
GOVERNOR: NO, IF ANYBODY SEES SODA I HOPE THEY’LL EITHER BRING HER BACK TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE OR TAKE HER TO THE RSPCA. SHE’S A WONDERFUL LITTLE PUPPY AND WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE’LL SEE HER AGAIN SOON.
AS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER’S REMARKS, HE IS AS YOU KNOW A VERY GOOD FRIEND TO HONG KONG. I THINK HE SAID IF ANYBODY TOOK OFFENCE AT HIS REMARKS THEN HE’LL APOLOGISE. BUT I THINK ALL OF US KNOW HIM AS A GOOD AND COMMITTED AND SINCERE FRIEND OF HONG KONG AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HIM IN HONG KONG ON MANY FUTURE OCCASIONS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0--------
ECONOMIC MISSION TO VIETNAM ♦ * * * *
AN ECONOMIC MISSION, LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, LEFT FOR VIETNAM TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE 35-MEMBER MISSION COMPRISES BUSINESSMEN FROM THE TRADING, FINANCIAL, RETAILING, MANUFACTURING, GARMENT AND TEXTILES, AND SERVICES SECTORS, AS WELL AS OFFICIALS FROM THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH AND THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
IN HANOI, THE DELEGATES WILL HAVE MEETINGS WITH THE MINISTRY OF TRADE, MINISTRY OF LIGHT INDUSTRY, STATE PLANNING COMMITTEE, THE STATE COMMITTEE FOR CO-OPERATION & INVESTMENT, AND THE VIETCOCHAMBER-HANOI.
FROM HANOI, THE MISSION, LED BY VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE HK GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR WILLIAM FUNG, WILL GO TO HO CHI MINH CITY WHERE THEY WILL MEET THE PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF HO CHI MINH CITY AND LEADING REPRESENTATIVES OF SEPZONE (SAIGON EXPORT PROCESSING JOINT) HEAD OFFICE.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS THE SECOND LARGEST INVESTOR IN VIETNAM IN TERMS OF INVESTMENT VALUE AND IT WOULD BE OF MUTUAL BENEFIT TO BOTH TERRITORIES TO FOSTER A CLOSER UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIME.
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/23 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
23
FORFEITURE OF
A BILL THAT AIMS
FORFEITURE OF SEIZED GOODS
SEIZED GOODS TO BE STREAMLINED ♦ ♦ * * *
TO STREAMLINE THE PROCEDURES FOR THE WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
"THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992, IF PASSED, WILL AMELIORATE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IN THE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF SEIZED ARTICLES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE AMENDMENTS WOULD NOT UNDERMINE THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIRNESS TO PARTIES CONCERNED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT OWING TO INCREASE IN ILLICIT TRADE AND SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES IN RECENT YEARS, THE QUANTITY OF GOODS SEIZED AND DETAINED HAD INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.
"SINCE 1988 THE SPACE REQUIRED FOR STORING SEIZED ARTICLES HAS INCREASED FIVE TIMES AND ADDITIONAL STORAGE COSTS HAVE BEEN INCURRED.
"THIS HAS POSED AN INCREASING BURDEN ON THE DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TO DISPOSE OF THOSE SEIZED ARTICLES WHICH ARE PERISHABLE OR DETERIORATING IN NATURE OR DIFFICULT TO STORE, PRIOR TO CONCLUSION OF ANY FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS SUBJECT TO ADEQUATE CHECKS AND BALANCES," HE SAID.
AS FOR THE SERVING OF NOTICES OF SEIZURE, AT PRESENT THE COMMISSIONER IS OBLIGED TO SERVE NOTICES ON ALL PARTIES WHO APPEAR TO HIM TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEIZED GOODS.
"THERE ARE HOWEVER DIFFICULTIES IN SERVING NOTICES OF SEIZURE AND COURT SUMMONSES IF THE OFFENDERS ARE NOT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AMENDMENTS ARE INTRODUCED TO STIPULATE CLEARLY THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE COMMISSIONER NEEDS TO SERVE A NOTICE OF SEIZURE TO THE OWNER, AND AT THE SAME TIME, TO BROADEN THE CATEGORIES OF PERSONS WHO CAN MAKE A CLAIM TO THE COMMISSIONER AND TO THE MAGISTRATE IN A FORFEITURE HEARING.
"THIS WOULD ALLOW MORE EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES BY THE COMMISSIONER WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS, HE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 12 MONTHS WAS REQUIRED TO CONCLUDE CRIMINAL AND FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE POINT OF SEIZURE.
"THE AMENDMENTS SEEK TO SHORTEN THE PROCEEDINGS BY SIX MONTHS WHERE THE CLAIMANT OF THE SEIZED GOODS IS ALSO THE DEFENDANT.
"THIS WOULD HELP ECONOMISE THE USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES AND ADDRESS THE STORAGE PROBLEM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/SEPARATELY, THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
24
SEPARATELY, THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES RELATED TO STRATEGIC COMMODITIES SO AS TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE DETERRENT AGAINST ILLEGAL TRADE IN WEAPONS AND GOODS WITH MILITARY APPLICATIONS.
"STRATEGIC COMMODITIES OFFENCES TRIED ON INDICTMENT WILL ATTRACT A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND AN UNLIMITED FINE; WHICH ARE IN LINE WITH THE PENALTIES IN OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A FINE OF $500,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR OFFENCES ON SUMMARY CONVICTION REMAINS UNCHANGED.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 25.
------0--------
NEW POST OFFICE OPENS TODAY * * * * *
THE WAN TAU TONG POST OFFICE, A NEW BRANCH POST OFFICE LOCATED AT SHOP CX28, SHOPPING CENTRE, WAN TAU TONG ESTATE, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES, OPENED FOR BUSINESS AT NOON TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS POST OFFICE PROVIDES THE NORMAL RANGE OF COUNTER
SERVICES. THE BUSINESS HOURS ARE:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 9.30 AM TO 1 PM
2 PM TO 5 PM
SATURDAY : 9.30 AM TO 1 PM
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 656 7717.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG, AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THIS MORNING.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BRANCH POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT IS 121.
------0-------
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON KWOK CHI-WO ON MAY 23, 1989 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
KWOK WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF MISS YAU TSE-KWAN.
--------0--------
/25 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1992
- 25 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * » $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,490
REVERSAL OF LAF -990
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -150
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,350
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.8 *-0.2* 11.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.86 PCT 12 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.32 3.94
1 MONTH 3.11 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.43 4.37
3 MONTHS 3.42 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.43 4.57
6 MONTHS 3.56 PCT 21 12 MONTHS 4.00 PCT MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.46 4.75
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,531 MN
CLOSED 11 NOVEMBER 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HK WANTS RATIONAL DISCUSSION ON POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS .. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR TO THE MEDIA AFTER THE
VANCOUVER FESTIVAL HONG KONG GALA DINNER, WEDNESDAY (VANCOUVER TIME) .............................................. 2
GOVERNOR PLEASED WITH LEGCO DISCUSSIONS ......................... 3
GOVERNOR ARRIVES VANCOUVER ...................................... 3
SAFETY MEASURES PROPOSED FOR CHAI WAN ROAD ...................... 4
CHANGES TO GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE PROPOSED ......................... 5
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER ......................... 6
CONTAINER THROUGHPUT INCREASE INDICATES STEADY GROWTH .......... 13
STATEMENT ON THREE TUNNEL FRANCHISES ........................... 14
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR OCTOBER RELEASED ........................ 14
REVISED STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS AND RECURRENT GRANTS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION ............................................ 17
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION RE-APPOINTED .................................................. ig
CULTURE AND ARTS MONTH OPENS TOMORROW .......................... 19
COMMITMENT STRESSED IN FAMILY SERVICES ......................... 20
FIRST INT'L SCIENCE PARK CONFERENCE IN HK ...................... 21
DANGEROUS BUILDING IN WESTERN DECLARED ......................... 22
349 GRADUATED FROM FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS ......... 23
EXHIBITION ON CHINESE FORTS IN HK .............................. 24
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 25
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
1
HK WANTS RATIONAL DISCUSSION ON POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS * * * * *
HONG KONG PEOPLE WANT TO HAVE A ’’RATIONAL DISCUSSION” ON THE proposed Political reform package rather than ’’empty threats”, the GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID ON WEDNESDAY (VANCOUVER TIME).
HE WAS INTERVIEWED BY THE MEDIA RIGHT AFTER DELIVERING HIS SPEECH AT THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG 92 GALA DINNER AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL IN VANCOUVER ABOUT HIS RESPONSE TO NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY’S STATEMENT CONCERNING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON NOVEMBER 11.
"I THINK WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT IS A RATIONAL DISCUSSION RATHER THAN EMPTY THREATS,” MR PATTEN TOLD REPORTERS.
’’THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE REWRITING WHICH THE NCNA IN HONG KONG CAN DO. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW TALK ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG BEING ACCOUNTABLE TO THE LEGISLATURE. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW ARE ABOUT DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.”
HE SAID INSTEAD OF CRITICISING, ’’PEOPLE SHOULD RECOGNISE THAT LEGCO HAS HAD A SERIOUS AND QUITE UNDERSTANDABLY PASSIONATE DEBATE.”
’’THEY BEHAVED RESPONSIBLY, AND WHATEVER THE NOISE OFF STAGE, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.”
THE GOVERNOR ARRIVED IN VANCOUVER SHORTLY AFTER NOON ON WEDNESDAY TO BEGIN HIS FOUR-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT IN CANADA.
ADDRESSING THE GALA BENEFIT DINNER WHICH MARKS THE CLOSING OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG 92, MR PATTEN SAID THE FESTIVAL OPENED A "NEW CHAPTER IN THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP” BETWEEN PEOPLES IN HONG KONG AND CANADA. THE GALA DINNER WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 800 PEOPLE.
NOTING THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "HONG KONG IS AN OPEN COMMUNITY, AND SO HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE AN INTUITIVE REGARD AND AFFECTION FOR OTHER COMMUNITIES THAT ARE OPEN AND TOLERANT AND FREE, AS CANADA IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN.”
TURNING TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, MR PATTEN SAID: "AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, I WILL RE JUDGED -- IN 1997 AND AFTERWARDS -- BY WHETHER OR NOT I HAVE FULLY IMPLEMENTED THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND BY WHETHER HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE, WHICH IT DESCRIBES IN SUCH DETAILS, IS INTACT AND SECURE."
HE SAID HE HAD PUT FORWARD ”A FEW MODEST" PROPOSALS "FOR GIVING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG A GREATER SAY, IN THE RUNNING OF THEIR OWN LIVES." AND THE PROPOSALS WERE WHOLLY CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW AND THE JOINT DECLARATION.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HIS INTENTION WAS TO "MEET THE MODEST AND LEGITIMATE ASPIRATIONS OF A REMARKABLY TALENTED PEOPLE, WHO PLAINLY HAVE IN ABUNDANCE THE GOOD SENSE AND MATURITY NEEDED TO EXERCISE THAT SLIGHTLY7 GREATER SAY IN THE RUNNING OF THEIR OWN LIVES THAT I PROPOSE.”
/MR PATTEN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
2
MR PATTEN SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO "ANY IDEAS” ANYONE ELSE MAY HAVE FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS. "BUT THEY MUST BE IDEAS THAT ARE OPEN, FAIR AND THOUGHT TO BE SO BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."
HE SAID HONG KONG’S VOICE HAD BEEN HEARD TN CANADA. "I HOPE THAT EVERYONE THROUGHOUT OUR REGION AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WILL HEAR THE VOICE OF HONG KONG IN THE YEARS AHEAD -- THE VOICE OF A COMMUNITY WHICH IS SUCCESSFUL, WHICH IS SELF-CONFIDENT, WHICH IS TOLERANT AND WHICH IS FREE."
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE GALA DINNER, THE HON KIM CAMPBELL, MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADA, SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNOR’S WORK HAS ENSURED THAT "HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE TESTIMONY TO WHAT IS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE WITH DETERMINATION, HARDWORK AND INVENTIVENESS."
"THIS WILL BE ADMIRED AND SUPPORTED BY CANADA," SHE SAID.
TONIGHT’S GALA DINNER WAS (’HAIRED BY STANLEY KWOK. HEAD TABLE GUESTS INCLUDED THE HON DAVID LAM, LT. GOVERNOR OF BRITISH COLUMBIA; PREMIER MIKE HARCOURT; GORDON CAMPBELL, MAYOR OF VANCOUVER; JAMES SO, SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE; AND MAURICE COPTTHORNE, CHAIRMAN OF THE VANCOUVER FESTIVAL HONG KONG ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
-----0------
TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR TO THE MEDIA AFTER THE VANCOUVER FESTIVAL HONG KONG GALA DINNER, WEDNESDAY (VANCOUVER TIME) *****
"I THINK THAT WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT IS A RATIONAL DISCUSSION RATHER THAN EMPTY THREATS AND I THINK THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE RE-WRITING WHICH THE NCNA IN HONG KONG CAN DO. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW TALK ABOUT EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG BEING ACCOUNTABLE IO THE LEGISLATURE. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW ARE ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"WE KNOW THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO AGREE TO THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS. I UNDERSTAND THAT SENIOR OFFICIALS IN PEKING ACCEPT MY CRITERIA FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS, THAT THEY SHOULD BE OPEN, THAT THEY SHOULD BE FAIR AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. AND PART OF THAT ACCEPTABILITY IS PERFECTLY CLEAR FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. ITS ACCEPTABILITY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SO I THINK THAT RATHER I HAN CRITICISING, PEOPLE SHOULD RECOGNISE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS HAD A SERIOUS AND QUITE UNDERSTANDABLY PASSIONATE DEBATE. THEY BEHAVED RESPONSIBLY AND WHATEVER THE NOISE OFF STAGE, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO."
------o-------
/3
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
3 GOVERNOR PLEASED WITH LEGCO DISCUSSIONS * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE PROPOSALS FOR POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS WERE DISCUSSED SO CONSTRUCTIVELY YESTERDAY BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER LAYING A WREATH AT THE CENOTAPH IN VANCOUVER THIS MORNING ( HK TIME), MR PATTEN SAID HE THOUGHT THAT THE DEBATE WOULD CONTINUE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER.
"BUT I REPEAT THAT IF OTHERS HAVE GOT POSITIVE PROPOSALS, DETAILED PROPOSALS WHICH THEY WANT TO PUT FORWARD AS AN ALTERNATIVE THEY SHOULD DO SO," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT CHINA'S REACTION TO THE DEBATE, MR PATTEN SAID: "CHINA WILL NOTE THAT AMONG THE CRITERIA WHICH, I THINK, IT GENERALLY ACCEPTED FOR ANY FUTURE PROPOSAL ARE THAT THEY SHOULD BE NOT ONLY FAIR AND OPEN BUT ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND DEBATING MATTERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS ONE OF THE WAYS IN WHICH ONE DISCOVERS WHETHER THINGS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."
COMMENTING ON HIS TRIP TO CANADA, MR PATTEN SAID IT WAS ALWAYS THE INTENTION THAT HE SHOULD GO TO THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG 92 IN CANADA, ADDING THAT HE WOULD BE TAKING PART IN THE GAI.A DINNER WHICH MARKED THE END OF THE FESTIVAL.
"SO I’M REALLY HERE AS A GESTURE OF FRIENDSHIP AND I KNOW THAT BEING IN CANADA, I’M TALKING TO FRIENDS AND MEETING FRIENDS AND WE HOPE TO DO SO MANY TIMES DURING THE FIVE YEARS OF MY GOVERNORSHIP," HE ADDED.
------o-------
GOVERNOR ARRIVES VANCOUVER
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ARRIVED VANCOUVER THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING (HK TIME) ON THE FIRST LEG OF HIS FOUR-D ,Y VISIT IN CANADA.
HE WAS MET AT THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BY THE HON KIM CAMPBELL, MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CANADA; MR BERNIE SIMPSON, MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA; MR JAMES SO, SECRETARY OF RECREATION AND CULTURE OF HONG KONG; AND MR JOHN HIGGINBOTHAM, COMMISSIONER OF CANADA, WHO CAME SPECIALLY FROM HONG KONG A DAY AGO TO GREET THE GOVERNOR.
MR PATTEN TOLD REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT THAT HE HOPED THIS TRIP TO VANCOUVER, OTTAWA AND TORONTO WOULD HELP TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE LINKS BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG, AND HE WAS LOOKING TO TAKING PART IN THE VANCOUVER GALA DINNER THIS EVENING WHICH MARKS THE CLOSING OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG 92.
/WHEN HE .......
4
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
WHEN HE WAS ASKED WHETHER HE WAS SEEKING CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR HIS CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE, MR PATTEN DESCRIBED CANADA’S REACTION AS ’’VERY POSITIVE”, HOWEVER, ’’THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG IS GOING TO BE SETTLED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND I AM SURE THEY’LL TAKE CONSTRUCTIVE AND IMAGINATIVE STEPS.”
HE STRESSED THAT UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION, HONG KONG WAS ’’ABLE TO MOVE TO A STEADILY MORE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM”.
MR PATTEN WILL LAY A WREATH AT THE CENOTAPH AT VICTORY SQUARE HERE LATER IN THE DAY, PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CANADIAN SOLDIERS WHO HELP TO DEFEND HONG KONG DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
DURING HIS TWO-DAY VISIT IN VANCOUVER, HE WILL MEET WITH THE LT. GOVERNOR OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE HON DAVID LAM; AND THE PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE HON MICHAEL HARCOURT.
MR PATTEN WILL MEET THE MEDIA AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT HOTEL VANCOUVER TOMORROW (THURSDAY), BEFORE TAKING A CANADIAN GOVERNMENT FLIGHT TO OTTAWA, WHERE HE WILL HAVE A MEETING WITH THE CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER, THE RT HON BRIAN MULRONEY.
-----0--------
SAFETY MEASURES PROPOSED FOR CHAI WAN ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT A SERIES OF SAFETY MEASURES ON CHAI WAN ROAD NEXT WEEK FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING (HONG KONG) DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR WILLIAM LIEW, SAID THE 130-METRE-LONG SAFETY FENCE AT THE LOWER SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD WOULD BE REPLACED BY CONCRETE PROFILE BARRIERS.
’’THE SKID RESISTANCE OF THE ROAD WILL BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED. THE LOWER SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD IN FRONT OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE TREATED WITH ANTI-SKID MATERIALS.
”A FRESH COVER OF SKID RESISTANCE MATERIALS WILL BE LAID ON THE DOWNHILL CARRIAGEWAY OF CHAI WAN ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH A KUNG NGAM ROAD,” MR LIEW SAID.
EXISTING TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE RENOVATED. NEW SIGNS REMINDING MOTORISTS TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND ENGAGE IN LOW GEAR ALONG THE STEEP ROAD WILL BE INSTALLED.
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL NOTIFY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OF ANY UNDERGROUND DRAIN BLOCKAGES ON STEEP ROADS SO THAT THE MESSAGE CAN BE RELAYED QUICKLY TO THE BUS COMPANY AND THEIR DRIVERS.
MR LIEW STRESSED THAT THE PRESENT DESIGN OF THE ROAD WAS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE IN TERMS OF ROAD GEOMETRY AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONARY INSTALLATIONS AND TRAFFIC SIGNS.
------0-------
Z5 .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
5
CHANGES TO GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE PROPOSED *****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED VARIOUS CHANGES TO THE PRESENT LAW ON GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE, PROPOSING TO SHORTEN THE PERIODS FOR SEPARATION AND TO EASE THE PRESENT RESTRICTION ON DIVORCE WITHIN THREE YEARS OF MARRIAGE.
UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, PARTIES MAY" ONLY' DIVORCE IF THEY CAN ESTABLISH ONE OF FIVE FACTS.
THESE ARE ADULTERY, UNREASONABLE BEHAVIOUR, DESERTION FOR TWO YEARS, TWO YEARS’ SEPARATION WHERE BOTH PARTIES CONSENT TO DIVORCE AND FIVE YEARS’ SEPARATION WHERE THERE IS NO CONSENT.
THE COMMISSION HAS SUGGESTED THAT THE PRESENT FAULT-BASED FACTS OF ADULTERY AND UNREASONABLE BEHAVIOUR BE RETAINED.
IN RELATION TO THE SEPARATION FACTS, THE COMMISSION HAS PROPOSED THAT THE PERIOD REQUIRED FOR SEPARATION BE REDUCED FROM TWO YEARS TO ONE YEAR WHERE BOTH PARTIES CONSENT TO DIVORCE, AND FROM FIVE YEARS TO TWO YEARS WHERE THERE IS NO CONSENT.
THE RECOMMENDATION TO REDUCE THE PERIOD OF SEPARATION WHERE THERE IS NO CONSENT FROM FIVE YEARS TO TWO YEARS MEANS THAT THE FACT OF DESERTION FOR TWO YEARS WILL NO LONGER BE RELEVANT AND CAN BE ABOLISHED.
THE COMMISSION ALSO ADVOCATES THAT IN CASES WHERE BOTH PARTIES CONSENT TO THE DIVORCE, THEY SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATION TO THE COURT JOINTLY, RATHER THAN ONE OF THEM BEING OBLIGED, AS NOW, TO TAKE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE OTHER.
A FURTHER MOVE TO PROMOTE CONCILIATION BETWEEN PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE DIVORCE PROCESS IS THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL PROCEDURE TO ESTABLISH IRRETRIEVABLE BREAKDOWN OF MARRIAGE.
UNDER THIS NEW PROCEDURE, PARTIES WOULD BE ABLE TO DIVORCE BY MUTUAL CONSENT AFTER GIVING ONE YEAR’S JOINT NOTICE TO THE COURT.
THE PARTIES WOULD NOT BE UNDER ANY OBLIGATION TO SEPARATE DURING THIS PERIOD OF NOTICE, BUT WOULD BE OBLIGED AT THE END OF IT TO CONFIRM TO THE COURT THAT IT IS STILL THEIR JOINT INTENTION TO PROCEED TO DIVORCE.
IN ADDITION TO THE GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE, ALSO LOOKED AT THE EXISTING TIME RESTRICTION ON DIVORCE EARLY IN MARRIAGE.
THE COMMISSION HAS PARTIES SEEKING TO
AT PRESENT, UNLESS AN EXCEPTIONAL CASE CAN BE MADE OUT, PARTIES MAY NOT PETITION FOR DIVORCE UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS.
THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE THREE-YEAR RESTRICTION BE REDUCED TO ONE YEAR, WHILE THE EXISTING GROUNDS FOR ESTABLISHING EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES BE RETAINED.
/THE LAW ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
6
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION BEGAN EXAMINING THE LAW ON DIVORCE IN 1990.
A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION EARLY THIS YEAR REVEALED STRONG SUPPORT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE CHANGES PROPOSED.
-----0 -----
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER
*****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AT $168,442 MILLION, INCREASED BY 22% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3% TO $21,129 MILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 28% TO $64,360 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21% TO $85,489 MILLION. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 24% TO $82,952 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT $1,356 BILLION, INCREASED BY 22% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2% TO $170 BILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31% TO $495 BILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22% TO $666 BILLTON WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23% TO $690 BILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1992 WITH SEPTEMBER 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE (+26%), TAIWAN (+14%), CHINA (+13%) AND GERMANY (+2%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED TN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE (-10%), CANADA (-2%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-2%), THE UNITED STATES (-1%) AND THE NETHERLANDS (-1%).
NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA INCREASED BY 15%, 15%, 7%, 6% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY.
/HOWEVER THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
7
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY, FRANCE, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN DECREASED, BY 23%, 16%, 9%, 9% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY,
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1,792 MILLION OR 3%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1,385 MILLION OR 10%); AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $510 MILLION OR 28%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,885 MILLION OR 17%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,037 MILLION OR 7%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1992 WITH SEPTEMBER 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS: GERMANY (+46%), JAPAN (+39%), ITALY (+31%), MALAYSIA (+29%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+22%), CHINA (+20%), SINGAPORE (+20%), THE UNITED STATES (+17%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+17%) AND TAIWAN (+13%).
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS WERE: GERMANY (+31%), JAPAN (+29%), MALAYSIA (+28%), ITALY (+28%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+26%), CHINA (+23%), SINGAPORE (+20%), TAIWAN (+17%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+15%) AND THE UNITED STATES (+15%).
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $12,748 MILLION OR 32%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $12,116 MILLION OR 21%); CLOTHING (BY $11,128 MILLION OR 24%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $10,196 MILLION OR 24%); AND TEXTILES (BY $7,031 MILLION OR 10%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1992 WITH SEPTEMBER 1991, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN, CANADA, THE UNITED STATES, CHINA AND FRANCE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 58%, 36%, 32%, 32%, 32% AND 31% RESPECTIVELY. THAT TO SINGAPORE AND GERMANY ALSO INCREASED, BY 21% AND 19% RESPECTIVELY.
/HOWEVER THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
8
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN DECREASED, BY 17% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CHINA, CANADA, JAPAN AND FRANCE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 41%, 41%, 37%, 36%, 31% AND 23% RESPECTIVELY. THAT TO SINGAPORE AND
TAIWAN ALSO INCREASED, BY 14% AND 10% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 8%.
NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO GERMANY.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $20,619 MILLION OR 41%); CLOTHING (BY $11,876 MILLION OR 26%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $8,741 MILLION OR 30%); FOOTWEAR (BY $7,809 MILLION OR 44%); AND TEXTILES (BY ' $7,669 MILLION OR 18%).
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 SEPTEMBER WILL BE RELEASED TN EARLY DECEMBER.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE SEPTEMBER 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN SEPTEMBER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $52 A COPY AROUND NOVEMBER 20.
THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED EITHER AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915).
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
9
TABLE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
SEP SEP 92 JAN-SEP JAN-SEP 92
MAJOR MARKET 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
SEP 91 JAN-SEP 91
(HK$ MN) ( % ) (HK$ MN) ( % )
UNITED STATES 6,293 - 1 46,425 + 6
CHINA 5,454 + 13 44,858 + 15
GERMANY 1,402 + 2 11,360 - 23
UNITED KINGDOM 1,124 - 2 9,212 - 9
JAPAN 1,021 * 8,322 - 3
SINGAPORE 934 + 26 7,474 + 15
TAIWAN 544 + 14 4,674 + 7
CANADA 428 - 2 3,808 + 6
NETHERLANDS 413 - 1 3,624 - 9
FRANCE 251 - 10 2,325 - 16
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OE THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
SEP SEP 92 JAN-SEP JAN-SEP 92
COMMODITY DIVISION 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
SEP 91 JAN-SEP 91
(HK$ MN) ( % ) (HK$ MN) ( % )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7 , 4 84 + 2 55,229 + 3
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS* WARES) 1,922 — 6 16,421 - 3
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,786 + 21 14,762 + 10
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1 ,885 + 8 14,563 + 3
/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
10
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS,
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1 ,606 ♦ 13,741 — 7
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 ,382 - 11 12,684 — 1
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 ,272 + 5 9,523 - 17
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 407 - 12 3,608 + 2
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 294 - 12 2,596 + 2
MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES • 238 + 7 2,331 + 28
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 3 MAJOR SUPPLIER : IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS JAN-SEP OVER JAN-SEP ( % ) 92 91
SEP 1992 (HK$ MN) SEP 92 OVER SEP 91 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1992 (HK$ MN)
CHINA 32,583 + 20 257, 147 + 23
JAPAN 14,611 + 39 118,581 + 29
TAIWAN 7,405 + 13 63,183 + 17
UNITED STATES 5,498 + 17 49,722 + 15
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,505 + 17 32,638 + 26
SINGAPORE 3,102 + 20 27,928 + 20
GERMANY 1,922 + 46 15,686 + 31
UNITED KINGDOM 1,501 + 22 14,037 + 15
ITALY 1 , 198 + 31 10,702 + 28
MALAYSIA 1, 109 + 29 9,302 + 28
/TABLE 4 .......
11
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
TABLE 4 : IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION
SEP SEP 92 JAN-SEP JAN-SEP 92
1992 OVER 1992 OVER SEP 91 JAN-SEP 91
(HK$ MN) ( % ) (HK$ MN) ( % )
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,765 - 3 75,173 + 10
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9,033 + 35 68,475 + 21
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,793 + 19 57,966 + 24
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,094 + 39 53,488 + 24
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 7,153 + 38 52,288 + 32
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,999 + 25 33,406 + 20
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,811 + 44 24,571 + 48
FOOTWEAR 2,758 + 26 22,660 + 44
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 2,702 + 61 21,583 + 24
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 2,200 + 48 21,390 + 53
TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION
SEP SEP 92 JAN-SEP JAN-SEP 92
MAJOR COUNTRY OF 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
DESTINATION SEP 91 JAN-SEP 91
(HK$ MN) ( % ) (HK$ MN) ( % )
CHINA 18,275 + 32 149,119 + 37
UNITED STATES 15,499 + 32 108,046 + 41
JAPAN 3,774 + 36 26,734 + 31
/GERMANY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
12
GERMANY 2,983 + 19 23,567 ♦
TAIWAN 1,957 - 5 19,408 + 10
UNITED KINGDOM 2,329 + 58 14,529 + 41
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,107 - 17 10,119 - 8
SINGAPORE 1,222 + 21 9,896 + 14
CANADA 1,049 + 32 8,265 + 36
FRANCE 983 + 31 8,109 + 23
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 6 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION SEP 1992 (HK$ MN) SEP 92 OVER SEP 91 ( % ) JAN-SEP 1992 (HK$ MN) JAN-SEP 92 OVER JAN-SEP 91 ( % )
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 11,487 + 52 70,566 + 41
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,592 + 20 56,957 + 26
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,390 + 1 49,389 + 18
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 5,628 + 32 38,667 + 22
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 5,173 + 38 37,955 + 30
FOOTWEAR 3,144 + 23 25,576 + 44
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,476 + 24 21,320 + 44
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,018 + 9 17,708 + 23
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1 ,960 + 47 15,242 + 45
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 1 ,233 + 65 12,412 + 68
- - _ - 0 /13 ...
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
13
CONTAINER THROUGHPUT INCREASE INDICATES STEADY GROWTH
*****
THE TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR OF 5.8 MILLION TEUS (TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS) MAINTAINS HONG KONG POSITION AS THE WORLD’S LEADING CONTAINER PORT, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (PLANNING AND LOCAL SERVICES DIVISION), MR IAN DALE SAID: "THE OVERALL THROUGHPUT FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS IN 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991 IS UP BY 1.3 MILLION TEUS, ALMOST A 28 PER CENT INCREASE, INDICATING CONTINUING STRONG GROWTH.
THIS AVERAGE INCREASE HAS REMAINED STEADY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, MR DALE SAID.
"IN PARTICULAR, THE TOTAL THROUGHPUT OF LOADED TEUS, THAT IS EXPORT AND/OR RE-EXPORT CARGO, SHOWS THE SAME GROWTH RATE WHICH IS
ALSO 28 PER CENT, AND CLEARLY REFLECTS SUSTAINED LOCAL BUSINESS
CONFIDENCE IN THE FACE OF CONTINUING WORLD RECESSION,” HE ADDED.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TABLE FOR THE COMPARATIVE CONTAINER
STATISTICS FOR JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1992:
FIRST FIRST CHANGE
NINE-MONTH NINE-MONTH IN
1991 1992 PERCENTAGE
KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS
TOTAL TEUS 3,352,835 3,714,958 10.8
STREAM AND ELSEWHERE
TOTAL TEUS 1,151,433 1,863,749 61.9
RIVER TRADE
TOTAL TEUS 54,412 244,302 349.0
THROUGHPUT
(KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS +
STREAM & ELSEWHERE + RIVER TRADE)
TOTAL TEUS 4,540,664 - - - - 0 5,808,563 27.9
Z14 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
14
STATEMENT ON THREE TUNNEL FRANCHISES
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT A MEETING BETWEEN THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED DEMOCRATS OF HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY) ON THE SUGGESTION TO COMBINE THE THREE TUNNEL FRANCHISES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
’’TERMINATING THE EXISTING FRANCHISES FOR CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, WHICH ARE EMBODIED IN STATUTES, WILL HAVE SERIOUS LEGAL AND COMMERCIAL IMPLICATIONS.
”A COMBINED FRANCHISE WILL CREATE A MONOPOLY IN THE OPERATION OF THESE STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT ROUTES WHICH IS NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
"IT REMAINS GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO IMPLEMENT THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AS A STAND ALONE ’BUILD, OPERATE AND TRANSFER’ PROJECT.
"DISCUSSIONS ARE ONGOING WITH THE TENDERER.
"IT IS PREMATURE TO SPECULATE ON THE OUTCOME OF DISCUSSION WITH THE TENDERER."
----0------
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR OCTOBER RELEASED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR OCTOBER OBTAINED AT ITS MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG MONITORING STATIONS.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2) AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2) WHICH ARE MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY ROUND-THE-CLOCK, AND TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS EVERY SIX DAYS.
THESE AIR POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM COMBUSTION OF FUEL IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND MOTOR VEHICLES ENGINES. TSP AND RSP ARE ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AS WELL AS NATURAL SOURCES.
THE GASEOUS POLLUTANT LEVELS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER WERE IN GENERAL ACCEPTABLE.
HOWEVER, DRY WEATHER AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY CONTRIBUTED TO DUST LEVELS WHICH WERE HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
AND AN EXCEEDANCE OF THE DAILY AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE FOR TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES WAS RECORDED IN MONG KOK ON OCTOBER 24.
/THE DAILY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
15
THE DAILY HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF SO2, NO2, TSP AND RSP ARE 350, 150, 260 AND 180 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THESE OBJECTIVES ARE COMPARABLE TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AIR QUALITY STANDARDS RECOMMENDED FOR PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
HIGH LEVELS OF SO2 CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG
FUNCTION AND INCREASES MORTALITY RATE.
NO2 CAUSES RESPIRATORY IRRITATION, INCREASES SUSCEPTIBILITY TO RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND IMPAIRS LUNG DEVELOPMENT.
TSP ACTS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH OTHER GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND RSP CAUSES RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCES LUNG FUNCTION. SOME FORMS OF RSP MAY CAUSE CANCER.
THE MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG STATIONS BROADLY REPRESENT AIR QUALITY RESPECTIVELY AT LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN DISTRICT; COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
CURRENTLY THE EPD OPERATES A TOTAL OF 11 FIXED AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED ABOVE.
THE OTHER EIGHT STATIONS ARE AT KWUN TONG, SHAM SHUI PO, TSIM SHA TSUI, TSEUNG KWAN 0, TSUEN WAN, HONG KONG SOUTH, TAI PO AND SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRY CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR W S TSUI ON TEL 594 6403.
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
16
-f4 $ ft M-
Hong Kong Air Quality Report for October 1992
October 1992
-----o------
/17 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
17
REVISED STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS AND RECURRENT GRANTS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION *****
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, AND THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC), MR NIGEL FRENCH, BRIEFED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EDUCATION PANEL THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING ON THE REVISED STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS AND RECURRENT GRANTS FOR THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS IN THE 1992-95 TRIENNIUM.
IN A JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AND THE UPGC, MR CHAN SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTION ON OCTOBER 28 THIS YEAR, HE HAD ANNOUNCED THAT THE UPGC PROPOSED TO RETURN $509 MILLION FROM THE $18,200 MILLION APPROVED RECURRENT FUNDING FOR THE UPGC-FUNDED SECTOR DURING THE 1992-95 TRIENNIUM.
THE UPGC’S RECOMMENDATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE REDUCED FUNDING REQUIREMENTS AND REVISED STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS FOR THE SEVEN UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON OCTOBER 22.
THE COMMITTEE WAS RESPONDING TO A REQUEST, MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN MARCH THIS YEAR, TO ADVISE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A REVISED PLANNING TARGET OF 14,500 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE (FYFD) PLACES (REDUCED FROM 15,000) IN 1994-95.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE UPGC’S RECOMMENDATIONS IN FULL AND THE ’SAVINGS’ HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION EXERCISE THIS YEAR,” MR CHAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT POLICY ON TERTIARY EDUCATION, WHICH WAS AGREED IN 1989, WAS TO PROVIDE FYFD PLACES FOR AT LEAST 18 PER CENT OF THE MEAN OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP (AGED 17-20) IN 1994-95.
ON THE BASIS OF THE POPULATION PROJECTIONS AVAILABLE AT THAT TIME, A PLANNING TARGET OF 15,000 FYFD PLACES WAS SET FOR 1994-95.
’’UPDATED DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, DERIVED FROM THE 1991 CENSUS, INDICATED THAT PREVIOUS PROJECTIONS OF THE POPULATION OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP NEEDED TO BE REVISED DOWNWARD,” MR CHAN NOTED.
”AS A RESULT, THE FYFD TARGET FOR 1994-95 COULD BE REDUCED TO 14,500.”
MR CHAN STRESSED THAT THE REVISED TARGET OF 14,500 FYFD PLACES WOULD LEAD TO A SMOOTHER EXPANSION PROGRAMME, WHILE STILL ACHIEVING THE POLICY AIM OF PROVIDING TERTIARY EDUCATION PLACES FOR AT LEAST 18 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP.
ELABORATING ON THE UPGC’S RECOMMENDATIONS, MR FRENCH SAID THE REVISED GROWTH SCENARIO PROVIDED FOR A GRADUAL BUILD-UP OF FYFD STUDENT NUMBERS AT THE SEVEN UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS AT AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 13 PER CENT IN THE YEARS 1992-93 TO 1994-95.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
HE SAID: ’’THE REVISED GROWTH SCENARIO ACTUALLY INVOLVES REVISIONS TO THE ORIGINALLY PLANNED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS FOR SIX OF THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS.
’’LINGNAN COLLEGE IS NOT AFFECTED, BECAUSE OF ITS SMALL SIZE AND EARLY STAGE OF UPGRADING TO A DEGREE AWARDING INSTITUTION. THE ORIGINAL STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS AT SUB-DEGREE AND POSTGRADUATE LEVELS ARE ALSO NOT AFFECTED.”
THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED WERE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT TO THE UPGC REVISED ACADEMIC PLANS AND COST ESTIMATES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS.
HAVING CAREFULLY SCRUTINISED THE INSTITUTIONS1 SUBMISSIONS, THE UPGC ADVISED THAT A TOTAL OF $509 MILLION SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT FROM THE $18,200 MILLION APPROVED RECURRENT FUNDING FOR THE 1992-95 TRIENNIUM.
THIS LEVEL OF REDUCED FUNDING REPRESENTING 2.8 PER CENT OF THE ORIGINALLY APPROVED RECURRENT FUNDING, COMPRISES $486,814 MILLION TO BE DEDUCTED FROM THE INSTITUTIONS’ TRIENNIAL RECURRENT GRANTS, ADJUSTED FROM THE $407,805 MILLION INITIALLY PROPOSED BY THE INSTITUTIONS (AN INCREASE OF 19 PER CENT), AND $22,323 MILLION TO BE DEDUCTED FROM THE UPGC’S CENTRAL ALLOCATION VOTE.
MR FRENCH STRESSED THAT THE UPGC CONSIDERED THIS LEVEL OF REDUCED FUNDING TO BE APPROPRIATE AFTER DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE INSTITUTIONS’ REVISED ACADEMIC PLANS AND COST ESTIMATES.
’’THE UPGC FULLY APPRECIATES, AND IS VERY GRATEFUL FOR, THE ENORMOUS EFFORTS MADE BY THE INSTITUTIONS, AND THEIR GOODWILL, IN REVISING THEIR TRIENNIAL ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS AND COST ESTIMATES WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME,” MR FRENCH SAID.
MR CHAN ALSO SAID HE WAS MOST GRATEFUL TO THE UPGC AND THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS FOR RESPONDING SO QUICKLY AND POSITIVELY TO THE GOVERNMENT’S REQUEST TO REVISE THE GROWTH SCENARIO FOR THE 1992-95 TRIENNIUM.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION RE-APPOINTED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD RE-APPOINTED PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN KWAN-YIU AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM NOVEMBER 15, 1992 TO NOVEMBER 14, 1994.
UNDER THE SFC ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT NOT LESS THAN EIGHT DIRECTORS TO THE SFC, HALF OF WHOM SHALL BE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS.
/AT PRESENT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
19
AT PRESENT, THE COMMISSION IS SERVED BY 10 DIRECTORS.
"THE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO BRING AN INDEPENDENT VIEW TO THE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION OF THE SFC.
"THEY WILL BE FULLY INVOLVED IN ITS POLICY DEVELOPMENT," MR NENDICK SAID.
----0----
CULTURE AND ARTS MONTH OPENS TOMORROW *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S "CULTURE AND ARTS MONTH" WILL START TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY AND AN EXHIBITION FEATURING OVER 550 WORKS OF CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTING AND SEAL-ENGRAVING BY MORE THAN 140 ARTISTS.
THE TRIENNIAL EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE EXHIBITION WILL BEGIN AT 5 PM IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL, CENTRAL.
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 16, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM.
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE CULTURE AND ARTS MONTH WILL BE A LARGE-SCALE PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION SHOWING SELECTED WORKS OF 18 LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUBS.
IT WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 14 AND 22, FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM DAILY, AT THE EXHIBITION HALL, SIXTH FLOOR, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE.
ON NOVEMBER 15, THERE WILL BE AN ANTI-CORRUPTION DRAMA COMPETITION AT THE THEATRE OF THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, BEGINNING AT 6 PM.
ADMISSION TO ALL THESE THREE EVENTS IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE A PERFORMANCE BY THE CHINESE TAI HING DANCE TROUPE ON NOVEMBER 23 AND A FOLK DANCE NIGHT BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S DANCE TROUPE ON NOVEMBER 28 AND 29.
TICKETS FOR THESE DANCE PERFORMANCES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE URBTJX OUTLETS.
THE CULTURE AND ARTS MONTH WILL BE CONCLUDED ON NOVEMBER 29 WITH A "CROSS-CULTURE VARIETY SHOW" AT THE HONG KONG PARK.
A JOINT PRESENTATION WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE SHOW WILL FEATURE LOCAL SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS.
/A VARIETY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
20
A VARIETY OF HANDICRAFTS AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DEMONSTRATION STALLS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED AT THE VENUE.
FREE TICKETS FOR THE PROGRAMME ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MISS SHEILA WONG ON TEL 852 3485 OR 852 3499.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CULTURE AND ARTS MONTH, BEGINNING AT 5 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL, CENTRAL.
COMMITMENT STRESSED IN FAMILY SERVICES
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO PROTECTING FAMILY UNITS AND DEVELOPING SERVICES TO ENRICH FAMILY LIFE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SHE WAS GIVING A TALK ON PROBLEMS FACING FAMILIES IN THE 90'S AND FAMILY WELFARE POLICY AT THE 4 3RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY.
QUOTING THE WHITE PAPER ’'SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990'S AND BEYOND”, SHE SAID THE OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES WERE TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY AS A UNIT AND TO DEVELOP CARING INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
"THEY ALSO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS XND FAMILY MEMBERS TO PREVENT PERSONAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS, TO DEAL WITH THEM WHEN THEY AROSE AND TO PROVIDE FOR NEEDS WHICH COULD NOT BE MET FROM WITHIN THE FAMILY," SHE SAID.
WITH THESE OBJECTIVES IN MIND, SUPPORT SERVICES HAD BEEN DEVELOPED TO HELP FAMILIES WHEN THEY WERE UNABLE TO DISCHARGE THEIR CARING AND PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS SATISFACTORILY, SHE ADDED.
SHE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR MADE THIS POLICY A LEADING PRIORITY IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS.
IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR THE EXPENDITURE ON FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES WILL BE $778 MILLION, THE HIGHEST AMONG THE WELFARE PROGRAMMES.
/COMPARED WITH
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
21
COMPARED WITH THE CURRENT YEAR'S EXPENDITURE, THERE WILL BE A REAL GROWTH OF 11.2 PER CENT, SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO NOTED THAT THE ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED NEXT YEAR WOULD INCLUDE 273 DAY CRECHE PLACES, 1,400 DAV NURSERY PLACES, 225 OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE PLACES, 12 HOME HELP TEAMS, 16 FAMILY AIDES, 24 SMALL GROUP HOMES AND 160 FOSTER CARE PLACES.
FIRST INT’L SCIENCE PARK CONFERENCE IN HK ♦ * * * ♦
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (CPHK) WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE PARK CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG NEXT MONTH.
THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE. WHICH WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 3 AND 4 AT CPHK, WILL BE UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE PARKS (IASP).
IT WILL BE LAUNCHED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, AND DIRECTOR OF CPHK, PROFESSOR Y C CHENG, AND PRESIDENT OF IASP, PROFESSOR MICHEL LACAVE.
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, WILL ALSO ATTEND AND SPEAK ON THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT.
SCIENCE PARKS, ALSO CALLED RESEARCH PARKS OR TECHNOLOGY PARKS, GREW RAPIDLY IN THE 80*S AND ARE NOW SEEN, WORLD-WIDE, TOBE AN IMPORTANT VEHICLE FOR ACHIEVING TECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND STRENGTHENING INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS.
ALTHOUGH THE NAMES DIFFER, THE COMMON PURPOSE OF THESE ORGANISATIONS IS TO FOSTER TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, ITS DEVELOPMENT, TRANSFER, AND COMMERCIALISATION.
THIS IS DONE BY CREATING A BUSINESS-NURTURING ENVIRONMENT EITHER FORMING PART OF, OR BEING CLOSE TO, A UNIVERSITY OR OTHER INSTITUTION OF ADVANCED EDUCATION.
PROXIMITY TO THE FACILITIES OF A UNIVERSITY, AND THE ACCESS WHICH THIS CAN GIVE TO GROUND-BREAK 1 NG RESEARCH, IS AN INCENTIVE TO FLEDGLING SCIENCE-BASED COMPANIES.
AND SCIENCE PARKS CAN PROVIDE ACCESS NOT ONLY TO LABORATORIES, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, BUT ALSO TO THE EXPERTISE NEEDED TO COMMERCIALISE AND MARKET PRODUCTS.
THE CONFERENCE WILL ATTRACT PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL OVER THE
WORLD.
/LEADING PARTICIPANTS
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
22
LEADING PARTICIPANTS WILL COME FROM AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, INDIA, ITALY, USA, JAPAN, MALAYSIA, SWITZERLAND, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND HONG KONG.
TWO MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTE FOR INFORMATICS PROBLEMS AT THE RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE WILL ALSO ATTEND.
THE BRITISH COUNCIL WILL SPONSOR TWO SCIENCE PARK EXPERTS FROM THE UK.
THE CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS WITH MORE THAN 30 PARTICIPANTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 27 OPERATIONAL SCIENCE PARKS IN CHINA.
THE MAJOR THEMES OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMMES, COLLABORATION IN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING, AND THE PROMOTION OF PRODUCTS DEVELOPED BY TENANT COMPANIES.
TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES AMONG SCIENCE PARKS, A HIGHLIGHT OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE A "PARTNER-SEEKING FORUM" IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THEIR PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES TO PROSPECTIVE BUSINESS PARTNERS.
LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS ARE ALSO INVITED TO ATTEND THIS SESSION.
AN ADDED ATTRACTION OF THE EVENT IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN A FIVE-DAY POST-CONFERENCE TOUR OF SCIENCE PARKS IN CHINA.
ANOTHER TOUR TAKING IN THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE HAS ALSO BEEN ARRANGED.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING AT THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE CAN CONTACT MR LAWRENCE CHAN (TELEPHONE NO. 788 8428; FAX
NO. : 788 9119) OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG AT 83 TAT CHEE AVENUE, KOWLOON, HONG KONG FOR REGISTRATION.
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DANGEROUS BUILDING IN WESTERN DECLARED ♦ * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE BUILDING AT NO. 109 HIGH STREET IN WESTERN DISTRICT LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMNET ISSUED TODAY (THURSDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR (PGBS) SAID THE STRUCTURE WAS A FOUR-STOREY POST-WAR BUILDING CONSTRUCTED OF REINFORCED CONCRETE SLAB, BEAM AND COLUMN CONSTRUCTION, WITH BRICK EXTERNAL AND PARTY WALLS.
THE BUILDING HAS BEEN CLOSED UNDER EMERGENCY POWERS SINCE JUNE 18 THIS YEAR BECAUSE THE OLD BRICK WALLS, WHICH FORMED THE ENCLOSURE TO THE BUILDING, WERE LIABLE TO COLLAPSE.
/THE PGBS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
23
THE PGBS EXPLAINED THAT THE BUILDING WAS DILAPIDATED WITH CRACKED AND SPALLED CONCRETE AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE STRUCTURAL REINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS OF THE BUILDING AND WITH EVIDENCE OF DETERIORATING BRICKWORK, PARTICULARLY IN THE PARTY WALL BETWEEN NOS. 107 AND 109.
RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE BUILDING HAS TILTED AWAY FROM THE ADJACENT BUILDING AT NO. 107 HIGH STREET TOWARDS THE VACANT SITE AT NO. 111 OF THE SAME STREET AND THIS MOVEMENT OF THE BUILDING HAS NOT BEEN ARRESTED.
THE CONTINUED MOVEMENT OF THE BUILDING, ITS GENERAL CONDITION AND THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE WORK REQUIRED TO RENDER THE BUILDING SAFE IS CONSIDERED TO BE IMPRACTICAL AND UNECONOMICAL TO REPAIR THE BUILDING.
THE PGBS SAID THE BUILDING WAS LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED AND THERE WAS A RISK OF COLLAPSE OF THE OLD BRICK PARTY WALLS ENCLOSING THE BUILDING.
DEMOLITION ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
---------
349 GRADUATED FROM FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 349 GRADUATES OF SEVEN FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS.
ADDRESSING THE ORGANISATION’S GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR ITS SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, DR LEE CALLED ON THE GRADUATES TO MAKE GOOD USE OF WHAT THEY HAD LEARNED, CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY.
HE URGED THEM TO GRASP EVERY CHANCE TO LEARN AND IMPROVE THEMSELVES, ADDING THAT THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE A BROAD MIND AND TAKE A BROAD VIEW OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN’S SCHOOLS, RUN THE ABERDEEN SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND SIX OTHER PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION OF ABOUT 1,150.
DR LEE SAID SINCE THEIR ESTABLISHMENT IN THE 1940*S, GOOD PERFORMANCE OF THEIR STUDENTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS HAD BEEN WITNESSED.
OF THOSE RECEIVING CERTIFICATES TODAY, 114 STUDENTS WERE AWARDED PRIZES OF MERIT WHILE ANOTHER 48 STUDENTS AND FOUR SCHOOL TEAMS RECEIVED AWARDS FOR THEIR GOOD PERFORMANCE IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
/THESE ACTIVITIES .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
24
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED COMMUNITY YOUTH CJUB SOCIAL SERVICES, SOUTHERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY PROJECT, COMMUNITY CHEST CHARITY PHOTO CONTEST AS WELL AS REGIONAL SCHOOLS ATHLETIC AND SWIMMING COMPETITIONS.
AT THE CBRFMONY, DR LEE ALSO PRESENTED THE ORGANISATION’S SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AWARDS TO SIX STUDENTS.
----u----
EXHI BITION ON CHINESE FORTS IN HK * * * *
AN EXHIBITION ON CHINESE FORTS IN HONG KONG IS NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE ANTIQUITIES MONUMENTS OFFICE (AMO), 136 NATHAN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
CHINA ARCHIVES CONTAIN RECORDS OF SOUTH CHINA COASTAL DEFENCES AS FAR BACK AS THE TANG DYNASTY (618-907).
THEY WERE CONSTRUCTED MAINLY TO GUARD AGAINST PIRATES AND TO CONTROL THE PASSAGE OF FOREIGN TRADING SHIPS.
A NUMBER OF CHINESE FORTS, ALL CONSTRUCTED IN THE QING DYNASTY (1644-1911), STILL SURVIVE IN HONG KONG IN VARIOUS STATES OF PRESERVATION.
THE EXHIBITION, PRODUCED BY THE AMO, INTRODUCES IN DETAIL THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND STRATEGIC FUNCTION OF THESE FORTS NAMELY TUNG LUNG FORT, FAN LAU FORT, TUNG CHUNG BATTERY, TUNG CHUNG FORT AND THE FORT IN KOWLOON WALLED CITY.
WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS AND OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS, THEIR ORIGINAL STRUCTURE AND PRESENT CONDITION ARE ALSO DESCRIBED.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND ADMISSION IS FREE. OPENING HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MONDAY - FRIDAY 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM
2.00 PM - 4.30 PM
SATURDAY 9.30 AM - NOON
SUNDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS CLOSED
AN INFORMATION LEAFLET ON EACH OF THE FORTS HAS ALSO BEEN PUBLISHED FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC \T THE EXHIBITION HALL.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED TO SEE THESE HISTORIC FORTS CAN FIND THE LOCATIONS WITH THE HELP OF THF INFORMATION LEAFLETS.
-----0--------
/25 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1992
25
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
REVERSAL OF LAF
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI
1,350
-150
1,500
NIL
NIL
1 ,500
112.8 *+0.0* 12.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.80 PCT 12 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.40 3.86
1 MONTH 3.06 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.60 4.22
3 MONTHS 3.39 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.60 4.45
6 MONTHS 3.50 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.61 4.70
12 MONTHS 3.9G PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS
AND BONDS - 9,175 MN
CLOSED 12 NOVEMBER 1992
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR WANTS CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE ......................... 1
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO "STOP ORDERS" PROCEDURES ............... 2
BILL TO HELP CUSTOMS HANDLE SEIZED GOODS ..................... 3
BILL TO TIDY UP HEALTH-RELATED ORDINANCES .................... 3
THIRD QUARTER BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ............... 5
FOREIGN BANKS SHOW CONTINUING INTEREST IN HK MARKET .......... 8
CHINESE OFFICIALS TO VISIT HK ................................ 8
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES COMMENDED ......................... 9
SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS AND WASTES URGED .................. 10
RECLAMATION FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY RESERVE AT TSING CHAU WAN ... 11
FIRE SERVICES AIMS FOR IMPROVEMENT ........................... 12
FIVE STAMP ISSUES IN 1993 .................................... 13
CLOSURE OF SAU LAI STREET IN SAU MAU PING .................... 14
RESUMPTION AND REPAIR OF PATERSON STREET ..................... 15
REPLACEMENT OF PIPELINE IN HO CHUNG .......................... 15
RECLAMATION AND DREDGING IN TUEN MUN FOR STEELMILL ........... 16
TTRA QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PARENTS ............................... 17
TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW IN WONG TAI SIN ............ 18
SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLES IN MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS ...... 19
ACROBATICS FINALE FOR WAN CHAI FESTIVAL ...................... 20
265 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME TODAY ............................. 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
21
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
GOVERNOR WANTS CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE
******
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID ON THURSDAY (VANCOUVER TIME) THAT HE WANTED TO HAVE A "CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE" WITH PEKING BASED ON THE CRITERIA WHICH HE HAD LAID DOWN FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS.
HE SAID OFFICIALS IN PEKING "WHOLLY ACCEPT" THE CRITERIA. "THOSE YARDSTICKS ARE THAT THE ELECTIONS’ ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE FAIR, SHOULD BE OPEN, AND SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."
MR PATTEN TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT VANCOUVER HOTEL BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE TO OTTAWA FOR THE SECOND LEG OF HIS FOUR-DAY VISIT IN CANADA.
"THE ACCEPTABILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID, "INCLUDES ACCEPTABILITY TO THE LEGISLATURE WHICH REPRESENTS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HAD PUT FORWARD HIS IDEAS ON THE 1995 ELECTIONS AS "PROPOSALS". "THEY WEREN'T SET IN CONCRETE AND I WAS PREPARED TO DISCUSS, AND SEE DISCUSSED IN HONG KONG OTHER PROPOSALS AT THE END OF THE DAY."
"I STILL THINK THAT IT WOULD BE MUCH MORE HELPFUL FOR PEOPLE TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS RATHER THAN JUST PUT FORWARD BLANKET CRITICISMS," MR PATTEN SAID.
HE SAID THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG "DESERVES TO BE ADDRESSED CONSTRUCTIVELY" -- "THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF PROPOSALS RATHER THAN THE EXCHANGE OF ADJECTIVES."
"WHAT I AM CONCERNED TO DO IS TO HAVE A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITHIN THE CRITERIA THAT I HAVE MENTIONED EARLIER," THE GOVERNOR SAID, "AND I THINK DISCUSSION AND CONSULTATION IS THE BEST WAY OF PROCEEDING RATHER THAN ANY OTHER WAY.”
"SO FAR THE ONLY PROPOSALS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE ARE THE ONES THAT I HAVE PUT ON THE TABLE, BUT IF OTHERS WANT TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS, I THINK THAT WILL BE WIDELY WELCOMED," HE SAID.
"HOW CAN YOU HAVE A DISCUSSION UNLESS THERE ARE PROPOSALS ON THE TABLE?"
"I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE BEST WAY OF SECURING POLITICAL STABILITY AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS IS TO RESIST EVERY MODEST AMBITION OF AN INCREASINGLY PROSPEROUS, WELL EDUCATED PEOPLE, FOR A SLIGHTLY GREATER SHARE IN DETERMINING THEIR OWN FUTURE," MR PATTEN CONCLUDED.
EARLIER IN THE DAY THE GOVERNOR MET THE PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, THE HON MICHAEL HARCOURT, AND DISCUSSED WITH HIM THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE LINKS BETWEEN VANCOUVER AND HONG KONG, AND THE VIEWS THAT HE HAD PUT FORWARD ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
/HE ALSO .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
2
HE ALSO TOURED VANCOUVER’S CHINATOWN, SUN YAT SEN GARDENS AND THE CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE, AND MET CHINESE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND A VISITING PO LEUNG KUK DELEGATION.
THE GOVERNOR AND HIS PARTY LEFT VANCOUVER FOR OTTAWA ABOARD A CANADIAN GOVERNMENT ’’CHALLENGER” AIRCRAFT ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON. HE IS SCHEDULED TO HAVE A MEETING WITH THE RT HON BRIAN MULRONEY, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA, ON FRIDAY MORNING.
-----0------
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ’’STOP ORDERS” PROCEDURES
*****
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.5) BILL 1992 WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE (BOR) IS NOT INFRINGED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH A STOP ORDER CAN BE ISSUED TO PROHIBIT A PERSON WHO HAS NOT PAID ALL THE TAX ASSESSED UPON HIM FROM LEAVING HONG KONG,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE MAY ISSUE A CERTIFICATE TO A DISTRICT JUDGE IN RESPECT OF ANYONE HE BELIEVES IS LIKELY TO LEAVE HONG KONG WITHOUT PAYING ALL THE TAX ASSESSED UPON HIM.
THE DISTRICT JUDGE MUST THEN ISSUE THE "STOP ORDER” TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO PREVENT THE PERSON FROM LEAVING HONG KONG. HE HAS NO DISCRETION IN THIS MATTER.
UNDER THE BILL, THE COMMISSIONER WILL ISSUE THE ’’STOP ORDERS” DIRECTLY TO THE TAXPAYER.
THE TAXPAYER WILL HAVE FOR THE FIRST TIME BOTH THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE ORDER TO BE REVOKED AND THE RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE BILL IS DESIGNED TO MINIMISE THE POSSIBILITY OF BOR-RELATED CHALLENGES TO THE "STOP ORDER" PROVISIONS OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE IN COURT.
AT THE SAME TIME IT STILL PROVIDES AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF PROTECTING REVENUE BY DISCOURAGING TAXPAYERS FROM ABSCONDING FROM HONG KONG WITHOUT PAYING ALL TAX WHICH HAS BEEN ASSESSED UPON THEM, HE ADDED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 25.
-----0------
/3 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
BILL TO HELP CUSTOMS HANDLE SEIZED GOODS
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO REMOVE OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES FACING THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE IN ENFORCING THE PROVISIONS OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE FORFEITURE OF SEIZED GOODS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER TO DISPOSE OF SEIZED ARTICLES WHICH ARE PERISHABLE OR DIFFICULT TO STORE BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS.
’’THIS WILL PRODUCE SAVINGS IN STORAGE SPACE AND COST,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO BROADENS THE CATEGORIES OF PERSON WHO CAN MAKE A CLAIM TO THE COMMISSIONER OR TO THE MAGISTRATE IN FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS.
"THIS WILL ENABLE ANYONE WITH A LEGITIMATE INTEREST IN THE SEIZED GOODS TO COME FORWARD TO CLAIM THE GOODS," HE SAID.
IT NOW TAKES ON AVERAGE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO CONCLUDE CRIMINAL AND FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS.
THE AMENDMENTS WILL SHORTEN THIS PERIOD BY UP TO SIX MONTHS IN CERTAIN CASES.
"THE BILL WILL PRODUCE SAVINGS IN STAFF TIME AND STORAGE SPACE WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE FAIRNESS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE PUBLIC,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 25.
-----0------
BILL TO TIDY UP HEALTH-RELATED ORDINANCES *****
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO TIDY UP THE PROVISIONS IN VARIOUS HEALTH-RELATED ORDINANCES WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ENTITLED THE EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF POWERS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992, IT CONTAINS A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS WHICH ARE CONSEQUENTIAL UPON THE SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
"THESE AMENDMENTS SEEK TO CONFORM WITH THE ESTABLISHED PRACTICE OF EXEMPTING PUBLIC MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS FROM REGISTRATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ONE OF ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
4
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS IS TO DELETE ALL REFERENCES TO A MEDICAL COMMITTEE FROM THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS ORDINANCE, AS THE COMMITTEE NO LONGER EXISTS.
TO RELIEVE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FROM LESS IMPORTANT MATTERS, THE POWER OF MAKING REGULATIONS OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE OR ROUTINE NATURE IN THREE OF THE ORDINANCES WILL ALSO BE TRANSFERRED TO EITHER THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE OR THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH.
THE BILL FURTHER PROPOSES TO REVISE THE LEVELS OF PENALTY IN THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AND THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE.
THE LEVELS OF PENALTY UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE 1972 WHILE THOSE UNDER THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE SINCE 1986.
"TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION INFLATION OVER ALL THESE YEARS, THESE HAVE TO BE UPDATED TO ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT DETERRENT EFFECTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE PROPOSED BILL, ANY PERSON WHO IS GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE WILL BE LIABLE TO AN IMPRISONMENT OF 12 MONTHS AND A FINE OF $30,000, COMPARED WITH 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $10,000 AS AT PRESENT.
THE FURTHER FINE OF $1,000 FOR EVERY DAY DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE CONTINUES SUBSEQUENT TO CONVICTION IS REPEALED.
AS TO THE SPECIFIC OFFENCE OF SELLING PART I (FIRST SCHEDULE) POISONS WITHOUT PROPER ENTRY IN A POISONS BOOK OR TO PERSON WHO IS NOT "FIT AND PROPER", THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS RAISED FROM $1,000 TO $5,000.
SIMILARLY, PENALTY LEVELS UNDER THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE ARE ADJUSTED UPWARD.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE RECORDS OF TRANSACTIONS BY THOSE PERMITTED TO POSSESS OR CONTROL ANTIBIOTIC SUBSTANCES IS RAISED TO $5,000.
THE LAME APPLIES TO THE OFFENCE OF INTERFERING WITH A PUBLIC OFFICER’S EXERCISE OF POWERS IN INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE.
WHEREAS A MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT REMAINS, THE CEILING OF THE FINE FOR CONTRAVENTION CONCERNING THE SALE, SUPPLY AND POSSESSION OF ANTIBIOTIC SUBSTANCES IN GENERAL IS NOW $30,000.
AMENDMENTS TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD PROCEDURES ARE ALSO MADE.
RATHER THAN APPOINTING A DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE EVEN IN THE CASE OF A MINOR MISDEMEANOUR, THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD CAN EXERT ITS DISCRETIONARY POWER AS TO WHETHER SUCH A COMMITTEE WOULD BE SET UP.
/THE ISSUE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
5
THE ISSUE OF A WARNING LETTER IS ADOPTED AS AN ALTERNATE FORM OF PUNISHMENT FOR AN AUTHORISED SELLER OF POISONS AFTER ANY DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY.
THE DATES FOR THE VARIOUS FORMS OF PUNISHMENT WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM EITHER AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE TIME LIMITED FOR AN APPEAL OR AFTER THE APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT IS DETERMINED OR WITHDRAWN.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 25.
-----0------
THIRD QUARTER BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
*****
MANUFACTURERS GENERALLY EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVED GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER THIS YEAR, MAINLY BECAUSE OF A SEASONAL INCREASE IN ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS SALES.
LOOKING AHEAD, THEY EXPECT \ SLIGHT FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER. THESE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
LOCAL PRICE COMPETITION REMAINED THE MOST CITED BUSINESS PROBLEM BY MANUFACTURERS. SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR AND HIGH WAGE RATES WERE ALSO WIDELY REPORTED. MANUFACTURERS GENERALLY EXPECT THESE PROBLEMS TO REMAIN IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.
FOR INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT LN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND FAIRLY THE SAME CAPACITY UTILISATION AS WAS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
LOOKING AHEAD, THESE MANUFACTURERS EXPECT IMPROVEMENT IN BOTH RESPECTS IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER, AS THEY WOULD LIKELY MAKE USE OF THE QUOTA IN HAND BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
NEVERTHELESS, PRICE COMPETITION FROM SOUTHERN CHINA AND SOUTH EASTERN ASIAN COUNTRIES WOULD STILL BE KEEN.
WHILE THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT ORDERS AND KEEN PRICE COMPETITION WERE WIDELY REPORTED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURERS IN THF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED A MARGINALLY IMPROVED GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND EXPECT THF SITUATION TO REMAIN THE SAME IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.
THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION FOR THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY IMPROVED IN THE THIRD QUARTER, THOUGH NOT AS MUCH AS PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED.
/LOOKING AHEAD, .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
6
LOOKING AHEAD, MANUFACTURERS GENERALLY EXPECT A FURTHER SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT IN BOTH RESPECTS IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.
WHILE KEEN PRICE COMPETITION REMAINED THE MOSTLY QUOTED PROBLEM, THERE WAS ALSO AN INCREASING CONCERN OVER THE RISING LOCAL LABOUR COST AMONG THE MANUFACTURERS.
THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION FOR THE PRINTING INDUSTRY CONTINUED TO IMPROVE IN THE THIRD QUARTER, REFLECTING A CONTINUED ROOMING OF THE INDUSTRY.
THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCED AN EXPECTED SEASONAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER IS NORMALLY QUIETER THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, MANUFACTURERS IN THE INDUSTRY GENERALLY EXPECT THAT THE IMPROVED SITUATION WILL REMAIN IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.
FOR THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRY, THERE WAS A BETTER THAN EXPECTED IMPROVEMENT IN BOTH THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION.
NEVERTHELESS, MANUFACTURERS IN THIS INDUSTRY WERE INCREASINGLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE UNCERTAINTIES IN EXCHANGE RATES, IN THE LIGHT OF THE LARGE FLUCTUATIONS RECENTLY SEEN IN THE EXCHANGE RATES OF SOME MAJOR. EUROPEAN CURRENCIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION REMAINED THE SAME IN THE THIRD QUARTER, WHILE THE UTILISATION OF CAPACITY IMPROVED SLIGHTLY.
LOOKING AHEAD, A SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER IS -EXPECTED, NOTWITHSTANDING THE CONI ERN AMONG CONSTRUCTORS OVER LOCAL PRICE COMPETITION AND THE LOCAL LABOUR MARKET.
AS REGARDS THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IMPROVED IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER IS EXPECTED.
THIS IS MAINLY RELATED TO THE SEASONAL INCREASE TN RETAIL SALFJS IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE YEAR.
KEEN PRICE COMPETITION AND HIGH RENTALS REMAINED THE MAJOR BUSINESS PROBLEM FOR THE TRADES, AND HIGH RENTALS FOR PREMISES CONTINUED TO BE ALSO WIDELY REPORTED BY RETAILERS.
THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION FOR RESTAURANT OPERATORS IMPROVED IN THE THIRD QUARTER AS BUS I NESS STARTED TO PICK UP FROM A LOW SEASON IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE FURTHER DURING A HIGH SEASON OF THE FOURTH QUARTER. HIGH STAFF TURNOVER REMAINED THE MAJOR BUSINESS PROBLEM FOR RESTAURANT OPERATORS.
| |
/HOTEL OPERATORS .......
7
HOTEL OPERATORS GENERALLY CLAIMED A DETERIORATION IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER, DESPITE A FAIRLY STABLE HOTEL OCCUPANCY RATE.
NEVERTHELESS, SOME IMPROVEMENT IS EXPECTED FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER WHICH IS USUALLY A HIGH SEASON FOR TOURISM.
MOREOVER, THE EASING OFF OF THE PROBLEMS OF HIGH STAFF TURNOVER AND SHORTAGE OF STAFF IS ALSO A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.
THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION FOR THE BANKING INDUSTRY REMAINED FAIRLY THE SAME AS IT WAS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, AND THE SAME SITUATION IS EXPECTED IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.
PRICE COMPETITION EMERGED AS THE TOP BUSINESS PROBLEM. ANOTHER PROBLEM REPORTED BY THE BANKS WAS THE RECENT FLUCTUATIONS IN THE EXCHANGE RATES OF CERTAIN MAJOR EUROPEAN CURRENCIES, THOUGH THE BANKS GENERALLY EXPECT THIS PROBLEM TO EASE OFF SOMEWHAT IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ABOUT 1,000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND TRADES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY.
THEY WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS AS WELL AS THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS THEY FACED.
THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, ARF INTENDED TO PROVIDE REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG FROM A SHORT-TERM PERSPECTIVE.
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND THE LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD 'IMPROVED’, 'REMAINED THE SAME’ OR 'DETERIORATED’ IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO 'IMPROVE', 'REMAIN THE SAME’ OR 'DETERIORATE’ IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992.
THE OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE THEN ANALYSED AND THE SUMMARY FINDINGS PUBLISHED IN THE "REPORT ON QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY, THIRD QUARTER 1992”.
MOREOVER, THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN HIE DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS, AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE VIEWS OF FIRMS BY EMPLOYMENT SIZE GROUP.
THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ RECOLLECTION OF THE PAST AND PERCEPTION OF THE FUTURE ACCORDED WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
/MEMBERS OF .......
8
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY BUY COPIES OF THE SURVEY REPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $9 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3223.
-----o------
FOREIGN BANKS SHOW CONTINUING INTEREST IN HK MARKET 4 t * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT BANCO ESPANOL DE CREDITO, S.A. (BANESTO) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
BANESTO IS THE THIRD LARGEST BANK IN SPAIN AND RANKS 59TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.
PRIOR TO THE GRANTING OF THE BANKING LICENCE, THE BANK OPERATED A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN HONG KONG.
THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE WILL BE UPGRADED TO A BRANCH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE LICENCE FOR BANESTO IS THE FOURTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.
THERE ARE NOW 163 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 133 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.
-----o------
CHINESE OFFICIALS TO VISIT HK
*****
AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, A GROUP OF EIGHT CHINESE OFFICIALS WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM NOVEMBER 18 TO 27.
THE DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY MR WANG GUISHENG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (MFA).
IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE MEMBERS FROM THE MFA, FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF TIANJIN MUNICIPALITY, FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF SHANGHAI MUNICIPALITY, AND GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE.
/THE VISIT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
- 9
THE VISIT IS ONE IN A SERIES WHICH HAVE BEEN TAKING PLACE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THE AIM IS TO GIVE THE CHINESE OFFICIALS A FIRST-HAND UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS AND THE WAY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
THE OFFICIALS WILL BE BRIEFED BY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT, ECONOMIC AND MONETARY SYSTEMS, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS, AS WELL AS POLICIES ON HOUSING, EDUCATION, IMMIGRATION, TRANSPORT, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS.
-----0_----
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES COMMENDED
*****
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, TONIGHT (FRIDAY) PRAISED THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS) FOR MAKING A TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION TO THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY IN NORMAL TIMES AND IN EMERGENCIES.
"YOU GIVE UP YOUR FREE TIME TO HELP. YOU DO SO WILLINGLY AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY AND YOU SET A FINE EXAMPLE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,” HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT AN AMS OFFICERS’ MESS DINNER, SIR DAVID SAID AMS WAS LOOKING FORWARD WITH THE REVIEW OF THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AUXILIARY SERVICES.
"BUT WHATEVER ELSE THE REVIEW COMES UP WITH I HAVE NO DOUBT IT WILL CONTINUE TO SEE A CONTINUING AND IMPORTANT ROLE FROM THE AMS."
EARLIER, THE COMMISSIONER OF AMS, DR S H LEE, SAID A REVIEW-SHOULD BE MADE ON THE AUXILIARY SERVICES' ROLE DURING EMERGENCIES, ACTIVITIES IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS \ND PREVENTIVE WORK TO COPE WITH THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1950.
"OVER ALL THESE YEARS MANY CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE NATURE OF EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS AND THE SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES OF THE AMS," DR LEE SAID.
DR LEE ADDED THAT APART FROM PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROVIDING FIRST AID SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC AT COUNTRY PARKS, BEACHES AND OTHER PUBLIC FUNCTIONS, AMS ALSO HELPED IN THE OPERATION OF METHADONE CLINICS, LIFE GUARD DUTIES AND AMBULANCE SERVICES.
"THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE COVERAGE IN THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS DETENTION CENTRES IS ANOTHER MAJOR COMMITMENT OF THE AMS," DR LEE SAID.
/MEANWHILE, THE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
10
MEANWHILE, THE COMMISSIONER THANKED \LL AMS VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION, EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE SERVICE, AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY.
’’THEIR CARING ATTITUDE HAS AGAIN BEEN EXEMPLIFIED RECENTLY IN THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS,” DR LEE SAID.
HE SAID A NEW RADIO COMMUNI CATION NETWORK COVERING 80 PER CENT OF THE TERRITORY WAS SET UP DURING THE YEAR TO MODERNISE THE AMS FACILITIES AND TO MAINTAIN AN EFFICIENT AND HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
THIS WAS FURTHER STRENGTHENED THE OPENING OF THE NEW AMS HEADQUARTERS LAST YEAR WHICH PROVIDED THE MUCH-NEEDED TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THE AMS.
DR LEE WAS CONFIDENT THAT ALL AMS VOLUNTEERS WOULD CONTINUE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH LOYALTY, DEDICATION AND DEVOTION.
”IN THE YEARS AHEAD, WE LOOK FORWARD TO FULFILLING OUR ROLES IN PROVIDING MEDICAL CIVIL DEFENCE COVERAGE TO THE COMMUNITY,” HE ADDED.
------0-------
SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS AND WASTES URGED *******
MANUFACTURERS, DEALERS AND USERS OF CHEMICALS, AND MANAGERS RESPONSIBLE FOR WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH ARE URGED TO DEVISE AND ADOPT A WASTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME TO PROTECT WORKERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT AGAINST HAZARDS ARISING FROM CHEMICALS AND THEIR WASTES.
SPEAKING AT THE SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT -SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE VICTORIA HOTEL, LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR KWAN PING-KWUN SAID LOCAL INDUSTRY PRODUCED A LARGE QUANTITY OF POLLUTANTS, INCLUDING CHEMICAL WASTES, EVERY YEAR.
MR KWAN SAID THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS SPELL OUT THE DUTIES OF OWNERS AND WORKERS IN THE HANDLING OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES.
"THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS ALSO REQUIRE PROPRIETORS TO MAINTAIN A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK,” HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, OWNERS MUST PROVIDE INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION FOR WORKERS ON POTENTIAL CHEMICAL HAZARDS, HE SAID.
MR KWAN POINTED OUT THAT TO REDUCE RISKS ARISING FROM THE HANDLING OF CHEMICAL WASTES, A "WASTE SAFETY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME" SHOULD BE INCORPORATED IN THE SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK.
/’’THIS INCLUDES ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
"THIS INCLUDES SETTING UP A COMMITTEE, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE TOP MANAGEMENT, TO FORMULATE FUTURE WORK PLANS," HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE SHOULD ASSESS THE SOURCES AND TYPES OF CHEMICAL WASTES, THEIR HARMFULNESS AND POSSIBILITY OF RE-CYCLING, AND SHOULD DEVISE METHODS OF EFFECTIVE HANDLING, HE SAID.
"CAREFUL PLANNING AND SUPERVISION, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT, PROVISION OF FINANCIAL AND MANPOWER RESOURCES, ARE ALSO ESSENTIAL," HE ADDED.
THE SYMPOSIUM, ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND SPONSORED BY SHELL HONG KONG LIMITED, AIMED TO AROUSE BOTH THE MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS’ ATTENTION TO THE’ IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING WORKERS' SAFETY AND HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT BY HANDLING CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AND THEIR WASTES SAFELY.
IT WAS OFFICIATED BY THE DIRECTOR (CHEMICALS) OF THE SHELL COMPANIES OF CHINA AND HONG KONG DR PEER BECKER, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING COMMITTEE ON SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT MR KWAN KON-WAH, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL MEMBER MR CHEUNG LUN, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR. LABOUR MRS KATHERINE FOK.
THE SYMPOSIUM ATTRACTED ABOUT 250 MANUFACTURERS, DEALERS AND USERS OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AS WELL AS MANAGERS RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.
EXPERTS WERE ALSO INVITED TO TALK ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HANDLING CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL WASTES.
THEY INCLUDED MR HUI KEI-CHUNG, PRODUCT MANAGER (SOLVENTS) OF SHELL HONG KONG LIMITED, WHO TALKED ON HAZARDOUS PROPERTIES AND SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS.
MEANWHILE, SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER (PROTECTION) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT MR KWOK JING-KEUNG TALKED ON FIRE HAZARDS OF DANGEROUS GOODS AND RELATED LEGISLATION.
IN ADDITION, SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR LUI TIT-LOK GAVE A SPEECH ON SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICAL WASTE AND THE RELEVANT LEGAL OBLIGATIONS.
------o-------
RECLAMATION FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY RESERVE AT TSING CHAU WAN
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION WORKS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT TWO HECTARES OF SEA-BED OFF TSING CHAU WAN, LANTAU TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE FORMATION OF A RESERVE FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
THE WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER 1995.
/THE EXTENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
12
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 WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTICE, THAT IS, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 12, NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AND PURCHASED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 1iTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEF\ ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
----0------
FIRE SERVICES AIMS FOR IMPROVEMENT
******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL SOON PUBLISH ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE WHICH SPELLS OUT THE PRESENT STANDARD AND TARGETED IMPROVEMENT OF ITS MAJOR SERVICES.
SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE IN THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, SAID THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR MANAGED TO MEET 82.3 PER CENT OF THE CALLS RELATING TO FIRES IN BUILDINGS WITHIN THE GRADED RESPONSE TIMES.
HE HOPED THAT THIS WOULD BE IMPROVED TO 85 PER CENT IN 1992/93.
"THE GRADED RESPONSE TIMES FOR FIRE CALLS TO BUILDINGS ARE SIX MINUTES IN BUILT-UP AREAS AND NINE TO 23 MINUTES IN THE MORE REMOTE AREAS AND ARE SET ON THE BASIS OF CURRENT PROVISION OF RESOURCES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS, FIRE STATIONS, APPLIANCES AND STAFFING,” MR LAM SAID.
HE TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT HE LOOKED FORWARD FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO ACHIEVE THIS TARGET.
THE FIRE SERVICES IS ONE OF THE FIRST SEVEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ’SERVING THE COMMUNITY SCHEME’ WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY SPEECH LAST MONTH.
MR LAM SAID NEXT YEAR WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF THE FIRE SERVICES WHICH WOULD MARK ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY.
/THE DEPARTMENT, .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
13
THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, HAD DEVELOPED FROM THE MODEST BEGINNING - WITH MANUAL CARTS AND WATER BUCKETS - TO THE SOPHISTICATED ELITE FORCE EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS TODAY.
A SERIES OF EVENTS WOULD BE ORGANISED FOR THIS MEMORABLE YEAR.
MR LAM URGED THE GRADUATES TO DO THEIR PART TO CELEBRATE THE EXCELLENT WORK OF THEIR PREDECESSORS IN DEVELOPING SUCH A FINE FIRE SERVICES.
MEANWHILE, HE REMINDED THEM THEY WOULD FACE VERY CHALLENGING DUTIES WHEN POSTED OUT TO FIRE STATIONS NEXT WEEK, BUT ADVISED THEM TO BE RESOLUTE AND BELIEVE IN THE JOB THEY DO.
"YOUR SATISFACTION WILL BE THE HIGH ESTEEM IN WHICH THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES IS HELD BY THE COMMUNITY WHICH IT SERVES," HE ADDED.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 12 STATION OFFICERS, 51 FIREMEN AND SEVEN FIRE OFFICERS FROM BRUNEI WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED A 26-WEEK BASIC TRAINING.
THE DIRECTOR ALSO PRAISED THE BRUNEI OFFICERS FOR THEIR REMARKABLE SUCCESS, BEARING IN MIND THAT THEY HAD TO ADAPT THEMSELVES TO LEARNING IN A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT.
------0-------
FIVE STAMP ISSUES IN 1993 * * * * *
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M PAGLIARI, TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME FOR NEXT YEAR.
THE FIVE ISSUES ARE:
JANUARY 7 - YEAR OF THE COCK
THE SET OF STAMPS COMPRISES FOUR DENOMINATIONS. A SOUVENIR SHEET AND A STAMP BOOKLET WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.
THE YEAR OF THE COCK ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABELS WILL BE ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 10. THE LABEL PAPER BEARS SOME LEAF DESIGN IN THE BACKGROUND.
APRIL 14 - CHINESE STRING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
THERE ARE FOUR DENOMINATIONS IN THE SET. EACH STAMP FEATURES A
CHINESE STRING MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COMMONLY IN USE.
/JUNE 2 - .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
14
JUNE 2 - 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONATION OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
THE SET OF FOUR STAMPS IS TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER MAJESTY’S CORONATION. IT WILL FEATURE CHANGES TO HONG KONG’S HARBOUR VIEW OVER THE PAST 40 YEARS.
SEPTEMBER 8 - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE SET OF FOUR STAMPS FEATURES THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG.
NOVEMBER 17 - HONG KONG GOLD FISH
THE SET OF FOUR STAMPS DEPICTS SOME GOLD FISH SPECIES COMMONLY BRED IN HONG KONG. A SOUVENIR SHEET WILL ALSO BE RELEASED.
FURTHER DETAILS OF EACH STAMP ISSUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEARER THE ISSUE DATE.
-----o------
CLOSURE OF SAU LAI STREET IN SAU MAU PING
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY SAU LAI STREET AND PART OF TAK WO STREET IN SAU MAU PING.
THE PROPOSED WORKS WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DOMESTIC BLOCKS AND LANDSCAPED OPEN SPACE FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SAU MAU PING ESTATE. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, YAU MA TEI; AND
* KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAU MAU PING SUB-OFFICE, UNITS NOS.6 AND 7, BLOCK 28, SAU MAU PING ESTATE, KWUN TONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, SECOND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, NO LATER THAN JANUARY 12 NEXT YEAR.
-----o------
/15 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
15
RESUMPTION AND REPAIR OF PATERSON STREET
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME AND REPAIR PART OF PATERSON STREET IN WAN CHAI.
THE SECTION OF PATERSON STREET IS UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIPS AND IS NOT PROPERLY MANAGED OR MAINTAINED.
THE RESUMPTION WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE CARRIAGEWAYS AND FOOTWAYS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY 1994.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS AND LAND RESUMPTION CAN BE SEEN AT:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 19TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND
* WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 12, NEXT YEAR.
--------0 -----------
REPLACEMENT OF PIPELINE IN HO CHUNG
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO DEMOLISH A 372-METRE-LONG PIPELINE AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE OF THE SAME LENGTH AT THE FORESHORE AND SEABED AT HO CHUNG, SAI KUNG FOR INTERCEPTING SEWAGE DISCHARGED TO HO CHUNG RIVER.
THE WORK WILL BEGIN IN FEBRUARY 1993 AND BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT JUNE NEXT YEAR.
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 SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTICE, THAT IS, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 12 NEXT YEAR.
/THE NOTICE, ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
16
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AND PURCHASED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE AND AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, TSEUNG KWAN O SUB-OFFICE, AT UNIT 121-122, GROUND FLOOR, PO NING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O, SAI KUNG.
-----o------
RECLAMATION AND DREDGING IN TUEN MUN FOR STEELMILL
♦ * * * *
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO A PRIVATE COMPANY TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION AND DREDGING WORKS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 19.32 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED IN AREA 38, TUEN MUN TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STEELMILL.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AREA OF THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION HAS NOW BEEN INCREASED TO 5.54 FROM 4.99 HECTARES AS PROPOSED TN THE PREVIOUS SCHEME WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 17 THIS YEAR.
THE PIER AND THE TEMPORARY SEAWALL WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT LOCATIONS WHILE DREDGING WILL STILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE SAME AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AS PROPOSED IN THE PREVIOUS SCHEME.
THE WORK WILL BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED
IN LATE
NEXT YEAR.
ANYONE WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED MAY DELIVER A WRITTEN CLAIM TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS FOR COMPENSATION WITHIN A YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THE AUTHORISATION NOTICE.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AND PURCHASED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
--------0
/17 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER. 13, 1992
17
TTRA QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PARENTS
******
COMMENTS ON THE TARGETS AND TARGET-RELATED ASSESSMENT (TTRA) INITIATIVE WILL BE SOUGHT FROM PARENTS OF PRIMARY 4 STUDENTS NOW STUDYING AT THE 20 GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHERE THE TTRA IS BEING INTRODUCED AS A PILOT SCHEME.
THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A QUESTIONNAIRE WHICH WILL BE SENT TO PARENTS EARLY NEXT YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"WE HAD IN FACT SOUGHT COMMENTS FROM THEIR CHILDREN IN THE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER PERIOD AND WE ARE NOW COMPILING THE FINDINGS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THERE WILL BE A FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THESE STUDENTS NEXT JUNE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THE PILOT SCHEME BEFORE UNIVERSAL IMPLEMENTATION AT ALL PRIMARY 4 CLASSES IN MAY NEXT YEAR.
MONITORING INCLUDED A MEETING HELD TODAY FOR THE PRINCIPALS OF THE 20 PRIMARY SCHOOLS DURING WHICH COMMENTS AND EXPERIENCES WERE EXCHANGED.
THF MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, MR CHI SAU-KUEN.
"INSPECTORATE OFFICERS OF THE THREE BASIC SUBJECTS - CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS - ALSO REPORTED ON THEIR DISCUSSIONS WITH TEACHERS TRYING OUT THE SCHEME," HF SAID.
THE PRINCIPALS WERE TOLD THAT WHILE SOME TEACHERS HAD DIFFICULTY ADJUSTING TEACHING CONCEPTS AND THE TIMETABLE, OTHERS FOUND THE SCHEME ENABLED THEIR STUDENTS TO BE MORE PARTICIPATIVE IN DISCUSSIONS AND TN EXPRESSING OPINIONS.
"WE ALSO DISCUSSED THE NEED TO EDUCATE PARENTS ON TRADITIONAL CONCEPTS OF HOMEWORK AND STUDY WHICH WILL BE REPLACED BY INTERACTIVE PROJECTS AND RESEARCH," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, CITING DICTATION AS AN EXAMPLE WHICH COULD BE REPLACED BY HOLDING CLASSROOM QUIZZES INSTEAD OF WRITING OUT PASSAGE.
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/18 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
18 -
TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
EIGHTEEN RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE ON OFFER TO WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS DURING A TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL STARTING FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE 1992 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, ORGANISED AT A COST OF ABOUT $2 MILLION, WILL RUN UNTIL NOVEMBER 29.
THERE WILL BE CARNIVALS, OPERAS, A HOME SAFETY SEMINAR, SPORTS, A SOCIAL DANCE COMPETITION, HEALTH TALKS AND A SERIES OF ELDERLY ACTIVITIES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DR LI SZE-BAY, SAID THE ACTIVITIES WERE DESIGNED TO BROADEN RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING.
THE FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH A STAR-STUDDED VARIETY SHOW AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL TOMORROW EVENING. THE SHOW WILL BE PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO 1 FROM 8 PM.
OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG; THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK; AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN.
IN ADDITION, WINNING ENTRIES IN A PHOTOGRAPH COMPETITION ON HAPPY FAMILY RELATIONS AND THE SELECTED WORKS OF PHOTOGRAPHER MR WALTER POON WILL BE ON SHOW AT AN EXHIBITION HELD AT THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE TOMORROW AFTERNOON.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOVED TO NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE ON SUNDAY AND WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM UNTIL NOVEMBER 28.
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS BEING CO-ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT'S AREA COMMITTEES, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND A NUMBER OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY CUM VARIETY SHOW BEGINNING AT 7 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
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/19 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
19
SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLES IN MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS * * * * *
THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS TWO SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLES ENTITLED "ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN” AND "1992 FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET SURVEY”.
THE FIRST ARTICLE PROVIDES A USEFUL, CONCISE ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE PERIOD 1986 TO 1991.
THE EXPORT PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES AND THEIR RELATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE STUDIED IN THE ARTICLE.
MOREOVER, READERS CAN OBTAIN A GOOD IDEA OF INDUSTRIES THAT ARE MAINLY EXPORT-ORIENTED.
THE ABOVE ANALYSTS IS BASED ON A RE-GROUPING OF EXPORT STATISTICS ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THE COMMODITIES ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED.
THE SECOND ARTICLE GIVES A SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET CONDUCTED BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH TN APRIL 1992.
IT INCLUDES ANALYSES OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS BY CURRENCY COMPOSITION, COUNTERPARTY AND TYPE OF TRANSACTION AS WELL AS COMPARISON WITH THOSE OF THE SURVEY IN 1989.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $48 PER COPY.
PURCHASES CAN BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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/20 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1992
20 ACROBATICS FINALE FOR WAN CHAI FESTIVAL **»»♦»
THE FIVE-WEEK WAN CHAI FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE WITH AN ACROBATICS AND MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) NIGHT AT THE WAN CHAI SOUTHORN STADIUM.
IT WILL FEATURE THE HONG KONG WUSHU UNION AND THE CHINESE RAILWAY ACROBATIC TROUPE FROM BEIJING.
DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PHILIP CHOK; WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM; WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN; AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR LEE MING-KWAI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT 7.30 PM.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH ORGANISING COMMITTEE MEMBERS DRAWN FROM THE AREA COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, 18 EVENTS HAVE BEEN STAGED AT A COST OF OVER $1.6 MILLION.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY CUM ACROBATICS AND MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCES AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT SOUTHORN STADIUM, 111 JOHNSTON ROAD, WAN CHAI.
A COCKTAIL RECEPTION WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM.
- - - - 0 --------------
265 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME TODAY * ♦ ♦ ♦
A GROUP OF 265 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATON PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 87 MEN, 65 WOMEN, 52 BOYS AND 61 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 133RD BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 10,636 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 24,616 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THF PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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/21 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
1992
21
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * * ♦ ♦
4
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +370
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,870
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.7 *-0.1* 13.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.85 PCT 12 MONTHS 2311 6.25 102.54 3.69
1 MONTH 3.08 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.87 3.99
3 MONTHS 3.32 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.88 4.24
6 MONTHS 3.44 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.89 4.49
12 MONTHS 3.76 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - «,197MN
CLOSED 13 NOVEMBER 1992
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR KEEN TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS ..................................................... 1
GOVERNMENT WORKS CONTRACTS AWARDED WITHIN ESTIMATES ............ 2
WITNESS PROTECTION TO BE EXAMINED ............................. 4
BURN INJURIES TREATMENT WINS INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM ........... 5
POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION CO-ORDINATOR FOR LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT .................................................... 6
PUBLIC URGED TO PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES .................... 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
GOVERNOR KEEN TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS ♦ * * * ♦
THE GOVERNOR , THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID ON FRIDAY (OTTAWA TIME) THAT HE WAS ’’VERY KEEN” TO CONSIDER CHINA’S ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS ON HONG KONG’S POLITICAL REFORM, AND HOPED TO HAVE A ’’CALM AND RATIONAL” DEBATE.
SPEAKING AT A JOINT MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA, THE RT HON BRIAN MULRONEY, ON PARLIAMENT HILL, MR PATTEN SAID ’’TIME ISN’T LIMITLESS" FOR PEOPLE TO PUT UP THEIR ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS.
"CHINESE OFFICIALS THEMSELVES HAVE CONCEDED THAT WE NEED TO PUT IN LEGISLATIVE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD A "CONSTRUCTIVE DEBATE" ON HIS PROPOSALS, AND "IT IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT THE LEGCO TAKES DECISIONS ON LEGISLATION."
"I’M VERY KEEN TO CONSIDER ADVICE FROM CHINA," MR PATTEN SAID. "I THINK WE SHOULD ALL BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE WISDOM OF CHINA."
"I THINK WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT," THE GOVERNOR SAID, "IS A CALM AND RATIONAL DEBATE, ABOUT HOW WE CAN BEST SECURE THE VALUES WHICH ARE SET OUT IN LINE AFTER LINE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION."
MR PATTEN SAID THE BASIC LAW "IS SILENT" ON THE ISSUES THAT ARE AT PRESENT THE FOCUS FOR DEBATE. "THE COMPOSITION OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE IN 1995, THE WAY IN WHICH THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES SHOULD BE DETERMINED, THE VOTING METHOD FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS FOR THE GEOGRAPHICAL SEATS IN 1995," HE SAID.
"THE BASIC LAW IS SILENT ON ALL THOSE MATTERS. SO I’VE HAD TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS."
"IF THE NCNA (NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY) OR ANY OTHER DETACHED, OBJECTIVE, RATIONAL BODY CAN POINT OUT IN THE BASIC LAW WHERE THOSE THINGS ARE SPECIFICALLY DEALT WITH, I’LL BE VERY INTERESTED TO HEAR FROM THEM," HE ADDED.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT REUTER’S ACCOUNT THAT HE WAS USING THE WORD "EMPTY-HEADED" TO DESCRIBE THE CHINESE, HE SAID: "WHAT I REFERRED TO WAS ’EMPTY THREATS’ NOT ’EMPTY-HEADED’, SO I THINK YOU WILL ACTUALLY FIND THAT NCNA WILL WANT TO ADJUST THEIR RESPONSE SINCE REUTERS HAVE CORRECTED THEIR REPORT."
THE GOVERNOR ON FRIDAY SPENT ALMOST AN HOUR MEETING WITH MR MULRONEY.
THE CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER TOLD THE MEDIA AFTER THEIR MEETING THAT CANADA "HAS DONE ITS VERY BEST" TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF HONG KONG AND CHINA.
/’’GOVERNOR PATTEN'S
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
2
’’GOVERNOR PATTEN’S ACTIVITIES ARE CONSISTENT WITH THAT (THE PRINCIPLES IN THE JOINT DECLARATION), AND SEEK TO GIVE LIFE TO MANY OF THE PROVISIONS, WHICH IS WHOLLY CONSISTENT WITH THE DESIRES EXPRESSED BY THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE UNITED KINGDOM WHEN THE AGREEMENT WAS ENTERED INTO," SAID MR MULRONEY.
AS A FRIENDLY GESTURE TO THE CANADIAN PEOPLE, THE GOVERNOR ON FRIDAY PRESENTED, ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE, A 12-METRE-LONG DRAGON BOAT TO THE MUSEUM OF CIVILISATION. THE MADE-IN HONG KONG VESSEL WILL BECOME A PERMANENT EXHIBIT IN THE MUSEUM.
MR PATTEN ALSO ATTENDED A LUNCHEON GIVEN BY THE HONG KONG CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AND OTTAWA CARLETON BOARD OF TRADE, AND VISITED BELL NORTHERN RESEARCH LABORATORIES IN NEPEAN.
HE IS LEAVING OTTAWA ON SATURDAY FOR TORONTO, THE LAST STOP OF HIS VISIT IN CANADA.
HE WILL HAVE A MEETING WITH THE HON BARBARA MCDOUGALL, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, AND VISIT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO BEFORE SETTING OFF FOR LONDON.
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GOVERNMENT WORKS CONTRACTS AWARDED WITHIN ESTIMATES
*****
DETAILS OF 18 GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WORTH $18.81 BILLION AWARDED FOR THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WERE RELEASED IN TABULAR FORM TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO).
"ALL THESE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED ON TIME AND WITHIN COST ESTIMATES. THE TABLE SHOWS THE BREAKDOWN OF THIS SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT, WITH ESTIMATES AND VALUES FOR EACH CONTRACT," THE DIRECTOR OF NAPCO, MR GORDON SIU, SAID.
"WE HAVE PRODUCED THIS INFORMATION, WITH DETAILS OF CONTRACT PERIODS AS WELL AS COSTS, IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST FROM MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"IT IS IN LINE WITH OUR POLICY OF BEING AS OPEN AS POSSIBLE ON THE ACP, AND WE SHALL PUBLISH UPDATED VERSIONS FROM TIME TO TIME SO THAT LEGCO AND THE PUBLIC CAN FOLLOW PROGRESS," MR SIU SAID.
THE TABLE COMPRISES 18 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH A TOTAL VALUE (IN MONEY OF THE DAY) OF $18.81 BILLION, WHICH IS $1.98 BILLION BELOW THE TOTAL ESTIMATE FIGURE OF $20.79 BILLION. A TOTAL OF 61 GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS WILL EVENTUALLY BE LET.
"WE HAVE BENEFITED FROM SOME VERY TIGHT AND COMPETITIVE PRICING OF THE TENDERS. ALONGSIDE THIS THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT IN PLACE A SYSTEM OF RIGOROUS BUDGETARY CONTROLS OVER COSTS AND PROGRAMMES TO HELP US BUILD THE ACP AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE, WITHIN BUDGET, AND ON TIME," MR SIU SAID.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
3
Government Engineering Worke Contrecte (Head 702) Ao at 11 November 1992
ACP Project (A) Contract Title 8* No. (B) Governmont'e Estimate at “Money of the Day" Price* $ million (C) Contract Award Price $ million (D) Contractor (E) Contract Commencement/ Completion Date (F)
Tung Chung Development Phase 1 Tung Chung Development Phase 1 -Site Formation (NL 1/91) 968 732 China Harbour Engineering Co. (PRC) April 1992 to March 1994
North Lantau Expressway North Lantau Expressway • Tai Ho Section (HY/91/07) 3,207 3,059 Lantau Expressway Joint Venture (China Fujian/ Downer/ AMEC/ Eltln/ China Int'l Water & Electric Corp./ Universal Dockyard Ltd.) (PRC/New Zealand/HK/ Australia) June 1992 to October 1996
North Lantau Expressway North Lantau Expressway - Yam 0 Section (HY/91/08) 1,661 1,309 Aoki/Franki/Tobishlma Joint Venture (Japan/HK) September 1992 to September 1996
Lantau Fixed Crossing Advance Earthworks Contract In North West Tsing Yi (HY/91/21) 712 584 Leighton Contractors Ply Ltd. (Australia) May 1992 to August 1994
Lantau Fixed Crossing Lantau Fixed Crossing - Tsing Ma Bridge (HY/91/18) 7,207 7,144 Anglo-Japanese Consortium (UK/Japan) May 1992 to May 1997
Lantau Fixed Crossing Lantau Fixed Crossing - Kap Shui Mun Bridge and Ma Wan Viaducts (HY/91/19) ••1,992 1,043 Kamagal - Maeda • Yokogawa - Hitachi Joint Venture (Japan) December 1992 to May 1997
West Kowloon Reclamation Construction of Yau Ma Tel Replacement Typhoon Shelter Phase 1 (CV/90/04) 300 234 Gammon Construction Ltd. (HK) August 1990 to September 1992
West Kowloon Reclamation Construction of Yau Ma Tei Replacement Typhoon Shelter Phase II & Jordan Road Reclamation Phase 1 (CV/90/09) 1,200 1,097 Shut On • Boskalis Joint Venture (HK/Netherlands) July 1991 to July 1993
West Kowloon Reclamation Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter Reclamation and Reprovisioning of Waterfront Facilities (CV/91/02) 909 821 Universal Dockyard Ltd -Blankevoort • Dragomar Joint Venture (HK/Netherlands/ltaly) October 1992 to May 1996
West Kowloon Reclamation West Kowloon Reclamation Northam Area Phase 1 (UA 5/90) 1,600 1,554 Kumagal-HAM-Maoda (Japan/Netherlands) August 1991 to May 1993
West Kowloon Reclamation West Kowloon Reclamation, Hinterland Drainage Package 1A (UA 7/90) 78 70 Chui Hing Construction Ltd. (HK) December 1991 to October 1993
West Kowloon Reclamotion Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Market, Phase 1 (SS1382) 882 604 Yau Leo Construction Ltd. (HK) April 1992 to September 1993
West Kowloon Reclamation West Kowloon Reclamation Tung Chau Street Extension and Dualling (UA 12/92) 34 28 Kin Shing Construction Company (HK) October 1992 to November 1993
Utilities Temporary Water Supply to North Lantau • Mainlaying from Pak Kung Au to Shek Mun Kap (23/WSD/90) 7 4 Hoi Sing Construction Co. Ltd. (HK) April 1991 to April 1992
Utilities Temporary Water Supply to North Lantau * Construction of Cheung Sha Pumping Station (31/WSD/90) 7 4 Excel Engineering Co. Ltd. (HK) August 1991 to June 1992
Utilities Temporary Waler Supply to North Lantau - Mainlaying from Cheung Sha to Pak Kung Au (24/WSD/90) 9 6 Chun Wo Construction & Engineering Co. Ltd. (HK) September 1991 to July 1992
Utilities Temporary Water Supply to North Lantau • Construction of Tai Tung Shan Service Reservoir (32/WSD/90) 14 12 Yick Hing Construction Co. (HK) November 1991 to November 1992
Utilities Temporary Water Supply to North Lantau - Mainlaying from Shek Mun Kap to Tai Po (9/WSD/91) 6 4 Yick Hing Construction Co. (HK) December 1991 to July 1992
TOTAL 20,792 18,809
* The Government's estimates at "Money of the Day* prices indude contract contingencies.
•• This la a design/build contract; the estimate shown is not MOD but the March 91 estimate for the specified scope of work issued to tenderers.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
- 4
WITNESS PROTECTION TO BE EXAMINED
*****
THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (FCC) TODAY (SATURDAY) AGREED TO SET UP A SPECIAL TEAM TO EXAMINE WITNESS PROTECTION IN HONG KONG.
AT A MEETING CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY SIR DAVID FORD TO EXAMINE THE ISSUE, THE COMMITTEE DECIDED THAT THE TEAM SHOULD BE SET UP IMMEDIATELY AND REPORT BACK TO THE FCC IN THREE MONTHS.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE (THE TEAM) ARE:
* TO EXAMINE EXISTING WITNESS PROTECTION AND WITNESS
REASSURANCE MEASURES IN HONG KONG TO SEE HOW THEY CAN BE STRENGTHENED;
* TO CONSIDER THE APPLICABILITY TO HONG KONG OF OVERSEAS VICTIM ASSISTANCE SCHEMES;
» TO CONSIDER WAYS TO REINFORCE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN WITNESS PROTECTION MEASURES THROUGH PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES; AND
* TO REPORT THE FINDINGS TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE, TO BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS OF THE POLICE, WILL INCLUDE FCC MEMBERS MRS MIRIAM LAU AND MR PETER WONG, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AND THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS) OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SPEAKING AFTER THE MEETING, ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID THE GROUP WOULD BE LOOKING AT ALL MEASURES OF WITNESS PROTECTION THAT HAVE BEEN TRIED AND TESTED IN OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES AND ITALY.
MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO REASSURE THE PUBLIC THAT WITNESSES WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH ADEQUATE POLICE PROTECTION TO ENSURE THAT THEY REPORTED CRIME AND WOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN COURT IF THIS PROVED NECESSARY.
IN ADDITION, THE PROPOSED ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES LEGISLATION WAS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE A NUMBER OF "SUPERGRASSES" WHO WOULD REQUIRE A HIGH LEVEL OF PROTECTION.
"IF WE ARE TO BREAK THROUGH THE WALL OF SILENCE SURROUNDING ORGANISED CRIME WE MUST BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE TO THESE POTENTIAL WITNESSES, AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC, THAT WE HAVE THE MEASURES TO PROTECT THEM PROPERLY," HE SAID.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
- 5
BURN INJURIES TREATMENT WINS INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM ♦ * » * ♦
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF CULTURED HUMAN SKIN AND THE USE OF FRESH PIGSKIN FOR TEMPORARY BURNS BY THE BURNS UNIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL HAVE ENHANCED THE CHANCES OF RECOVERY FOR PATIENTS WITH BURN INJURIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID.
THIS INNOVATIVE TREATMENT HAS WON THE UNIT INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM AND ITS WORK WILL SOON BE BROADCAST BY THE AUSTRALIAN TELEVISION SERIES ’’BEYOND 2000” IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES IN OVER 78 COUNTRIES, SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF HONG KONG’S FIRST SKIN BANK ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY, AT THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
SHE NOTED THAT SOME 9,000 PEOPLE WERE ADMITTED TO THE SEVEN MAJOR PUBLIC HOSPITALS FOR BURN INJURIES IN HONG KONG EACH YEAR. OF THESE, 20 PER CENT ARE CHILDREN.
THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF BURNS IS BY SCALDING, FOLLOWED BY FLAME, CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL BURNS.
FOR ADULTS, TWO-THIRDS OF BURN INJURIES ARE RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WHILE 93 PER CENT OF CHILDREN SUSTAINED DOMESTIC BURN INJURIES.
FURTHERMORE, 63 PER CENT OF ALL SCALD BURNS OCCURRED IN CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SIX.
OF ALL BURNS ADMISSIONS TO THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, NINE PER CENT WERE EXTENSIVE BURNS INVOLVING MORE THAN 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BODY SURFACE AREA, WHILE 28 PER CENT INVOLVED THE HEAD AND NECK AND 45 PER CENT INVOLVED THE EXTREMITIES.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT BURN INJURIES COULD CAUSE UNTOLD DAMAGE, PHYSICALLY AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY. THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRAUMATIC FOR CHILDREN AND INFANTS. I
’’THIS PATTERN OF BURN INJURIES CALLS FOR A COMPREHENSIVE BURNS TREATMENT AND AN OVERALL PREVENTION PROGRAMME,” SHE SAID.
’’THIS IS IMPORTANT SO AS TO REDUCE POTENTIALLY DISABLING, DISFIGURING AND LIFE THREATENING INJURIES, PARTICULARLY IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN.”
THE OPENING OF THE SKIN BANK REPRESENTS A HIGH LANDMARK IN HIGH-TECH TREATMENT TO BURN VICTIMS. IT ALSO SETS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF HOW THE CO-OPERATION AND COLLABORATION AMONG MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURS AND THE GOVERNMENT CAN ACHIEVE A WORTHWHILE GOAL FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY.
SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ORIENTAL PRESS CHARITABLE FUND ASSOCIATION AND LI TAM DOY HING BURIfS FOUNDATION FUND FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS FINANCING THE PROJECT.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
6
POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION CO-ORDINATOR FOR LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT * ♦ ♦ » *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B, MR ANDREW LEUNG, WILL BE POSTED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AS POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION CO-ORDINATOR WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 2.
’’THE APPOINTMENT WILL ENHANCE THE DEPARTMENT’S ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT, WHICH IS NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INCREASING WORKLOAD AND RESPONSIBILITIES,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’GIVEN THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUED EXPANSION OVER THE YEARS, MR LEUNG’S MAIN TASK WILL BE TO TAKE STOCK AND REVIEW DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS AND ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE SAID THE POSTING WAS INTENDED TO BE A TEMPORARY MEASURE WHICH WOULD BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW.
A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF MR ANDREW LEUNG IS:
MR ANDREW LEUNG, 47, JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1967 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN 1989. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, SECURITY BRANCH, FINANCE BRANCH, THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN BRUSSELS, AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT. HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BEFORE TAKING UP THIS NEW POST.
MR LEUNG HOLDS A BA DEGREE IN LAW AND PHILOSOPHY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, A DIPLOMA IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES FROM CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY AND A PUBLIC MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA FROM THE HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL. HE HAS PASSED THE SOLICITORS’ QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS.
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PUBLIC URGED TO PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES ♦ t ♦ * t
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING IS ON.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR LAI CHING-WAI, MADE THE APPEAL FOLLOWING A RECENT SPATE OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS WHEN HONG KONG EXPERIENCED AN EXTREMELY DRY PERIOD.
THE DEPARTMENT’S FIRE-FIGHTING CREW ATTENDED 25 FIRES INSIDE
OR NEAR COUNTRY PARKS BETWEEN LAST SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 7) AND
YESTERDAY (NOVEMBER 13). «
/HE STRESSED .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1992
7
HE STRESSED THAT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES COULD INFLICT GREAT LOSSES TO NATURAL RESOURCES, NOT TO MENTION THE FIRE-FIGHTING EFFORTS BY FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AFD, CIVIL AID SERVICES AND ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
IN THE PAST SEVEN DAYS, 462 HECTARES OF WILD LAND AND 21,980 TREES WERE DAMAGED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE FIRES.
’’THE DAMAGES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF COUNTRYSIDE VISITORS HAD EXERCISED GREATER CARE."
MR LAI POINTED OUT THAT CARELESSNESS AND NEGLIGENCE OF VISITORS WAS TO BLAME IN MOST CASES.
"THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS TO HELP PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IS NOT TO LIGHT FIRE AT ALL DURING THE EXTREMELY DRY PERIOD WHICH WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING," HE ADDED.
"BARBECUE IS ALLOWED ONLY IN DESIGNATED SITES," HE ADDED.
MR LAI POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE AND THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE TO LIGHT FIRE ILLEGALLY IN A COUNTRY PARK OR ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRE INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT WHILE A SIMILAR OFFENCE COMMITTED IN THE COUNTRYSIDE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
THERE WERE FOUR PROSECUTIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL USE OF FIRE IN COUNTRY PARKS LAST MONTH. ONE OF THE OFFENDERS WAS FINED $1,000.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,870
REVERSAL OF LAF -370
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT ( 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MAINTAIN OUR WAY OF LIFE - GOVERNOR .......................... 1
STATEMENT ON AIRPORT PROJECTS ................................ 2
LOK ON PAI CHIMNEYS BLASTED .................................. 3
FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES ESSENTIAL ... .4
MEET THE CHALLENGE, JOIN THE CADET CORPS ..................... 5
MANHOLE CONTRACTOR FINED FOR NEGLECTING SAFETY ............... 7
BUS LICENCE HOLDERS MAY DRIVE LIGHT BUSES .................... 8
44 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER .................. 8
COUPLES INVITED TO BECOME ADOPTIVE PARENTS ................... 9
IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDALS FOR EMSD STAFF ....................... 10
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
1 MAINTAIN OUR WAY OF LIFE - GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID ON SATURDAY (TORONTO TIME) THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE TO STAND UP FOR ”OUR SYSTEM” BEFORE AND AFTER 1997, AND MAINTAIN ”OUR WAY OF LIFE".
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE HON BARBARA MCDOUGALL, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, IN TORONTO, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG HAD BECOME AN ECONOMIC WONDER BECAUSE OF "THE VITALITY, THE ENERGY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY”, AND AN OPEN ECONOMY.
"WE HAVE PURSUED POLICIES TOWARDS BUSINESS BASED ON MINIMUM INTERFERENCE AND MAXIMUM SUPPORT," HE TOLD THE 200 CANADIAN BUSINESS PEOPLE AND CHINESE COMMUNITY LEADERS AT THE LUNCHEON.
OUT OF A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY, MR PATTEN SAID, HONG KONG HAD INVESTED IN EDUCATION, HOUSING, HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE, AND ”WE ARE NOW INVESTING MASSIVELY IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURES”, INCLUDING ”OUR AIRPORT".
"PROSPERITY AND STABILITY IN HONG KONG HELPED OF COURSE TO SUSTAIN OUR WAY OF LIFE," HE SAID. "BUT IT’S ALSO TRUE THAT OUR WAY OF LIFE HELPS TO SUSTAIN OUR PROSPERITY AND STABILITY."
"IT’S THAT WAY OF LIFE WHICH IS DESCRIBED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION,” SAID MR PATTEN. "THE WAY OF LIFE WHICH IS DESCRIBED IN SUCH DETAIL IN THE JOINT DECLARATION COMPRISES OUR SYSTEM -- ONE OF THE TWO SYSTEMS IN THAT HISTORIC CONCEPT OF ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS."
"WE HAVE TO STAND UP FOR IT AFTER 1997 AND OF COURSE WE HAVE TO STAND UP FOR IT BEFORE 1997 AS WELL,” THE GOVERNOR SAID. "IF WE WON’T STAND UP FOR IT NOW WHAT CHANCE THAT PEOPLE WILL STAND UP FOR IT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.”
"THAT IN MY JUDGEMENT IS VERY LARGELY WHAT THE PRESENT DEBATE IN HONG KONG IS ALL ABOUT," MR PATTEN ADDED.
HE REITERATED THAT THOSE WHO CRITICISED HIS POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS SHOULD "PUT UP THEIR OWN PROPOSALS ON THE TABLE”, AND "I DO THINK THAT WE CAN AND SHOULD ENJOY A PERIOD OF CALMER REFLECTION OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS BEFORE WE FINALLY RESOLVE THOSE MATTERS.”
SPEAKING AS THE CANADIAN HOST, THE HON BARBARA MCDOUGALL, EXPRESSED CANADA’S ’’FULL SUPPORT” FOR THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORM.
"WE VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR SITUATION, GOVERNOR PATTEN,” SHE SAID, ’’AND WE COMMEND YOU FOR THE ENERGY AND SKILL AND THE INSIGHT THAT YOU ARE BRINGING TO THIS TRANSITIONAL PERIOD.”
"CANADA SUPPORTS THE CONTINUED WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG, WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE SINO-BRITISH ACCORD AND THE BASIC LAW,” MCDOUGALL SAID. "AND WE SUPPORT MEASURES LIKELY TO PERMIT THE TERRITORY TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER."
/'•CANADA STANDS .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
2
"CANADA STANDS READY TO PROVIDE CONTINUED SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, ITS COUNCILS AND ITS GOVERNOR, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE," SHE SAID.
DR JOSEPH WONG, A CHINESE COMMUNITY LEADER, SAID AT THE LUNCHEON THAT "WE ALL FEEL PROUD OF THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS BOLD STEPS TO SAFEGUARD THE DEMOCRACY AND THE RIGHT OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG."
THE GOVERNOR HAD A JOINT MEDIA SESSION WITH MCDOUGALL AFTER THE LUNCHEON, AND VISITED THE ONTARIO LASER AND LIGHTWAVE RESEARCH CENTRE, AND MET WITH HONG KONG STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RECEPTION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO.
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STATEMENT ON AIRPORT PROJECT * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES ON THE XINHUA REPORT TODAY (SUNDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "OUR POSITION REMAINS THE SAME AS THAT STATED IN THE RELEASE ISSUED TO THE PRESS ON NOVEMBER 13 WHICH READ:
’WE ARE EXAMINING WAYS OF MOVING AHEAD WITH THE AIRPORT PROJECT ON A STEP BY STEP APPROACH THAT ENABLES US TO CARRY OUT OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) IN A PRACTICAL AND REALISTIC WAY. THE FIRST SUCH STEP WILL BE A DECISION ON THE AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT, WHICH THE CHINESE SIDE SUGGESTED IN JULY WE SHOULD FINANCE DIRECTLY IN ADVANCE OF AN OVERALL AGREEMENT ON FINANCIAL PACKAGES FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY. THIS IS NOT, AND NEVER HAS BEEN, A GO-IT-ALONE OPTION. IT IS A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOU, AIMED AT MAINTAINING PROGRESS ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME. AS THE GOVERNOR HAS SAID, WE ARE KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN FOR AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE. THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR FIRST PRIORITY.”'
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/3 .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
3
LOK ON PAI CHIMNEYS BLASTED *****
TWO 123-METRE-HIGH CONCRETE CHIMNEYS AT THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER IN TUEN MUN WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) REDUCED TO RUBBLE IN LESS THAN SIX SECONDS - A RECORD IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY OE DEMOLITION WORK, THANKS T6 THE USE OF EXPLOSIVES.
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME EXPLOSIVES WERE USED IN HONG KONG FOR DEMOLITION PURPOSE.
THE BLASTING, USING ABOUT 110 KILOGRAMS OF EXPLOSIVES, PRODUCED MORE THAN 6,000 CUBIC METRES OF DEBRIS.
THE WORK, AT A CONTRACT COST OF $4 MILLION, WAS^CARRIED OUT BY CHEUNG KEE FUNG CHEUNG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
THE DISPOSAL OF THE CHIMNEYS WILL MAKE WAY FOR A TRANSHIPMENT AREA FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
THE HISTORY OF THE DESALTER CAN BE TRACED BACK TO THE LATE 1960’S WHEN HONG KONG WAS FACED WITH CHRONIC WATER SHORTAGE.
EXPERTS AT THAT TIME HAD COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF TURNING TO THE SEA TO SOLVE THE WATER SHORTAGE PROBLEM AFTER EXHAUSTING THE CONVENTIONAL METHODS OF CATCHMENT, STORAGE AND SUPPLY.
IN 1972, A DECISION WAS MADE TO BUILD THE DESALTER, WHICH COULD GIVE AN OUTPUT OF 181,800 CUBIC METRES OF FRESH WATER PER DAY AT FULL OPERATION.
THE FIRST OF ITS SIX MULTI-STAGE FLASH DISTILLATION UNITS CAME INTO OPERATION IN MID-1975, AND BY 1976 ALL UNITS HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED.
THE DESALTING PLANT WAS MAINTAINED IN A STRATEGIC RESERVE STATE DURING THE SHUT-DOWN PERIOD OF WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA AND WAS KEPT AS A RESERVE RESOURCE TO BE USED TO SUPPLEMENT SUPPLIES WHEN NECESSARY.
IN 1975-78 AND 1981-82 THE PLANT HAD MADE VERY USEFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS AUGMENTING WATER RESOURCES WITH THE RESULT THAT SEVERE WATER RESTRICTIONS WERE AVOIDED.
HOWEVER, WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF WATER FROM CHINA, THE DESALTER HAS NOT BEEN IN USE SINCE 1982.
IN 1989, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO DISPOSE OF THE DESALTING PLANT IN VIEW OF THE IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY SITUATION AND THE HIGH FUEL COSTS.
THE PLANT, EXCLUDING SITE BUILDINGS, CIVIL STRUCTURES AND LAND, WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD TO AND DISMANTLED BY A METAL DEALER THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
/APART FROM .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
APART FROM INTRODUCING A NEW TECHNIQUE, THE DEMOLITION TODAY ALSO BROUGHT $200,000 OF DONATION TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
THE BLASTING WAS SWITCHED ON BY MR C P YU, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE SPONSORING COMPANY, KUMAGAI GUMI (HK) LIMITED; DR EDWARD BRAND, THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MR PANG YUK-LING, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR.
------0-------
FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES ESSENTIAL * * * * *
THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED TO FURTHER IMPROVE FAMltY WELFARE SERVICES AND ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF DIVORCES, CHILD ABUSES AND FAMILY VIOLENCE.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN HER ADDRESS TO A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CARNIVAL AT THE VICTORIA PARK ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
"IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY PROMOTING THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE TO HELP FAMILY MEMBERS UNDERSTAND THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
"THIS WILL HELP PREVENT PERSONAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WOULD FOCUS ON HAPPY MARRIAGE AND RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD.
THE SLOGAN OF THE CAMPAIGN IS "PARENTS AND CHILDREN WORK HAND IN HAND TO BUILD A HAPPY FAMILY".
OVER THE YEAR, THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTION OF A TELEVISION SERIES ENTITLED "UNDER THE SAME ROOF", THE PUBLICATION OF PAMPHLETS AND THE ORGANISATION OF EXHIBITIONS, TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONS.
TODAY’S CARNIVAL, FEATURING A JIGSAW THAT PORTRAYED FAMILY LOVE, WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
MEMBERS FROM MORE THAN 1,000 FAMILIES SPENT ABOUT TWO HOURS TO FORM THE 400-SQUARE-METRE JIGSAW, THE BIGGEST EVER FORMED IN THE TERRITORY.
THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS VISITED VICTORIA PARK TO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS STALL GAMES, TOUR AN EXHIBITION AND ENJOY PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS.
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/5 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
5
MEET THE CHALLENGE, JOIN THE CADET CORPS
*****
WHILE FEISTY TEENAGERS ARE BUSY LOCKING THEMSELVES IN VIDEO GAMES OR CRAZY AFTER SHOW BIZ IDOLS, LUKEY LEE BOLDLY TAKES UP A CHALLENGE THAT SHE WILL TREASURE FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE.
IT ALSO SETS HER IN MOTION TOWARDS A MORE FORTHCOMING FUTURE.
THE CHALLENGE IS OFFERED BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) CADET CORPS.
NOW, HER CADET LIFE IS ALMOST THROUGH, AFTER NEARING FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE. BUT SHE IS READY TO STAY ON, AND THIS TIME, IN THE CAS ADULT GROUP.
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD LUKEY HAS NO HESITATION IN SHARING HER CAS EXPERIENCE WITH HER FRIENDS.
"IT IS A COMBINATION OF FUN AND DISCIPLINE," SHE SAID, SPORTING HER UNIFORM WHICH SHE SPENDS TWO TO THREE HOURS TO MAKE GOOD EVERY TIME SHE WEARS IT.
TO HER, TIDYING UP HER UNIFORM AND SCOURING HER SHOES ARE A PART OF DISCIPLINARY TRAINING. AND SHE CONFESSED THAT IT WAS NOT AN EASY JOB.
"THE UNIFORM IS THE SYMBOL OF SELF-DISCIPLINE. I FEEL PROUD WHEN I HAVE IT ON," LUKEY SAID.
BEFORE SHE JOINED THE CADET CORPS, LUKEY WAS A SHY AND TIMID KIND OF A GIRL. NOW, SHE SAYS SHE IS MORE STEADY AND PATIENT IN HANDLING SITUATIONS.
THE CORPS IS A TOOL THAT BRINGS UP THE CONFIDENCE IN HER.
"I CAN BRAVE THE WEATHER AND BRAVE THE CROWDS. I AM ALSO CONFIDENT IN COPING WITH MY STUDIES AND INTERPERSONAL TIES," SHE SAID.
THE CADETS HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC FUNCTIONS SUCH AS CROWD CONTROL IN "WALK FOR THE MILLION" AND "CITY FORUM". THEY ALSO HAVE TO BE ON "BEAT DUTY" IN COUNTRY PARKS REMINDING PICNICKERS TO PITCH IN AND WATCH OUT FOR FIRE.
"THIS TYPE OF WORK CAN AROUSE OUR SOCIAL AWARENESS AND CIVIC-MINDEDNESS," SHE SAID.
WHEN LUKEY WAS 13 YEARS OLD, HER FATHER LEE KAM-WAH, HIMSELF A CAS MAN FOR 13 YEARS, TRIED TO CONVINCE HER HOW INTERESTING THE LIFE IN THE CORPS IS.
SHE CONFIDED THAT SHE JOINED IN LARGELY OUT OF CURIOSITY AND INTEREST. LATER SHE FOUND IT A "GOLD MINE".
"I ENCOURAGE LUKEY TO JOIN AS THE TRAINING THERE CAN SUPPLEMENT HER SCHOOL STUDIES," MR LEE SAID, "AND SHE ENJOYS A FULLER LIFE NOW."
/LUKEY'S TWO .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
6
LUKEY’S TWO SISTERS, AUDREY AND CRYSTAL, AGED 18 AND 16 RESPECTIVELY, ALSO JOINED THE CAS AFTER LUKEY’S RECOMMENDATION. AND THERE THEY SERVED TOGETHER FOR THREE YEARS. CRYSTAL IS STILL A SERVING MEMBER.
THE CAS CADET CORPS, WHICH WAS FOUNDED IN 1968, PROVIDES FREE-OF-CHARGE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 18.
AN IMPORTANT AIM OF IT IS TO TRAIN THESE PEOPLE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
IN FACT, QUITE A NUMBER OF EX-CAS MEMBERS JOINED THE DISCIPLINARY SERVICES SUCH AS THE POLICE.
BEING A LEADING CADET IN THE HONG KONG EAST GIRL CADET UNIT, LUKEY IS A "BIG SISTER" AMONG HER RANKS.
"I HAVE TO LOOK AFTER MY JUNIORS SUCH AS DISHING OUT WORKS TO THEM AND BE THEIR MEDIATOR,” SHE SAID.
NOW A LOWER SIX STUDENT, LUKEY HAS NO PROBLEM STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN HER STUDIES AND CAS DUTY.
THE SERVICE DUTY IS A MAGNET TO HER. SHE ATTENDED EVERY UNIT MEETING ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS EVEN DURING THE MONTH OF HER HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAM.
"I FOUND IT UNEASY TO STAY AT HOME IN THESE EVENINGS. I CAN’T CONCENTRATE ON MY STUDY. I MISS MY TEAM MEMBERS VERY MUCH," SHE RECALLED.
LUKEY HAS RECENTLY RECEIVED THE CAS BEST CADET AWARD 1992.
SHE IS DUE TO RETIRE NEXT APRIL. SHE WANTS TO BE A POLICEWOMAN OR A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INSPECTOR SOME DAY IN THE FUTURE.
THE CADET CORPS COMPRISES DIFFERENT UNITS: THE BOY CADET UNITS, MIXED CADET UNITS AND GIRL CADET UNITS. TRAINING INCLUDES ADVENTUROUS GRILLS, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND IN-HOUSE GATHERINGS.
IF YOU ARE BETWEEN 12 AND 15 AND ARE INTERESTED IN THE ACTIVITIES OF CAS CADET CORPS, YOU CAN GO TO A DISTRICT OFFICE TO GET AN APPLICATION FORM.
RECRUITMENT INTERVIEWS ARE HELD EVERY MONTH. AFTER A MEDICAL CHECK-UP, YOU CAN JOIN IN THE CAS CADET FAMILY AND SHARE THE FUN AND JOY FOR BEING A MEMBER. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO CAS HEADQUARTERS ON TEL 805 6036 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
-----0.-----
Z7 .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
7
MANHOLE CONTRACTOR FINED FOR NEGLECTING SAFETY
*******
CONTRACTORS OF WORK INVOLVING MANHOLES ARE REMINDED OF THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ISSUED THE REMINDER FOLLOWING A RECENT CASE IN WHICH A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OWNER WAS FINED $3,000 BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR ALLOWING A WORKER TO GO INSIDE A MANHOLE FOR DRAINAGE WORK WITHOUT TAKING APPROPRIATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
'’FACTORY INSPECTORS DETECTED THE OFFENCE DURING A SPECIAL OPERATION IN TSUEN WAN LATE AT NIGHT,” CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR CHAN TAT-KING SAID.
MR CHAN SAID WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES REQUIRED CAREFUL PLANNING AND BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES MUST TAKE APPROPRIATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AGAINST POSSIBLE DANGERS.
"UNDER THE GENERAL DUTY PROVISIONS AND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CONFINED SPACES) REGULATIONS, PROPRIETORS AND CONTRACTORS MUST DEVISE AND ADOPT A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK TO PROTECT WORKERS AGAINST THE DANGER OF EXPLOSIVE OR TOXIC GASES AND OXYGEN DEFICIENCY,” MR CHAN SAID.
’’TESTING OF THE MANHOLE FOR THE PRESENCE OF ANY DANGEROUS GASES AND OXYGEN LEVEL BEFORE ENTRY IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN ALSO STRESSED THAT SUCH TESTS MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY A
COMPETENT PERSON WITH SCIENTIFIC MONITORING INSTRUMENTS.
"IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE WORK TEAM CONDUCT SUCH TESTS BY DROPPING BURNING PAPERS IN THE MANHOLE,” HE SAID.
WORKERS SHOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH MANHOLE WORK AND MUST BE TRAINED AND SUPERVISED TO CARRY OUT ALL THE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND RESCUE OPERATION TN EMERGENCY, MR CHAN SAID.
EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY PROVISIONS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
"THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE IS ALWAYS READY TO OFFER ADVICE ON WORK SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES.” HE SAID.
SAFETY TRAINING COURSES ARE ALSO ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OR THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AT 13TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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/8 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
8
BUS LICENCE HOLDERS MAY DRIVE LIGHT BUSES *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT HOLDERS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BUS DRIVING LICENCE WILL ALSO BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM DECEMBER 1 (TUESDAY).
QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO APPLY FOR ENDORSEMENT TO DRIVE PRIVATE OR PUBLIC BUS ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE WILL ALSO BE ENDORSED TO DRIVE BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
EXISTING HOLDERS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BUS DRIVING LICENCES WILL BE ENDORSED TO DRIVE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WHEN THEIR LICENCES ARE RENEWED.
PRIOR TO THE RENEWAL OF THEIR LICENCES, THEY ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO DRIVE BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM DECEMBER 1.
HOLDERS OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BUS DRIVING LICENCES WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR PRIVATE AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS DRIVING TEST BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE MAY APPLY FOR A REFUND OF THE DRIVING TEST FORM FEE.
THEY SHOULD WRITE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S SHATIN APPOINTMENT OFFICE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHATIN STATION.
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR REFUND SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE THE DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENT DATE.
4 4 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER *****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 44 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN SEPTEMBER.
OF THESE, 10 WERE FOR HONG KONG, 14 FOR KOWLOON AND 20 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 19 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 10 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND TWO FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 40 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 172,453 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 72,809 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $2,250 MILLION.
/USABLE FLOOR
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
9
USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 50,517 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 216,029 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN SEPTEMBER, THE OFFICE ISSUED 38 OCCUPATION PERMITS: 14 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 11 FOR KOWLOON, AND 13 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 24 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 44 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE OFFICE'S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 636 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,726 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 250 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 654 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED FIVE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
------o-------
COUPLES INVITED TO BECOME ADOPTIVE PARENTS
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A POSTER WITH AN AIM TO RECRUIT MORE ADOPTIVE PARENTS.
THE POSTERS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS FOR ONE WEEK, STARTING FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ANY COUPLES WHO WISH TO ADOPT NEEDY CHILDREN COULD APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT’S ADOPTION UNIT.
’’THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF THE ADOPTION SERVICE IS TO FIND SUITABLE AND PERMANENT HOMES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN SO THAT THEY MAY ENJOY THE LOVING CARE OF A FAMILY LIFE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THESE NEEDY CHILDREN, WHO ARE MADE WARDS OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MAY HAVE EITHER LOST THEIR PARENTS OR BEEN ABANDONED BY THEIR PARENTS.
THEY ARE VOID OF NOT ONLY PROPER REARING BUT ALSO A HAPPY CHILDHOOD.
"BUT THEY, JUST LIKE ANY OTHER CHILDREN, SHOULD BE GIVEN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN DEVELOPMENT, CARE AND STIMULATION IN A LOVING AND PERMANENT HOME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY LEND A HELPING HAND SHOULD THEY BE MORE FORTHCOMING TO BECOME SUBSTITUTE PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN."
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 33 WARDS OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION.
COUPLES WHO ARE INTERESTED TO BECOME PROSPECTIVE ADOPTERS MAY APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT’S ADOPTION UNIT.
ENQUIRIES COULD ALSO BE MADE BY CALLING THE ADOPTION UNIT ON TEL 852 3107.
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/10 .....
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1992
10 IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDALS FOR EMSD STAFF *****
TWO STAFF MEMBERS OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL BY THE QUEEN.
THEY ARE WORKS SUPERVISORS MR LEUNG KWONG-YAU AND MR LAU PO-KWONG, BOTH OF WHOM HAVE EACH WORKED WITH EMSD FOR 35 YEARS.
MR LEUNG, AGED 59, IS DUE TO RETIRE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE NEXT MONTH AFTER SERVING IN THE ELECTRICAL, AIR-CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION SECTION (EAR) OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MR LAU, ALSO AGED 59 AND SERVED IN EAR SINCE JOINING THE DEPARTMENT, HAS RETIRED EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THEIR MAIN DUTIES AT THE DEPARTMENT ARE TO MAINTAIN ALL THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATIONS AND DOMESTIC APPLIANCES AT GOVERNMENT VENUES IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.
THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE AWARD OF THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDALS TO THE OFFICERS WAS A RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTINUOUS, ARDUOUS EFFORTS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
"THEY HAVE PROVED THEMSELVES THROUGH THEIR WORK TO BE DEDICATED AND DEVOTED OFFICERS.
"BEING CO-OPERATIVE, HARDWORKING, AND WITH EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE IN THEIR WORK, BOTH MR LEUNG AND MR LAU ARE WELL-LIKED AND THEIR SERVICES GREATLY VALUED BY FELLOW COLLEAGUES," MR KWOK SAID.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE/MA WAN VIADUCT CONTRACT SIGNED .............. 1
GOVERNOR ON LONDON VISIT ........................................ 2
GOVT GUARANTEE ON RETIREMENT BENEFITS IMPRACTICABLE ............. 3
SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR OCTOBER ........................ 4
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JULY -SEPTEMBER ...................................................... 8
SAFE AND EFFICIENT HARBOUR TO MATCH WITH RAPID PORT GROWTH .. 9
LINGNAN COLLEGE UPGRADED TO DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION ........ 10
NURSES PRAISED FOR HIGH STANDARD OF WORK ....................... 11
CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM LAB ELECTION .......................... 11
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON AUDIT REPORT ................................ 12
NEW MINIBUS SERVICE FOR SHA TIN AND SHEK LEI RESIDENTS ......... 13
FRESH WATER CUT IN WONG TAI SIN ................................ 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .............. 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
14
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
1
KAP SHUT MUN BRIDGE/MA WAN VIADUCT CONTRACT SIGNED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A $1.64 BILLION CONTRACT WITH KUMAGAI-MAEDA-YOKOGAWA-HITACHI JOINT VENTURE FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAP SHUT MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCT ON THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE WILL BE A CABLE STAYED BRIDGE OF 820 METRES LENGTH WITH A MAIN SPAN OF 430 METRES, CROSSING THE CHANNEL BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF MA WAN AND LANTAU.
IT WILL BE THE WORLD’S LONGEST CABLE STAYED SPAN CARRYING BOTH ROAD AND RAIL TRAFFIC.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT A CABLE STAYED DESIGN HAD BEEN USED FOR A ROAD BRIDGE IN HONG KONG.
IT IS REGARDED INTERNATIONALLY AS AN ADVANCED AND EXTREMELY COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR SUCH A STRUCTURE.
THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND MA WAN VIADUCT WILL LINK THE TSING MA SUSPENSION BRIDGE TO THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY WITH COMBINED ROAD AND RAIL STRUCTURES.
THEY FORM A KEY PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS TO BUILD.
THE CONTRACT PRICE OF $1.64 BILLION (IN MONEY OF THE DAY) FOR DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTING THE BRIDGE AND VIADUCT IS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S ESTIMATE, INCLUDING THE CONTRACT CONTINGENCY, OF $1.99 BILLION (MARCH 1991 PRICES).
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE PROJECT ESTIMATE IN JULY 1991 AND THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD DECIDED ON OCTOBER 16 TO ACCEPT THE TENDER FROM KUMAGAI-MAEDA-YOKOGAWA-HITACHI JOINT VENTURE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO AWARD THIS CONTRACT ON A DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT BASIS BECAUSE VARIOUS CABLE STAYED DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS WERE AVAILABLE INTERNATIONALLY.
THERE WAS ALSO SUFFICIENT TIME AVAILABLE FOR TENDERERS TO PREPARE THEIR OWN DESIGNS. THE QUICKEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO ASSESS OPTIONS WAS TO CALL FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT TENDERS.
CABLE STAYED BRIDGES OFFER SUBSTANTIAL ECONOMIES IN THE USE OF MATERIALS FOR SPANS BETWEEN ABOUT 150 AND 500 METRES, COMPARED WITH SUSPENSION BRIDGES WHICH ARE NORMALLY ONLY CONSIDERED FOR SPANS ABOVE 500 METRES.
"ON A DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT CONTRACT, THE TENDERERS COMPETE BY PRODUCING DESIGNS THAT COMBINE THEIR SPECIALIST SKILLS AND THEIR SOURCES OF MATERIALS WITH THE LOWEST VIABLE PRICE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/’’KUMAGAI-MAEDA-YOKOGAWA-HITACHI
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
2
"KUMAGAI-MAEDA-YOKOGAWA-HITACHI JOINT VENTURE HAS PRODUCED EXTREMELY ECONOMICAL DESIGNS THAT FULLY MEET OUR REQUIREMENTS."
THE DESIGN FOR THE BRIDGE COMPRISES CONCRETE MAIN SUPPORT TOWERS MORE THAN 150 METRES HIGH. FROM THESE TOWERS, CABLES WILL RADIATE DOWNWARDS TO SUPPORT THE MAIN CENTRAL 430-METRE SPAN, BUILT IN COMPOSITE STEEL AND CONCRETE.
THE MA WAN VIADUCT WILL CROSS THE ISLAND OF MA WAN BETWEEN THE TSING MA BRIDGE AND KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 502 METRES.
IT WILL HAVE LARGE PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BOX GIRDERS, WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE THE ENCLOSED RAILWAY AND LOWER ROADWAY.
MEMBERS OF THE JOINT VENTURE ARE KUMAGAI GUMI (HK) OF HONG KONG AND THREE COMPANIES FROM JAPAN: MAEDA CORPORATION, YOKOGAWA BRIDGE CORPORATION AND HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION.
--------o -----------
GOVERNOR ON LONDON VISIT
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (MONDAY) BEGINS A BUSY SCHEDULE OF ENGAGEMENTS IN LONDON DURING HIS FIVE-DAY VISIT TO THE UK.
DURING HIS STAY, HE WILL CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS AND OTHER MINISTERS.
TODAY HE WILL MEET WITH THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION, AND MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP. THIS EVENING, MR PATTEN WILL ATTEND A DINNER HOSTED BY THE FOREIGN SECRETARY.
ON TUESDAY, MR PATTEN WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE CONSERVATIVE BACKBENCH COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, AND ADDRESS THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATIVE PEERS AT HOUSE OF LORDS.
ON WEDNESDAY EVENING THE GOVERNOR WILL ADDRESS THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AT PLA1STERERS HALL.
ON THURSDAY, MR PATTEN WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG STAND AT THE WORLD TRAVEL MART EXHIBITION.
THE GOVERNOR WILL DEPART LONDON FOR HONG KONG ON FRIDAY.
-----o------
/3 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
3 GOVT GUARANTEE ON RETIREMENT BENEFITS IMPRACTICABLE » » * * *
THE SUGGESTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE A FINANCIAL GUARANTEE TO GUARD AGAINST THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS THROUGH FRAUD OR BAD MANAGEMENT IS NOT PRACTICABLE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
THIS IS BECAUSE SUCH A GUARANTEE WOULD PRODUCE AN IMMENSE CONTINGENT LIABILITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT. IT MIGHT ALSO ENCOURAGE AGGRESSIVE OR UNSCRUPULOUS FUND MANAGEMENT.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL, CURRENTLY BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH THE MAIN AREAS OF CONCERN REGARDING THE SAFETY OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE 42ND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT TODAY (MONDAY), MR CHAN ALSO DISMISSED THE SUGGESTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE BENEFITS PAYABLE UNDER THE PROPOSED RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALREADY PROVIDED A PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND A SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE ALSO COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PERSONS, AS WELL AS HEAVILY SUBSIDISED MEDICAL CARE AND PUBLIC HOUSING FOR THOSE WHO NEED THEM.
"WHILE THESE SERVICES MAY NOT SEEM DIRECTLY RELATED TO RETIREMENT PROTECTION OR OLD AGE BENEFITS, IN SOME COUNTRIES THEY WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE VALUE OF THE RETIREMENT PROTECTION PACKAGE," MR CHAN SAID.
"AS THERE IS NO INTENTION OF REMOVING THESE BENEFITS ONCE THE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM IS INTRODUCED, THEN THEIR VALUE MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, AS THEY ARE PROVIDED THROUGH GENERAL REVENUE AT MINIMAL OR NO COST TO THE RECIPIENT."
UNDER THE PROPOSED COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM UNVEILED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST MONTH, ALL EMPLOYEES IN FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE AGE OF 65 SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN A RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME WHICH MEETS THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN THE CONSULTATION PAPER, UNLESS THEY ARE SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED.
THERE ARE ARGUMENTS THAT PERSONS EARNING A VERY LOW WAGE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR RETIREMENT SCHEMES.
IN RESPONSE, MR CHAN SAID IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO SELECT AN ACCEPTABLE FIGURE AS THE CUT-OFF WAGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS.
FURTHERMORE, IF LOW-PAID EMPLOYEES WERE TO BE EXEMPTED FROM CONTRIBUTING, THEN THE QUESTION WOULD STILL REMAIN AS TO HOW THEIR SHARE OF THE CONTRIBUTION SHOULD BE FUNDED.
/HE ALSO .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
4
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT TO SET THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION AT 10 PER CENT OF BASIC SALARY IS TO ENABLE SOMEONE WHO JOINS A SCHEME AT THE AGE OF 25 AND RETIRES AT 65 TO RECEIVE A LUMP SUM EQUIVALENT TO 48 MONTHS SALARY UPON RETIREMENT.
ON THE QUESTION OF TRANSFERABILITY OF BENEFITS, MR CHAN SAID THE BENEFITS ARISING FROM THE MINIMUM LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION - THAT IS 10 PER CENT - MUST BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE PREVIOUS EMPLOYER TO THE NEW ONE.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE, THE BENEFITS CAN REMAIN FROZEN IN THE PREVIOUS EMPLOYER’S SCHEME OR BE LOCKED IN A SEPARATE ACCOUNT INDEPENDENT OF BOTH EMPLOYERS.
HE SAID: "IN ANY CASE, THESE BENEFITS CANNOT BE WITHDRAWN BEFORE RETIREMENT EXCEPT UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES.
"I WOULD EMPHASISE THAT THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO DENY THE BENEFICIARY THE USE OF HIS OWN MONEY. THE MONEY IS STILL HIS, AND HE WILL REAP THE BENEFITS OF IT WHEN HE RETIRES."
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AT PRESENT SEEKING PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS AND NO DECISIONS HAD BEEN MADE AS YET.
HE URGED THOSE WHO HAD VIEWS OR COMMENTS TO SEND THEM TO THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH BEFORE JANUARY 31, NEXT YEaR.
"ONCE WE HAVE EXAMINED ALL THE COMMENTS, AND COME TO AN AGREED POLICY ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION, THEN STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO INTRODUCE THIS POLICY THROUGH LEGISLATION AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE," MR CHAN SAID.
----0------
SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR OCTOBER t t t t
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED IN THE LAND OFFICE TN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER DECREASED BY 29.7 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND BY 59.5 PER. CENT COMPARED WITH OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
IN ALL, 8,253 THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF
SUCH AGREEMENTS WERE REGISTERED DURING THE MONTH.
THE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED WAS ABOUT $24.26
BILLION.
THESE FIGURES WERE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS REGISTERED IN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL.
THERE WERE FIVE BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 12,637 OTHER MORTGAGES REGISTERED IN THE MONTH, COMPARED TO 10 AND 20,481 RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER, 1991.
/THE TOTAL .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
« 5
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $0.37 BILLION COMPARED WITH ABOUT $0.38 BILLION IN OCTOBER, 1991.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES IM THE MONTH OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES DROPPED BY 44.1 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $10.57 BILLION IN OCTOBER 1991 TO ABOUT $5.91 BILLION IN OCTOBER,1992.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT ACTUALLY DRAWN DOWN ON BUILDING AND OTHER MORTGAGES AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY .LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED.
REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, DECREASED BY 17.1 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $4.32 BILLION IN OCTOBER, 1991 TO ABOUT $3.58 BILLION IN OCTOBER, 1992.
MEANWHILE, DETAILS OF LAND OFFICE CONSENTS GIVEN TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS FOR SALES AND PURCHASES OF UNCOMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE ALSO RELEASED.
IN OCTOBER, THREE SUCH CONSENTS WERE GRANTED INVOLVING 268 UNITS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND 37 UNITS TN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT
Consolidated Monthly Statistics in respect of deeds received for registration in the Urban and New Territories District Land Registries
Month : October 1992
Number of Deeds received for Registration —-. — — — ■■ ■■" i Consideration ($)
i Item Nature of Deeds Urban New Territories Total Urban New Territories Toto! I
1. Assignments of undivided shares ( 7,447 7,714 ) < 5,272 5,301 ) ( 12,719 13,015 ) 19,214.770.492.09 7,436,149,370.10 26,650.919,362.19
2. Assignments of whole lot, section or sub-section 70 892 962 6,822,740,800.00 1,679,713,220.40 8.502,459.020.40
Sub-total (1) * (2) 7,517 6.164 13.681 26.037,511.292.09 9,115,867,590.50 35,153.378.882.59
3. Building Mortgages/Building Legal Charges 4 1 5 327,000,000.00 42,%'Q.OOO.OO 369,900,000.00
4. Moxtgagcs/Lcgal Charges (other than item 3) 7,345 5,292 12,637 4,408,814,900.04 1,503,738,734.99 5,912,553,635.03
Suh-total (3) + (4) 7,349 5,293 12,642 4,735,814,900.04 1,546,638,734.99 6,282,453.635.03
5. Agreements for Sale and Purchase of Undivided Shares ( 4,812 5,340 ) ( 3,441 3,565 ) ( 8,253 8,905 ) 17.650,630,163.80 6,611,321,729.94 24,261.951.893.74
6. Agreements for Sale and Purchase of Whole Lot, Section or Sub-section 37 292 329 3,540,380.000.00 1,241,064,142.00 4,781.444.142.00
Sub-total (5) + (6) 4,849 3,733 8.582 21,191.010,163.80 7,852,385,871.94 29,043,396,035.74
7. Rcceipts/Discharge/Relcases 6.462 3,967 10,429 2,605,084,911.97 978,110,453.51 3,583,195,365.48
8. Lcascs/Tcnancy Agreements 459 203 662
9. Exclusion Orders 0 0 0
10. Others 4,087 3,543 7,630
Total _3Oi7?? 22,903 53,626 54,569,421,267.90 19,493,002.650.94 74,062,4'23,918.84
Noto : Figures within brackets denote number of units involved
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
Period 1.4,1992 to 31.3.1993
Part I - Consent to forward sales given
No. of Consents given No. of Flats/Units involved
1992/93 Urban N.T. Urban N.T. Total
April 3 3 3,313 1.044 4,357
May - 3 - 1,140 1,140
June 2 4 436 1,716 2,152
July 4 3 1,583 2,196 3,779
August 1 4 38 2,600 2,638
September 1 3 1,546 2,995 4,541
October November December 1 2 268 37 . 305
January February March
Total
Part II - Number of Flats/Units transacted by Agreements for Sale and Purchase lodged for registration and registers/folios opened for the registration of Agreements for Sale and Purchase in respect of Flats/Units in new developments under the Land Office Consent Scheme and the Non-consent Scheme.
Total No. of Flats/Units transacted (including re-sales, if any) by Agreements for Sale and Purchase lodged No. of registers/folios opened for the registration of Agreements for Sale and Purchase in respect of Flats/Units in new developments
Non-consent Scheme Consent Scheme
1992/93 Urban N.T. Total Urban N.T. Total Urban N.T. Total
April 9,584 6,040 15,624 6,771 835 7,606 59 0 59
May 13,264 5,905 19,169 951 699 1,650 740 1,000 1,740
June 8,755 5,741 14,496 1,224 836 2,060 5,219 962 6,181
July 7,882 5,132 13,014 945 414 1,359 730 3,143 3,873
August 7,238 6,024 13,262 1,331 1,911 3,242 0 162 162
September 7,937 4,315 12,252 867 1,185 2,052 453 3,557 4,010
October November December 5,340 3,565 8,905 1,626 256 1,882 954 0 954
January February March
Total
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
8
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD JULY TO SEPTEMBER WERE BOTH 1.9%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSU.S AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE t'OR THE PERIOD AUGUST - OCTOBER WAS 2.0%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.8%.
r
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE IN RECENT MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD JULY - SEPTEMBER, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOBSEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 51,400, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 52,600.
I
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUAL GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1992 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,800 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,300 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WAS 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 INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
V
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 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AROUND DECEMBER 21 AT $15.50 A COPY.
I - 0 ----
*
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
- 9
SAFE AND EFFICIENT HARBOUR TO MATCH
*****
WITH RAPID PORT GROWTH
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL SPARE NO EFFORT IN KEEPING HONG KONG’S HARBOUR SAFE AND EFFICIENT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF THE $4.6 MILLION MARINE PATROL LAUNCH, MD 22 AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, MR MILLER SAID:
"MOST PEOPLE DO NOT REALISE IT, BUT HONG KONG HARBOUR NEVER SLEEPS.
"TRAFFIC MUST BE MANAGED AND MONITORED 24 HOURS A DAY. THIS WE DO THROUGH HARBOUR PATROLS WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S COMPUTER AND RADAR BASED VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE.”
MD 22 WILL JOIN MD 20 AND 21 IN THEIR 24-HOUR-A-DAY PATROLS.
THEY ARE TO HELP SHIPS ENTER AND CLEAR THE PORT OF HONG KONG SAFELY, AND TO WORK CARGOES EFFICIENTLY.
"THEY ARE THERE NOT ONLY TO ENFORCE THE LAW, BUT ALSO TO RESPOND PROMPTLY TO ANY EMERGENCY,” MR MILLER SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE HARBOUR MANAGEMENT SERVICES KEEP PACE WITH THE RAPID GROWTH OF THE PORT.
"WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LAG BEHIND,” HE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS HAS INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, COASTAL AND RIVER TRADE VESSELS BY OVER 30 PER CENT.
TOTAL THROUGHPUT HAS GROWN BY 42 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
"ALL THIS IS HAPPENING AT A TIME WHEN MASSIVE RECLAMATION IS SHRINKING THE OLD HARBOUR AREA AND ESTABLISHED WATERFRONT USERS ARE BEING RESITED. VIGILANCE IS VITAL IF SHIPS ARE TO MOVE SAFELY AND CARGO IS TO BE HANDLED EFFICIENTLY."
DURING THE CEREMONY, MR MILLER AND THE CREW OF MD 22 PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SEA GODDESS "TIN HAU".
MD 22 IS A STEEL-PLATE TWIN-ENGINE VESSEL CAPABLE OF 12 KNOTS. SHE IS 16.3 METRES LONG AND IS EQUIPPED WITH RADAR.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE THREE PATROL LAUNCHES AT A TOTAL COST OF $8.8 MILLION TO AUGMENT ITS HARBOUR PATROL SERVICES.
MD 20 AND 21, BOTH GLASS-REINFORCED PLASTIC VESSELS CAPABLE OF 16 KNOTS, WERE COMMISSIONED IN APRIL AND MAY LAST YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
10
HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE BUSIEST PORTS IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CONTAINER THROUGHPUT, TONNAGE OF SHIPPING USING ITS FACILITIES, CARGO HANDLED AND NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED.
SOME 130,000 OCEAN-GOING AND RIVER-TRADE VESSELS CALL AT HONG KONG EVERY YEAR AND THERE ARE ANOTHER 20,000 LOCAL VESSELS INCLUDING BARGES, FERRIES, FISHING BOATS AND PLEASURE VESSELS, WHICH OPERATE EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.
-----o------
LINGNAN COLLEGE UPGRADED TO DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION
*****
THE LINGNAN COLLEGE ORDINANCE, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE COLLEGE AS A DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION, CAME INTO EFFECT YESTERDAY (SUNDAY).
THE UPGRADING OF THE COLLEGE CONSTITUTES PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO EXPAND TERTIARY EDUCATION, UNDER WHICH A TOTAL OF 14,500 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED TO 18 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE POPULATION OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP BY 1994/95.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID LINGNAN COLLEGE WOULD BE PROVIDING ABOUT 1,800 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENT PLACES BY 1994/95, OF WHICH 690 WILL BE FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES.
THE COLLEGE IS CURRENTLY OFFERING TWO DEGREE PROGRAMMES - A BA PROGRAMME IN TRANSLATION AND A BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAMME, HE SAID.
ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS AGO AS A PRIVATE SCHOOL, LINGNAN COLLEGE GAINED RECOGNITION AS AN APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE UNDER THE POST SECONDARY COLLEGE ORDINANCE IN 1978.
IN 1987, A REVIEW BY THE UNITED KINGDOM COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS CONCLUDED THAT THE COURSES OFFERED BY THE COLLEGE WERE EQUIVALENT IN STANDARD TO THOSE OFFERED BY SOME TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC).
THE UPGC RECOMMENDED IN 1990 THAT THE COLLEGE SHOULD BE UPGRADED AS A DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION.
--------0 -----------
/Il ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
11
NURSES PRAISED FOR HIGH STANDARD OF WORK ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE HIGH STANDARD OF WORK OF THE HONG KONG NURSES WHO ATTENDED A NURSING COURSE THROUGH DISTANCE EDUCATION OF THE MONASH UNIVERSITY OF AUSTRALIA REFLECTED A ’’COMMITMENT TO THE PROFESSION OF NURSING AND TO THEIR PERSONAL GROWTH".
THE TRIBUTE WAS MADE BY THE UNIVERSITY TO THE 112 NURSES WHO RECEIVED THEIR BACHELOR DEGREE IN NURSING AT A GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD IN HONG KONG TODAY (MONDAY).
ECHOING THIS TRIBUTE TO THE GRADUATES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID QUALITY NURSING WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
’’OUR NURSES’ QUIET DEVOTION TO PATIENT CARE DESERVES A PARTICULAR WORD OF APPRECIATION," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST GROUP OF GRADUATES OF THE NURSING COURSE WHICH HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY SINCE NOVEMBER 1990.
ALL THE GRADUATES ARE REGISTERED NURSES WORKING IN A VARIETY OF CLINICAL SETTINGS, RANGING FROM GENERAL CARE TO EXTENDED NURSING SERVICES.
MONASH UNIVERSITY HAS A HISTORY OF 31 YEARS. MANY STUDENTS FROM HONG KONG AND FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE MONASH EXPERIENCE.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY NOTABLY HAVE HELPED TO NURSE AND NURTURE BETTER RAPPORT AND CLOSER RELATIONS THROUGH THEIR COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH MONASH IN DISTANCE EDUCATION.
APART FROM THE NURSING GRADUATES, 18 OTHERS ALSO RECEIVED THEIR DIPLOMA IN ADMINISTRATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY AT TODAY’S GRADUATION CEREMONY.
-----0--------
CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM LAB ELECTION
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES CHINESE EMPLOYEES FREE UNION, HONG KONG, TO WITHDRAW THE NOMINATION OF MS CHEUNG WAI-LIN AS A CANDIDATE TO STAND IN THE COMING LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION.
CONSEQUENTLY, ONLY NINE CANDIDATES WILL VIE FOR FIVE SEATS AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING NEXT JANUARY.
/THEY ARE: .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
12
THEY ARE:
♦ MR LEUNG FU-WAH HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RUBBER AND PLASTIC WORKERS GENERAL UNION
♦ 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 CHU MING
HONG KONG PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS ASSOCIATION
* MR LEUNG CHOK-FU
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CLOCK AND WATCH TRADE WORKERS UNION
» MR CHEUNG PAK-CHI
CABLE AND WIRELESS (HK) LTD STAFF ASSOCIATION
* MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG
HONG KONG BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS GENERAL UNION
♦ MR LEUNG SHIU-CHUN
UNION OF HEADS OF AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF HONG KONG
* CAPTAIN W B TUCKNOTT
HONG KONG AIRCREW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 5 AT WAH YAN COLLEGE IN KOWLOON.
-----0------
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON AUDIT REPORT *****
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS NEXT WEEK FOLLOWING THE TABLING OF THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
THE REPORT SETS OUT THE ACCOUNTS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 THIS YEAR AND THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS.
THE HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER IN THE MORNINGS OF NOVEMBER 23 (MONDAY) AND NOVEMBER 24 (TUESDAY), BEGINNING AT 8.30 AM.
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/13 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
13
NEW MINIBUS SERVICE FOR SHA TIN AND SHEK LEI RESIDENTS * * * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT A NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 403 PLYING BETWEEN SHEK LEI ESTATE AND SHA TIN WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
THE NEW ROUTE WILL START FROM YI SHING SQUARE, SHA TIN WAI TO LEI PU1 STREET, SHEK LEI ESTATE VIA SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE, SHING MUN TUNNEL AND WO YI HOP ROAD.
IT WILL RUN BETWEEN 6.45 AM AND 11 PM DAILY AT 10-MINUTE FREQUENCIES.
THE FARE WILL BE $6.50 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
--------0------------
FRESH WATER CUT IN WONG TAI SIN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL GO OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 18) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD, SHATIN PASS ROAD, SHEUNG TAK STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND TAI SHING STREET, INCLUDING LUNG YAT HOUSE, LUNG CHACK HOUSE, LUNG SHUN HOUSE, LUNG WAH HOUSE, LUNG HONG HOUSE AND LUNG WING HOUSE OF LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, AS WELL AS TAK MING HOUSE AND KAI MING HOUSE OF KAI TAK ESTATE.
--------0 -----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 73.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 429.071 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 276.104 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 47.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/14 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 16 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER GOVT BONDS
ISSUE NUMBER 2411
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,303 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN
AV PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 99.70 (4.84)
LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 99.65 (4.87)
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 46 PCT
AV TENDER PRICE (YIELD) 99.57 (4.91 )
-----0------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WTTHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.7 *+0.1* 16.11.92
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1992
15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.98 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 6.25 101.63 4.19
1 MONTH 3.11 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.65 4.40
3 MONTHS 3.47 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.67 4.62
6 MONTHS 3.64 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.71 4.84
12 MONTHS 3.93 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,817 MN
CLOSED 16 NOVEMBER 1992
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
IMPROVEMENT IN PORT FACILITIES CONTINUES ..................... 1
RDCC WELCOMES FUND INJECTION TO IMPLEMENT REHAB KEY TARGETS 2
TWO MOTION DEBATES IN LEGCO .................................. 2
DAY NURSERIES UNDERGO IMPROVEMENTS ........................... 3
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES PUBLISHED ................... 4
UNIONS REMINDED TO REGISTER FOR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION ...... 9
AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS .................. 10
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED ......... 10
279 RETURN TO VIETNAM ........................................ H
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............ 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 13
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
1
IMPROVEMENT IN PORT FACILITIES CONTINUES
******
HONG KONG’S CONTAINER AND RIVER TRADE HANDLING CAPACITY WILL BE GREATLY INCREASED WITH MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IN PORT FACILITIES COMING ON STREAM.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, AT THE OPENING OF A PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN GUANGZHOU TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID: "DURING THE SUMMER OF NEXT YEAR, CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND WILL COME ON STREAM.
"WHEN FULLY COMPLETED IT WILL INCREASE OUR CONTAINER TERMINAL CAPACITY FROM THE PRESENT 5.4 MILLION TEUS (20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS) PER YEAR TO 7.2 MILLION.
"CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ON TS1NG YI SHOULD COME ON STREAM DURING 1995; IT WILL FURTHER INCREASE TERMINAL CAPACITY TO NEARLY 9 MILLION TEUS PER YEAR," HE ADDED.
MR BLAKE SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF FURTHER CONTAINER TERMINALS WOULD THEN SHIFT FROM KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG YI TO NORTH LANTAU.
HE STRESSED THAT THIS STRATEGY WOULD DEPEND UPON THE COMPLETION OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, CONNECTING NORTH LANTAU TO THE MAINLAND NEW TERRITORIES, AND PROVIDING ADEQUATE LAND TRANSPORT ACCESS TO NEW PORT FACILITIES ON LANTAU.
"THE FIRST BERTH OF THE CONTAINER TERMINAL 10 ON NORTH LANTAU SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1997.
"THIS WILL BE THE FIRST STEP IN DEVELOPING AN ENTIRELY NEW PORT COMPLETE WITH CONTAINER AND RIVER TRADE TERMINALS, SHIP REPAIR AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES."
FOR THE LONGER, MR BLAKE SAID THE POTENTIAL FOR PROVIDING SHELTERED ANCHORAGES IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED.
"A NEW DEEP WATER SHIPPING CHANNEL WEST OF LAMMA ISLAND WILL BE DREDGED, AND TYPHOON SHELTERS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT HEI LING CHAU.
"TUEN MUN, ON THE WEST COAST OF THE TERRITORY, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEARL RIVER TRADE TERMINAL FACILITIES, AND THE PROVISION OF DEEP-WATER SITES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL USE," HE SAID.
MR BLAKE ADDED THAT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT PLANS WERE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED FOR A GENERAL CARGO WORKING FACILITY AND A LARGE AREA FOR DEEP WATER SITES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES AT TSEUNG KWAN 0, AT THE EASTERN END OF THE PRESENT HARBOUR.
HE SAID THE NEED FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WAS UNDERLINED BY A LONG RANGE FORECAST WHICH WAS FOR AN ANNUAL INCREASE IN PORT CARGO OF 5.6 PER CENT, DOUBLING PORT THROUGHPUT BY 2000, AND DOUBLING AGAIN BY 2011 .
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/2 .........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
2
RDCC WELCOMES FUND INJECTION TO IMPLEMENT REHAB KEY TARGETS *****
THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (RDCC) MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMED THE INJECTION OF $2.3 BILLION INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND AS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR ON OCTOBER 7.
"IT WILL HELP TO IMPLEMENT THE KEY TARGETS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER AND THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS," SAID CHAIRMAN OF THE RDCC, DR RAYMOND WU.
RDCC MEMBERS NOTED THAT FOR EXAMPLE BY 1996/97 THE PROVISION FOR HOSTEL PLACES TO SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WOULD BE FROM THE EXISTING 1,095 TO 2,294; FOR DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE FROM 2,293 TO 3,949 AND LONG STAY CARE HOME FROM 200 TO 600.
A PROPOSAL FOR GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO SET UP A REGIONAL COMMUNITY REHABILITATION RESOURCE CENTRE IN 1993/94 SUBMITTED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION WAS UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED BY RDCC MEMBERS.
"WE AGREE IN PRINCIPLE TO SET UP CENTRES TO AIM AT PROVIDING REHABILITATIVE CARE TO PERSONS WITH VARIOUS DISABILITIES, INCLUDING VISCERAL DISABILITIES, IN THE COMMUNITY," DR WU SAID.
HE ADDED THAT FURTHER STUDY WAS NEEDED TO ENSURE THE PROJECTS WOULD BE EFFECTIVELY RUN.
RDCC MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF AN AD HOC GROUP ON MEDICAL REHABILITATION.
THEY AGREED THAT PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE SETTING UP OF COMMUNITY AND HOSPITAL-BASED PATIENTS RESOURCE CENTRES, PROVISION OF HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AND COUNSELLING SUPPORT, PROVISION OF RESPITE SERVICE FOR FAMILIES WITH DISABLED PERSONS AND STRENGTHENING OF DOMICILIARY SERVICES.
------(j------
TWO MOTION DEBATES IN LEGCO ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL DEBATE TWO SEPARATE MOTIONS ON A COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM AND THE NATIONALITY OF ETHNIC MINORITIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ONE OF THE MOTIONS, TO BE MOVED BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, URGES THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT ON THE CONSULTATION PAPER ON A RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM.
THE OTHER MOTION ON THE NATIONALITY OF ETHNIC' MINORITIES WILL BE PROPOSED BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR. THE HON RONALD ARCULLI WILL MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO HIS MOTION.
/MEMBERS WILL .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
3
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK A TOTAL OF 20 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS AT THE MEETING.
THE BILLS ARE TRADING FUNDS BILL, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1992 AND REGISTRAR GENERAL (ESTABLJSHEMENT) (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AND REPEAL) BILL.
THEY WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.
IN ADDITION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL PRESENT THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND THE ACCOUNTS OF HONG KONG FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 THIS YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT'S REPORT NO. 19 ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 THIS YEAR AND THE RESULT OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 8fi9 9492.
--------0-----------
DAY NURSERIES UNDERGO IMPROVEMENTS
* * * t *
FACILITIES OF 58 GOVERNMENT-AIDED DAY NURSERIES HAVE BEEN UPGRADED WITH A $5.4 MILLION DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE SUM HAS BEEN USED FOR INSTALLING AIR-CONDITIONERS AT THE NURSERIES, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS FURTHER EXPANDED ITS OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICES, AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT AIMING AT PREVENTING YOUNG CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME.
A TOTAL OF 75 NURSERIES ARE TAKING PART IN THE PROJECT, OFFERING 225 PLACES TO CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO TO SIX.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO PARENTS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE SERVICE, INSTEAD OF LEAVING THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE AT HOME.
"FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN, THEY SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME, EVEN FOR A SHORT WHILE," HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE SERVICE MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 FOR ENQUIRIES.
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES PUBLISHED *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS DURING OCTOBER OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY.
AS THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE TIME CONSUMING, THERE WAS SOMETIMES A LENGTHY TIME GAP BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CONVICTION DATE.
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PROSECUTION CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS DURING OCTOBER:
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE RECORD OF FINES($) OFFENCE COURT
1.APOFTELD LTD KWAI HEI ST, KWAI CHUNG 30.5.91- 27.9.91 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 1,500 1ST TUEN MUN
2.SKY JOIN INTERNATIONAL LTD NGAU TAU KOK RD 1.9.91- 23.10.91 APCO : 3,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
3.RICOBEM LTD YEE WO ST, CAUSEWAY BAY 16.9.91- 30.4.92 APCO : 2,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
4.LUEN MING FUNG WEAVING FTY LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 25.10.91- 12.5.92 APCO : 1,800 1ST KWUN TONG
5.TEXWOOD LTD HOW MING ST, KWUN TONG 20.11.91- 16.3.92 APCO : 1,200 1ST KWUN TONG
6.GAINFUL DEVELOPMENT LTD CATCHICK ST, KENNEDY TOWN 1.12.91- 2.3.92 APCO : 1,000 1ST WESTERN
7.CHENG SHING-CHUN (BARGE OPERATOR) ABERDEEN MAIN RD, 16.12.91 DASO : DUMPING OF ABOUT 4 CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL AT SEA OFFSHORE SIU SAI WAN WITHOUT A LICENCE 1,000 1ST EASTERN
/8.CHENG SUP .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
5
8.CHENG SUP NG (BARGE OPERATOR) it it DASO : ” 1,000 1ST H
9.WORTHY PARK CO. LTD NATHAN RD, MONG KOK 14.1.92- 24.3.92 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES 4,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
10.WONG CHEUNG KEE BEAN CURD FACTORY MUK MIN SHAN, SAI KUNG 23.1.92 WPCO : DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE PORT SHELTER WATER CONTROL ZONE 12,000 4TH KWUN TONG
11.INCORPORATED OWNERS OF CHEUNG CHAU TINFORD GARDEN LOT NO. 28.2.92 1610, CHEUNG CHAU WPCO : 4,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST WESTERN
12.CHINA GOOD CONSULTANTS LTD TAK SHING ST, JORDAN 12.3.92- 27.4.92 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALATION OR ALTERALTION OF FURNACES 1,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
13.ZEE HUNG-KENG SHAN KWONG 22.3.92 RD, HAPPY VALLEY NCO : PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CNP 5,000 1ST EASTERN
14.GAMMON CONSTRUCTION LTD ti 22.3.92 NCO : CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CNP 8,000 3RD tt
15.HILLVIEW HOTEL MANAGEMENT LTD OBSERVATORY RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 16.4.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
16.FAIRWOOD FAST FOOD LTD SHUI CHE KWUN ST, YUEN LONG 24.4.92 NCO : 10,000 1ST FANLING
/17.HANSOM- .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
6
17.HANSOM-KAM WO JOINT VENTURE LTD ROBINSON RD & CONDUIT RD, MID-LEVELS 26.4.92 nco : 10, CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CNP 000 1ST WESTERN
18.KWAN SEE-YIU H ti NCO : 1> PERMIT CONSTRUCTION WORK WITHOUT A VALID CNP 000 1ST WESTERN
19.TIM HEUNG YUEN NUTS & CONFECTIONERY COMPANY LTD POK WAI VILLAGE, YUEN LONG 30.4.92 WPCO : 20, DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER INTO DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 000 1ST FANLING
20.SUN KEUNG DYEING FTY LTD MEI WAN ST, TSUEN WAN 6.5.92 APCO : 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST TSUEN WAN
21.DENIS DRYCLEANINGS LTD WAH SING ST KWAI CHUNG 7.5.92 APCO : " 6, ,000 1ST ii
22.LEE SIK TAI TEI TONG, MUI WO 7.5.92 WDO : WILFULLY OBSTRUCTING AN AUTHORISED OFFICER IN DISCHARGING HIS DUTIES 300 1ST WESTERN
23.QUITE GREEN DEVELOPMENT LTD RECLAMATION ST, YAU MA TEI 18.5.92 NCO : 20 FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE ,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
24.CHI PAN CO LTD NGAU TAU KOK RD 18.5.92 NCO : " 7 ,500 2ND KWUN TONG
25.MA CHOR-WAH SOUTH WALL RD, KOWLOON CITY 26.5.92 NCO : " 5,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
26.SUN KEUNG MEI WAN DYEING FTY ST, LTD TSUEN WAN 27.5.92 APCO : 4 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION ,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
/27.LO MAN- .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
1
27.LO MAN-CHEUNG AS WING SHUN (HOP WO) ELECTROPLATING HUNG SHUI KIU, YUEN LONG 29.5.92 WPCO : 40,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER INTO DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 2ND FANLING
28.YAU LEE GALVANIZED FACTORY LTD HUNG SHUI KIU, YUEN LONG 29.5.92 WPCO : ” 15,000 1ST ft
29.LAM CHUN-FAI AS HUNG FAT HONG MARBLE ENGINEERING COMPANY FAIRVIEW PARK RD, YUEN LONG 29.5.92 WPCO : 20,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER INTO DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST FANLING
30.CHI HING LAUNDRY & DYEING COMPANY LTD BING KONG VILLAGE, SHEUNG SHUI 29.5.92 WPCO : " 20,000 • 1ST it
31.UNIMIX LTD NG FONG 2.6.92 ST, SAN PO KONG APCO : 3,000 EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 1ST SAN PO KONG
32.EVERGREEN DYEING FTY KWAI HEI ST, KWAI CHUNG 23.6.92 APCO : ” 4,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
33.PAT CHUN FA YUEN ST, MONG KOK 23.6.92 APCO : " 4,000 1ST KWUN TONG
34.SHUI WAH DYEING & TEXTILE FACTORY LTD HA TSUEN, YUEN LONG 23.6.92 WPCO : 30,000 DISCHARGED POLLUTING MATTER INTO DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 2ND FANLING
35.WELFARE FINISHING & DYEING FACTORY LIMITED PING SHAN, YUEN LONG 23.6.92 WPCO : " 20,000 2ND FANLING
36.LAI PAK- HUNG SHUI CHEUNG AS KIU, SHING YIP YUEN LONG METAL ELECTROPLATING FACTORY 23.6.92 WPCO : ” 10,000 2ND FANLING
737.SEE HING .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
8
37.SEE HING DYEING FACTORY LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, SHAM SHUI PO 25.6.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
38.UNIMIX LTD NG FONG ST, SAN PO KONG 30.6.92 APCO : 5,000 2ND SAN PO KONG
39.SUN KEUNG DYEING FTY LTD MEI WAN ST, TSUEN WAN 3.7.92 APCO : " 7,000 3RD TSUEN WAN
40.FANTA TIME IND LTD WAH SING ST, KWAI CHUNG 14.7.92 APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 3,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
41.EVERHARVEST WEAVING FACTORY LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, TSUEN WAN 28.7.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,000 1ST
42.GAINFUL DEVELOPMENT LTD CATCHICK ST, KENNEDY TOWN 28.7.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 5,000 1ST WESTERN
43.LUEN SHING HING KEE IRON WORKS TO KWA WAN RD 6.8.92 APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 5,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
44.LUEN HOP AUTO SERVICE TSUI FUNG ST, WONG TAI SIN 6.8.92 APCO : ” 2,000 1ST SAN PO KONG
45.HANG HEUNG CAKE SHOP CO LTD MAIN RD, YUEN LONG 11.8.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 15,000 4TH FANLING
NOTE :
APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE
DASO : DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975
WPCO : WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
WDO : WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE
/A SPOKESMAN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
- 9 -
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID CASE 22 WAS THE FIRST CONVICTION UNDER SECTION 23 OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE FOR WILFULLY OBSTRUCTING AN AUTHORISED OFFICER IN DISCHARGING HIS DUTIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS:
APCO : NCO : WPCO : DASO WDO CASE 19, 27 28, 29, 30 34, 35 AND CASE 11 CASE 10 MR MR DR 36 MR DR MR NR FRANKLIN (HUNG STEVEN HO FLLEN CHAN MURRAY LUO DANIEL LAU PATRICK LEI M J BROOM TEL TEL TEL TEL TEL TEL TEL 594 594 650 835 7 55 755 68 5 6200 6500 6955 1 184 2200 3553 1133
ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD DEPARTMENT’S MEDIA RELATIONS SECTION. o- BE DIRECTED TO THE
UNIONS REMINDED TO REGISTER FOR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNIONS TO REGISTER IMMEDIATELY AS ELECTORS IN ORDER TO VOTE IN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION NEXT MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS MUST REACH THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, BY NOON THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
’'REGISTRATION FORMS RECEIVED AFTER. THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THEY WERE POSTED ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 21,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE REGISTRATION FORM BY NOW SHOULD CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION ON 852 4026,” HE ADDED.
THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD AT WAH YAN COLLEGE IN KOWLOON ON DECEMBER 5.
------0--------
/io .....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
10
AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 21) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
EZ1778 EZ782
EY9399 ♦HK363
EZ2122 EZ1028
♦CN7557 EZ9991
EZ116 ♦ FC5
FA2880 EZ198
EZ417 EZ438
♦HK1000 ♦ CR69
EZ921 EZ2398
EZ8884 EZ998
EZ223
♦ DA 2
EZ103
EZ887
♦HK171
EZ1038
EZ3998
♦ CS67
EZ7828
EZ778
EZ5388
FA328
EZ4808
♦FD161
EZ605
EX112
EZ8318
♦FE747
EZ3693
EZ3908
♦SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK 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 BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT, WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 183RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
----0-------
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL MOUNT A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION FROM FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 20) AS PART OF ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL INTRODUCE THE DEPARTMENT’S FREE PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED AND FREE RECRUITMENT SERVICE FOR EMPLOYERS, ITS PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE PLANS.
/ALSO ON .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
11
ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHS OF DISABLED EMPLOYEES ON DIFFERENT KINDS OF JOBS.
"THE EVENT AIMS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED AND TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO ENGAGE MORE DISABLED WORKERS," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT), MR TANG KONG-KIN, SAID.
"LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM VISITORS AND TO DISTRIBUTE PAMPHLETS," HE SAID.
"THEY WILL ALSO RECORD VACANCY INFORMATION FROM INTERESTED EMPLOYERS AND PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS FOR FURTHER CONTACTS," MR TANG ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM UNTIL SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 22) AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING.
-----o------
279 RETURN TO VIETNAM t * * *
A GROUP OF 279 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 106 MEN, 73 WOMEN, 55 BOYS AND 45 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 134TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BRINGS TO 10,915 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 24,895 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
-----o------
/12 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 17 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q247
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2.615MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.62 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.64 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 90 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.66 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 23 NOVEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 24 NOV 92 24 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q248 H278
ISSUE DATE 25 NOV 92 25 NOV 92
MATURITY DATE 24 FEB 93 26 MAY 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160MN HKD 300+60MN
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/13 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1992
13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500 REVERSAL OF LAF NIL BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY’ NIL CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.1 *+0.4* 17.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.09 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 6.25 101.33 4.44
1 MONTH 3.23 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.33 4.63
3 MONTHS 3.62 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.36 4.81
6 MONTHS 3.71 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.44 4.98
12 MONTHS 4.04 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,687MN
CLOSED 17 NOVEMBER 1992
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SPEECH BY SEM ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM ................. 1
SPEECH BY S FOR S ON NATIONALITY OF ETHNIC MINORITIES ......... 4
BILL SEEKS TO SET UP TRADING FUNDS IN DEPARTMENTS ............. 6
REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT TO REDISTRIBUTE WORK ........... 7
TRAFFIC BILL WITH GOAL TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE ........... 8
GOVT ALERT TO SALE OF OVERSEAS PROPERTIES IN HK ............. 9
TRAINING FOR EDUCATORS TO TACKLE POTENTIAL STUDENT SUICIDES 10
NO DECISION ON RAIL LINK TO TSEUNG KWAN O .................... 11
GENERAL APPROACH OF ECR5 WARMLY SUPPORTED .................... 11
BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO DETAILED INSPECTION ..................... 12
INFORMATION ON POLICE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS RELEASED ............. 13
CHANNELS FOR COMPLAINTS ON OVERSEAS PROPERTIES ADVERTISEMENTS ............................................. 13
EXPANSION PLANS FOR HUNG HOM STATION ......................... 14
GOVT COMMITS TO PROMOTING USE OF ELECTRONIC DATA TRANSFER 15
NO PLANS TO SUBSIDISE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS’ PAY ............. 15
MEASURES TO TACKLE ILLEGAL PARKING ........................... 16
/EFFORTS TO .......
EFFORTS TO ENHANCE POLITICAL AWARENESS ....................... 17
REVIEW OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES COMPLETED ........... 18
HIKING ROUTES CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO IMPROVE SAFETY ........... 19
DATA PROTECTION PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED SOON ................... 20
BOUNDARIES BETWEEN HK AND GUANGDONG BEING NEGOTIATED ......... 21
PROMPT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL REPOSSESSION OF BUILDINGS ... 22
ARRANGEMENTS TO DEAL WITH AIR-CONDITIONING NUISANCES SATISFACTORY ................................................ 22
MORE MEASURES TO AVERT DEBRIS FALLING FROM EXPRESSWAYS .... 23
MOST LOCAL MAIL DELIVERED WITHIN TARGET TIME ................. 24
MOTION ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM PASSED ................ 24
APPLICATIONS TO IMPORT SKILLED WORKERS INVITED ................. 25
BILL AIMS TO SET UP INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE ............... 26
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO REGULATION OF TRUST COMPANIES ......... 27
BILL TO REMOVE ANOMALY IN APPEAL PROCEDURE ..................... 28
LICENCE FEES FOR EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES REVISED ................... 29
COURT OF INT’L TRADE’S REMAND ORDER ON INJURY FINDINGS ......... 30
IMPROVED QUALITY VITAL TO BUSINESS SUCCESS ..................... 31
BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS ........................ 32
FAILURE TO REMOVE UNAUTHORISED WORKS LIABLE TO $50,000 FINE 33
TWO SITES TO LET ............................................... 35
ARCHITECT’S EFFORTS REWARDED ................................... 35
WORKFORCE TRAINING STRESSED .................................... 36
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY ............................ 37
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
37
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
1
SPEECH BY SEM ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF A SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, WHEN WINDING UP A MOTION DEBATE ON A COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
I SHOULD LIKE TO BEGIN BY THANKING ALL THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN IN THIS DEBATE. THEIR COMMENTS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY NOTED AND WILL FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE RESPONSE THAT WE RECEIVE FROM THE COMMUNITY TO OUR CONSULTATION PAPER. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL, NO DOUBT, ALSO FIND THIS DEBATE A USEFUL REFERENCE IN FORMULATING THEIR OWN VIEWS AND RESPONSES.
THE CONSULTATION PAPER ON A COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM WAS PUBLISHED LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS AGO. GROUPS ANP INDIVIDUALS ARE ALREADY EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS. THIS IS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN. RETIREMENT PROTECTION IS A SUBJECT OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, AND I WOULD URGE EVERYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS OR TO SUGGEST ALTERNATIVES TO DO SO IN THE NEXT TWO AND A HALF MONTHS. IN THIS CONNECTION, I HAVE NOTED THE SUGGESTION FROM SOME MEMBERS FOR GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT A MORE PROACTIVE FORM OF CONSULTATION AND TO STEP UP PUBLICITY ON OUR PROPOSALS. MY COLLEAGUES AND I HAVE PARTICIPATED IN VARIOUS SEMINARS AND DISCUSSIONS, I MYSELF TOOK PART IN THE QUESTION AND ANSWER MEETING ORGANISED BY MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR PANG CHUN-HOI AND THE SIX LABOUR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD LAST WEEK. AND WE HAVE ALSO BEEN SPEAKING TO DISTRICT BOARDS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, BANKERS ETC. WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AS OUR RESOURCES ALLOW AND WILL CONSIDER STEPPING UP PUBLICITY OF OUR PROPOSALS.
I DO NOT WISH TO PRE-EMPT THE CONSULTATION PROCESS IN ANY WAY, BUT I SHOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF THIS DEBATE TO SPEAK BRIEFLY ON THREE ASPECTS OF THE CONSULTATION PAPER WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC DEBATE.
THE FIRST OF THESE IS THE QUESTION OF A GUARANTEE OF SOME SORT FOR RETIREMENT BENEFITS. MUCH CONCERN HAS BEEN EXPRESSED IN TODAY’S DEBATE AS WELL AS IN DIFFERENT QUARTERS ABOUT THE PERCEIVED NEED FOR A SCHEME OF GUARANTEE TO PROTECT CONTRIBUTORS AGAINST THE FAILURE OF RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEMES. IT HAS BEEN ARGUED THAT, SINCE THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO COMPEL EMPLOYEES TO PARTICIPATE IN RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEMES, IT IS ALSO INCUMBENT UPON THE GOVERNMENT TO GUARANTEE THE PRESERVATION OF THE ACCRUED RETIREMENT BENEFITS IN THE EVENT OF A SCHEME FAILING THROUGH MALFEASANCE OR MISMANAGEMENT. I AM AFRAID THAT I FIND THIS ARGUMENT LACKING IN LOGIC: IT IS RATHER LIKE SAYING THAT, SINCE THE GOVERNMENT COMPELS CHILDREN UNDER 15 TO GO TO SCHOOL, THE GOVERNMENT MUST GUARANTEE (MIND YOU, NOT JUST DO ITS BEST TO ENSURE, BUT GUARANTEE) THAT NO CHILD WOULD EVER BE INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT IN SCHOOL.
/LET ME .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 2 -
LET ME ALSO SAY THIS: IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO PROVIDE A GUARANTEE FOR ALL RETIREMENT SCHEMES, THE TAXPAYER WOULD HAVE TO ACCEPT AN ENORMOUS CONTINGENT LIABILITY. THE COMMITMENT WOULD BE PERMANENT AND EVER-INCREASING. AND IT COULD WELL BE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE IF IT WERE TO ENCOURAGE SOME FUND MANAGERS TO TAKE GREATER THAN NORMAL RISKS, IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY WOULD BE BAILED OUT BY THE TAXPAYER IF THEIR JUDGEMENT PROVED TO BE WRONG.
I MUST EMPHASISE THAT THE ABSENCE OF A GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE BY NO MEANS INDICATES THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ABROGATING ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR MONITORING THE OPERATION OF RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEMES. ON THE CONTRARY, THERE WILL BE A RIGOROUS SYSTEM OF SUPERVISION AND CONTROL. UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES BILL, ALL RETIREMENT SCHEMES WILL HAVE TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND TO SATISFY CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.
- - THEY WILL HAVE TO BE PROPERLY FUNDED, MEANING THAT THE ASSETS OF A SCHEME MUST BE ADEQUATE TO MEET ITS LIABILITIES AT ALL TIMES.
- - THE ASSETS OF A SCHEME WILL HAVE TO BE MAINTAINED SEPARATELY FROM THOSE OF THE EMPLOYER, AND CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME.
- - THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF A SCHEME WILL HAVE TO BE EXAMINED EACH YEAR BY AN INDEPENDENT AUDITOR. THE AUDITORS’ REPORT, TOGETHER WITH THE SCHEME’S ACCOUNTS, WILL HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES, WHO WILL HAVE THE POWER TO INTERVENE IN THOSE SCHEMES WHICH PROVE TO BE FUNDED OR ADMINISTERED
IMPROPERLY.
SUCH A SYSTEM OF SUPERVISION AND CONTROL WILL INVOLVE REAL AND SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITIES. HAVING SAID THAT, I SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT I DO NOT WISH TO RULE OUT COMPLETELY OTHER PRACTICABLE WAYS OF ENGENDERING EVEN GREATER CONFIDENCE IN THE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM. WE ARE WILLING TO LOOK AT REALISTIC SUGGESTIONS.
/THE SECOND
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
3
THE SECOND POINT ON WHICH I SHOULD LIKE TO SPEAK CONCERNS THE NEED FOR PROTECTION FOR THOSE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE APPROACHING OR HAVE ALREADY PASSED RETIREMENT. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN SOCIAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES, ON THE ONE HAND, AND MAKING FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR OLD AGE THROUGH SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT SCHEMES, ON THE OTHER. WHAT THE WORKING GROUP ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION IS PROPOSING IS AN EMPLOYMENT RELATED RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THOSE IN THE WORKFORCE. IT IS IN THE NATURE OF RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEMES THAT BENEFITS OUR PROPORTIONATE TO THE SIZE AND DURATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS. THIS DOES NOT MEAN, HOWEVER, THAT NO CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE WORKING GROUP TO THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO WILL BE APPROACHING RETIREMENT OR WHO WILL HAVE RETIRED BY THE TIME THE PROPOSED SYSTEM IS IMPLEMENTED. HONG KONG ALREADY HAS A SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDES A SAFETY NET FOR THE ELDERLY, THE NEEDY, THE DISABLED AND THE DISADVANTAGED. THE GOVERNOR HAS ANNOUNCED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE VARIOUS BENEFITS AND SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THAT SYSTEM. THESE ARE ADDITIONAL TO WHAT WE HAVE DONE AND ARE DOING IN PROVIDING INCREASINGLY BETTER HOUSING AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY. THESE BENEFITS AND SERVICES WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AFTER THE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM HAS BEEN INTRODUCED. THIS WILL MEAN THAT HONG KONG WILL HAVE TWO SYSTEMS RUNNING IN PARALLEL: ONE OF THE NATURE OF NON-CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY, THE OTHER EMPLOYMENT RELATED. THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL. A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD HAVE SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT. IN THIS WAY, I BELIEVE WE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THE NEEDS OF OUR ELDERLY PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN IN EMPLOYMENT OR NOT.
SEVERAL MEMBERS HAVE RAISED THE QUESTION OF THE PROPOSED AGE OF RETIREMENT. A RETIREMENT AGE OF 65 IS PROPOSED SO THAT UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE DESIRED LEVEL OF BENEFITS WOULD BE ACHIEVED AT THE MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION RATE. AN EARLY RETIREMENT AGE WOULD NECESSITATE EITHER A LOWER RETIREMENT PROTECTION OR A HIGH RATE OF CONTRIBUTION. TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF WITHDRAWAL OF BENEFITS, THE WORKING GROUP ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDING THAT BENEFITS ARISING FROM THE STATUTORY MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION SHOULD NORMALLY NOT BE PAID OUT BEFORE THE AGE OF 65. HOWEVER, AN EMPLOYEE WHO PARTICIPATES IN AN EXISTING OR FUTURE APPROVED SCHEME WHICH PROVIDES FOR RETIREMENT AT AN AGE LOWER THAN 65 WOULD BE PERMITTED TO WITHDRAW HIS ACCRUED BENEFITS AT THAT AGE, EXCEPT FOR THAT PORTION OF THE BENEFITS WHICH DERIVES FROM THE MANDATORY MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION IN RESPECT OF SERVICE AFTER THE SYSTEM IS IMPLEMENTED. THIS PORTION OF THE BENEFITS WOULD REMAIN LOCKED IN UNTIL THE EMPLOYEE REACHES THE AGE OF 65. HOWEVER, ANY BENEFITS DERIVING FROM CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE NEW SYSTEM, OR FROM POST-COMMENCEMENT CONTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF THE MANDATORY MINIMUM, WILL NOT NEED TO BE LOCKED IN AND MAY BE WITHDRAWN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING SCHEME.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, EVEN THOUGH OBVIOUSLY WE COULD NOT HAVE INVOLVED EVERYONE IN THE PREPARATION OF THE CONSULTATION PAPER. SOMEBODY HAS TO DRAW UP PROPOSALS TO START WITH. THE WORKING GROUP HAS DONE THAT AND WE ARE NOW CONSULTING EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY. THE WORKING GROUP LOOKS FORWARD TO RECEIVING PUBLIC VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON THIS MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECT. THEY WILL BE MOST CAREFULLY CONSIDERED. THANK YOU MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT.
--------0 - -
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
4
SPEECH BY S FOR S ON NATIONALITY OF ETHNIC MINORITIES
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF A SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN WINDING UP THE MOTION DEBATE ON ETHNIC MINORITIES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
I WELCOME THIS DEBATE FOR TWO REASONS. FIRST, IT HAS BEEN A WELL-INFORMED DEBATE. SECONDLY, IT ALLOWS ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION WHICH THE ETHNIC MINORITIES HAVE MADE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY. I AM THINKING PARTICULARLY OF ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE INDIAN RESOURCES GROUP. THAT CONTRIBUTION HAS BEEN AND REMAINS OUT OF PROPORTION TO THEIR NUMBERS THAT MR MCGREGOR HAS SAID. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THEM AND HAVE LONG BEEN CONCERNED THAT THEIR FUTURE SECURITY AND PLACE IN HONG KONG IS ASSURED.
WE NEED TO REMIND OURSELVES, HOWEVER, THAT THE ETHNIC MINORITIES LIKE MANY OTHER NON-CHINESE CITIZENS HAVE CHOSEN TO MAKE HONG KONG AND NOT THE UK THEIR HOME. LET ME NOW GIVE SOME FACTS. TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE, SOME 20,000 LONG-TERM HONG KONG RESIDENTS BELONG TO THE ETHNIC MINORITIES. MOST ARE NATIONALS OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN AND HOLD PASSPORTS FROM THOSE COUNTRIES. AT A ROUGH ESTIMATE AND HERE MY FIGURE IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT TO MR HOWARD YOUNG’S, ABOUT 7,000 ARE EITHER HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS OR BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS. BOTH GROUPS HOLD PASSPORTS WHICH ASSURE THEM OF BRITISH CONSULAR PROTECTION WORLDWIDE. ADDITIONALLY, A VERY SMALL NUMBER AND WE BELIEVED THIS NUMBER TO BE ONLY ABOUT 100 ARE TECHNICALLY STATELESS. UNDER THE BASIC LAW, ARTICLE 24 (4), THEY ARE GUARANTEED THE RIGHT OF ABODE - THAT IS, THE RIGHT TO ENTER AND NOT TO BE DEPORTED FROM HONG KONG - AFTER 1997. THOSE WHO WISH TO SECURE THAT RIGHT BEFORE 1997 MAY DO SO BY BECOMING BDTCS. THUS, THIS DEBATE CONCERNS PERHAPS 7,000 TO 8,000 PEOPLE.
SOME MEMBERS HAVE GIVEN THE IMPRESSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT CAREFULLY EXAMINED THE POSITION OF THE ETHNIC MINORITIES. WE HAVE DONE SO. WE DID SO DURING THE DRAFTING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. AND, IN 1990, UK MINISTERS RECONSIDERED THE QUESTION DURING THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME (BNS). THEY CONCLUDED - AND IN PREPARING FOR TODAY’S DEBATE WE HAVE NOW ESTABLISHED THAT THIS REMAINS THEIR VIEW - THAT THE NON-CHINESE ETHNIC MINORITIES’ POSITION AFTER 1997 IS ADEQUATELY PROTECTED BOTH IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN THE BASIC LAW WHICH GUARANTEE THEM RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SAR. IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 ENSHRINES THE CATEGORICAL ASSURANCE THAT THE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF THOSE MEMBERS OF THE ETHNIC MINORITIES WHO ARE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZENS PRIOR TO 1 JULY 1997 WILL HAVE BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP IF THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS. CLEARLY, THEREFORE - AND I CANNOT STRESS THIS TOO STRONGLY - NO MEMBER OF ANY OF THE MINORITY COMMUNITIES NEED FEAR THAT THEY, THEIR CHILDREN, OR GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE STATELESS.
/NOW, I ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 5 -
NOW, I KNOW THAT SOME MEMBERS FEEL THAT THESE ASSURANCES ARE NOT ENOUGH. THEY WANT FURTHER GUARANTEES OF THEIR SECURITY SHOULD EVENTS MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG. MAY I REMIND MEMBERS, AS MR ARCULLI ALREADY HAS, THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS REPEATEDLY GIVEN THE ASSURANCE THAT, IF ANY SOLELY BRITISH NATIONAL WITH NO CLAIM TO CHINESE NATIONALITY CAME UNDER SEVERE PRESSURE TO LEAVE HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY WOULD CONSIDER WITH - AND I QUOTE - "CONSIDERABLE AND PARTICULAR SYMPATHY THEIR CASE FOR ADMISSION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM". THAT ASSURANCE WAS REPEATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DURING PARLIAMENT’S CONSIDERATION OF THE NATIONALITY SCHEME.
I KNOW THAT SOME MEMBERS THOUGH ACCEPT THESE ASSURANCES BUT I BELIEVE THEM AND I BELIEVE THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO REITERATE THEM NOW. MANY MEMBERS HAVE MOSTLY FOCUSED ON DEMANDING FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT FULL BRITISH NATIONALITY FOR THE ETHNIC MINORITIES. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A QUESTION FOR HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT. THE ONLY OTHER SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO WILL HAVE BEEN GIVEN THIS ARE THOSE UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME. IT IS INDEED CLEAR FOR MANY COMMENTS THIS EVENING THAT SOME SORT OF PROVISION IS, OR SIMILAR TO, THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME IS WHAT THE ETHNIC MINORITIES ARE REALLY AFTER HERE. HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT, WITH THE AGREEMENT ON RIGHT OF ABODE CONTAINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE ASSURANCES COVERING STATELESSNESS AND THE POSITION OF SOLELY BRITISH NATIONALS FACED WITH PRESSURE TO LEAVE HONG KONG, IT HAS MADE FAIR PROVISION FOR THIS GROUP. MEMBERS OF THE MINORITY COMMUNITIES WHO MEET THE CRITERIA SET OUT IN THE SELECTION SCHEME ORDER 1990* ARE OF COURSE, ABLE TO APPLY FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER THE SCHEME IN THE SAME WAY AS OTHER HONG KONG RESIDENTS. INDEED, I AM SURE THAT MANY HAVE.
MR DEPUTY PRESIDENT, DOES BOTH WE IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE FULLY AND ADEQUATELY CONSIDERED THE POSITION OF THE ETHNIC MINORITIES? I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION REMAINS THE SUREST BASE FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND I AM SATISFIED THAT WE HAVE TAKEN ADEQUATE MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY. THE QUESTION OF BRITISH NATIONALITY IS, AS I HAVE SAID EARLIER, A MATTER FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS MADE ITS POSITION CLEAR. I MUST ADVISE THAT I CONSIDER IT UNLIKELY THAT FURTHER CONCESSIONS WILL BE FORTHCOMING. NEVERTHELESS, I RECOGNISE THE DEPTH OF CONCERN THAT UNDERLIES THE DESIRE TO KEEP TRYING.
NOTE *: THE ORDER MAKES PROVISION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO APPLY FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP UNDER A COMPETITIVE POINTS SYSTEM BASED ON THE APPLICANT’S AGE, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER FACTORS.
------0----------
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
6
BILL SEEKS TO SET UP TRADING FUNDS IN DEPARTMENTS *****
THE TRADING FUNDS BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR THE SUBSEQUENT SETTING UP OF TRADING FUNDS IN CERTAIN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI, EXPLAINED THAT A TRADING FUND WAS A FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENT WHICH WOULD ENABLE A DEPARTMENT TO OPERATE MORE LIKE BUSINESSES, WHERE THIS WAS APPROPRIATE, WHILE REMAINING AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS, MR KWONG SAID.
A DEPARTMENT OPERATING UNDER A TRADING FUND WOULD RECEIVE PAYMENTS FROM ITS CUSTOMERS, IN THE PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SECTOR, FOR SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER A FUND.
SUCH PAYMENTS WOULD BE CREDITED TO THE FUND RATHER THAN TO GENERAL REVENUE.
MR KWONG EXPLAINED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD MEET ITS EXPENDITURE FROM THE FUND, AND IT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BALANCE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE, TAKING ONE YEAR WITH ANOTHER.
"THIS ARRANGEMENT WOULD ENABLE A DEPARTMENT WHICH PROVIDES SERVICES ON A COST-RECOVERY BASIS TO RESPOND TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF ITS FEE-PAYING CLIENTS MORE PROMPTLY," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SUCH A PROMPT REACTION TO CHANGES IN DEMAND WAS INHIBITED BY THE EXISTING SYSTEMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER WHICH FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH FINANCIAL YEAR.
MR KWONG EMPHASISED THAT THE SETTING UP OF TRADING FUNDS WOULD NOT CHANGE THE STATUS OF DEPARTMENTS IN ANY WAY.
"DEPARTMENTS OPERATING UNDER TRADING FUNDS WOULD REMAIN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS; THEIR ASSETS WOULD REMAIN GOVERNMENT ASSETS; THEIR STAFF WOULD REMAIN CIVIL SERVANTS," MR KWONG SAID.
A TRADING FUND WOULD BE ESTABLISHED BY A RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE RESOLUTION WOULD APPROPRIATE TO THE FUND THE ASSETS EMPLOYED IN THE DESIGNATED OPERATIONS AND MAY PROVIDE CASH INJECTIONS BOTH FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND AND FROM THE LOAN FUND.
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND, MR KWONG SAID A CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOULD BE APPOINTED TO CONTROL AND MANAGE EACH TRADING FUND.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOULD ALSO NEED TO DEVISE PROCUREMENT AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS APPROPRIATE TO THE TRADING FUND’S OPERATION, SUBJECT TO ANY DIRECTION THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY ISSUE.
/AS THE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
7
AS THE MAJORITY OF GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES ARE PRESCRIBED BY LAW, ADJUSTMENT TO SUCH FEES AND CHARGES CAN ONLY BE MADE WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL OR BY RESOLUTION OF THIS COUNCIL, MR KWONG SAID.
AND SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY TO A TRADING FUND, HE ADDED.
IF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IS SATISFIED THAT THERE ARE SURPLUS MONEYS IN EXCESS OF REASONABLE FUTURE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FUND, THE BILL PROVIDES THAT HE MAY DIRECT THAT SUCH MONEYS BE TRANSFERRED INTO THE GENERAL REVENUE.
FURTHER, IF FEES AUTHORISED BY AN ORDINANCE ARE STRUCTURED SO AS TO RECOVER MORE THAN THE COST OF A SERVICE PROVIDED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY DIRECT THAT A PROPORTION OF THE FEES COLLECTED BE PAID FROM THE FUND INTO GENERAL REVENUE, MR KWONG SAID.
MR KWONG SAID THE COMPANIES AND LAND REGISTRIES IN THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WERE THE FIRST CANDIDATES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF TRADING FUNDS.
A PROGRAMME FOR IDENTIFYING OTHER DEPARTMENTS SUITABLE FOR TRADING FUND STATUS WOULD BE DEVELOPED SEPARATELY, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT TO REDISTRIBUTE WORK * * * * *
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO GIVE LEGAL EFFECT TO THE RE-DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (ESTABLISHMENT) (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AND REPEAL) BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WAS TO ACHIEVE GREATER EFFICIENCY IN THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
MR EASON NOTED THAT STATUTORY FUNCTIONS WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN TRANSFERRED TO SEPARATE NEW DEPARTMENTS WERE THOSE AT PRESENT PERFORMED BY THE OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT AND THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE.
THE OFFICES OF THE OFFICIAL TRUSTEE, JUDICIAL TRUSTEE AND OFFICIAL SOLICITOR HAD ALSO BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT.
/"THE REMAINDER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
8
"THE REMAINDER OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO NEW STAND-ALONE ENTITIES, THE LAND REGISTRY AND THE COMPANIES REGISTRY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONVEYANCING SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT," MR EASON SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0--------
TRAFFIC BILL WITH GOAL TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE *****
A BILL PROPOSING TO EXEMPT DISABLED DRIVERS FROM PAYING METERED PARKING FEES AND TO REGULATE TRAFFIC FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PURPOSE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1992, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID ALTHOUGH THE TWO PROPOSALS OF THE BILL PROMOTE TWO VASTLY DIFFERENT POLICY OBJECTIVES, THEY DO SHARE A COMMON GOAL: TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF FELLOW CITIZENS.
MRS WONG SAID IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE DISABLED PERSONS WITH WALKING DIFFICULTIES TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROVIDE THEM WITH SPECIAL TRANSPORT SERVICES, AND EXEMPTIONS FROM PAYMENT OF CERTAIN FEES AND DUTIES ON SELF-DRIVEN PRIVATE CARS.
THE FIRST PART OF THE BILL THUS SEEKS TO PROVIDE A PROPER LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE EXEMPTION OF DISABLED DRIVERS FROM THE PAYMENT OF PARKING FEES AT METERED PARKING SPACES, SHE SAID.
"THE EXEMPTION WILL RELIEVE DISABLED DRIVERS FROM THE BURDEN OF HAVING TO RETURN TO THEIR CARS AT REGULAR INTERVALS TO PAY PARKING FEES.
"WE HOPE THAT THIS, AND OTHER CONCESSIONS BEING OFFERED TO DISABLED DRIVERS, WOULD PROVIDE A FURTHER ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THEM TO FULLY INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY," SAID MRS WONG.
THE SECOND PART OF THE BILL EMPOWERS THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO REGULATE TRAFFIC FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
THIS WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO IMPLEMENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC NOISE ON SENSITIVE RECEIVERS.
ONE OF THESE SCHEMES IS THE TSING YI TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TRIAL SCHEME WHICH AIMS TO DIVERT THE FLOW OF HEAVY VEHICLES ON TSING YI ISLAND.
/"THIS SCHEME .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 9 -
"THIS SCHEME WILL RELIEVE THE MAJORITY OF TSING YI RESIDENTS FROM NIGHT-TIME TRAFFIC NOISE AND HAD THE SUPPORT OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD," MRS WONG SAID.
"TO ENSURE THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE FULLY APPRISED, RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL CONSULT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD AGAIN BEFORE THEY FORMALLY LAUNCH THE TRIAL SCHEME."
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0-----------
GOVT ALERT TO SALE OF OVERSEAS PROPERTIES IN HK *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO HELP THE CONSUMER COUNCIL BROADEN CONTACTS WITH MORE OVERSEAS AUTHORITIES ON THE SALE OF OVERSEAS PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, SHE SAID THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD SET UP USEFUL CONTACTS WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES IN THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE.
"BASED ON THE INFORMATION GATHERED FROM THESE AUTHORITIES, THE COUNCIL HAS ISSUED SOME VERY USEFUL GUIDELINES FOR REFERENCE BY PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA," MS YUE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALERT TO THE NEED TO INCREASE INVESTORS’ AWARENESS IN THE PURCHASE OF OVERSEAS PROPERTIES PUT ON SALE IN HONG KONG.
THEREFORE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS RECENTLY, HAD URGED THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE PRUDENCE.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT HAD INVITED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO STEP UP ITS CONSUMER EDUCATION EFFORTS AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO ADDRESS THE OFFER FOR SALE IN HONG KONG OF PROPERTIES IN SOUTHERN CHINA GIVEN THE INCREASING NUMBER OF SUCH OFFERS.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD REPEATEDLY URGED CONSUMERS TO BE AWARE AND, BEFORE PUTTING DOWN THEIR MONEY, TO CHECK THAT THE OVERSEAS PROPERTIES THEY INTEND TO BUY COMPLY WITH THE LOCAL REGULATORY AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.
"A BUYER MUST FIND OUT CLEARLY WHAT IT IS THAT HE IS BUYING BEFORE HE ENTERS INTO A COMMITMENT.
/"THE COUNCIL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 10 -
"THE COUNCIL PLANS TO OFFER FURTHER GUIDELINES IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF ’CHOICE’. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND PROSPECTIVE BUYERS TO READ THESE CAREFULLY BEFORE ACTING,” MS YUE SAID.
AS THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD DEVELOPED GOOD CONTACTS WITH MANY CONSUMER PROTECTION BUREAUS OVERSEAS AND AS IT WAS DOING A VERY EFFECTIVE JOB TO ENHANCE CONSUMER AWARENESS, THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY AT THIS STAGE TO DISCUSS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES, SHE SAID.
------0--------
TRAINING FOR EDUCATORS TO TACKLE POTENTIAL STUDENT SUICIDES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY PROVIDED SPECIAL TRAINING FOR HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS IN CHARGE OF DISCIPLINE FOLLOWING THE INCREASING NUMBERS OF STUDENT SUICIDES, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC TRAINING IN CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND STUDENT COUNSELLING PROVIDED TO TEACHERS BY THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ELSIE TU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAN SAID THE SPECIAL TRAINING TOOK THE FORM OF A SERIES OF SEMINARS, CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS HELD BETWEEN JUNE THIS YEAR AND FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
THESE INCLUDE FIVE SEMINARS FOR TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS; A WORKSHOP ON ADOLESCENT SUICIDE FOR PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS OF SCHOOLS THAT HAD EXPERIENCED FATAL SUICIDE CASES AND 12 REGIONAL TEACHER DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS FOR BOTH GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE A CONFERENCE AND TRAINING WORKSHOP ON THE ADOLESCENT SUICIDE AWARENESS PROGRAMME (ASAP) FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED IN TEACHER TRAINING; AND 10 TRAINING SESSIONS AND FOUR TRAINING WORKSHOPS ON ASAP FOR TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS OF ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
"THE AIM OF THE VARIOUS COURSES IS TO ENABLE EACH PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOL IN HONG KONG TO HAVE AT LEAST TWO TEACHERS, OR ONE PRINCIPAL AND ONE TEACHER, TRAINED SPECIFICALLY IN IDENTIFYING AND HANDLING POTENTIAL STUDENT SUICIDE CASES AND PREVENTING SUICIDES FROM HAPPENING," MR CHAN SAID.
------0----------
/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
-II-
NO DECISION ON RAIL LINK TO TSEUNG KWAN O
*****
NO DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO LINK THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR) TO TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND THE QUESTION OF DELAY IN COMPLETION DOES NOT ARISE.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THIS IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON GILBERT LEUNG KAM-HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID WHETHER AND WHEN THE MTR COULD BE EXTENDED TO TSEUNG KWAN O WAS BEING CONSIDERED IN THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STUDY ALONG WITH OTHER POSSIBLE RAILWAY PROJECTS.
HE SAID THE STUDY WOULD INCLUDE A PRELIMINARY INDICATION OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O PROJECT’S FINANCIAL VIABILITY AND ITS RESULTS SHOULD BE READY BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
"IT IS PREMATURE AT THIS STAGE TO CONSIDER ANY FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS UNLESS AND UNTIL A DECISION IS TAKEN TO PROCEED,” HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
GENERAL APPROACH OF ECR5 WARMLY SUPPORTED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAD AT PRESENT COMPLETED ITS ASSESSMENT OF ALL THE WRITTEN COMMENTS ON ITS FIFTH REPORT (ECR5) FROM 103 EDUCATIONAL GROUPS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW, MR CHAN SAID THE SUBMISSIONS COVERED MORE THAN 520 PAGES OF TEXT.
’’VIRTUALLY ALL SUBMISSIONS SUPPORTED THE GENERAL APPROACH OF ECR5," HE SAID. ’’INDEED, MANY EXPRESSED VERY WARM SUPPORT.”
AN ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT SOME WANT FASTER PROGRESS AND SOME EVEN WANTED MORE IMPROVEMENTS.
MANY EXPRESSED VIEWS ON DETAILS OF IMPLEMENTATION, WHICH WILL PROVIDE HELPFUL REFERENCES FOR THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS, ONCE THEY BECOME APPROVED POLICY.
THERE WERE ALSO SOME WHO WONDERED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS ABLE AND WILLING TO PROVIDE THE RESOURCES TO FUND THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS.
MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MAKING A START NEXT YEAR ON A NUMBER OF MEASURES ARISING FROM ECR5.
/"THIS DEMONSTRATES .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 12 -
"THIS DEMONSTRATES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING HONG KONG WITH THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION WE NEED TO SUSTAIN OUR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTO THE NEXT CENTURY,” HE SAID.
"THE REMAINING ECR5 PROPOSALS, TOGETHER WITH ONE FURTHER RECOMMENDATION ARISING FROM THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION, WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
"I HOPE THAT DECISIONS WILL BE REACHED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR," MR CHAN SAID.
------0-------
BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO DETAILED INSPECTION
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID ABOUT 5,000 PRIVATE BUILDINGS HAD BEEN SUBJECT TO FULL AND DETAILED INSPECTION BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON YEUNG-SUM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE SAID REPAIRS WERE UNDERTAKEN WHERE NECESSARY.
MR EASON SAID THESE BUILDINGS WERE AMONG THE 16,700 CLASSIFIED AS CATEGORY II BUILDINGS IN A BOO SURVEY IN 1989 AND 1990 WHICH COVERED 55,000 PRIVATE BUILDINGS SURVEYED EXTERNALLY FOR CLASSIFICATION INTO THREE CATEGORIES.
CATEGORY I BUILDINGS WERE THOSE FOUND TO BE IN A CONDITION REQUIRING EARLY ACTION. THERE WERE 210 OF THEM AND ALL HAVE EITHER BEEN DEMOLISHED OR REPAIRED.
CATEGORY II WERE THOSE REQUIRING DETAILED INSPECTION.
THE REMAINING 38,590 BUILDINGS WERE PUT IN CATEGORY III.
"THIS MEANT THEY’ WERE UNLIKELY TO REQUIRE MAJOR REPAIR WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS," HE SAID.
MR EASON STRESSED THAT THE CATEGORISATION WAS INTENDED PURELY TO INDICATE PRIORITIES FOR FURTHER WORK BY THE BOO.
HE SAID: "INCLUSION OF A BUILDING IN CATEGORY II DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT.
"INCLUSION IN CATEGORY III DOES NOT MEAN A BUILDING DOES NOT REQUIRE REGULAR INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
"WHEN THE TURN OF A CATEGORY’ II BUILDING COMES FOR INSPECTION, EITHER BY BOO STAFF OR AN AUTHORISED PERSON, THE OWNERS WILL OF COURSE BE NOTIFIED."
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 13 -
MR EASON SAID INSPECTION OF THE REMAINING BUILDINGS IN CATEGORY II WAS CONTINUING.
THE RECENT ENACTMENT OF BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1992, WHICH EMPOWERED THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE OWNERS OF BUILDINGS IN SUSPECT CONDITION TO HAVE THEIR BUILDINGS INVESTIGATED BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON, WOULD HELP SPEED THIS PROCESS UP BY REDUCING RELIANCE ON THE BOO TO COMPLETE IT, HE ADDED.
----0---------
INFORMATION ON POLICE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS RELEASED ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING POLICE VEHICLES WAS 887 IN 1990, 858 IN 1991 AND 689 IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN 1990, 11 PERSONS WERE INJURED IN 10 INCIDENTS INVOLVING INJURIES TO PEDESTRIANS.
THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR 1991 AND THE FIRST 10 MONTHS THIS YEAR WERE 16 PERSONS IN 15 INCIDENTS AND 17 PERSONS IN 17 INCIDENTS RESPECTIVELY, MR STRACHAN,SA ID.
DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS ONE PEDESTRIAN DIED AS A RESULT OF A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING \ POLICE VEHICLE.
------0-------
CHANNELS FOR COMPLAINTS ON OVERSEAS PROPERTIES ADVERTISEMENTS
CONSUMERS MAY REFER COMPLAINTS AGAINST ALLEGEDLY FALSE ADVERTISEMENTS ON OVERSEAS PROPERTIES TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO SEE WHETHER IT CAN VERIFY THE CONTENTS.
THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN KEE, MISS YUE SAID THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD GOOD CONTACTS WITH ITS OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS.
IT IS DEVELOPING NEW CONTACTS WITH RELEVANT AUTHORITIES IN GUANGDONG AND NEIGHBOURING SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES, SHE ADDED.
/HAVING COLLECTED ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
HAVING COLLECTED THE NECESSARY EVIDENCE, THE COUNCIL MAY EXPOSE THE CASE TO ENHANCE CONSUMER AWARENESS AND REFER IT TO RELEVANT PARTIES FOR ACTION.
WHERE THE TRANSACTION OF OVERSEAS PROPERTIES TAKES PLACE IN HONG KONG AND MONEY IS OBTAINED FROM THE PURCHASER BY DECEPTION AND IN CIRCUMSTANCES OF DISHONESTY, THERE IS A POSSIBLE CRIMINAL SANCTION UNDER THE THEFT ORDINANCE.
MS YUE SAID CONSUMERS MIGHT REFER RELEVANT CASES TO THE POLICE FOR ACTION.
IF THE ADVERTISEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH OVERSEAS PROPERTIES SUGGEST THAT THE PURCHASE IS FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES, THEY WILL FALL WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE PROTECTION OF INVESTORS ORDINANCE.
"CONSUMERS MAY REFER THESE ALLEGEDLY FALSE ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION FOR ACTION," SHE SAID.
"THERE MAY BE A CIVIL CLAIM IN A MISREPRESENTATION OR DECEIT RELATING TO PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS UNDER COMMON LAW AND THE MISREPRESENTATION ORDINANCE," SHE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
EXPANSION PLANS FOR HUNG HOM STATION
*****
THERE ARE PLANS TO EXPAND THE IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS FACILITIES AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HE SAID A CONTRACT FOR THE AIR-CONDITIONING OF THE CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION HALL AT THE STATION HAD BEEN LET.
HE ADDED THAT WORK WOULD BE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION WILL CONSIDER RELEASING PART OF THE RAILWAY PODIUM CONCOURSE TO PROVIDE ROOM FOR FOUR MORE IMMIGRATION COUNTERS ON COMPLETION OF THE NEW SOUTH EXIT IN LATE 1994.
APART FROM THESE SHORT-TERM MEASURES, MR STRACHAN SAID THE CORPORATION WAS REVIEWING ALL ITS THROUGH TRAIN FACILITIES, INCLUDING QUEUING AREAS, WAITING AREAS, AND IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS FACILITIES.
"THIS REVIEW SHOULD BE COMPLETED AROUND THE BEGINNING OF 1994," HE ADDED.
- - 0 -
/15
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
15
GOVT COMMITS TO PROMOTING USE OF ELECTRONIC DATA TRANSFER ♦ ♦ » * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PURSUE THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DELIVERING INFORMATION STORED IN, AND OUTPUT FROM, COMPUTERS TO ITS USERS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROGER LUK KOON-HOO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
”FOR EXAMPLE, THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DATA TRANSFER IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE TRADING COMMUNITY,” MR KWONG SAID.
HE SAID ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE FACILITIES WERE BEING DEVELOPED TO ENABLE THE PROCESSING OF TEXTILE EXPORT LICENCE APPLICATIONS AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE DECLARATIONS ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH DIRECT COMPUTER LINKS WITH TRADERS.
’’THE USE OF IMAGING TECHNOLOGY AS AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF ELECTRONIC OUTPUT/STORAGE IS ALSO BEING PURSUED BY GOVERNMENT,” MR KWONG SAID.
SUCH SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.
HE ADDED THAT PROJECTS WERE ALSO IN THE PIPELINE FOR THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT, THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
NO PLANS TO SUBSIDISE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS’ PAY ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO SUBSIDISE DIRECTLY A PORTION OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS’ REMUNERATION NOR WILL IT BRING KINDERGARTENS INTO THE AMBIT OF SUBSIDISED EDUCATION AT THE PRESENT TIME.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOIN CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS TO ENABLE ALL TO HAVE ACCESS TO KINDERGARTENS BY PROVIDING FEE REMISSION TO THOSE WHO NEED IT AND BY SUBSIDISING THE RENT AND RATES OF NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS.
’’THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME IS BEING IMPROVED TO ALLOW MORE PARENTS TO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, THEREBY MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE OPERATORS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR TEACHERS,” HE SAID.
/MR CHAN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
16
MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER THE NEED FOR LEGISLATION TO ACHIEVE A MINIMUM PROPORTION OF TRAINED TEACHERS.
AT PRESENT, THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE REQUIRES THE PRINCIPAL OF A KINDERGARTEN TO BE A QUALIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHER OR ITS EQUIVALENT.
KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED TEACHERS OR PERMITTED TEACHERS AS STIPULATED IN THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS.
THEY ARE REQUIRED TO POSSESS EITHER A TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE; A CERTIFICATE OF STATUS AS "QUALIFIED TEACHER”, "QUALIFIED KINDERGARTEN TEACHER" (QKT) OR "QUALIFIED ASSISTANT KINDERGARTEN TEACHER" (QAKT); OR A FULL-TIME SECONDARY EDUCATION OF APPROVED DURATION, WHICH IS THREE YEARS AT PRESENT.
STATISTICS SHOW THAT 1,255 QKTS SERVED IN KINDERGARTENS IN 1990/91 AND 1,105 IN 1989/90. THE NUMBER OF QAKTS WAS 1,779 IN 1990/91 AND 1,826 IN 1989/90.
THE WASTAGE RATES FOR QKTS WERE 119 IN 1990/91 AND 122 IN 1989,'d0, WHILE THAT FOR QAKTS WERE 243 IN 1990/91 AND 246 IN 1989/90.
THE EXISTING SALARY SCALE FOR A QKT IS FROM $9,305 TO $14,220; AND THAT FOR QAKT IS FROM $5,995 TO $9,875.
AS REGARDS TRAINING, MR CHAN SAID 196 TEACHERS ENROLLED IN TWO-YEAR PART-TIME COURSES FOR QKT IN 1991/92, AS COMPARED WITH 281 IN 1990/91 AND 237 IN 1989/90.
IN ADDITION, 483 TEACHERS ENROLLED IN THE 12 TO 16-WEEK PART-TIME COURSES FOR QAKT IN 1991/92, WHILE 378 ENROLLED IN 1990/91 AND 289 IN 1989/90.
- - 0 - -
MEASURES TO TACKLE ILLEGAL PARKING
*****
MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO REDUCE ILLEGAL PARKING AND TO ALLEVIATE ANY OBSTRUCTION OR ROAD SAFETY RISKS IT MAY CAUSE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MEASURES INCLUDE:
* USING VACANT GOVERNMENT LAND FOR PARKING, UNDER SHORT-TERM TENANCIES;
* DESIGNATING NIGHT-ONLY ON-STREET GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES AT SUITABLE LOCATIONS IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS WHERE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS PERMIT;
* INCLUDING APPROPRIATE PARKING STANDARDS IN THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF PRIVATE LOTS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE PROVISION OF PARKING SPACES;
/* ERECTING RAILINGS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
17
* ERECTING RAILINGS AND BARRIERS TO DETER PARKING ON FOOTPATHS IN AREAS WHERE THIS IS A PARTICULAR PROBLEM, AND ON STEEP ROADS WHERE ILLEGAL PARKING MAY BE A SAFETY HAZARD; AND
* CONSIDERING AN INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR ILLEGAL PARKING SO AS TO MAINTAIN THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE WOULD ALWAYS TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING IN SITUATIONS WHERE EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS MIGHT BE AFFECTED, OR WHERE ILLEGAL PARKING POSED A DANGER TO LIFE OR PROPERTY.
IN OTHER CASES, HE SAID, THE GENERAL ENFORCEMENT POLICY MUST BE A MATTER OF POLICE PRIORITIES.
- - 0 - -
EFFORTS TO ENHANCE POLITICAL AWARENESS
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SUEN SAID LAST YEAR THE GOVERNMENT SPENT $15.91 MILLION IN PROMOTING VOTER REGISTRATION AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ELECTIONS.
PROMOTION ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A WIDE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK FOR VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS, AND EXTENSIVE HOME, OFFICE AND FACTORY VISITS.
THERE WERE ALSO LARGE-SCALE PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS AT BOTH CENTRAL AND DISTRICT LEVELS, SUCH AS BROADCASTING OF ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, SCREENING OF SLIDES AT CINEMAS, DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS, PUBLICATION OF PRESS ADVERTISEMENTS, ORGANISATION OF CANDIDATE FORUMS FOR EVERY CONSTITUENCY AND THEIR BROADCAST ON TELEVISION AND RADIO.
IN ADDITION, MR SUEN SAID SPECIAL EFFORTS WAS TARGETED AT CULTIVATING PROPER UNDERSTANDING AND INTEREST IN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE.
ELEMENTS OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT ARE INCORPORATED IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULA FOR SUBJECTS LIKE SOCIAL STUDIES, ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS.
STUDENTS ARE ALSO EDUCATED ON THIS THROUGH SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
/TO HEI
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 18 -
TO HELP SCHOOLS ARRANGE THE PROGRAMMES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED A SET OF GUIDELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ORGANISED INSERVICE COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS AND PROVIDED SCHOOLS WITH TEACHING KIT AND PAMPHLETS ON TOPICS LIKE ELECTIONS, THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
CIVIC EDUCATION BODIES ESTABLISHED UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAD BEEN ACTIVE IN SUPPLEMENTING THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR SUEN ADDED.
HE CITED EXAMPLES OF A SERIES OF PROMOTION ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING EXHIBITIONS, STALL GAMES, STUDENT WORKSHOPS AND CARNIVALS, ORGANISED BY THESE ORGANISATIONS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE TERRITORY’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
------0--------
REVIEW OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES COMPLETED *****
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY COMPLETED A REVIEW OF THE DRUG ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN JUNE THIS YEAR FOLLOWING AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT IN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
AS A RESULT, A SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING THE SYSTEM WAS ANNOUNCED.
THESE INCLUDED REQUIRING PUBLIC HOSPITALS TO REVIEW AND DRAW UP GUIDELINES ON DRUG PRESCRIPTION SUPPLY, STORAGE AND ADMINISTRATION; TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD REPORTING MECHANISM/FORMAT TO COLLECT STATISTICS OF MEDICATION ERROR AND TO SET UP HOSPITAL DRUG COMMITTEES IN ALL HOSPITALS TO FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT DRUG ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES AND TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MEDICATION ERROR.
THESE ALSO INCLUDED REQUIRING PUBLIC HOSPITAL TO REPLACE DRUG TROLLEYS WITH SEPARATE RECEPTACLES FOR INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS; AND TO SET UP A CENTRAL PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE REVIEW.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID A BOARD OF INQUIRY HAD ALSO CONDUCTED A FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THE CASE AND CONCLUDED THAT MEDICATION HAD BEEN WRONGLY BUT UNINTENTIONALLY ADMINISTERED TO TWO BABIES BY A NURSE.
/SHE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
19
SHE ..SAID THE NURSE CONCERNED HAD RESIGNED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE A0D THE NURSING BOARD IS EXAMINING THE CASE UNDER THE NURSE (REGISTRAT/ON AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS TO SEE WHETHER IT SHOULD GO FOR A DISCIPLINARY INQUIRY.
"IN THIS LIGHT, I AM ADVISED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS THAT IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO MAKE PUBLIC AT THIS STAGE DETAILS OF THE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD REPORT CONCERNING THE ACTIONS OF THE NURSE," MRS WONG SAID.
- - 0 - -
HIKING ROUTES CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO IMPROVE SAFETY
*****
DURING THE DESIGN OF HIKING TRAILS, LOCATIONS THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS ARE IDENTIFIED AND MEASURES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN TO IMPROVE SAFETY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG, MR EASON SAID AS A PART OF THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF THE COUNTRY PARKS, IF POTENTIAL HAZARDS WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE PARK STAFF, ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN TO REMOVE THE HAZARD OR PROVIDE WARNINGS.
EIGHT FATAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVING COUNTRYSIDE VISITORS HAD OCCURRED IN THE PAST THREE YEARS. OF THEM, FIVE WERE DROWNING, TWO FALLING AND ONE SUNSTROKE.
THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAS INVESTIGATED THE CAUSE OF EACH ACCIDENT OCCURRING IN THE COUNTRY PARKS, MR EASON SAID.
"NORMALLY, WHERE A HAZARD IS IDENTIFIED WHICH CANNOT BE REMOVED OR FENCED OFF, SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO WARN VISITORS," HE ADDED.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THIS WAS DONE AFTER A FATAL ACCIDENT ON FEI NGOR SHAN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE MESSAGE OF COUNTRYSIDE SAFETY HAD ALREADY BEEN WIDELY PUBLICISED.
A BILINGUAL BOOKLET ENTITLED 'STEPPING OUT - A GUIDE TO OUTDOOR RECREATION IN HONG KONG", WHICH PROVIDES SAFETY ADVICE TO VISITORS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE, IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FREE.
Mr, EASON SAID SAFETY MESSAGES WERE ALSO INCLUDED IN LEAFLETS SHOWING HIKING ROUTES AND IN ADVERTISEMENTS SHOWN REGULARLY ON TELEVISION.
/"TO STEP
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
20
”TO STEP UP RECENTLY ASKED HIKING
"FOR EXAMPLE, ACTIVITIES HAS SET UP DISTRIBUTES LEAFLETS CENTRES," HE ADDED.
PUBLICITY, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAS GROUPS TO HELP PROMOTE THE SAFETY MESSAGE.
THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF COUNTRYSIDE A MOBILE DISPLAY ON COUNTRYSIDE SAFETY AND TO THE PUBLIC AT THE COUNTRY PARK VISITOR
---------0-----------
DATA PROTECTION PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED SOON *****
AN INTERIM REPORT ON DATA PROTECTION WILL BE PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND THE RELATED LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY 1994.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROGER LUK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR SUEN SAID THE WORKING GROUP ON DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION UNDER HIS CHAIRMANSHIP HAD EXAMINED THE DATA PROTECTION LAWS IN FORCE IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES.
THESE COUNTRIES INCLUDED CANADA, FINLAND, GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, SWEDEN, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO ASSESS THEIR APPLICABILITY TO HONG KONG.
"WE HAVE FURTHER DELIBERATED ON THE FEATURES TO BE EMBODIED IN A LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG, AS WELL AS THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROTECTION SCHEME, SUCH AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DATA PROTECTION AUTHORITY," HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID OTHER ASPECTS CURRENTLY UNDER EXAMINATION INCLUDED LEGAL SANCTIONS AGAINST BREACHES OF DATA PROTECTION PROVISIONS; POSSIBLE EXEMPTIONS FROM COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES.
ON THE WORK PROGRESS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S PRIVACY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR SUEN SAID IT HAD BEEN EXAMINING THE PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION IN RECORDED FORM.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE WERE BROADER THAN THOSE OF THE WORKING GROUP, NOT BEING RESTRICTED TO AUTOMATED DATA, HE SAID.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD SO FAR HELD 46 MEETINGS AND INTENDED TO PUBLISH ITS INTERIM REPORT ON DATA PROTECTION FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
TO ENSURE THAT THE WORK OF THE DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION WORKING GROUP AND THE PRIVACY SUB-COMMITTEE IS CO-ORDINATED, HE SAID TWO MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN APPOINTED AS MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE FROM THE OUTSET, AND THAT THE SECRETARIES OF THE TWO GROUPS MAINTAINED REGULAR LIAISON.
/THE PROPOSALS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 21 -
THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE PRIVACY SUB-COMMITTEE FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE WILL SERVE AS A USEFUL FRAMEWORK ON WHICH THE WORKING GROUP WILL FINALISE ITS DELIBERATIONS AND DEVISE AN APPROPRIATE SYSTEM OF DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION FOR HONG KONG, AFTER HAVING DUE REGARD TO TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND OTHER CONSTRAINTS, HE SAID.
"THE WORKING GROUP HOPES TO PRESENT DRAFT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO THIS COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION IN EARLY 1994,” HE SAID
WHEN ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY EVIDENCE THAT EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WILL REFUSE TO EXCHANGE DATA WITH HONG KONG IF IT DID NOT HAVE ITS OWN DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION, MR SUEN SAID THE WORKING GROUP WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY SUCH INSTANCES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COMMISSION’S REVISED DRAFT DIRECTIVE ON DATA PROTECTION OF OCTOBER 15, THIS YEAR ENVISAGED RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF PERSONAL DATA TO THIRD COUNTRIES WHICH ’LACK AN ADEQUATE LEVEL OF PROTECTION’.
ALTHOUGH THE CURRENT DEADLINE FOR ADOPTION OF THE DIRECTIVE WAS JULY 1, 1994, MR SUEN SAID THE COMMISSION HAD FURTHER PROPOSED TO GIVE AN ADDITIONAL TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF NO LONGER THAN TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS FOR PROCESSING OPERATIONS WHICH BEGAN BEFORE THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE DIRECTIVE.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE STRESSED THAT THE TIMING OF HONG KONG’S PLANNED INTRODUCTION OF DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION WAS IN ALIGNMENT WITH THAT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY DIRECTIVE.
---------0-----------
BOUNDARIES BETWEEN HK AND * *
GUANGDONG BEING NEGOTIATED * t *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING WITH THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO ARRIVE AT AN AGREED BOUNDARY OF ADMINISTRATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG WHICH WILL BE RECOGNISED BY BOTH SIDES AND OPERATED BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY SAID THE BOUNDARIES OF HONG KONG AS DEFINED IN CHAPTER 1, INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE, HAD NOT BEEN ALTERED OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS.
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/22 .......
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PROMPT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL REPOSSESSION OF BUILDINGS *****
THE POLICE HAVE TAKEN PROMPT ACTION TO HELP RESIDENTS WHEN CASES OF TRIAD SYNDICATES ATTEMPTING TO RECOVER POSSESSION OF BUILDINGS THROUGH INTIMIDATION TACTICS ARE REPORTED, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE MEASURES HAD BEEN EFFECTIVE IN CURBING THE OCCURRENCE OF SUCH INCIDENTS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG, MR STRACHAN SAID ON RECEIVING SUCH TYPE OF COMPLAINTS OR REPORTS, THE POLICE WOULD CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER ANY OFFENCE HAD BEEN COMMITTED.
OFFENCES MAY INCLUDE CRIMINAL INTIMIDATION, BLACKMAIL, CRIMINAL DAMAGE OR ASSAULT.
CASE ENQUIRIES INCLUDED A BACKGROUND EXAMINATION OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED AND CHECKS ON WHETHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS, IN WHICH THE LANDLORD HAD ATTEMPTED TO REPOSSESS THE PREMISES, HAD BEEN REPORTED BEFORE.
"CONSIDERATION IS ALSO GIVEN TO POSSIBLE OFFENCES UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES FOR OFFENCES INVOLVING HARASSMENT AND UNLAWFUL EVICTION OF TENANTS," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID IN APPROPRIATE CASES, CHARGES WOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST THOSE SUSPECTED BY THE POLICE TO HAVE COMMITTED OFFENCES.
IF THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY OFFENCE, THE POLICE WOULD REFER THE CASE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION WITH A VIEW TO SETTLING THE DISPUTE BY MEDIATION, HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
ARRANGEMENTS TO DEAL WITH AIR-CONDITIONING NUISANCES SATISFACTORY *****
THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS TO DEAL WITH NUISANCES IN COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS ARE CONSIDERED SATISFACTORY AND THERE IS NO NEED FOR REVIEW AT PRESENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
- 23 -
HE SAID THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE EMPOWERED THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (USD) AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (RSD) TO DEAL WITH NUISANCES ARISING FROM THE IMPROPER FUNCTIONING OF AIR-CONDITIONERS WHILE NOISE NUISANCES WERE DEALT WITH BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE.
A TOTAL OF 4,678 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED BY USD AND RSD LAST YEAR.
THE MAJORITY OF THESE COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT WATER DRIPPING FROM AIR-CONDITIONERS WITH ONLY ONE REGARDING INSULATION, MR EASON SAID.
------0--------
MORE MEASURES TO AVERT DEBRIS FALLING FROM EXPRESSWAYS *****
ADDITIONAL MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO PREVENT DEBRIS FALLING FROM THE VIADUCTS OF EXPRESSWAYS IN TSUEN WAN AND SHAM TSENG.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MEASURES INCLUDED INSTALLING ONE-METRE-HIGH METAL PANELS ON TOP OF THE EXISTING 0.8-METRE-HIGH CONCRETE PARAPETS ON THE VIADUCT ABOVE HING SHING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN TSUEN WAN AND 1.8-METRE-HIGH ALUMINIUM BOARDS AT THE EDGES OF THE VIADUCT ABOVE SHAM TSENG.
THE FREQUENCY OF ROAD SWEEPING ABOVE THE TWO LOCATIONS WOULD ALSO BE INCREASED, HE ADDED.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO EXISTING MEASURES BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TO VACUUM SWEEP ALL EXPRESSWAYS THREE TIMES A WEEK TO REMOVE ANY DEBRIS.
MR LEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE POLICE REGULARLY PATROLLED ALL MAJOR ROADS AND EXPRESSWAYS AND TOOK ACTION AGAINST VEHICLES CARRYING INSECURE LOADS.
"DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 3,908 DRIVERS WERE PROSECUTED FOR THIS OFFENCE,” HE SAID.
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/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
24
MOST LOCAL MAIL DELIVERED WITHIN TARGET TIME *****
NINETY-SEVEN PER CENT OF LOCAL MAIL ITEMS MEET THE TARGET DELIVERY TIME WHICH IS DELIVERY BY THE NEXT WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN 1989, 96 PER CENT OF LOCAL MAIL MET THE STANDARD.
HOWEVER, THE TARGET DOES NOT APPLY TO POSTINGS MADE IN BULK WHICH MAY TAKE LONGER TO PROCESS AND DELIVER.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG, MRS CHAN SAID ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS STANDARD WAS MEASURED BY A DEDICATED TEAM WITHIN THE POST OFFICE, SELECTING SAMPLE MAIL BAGS FOR INSPECTION.
"TO IMPROVE FURTHER ON DELIVERY TIMES, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL IS CONSIDERING THE POSSIBLE PROCUREMENT OF PACKET SORTING MACHINES," MRS CHAN SAID.
AS AT THE END OF OCTOBER, 1,684 DELIVERY POSTMEN WERE DFILOYED.
- - 0 - -
MOTION ON RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM PASSED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION ON A COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM AFTER A TWO-AND-A-HALF HOUR DEBATE.
TWENTY-THREE MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION PROPOSED BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG. THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
THE MOTION READ: "THIS COUNCIL TAKES NOTE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS IN THE CONSULTATION PAPER "A COMMUNITY-WIDE RETIREMENT PROTECTION SCHEME" AND URGES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS OR TO SUGGEST ALTERNATIVES BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ON 31ST JANUARY 1993."
ANOTHER MOTION ON NATIONALITY OF ETHNIC MINORITIES MOVED BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR WAS ALSO PASSED. AN AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION MOVED BY THE HON RONALD ARCULLI WAS DEFEATED.
TEN MEMBERS DEBATED THE MOTION. THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
THREE BILLS - TRADING FUNDS BILL, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1992 AND REGISTRAR GENERAL (ESTABLISHMENT) (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS AND REPEAL) BILL - WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
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/25
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
25
APPLICATIONS TO IMPORT SKILLED WORKERS INVITED
*****
PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED FROM EMPLOYERS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF ABOUT 13,000 WORKERS UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME FROM FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 20).
THEY ARE TO REPLACE THE FOREIGN WORKERS WHO WERE IMPORTED IN 1990 AND ARE DUE TO LEAVE HONG KONG IN BATCHES UPON THE EXPIRY OF THEIR CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT NEXT YEAR.
THE DECISION TO RECYCLE THE RELEVANT QUOTAS FOLLOWS A GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF THE LABOUR MARKET SITUATION WHICH HAS TIGHTENED UP AGAIN IN RECENT MONTHS.
"HOWEVER, IT MUST BE STRESSED THAT THE CEILING OF 25,000 WORKERS THAT CAN BE IMPORTED AT ANY ONE TIME WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE SCHEME, EMPLOYERS MAY APPLY TO BRING IN TECHNICIANS, CRAFTSMEN, SUPERVISORS AND EXPERIENCED OPERATIVES.
ANY EMPLOYERS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH QUOTAS EXPIRING IN 1993, MAY APPROACH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR DISTRICT OFFICES ON FRIDAY WHEN APPLICATION FORMS, INFORMATION PAMPHLETS, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND A LIST OF PRINCIPAL JOB TITLES IN EACH INDUSTRY (WITH ALLOWABLE MONTHLY WAGE LEVELS) ARE AVAILABLE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 11, 1992.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES.
"INTERESTED EMPLOYERS MUST REGISTER THEIR VACANCIES WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BY COMPLETING A FORM LD295 IN DUPLICATE," HE SAID.
"THIS FORM SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TOGETHER WITH THE PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FORM TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL IN TURN FORWARD A COPY TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR THE REGISTRATION OF VACANCIES."
JOB SEEKERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT ARE ALSO ADVISED TO APPROACH THE LES OFFICE FOR HELP.
THE LES WILL ATTEMPT TO ASSIST THEM AND REFER THEM TO THE RELEVANT EMPLOYERS FOR INTERVIEW FOR SUITABLE JOBS.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY SHOULD NOT EMPLOY FOREIGN WORKERS WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION.
/"THERE CAN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
26
THERE CAN BE ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION OF AN AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS," HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ON IMMIGRATION-RELATED MATTERS MAY BE MADE TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 829 3220 AND 829 3225.
ENQUIRIES ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT MAY BE MADE ON 852 4158.
---------0------------
BILL AIMS TO SET UP INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
*****
A BILL SEEKS TO SET UP THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AS A STATUTORY CORPORATION WILL SOON BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE OBJECT OF THE CORPORATION WOULD BE TO HELP PROMOTE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"THE SETTING UP OF THE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE DEMONSTRATES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO, AND SUPPORT FOR, INDUSTRIAL UPGRADING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE PURPOSE OF SETTING UP A STATUTORY CORPORATION WAS TO GIVE THE CENTRE AN APPROPRIATE STATUS, IN LINE WITH THAT OF OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY SUPPORT AGENICES.
"THE BILL GIVES THE CORPORATION FLEXIBILITY IN ITS OPERATIONS WHILE PROVIDING ADEQUATE FINANCIAL AND OTHER CONTROLS."
THE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WILL PROVIDE AN "INCUBATION" SERVICE FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS, ACCOMMODATION FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED BUSINESSES AND OTHER SERVICES TO HELP TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.
WORK ON CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTRE HAS ALREADY BEGUN AT A SITE IN KOWLOON TONG AND IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1994.
THE FUNDING OF THE CENTRE IS MET BY A $250 MILLION GRANT AND A $188 MILLION LOAN FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
PENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATUTORY CORPORATION, THE PREPARATORY WORK IS TAKEN BY THE PROVISIONAL HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE COMPANY.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE COMPANY TO BE DISSOLVED WHEN THE CORPORATION IS SET UP.
THE BILL WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 20) AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 2.
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/27........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
27
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO REGULATION OF TRUST COMPANIES
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO MAKE PROVISIONS IN THE TRUSTEE ORDINANCE ON THE REGISTRATION AND REGULATION OF TRUST COMPANIES MORE UP-TO-DATE AND EFFECTIVE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 20),
EXPLAINING THE AMENDMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "HAVING RECENTLY REVIEWED PART VIII OF THE ORDINANCE, WE HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT SOME PROVISIONS HAVE BECOME OUTDATED OVER THE YEARS AND AMENDMENTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO CERTAIN OTHER PROVISIONS TO ENHANCE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS.
"A COMPANY IS ELIGIBLE TO BE REGISTERED AS A TRUST COMPANY IF IT MEETS THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS UNDER SECTION 77(2) OF THE ORDINANCE.
"AT PRESENT, HOWEVER, IT IS NOT CLEAR IF THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES HAS THE AUTHORITY TO TAKE EFFECTIVE ACTION IF, ONCE IT IS REGISTERED, A TRUST COMPANY CEASES TO COMPLY WITH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS. THIS IS UNDESIRABLE.
"WE PROPOSE TO AMEND SECTION 77 TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THEY ARE CONTINUING REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE FOR DEFAULT FINES," HE SAID.
AT PRESENT A REGISTERED TRUST COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM ISSUED AND FULLY PAID-UP SHARE CAPITAL OF $1 MILLION AND ADDITIONALLY, TO MAKE CERTAIN DEPOSITS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES UP TO $500,000.
THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE 1975.
"WE PROPOSE TO ADJUST THE FIGURES TO $3 MILLION AND $1.5 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
"IN KEEPING WITH SOUND COMMERCIAL PRACTICE, A TRUST COMPANY SHOULD ALSO BE ALLOWED TO PROVIDE THE DEPOSIT BY WAY OF A BANK GUARANTEE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO TRANSFERS TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL CERTAIN POWERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS BY TRUST COMPANIES.
"IN EXERCISING THESE POWERS, RELATING TO SECTIONS 4(3), 91(1)(B) AND 91(3) OF THE ORDINANCE, TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE PARAMOUNT.
"IT IS THEREFORE APPROPRIATE FOR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO BE THE DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/SECTION 95 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
28
SECTION 95 CURRENTLY PROVIDES AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL MAY APPOINT AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF A TRUST COMPANY. THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT IS MADE TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
"AS THESE ARE USUALLY FINANCIAL MATTERS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE, WE PROPOSE THAT THESE POWERS SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
"THIS WILL ALSO BRING THE PROVISIONS INTO LINE WITH SIMILAR POWERS TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF A COMPANY CONFERRED ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY UNDER SECTION 142 AND 143 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME THE BILL SPECIFIES CLEARLY THE GROUNDS ON WHICH AN INSPECTOR MAY BE APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF A TRUST COMPANY, SUCH AS IF THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT A TRUST COMPANY HAS COMMITTED A BREACH OF TRUST, IS INSOLVENT OR IS IN BREACH OF ANY OF THE REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY PART VIII OF THE ORDINANCE.
"IN ADDITION, WE PROPOSE TO INCLUDE GROUNDS SIMILAR TO THOSE SPECIFIED UNDER SECTION 143 (1) (C) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, FOR EXAMPLE, SUSPECTED FRAUD, OR FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY TO ITS MEMBERS," HE ADDED.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ALSO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF THE LACK OF EFFECTIVE SANCTIONS AGAINST BREACHES OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN PART VIII OF THE ORDINANCE.
THESE PROVISIONS INCLUDE SECTION 81 WHICH RESTRICTS THE OBJECTS OF A TRUST COMPANY, SECTION 92 WHICH PROHIBITS LOANS TO A DIRECTOR OR OFFICERS OF A TRUST COMPANY, AND SECTION 93 WHICH RESTRICTS THE BORROWING OF MONEY BY A TRUST COMPANY.
"THE ONLY SANCTIONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ARE INVESTIGATION UNDER SECTION 95 AND WINDING-UP UNDER SECTION 96, WHICH ARE OFTEN TOO DRACONIAN.
"WE PROPOSE TO PROVIDE FOR DEFAULT FINES COMPARABLE TO THOSE IN THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 2.
BILL TO REMOVE ANOMALY IN APPEAL PROCEDURE
* * * * *
AN ANOMALY IN THE RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL FROM A LOWER COURT’S DECISION ON JUDICIAL REVIEWS WILL BE REMOVED BY THE PROPOSED SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
UNDER THE LAW, A PARTY MAY APPLY TO THE HIGH COURT FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A LOWER COURT’S DECISION IN A CIVIL OR CRIMINAL CAUSE OR MATTER.
/IN CIVIL.......-v
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
29
IN CIVIL CASES, A PARTY HAS THE RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL TO CHALLENGE THE LOWER COURT’S DECISION.
IN CRIMINAL CASES, HOWEVER, THERE IS NO APPEAL FROM DECISIONS OF THE HIGH COURT ON JUDICIAL REVIEWS TO THE COURT OF APPEAL. SUCH APPEALS WILL HAVE TO GO TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL.
THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPEAL IS ARTIFICIAL AND SERVES NO USEFUL PURPOSE.
THE BILL WILL EXTEND THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF APPEAL TO PROVIDE THAT A PARTY MAY APPEAL AS OF RIGHT FROM A DECISION UPON JUDICIAL REVIEW IN A CRIMINAL CAUSE OR MATTER.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 2.
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LICENCE FEES FOR EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES REVISED ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FEE FOR THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF LICENCE FOR AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATION WILL BE ADJUSTED WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 27.
THE ADJUSTMENT WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
’’THE LICENCE FEE FOR AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY AND THE FEE FOR THE DUPLICATE LICENCE FOR EACH OF THE BRANCH OFFICE OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WILL BE REVISED FROM $500 AND $110 TO $800 AND $160 RESPECTIVELY,” A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WISHING TO OPERATE AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY MUST APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR A LICENCE AND THAT AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY THAT OPERATES AT MORE THAN ONE LOCATION IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A DUPLICATE LICENCE FOR EACH BRANCH LOCATION.
THE FEE WAS LAST REVISED IN MARCH 1988 AND THE PRESENT REVISION TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE INCREASING ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND CURRENT INFLATION.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE LICENCE FEE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY ADMINISTRATION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 852 3511.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
30
COURT OF INT’L TRADE’S REMAND ORDER ON INJURY FINDINGS *****
COMMENTING ON THE U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION (ITC) DETERMINATION THAT IMPORTS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN DID NOT INJURE THE U.S. SWEATERS INDUSTRY, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY): ’’THIS IS EXCELLENT NEWS FOR HONG KONG.”
"IT IS THE RESULT OF THE DETERMINED FIGHT PUT UP BY THE HONG KONG SWEATER TRADE, IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT. OUR RESOLVE IN DEFENDING HONG KONG’S TRADE INTERESTS IS VINDICATED."
HONG KONG IS A MOST UNLIKELY SOURCE OF DUMPING GIVEN ITS OPEN MARKET, THE TOTAL ABSENCE OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF RELATIVELY SMALL FIRMS OPERATING IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT, MR TSANG SAID.
"THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE CASE YET. IT MIGHT HAVE TO GO BEFORE THE U.S. COURT OF APPEAL FOR THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT (CAFC).
"WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE ITC’S DECISION WILL BE UPHELD. BOTH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE SWEATER INDUSTRY WILL OF COURSE CONTINUE TO DEFEND OUR TRADING INTERESTS VIGOROUSLY," HE SAID.
ON JULY 28 THIS YEAR, THE U.S. COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CIT) HANDED DOWN A RULING ON THE CONSOLIDATED APPEALS BROUGHT BY HONG KONG, TAIWAN AND SOUTH KOREAN COMPANIES AGAINST ITC’S INJURY DETERMINATION.
THE CIT’S DECISION WAS THAT THE ITC’S INJURY DETERMINATION WAS NOT SUPPORTED BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OR OTHERWISE NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW.
THE ITC WAS DIRECTED TO REPORT ITS NEW DETERMINATION TO CIT BY NOVEMBER 23, 1992.
THEREAFTER, PARTIES TO THE CASE HAVE 10 DAYS TO COMMENT ON THE ITC’S NEW DETERMINATION.
IF THE CIT ACCEPTS ITC’S NEW DETERMINATION, THE PETITIONER (THE U.S. NATIONAL KNITWEAR AND SPORTWEAR ASSOCIATION) MAY TAKE THE CASE TO THE CAFC.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
31
IMPROVED QUALITY VITAL TO BUSINESS SUCCESS
******
THE GOVERNMENT FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THE QUEST FOR IMPROVED QUALITY WILL PROVE TO BE A DECISIVE FACTOR IN DETERMINING THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG’S BUSINESSES, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE ISO 9001 CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF S MEGGA TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD, MR BARMA SAID IN THE BUSINESS WORLD OF THE 1990S, QUALITY WAS A COMPETITIVE WEAPON, RATHAN THAN A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED.
HE SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF A WELL-STRUCTURED QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A COMPANY’S BUSINESS PLAN COULD HELP REDUCE COSTS, IMPROVE OUTPUT AND SECURE MARKETS.
AS ONE IN A SERIES OF PRO-ACTIVE STEPS IN PROMOTING QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT SET UP THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY IN 1989, MR BARMA SAID.
"SINCE THEN, OVER 700 COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS HAVE MADE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION SCHEME.
"THE AGENCY HAS ALREADY ISSUED 35 CERTIFICATES AND IS CURRENTLY PROCESSING 169 APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID CERTIFICATION WAS NOT EASY TO ACHIEVE, ADDING THAT IT WOULD BE ATTAINABLE PROVIDED THE COMPANY' WAS COMMITTED TO QUALITY MANAGEMENT.
"TOP MANAGEMENT HAS A CRUCIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS PROCESS, AND IT MUST BE BACKED BY THE COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT OF THE STAFF," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE S MEGGA TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD HAD ALWAYS BEEN FORWARD-LOOKING IN THIS RESPECT.
HE SAID THE COMPANY WAS ONE OF THE FIRST USERS OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, AT A TIME WHEN THE TERM "CALIBRATION" WAS STILL A NEW WORD FOR MANY COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.
HAVING CONTINUED TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE QUALITY' SERVICES AVAILABLE, THE COMPANY HAD AT PRESENT MOVED FORWARD AGAIN TO BECOME A COMMITTED CLIENT OF THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY, HE ADDED.
MR BARMA SAID ALTHOUGH THE COMPANY HAD ALWAYS HAD A HIGH REPUTATION FOR THE QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCTS, IT CONSIDERED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO BE FORMALLY RECOGNISED AS A QUALITY COMPANY BY' SEEKING ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION.
"THIS DEDICATION TO QUALITY IS INDEED COMMENDABLE," HE SAID.
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/32 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
32
BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE BUILDINGS AT 27 WING ON STREET AND 18 AND 34 TUNG MAN STREET IN CENTRAL TO BE DANGEROUS.
ALSO, THOSE AT 19-25 AND 29-37 WING ON STREET AND 28 AND 32 TUNG MAN STREET HAVE BEEN DECLARED TO BE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS,
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR (PGBS) SAID ALL OF THESE BUILDINGS WERE PRE-WAR ONES WITH LOAD-BEARING WALLS AND NEARLY ALL HAD TIMBER FLOOR AND ROOF JOISTS.
THE LOAD-BEARING PARTY WALLS IN THESE STRUCTURES WERE CONSIDERED TO BE DEFECTIVE AS EVIDENCED BY MANY FRACTURES AND IN SOME BUILDINGS THERE WERE BULGING OF THE WALLS.
THE OVERALL CONDITIONS OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER MEMBERS OF THE BUILDINGS WAS ASSESSED AS BEING POOR. IN SOME BUILDINGS, ALL TIMBER MEMBERS WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE.
THE PGBS SAID THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDINGS GAVE RISE TO CONCERN FOR PUBLIC SAFETY IN THESE NARROW AND WELL-USED PUBLIC STREETS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BUILDINGS AT 20-26 AND 30 TUNG MAN STREET WERE CLOSED UNDER EMERGENCY POWERS ON NOVEMBER 3 THIS YEAR AS BEING IMMINENTLY DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF SEVERE DEFECTS IN THE STRUCTURAL WALLS AND TIMBER STRUCTURAL MEMBERS.
BUILDINGS AT 19-37 WING ON STREET AND 18-34 TUNG MAN STREET ARE STRUCTURALLY DEPENDENT ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT AND COULD NOT WITHSTAND DEMOLITION OF ADJOINING BUILDINGS AND SHOULD ALL BE DEMOLISHED IN ONE OPERATION IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
BUILDINGS AT 19, 23, 25 AND 33 WING ON STREET AND 18, 28, 32 AND 34 TUNG MAN STREET HAVE BEEN RESUMED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES WILL BE REQUIRED IN SOME OF THE ADJOINING BUILDINGS THAT WILL REMAIN.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FOR 21, 27-31, 35 AND 37 WING ON STREET ON DECEMBER 29 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
/33 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
33
FAILURE TO REMOVE UNAUTHORISED WORKS LIABLE TO $50,000 FINE
* * * * ♦
BUILDING OWNERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF UNAUTHORISED WORKS ON THEIR PREMISES, AND A DAILY FINE OF $5,000 FOR CONTINUING NON-COMPLIANCE.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT (BLD), MR ANTHONY SAMSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SINCE APRIL 1, LAST YEAR, 86 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST PERSONS WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH REMOVAL ORDERS HAD BEEN INITIATED AND 53 CONVICTIONS HAD BEEN SECURED.
THE TOTAL PENALTIES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS AMOUNTED TO $794,000 AND FOR CONTINUING TO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REMOVAL ORDERS $164,030.
MR SAMSON SAID THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) OF THE BLD HAD LAUNCHED TWO LARGE-SCALE CLEARANCE EXERCISES SINCE FEBRUARY 1991 TO REMOVE THE DANGER OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS PROJECTING FROM THE EXTERNAL WALLS OF BUILDINGS, SUCH AS CANOPIES, METAL CAGES AND FLOWER RACKS.
A TOTAL OF 3,815 STATUTORY ORDERS WERE SERVED ON THE OWNERS OF 30 BUILDINGS IN THE FIRST EXERCISE CODE-NAMED ’’OPERATION APPENDAGES”. SOME 5,825 UNAUTHORISED APPENDAGES WERE REMOVED FROM THESE BUILDINGS.
TN THE ONGOING EXERCISE CODED-NAMED "OPERATION CATHERINE WHEEL’’, ADVISORY LETTERS WERE BEING ISSUED TN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
THE LETTERS REQUESTED THE OWNERS TO REMOVE THE PROJECTING UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS THEMSELVES. IF IGNORED, STATUARY REMOVAL ORDERS WOULD BE SERVED ON THE OWNERS.
INITIALLY, MR SAMSON SAID 52 BUILDINGS WERE TARGETTED AND A TOTAL OF 6,800 ADVISORY LETTERS WERE DELIVERED TO OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS.
THE ADVISORY LETTERS HAD ACHIEVED A 55 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE SO FAR, AND ONLY 3,011 STATUTORY REMOVAL ORDERS HAD TO BE SERVED, MR SAMSON NOTED.
AT THE END OF OCTOBER, 20 ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS WERE ADDED TO THE OPERATION. ADVISORY LETTERS TO 15 OF THESE BUILDINGS HAD ALREADY BEEN DELIVERED WITH THE REMAINING FIVE BEING SURVEYED.
MR SAMSON SAID APART FROM UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, THE BOO WAS VERY MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT BUILDINGS WHICH HAD BECOME DILAPIDATED THROUGH LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.
IF A BUILDING WAS FOUND TO BE IN SUCH A DANGEROUS CONDITION AS POSING A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF OCCUPANTS, THE NEIGHBOURS OR THE PUBLIC, THE BOO MIGHT SEEK FROM THE COURTS \ CLOSURE ORDER TO CLOSE IT FROM FURTHER OCCUPATION.
/IF A .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
34
IF A DEFECTIVE BUILDING COULD REASONABLY BE REPAIRED, AN ORDER WOULD BE SERVED UPON THE OWNER REQUIRING NECESSARY WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT TO MAKE THE BUILDING SAFE.
WHERE A BUILDING WAS CONSIDERED TO BE BEYOND REPAIR, TOTAL DEMOLITION WOULD BE ENFORCED BY THE ISSUE OF A DEMOLITION ORDER.
FLAT OWNERS MIGHT BE FINED UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $50,000 OR BE IMPRISONED FOR UP TO ONE YEAR FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH A DEMOLITION ORDER, MR SAMSON SAID.
IN 1990, THE BOO CONDUCTED A SURVEY WHICH INVOLVED THE EXTERNAL INSPECTION OF SOME 55,500 PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDINGS IN THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON INCLUDING THE BUILT UP AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE EXERCISE REVEALED THAT SOME 17,000 BUILDINGS, OR 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL SEEN, WERE FOUND TO BE IN A SUSPECT CONDITION REQUIRING A DETAILED INTERNAL INSPECTION.
OF THESE, IT WAS FOUND THAT 210 BUILDINGS NEEDED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. THIS HAD RESULTED IN THE SERVING OF APPROPRIATE REPAIR ORDERS UPON THE OWNERS OF 193 BUILDINGS AND THE REMAINING 17 BUILDINGS WERE DEALT WITH BY CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION ORDERS.
OF THE REMAINING 16,700 BUILDINGS, ABOUT 5,000 INSPECTIONS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED, RESULTING IN THE SERVING OF 2,348 REPAIRS ORDER AND 97 CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION ORDERS AS AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
MR SAMSON EXPLAINED THAT THE CATEGORISATION SYSTEM OF BUILDINGS AS A RESULT OF THE SURVEY WAS INTENDED MERELY TO INDICATE THE PRIORITY OF BOO’S WORK AND NOT THE SAFETY STANDARD OF THE BUILDINGS.
THE CATEGORISATION DID NOT MEAN THAT A DANGER HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED. IT ONLY REFERRED TO BUILDINGS WHICH APPEARED FROM THE OUTSIDE TO BE IN A SUSPECT CONDITION AND THEREFORE REQUIRED FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
MR SAMSON STRESSED THAT IT WAS THE BUILDING OWNERS’ INTEREST TO ENSURE THAT ANY DILAPIDATION OF THEIR BUILDINGS WAS ATTENDED TO PROMPTY, LEST IT DETERIORATED TO STRUCTURAL DANGER.
HE NOTED THAT THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH, ENABLED THE BOO TO REQUIRE BUILDING OWNERS TO INVESTIGATE THEIR OWN BUILDINGS AND CARRY OUT REQUIRED MAINTENANCE THROUGH AUTHORISED PERSONS.
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/35 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
35
TWO SITES TO LET
♦ * » *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED AT CHUN WAH ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK AND COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,650 SQUARE METRES.
THE SITE IS DESIGNATED FOR PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH THEIR TRAILERS/CHASSIS ATTACHED). THE PREMISES MAY BE USED AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREA.
THE TENANCY IS FOR NINE MONTHS AND MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 27.
THE SECOND SITE, NEAR SHING TAI ROAD ON THE CHAI WAN RECLAMATION, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,050 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS INTENDED FOR STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS, CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS) AND/OR PUBLIC FEE-PAYING VEHICLE PARK (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS) AND/OR COMMERCIAL GARDEN.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 4.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG; THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
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ARCHITECT’S EFFORTS REWARDED ♦ * * ♦
FOUR PROJECTS OF ARCHITECTURAL MERIT WERE RECENTLY SELECTED AS WINNERS IN THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL AWARDS.
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 16 ENTRIES.
THIS YEAR’S AWARD WENT TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BUILDING 1N SHA TIN.
THREE PROJECTS RECEIVED CERTIFICATES OF MERIT.
THESE WERE THE RESTORATION OF THE OLD KOWLOON BRITISH SCHOOL, TIN SHUI WAI SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARY AT LAI CHI KOK.
/THE PANEL........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
36
THE PANFL OF JUDGES CHAIRED BY DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER, COMPRISED SENIOR LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR DAVID LUNG; CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER WITH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, MR S M PANG AND MR STEPHEN POON, PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.
MR CORSER SAID: "IT WAS A PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TASK TO CHOOSE A WINNER THIS YEAR, THERE WAS A RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES AND THE CHOICE OF THE WINNERS WAS NOT EASY."
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WORKFORCE TRAINING STRESSED * * * *
CONTINUED GOODWILL AND SUPPORT FROM COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WILL ENABLE THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ TRAINING COLLEGE TO ASSUME GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MANPOWER TRAINING AND CONTRIBUTE MORE TO SATISFYING THE TRAINING NEEDS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
THE PRINCIPAL OF THE COLLEGE, MR CHAN LOK-KIN, SAID THIS AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY IN WHICH 490 TRAINERS FROM THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES.
ABOUT 38 PER CENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS WERE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, 16 PER CENT FROM VOCATION TRAINING CENTRES, 12 PER CENT FROM BOTH SERVICE INDUSTRIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND FOUR PER CENT FROM THE PUBLIC UTILITIES.
COURSES ATTENDED COMPRISED BASIC AND ADVANCED INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES, CERTIFICATE COURSE IN TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT, FURTHER AND ADULT EDUCATION TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE COURSE AND IN-SERVICE COURSE FOR TEACHING AND INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF WORKING WITH THE HANDICAPPED.
IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID AN EDUCATED AND WELL-TRAINED WORKFORCE WAS A MOST VALUABLE ASSET IN VIEW OF THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS AN IMPORTANT COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
"I CAN FORESEE THE RISING NEED FOR TRAINING AND THE DEMAND FOR TRAINERS. SO TO TRAINERS, I WOULD SAY THAT YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN FUTURE AND THAT YOU ARE CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," MR WONG SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, MR WILLIAM CHAN.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1992
37
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 20) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
REVERSAL OF LAF
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
1,500
NIL
1 , 500
NIL
NIL
1 , 500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.9 *-0.2* 18.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS TERM HONG ISSUE KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.85 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 6.25 101.38 4.39
1 MONTH 3.18 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.38 4.59
3 MONTHS 3.60 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.42 4.78
6 MONTHS 3.73 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.48 4.96
12 MONTHS 4.02 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11.945MN
CLOSED 18 NOVEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT DECIDES TO PROCEED WITH AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT ........................................................ 1
AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION DECISION IS STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION 2
ECONOMIC BASES ARE VERY GOOD: FS ................................. 3
HK SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH NETHERLANDS ON INVESTMENT PROTECTION 4
ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER ....................................................... 5
HEALTH CHIEF PLEDGES BETTER PATIENT CARE ........................ 10
FUTURE LIES IN EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ........................... 11
MORE NON-REFUGEES RETURN TO VIETNAM ............................. 13
PLANS TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY .............................. 13
IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OUTLINED ........................ 14
THREE TYPES OF CHEMICAL WASTE COME UNDER CONTROL ................ 16
MRS PATTEN GIVES CHILD SAFETY TTPS TO PARENTS ................... 18
CONSTRUCTION WASTE DIVERSION SCHEME CONTINUES ................... 19
LOCAL WORKERS’ INTERESTS WELL PROTECTED ......................... 20
TWO RETRAINING COURSES OFFERED TO WORKERS ....................... 21
"SOUTHERN DISTRICT TN PERSPECTIVE" SYMPOSIUM .................... 22
FESTIVE LIGHTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ............................ 22
RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH MOVES TO WANCHAI TOWER TIT .... 23
1992 HK YOUTH BAND FESTTVAI..................................... 24
CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST TN TSIM SHA TSUI ....................... 25
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
26
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
1
GOVT DECIDES TO PROCEED WITH AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SEEK FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL FOR FUNDS TO ENABLE THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) TO AWARD THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT AT CHEK LAP KOK BEFORE THE VALIDITY DATE OF THE $9,041 BILLION TENDER FROM AIRPORT PLATFORM CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE EXPIRES AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
"WE HAVE TAKEN THIS DECISION IN ORDER TO FULFIL OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE SINO-BRIT1SH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, WHICH MAKES THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY JUNE 1997," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"OUR FIRST PRIORITY CONTINUES TO BE A COMMON UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE OVERALL FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT. BUT, PENDING SUCH AGREEMENT, WE ARE TAKING A STEP BY STEP APPROACH.
"THE VALIDITY OF THE TENDER EXPIRES ON NOVEMBER. 30 AND ANY POSTPONEMENT OF THE CONTRACT AWARD BEYOND THAT DATE WOULD INCREASE COSTS AND MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE AIRPORT ON TARGET.
"IT IS THEREFORE SENSIBLE FOR THE PAA TO ACCEPT THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE TENDER FROM AIRPORT PLATFORM CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.
"THE CONTRACT IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1996 AND IT CREATES NO LIABILITIES FOR THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE FIRST LOOKED INTO THIS OPTION IN JULY AT THE SUGGESTION OF THE CHINESE SIDE. AT THAT TIME WE DECIDED IT WOULD BE MORE PRUDENT TO WAIT AND TRY TO REACH OVERALL AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE BEFORE GOING AHEAD WITH THIS CONTRACT.
"NOW, FOUR MONTHS LATER, WE ARE FACED WITH THE PROSPECTS OF BOTH COST INCREASES, AND SERIOUS SLIPPAGES IN THE WORK, IF THE CONTRACT IS NOT LET.
"THE BALANCE OF ADVANTAGE HAS THEREFORE CHANGED AND WE ARE CONVINCED THAT IT WOULD BE BEST TO AWARD THE CONTRACT, WHILE KEEPING UP OUR EFFORTS TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THERE IS CLEARLY NO QUESTION OF US TAKING UNILATERAL ACTION OVER THIS CONTRACT, WHICH IS PART OF A PROJECT AGREED WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IN THE MOU.
"SINCE THE CONTRACT IS TO BE DIRECTLY FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND CREATES NO OBLIGATIONS FOR THE SAR GOVERNMENT, WE ARE CLEARLY OPERATING FULLY WITHIN THE MOU IN LETTING THE CONTRACT."
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL ADVANCE TO THE PAA OF $8.63 BILLTON FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND.
/THIS WOULD ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
2
THIS WOULD ENABLE THE PAA TO MEET THE FULL CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS AND ASSOCIATED EXPENSES FOR THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT, PLUS OTHER AIRPORT PLANNING AND OPERATING COSTS AND COMMITMENTS FOR THE PERIOD TO JUNE 1993 WITHOUT BORROWING.
TOGETHER WITH $7.3 BILLION ALREADY APPROVED, THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL ADVANCE TO THE PAA WOULD COME TO $15.96 BILLION.
’’THE TOTAL ADVANCE TO THE PAA OF $15.96 BILLION IS WITHIN THE $16.6 BILLION EQUITY WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PROPOSED IN ITS ORIGINAL FINANCING PLAN TO INJECT INTO THE PAA.
’’SINCE THE GOVERNMENT’S FORWARD BUDGETING HAS ALREADY ASSUMED THIS COMMITMENT OF EQUITY, THE GRANTING OF THIS ADDITIONAL ADVANCE WILL NOT HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S SOCIAL SPENDING, ITS OTHER EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES, NOR ITS FORECAST RESERVES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PAA ANNOUNCED ON JULY 31 THAT IT HAD SELECTED AIRPORT PLATFORM CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE TO CARRY OUT THE CONTRACT, WHICH INVOLVES FORMATION OF THE 1,248-HECTARE SITE.
THE CONSORTIUM SUBMITTED THE LOWEST TENDER ON A FIXED PRICE LUMP SUM BASIS, WITH A PRICE OF $9,041 BILLION.
THE PROPOSED FUNDING WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH MEMBERS OF BOTH THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE FINANCING OF THE ACP AND THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE JLG AIRPORT COMMITTEE HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE DECISION.
-----0--------
AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION DECISION IS STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SEEK FUNDS FOR THE AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACTS IS SIMPLY TAKING ONE STEP FORWARD, NOT ONLY WITHIN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, BUT ALSO DOES NOT CREATE OBLIGATIONS FOR THE POST-1997 GOVERNMENT.
NEITHER SHOULD IT BE READ AS A SYMBOLIC GO-IT-ALONE GESTURE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WHEN SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’THIS IS NOT A GO-IT-ALONE ATTITUDE. THIS IS FULFILLING OUR COMMITMENT UNDER THE MEMORANDUM AND IT MEETS THE MAIN COMMENTS OF THE PRC. IN PARTICULAR, IT DOES NOT CREATE \NY OBLIGATIONS, ANY BORROWING OR ANY FRANCHISES, GOING BEYOND 1997,” MR MACLEOD SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SIMPLY DEALING WITH THE NEXT DECISION THAT HAD TO BE TAKEN.
/’’IT’S .........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
3
"IT’S A STEP FORWARD,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE SEEKING TO CARRY ON A DIALOGUE WITH CHINA.
"WE STILL PUT AS OUR TOP PRIORITY THE NEED TO REACH SOME SENSIBLE AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE FUNDING OF THE AIRPORT," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY FOR THIS $9 BILLION CONTRACT FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S RESERVES.
"THIS WILL STILL KEEP US WITHIN THE ORIGINAL FIGURE WHICH WE FORECAST OR ESTIMATED AS BEING NECESSARY TO PUMP INTO THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY."
HE BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS THE MOST UNCONFRONTATIONAL WAY OF PROCEEDING.
"I AM CERTAINLY HOPEFUL THAT THIS WILL BE WELCOMED - CERTAINLY WELCOMED IN HONG KONG - AS A FURTHER STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION," HE SAID.
------0.------
ECONOMIC BASES ARE VERY GOOD: FS
* * * * *
DESPITE SOME SHORT-TERM VOLATILITY OF THE STOCK MARKET, HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS ARE BASICALLY VERY GOOD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY)
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, MR MACLEOD SAID: "WE HAVE BASICALLY A VERY GOOD ECONOMIC SITUATION AND WHATEVER TEMPORARY POLITICAL DEBATE THERE MAY BE, THAT REMAINS TRUE.
"SO I WILL JUST SAY THAT WE MUST KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. INVESTORS SHOULD BE CALM.
MR MACLEOD STRESSED THAT PEOPLE SHOULD FOCUS NOT JUST ON THE VERY SHORT BUT ON THE MEDIUM AND LONG TERM WHERE THE PROSPECTS REMAIN EXTREMELY GOOD.
"WE ARE AT THE CENTRE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AREA IN THE WORLD. OUR FORECASTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, I NOTICE, HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY CONSERVATIVE, IF ANYTHING.
"IF YOU LOOK AT THE RECENT ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FORECASTS -THEY’RE FORECASTING SIX PER CENT FOR HONG KONG THIS YEAR AND SIX PER CENT FOR NEXT YEAR. THEY’RE ALSO FORECAST[NG 12 PER CENT FOR CHINA," HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH POLITICAL ISSUES WERE NOT RESOLVED, THE ECONOMY CONTINUED TO GROW, TRADE FIGURES STILL CAME OUT EXTREMELY WELL AND INVESTMENT WAS STILL COMING IN.
"SO WE’RE FORTUNATE TO BE SITTING ALONG A VERY ROBUST ECONOMY FUELED, OF COURSE, PARTLY BY A VERY HEALTHY ASIAN ECONOMY AND THE CHINESE ECONOMY.
/"SO THAT'S
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
4
"SO THAT’S THE REALITY WITH WHICH COMPANIES HAVE TO DEAL, PROFITS WILL CONTINUE TO BE GOOD. AS I SAY, AS LONG AS PEOPLE KEEP THAT PERSPECTIVE, THAT WILL BE HELPFUL," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT OUR INDEX HAD ALWAYS BEEN FAIRLY VOLATILE AND IT QUITE RECENTLY REACHED A RECORD HIGH, SO ONE WOULD EXPECT ANYWAY TO SEE SOME UPS AND DOWNS.
HE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS NOTHING TO BE TOO CONCERNED ABOUT, ADDING THAT WE SHOULD JUST KEEP OUR EYES FIXED ON THE ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS.
"AND THE ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS FOR HONG KONG REMAIN EXTREMELY GOOD, ACTUALLY FOR BOTH HONG KONG AND CHINA," HE SAID.
-----o------
HK SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH NETHERLANDS ON INVESTMENT PROTECTION » * » * *
AN AGREEMENT ON THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS WAS SIGNED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE NETHERLANDS TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS AGREEMENT WILL REMAIN IN FORCE AFTER JUNE 30, 1997.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT HONG KONG HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH ANOTHER COUNTRY IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA OF INVESTMENT PROTECTION.
SUCH AGREEMENTS ARE BILATERAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS BINDING UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW WHICH AIM TO ENCOURAGE AND PROTECT, ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS, INVESTMENTS BY INVESTORS OF ONE CONTRACTING PARTY IN THE OTHER’S AREA.
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED IN HONG KONG BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE NETHERLANDS MINISTER FOR FOREIGN TRADE, MS YVONNE VAN ROOY, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NETHERLANDS.
SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MR CHAU SAID THE NETHERLANDS WAS ONE OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTANT INVESTMENT PARTNERS AND THE AGREEMENT WOULD BOOST NETHERLANDS INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
. "THE AGREEMENT GUARANTEES FAIR TREATMENT FOR NETHERLANDS INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG AND VICE VERSA, PROPER COMPENSATION IF INVESTMENTS ARE EXPROPRIATED AND THE FREE TRANSFER OF INVESTMENTS AND RETURNS.
"IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR INVESTMENT DISPUTES TO BE SETTLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRE-AGREED PROCEDURES," HE SAID.
THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN CONSIDERED RY THE CHINESE SIDE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
/ONCE IT .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
5
ONCE IT ENTERS INTO FORCE, IT WILL REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR 15 YEARS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
MR CHAU SAID WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS NEGOTIATING A NETWORK OF SIMILAR AGREEMENTS WITH ITS MAJOR INVESTMENT PARTNERS.
-------0
ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER
*****
THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS INCREASED BY 1% IN SEPTEMBER OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ORDERS POSITION IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES IMPROVED MODERATELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, MILD DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES ANb PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, ORDERS FOR THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE. HOWEVER, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
THE 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 TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS DECREASED BY 11% IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THIS DECLINE IS IN LINE WITH THE RECENT TREND OF RELOCATING PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO SOUTH CHINA.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE SURVEYED MANUFACTURERS DECREASED BY 2%.
IN SEPTEMBER 1992, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 16% IN MONEY TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BUT ONLY 1% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE LARGE YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE ISSUE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENTS BY SOME COMPANIES AS THEY RELOCATED THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO CHINA.
'I
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE COMPANIES SURVEYED DECREASED MODERATELY IN SEPTEMBER 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BUT ONLY SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THESE COMPANIES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BUT ONLY SLIGHTLY OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.
/IT SHOULD .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
6
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 SERVICE SECTOR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN SEPTEMBER 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BUT REMAINED STABLE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THESE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR BUT ONLY SLIGHTLY OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.
IN THE PUBLIC UTILITIES SECTOR, A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH WAS RECORDED, BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE OF BONUSES BY SOME OF^THE COMPANIES SURVEYED.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERED ONLY THE LARGE COMPANIES, THE SURVEY RESULTS MIGHT NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING, CONSTRUCTION AND THE SERVICE SECTORS.
’’NEVERTHELESS, THE SURVEY RESULTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF SHORT-TERM DEVELOPMENTS IN THOSE SECTORS,” HE SAID.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAJI, WAN CHAI, AT $4.50 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 839 3202.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING THREE TABLES:
<1
r
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
I
I
I
TABLE 1 : ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY AS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1992 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
AUG 92 SEPT 91 i— (%)
(MONTHS) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 4.42 ♦ . +1
— — — — — _ —
WEARING APPAREL 4.75 ♦ -2
TEXTILES 2.13 + 1 -7
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.55 * -4
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL AND 4.52 * + 8
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.66 ♦ + 7
OTHERS 1 ♦ CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5% 3.95 * -2
/TABLE 2
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
8
• i
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED
AS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1992
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
INDUSTRY/SERVICES AUG 92 SEPT 91
(%) (%)
AljL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED -2 -11
'FOOD AND DRINKS WEARING APPAREL TEXTILES PLASTIC PRODUCTS FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS OTHERS / •4 ♦ -2 -3 -10 + 1 -2 * + 2 -15 -15 -7 -12 -16 * r
CONSTRUCTION # -1 V -6
SERVICES * n -2 -1 + 2 + 3
BANKS HOTELS PUBLIC UTILITIES Others -1 * + 1 -1
* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
/TABLE 3 .......
9
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
NOTE : DUE TO THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (E.G. BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), "PER CAPITA EARNINGS” FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY BE SUBJECT TO RATHER VOLATILE FLUCTUATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME. THEREFORE, IT IS PARTICULARLY ADVISABLE, IN STUDYING PER CAPITA EARNINGS STATISTICS, NOT TO TAKE A GIVEN MONTH’S DATA IN ISOLATION, BUT TO MAKE REFERENCE TO DATA OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
1NDUSTRY/SERVICES AVERAGE AS IN SEPTEMBER 1992 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
AUG 92 SEPT 91
(HK$) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 8,051 + 1 + 16
FOOD AND DRINKS 8,483 + 3 + 9
WEARING APPAREL 5,771 -2 + 11
TEXTILES 7,248 -1 + 15
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 9,368 + 20 + 16
FABRICATED METAL 8,017 + 2 + 16
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 8,254 * + 19
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 10,119 + 2 + 15
CONSTRUCTION # 10,864 + 1 + 15
SERVICES 13,206 + 1 + 13
- — —
BANKS 11,557 * + 12
HOTELS 8,025 + 1 + 13
PUBLIC UTILITIES 14,437 + 11 + 13
OTHERS 14,197 -10 + 12
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
NOTE 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----------
/io ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
10
HEALTH CHIEF PLEDGES BETTER PATIENT CARE
♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BE LAUNCHING A PERFORMANCE PLEDGES PROGRAMME NEXT MONTH (DECEMBER) TO PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICES POSSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID.
ADDRESSING THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 MEETING THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, DR LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGES PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS RECENT POLICY ADDRESS WOULD BE INTRODUCED AT THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT (GOP) CLINICS.
"OUR DEPARTMENT IS AMONG THE SEVEN AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS CHOSEN FOR THE PROGRAMME AS WE HAVE MANY CONTACTS WITH THE PUBLIC AND THE GREATEST IMPACTS ON THEIR DAILY LIVES," DR LEE EXPLAINED.
"WE HAVE CHOSEN OUR GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES FOR THE PROGRAMME AS THEY PROVIDE PRIMARY MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE TO ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS, REPRESENTING MORE THAN FOUR MILLION ATTENDANCES A YEAR," HE ADDED.
DR LEE SAID: "THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS A CARING AND COMMUNICATING DEPARTMENT.
"WE HAVE ALREADY INTRODUCED IMPROVEMENT MEASURES AT OUR GOP CLINICS. THESE INCLUDED STANDARDISED MEDICAL RECORDS, DRUG LABELLING, ADVANCE APPOINTMENTS AND HEALTH EDUCATION."
"THE ABOVE FIT TN WITH THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS AND WE ARE GLAD TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME. WE SHALL CONTINUE OUR EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES AND LET THE PUBLIC KNOW OF OUR STANDARD OF SERVICE," HE ADDED.
DR LEE SAID PREU MI NARILY, THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGES FEATURED THREE CHARACTERISTICS - EMPHASIS ON THE PROVISION TO THE PUBLIC CONVENIENT, EFFICIENT AND QUALITY SERVICE; COURTEOUS SERVICES AND SERVICES ON RESIDENT-ORIENTATED BASIS.
TO ACHIEVE THESE TARGETS, DR LEE SAID MEASURES WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF GOP CLINICS.
THESE INCLUDE INSTALLATION OF \ IR-CONDITIONERS AT WAITING HALLS, PROVISION OF DRINKING FOUNTAINS, BETTER AND CLEANER TOILET FACILITIES.
DR LEE ALSO PLEDGES TO PROVIDE BETTER PATIENT CARE THROUGH VARIOUS MEASURES.
THEY ARE TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATIENT INFORMATION, TO EXPLAIN TO PATIENT ON HIS/HER AILMENT, TO LABEL ALL DISPENSED MEDICINES AND TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME.
"TRAINING COURSES FOR MIDDLE MANAGERS, GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE TO STAFF FROM GOP SERVICES HAVE RECENTLY BEEN OFFERED TO HELP THE COLLEAGUES ACQUIRE THE RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAMME," DR LEE SAID.
FINALLY, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS READY FOR THE PROGRAMME AND EXPECTED THE FULL SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.
-----0------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
11
FUTURE LIES IN EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT
*****
HK’S FUTURE LIES IN IMPROVING QUALITY OF EDUCATION HAVING ACHIEVED QUANTITATIVE TARGETS IN SCHOOLS AND WITH THE AMBITIOUS TERTIARY EXPANSION PROGRAMME WELL ON TRACK.
THE EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION IN HONG KONG MUST NOW BE TO IMPROVE QUALITY.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, TOLD THE AUDIENCE AT THE ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP DINNER OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION TONIGHT (THURSDAY) THAT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT WOULD NOT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT.
"WE MUST GO ABOUT IT METHODICALLY," HE SAID. "WE NEED TO SET OUT OUR AIMS, DEVELOP A STRATEGY, FORMULATE SPECIFIC POLICIES AND DRAW UP REALISTIC PLANS OF IMPLEMENTATION.
"THIS PROCESS IS SIMPLE IN CONCEPT, NO DIFFERENCE FROM A TYPICAL ANSWER TO A TYPICAL QUESTION FOR MBA STUDENTS.
"WHAT DISTINGUISHES IT FROM AN ACADEMIC EXERCISE IS THAT ITS SCALE IS GIGANTIC, INVOLVING 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE IN FULL-TIME EDUCATION AND 17 PER CENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL EXPENDITURE, AND THAT IT IS FOR REAL, CARRYING WITH IT THE FUTURE WELLBEING OF THE ENTIRE OMMUNITY."
ON SETTING OUT A COHERENT AND COMPREHENSIVE SET OF AIMS FOR SCHOOLS, MR CHAN TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION RECENTLY PUBLISHED A STATEMENT OF AIMS FOR SCHOOL EDUCATION WHICH SET OUT IN CLEAR TERMS WHAT THE DIFFERENT PLAYERS INVOLVED IN THE FIELD -PARENTS, TEACHERS, EMPLOYERS AND EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS - SHOULD BE STRIVING TO ACCOMPLISH.
IT ALSO TRIED, THROUGH THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE, TO INVOLVE EVERYONE IN IDENTIFYING AND REACHING A CONSENSUS ON WHAT HONG KONG WANTED TO END UP.
"SETTING OURSELVES CLEAR ATMS WILL HELP ALL TO PLAY THEIR RESPECTIVE ROLES AND ENSURE THAT DEBATE ON DIFFERENT WAYS OF GETTING THERE WILL NOT OBSCURE OUR VISION OF THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION," HE SAID.
THE DRAWING UP OF A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF AIMS FOR SCHOOLS HAS NOT HELD UP ACTION TO DEVELOP A BROAD STRATEGY.
MR CHAN SAID THE EXISTING STRATEGY OF EXPANDING TERTIARY EDUCATION AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SCHOOLS WAS ON TRACK TO MEET THE TARGET OF PROVIDING 14,500 FIRST-YEAR FIRST-DEGREE PLACES BY 1994.
FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR ACADEMIC PLANS, FOR THE 1992-1995 TRIENNIUM.
/"I MIGHT .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
12
"I MIGHT SAY THAT, FROM MY OWN PERSPECTIVE, THE PROGRAMME IS NOW ON AUTO-PILOT,” THE SECRETARY SAID, ADDING THAT THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND THE INSTITUTIONS COULD BE COUNTED ON TO DO THE REST.
TURNING TO IMPROVEMENTS OF QUALITY OF SCHOOLS, MR CHAN SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S FOURTH AND FIFTH REPORTS HAD PROVIDED THE BLUE PRINT FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS OF MOTIVATING LEARNERS IN SCHOOLS AND ENABLING TEACHERS TO DO A BETTER JOB.
SPECIFIC POLICIES TO GIVE EFFECT TO THESE STRATEGIES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED.
FIRST, TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS BROUGHT ON BY UNIVERSAL EDUCATION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED TO ASK SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS TO GIVE STUDENTS MORE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND GUIDANCE; TO SET UP A NEW CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO REFORM THE WAY IN WHICH THE CURRICULUM IS DEVELOPED; TO SET UP A PILOT SCHEME, STARTING WITH PRIMARY 4 IN MAY 1993, ON ATTAINMENT TARGETS AND RELATED ASSESSMENTS TO HELP TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOCUS MORE CLEARLY ON THEIR TASKS; AND TO RATIONALISE THE MEDIA OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO RECOGNISE THE NEEDS OF THE STUDENTS.
SECONDLY, MR CHAN SAID, AS RECOMMENDED IN ECR5, THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF TEACHERS WHICH INVOLVES NOT ONLY BETTER TRAINING BUT ALSO MOTIVATING MORE YOUNG PEOPLE AND SERVING TEACHERS TO JOIN.
THIRDLY, SCHOOLS \RE ENCOURAGED TO ASSUME MORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN MANAGEMENT, AND IN RETURN, THEY ARE GIVEN MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF THEIR RESOURCES.
MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO QUALITY ALSO EXTENDED TO VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
IMPROVEMENTS IMPLEMENTED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) IN THE PAST FEW YEARS TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION PROVIDED IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES INCLUDE BETTER LIBRARIES, TEACHING AIDS, COMPUTING FACILITIES AND STUDENT AMENITIES; SCHEMES FOR THE EXTERNAL MODERATION OF COURSES; AND PROCEDURES FOR THE PREPARATION AND UPDATING OF STUDY PROGRAMMES AND FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE.
THE TRANSFER OF SUB-DEGREE PLACES FROM THE POLYTECHNICS TO VTC HAS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO RATIONALISE AND IMPROVE THE CRAFT TRAINING OFFERED IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES \ND TRAINING CENTRES.
TO SUM UP, MR CHAN SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WAS MOVING WITH DETERMINATION TOWARDS BETTER QUALITY IN EDUCATING AND TRAINING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FOR LIFE AND WORK IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
HE SAID: "THIS IS A CRUCIAL TASK BECAUSE, WHATEVER THE FUTURE MAY BRING, NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE THE FACT THAT HONG KONG HAS TO RELY PRINCIPALLY ON THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT OF ITS PEOPLE TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER,” HE SAID.
”WE HAVE VERY SOLID FOUNDATIONS UPON WHICH WE CAN BUILD. WE KNOW WHERE WF WANT TO GO, AND WE NOW HAVE A CLEAR ROAD MAP TO GUIDE US TO OUR DESTINATION,” HE ADDED.
-----o------
/13 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
13
MORE NON-REFUGEES RETURN TO VIETNAM *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A SEVENTH GROUP OF ABOUT 60 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES WILL RETURN TO VIETNAM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNDER THE CONTINUING ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
THIS IS THE SEVENTH FLIGHT UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME AGREED WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT ON OCTOBER 29 LAST YEAR.
IT FOLLOWS THE FLIGHTS ON NOVEMBER 9 AND DECEMBER 10 LAST YEAR, AND FEBRUARY 12, JUNE 19, AUGUST 4 AND OCTOBER 10 THIS YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 279 NON-REFUGEES HAVE SO FAR BEEN RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO FACILITATE MEDIA COVERAGE:
A FIXED POSITION WILL BE SET UP ON THE AIRPORT TARMAC WHERE JOURNALISTS CAN WITNESS THE RETURNEES BOARDING THE PLANE WHICH WILL TAKE THEM BACK TO VIETNAM.
MEDIA MEMBERS WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM IN THE ARRIVAL HALL NO LATER THAN 8.30 AM TOMORROW. TELEPHOTO LENSES WILL BE NECESSARY.
EDITORS ARE REMINDED THAT THEIR REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS MUST BE ABLE TO PRODUCE PROOF THAT THEY ARE BONA FIDE JOURNALISTS BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO USE THE FACILITY.
----U----
PLANS TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
*****
THE
THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS PLANNING EDUCATION PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUILDING TODAY (THURSDAY).
ENVIRONMENT AND A SYMPOSIUM ON
HE SAID PLANS WERE ALREADY AFOOT FOR A SERIES OF PROJECTS INCREASE PUBLIC ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, INCLUDING THE SETTING UP AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY DISPLAY AND INFORMATION CENTRE.
TO
OF
/’’ALTHOUGH IMPROVEMENT .........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
14
’’ALTHOUGH IMPROVEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN THE DESIGN OF EQUIPMENT HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN ACHIEVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY, WE BELIEVE THAT THE REAL ENGINE WHICH WILL DRIVE THIS CHANGE WILL BE PUBLIC AWARENESS,” HE ADDED.
MR EASON SAID HONG KONG’S FAST-GROWING ECONOMY HAD RESULTED IN A CORRESPONDINGLY RAPID GROWTH IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION, ADDING THAT THE MOST HEAVY ELECTRICITY CONSUMER IS THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR.
UP TO 40 PER CENT OF THE ELECTRICITY GENERATED IS USED BY THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR, WITH THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR AT 31 PER CENT AND THE DOMESTIC SECTOR AT 21 PER CENT.
AT THE OPENING OF THE SYMPOSIUM EARLIER TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, ASSURED THE AUDIENCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALWAYS CONSCIOUS ABOUT ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY.
MR BLAKE POINTED OUT THAT JUDICIOUS DESIGN AND CHOICE OF THE BUILDING SERVICES AND ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS WERE VITAL TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY, SO WAS THE CONSCIENTIOUS ATTENTION IN OPERATING AND MAINTAINING THEM.
HE SAID: ’’FOR EXAMPLE, THROUGH THE WORK OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WE HAVE A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME OF ENERGY OPTIMISATION AT THE KAI TAK AIRPORT, WITH THE ANNUAL SAVING IN ENERGY ESTIMATED TO BE MORE THAN $6 MILLION.
"SIMILAR ENERGY OPTIMISATION SCHEMES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND SOME GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WITH CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS ON ELECTRICITY COSTS."
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IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OUTLINED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, TODAY (THURSDAY) OUTLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SYMPOSIUM OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUILDING AT A KOWLOON HOTEL, MR KWOK SAID HONG KONG RELIED ON IMPORTS FOR ITS PRIMARY ENERGY, AND NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY WAS AT PRESENT A SCARCE RESOURCE IN THE WORLD.
HE SAID THE TERRITORY HAD A 113 PER CENT INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION BETWEEN 1979 AND 1988 WHEN COMPARED TO THE POPULATION GROWTH OF 20 PER CENT.
"THE TERRITORY IS THEREFORE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE EFFECTS OF ANY ENERGY PRICE FLUCTUATIONS WHICH COULD THREATEN ITS WORLD TRADE ECONOMY,” HE SAID.
/MR KWOK .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
15
MR KWOK SAID ANOTHER REASON FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY WAS THAT THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT FROM EXCESSIVE CARBON DIOXIDE PRODUCTION FROM THE BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS WAS AN ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT ISSUE EVERY GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO FACE.
’’ABOUT 27 MILLION TONNES OF CARBON DIOXIDE, WHICH REPRESENTED 75 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION, WERE EMITTED TO THE ATMOSPHERE LAST YEAR DUE TO THE BURNING OF COAL FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN HONG KONG.
’’BEARING IN MIND THAT ABOUT 2.8 UNITS OF PRIMARY FUEL ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE ONE UNIT OF ELECTRICITY, CONSERVING ELECTRICITY USAGE HAS AN ENORMOUS EFFECT IN REDUCING THE EMISSION OF GREENHOUSE GASES,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE OBVIOUS REASON FOR CONSERVING ENERGY WAS BECAUSE PEOPLE DID NOT WANT TO PAY MORE THAN THE MINIMUM ENERGY NEEDED TO DO THE JOB.
LAST YEAR, HONG KONG CONSUMED MORE THAN 25,000 MILLION UNITS OF ELECTRICITY. ABOUT 50 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT OF THE ELECTRICITY WAS CONSUMED IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND DOMESTIC FLATS RESPECTIVELY.
"IF THERE WERE 10 PER CENT SAVING OF OUR ANNUAL CONSUMPTION THROUGH BETTER HOUSEKEEPING AND OPERATION OF THE BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS, WHICH WAS PRACTICAL IN PRACTICE, THE SAVING WOULD BE OVER $1,500 MILLION, AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO BUILD TWO 50-STOREY OFFICE BUILDINGS," MR KWOK SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT TOP MANAGEMENT OR CORPORATE MUST HAVE THE AWARENESS AND COMMITMENT OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENT ISSUE BEFORE ANY IMPROVEMENT WORK WOULD BE REALISED.
POINTING OUT THAT PEOPLE SELDOM SAW THE RECRUITMENT OF "ENERGY MANAGER" OF A BUILDING, MR KWOK SAID A FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL ENERGY MANAGER WAS FULLY JUSTIFIED IN LARGE BUILDING OR ORGANISATION BECAUSE HIS SALARY AND ANY IMPROVEMNET WORK WOULD BE EASILY PAID BY THE ENERGY BILL SAVED.
HE SAID ENERGY AUDIT WAS ANOTHER ESSENTIAL KEY ELEMENT IN ENERGY CONSERVATION.
"IT HELPS YOU TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE WAY ENERGY AND FUEL ARE USED IN YOUR BUILDING AND HELPS YOU TO IDENTIFY AREAS WHERE WASTE CAN OCCUR AND WHERE SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT MAY BE POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
MR KWOK SAID AN ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAMME WAS ALWAYS A CONTINUOUS EXERCISE WHICH MUST BE CONSTANTLY MONITORED AND MODIFIED ACCORDING TO THE CHANGING NEEDS THROUGH ENERGY AUDIT.
"ONCE THE GOAL IS QUANTIFIED IN TERMS OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS, WE CAN FOCUS ON THE LOWER HIERARCHY REGARDING SUBSYSTEMS OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, MR KWOK SAID THE RISK IN PROMOTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED.
/HE DREW .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
16
HE DREW THE ATTENTION OF THE SYMPOSIUM PARTICIPANTS TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENERGY EFFICIENT AND INDOOR ATI? QUALITY.
’’NOWADAYS, BUILDINGS ARE CONSTRUCTED IN A TIGHTER MANNER TO CONSERVE ENERGY.
’’NEW OFFICE BUILDINGS, IN MANY CASE, CONSUME LESS THAN HALF OF THE ENERGY WHAT A COMPARABLE BUILDING WOULD HAVE IN THE 70’S.
’’THE PRICE FOR THIS CHANGE IS THE BUILDUP OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS AND CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS, VERY OFTEN CLOSE TO HARMFUL LEVELS,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE MUCH PUBLICISED "SICK BUILDING SYNDROME" WHICH CAUSED FATIGUE, DIZZINESS, HEADACHES, SKIN IRRITATION AND, IN MORE SERIOUS CASES, RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS, WAS BELIEVED TO BE CLOSELY RELATED TO POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY.
“THIS MEANS A HEALTH HAZARD TO THE BUILDING OCCUPANTS AND LOSS OF PROFITABILITY.
’’ENERGY SAVING MEASURES, SUCH AS REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF FRESH AIR TO AIR-CONDITIONED SPACE, SHOULD BE EXAMINED IN DETAILS BY PROFESSIONALS TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY DETRIMENTAL EFFECT TO THE OCCUPANTS," MR KWOK ADDED.
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THREE TYPES OF CHEMICAL WASTE COME UNDER CONTROL
*****
A TOTAL OF 6,196 CHEMICAL WASTE PRODUCERS OUT OF THE EXPECTED TOTAL OF 8,000 HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL (CHEMICAL WASTE) (GENERAL) REGULATION DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD WHICH HAD EXPIRED ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 17).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR JOHN BOXALL, SAID THE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS, SOLID TANNERY, AND POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) WASTE HAS ALREADY COME UNDER CONTROL.
HE SAID THESE THREE TYPES OF CHEMICAL WASTE WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL IN ADVANCE PARTLY BECAUSE THEIR DISPOSAL DID NOT RELY ON THE COMMISSIONING OF THE TSING YI CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE (CWTC) WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO START OPERATION IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
IN ADDITION, ASBESTOS WASTE AND PCB WASTE IS TOXIC IN NATURE AND POSES SERIOUS HEALTH RISK WHEN NOT PROPERLY MANAGED.
"WASTE PRODUCERS ARE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) BEFORE DISPOSAL OF THEIR WASTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR DIRECTIONS," MR BOXALL SAID.
"THE PROCEDURE IS NECESSARY SO THAT THE SPECIAL CARE REQUIRED TO HANDLE PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS WASTE CAN BE TAKEN IN ADVANCE FOR RECEPTION AND DISPOSAL OF THESE WASTE.”
/THE NEW ........
THURSDAY),. NOVEMBER 19, 1992
17
THE NEW REGULATION UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE IMPOSES ON THE WASTE PRODUCERS A DUTY OF CARE IN RESPECT OF THEIR WASTE.
THEY HAVE A LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE PROPER PACKAGING, LABELLING AND STORAGE OF THEIR WASTE BEFORE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL.
WASTE PRODUCERS HAVE TO ENGAGE LICENSED COLLECTORS TO DELIVER THEIR WASTE TO AN APPROVED DISPOSAL FACILITY.
IN THE CASE OF ASBESTOS AND SOLID TANNERY WASTE, THE LANDFILLS AT TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND PILLAR POINT VALLEY WILL BE DESIGNATED AS THE DISPOSAL FACILITY.
IN RESPECT OF PCB WASTE, BEFORE THE CWTC IS COMMISSIONED, WASTE PRODUCERS CAN FOLLOW THE EXISTING PRACTICES OF DISPOSAL AT A HIGH-TEMPERATURE INCINERATOR IN OTHER COUNTRIES, SUBJECT TO PRIOR APPROVAL FROM EPD.
TO DETER ILLEGAL DISPOSAL SUCH AS "FLYTIPPING”, A COMPUTERISED TRIP TICKET SYSTEM HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE EPD TO APPLY CRADLE-TO-GRAVE CONTROL THROUGH CLOSE MONITORING OF THE WASTE MOVEMENT FROM THE POINT OF PRODUCTION TO THE FINAL DISPOSAL SITE.
"THE THREE-COPY TRIP TICKET WILL ACCOMPANY EACH WASTE CONSIGNMENT AND A COPY HAS TO BE RETAINED BY EACH PARTY IN THE WASTE DISPOSAL CHAIN: THE WASTE PRODUCER, THE WASTE COLLECTOR AND THE DISPOSAL SITE OPERATOR," MR BOXALL SAID.
BY COMPARING THE TRIP TICKET RECORDS, THE EPD CAN READILY IDENTIFY ANY DISCREPANCY AND TAKE FOLLOW UP ACTION IF MALPRACTICES ARE SPOTTED.
TO HELP THE INDUSTRY COMPLY WITH THE NEW CONTROL, A GUIDE TO THE CHEMICAL WASTE CONTROL SCHEME HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL EPD OFFICES.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON THE PACKAGING, LABELLING AND STORAGE OF CHEMICAL WASTE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED FOR REFERENCE OF INDUSTRY IN ADOPTING GOOD PRACTICES IN MANAGING CHEMICAL WASTE.
EPD WILL ISSUE WARNING LETTERS TO THOSE WASTE PRODUCERS WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION.
FAILURE TO REGISTER AFTER THE EXTENDED DEADLINE OF NOVEMBER 30, 1992 IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION WITHOUT FURTHER WARNING, AND THE PENALTY IS A MAXIMUM FINE OF $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
MR BOXALL SAID THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PHASE 1 CONTROL ON CHEMICAL WASTE WAS A STEP TOWARDS THE COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL SCHEME WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED EARLY NEXT YEAR IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE CWTC.
"THE AVAILABILITY OF A SUITABLE FACILITY FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTE, COUPLED WITH EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION, WILL ENSURE THE DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTE BE BROUGHT UNDER PROPER CONTROL TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH AND PROTECT THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT," HE SAID.
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/18 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
18
MRS PATTEN GIVES CHILD SAFETY TIPS TO PARENTS *****
MRS PATTEN TODAY (THURSDAY) MADE A FEW SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS ABOUT PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
"AS A MOTHER, I FIRMLY BELIEVE IN THE ADAGE ’PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE’," SHE SAID.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE ON INJURY PREVENTION IN CHILDHOOD CO-ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CHILDHEALTH FOUNDATION AND HONG KONG PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY, MRS PATTEN POINTED OUT THAT MANY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN WERE CAUSED THROUGH LACK OF FORESIGHT OR IGNORANCE AMONG PARENTS.
PARENTS SHOULD TRY TO STOP THEIR CHILDREN GETTING HOLD OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OBJECTS AND MUST MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CARING OF THEIR CHILDREN IF THEY HAVE TO GO OUT, SHE ADDED.
"IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS THAT PROPER FENCING SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN BALCONIES AND WINDOWS," SHE SAID.
MRS PATTEN RECALLED THAT 16 YEARS AGO, ONE OF HER DAUGHTERS HAD AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH HER HAND WAS BURNT ON AN ELECTRIC FIRE.
"AS A RESULT I MET OTHER PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAD ALSO SUFFERED ACCIDENTIAL INJURIES - MINOR AND SERIOUS.
"I REALISED HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO EDUCATE PARENTS AND OTHER CARERS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL DANGERS TO THEIR CHILDREN IN AND OUT OF THE HOME," SHE SAID.
RECOGNISING THAT THERE WAS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF MOTHERS IN FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT, MRS PATTEN SAID THERE WAS A NEED FOR DAY-CARE FACILITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WHO COULD NOT BE CARED FOR BY THEIR PARENTS DURING THE DAY.
"I AM GLAD TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE PLANS TO EXPAND THE PROVISION OF DAY CRECHES, DAY NURSERIES AND OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICES OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS," SHE ADDED.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES ARE NOW PROMOTING THE CONCEPT OF MUTUAL HELP AMONG FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN.
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS ARE ENCOURAGED TO GROUP TOGETHER TO HELP EACH OTHER.
"A HAPPY HOME SHOULD ALSO BE A SAFE ONE. EVERY CHILD SHOULD HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO GROW UP IN," SHE SAID.
-----o------
719 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
19
CONSTRUCTION WASTE DIVERSION SCHEME CONTINUES
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENT TO DIVERSE CONSTRUCTION WASTE AWAY FROM THE TSEUNG KWAN O AND SHUEN WAN LANDFILLS WOULD CONTINUE.
THE CONSTRUCTION WASTE DIVERSION SCHEME WOULD HELP TO ENSURE
THAT THE REUSABLE WASTE COULD BE MORE PROFITABLY DISPOSED OF TO
PRODUCE RECLAIMED LAND RATHER OCCUPYING LANDFILL SPACE WHICH DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE AT
THAN WASTING TAXPAYERS MONEY BY IS SPECIALLY PREPARED TO RECEIVE SOME CONSIDERABLE COST TO PUBLIC
FUNDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE SCHEME WHICH WAS INTRODUCED ON OCTOBER 1, CONSTRUCTION WASTE CONTAINING MORE THAN 20 PER CENT INERT MATERIAL BY VOLUME ARE NOT ACCEPTED AT THE TWO LANDFILLS.
CONSTRUCTION WASTE COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN THE PUBLIC' DUMPING LICENCE CAN BE DISPOSED OF AT PUBLIC DUMPS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PRODUCERS OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE WERE ENCOURAGED TO SORT THEIR WASTE AT SOURCE SO THAT IT COULD BE DISPOSED OF CONVENIENTLY.
"THE SIGNIFICANT DECREASE TN THE AMOUNT OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE BEING PRESENTED TO LANDFILLS, IN THE PERIOD FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHEME, HAS DEMONSTRATED CLEARLY THAT THE SEPARATION OF WASTE ON-SITE IS FEASIBLE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, SINCE THAT TIME LANDFILL HAS INCREASED STEADILY, PART OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS SEPARATION OF WASTE ON-SITE," HE
THE AMOUNTS OF WASTE RECEIVED AT REELECTING REDUCED EFFORTS ON THE TO CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE IN THE SAID.
THE ARRANGEMENT FOR HELPING LORRY DRIVERS, OF LOADS OF MIXED WASTES, WOULD CONTINUE FOR THE THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WHO HAVE TO FORESEEABLE
DISPOSE FUTURE,
EFFORTS WOULD CONTINUE TO PERSUADE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION AND OTHERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO ADOPT THE RELATIVELY SIMPLE PROCEDURES NEEDED TO SEPARATE WASTE ON SITE.
THUS, THE SMALL <OSTS INCURRED IN DOING THIS WOULD BE BORNE BY THE INDUSTRY ITSELF RATHER THAN THAT THE MUCH GREATER COST OF THE MISUSE OF SPECIALLY PREPARED LANDFILL SPACE TO BE BORNE BY THE COMMUNITY.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE CONDITION OF CONTRACT FOR THE NEW STRATEGIC LANDFILLS IN THE WEST, SOUTHEAST AND NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH WILL BE OPENED IN MID-1993 ONWARDS, WOULD NOT ALLOW THE DISPOSAL OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE WHICH COULD NOT MEET THE NEW DISPOSAL REQUIREMENT OF LESS THAN 20 PER CENT INERT MATERIAL.
/’’AS THESE ............
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
20
"AS THESE LANDFILLS ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED TO THE HIGHEST ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS, IT IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAT VALUABLE LANDFILL SPACE SHOULD NOT BE OCCUPIED BY INERT CONSTRUCTION WASTE.
"THE WASTE COULD BE MORE PROPERLY DISPOSED OF AT PUBLIC DUMPS TO RECLAIM LAND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE,” HE SAID.
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LOCAL WORKERS’ INTERESTS WELL PROTECTED
*******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE EFFORTS TO TAKE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF LOCAL WORKERS.
"EMPLOYERS WHO INTEND TO IMPORT FOREIGN WORKERS UNDER THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME MUST REGISTER THEIR VACANCIES WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT,” AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS ANGELA HO, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"EMPLOYERS MUST FIRST OFFER JOBS TO LOCAL WORKERS AT MEDIAN WAGES,” SHE SAID.
"LES STAFF WILL CAREFULLY LOOK AT THE JOB REQUIREMENTS IN EACH CASE, IDENTIFY SUITABLE LOCAL JOB SEEKERS, AND REFER THEM TO THE EMPLOYER FOR SELECTION INTERVIEWS," SHE ADDED. f • •
"IF AN EMPLOYER IS FOUND TO HAVE SET EXCESSIVELY RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS NOT COMMENSURATE WITH THE NATURE OF THE JOB, HIS APPLICATION FOR QUOTA TO IMPORT LABOUR MAY BE REJECTED,” MRS HO STRESSED.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT VACANCIES WILL BE FILLED BY LOCAL WORKERS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE AND THAT THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WILL NOT BE UNDULY AFFECTED, SHE EXPLAINED.
MRS HO REITERATED THAT PERMISSION TO IMPORT WORKERS WOULD BE GIVEN ONLY IF THE EMPLOYMENT VISA CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WAS SATISFIED THAT EVEN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LES, THE EMPLOYER WAS UNABLE TO FILL HIS VACANCIES WITH LOCAL STAFF.
"HOWEVER, EMPLOYERS MUST NOT OVERSTATE THEIR NEED FOR FOREIGN WORKERS," SHE SAID.
"THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR QUOTAS THAT THEY GENUINELY NEED, OTHERWISE, THEIR APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED,” SHE ADDED.
INFORMATION ON ALL VACANCIES RECEIVED WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 10 LES DISTRICT OFFICES.
SHE URGED LOCAL JOB SEEKERS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND APPLY AT ANY ONE OF THE OFFICES FOR THE VACANCIES.
/SHE ALSO .........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
- 21
SHE ALSO CALLED ON WORKERS’ UNIONS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR MEMBERS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THE JOBS AVAILABLE TO APPROACH THE LES OFFICES.
ENQUIRIES ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CAN BE MADE ON 852 4158.
------0 - - - -
TWO RETRAINING COURSES OFFERED TO WORKERS
* ♦ ♦ t »
TWO COURSES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ RETRAINING SCHEME ARE OFFERED TO WORKERS WHOSE JOBS ARE AFFECTED BY CHANGING ECONOMIC STRUCTURE.
THE FULL-TIME COURSES - JUNIOR COOK (ROASTED FOOD) AND BASIC TECHNIQUE FOR WAITER/WAITRESS IN CHINESE RESTAURANT - WILL START FROM NEXT TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 24) AND ON DECEMBER 8, AND WILL LAST FOUR AND TWO WEEKS RESPECTIVELY.
ACTING SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (EMPLOYMENT SERVICES), MR RAYMOND CHAN, SAID THE COURSES WERE PART OF A RANGE OF PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE LABOUR MARKET.
THEY WILL ALSO HELP WORKERS ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS OR UPGRADE EXISTING SKILLS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN ANOTHER TRADE OR FOR A HIGHER-LEVEL JOB IN THE SAME TRADE.
HE NOTED THAT MANY OF THE TRAINEES GRADUATED FROM PREVIOUS SIMILAR COURSES HAD FOUND JOBS.
’’TWELVE OUT OF 15 TRAINEES ON THE PREVIOUS COURSE ON BASIC TECHNIQUE FOR WAITER/WAITRESS IN CHINESE RESTAURANT AND THREE OUT OF 18 ON THE JUNIOR COOK (ROASTED FOOD) COURSE HAVE FOUND WORK," MR CHAN SAID.
"IN ADDITION, 12 TRAINEES ON THE JUNIOR COOK COURSE HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED BY EMPLOYERS AND ARE AWAITING RESULTS," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN URGED INTERESTED WORKERS TO ENROL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WITH LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 606 2145.
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/22 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
22
’’SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN PERSPECTIVE” SYMPOSIUM » t ♦ ♦ »
STUDENT SUICIDES AND YOUTH PROBLEMS WILL BE AMONG THE SUBJECTS TO BE PUT UNDER MICROSCOPE AT A MULTI-MEDIA SYMPOSIUM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
THE FOUR-HOUR SYMPOSIUM - "SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN PERSPECTIVE" WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM IN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE. ADMISSION IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
AS PART OF A DISTRICT AFFAIRS STUDY CONTEST, THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.
SIX SHORT-LISTED TEAMS WERE INVITED TO PRESENT THE FINDINGS OF THEIR THREE-MONTH STUDIES ON DISTRICT MATTERS AT THE SYMPOSIUM.
TOPICS TO BE PRESENTED WILL INCLUDE DANGEROUS SLOPES, TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT ABERDEEN TUNNEL, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF PRIVATE ACCOMMODATIONS AND LOCAL BUS SERVICES.
THE MEDIA OF THEIR PRESENTATIONS WILL RANGE FROM DRAMAS, TALK SHOWS TO VIDEOS, SONGS AND EXHIBITIONS.
A PANEL OF ADJUDICATION WILL SELECT THE WINNING TEAMS. PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AT A CEREMONY AFTER THE SYMPOSIUM.
A REPORT ON THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDIES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED LATER TO DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS FOR REFERENCE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SYMPOSIUM WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 21) IN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.
------o-------
FESTIVE LIGHTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST
* ♦ ♦ * »
TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE BRIGHTENED UP TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WITH FESTIVE LIGHTS TO HERALD CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY TOMORROW EVENING AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN.
THE EVENT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CONCERT GIVEN BY POP SINGERS JACKIE CHEUNG, SHIRLEY KWAN, ANDY HUI, SAMMIE CHENG AND VERONICA IP.
/THE CONCERT .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
23
THE CONCERT WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO 2, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK).
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE; THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN; THE YAU TSIM/MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND; YAU TSIM POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR P W FERRY; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION, MR LUI CHE-WO.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION AND RTHK, WITH HELP FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI FESTIVE LIGHTS AT 6 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN. THEY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE VENUE BY 5.30 PM.
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RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH MOVES TO WANCHAI TOWER III
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND ITS FESTIVAL OFFICE WILL OPERATE AT THEIR NEW PREMISES IN WANCHAI TOWER III, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, FROM NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
THE BROADCASTING, ENTERTAINMENT AND ADMINISTRATION WING OF THE BRANCH AND THE FESTIVAL OFFICE WILL OCCUPY THE 4 1ST FLOOR OF THE TOWER.
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICES DIVISION OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE WING WILL OCCUPY THE 40TH FLOOR OF THE TOWER. THE CULTURE DIVISION HAS ALREADY BEEN MOVED TO THE SAME BUILDING IN MID-SEPTEMBER.
THE NEW ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE:
RECREATION \ND CULTURE BRANCH 594 664 4
FESTIVAL OFFICE 594 666ft
RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICES DIVISION 594 566 1
SECRETARIAT FOR THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 594 5600
BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICE 594 5636
/THE FAXLINE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
24
THE FAXLINE NUMBERS FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND THE FESTIVAL OFFICE ARE 827 6646 AND 827 2424 RESPECTIVELY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE INFORMATION UNIT OF THE BRANCH, WHICH WILL BE HOUSED ON 41ST FLOOR OF WANCHAI TOWER III, WILL ALSO HANDLE MEDIA ENQUIRIES ON THE WORK OF THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY. THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE OFFICERS ARE:
SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER. 594 6627
INFORMATION OFFICER 594 6626
ASSISTANT INFORMATION OFFICER 594 6625
--------0 -----------
1992 HK YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL * t * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE BRINGING A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS TO THE PUBLIC WITH PERFORMANCE BY LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS DURING THE 1992 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 20 TO 30.
THE YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL WAS ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE MUSIC OFFICE SINCE 1979, WITH THE AIM TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN BAND MUSIC AND RAISE THE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE AMONG LOCAL BAND PLAYERS.
OVER 1,500 PARTICIPANTS FROM MORE THAN 20 SCHOOL BANDS TOGETHER WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND DISTRICT YOUTH SYMPHONIC BANDS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT AN ARRAY BAND MUSIC THIS YEAR IN A SERIES OF CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SYMPHONIC BAND, SINGAPORE, WILL JOIN THE FESTIVAL.
THE 55-MEMBER BAND WILL PRESENT A SERIES OF CLASSICAL COMPOSITION SUCH AS ’HIGHLIGHTS FROM WESTSIDE STORY’, ’A DANCE OF THE YAO’ AND ’CHORALE AND SHAKER DANCE’.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDES A FESTIVAL CONCERT AND A FESTIVAL GALA TO BE HELD AT HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN THE EVENINGS OF DECEMBER 27 AND 30.
VARIOUS KINDS OF BAND MUSIC INCLUDING JAZZ, ROCK, CLASSICAL AND THEME SONGS FROM MOVIES WILL BE PERFORMED.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE FOUR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS TO BE STAGED AT WHAMPOA GARDEN FANTASY MUSICAL FOUNTAIN, SHA TIN TOWN PLAZA, KWAI FONG METRO PLAZA AND TUEN MUN PLAZA ATRIUM DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
/APART FROM .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
- 25
APART FROM A SERIES OF CONCERTS, THERE WILL ALSO BE A SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST AND A MARCHING BAND CONTEST FOR LOCAL WIND BANDS AND MARCHING BANDS ON DECEMBER 22 AND 29 RESPECTIVELY.
TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL CONCERT AT $30 EACH AND THE FESTIVAL GALA AT $20 AND $40 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS.
HALF-PRICED TICKETS WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 606 5733.
---------0------------
CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST IN TSIM SHA TSUI
*****
CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND 13 ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A DRAWING AND COLOURING CONTEST IN TSIM SHA TSUI THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD, THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 1 PM AND 3.30 PM AT THE PIAZZA OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.
THOSE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE ARE WELCOME . TO ENROL AT THE VENUE.
THE THEME WILL BE “LOVE THE ENVIRONMENT”. PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS.
DRAWING PAPERS, BOARDS, PASTELS AND CRAYONS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 301 2141.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU TSIM CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 22) AT THE PIAZZA OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BETWEEN 1 PM AND 3.30 PM.
------0-------
/26 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1992
26
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 112.8 *-0.1* 19.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.75 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 6.25 101.50 4.29
1 MONTH 3.20 PCT 1ft MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.19 4.51
3 MONTHS 3.55 PCT 21 MONTHS 240ft 4.375 99.50 4 . 73
6 MONTHS 3.69 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 99.60 4.90
12 MONTHS 4.00 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,389MN
CLOSED 19 NOVEMBER 1992
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR WELCOMES SMOOTH RETURN OF VIETNAMESE ... 1
TSING YI TO HAVE NEW BRIDGE AND ROADS ........................... 1
STATISTICS ON OUTWARD PROCESSING CHINA TRADE FOR SECOND QUARTER ........................................................ 2
PENSIONS PROVISIONS CHANGED TO MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS ........... 7
PROPOSED DREDGING AND RECLAMATION FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 9 .......................................................... 8
TWO-DAY HEARING ON AUDIT REPORT ................................. 9
FEES REVISED FOR AUTHORISED INSURERS ........................... 11
NEW FEES FOR UK PASSPORTS ..................................... 11
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS ................... 12
REVISED FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS ................................................... 13
TALK ON COMMON ILLNESSES TOMORROW ............................. 14
NEW SCHOOL GUIDANCE APPROACH ................................... 15
EXHIBITIONS ON JOB SERVICES ................................... 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
17
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
1
REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR WELCOMES SMOOTH RETURN OF VIETNAMESE * * * * *
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) WELCOMED THE SMOOTH REPATRIATION OF 57 VIETNAMESE NON-REFUGEES UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME (ORP).
"AS WE EXPECTED, THE REPATRIATION OPERATION CONDUCTED THIS MORNING HAS BEEN UNEVENTFUL. INCREASINGLY, NON-REFUGEES REALISE THAT THEIR FUTURE LIES BACK IN VIETNAM, WHERE THEY CAN REBUILD THEIR LIVES WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND OTHER AID SCHEMES,” HE SAID.
THE VIETNAMESE WERE RETURNED TODAY ON THE SEVENTH ORP FLIGHT UNDER THE AGREEMENT REACHED WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT ON OCTOBER 29 LAST YEAR.
THE GROUP COMPRISED 23 MEN, 16 WOMEN, 11 BOYS AND SEVEN GIRLS.
OF THEM, 47 WERE FORMERLY INMATES OF THE NEI KWU CHAU AND CHI MA WAN (LOWER) DETENTION CENTRES WHO ARRIVED IN HONG KONG BEFORE OCTOBER 29 LAST YEAR.
THE REMAINING 10 WERE CRIMINAL OFFENDERS BEING DEPORTED TO VIETNAM. ALL HAD BEEN SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES.
"OVER 10,800 HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY TO VIETNAM SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR AND OVER 2,000 VOLUNTEERS ARE AWAITING TO GO HOME.
"THIS CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME IS A KEY ELEMENT IN ENCOURAGING MORE PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER UNDER THE UNHCR SCHEME," HE SAID.
"FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE JUNE 1989, THE TOTAL VIETNAMESE POPULATION HAS DROPPED BELOW 45,000. IF WE CAN MAINTAIN THE PRESENT MOMENTUM OF VOLUNTARY RETURNS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROCEED WITH OUR PLANS TO CLOSE DOWN ALL OUR CAMPS WITHIN THE THREE-YEAR TIMEFRAME WHICH WE HAVE SET," MR BRESNIHAN SAID.
_ _ _ _ o - - - -
TSTNG YI TO HAVE NEW BRIDGE AND ROADS
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS GIVEN APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND TSI NG YI SOUTH BRIDGE AND NEW ACCESS ROADS WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE PORT DEVELOPMEN3 ON SOUTHEAST TSING YI WHERE CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 (CT9) WILL BE LOCATED.
THE NEW TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE WILL PROVIDE FOUR ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANES WHICH, TOGETHER WITH THE TWO LANES ON THE EXISTING TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE, WILL NOT ONLY SERVE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS THERE, BUT WILL ALSO GREATLY RELIEVE THE CURRENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION DURING PEAK HOURS.
/THE BRIDGE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
2
THE BRIDGE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD TO THE FUTURE SOUTHEAST TSING YI RECLAMATION AND JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS AT THE EXISTING TSING YI ROAD ROUNDABOUT AND KWAI TSI NG/KWAI KING ROAD JUNCTION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY): "WHEN COMPLETED, THE NEW ROAD NETWORK WILL DIVERT TRAFFIC AWAY FROM THE EXISTING ROADS IN THE AREA, THUS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING THE NOISE LEVELS AT MAYFAIR GARDENS AND TSING YI TECHNICAL INSTITUTE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
"TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC NOISE LEVELS AT CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, ROADSIDE BARRIERS AND QUIET ROAD SURFACES WILL BE PROVIDED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS ALONG TSING YI HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AND TSING YI ROAD.
"PREMISES IN THE ESTATE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY TRAFFIC NOISE WILL BE PROVIDED WITH WINDOW INSULATION AND AIR-CONDITIONERS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IN ADDITION, NEW ACCESS ROADS WILL BE BUILT TO SERVE CT9, ITS BACKUP AREAS, AN INDUSTRIAL AREA AND A MARINE BASIN ON THE SOUTHEAST TSING YI RECLAMATION.
BOTH THE BRIDGE AND ACCESS ROADS PROJECTS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE CT9 DEVELOPERS.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR. TWO OF THE FOUR ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANES ON THE BRIDGE WILL BE COMPLETED IN TIME TO MEET THE COMMISSIONING OF THE FIRST BERTH OF CT9 IN JUNE 1995 AND THE REMAINING WORKS WILL BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 199G.
WORKS ON THE ACCESS ROADS TO THE SOUTHEAST•TSING YI RECLAMATION WILL START FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF RECLAMATION IN LATE 1994 AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1997.
--------o -----------
STATISTICS ON OUTWARD PROCESSING CHINA TRADE FOR SECOND QUARTER
*****
IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, 56% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 76% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 51% FOR RE-EXPORTS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, 70% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 77% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA) WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
/THE CORRESPONDING .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
3
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 WERE 57% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 76% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 51% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 63% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 71% FOR RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA).
IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, 54% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 74% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 48% FOR RE-EXPORTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, 71% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 77% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA) WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1991 WERE 57% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 77% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 49% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 65% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 71% FOR REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA).
THE DECREASES IN THE PROPORTION OF EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AS RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 REFLECT THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS FOR MEETING DOMESTIC DEMAND IN CHINA, VIZ. EXPORTS TO CHINA NOT DESTINED FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, INCREASED AT A FASTER PACE THAN OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE DURING THE PERIOD.
THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE SUSTAINED INCREASE IN DOMESTIC DEMAND IN CHINA FOR IMPORTED GOODS.
TO HELP FIRMS BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 TO DISTINGUISH HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
STARTING FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS FURTHER BEEN EXTENDED SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA) WHICH ARE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
IN VALUE TERMS, $39,369 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 31% OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 16% TO $12,085 MILLION AND BY 39% TO $27,284 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
/OVER THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
It
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 37% TO $61,711 MILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, $69,852 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA) WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 43%.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992, $65,861 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 28% OVER THE FIRST HALF OF 1991.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 11% TO $20,323 MILLION AND 37% TO $45,539 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 36% TO $113,392 MILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, $129,705 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA) WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 45%.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT REIMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE IMPORTATION OF PROCESSED GOODS FROM CHINA OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES ARE UNDER CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING.
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA) PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA REFER TO THOSE RE-EXPORTS OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT RE-IMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
IN INTERPRETING THE STATISTICS, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE VALUE AND PROPORTION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN (EXCEPT TO CHINA) INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA REFER TO THOSE OF THE ENTIRE GOODS INSTEAD OF JUST THE VALUE ADDED CONTRIBUTED BY OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, AND IMPORTS FROM CHINA) AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA IS SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
5
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FLOWS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, ARE RECORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE.
THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS, HE SAID.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEYS, HOWEVER, FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE.
"THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT TO THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS."
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE".
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AT THE END OF NOVEMBER AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT $52 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE SURVEYS AND SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 582 5037.
/ESTIMATED VALUE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
IsnKm> VM® M> PROTON OF TODB INVOLVING OOTWD PSOCESSING B< CHMA,
AND THE FJB-’TT HALF OF 199-2
2nd Percentage change over 2nd qtr, 1991 (%) 1st half 1992 Percentage change over 1st half 1991
(HKD I4n.) (HKD Mh.) (%)
jgtal_tsde_yalue * : Total exports to China Domestic exports to China Re-exports to China . 4 na 69,796 15,991 53,806 88,541 +33.8 +17.1 +39.7 +23.5 122,056 27,408 94,649 160,340 168,001 65,861 20,323 45,539 113,392 129,705 +34.5 +16.2 +40.9 +24.8 +33.2
Shorts of china origin 90,861 «1.3 (except to China) value involving outward processing in ChilB +28.0
Total exports to China Dcroestic experts to China Re-exports to China Imports from China Re-exports of China origin 39,369 12,085 27,284 61,711 69,852 +J1.^ +16.4 +39.3 +37.0 +43.2 +11.3 +37.1 +36.4 445.0
(except to China)
proportion involving cxitward processing in China :
2nd '(%F 2nd qtr. 1221 (%) 1st half 1992 1st half 1991_
(%) (%)
Total exports to China 56.4 57.5 76.0 54.0 74.1 56.7 77.4
Domestic exports to China 75.0 60 9 48.1 49.4
Re-exports to China 50. / 62.9 70.7 64.7
Inports fran China Re-exports of China origin □y • / 76.9 70.5 77.2 70.9
(except to China)
* The value excludes canmodities and transactions not classified according to
kind.
-----0------
/7 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
7
PENSIONS PROVISIONS CHANGED TO MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS
*****
THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992 AND THE PENSIONS ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992 ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILLS AIM TO MODERNISE THE DEPENDANT PENSIONS AND SERVICE PENSIONS SCHEMES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS AND TO REMOVE ANOMALIES AND DISCRIMINATORY PROVISIONS.
THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL 1992 WILL MAKE MEMBERSHIP OF THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSIONS SCHEME VOLUNTARY ON AN APPOINTED DAY.
SINGLE OFFICERS WHO ELECT TO CEASE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEPENDANT PENSIONS SCHEMES WILL RECEIVE A REFUND OF THEIR PAST CONTRIBUTIONS, WITH INTEREST.
MARRIED OFFICERS WHO ALSO ELECT TO CEASE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCHEMES WILL HAVE THEIR ACCRUED BENEFITS PRESERVED, AND THEIR DEPENDANTS WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY A CONTINGENT DEPENDANT PENSION FROZEN AT THE LEVEL IF AND WHEN THEY LEAVE THE SCHEME.
OTHER PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE BILL INCLUDE:
* FEMALE OFFICERS, MODEL SCALE I STAFF AND CERTAIN DISCIPLINED SERVICES STAFF WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN EXCLUDED, WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO JOIN THE VOLUNTARY WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME;
♦ THE PENSIONABLE AGE LIMIT FOR CHILDREN WILL BE STANDARDISED AT THE AGE OF 18 IRRESPECTIVE OF SEX, WHICH WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE AGE OF 23 IF THE CHILD IS IN FULL-TIME EDUCATION;
* THE PROVISIONS MAKING A HUSBAND’S ENTITLEMENT TO A DEPENDANT PENSION SUBJECT TO FINANCIAL DEPENDENCY ON HIS WIFE ARE REPEALED; AND
* PENSION RIGHTS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN FOR REASONS OF CONSISTENCY WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
ANOTHER MAJOR CHANGE CONTAINED IN THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION BILL IS TO MAKE ANNUAL PENSION ADJUSTMENT, ON THE BASIS OF THE MOVEMENT OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), A STATUTORY RIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE SINCE 1976.
AS REGARDS THE PENSIONS ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1992, IT CONTAINS MAINLY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
THE MAJOR CHANGES INCLUDE THE STANDARDISATION FOR THE COUNTING OF SERVICE BELOW THE AGE OF 18 YEARS \S PENSIONABLE SERVICE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A MORE FLEXIBLE DEFINITION OF PENSIONABLE EMOLUMENTS.
/"WE HAVE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
- 8
”WE HAVE CONSULTED THE STAFF SIDES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ON THE PROPOSALS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY WELCOME THE PROPOSED CHANGES AND ARE ANXIOUS TO HAVE THEM IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."
THE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 2.
-----0-------
PROPOSED DREDGING AND RECLAMATION FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 9
*****
RECLAMATION WORK TO PROVIDE ABOUT 126 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 9 AND ITS BACK-UP AREAS WILL SOON BE CARRIED OUT AT SOUTHEAST TSING YI TO MEET THE RAPID GROWTH OF CONTAINERISED TRADE.
AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT, DREDGING TO A LEVEL OF 15 METRES BELOW CHART DATUM WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT PART OF THE RAMBLER CHANNEL AS WELL AS THE NORTHERN EDGE OF THE KELLETT BANK TO PROVIDE THE PASSAGE OF LARGE CONTAINER VESSELS.
THE PROJECT WAS AUTHORISED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 10, AFTER CONSIDERATION OF OBJECTIONS RECEIVED.
TO ADDRESS LOCAL CONCERNS ON THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE DEVELOPMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES HAD BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID THE IMPACT ON NEARBY RESIDENTIAL PREMISES WOULD BE KEPT WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS.
"DURING CONSTRUCTION, AIR QUALITY AND WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS WILL BE MONITORED CLOSELY TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS.
"PILING WORK AND NIGHT-TIME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES WILL BE CONTROLLED BY PERMITS TO BE ISSUED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE.
"DURING DAYTIME, CEILING CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVELS WILL BE IMPOSED.
"BESIDES, A LANDSCAPED BUFFER ZONE HAS BEEN PROPOSED BETWEEN THE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS OF CHEUNG CHING ESTATE AND THE CONTAINER TERMINAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREA TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS OF VIEW TO THE LOWER FLOOR RESIDENTS.
"NOISE BARRIERS HAVE ALSO BEEN PROPOSED TO BE ERECTED AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS ALONG TSING YI ROAD AND TSING YI HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD TO MITIGATE PROJECTED TRAFFIC NOISE LEVELS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THESE DEVELOPMENTS," HE SAID.
/THE EXTENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
9
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN TWO NOTICES 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 SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM THAT DATE OF THE NOTICE, THAT IS, ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 19 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICES, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS CAN BE SEEN AND PURCHASED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE KWAI TSING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NE TERRITORIES.
------0-------
TWO-DAY HEARING ON AUDIT REPORT *****
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A TWO-DAY PUBLIC HEARING FROM NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 23) ON THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 THIS YEAR AND THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS.
THE HEARING WILL START AT 8.30 AM ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
ON MONDAY, 11 GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE REPORT. ON TUESDAY, SIX OFFICIALS WILL ATTEND THE HEARING.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING IS:
MONDAY (NOVEMBER 23)
TIME
OFFICIALS
SUBJECT
8.30
AM
SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN
MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY CENTRES (PARAGRAPHS 2.1-2.27)
9. 15
AM
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED;
AND DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, DR EDWARD BRAND
DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED MUD (PARAGRAPHS 9.1-9.18)
9.45
AM
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE (PARAGRAPHS 6.1 - 6.12)
/10.30 AM .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
10
10.30 AM
11 AM
11.45 AM
GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON;
DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR PAUL CORSER; DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR DARWIN CHEN AND DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND
ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI; GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON; DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR BILLY LAM; AND DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PUN KWOK-SHING SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE
PREMISES AT WHAMPOA DOCKYARD REDEVELOPMENT (PARAGRAPHS 4.1-4.16)
REDEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT'S SITE
(PARAGRAPHS 5.1-5.27)
FORMULA PRICE ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM (PARAGRAPHS 8.1-8.5)
TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 24)
8.30 AM ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN; AND REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESN1HAN VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS EXPENDITURE
(PARAGRAPHS 1.1-1.3)
9 AM ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR TONG KANG-SING DISPOSAL OF SEIZED GOODS (PARAGRAPHS 3.1-3.15)
9.30 AM ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG REPROVISIONING OF FERRY PIERS IN KWUN TONG (PARAGRAPHS 10.1-10.16)
10.15 AM DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG; AND ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (PARAGRAPHS 11.1-11.3)
10.45 AM DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG STAFF OVERTIME WORK (PARAGRAPHS 12.1-12.17)
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE PUBLIC HEARING ARE ADVISED TO BRING WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT NO. 19.
------0-------
/Il ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
11
FEES REVISED FOR AUTHORISED INSURERS *****
THE REVISED SCALE OF FEES PAYABLE BY AUTHORISED INSURERS UPON AUTHORISATION AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AUTHORISATION AND ANNUAL FEE) REGULATION PRESCRIBING THE FEES BECAME EFFECTIVE TODAY.
’’UNDER THE REGULATION, SEPARATE FEES WILL BECOME PAYABLE BY INSURERS ACCORDING TO THEIR CLASS OR CLASSES OF INSURANCE BUSINESS,” HE SAID.
THE AUTHORISATION FEE AND ANNUAL FEE PAYABLE BY AN INSURER CARRYING ON EITHER LONG-TERM OR GENERAL INSURANCE BUSINESS IS $50,000.
THE FEE FOR AN INSURER CARRYING ON BOTH FORMS OF BUSINESS IS $100,000.
THE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN JUNE 1989.
”IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT THE ANNUAL FEES SHOULD BE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE INCREASED COSTS OF SUPERVISION BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - - - 0------
NEW FEES FOR UK PASSPORTS *****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT AS ADVISED BY THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, FEES FOR UNITED KINGDOM PASSPORTS INCLUDING BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS, AND RELATED SERVICES WILL BE REVISED FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
THE NEW FEES WILL BE:
TYPES OF APPLICATION POUND STERLING HK$
♦ UNITED KINGDOM PASSPORT OP NOT MORE THAN 32 PAGES 18 (15) $214 ($198)
* BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OF NOT MORE THAN 32 PAGES 18 (15) $214 ($198)
* UNITED KINGDOM PASSPORT OF 48 PAGES 27 (22.5) $321 ($297)
* BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT OF 48 PAGES 27 (22.5) $321 ($297)
* AN AMENDMENT OF AN EXISTING UNITED KINGDOM/BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT BY ADDING THE PARTICULARS OF A CHILD OR CHILDREN 5 (4) $59 ($53)
/* AN AMENDMENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
12
* AN AMENDMENT TO AN EXISTING UNITED KINGDOM/BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT:
♦ BY AMENDING THE HOLDER’S NAME AT 5(3) $59 ($40)
THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER, OR ISSUING A REPLACEMENT PASSPORT WHICH CONTAINS SUCH AMENDMENT;
♦ BY ADDING A FRESH PHOTOGRAPH OR 5(3) $59 ($40)
AMENDING THE HOLDER’S DESCRIPTION, OR ISSUING A REPLACEMENT PASSPORT WHICH CONTAINS SUCH ADDITION OR AMENDMENT (EXCEPT WHERE THE HOLDER WAS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE AT THE DATE OF ISSUE OF THE EXISTING PASSPORT).
NOTE: FIGURES IN BRACKETS DENOTE THE CURRENT FEES.
"UNITED KINGDOM PASSPORT FEES HAVE NOT BEEN INCREASED SINCE 1983 AND THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE THIS TIME IS STILL MUCH LOWER THAN THE CUMULATIVE INFLATION RATE. THE REVISION WILL BRING FEES INTO LINE WITH COSTS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
ALL FEES ARE TO BE CHARGED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS CONVERTED FROM POUND STERLING AT THE CURRENT OFFICIAL EXCHANGE RATE (THAT IS 1 POUND STERLING : HK$11.883). THE FEES ARE TO BE COLLECTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
"APPLICATION FEES FOR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES PASSPORTS AND RELATED SERVICES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT PASSPORT FEES MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
-----0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TWO DISTRICT OPEN SPACES IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE SPORTS FACILITIES INCLUDING TWO LAWN BOWLING GREENS, FOUR TENNIS COURTS, A CYCLING CIRCUIT WITH ADVENTURE CYCLING AREA, A MANAGEMENT BUILDING SERVING SPORTS FACILITIES WITH FOUR SQUASH COURTS AND ANOTHER WITH CYCLING FACILITIES AND REFRESHMENT KIOSK.
THE OPEN SPACE WILL ALSO PROVIDE RECREATION AREA WITH SHADED SEATING, TREE-LINED AVENUES, ORNAMENTAL PLANTING AND WATER FEATURES.
/WORK IS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
13
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS ARE ALSO BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF FLOORING AT STUDIO 2 OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN TELEVISION HOUSE.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE TWO WEEKS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR BOTH PROJECTS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 11.
--------0------------
REVISED FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED REVISED FEES CHARGED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE REGISTRATION OF FIRE SERVICES INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS.
THE FEE REVISION, EFFECTIVE FROM TODAY, IS PROVIDED FOR IN THE FIRE SERVICE (INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992 GAZETTED TODAY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT \S A RESULT OF INCREASES IN STAFF COSTS AND OTHER RELATED COSTS SUCH AS ACCOMMODATION AND EQUIPMENT COST, PREVIOUS CHARGES WERE NO LONGER SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE COSTS OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
HE SAID THE FEE REVISION TOOK \(’COUNT OF THE INCREASE IN COSTS THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE SINCE THE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN 1990.
DETAILS OF THE REVISION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
EXISTING FEES NEW FEES
* REGISTRATION (INCLUDING PRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE AND INITIAL WORKSHOP INSPECTION) OF CLASS 1, CLASS 2 OR CLASSES 1 AND 2 CONTRACTORS $640 $1 ,030
* WRITTEN EXAMINATION FOR CLASS 3 CONTRACTORS $370 $580
* INTERVIEW OF CLASS 3 CONTRACTORS $390 $630
* WORKSHOP INSPECTION OF CLASS 3 CONTRACTORS $ 3 1 0 $520
/★ WORKSHOP
RE-INSPECTION ..
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
14
♦ WORKSHOP RE-INSPECT ION OF $310 $520
CLASS 1, CLASS 2, CLASSES 1 AND 2 OR CLASS 3 CONTRACTORS
* NEW WORKSHOP INSPECTION OF CLASS 1, CLASS 2, (LASSES 1 AND 2 OR CLASS 3 CONTRACTORS S 3 10 $520
♦ NEW WORKSHOP RE-INSPECT ION OF CLASS 1, CLASS 2, CLASSES 1 AND 2 OR CLASS 3 CONTRACTORS $310 $520
* CHANGE OF REGISTERED NAME OR REGISTERED ADDRESS FOR CLASS 1, CLASS 2, CLASSES I AND 2 OR CLASS 3 CONTRACTORS $ 160 $260
* CHANGE OF QUALIFIED PERSON FOR CLASS 1, CLASS 2, CLASSES 1 AND 2 CONTRACTORS o- $210 $330
TALK ON COMMON ILLNESSES TOMORROW
* » ♦ ♦ ♦
PEOPLE WISHING TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO SOME OF THE MORE COMMON ILLNESSES IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING PROBLEMS FACED BY ASTHMATIC CHILDREN, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ULCER, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A TALK TO BE HOSTED BY THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
AS PART OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, THE EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF HEALTH MATTERS.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM IN THE WAH KWAI COMMUNITY HALL, WAH KWAI ESTATE. ADMISSION IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF SLIDE PRESENTATIONS ON THE PREVENTION AND CURE OF THE MOST COMMON DISEASES AND THESE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A COLOURFUL EXHIBITION AND A FREE BLOOD PRESSURE TAKING SERVICE FOR PARTICIPANTS.
A FREE COACH SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED TO TRANSPORT SHEK 0 RESIDENTS TO AND FROM THE VENUE.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR WON WING-YING ON TEL 813 0305.
ATTENTION NEW EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TALK WHICH WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AT THE WAH KWAI COMMUNITY HALL, WAH KWAI ESTATE.
------0 -------
/15 .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
15
NEW SCHOOL GUIDANCE APPROACH *****
GUIDANCE IN SCHOOLS SHOULD NO LONGER ASSUME THE TRADITIONAL CASE-WORK APPROACH BUT SHOULD EMPHASISE ON COMMUNICATION, BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ONE ANOTHER’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR AMONG STUDENTS.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID THIS AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL TODAY (FRIDAY) IN GASCOIGNE ROAD IN YAU MA TEI.
"IN ORDER TO ASSIST SCHOOLS TO PROMOTE THE WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE, WE ARE NOW COMPILING FORMAL GUIDELINES FOR REFERENCE. THESE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS," MR WONG SAID.
THERE WILL ALSO BE:
* MORE GUIDANCE VISITS TO SCHOOLS;
* SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS;
* PRE-SERVICE AND REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES FOR GUIDANCE TEACHERS; AND
* PROGRAMME FUNDS FOR GUIDANCE ACTIVITIES.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SUPPLEMENT THE WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH WITH A MECHANISM FOR BRINGING SCHOOLS AND HOMES CLOSER TOGETHER TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOLS.
THESE WOULD PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF STUDENTS AND GIVE AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING.
"I INTEND TO ESTABLISH A CENTRALISED COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION WITHIN THREE MONTHS TO ADVISE ON WAYS OF STRENGTHENING HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION, TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH IN THIS FIELD AND TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO SET UP PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS," HE SAID.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE WIDE AND WOULD BE DRAWN FROM SCHOOLS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS, TEACHERS, PARENT GROUPS, AND EXPERIENCED AND INTERESTED PEOPLE IN THIS FIELD, HE ADDED.
MR WONG ALSO PRAISED THE DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL FOR ITS OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN THE ACADEMIC FIELD, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.
-----o------
/16 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
16
EXHIBITIONS ON JOB SERVICES * * * »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE THREE EXHIBITIONS AT COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES TO PROMOTE ITS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
THE FIRST ONE WILL BE HELD AT THE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE OF THE NEW WORLD CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI FROM 11 AM TO 6.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND FROM 9 AM TO 6.30 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
THE OTHER TWO WILL BE MOUNTED AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF THE LANDMARK IN CENTRAL NEXT WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 25 AND 26) AND AT NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN ON NOVEMBER 28 AND 29.
"THE DISPLAY, USING SIMPLE ILLUSTRATIONS, WILL INTRODUCE THE FREE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES), INCLUDING STAFF RECRUITMENT FOR EMPLOYERS AND PLACEMENTS FOR JOB-SEEKERS," ACTING SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR CHAN MAN-LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE LES RECEIVES INFORMATION ON A VARIETY OF JOB VACANCIES IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AND ACTS AS THE CENTRAL AGENCY FOR RECRUITING MODEL 1 PAY SCALE STAFF IN THE GOVERNMENT SUCH AS ARTISANS, DRIVERS AND WORKMEN.
THE 10 LES BRANCH OFFICES ARE LINKED UP BY A FACSIMILE SYSTEM TO ENABLE SPEEDY TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION AMONG THE OFFICES.
"WHILE EMPLOYERS WISHING TO RECRUIT STAFF CAN CALL ANY LES OFFICE, JOB-SEEKERS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE OFFICES IN PERSON TO CHOOSE SUITABLE JOBS DISPLAYED IN THE WAITING HALL," MR CHAN SAID.
"IF THE JOB-SEEKERS MEET THE EMPLOYERS’ REQUIREMENTS AND ARE PREPARED TO ACCEPT THE TERMS OFFERED, THEY WILL BE REFERRED TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS FOR INTERVIEWS,” HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITIONS WILL ALSO PUBLICISE THE SERVICES OFFERED BY THE HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (HEES) TO JOB-SEEKERS WITH TERTIARY EDUCATION OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
THOSE WHO WISH TO USE ITS SERVICES MAY REGISTER WITH THE HEES ON SIXTH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITIONS AND DISTRIBUTE PAMPHLETS.
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/17 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1992
17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +200
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,700
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.2 *+0.4* 20.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.14 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 6.25 101.22 4.52
1 MONTH 3.28 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.20 4.71
3 MONTHS 3.60 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.25 4.88
6 MONTHS 3.80 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.33 5.05
12 MONTHS 4.30 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5.498MN
CLOSED 20 NOVEMBER 1992
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT TO BE DECIDED IN HK, PEKING AND LONDON 1
DETAILED TALKS ON CT9 TO PROCEED ............................ 1
STATEMENT ON OUTBREAK OF PIG'S DISEASE ...................... 2
URUGUAY ROUND GATT NEGOTIATIONS .............................. 2
VEHICLE MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY ............................... 3
OCTOBER WEATHER REPORT ....................................... 4
LABELS REQUIRED FOR USE OF AIR COMPRESSORS ................... 7
CYC PRAISED FOR CONSERVING COUNTRY PARKS ..................... 7
EXTRAVAGANZA TO HERALD DISTRICT FESTIVAL ..................... 8
BUS SERVICE RE-ARRANGEMENTS .................................. 9
HONG KONG GOVENMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
10
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
1
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT TO BE DECIDED IN HK, PEKING AND LONDON
******
IT IS GENERALLY RECOGNISED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THAT THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG HAS TO BE DECIDED IN HONG KONG, PEKING AND LONDON, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM VISITS TO CANADA AND BRITAIN, MR PATTEN SAID: "I THINK IT’S GENERALLY RECOGNISED THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ITS SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION ARE FOR US, IN PEKING, IN LONDON AND IN HONG KONG.”
"BUT THERE IS OF COURSE PERFECTLY NATURALLY A LOT OF INTEREST IN WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HONG KONG. THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF SYMPATHY AROUND THE WORLD FOR HONG KONG AND I DON’T THINK THAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD TURN OUR BACK ON,” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT HE HELD MEETINGS WITH NUMEROUS POLITICAL GROUPS IN LONDON, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT RIGHT ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM THERE IS SUCH WIDE AND DEEP SUPPORT FOR WHAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO IN HONG KONG TO IMPLEMENT SUCCESSFULLY THE JOINT DECLARATION."
ASKED TO COMMENT ON CALLS FOR A REFERENDUM ON HIS PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD IN OCTOBER, MR PATTEN SAID: "I THINK THAT A REFERENDUM ISN’T ON MY AGENDA AT THE MOMENT; I THINK IT WOULD BE DIVISIVE AND I DON’T THINK THAT IT WOULD REMOVE FROM THE SHOULDERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAKING THE FINAL DECISIONS ON THE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE."
"I BELIEVE THAT IT’S ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT THE PROPOSALS THAT WERE PUT FORWARD IN OCTOBER WERE WHOLLY IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND I HAVEN’T YET SEEN ANY EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST OTHERWISE.
"PEOPLE HAVE OCCASIONALLY TALKED ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. I THINK THAT WE’RE WITHIN BOTH THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER AND I THINK THERE’S BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL LACK OF HARD EVIDENCE TO ARGUE TO THE CONTRARY," MR PATTEN SAID.
------0--------
DETAILED TALKS ON CT9 TO PROCEED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED WRITTEN CONFIRMATION JOINTLY FROM THE TSING YI CONTAINER TERMINAL CONSORTIUM, MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED AND HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS LIMITED THAT THEY ARE PREPARED TO PROCEED WITH NEGOTIATIONS FOR A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 TO A CONSORTIUM FORMED BY THE PARTIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING THE TERMINAL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ALTHOUGH THERE WOULD BE A NEED FOR DETAILED DISCUSSIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO CONCLUDE THE NEGOTIATIONS, THE CONFIRMATION RECEIVED WAS AN ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT AND AN INDICATION OF THE CONFIDENCE FELT BY THE PARTIES CONCERNED IN THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PORT.
NEGOTIATIONS WILL START NEXT WEEK.
------0--------
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
2
STATEMENT ON OUTBREAK OF PIG’S DISEASE
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE OUTBREAK OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE AMONG PIGS REARED IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID:
’’THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF THE DISEASE IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, INVOLVING A TOTAL OF 2,500 PIGS, OF WHICH SOME 500 PIGS ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE DIED.
’’THE DEPARTMENT IS KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON THE SITUATION AND IS LIAISING WITH THE WORLD REFERENCE CENTRE ON FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE CONCERNING THIS CURRENT OUTBREAK.
’’FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IS A VIRAL DISEASE. AFFECTED PIGS WILL DEVELOP BLISTERS ON THE SNOUTS AND FOOT, AND THEIR GROWTH IS RETARDED.
’’THE DEATH RATE IS USUALLY LOW, PARTICUL\RLY IF AFFECTED PIGS ARE ISOLATED AND GIVEN PROPER HUSBANDRY CARE.
”IN SEVERE CASE, PIGLETS MAY DIE WHEN THEIR HEART MUSCLE IS AFFECTED. THERE IS NO KNOWN CURE AND THE BEST METHOD OF CONTROL IS PREVENTIVE VACCINATION.
’’THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALL ALONG BEEN ADVISING FARMERS TO VACCINATE THEIR PIGS REGULARLY AND NOT DURING OUTBREAKS.
’’LIVESTOCK KEEPERS SHOULD SECURE THE SUPPLY OF VACCINE BY PLACING FIRM ORDERS WITH THE LOCAL AGENT OF THE VACCINE MANUFACTURER TO AVOID ANY INTERRUPTION IN SUPPLY.
’’THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN LIAISING WITH FOREIGN VACCINE MANUFACTURER TO ENSURE THAT THE VACCINE PRODUCED IS THE BEST FOR USE IN HONG KONG.”
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ANIMAL FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE VIRUS DOES NOT NORMALLY AFFECT HUMANS.
- - 0 - -
URUGUAY ROUND GATT NEGOTIATIONS ♦ * ♦ t 1
NEWS THAT THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPEAN COMMISSION NEGOTIATORS HAD RESOLVED A DISPUTE OVER TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WAS WELCOMED BY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, TODAY (SATURDAY).
"DEEP DIFFERENCES OVER TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS HAVE DELAYED PROGRESS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND MULTILATERAL TALKS FOR OVER A YEAR," MR TSANG SAID.
"WE HAVE YET TO SEE DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT REACHED, BUT WE BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO REVIVE SUBSTANTIVE NEGOTIATION IN THE URUGUAY ROUND IMMEDIATELY. THE HONG KONG TEAM IS READY AND KEEN TO GET GOING."
/"EVEN WITH
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
3 -
’’EVEN WITH THIS BREAKTHROUGH, THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO BE DONE,” HE ADDED. ”1 HAVE HEARD ONE U.S. EXPERT DESCRIBING THE TASK OF ACHIEVING AN AGREED URUGUAY ROUND BY THE END OF THIS YEAR AS ALMOST MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, BUT NOT ENTIRELY IMPOSSIBLE.
"THE U.S./EC AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE HAS TO BE CONSIDERED BY OTHER INTERESTED URUGUAY ROUND PARTICIPANTS AND THERE IS STILL A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE ON TARIFF REDUCTIONS AND SERVICES.
"BUT THE POLITICAL WILL TO PUSH FOR A FINAL AGREEMENT IS CLEARLY THERE. I AM CONFIDENT OF FINAL SUCCESS, EVEN IF IT TAKES A FEW MORE MONTHS."
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VEHICLE MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY
♦ * * ♦ ♦
FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,433,000.
THE SUM WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK HK1000 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $270,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK DA2 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $220,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR EY9399 AND EZ8884.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
EZ1778 2,000 EZ782 9,000 EZ223 23,000 EZ5388 2,000
EY9399 1,000 *HK363 160,000 *DA2 220,000 FA328 68,000
EZ2122 3,000 EZ1028 20,000 EZ103 19,000 EZ4808 3,000
♦CN7557 3,000 EZ9991 7,000 EZ887 12,000 *FD161 19,000
EZ116 3,000 *FC5 140,000 ♦HK171 155,000 EZ605 9,000
FA2880 3,000 EZ198 19,000 EZ1038 8,000 EXI 12 50,000
EZ417 WITHDRAWN EZ438 5,000 EZ3998 8,000 EZ8318 8,000
♦HK1000 270,000 *CR69 34,000 ♦ CS67 50,000 ♦FE747 11,000
EZ921 5,000 EZ2398 7,000 EZ7828 7,000 EZ3693 5,000
EZ8884 1,000 EZ998 39,000 EZ778 20,000 EZ3908 4,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE
IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS 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 .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
4
TODAY’S SALE, THE 183RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BRINGS THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $152,490,905.
THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR EZ417. THIS VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANT.
- - 0 - -
OCTOBER WEATHER REPORT * * * * *
OCTOBER WAS A MONTH VERY MUCH DOMINATED BY THE NORTHEAST MONSOON, WITH A MONTHLY MEAN PRESSURE OF 1,015.6 HECTO-PASCALS, THE EIGHTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR OCTOBER.
THIS WAS ACCORDING TO A MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
IN GENERAL, TEMPERATURES WERE BELOW NORMAL. BUT A VERY WARM NIGHT PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF THE FIRST SURGE OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON RESULTED IN THE FIFTH HIGHEST OCTOBER DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27.0 DEGREES RECORDED IN THE EARLY HOURS OF OCTOBER 4.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE PREVAILING DRY CONTINENTAL AIR MASS, THE MONTHLY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 66 PER CENT WAS THE SEVENTH LOWEST FOR OCTOBER.
THE MONTH’S RAINFALL OF 30.9 MILLIMETRES WAS ONLY ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF THE OCTOBER NORMAL OF 144.8 MILLIMETRES.
WITH THREE CONSECUTIVE DRIER THAN NORMAL MONTHS, THE TOTAL RAINFALL UP TO OCTOBER 31 WAS 2,602.3 MILLIMETRES WHICH WAS 21 PER CENT ABOVE THE PERIOD’S NORMAL OF 2,151.9 MILLIMETRES.
A MOIST SOUTHEASTERLY AIRSTREAM GAVE RISE TO SOME LOCALLY DEVELOPED SHOWERS ON THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 1.
HOWEVER, THE WEATHER SOON TURNED FINE AROUND NOON AND, UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A WARM MARITIME AIR MASS, REMAINED SUNNY AND HOT OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS.
THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 31.2 DEGREES FOR THE MONTH WAS RECORDED DURING THE DAY ON OCTOBER 3.
THE VERY WARM WEATHER CONTINUED BUT WAS SOON REMOVED EARLY ON OCTOBER 5 AS THE PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A PROLONGED SPELL OF ACTIVE NORTHEAST MONSOON THAT LASTED ALMOST THE REST OF THE MONTH.
THE COLD FRONT ASSOCIATED WITH A SURGE OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST EARLY ON OCTOBER 5.
NORTHERLY WINDS FRESHENED AND THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY WITH RAIN IN THE MORNING. THE SURGE BROUGHT A TEMPERATURE FALL OF TWO TO THREE DEGREES OVER THE TERRITORY.
/WINDS TURNED
SATURDAY^ NOVEMBER 21, 1992
5
YINDS TURNED EASTERLY ON OCTOBER 6, PERSISTING TILL OCTOBER 12. WINDS WERE FRESH AT TIMES OFFSHORE DURING THE EARLY PART OF THE PERIOD.
DESPITE SOME LIGHT RAIN OVERNIGHT WHICH OCCURRED ON FOUR CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS FROM THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 6 TO THE EARLY MORNING OF OCTOBER 10, THE DAYTIME WEATHER REMAINED GENERALLY FINE.
A NORTHERLY REPLENISHMENT ARRIVED ON OCTOBER 13 AND BROUGHT A SLIGHT DROP IN TEMPERATURE. THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY WITH SOME PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN EARLY THAT MORNING.
DRY AIR OF CONTINENTAL ORIGIN CLEARED AWAY THE CLOUDS ON OCTOBER 14 AND KEPT THE DAILY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY BELOW 60 PER CENT TILL OCTOBER 19.
BY THEN, WINDS HAD TURNED EASTERLY AND FRESHENED, WINDS OFFSHORE WERE STRONG ON OCTOBER 20 AND 21 AND REMAINED GENERALLY FRESH TILL OCTOBER. 23.
APART FROM THE ACTIVE NORTHEAST MONSOON, THE PERSISTENCE OF WINDY CONDITIONS COULD ALSO BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE ENHANCEMENT EFFECT DUE TO SEVERE TROPICAL STORM ANGELA AND ITS SLOW PASSAGE ACROSS THE CENTRAL PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
ANOTHER NORTHERLY REPLENISHMENT ON OCTOBER 24 LED TO ANOTHER FALL IN RELATIVE HUMIDITY.
WITH THE VERY DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS. MORE THAN 80 CASES OF HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED ON OCTOBER 25 AND 26.
NO RAIN FELL DURING THE 13-DAY FINE SPELL FROM OCTOBER 14 TO 26.
WITH EVERY REPLENISHMENT OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON DURING THE MONTH, TEMPERATURE LOWERED PROGRESSIVELY AND THE MINIMUM OF 19.6 DEGREES ON OCTOBER 26 WAS THE LOWEST RECORDED IN THE MONTH AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
AS SEVERE TROPICAL STORM COLLEEN MADE ITS WAY ACROSS THE CENTRAL PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, EASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED ON OCTOBER 2 7 AND BECAME STRONG OFFSHORE THAT NIGHT.
THE OUTER CLOUD BANDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WERE EXTENSIVE, BRINGING SOME RAIN TO HONG KONG OCTOBER 27 AND THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 28.
TROPICAL CYCLONE ON THE NIGHT OF
AS WINDS MODERATED ON OCTOBER 29, FINE WEATHER RETURNED AND PERSISTED TILL THE END GF THE MONTH.
OF THE EIGHT TROPICAL CYCLONES THAT OCCURRED IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, ONLY THE LATTER AREA.
OCTOBER OVER TWO AFFECTED
NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED IN OCTOBER AS A RESULT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.
/DETAILS OF .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
6
DETAILS OF THE WARNINGS AND SIGNALS ISSUED IN OCTOBER, AS WELL AS MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL FOR THE MONTH ARE:
WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN OCTOBER
WARNINGS/SIGNALS EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS OCT 4 2300 OCT 5 0900
OCT 20 2300 — OCT 21 0915
OCT 21 2250 — OCT 22 0745
OCT 27 2145 - OCT 28 0640
FIRE DANGER WARNINGS
YELLOW OCT 11 0000 * OCT 11 0615
OCT 31 0615 — NOV 2 0600
RED OCT 4 0000 — OCT 5 1800
OCT 11 0615 — OCT 11 1800
OCT 15 0615 — OCT 20 1940
OCT 21 0615 — OCT 21 1815
OCT 24 0615 — OCT 27 1815
FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - OCTOBER
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 239 .3 HOURS 44.3 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION TOTAL RAINFALL MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 16.52 MJ/SQM 30.9 MM 44% 66% » > * f 1.06 MJ/SQM ABOVE NORMAL 113.9 MM BELOW NORMAL 12% LESS THAN NORMAL 7% LOWER THAN NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE 27.3 DEGREES CELSIUS » 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE 24.6 DEGREES CELSIUS > 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE 22.3 DEGREES CELSIUS > 0.8 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN DEW POINT 17.5 DEGREES CELSIUS » 2.3 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION 143.9 MM > 8.3 MM BELOW NORMAL
--------0-----------
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
1
LABELS REQUIRED FOR USE OF AIR COMPRESSORS
*****
AIR COMPRESSOR CAPABLE OF SUPPLYING COMPRESSED AIR AT 500 KPA OR ABOVE FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION WORK IN HONG KONG IS REQUIRED TO FIT WITH A NOISE EMISSION LABEL ISSUED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) STARTING FROM DECEMBER 1.
THE NOISE CONTROL (AIR COMPRESSORS) REGULATIONS REQUIRE SUCH EQUIPMENT TO COMPLY WITH THE RELEVANT NOISE EMISSION STANDARD STIPULATED IN THE REGULATIONS.
HAND-HELD PERCUSSIVE BREAKERS HEAVIER THAN 10 KG HAVE ALREADY BEEN CONTROLLED WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1.
OFFENDERS WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $100,000 ON SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION, AND ALSO A DAILY FINE OF $10,000.
AN EPD SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE CONCERNING BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND SUCH EQUIPMENT RENTAL AGENCIES THAT APPLICATIONS FOR NOISE EMISSION LABELS FOR AIR COMPRESSORS AND HAND-HELD BREAKERS CAN BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT.
LABEL APPLICATION, IN THE PRESCRIBED FORM ACCOMPANIED BY A RELEVANT EEC TYPE-EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE OR A NOISE TESTING REPORT AND A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION FEE OF $100 FOR EACH LABEL, SHOULD BE SENT TO EPD AT 45TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER 3,5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULTS WITHIN 28 DAYS. ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE TO EPD AT THE SAME ADDRESS OR ON TEL 594 6533.
- - 0 - -
CYC PRAISED FOR CONSERVING COUNTRY PARKS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) FOR HELPING TO CONSERVE THE TERRITORY’S COUNTRY PARKS.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING OF THIS YEAR’S CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME AT THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN SAI KUNG, DR LEE SAID CYC MEMBERS HAD BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1989.
THE CYC EFFORTS HAVE HELPED TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEANER AND GREENER FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF THE VISITORS, HE SAID.
THE LEADING ROLE PLAYED BY CYC MEMBERS IN COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION HAS ALSO HELPED TO SPREAD THE CONSERVATION MESSAGE AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW, DR LEE SAID.
HE ALSO EXTENDED HIS APPRECIATION TO THE HONG KONG AND MACAU LIONS CLUBS FOR THEIR DONATIONS AND EFFORTS WHICH HAD BROUGHT ABOUT MANY COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION PROJECTS IN RECENT YEARS.
/"THEIR GENEROUS
8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
"THEIR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE, AND ALSO MADE THIS YEAR’S ADOPTION SCHEME POSSIBLE BY DONATING $80,000," DR LEE SAID.
HE COMMENDED PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN MOBILISING STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME, WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SINCE 1989.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE FUNCTION WAS THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC WONG.
HE SAID THE CYC COUNTRY PARKS ADOPTION SCHEME HAD PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL SERVICE AND NATURE CONSERVATION PROJECTS.
THIS WOULD HELP FOSTER A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AMONG OUR YOUNGER GENERATION, ESPECIALLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGES IN THE TERRITORY, MR WONG STRESSED.
MR WONG WAS ALSO PLEASED TO NOTE THAT RESPONSE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL CYC MEMBERS TO THE SCHEME HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING.
THERE WOULD BE 70 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TAKING PART IN THE SCHEME, WITH 400 STUDENTS ENROLLED AS "JUNIOR COUNTRY PARKS WARDENS", AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS OVER THAT OF LAST YEAR.
TOGETHER, THEY WOULD PROVIDE 7,000 MAN-DAY OF SERVICES, HE ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THIS MORNING’S LAUNCHING WAS THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR, LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, MR STEPHEN CHOW.
THIS YEAR’S SCHEME, TO BE RUN TN THE NEXT EIGHT MONTHS, WILL INVOLVE PARTICIPANTS IN A NUMBER OF PHYSICAL VOLUNTARY COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT WORK SUCH AS TREE PLANTING AND TENDING, APPLYING FERTILISERS, WEEDING, PATH MAINTENANCE AND LITTER COLLECTION.
------0--------
EXTRAVAGANZA TO HERALD DISTRICT FESTIVAL
*****
AN EXTRAVAGANZA FEATURING POPULAR SINGERS AND MOVIE STARS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT TO HERALD THREE WEEKS OF ENTERTAINMENT AS PART OF THE FOURTH CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM TO LAUNCH THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A TWO-HOUR VARIETY SHOW.
THE POLICE PIPE BAND WILL ALSO STAGE DRILLS TO ADD TO THE FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE.
/OTHER GUESTS .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
9
OTHER GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR HERMAN CHO; THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK AND ITS HONORARY DIRECTORS, MESSRS LIU LIT-FOR AND ROBIN CHAN.
THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 13 AND WILL INCLUDE A COMMUNITY AFFAIRS EXHIBITION, CARNIVALS, CONCERTS, SPORTS EVENTS AND A CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM IN THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
- - 0 - -
BUS SERVICE RE-ARRANGEMENTS ♦ ♦ * » ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE FU SHAN AREA, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTE NO. 3E (JORDAN ROAD FERRY TO WAI WAH STREET, TSZ WAN SHAN) WILL BE REPLACED BY A NEW AIR-CONDITIONED COACH - ROUTE NO. 203E WHICH WILL TERMINATE AT KING TUNG STREET IN FU SHAN FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 23) .
THE ROUTE NO. 203E WILL RUN FROM KING TUNG STREET TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY VIA PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, ARGYLE STREET, RECLAMATION STREET, MONG KOK ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD AT 8/20-MINUTES FREQUENCIES.
THE FULL FARE FOR THE ROUTE WILL BE $4 AND A SECTION FARE OF $3.50 WILL BE CHARGED FROM CHOI HUNG ROAD TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY OR FROM ARGYLE STREET TO KING TUNG STREET.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE TERMINAL RELOCATION, KMB ROUTE NO. 3B (HUNG HOM FERRY CONCOURSE TO NORTH TSZ WAN SHAN) WILL ALSO BE RE-ROUTED: VIA CHOI HUNG ROAD, HAMMER HILL ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE FOR TSZ WAN SHAN AND FU SHAN RESIDENTS.
PASSENGERS BETWEEN KOWLOON KCR STATION, HUNG HOM, KOWLOON CITY AND CHOI HUNG ROAD NEAR WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION CAN TAKE KMB ROUTE 5C TO SHEUNG FUNG STREET, FUNG TAK ESTATE AND FUNG WONG SAN TSUEN, WHILE PASSENGERS AT SHEUNG FUNG STREET, FUNG TAK ESTATE AND FUNG WONG SAN TSUEN CAN TAKE THE SAME KMB ROUTE TO CHOI HUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY, HUNG HOM AND KOWLOON KCR STATION.
- - 0 - -
/10
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1992
10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ******
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1700
REVERSAL OF LAF -200
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -8°
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1420
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE TO ENSURE FUTURE PROSPERITY 1
THREE MORE CHAPTERS OF TOWN PLANNING MANUAL ON SALE .......... 2
COMIC BOOK ON HUMAN RIGHTS ................................... 3
DIAMOND JUBILEE OF FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE ..................... 4
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ........................ 6
WORKING GROUP TO TACKLE PROSTITUTION IN ACTION ............... 6
EXHIBITION ON TSEUNG KWAN O AND SAI KUNG DEVELOPMENT ......... 7
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS ........................... 7
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
1
BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE TO
ENSURE FUTURE PROSPERITY
* * * * i
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, TODAY (SUNDAY) STRESSED THAT CHANGES MUST BE MADE TOWARDS BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE IN HONG KONG TO ENSURE FUTURE PROSPERITY.
’’THERE IS A CLEAR LINK BETWEEN SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIES AND STRONG ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS -- JAPAN AND GERMANY ARE GOOD EXAMPLE,” DR REED SAID.
"IT IS IN CONTRAST WITH THE WEAK ECONOMIES OF COUNTRIES IN EASTERN EUROPE, FOR EXAMPLE, WHERE THERE ARE POOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS,” HE SAID.
HE MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FESTIVAL 1992 ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.
QUOTING A RECENT SPEECH OF BILL CLINTON, THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE UNITED STATES, DR REED SAID GERMAN WORKERS USE HALF THE ENERGY THAT THEIR AMERICAN COUNTERPARTS USE TO PRODUCE THE SAME AMOUNT OF GOODS, AND JAPANESE COMPANIES GAIN A FIVE PER CENT COMPETITIVE PRICE ADVANTAGE BECAUSE OF HIGHER ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
’’AND, OF COURSE, THE LESS ENERGY WE USE THE LESS THE POLLUTION WE GENERATE,” DR REED SAID.
IN EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WHERE THE NEED TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY IGNORED, DISASTROUS RESULTS BOTH IN TERMS OF THE HEALTH AND THE WEALTH OF THE COMMUNITIES IN THOSE COUNTRIES ARE SEEN, HE SAID.
TO ACHIEVE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE IN JAPAN AND GERMANY, AND SOME OTHER COUNTRIES, LEADERSHIP BASED UPON AN APPRECIATION OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED IS REQUIRED, HE STRESSED.
DR REED REPEATED HIS CALL FOR BUSINESS TO INCORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING INTO THE BUSINESS PLAN FOR THE COMPANY CONCERNED.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR BUSINESS TO IDENTIFY AN INDIVIDUAL AT THE MOST SENIOR LEVEL IN THEIR COMPANY AND TO GIVE HIM OR HER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT COMPANY’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE, HE SAID.
”TT IS THIS SORT OF PROGRESSIVE ACTION THAT WILL ENSURE SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL OF US IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
- - 0----------
/2 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
- 2 -
THREE MORE CHAPTERS OF TOWN PLANNING MANUAL ON SALE * * * * *
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED THREE MORE CHAPTERS OF THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES (HKPSG), A COMPREHENSIVE TOWN PLANNING MANUAL AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THE PUBLICATIONS, IN A SERIES OF 11 CHAPTERS EACH ON A PARTICULAR ASPECT OF LAND USES OR FACILITIES, ARE SOLD ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.
CHAPTER 5, ENTITLED ’’INDUSTRY”, PROVIDES STANDARDS AND LOCATION GUIDELINES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT PARAMETER.S AND PLANNING CRITERIA SUCH AS PLOT RATIO, WORKER DENSITY, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
CHAPTER 6 - ’’RETAIL FACILITIES” OFFERS GUIDELINES FOR THE PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT OF RETAIL FACILITIES SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN PROVIDE OR ENCOURAGE A REASONABLE STANDARD OF PROVISION IN PUBLIC INTEREST.
CHAPTER 10, ’’LANDSCAPE AND CONSERVATION", CONSISTS OF TWO PARTS - "RURAL ENVIRONMENT" AND "URBAN LANDSCAPE”.
THE FORMER OUTLINES THE RURAL LAND USES/RESOURCES WHICH SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND CONSIDERED IN PLANNING FOR RURAL AREAS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES GUIDELINES AIMED AT REDUCING THE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS RESULTING FROM RURAL AREA DEVELOPMENT.
THE SECOND PART OF THE CHAPTER, ON THE OTHER HAND, SUGGESTS PLANNING PRINCIPLES AND URBAN LANDSCAPE DESIGN.
TOGETHER WITH THE SIX CHAPTERS - ’’INTRODUCTION”, "RESIDENTIAL DENSITIES”, ’’COMMUNITY FACILITIES", "RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE", "INTERNAL TRANSPORT FACILITIES" AND "MISCELLANEOUS PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES" PUBLISHED EARLIER, NINE CHAPTERS ARE NOW READY FOR PURCHASE.
CHAPTER 6 IS AT $20 A COPY WHILE THE OTHER TWO NEW CHAPTERS ARE EACH AT $18. THEY ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
CHAPTER 1 - "INTRODUCTION" WHICH HELPS TO UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE AND APPLICATION OF THE HKPSG, IS PROVIDED FREE-OF-CHARGE TO BUYERS OF OTHER CHAPTERS.
THE REMAINING TWO CHAPTERS WHICH COVER TOPICS ON UTILITY SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENT WILL GO ON SALE SOON.
- - 0 - -
/3.........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
3
COMIC BOOK ON HUMAN RIGHTS *****
A FULL-COLOUR COMIC BOOK TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON HUMAN RIGHTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT ALL DISTRICT. OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE COMIC BOOK, ENTITLED "THE BILL OF RIGHTS AS TOLD BY A WISE OLD WOMAN", IS ONE OF THE PUBLICITY ITEMS PRODUCED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE UNDER THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE CONVENOR OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM TSUI HING-CHUEN, SAID THE BOOK, WHICH EXPLAINS THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE IN LIVELY CARTOONS AND SIMPLE LANGUAGE, WOULD ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EASILY GRASP THE ESSENCE OF THE BILL.
THE STORY DEPICTS WHAT A WISE OLD WOMAN SEES AND HEARS IN HER DAILY LIFE, HIGHLIGHTING IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS THE KEY CONCEPTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
"SOME OF THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, WHICH ARE ENJOYED BY ALL INDIVIDUALS AND EMBODIED IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS, ARE ILLUSTRATED IN THE COMIC BOOK," MR TSUI SAID.
THESE INCLUDE LIBERTY AND SECURITY OF PERSON; EQUALITY BEFORE COURTS AND RIGHT TO A FAIR AND PUBLIC HEARING; FREEDOM OF OPINION AND EXPRESSION; RIGHT OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY; FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION; PROTECTION OF PRIVACY; EQUALITY BEFORE AND EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SUBJECT, THEY CAN TURN TO THE ENDING PART OF THE BOOK WHICH CARRIES .THE FULL TEXT OF THE 23 ARTICLES OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, HE SAID.
THE COMIC BOOK, IN CHINESE, ALSO CONTAINS A LIST OF ORGANISATIONS WHERE THE PUBLIC CAN SEEK FREE LEGAL ADVICE ON HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES OR DIG FOR INFORMATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION.
THE HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION SUB-COMMITTEE WAS FORMED IN MAY THIS YEAR.
ONE OF ITS RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO FORMULATE A STRATEGY TO CONDUCT EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES SO AS TO FOSTER PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE COMPRISES MEMBERS FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY INCLUDING LAWYERS, LECTURERS IN LAW AND APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES, EDUCATION AND YOUTH WORKERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE POLICE.
FREE COPIES OF A BOOKLET - "AN INTRODUCTION TO HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE" - ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES.
_ _ 0---------
/4 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
4
DIAMOND JUBILEE OF FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE (FHS) EXEMPLIFIES THE SUCCESS OF CLOSE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS AND OF ACTIVE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SELF CARE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF FHS„ THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON, MRS WONG SAID THE FHS SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST INFANT WELFARE CLINIC IN 1932 WAS AT PRESENT A MAJOR HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME.
"OVER THE YEARS, WE HAVE SEEN SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN," MRS WONG SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OPERATED 46 MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES PROVIDING SCREENING, IMMUNISATION AND HEALTH COUNSELLING SERVICES TO SOME 370,000 MOTHERS AND CHILDREN EACH YEAR TOGETHER WITH A SERVICE COVERAGE OF OVER 90 PER CENT OF NEWBORN BABIES.
MRS WONG SAID: "OUR INFANT AND MATERNAL MORTALITY RATES, AT 6.5 PER 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS AND 0.06 PFR 1,000 BIRTHS RESPECTIVELY, ARE AMONG THE LOWEST IN THE WORLD."
"MOST CHILDHOOD COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ARE WELL UNDER CONTROL," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT SERVICE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT THE DEDICATION TO SERVICE OF THE STAFF AND ACTIVE SUPPORT OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
MRS WONG WAS ALSO PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WAS EXPLORING FURTHER WAYS OF FOSTERING SUCH JOINT EFFORTS, NOT ONLY IN FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE BUT ALSO IN THE PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES AS WELL.
SHE LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING PLANS FOR EARLY IMPLEMENTATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, ALSO REVIEWED THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION IN THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES OVER THE PAST SIX DECADES.
DR LEE SAID THE SERVICE STARTED WITH A FIVE-MEMBER SMALL INFANT WELFARE CENTRE IN THE 1930’S AND HAD SINCE DEVELOPED INTO THE PRESENT SIZE WITH MORE THAN 600 STAFF.
HE SAID THE CHANGE OF ITS NAME FROM MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICE TO FHS IN 1973 SIGNIFIED THE EXPANSION AND INCREASING COMPLEXITY OF THE SERVICE.
"IN ADDITION TO MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES, FAMILY PLANNING, COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION, VARIOUS SCREENING SERVICES AND SPECIFIC HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED," HE ADDED.
/DR LEE ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
5
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE PREDOMINANT PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEMS BEFORE AND AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR WERE POOR SANITATION, OVERCROWDING AND PREVALENCE OF DANGEROUS COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, SMALLPOX, TUBERCULOSIS AND MANY OTHER CHILDHOOD COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
TO TACKLE THESE PROBLEMS, DR LEE SAID, PRIORITY WAS GIVEN TO DEVELOPING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES AND MOUNTING ANTI-EPIDEMIC MEASURES AND IMMUNISATION CAMPAIGNS.
HOWEVER, DR LEE SAID THERE WERE MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE PAST 60 YEARS WHICH WERE RESULTS OF HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE STAFF.
HE SAID THE INFANT MORTALITY PER 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS IN 1932 WAS 525 BUT IT FURTHER DECLINED TO 99.6 IN 1950 AND 6.5 IN 1991.
"THE MATERNAL MORTALITY ALSO DROPPED FROM 170 IN 1950 TO SIX PER 100,000 TOTAL BIRTHS IN 1991.
’’APART FROM A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN PERINATAL MORTALITY, THE MAJOR KILLER DISEASES OF CHILDHOOD SUCH AS POLIOMYELITIS, DIPHTHERIA AND MEASLES HAVE EITHER BEEN ERADICATED OR WELL CONTAINED,” HE SAID.
DR LEE SAID ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT MADE WAS THE VACCINATIONS AGAINST POLIOMYELITIS AND BCG WERE GIVEN TO ABOUT 99 PER CENT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN AND OVER 98 PER CENT OF NEWBORN BABIES RESPECTIVELY.
THE MORTALITY FOR TUBERCULOSIS REDUCED FROM 1,680 PER 100,000 IN 1952 TO 71 IN 1991, DR LEE SAID.
DR LEE SAID THE SERVICE WOULD CONTINUE TO D’EVELOP IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY, INCLUDING THE OPENING OF NEW CLINICS AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING CLINICS, INTRODUCTION OF A PILOT "WELL-WOMAN CLINIC” PROJECT NEXT YEAR AND A NEW STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE IN 1994.
ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT WILL BE THE PRODUCTION OF CHILD HEALTH BOOKLET EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THIS BOOKLET WILL RECORD ALL THE HEALTH INFORMATION OF THE CHILD FROM BIRTH TO 18 YEARS OF AGE AND WILL BE KEPT BY THE PARENTS.
’’THE UTILISATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE EXISTING SERVICES WILL ALSO BE REVIEWED TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE BEING MANAGED IN A COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT MANNER,” DR LEE SAID.
DR LEE SAID: ”1N THE YEARS AHEAD, I CAN SEE GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH A CLOSE LINK BETWEEN THE FHS AND THE STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE WHICH WILL ENSURE CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO 18 YEARS.”
DR LEE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION FROM THE STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, THE GOVERNMENT COULD GO ONE STEP FURTHER BY PROVIDING AN EVEN BETTER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
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/6 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
6
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL *****
DISTRICT FESTIVALS ARE AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR PLACE OF LIVING AND TO STRENGTHEN THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE MADE THE REMARKS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FOURTH CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
TO ACHIEVE THOSE AIMS, HE SAID THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH A HOST OF ACTIVITIES IN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS.
THESE ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES TO SPORTS EVENTS AND CIVIC EDUCATION FUNCTIONS.
SPEAKING ON THE SAME OCCASION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK, SAID HE HOPED THAT RESIDENTS WOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR OWN COMMUNITY AND JOIN TOGETHER TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE DISTRICT.
THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL’S OPENING AND THE STAR-STUDDED EXTRAVAGANZA THAT FOLLOWED ATTRACTED A LARGE AUDIENCE IN THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
MORE THAN 200 SENIOR CITIZENS AND STUDENTS, TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT’S AREA COMMITTEES AND VARIOUS RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS, ALSO JOINED IN THE CELEBRATION WITH A SPECIAL TEA RECEPTION.
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WORKING GROUP TO TACKLE PROSTITUTION IN ACTION
*****
SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROSTITUTION PROBLEM ‘TO A NEWLY-FORMED WORKING GROUP UNDER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
THEY CAN WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE, C/O SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, 290-296 UN CHAU STREET.
CHAIRED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND CHOY, THE WORKING GROUP WILL DO A NUMBER OF THINGS TO HELP SOLVE THE LOCAL PROSTITUTION PROBLEM IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
THESE WILL INCLUDE: AN ON-SITE VISIT BY GROUP. MEMBERS TO IDENTIFY VICE SPOTS, PUBLICATION OF A LEAFLET TO ADVISE RESIDENTS THE WAYS TO HANDLE THE PROBLEM, A PUBLIC SEMINAR, AND HELPING FLAT OWNERS TO FORM OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
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/7......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
1
EXHIBITION ON TSEUNG KWAN O AND SAI KUNG DEVELOPMENT
*****
RESIDENTS IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND SAI KUNG WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR NEW TOWN IN AN EXHIBITION TO BE HELD FROM TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 24) TO SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 29) BETWEEN 2 PM AND 7 PM DAILY.
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE KING LAM NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSEUNG KWAN O, IS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL FEATURE THE DEVELOPMENT IN TSEUNG KWAN O. THE PLANNING POLICY OF THE NEW TOWN, THE STAGES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT FROM RECLAMATION, PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO COMMUNITY BUILDING.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL HAVE AN INSIGHT OF THE VARIOUS ASPECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN AND NEIGHBOURING AREAS SUCH AS SAI KUNG THROUGH THE DISPLAY OF MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS AND PLANS.
A VIDEO ON THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT WILL ALSO BE SHOWN AT THE
VENUE.
- - 0 - -
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS
******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT ON AN 11-WEEK TRAINING COURSE.
SCHEDULED TO START IN MID-FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, THE COURSE AIMS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR NURSING OR MEDICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG TO IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF SERVICE TN THESE PRIVATE HOMES.
’’LEGISLATION TO CONTROL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, INCLUDING THOSE TN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IS TO BE INTRODUCED SOON,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, NO ONE SHALL BE QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED AS A HEALTH WORKER FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT AT A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME WITHOUT HAVING COMPLETED A TRAINING COURSE APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
’’THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COLLEGE OF NURSING, HONG KONG, AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE COURSE INCLUDES BASIC .SKILLS IN LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND BASIC PRINCIPLES IN RUNNING A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
/APPLICANTS ARE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1992
8 -
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THEIR QUALIFICATION. THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ELDERLY HOMES TN WHICH THFY ARE SERVING WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
COPIES OF INVITATION HAVE BEEN SENT TO PRIVATE HOME OPERATORS INVITING THEM TO RECOMMEND SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR THE COURSE.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO TAKE UP A JOB IN THESE HOMES MAY ALSO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, SEVENTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 15.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 834 7414 OR 892 5193.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO VISIT JAPAN ................................................. 1
GOVT TO ENCOURAGE MORE CONSCIOUS USE OF ELECTRICITY: GOVERNOR ........... 2
LAW REFORM COMMISSION PROPOSES NEW CONCEPTS TO ARREST LAW ............... 2
LAW REFORM REPORT ON ARREST WELCOMED .................................... 6
11 MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED .................................... 7
GOVT LAND AUCTION IN DECEMBER ........................................... 9
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE SCHEME WELL ADMINISTERED ............................. 10
SEWAGE PUMPING STATION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SIGNED .................... 10
LONG AND MERITORIOUS AWARDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS ................ 11
TENDERS INVITED FOR SITTING-OUT AREA IN CHAI WAN ....................... 13
WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND KOWLOON EAST................................. 14
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 15
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
1
GOVERNOR TO VISIT JAPAN ♦ * t ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL MAKE AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO JAPAN FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO 28 AT THE INVITATION OF THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
DURING THE VISIT HE WILL MEET THE PRIME MINISTER, MR MIYAZAWA, THE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR WATANABE, AS WELL AS OTHER SENIOR JAPANESE POLITICIANS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND LEADING BUSINESSMEN, INCLUDING< THE INFLUENTIAL KEIDANREN BUSINESS ORGANISATION.
MR PATTEN WILL ALSO LEND HIS PERSONAL SUPPORT TO THE WORK OF AN 11-MEMBER HONG KONG ECONOMIC MISSION HEADED BY BARONESS DUNN, WHICH WILL BE TRAVELLING TO TOKYO AT THE SAME TIME.
THE MISSION MEMBERS INCLUDE MR TUNG CHEE-HWA, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF ORIENT OVERSEAS (HOLDINGS); DR VICTOR FUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE TDC; SIR Q W LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE HANG SENG BANK; AND MR T H CHAU, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 26) MORNING, THE GOVERNOR WILL ADDRESS
THE 15TH PLENARY SESSION OF THE HONG KONG-JAPAN, JAPAN-HONG KONG BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEES.
THE COMMITTEES WERE ESTABLISHED IN 1979 TO FOSTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITIES OF HONG KONG AND JAPAN AND TO PROMOTE TRADE, INVESTMENT AND OTHER ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.
MR PATTEN WILL ADDRESS A LUNCHEON ON FRIDAY WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 600 GUESTS, BEFORE GOING ON TO THE JAPAN NATIONAL PRESS CLUB FOR A MEDIA CONFERENCE.
FOR THE GOVERNOR, IT WILL BE HIS THIRD OVERSEAS VISIT IN AS MANY WEEKS, AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-ESTABLISHED POLICY OF PROMOTING HONG KONG AS ASIA’S BUSINESS CENTRE.
JAPAN IS ONE OF THE TOP THREE FOREIGN INVESTORS IN HONG KONG WITH ESTIMATED CUMULATIVE ASSETS TOTALLING SOME US$10 BILLION IN THE TERRITORY.
THE GOVERNOR WILL BE ACCOMPANIED B\ MRS PATTEN; THE INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR, MR MIKE HANSON; PERSONAL ADVISER, MR MARTIN DINHAM; AND DEPUTY PRIVATE SECRETARY, MS ANNE SHEPHERD.
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/2.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 2 -
GOVT TO ENCOURAGE MORE CONSCIOUS USE OF ELECTRICITY: GOVERNOR * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO BE MORE CONSCIOUS OF HOW THEY USE ELECTRICITY AT HOME AND IN THE OFFICE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR' PATTEN ALSO SAID THE TWO HONG KONG POWER COMPANIES WERE DRAWING UP MEASURES TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NINTH CONFERENCE ON ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY INDUSTRY ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INDUSTRY OF EAST ASIA AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC.
HE SAID THERE WAS CLEARLY A CORRELATION BETWEEN THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY AND THE DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY.
UNLIKE MANY OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD WHERE THE HEADLINES COMPLAIN OF RECESSION, HONG KONG ENJOYS GROWTH, MR PATTEN SAID.
"WE WILL WORK WITH THE POWER COMPANIES TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR GROWTH IS NOT HINDERED," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID BY THE END OF THE DECADE, HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD BE USING ELECTRICITY GENERATED FROM COAL, OIL, NATURAL GAS, NUCLEAR AND HYDRO-ELECTRIC SOURCES.
"THAT’S NOT BAD FOR A TERRITORY OF ONLY 440 SQUARE MILES WITH NO ENERGY RESOURCES OF ITS OWN,” MR PATTEN SAID.
- - 0---------
LAW REFORM COMMISSION PROPOSES NEW CONCEPTS TO ARREST LAW *****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THE INTRODUCTION OF A NUMBER OF NEW CONCEPTS TO THE LAW GOVERNING POLICE POWERS OF ARREST AND DETENTION AIMED AT MAINTAINING A FAIR AND PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN LAW AND ORDER AND THE LIBERTY OF THE SUBJECT.
THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS ARE BROADLY BASED ON THE UNITED KINGDOM POLICE AND CRIMINAL EVIDENCE ACT 1984 (PACE) WITH SOME MODIFICATIONS TO SUIT THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
THE SECRETARY OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, MR STUART STOKER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE COMMISSION BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF CLEAR LEGISLATION, EASILY UNDERSTOOD AND ACCESSIBLE BY BOTH THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
/THE PROPOSALS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 3 -
THE PROPOSALS INCLUDE THE DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL POLICE STATIONS FOR DETAINING SUSPECTS, THE INTRODUCTION OF A PROCEDURE TO REVIEW A PERSON’S DETENTION, A DEFINITION OF ARRESTABLE AND SERIOUS ARRESTABLE OFFENCES, AND CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS SUBJECT TO LEGAL PRIVILEGE AND MATERIALS TO WHICH THE POLICE CANNOT GAIN ACCESS WITHOUT FOLLOWING SPECIAL PROCEDURES.
THE COMMISSION HAS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE POWER TO ESTABLISH A ROAD CHECK SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN RELATION TO AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE AND THAT THE EXISTING POWER OF THE POLICE TO CARRY OUT RANDOM IDENTITY CHECKS WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ANY SUSPICION SHOULD BE RETAINED IN ORDER TO CONTROL ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
ON DETENTION OF SUSPECTS, THE COMMISSION HAS PROPOSED A DETAILED SET OF PROVISIONS SETTING OUT THE PERIODS FOR WHICH A PERSON MAY BE DETAINED BEFORE OR AFTER CHARGE.
THE PUBLICATION TODAY OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REPORT ON ARREST FOLLOWS ALMOST FOUR YEARS’ WORE BY A SUB-COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR JUSTICE PENLINGTON.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE’S REPORT WAS ITSELF THE SUBJECT OF DETAILED CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMISSION.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE KEY PROVISIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS:
1. DESIGNATED POLICE STATIONS
ONLY THOSE POLICE STATIONS WHICH HAVE PROPER ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES ARE TO BE DESIGNATED AS STATIONS TO WHICH PERSONS WHOSE DETENTION WILL LAST MORE THAN SIX HOURS MUST BE TAKEN.
2. CUSTODY OFFICERS
EVERY DESIGNATED POLICE STATION MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE CUSTODY OFFICER OF THE RANK OF SERGEANT OR ABOVE NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATED OFFENCE. THE CUSTODY OFFICER WILL KEEP A DETAILED WRITTEN RECORD OF SUCH MATTERS AS THE GROUNDS FOR DETENTION AND DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON’S CONTINUED DETENTION IS JUSTIFIED.
3. REVIEW OFFICERS
PERIODIC REVIEWS OF A PERSON’S DETENTION MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY A REVIEW OFFICER. IN THE CASE OF A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND CHARGED, THE REVIEW OFFICER IS Till CUSTODY OFFICER. WHERE THE ARRESTED PERSON HAS NOT YET BEEN CHARGED, THE REVIEW OFFICER MUST BE AN OFFICER OF AT LEAST THE RANK OF INSPECTOR NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION.
/4.ARRESTABLE OFFENCES .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
4. ARRESTABLE OFFENCES
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION PREFERS TO RETAIN THE EXISTING DEFINITION OF ARRESTABLE OFFENCE WHICH IS THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR WHICH THE SENTENCE IS FIXED BY LAW OR FOR WHICH A PERSON MAY BE SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT FOR MORE THAN 12 MONTHS. ANYONE MAY ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT ANY PERSON WHO IS IN THE ACT OF COMMITTING OR HAS COMMITTED AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE.
5. SERIOUS ARRESTABLE OFFENCE
WHERE A SERIOUS ARRESTABLE OFFENCE IS INVOLVED, THE POLICE WILL BE ABLE TO EXERCISE MORE EXTENSIVE POWERS, SUCH AS EXTENDED DETENTION, THE TAKING OF INTIMATE SAMPLES AND DELAY IN PERMITTING ACCESS TO LEGAL ADVICE. THE COMMISSION PROPOSES THAT A SERIOUS ARRESTABLE OFFENCE SHOULD BE DEFINED AS ONE FOR WHICH A SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT OF FIVE YEARS OR MORE CAN BE IMPOSED, PLUS A NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC OFFENCES. THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAS SUGGESTED THAT THESE ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC OFFENCES SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED BY THE ADMINISTRATION IN CONSULTATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
6. ITEMS SUBJECT TO LEGAL PRIVILEGE
ITEMS SUBJECT TO LEGAL PRIVILEGE INCLUDE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN A LAWYER AND HIS CLIENT \ND ANY DOCUMENTS OR COMMUNICATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. THESE MATERIALS CANNOT BE SEIZED BY THE POLICE.
7. EXCLUDED MATERI AI
EXCLUDED MATERIAL INCLUDES ALL PERSONAL RECORDS RELATING TO A PERSON’S HEALTH, SPIRITUAL COUNSELLING OR PERSONAL WELFARE; HUMAN TISSUE OR FLUID TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS OR MEDICAL TREATMENT; AND JOURNALISTIC MATERIAL IN THE FORM OF DOCUMENTS OR RECORDS. THE POLICE CANNOT GAIN ACCESS TO EXCLUDED MATERIAL UNLESS THEY FOLLOW A SPECIAL PROCEDURE, WHICH REQUIRES THEM TO MAKE AN INTER PARTES APPLICATION TO A JUDGE FOR AN ORDER THAT THE PERSON IN POSSESSION OF THE MATERIAL PRODUCE THE MATER I Al OR GIVE THE POLICE ACCESS TO IT.
R. SPECIAL PROCEDURE MATERIAL
SPEC I AL PROCEDURE MATERI AL INC'LUDES, FIRSTLY, JOURNAL I STIC MATER IAL WHICH IS NOT ’’EXCLUDED MATERIAL” AND, SECONDLY , MATERIAL ACQUIRED OR CREATED IN THE COURSE OF ANY TRADE, BUSINESS, PROFESSION OR OTHER OCCUPATION WHICH IS HELD SUBJECT TO AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED UNDERTAKING TO HOLD IT IN CONFIDENCE, OR SUBJECT TO A STATUTORY RESTRICTION ON DISCLOSURE. BROADLY SPEAKING, THIS CATEGORY OF MATERIAL WOULD COVER SUCH THINGS AS EMPLOYMENT RECORDS OR DETAILS OF BANK ACCOUNTS, AND FILM TAKEN BY A JOURNALIST OF A NON-CONFIDENTIAL NATURE.
/ACCESS TO .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 5 -
ACCESS TO SPECIAL PROCEDURE MATERIAL REQUIRES POLICE TO MAKE AN INTER PARTES APPLICATION TO A JUDGE EOR AN ORDER BY SATISFYING THE COURT THAT THERE \RE REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THAT A SERIOUS ARRESTABLE OFFENCE HAS BEEN COMMITTED AND THAT THERE IS SPECIAL PROCEDURE MATERIAL ON THE PREMISES WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE OF SUBSTANTIAL VALUE TO THE INVESTIGATION AND TO BE RELEVANT EVIDENCE. IN ADDITION, THE POLICE HAVE TO SHOW THAT THEY HAVE TRIED OTHER METHODS OF OBTAINING THE MATERIAL AND THAT GRANTING ACCESS IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, HAVING REGARD TO THE LIKELY BENEFIT TO THE INVESTIGATION AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE MATERIAL IS HELD.
9. ROAD CHECKS
THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE POWER TO ESTABLISH A ROAD (HECK SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN RELATION TO AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE AND THAT \ ROAD CHECK BE AUTHORISED BY AN OFFICER OF THE RANK OF CHIEF INSPECTOR OR ABOVE. THE COMMISSION THINKS IT DESIRABLE THAT THE POLICE SHOULD, FOR INSTANCE, BE XBLE TO ESTABLISH ROAD CHECKS TO ASSIST IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE COMMISSION FURTHER RECOMMENDS THAI' 'I’HI EXISTING POWER OF THE POLICE TO STOP VEHICLES UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE SHOULD BE PRESERVED BUI’ THAT 'Illi- LAW BE AMENDED TO MAKE IT (LEAR THAT IT GIVES POWER TO STOP ONLY FOR PURPOSES RELATED TO OFFENCES UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORD I NANCE.
10. IDENTITY (’HECKS
IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ENFORCE THE REQUIREMENT TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAI' THE EXISTING POWER UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHICH YLLOWS Till I’oLK I TO CARRY OUT RANDOM IDENTITY CHECKS WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ANY SUSPICION SHOULD BE RETAINED.
THE COMMISSION, HOWEVER, FEELS THAT THE INDIVIDUAL’S CRIMINAL RECORD SHOULD NOT BE AUTOMXT I ( ALLY AVAILABLE TO THE POLICE OFFICER MAKING A RANDOM IDENTITY CHECK. AS X SAFEGUARD AGAINST XBUSE OF THF POWER, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT THE POLICI SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO KEEP A WRITTEN RECORD OF YNY IDENTITY CHECKS.
I 1 . DETENTION
UNDER THE CURRENT LAW IN HONG KONG, THERE IS No (LEAR LEGISLATIVE STATEMENT OF THE TIME LIMITS GOVERNING THE DETENTION OF PERSONS BY THE POLICE. THF COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THF XDOPTION OF THE PACE PROVISIONS SETTING OUT THE PERIODS FOR W|11 ( II A PERSON MAY BE DETAINED BEFORE OR AFTER CHARGE.
/BROADLY, A .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
BROADLY, A PERSON SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE DETAINED FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS WITHOUT BEING CHARGED. AN OFFICER OF SUPERINTENDENT RANK OR ABOVE SHOULD BE ABLE TO AUTHORISE DETENTION UP TO 36 HOURS PROVIDED HE HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THAT: 1) CONTINUED DETENTION IS NECESSARY TO SECURE OR TO PRESERVE EVIDENCE, OR TO OBTAIN EVIDENCE BY QUESTIONING HIM; 2) THE OFFENCE IS A SERIOUS ARRESTABLE OFFENCE; AND 3) THE INVESTIGATION IS BEING CARRIED OUT DILIGENTLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY.
FURTHER PERIODS OF DETENTION UP TO A TOTAL OF 96 HOURS SHOULD BE ABLE TO BE AUTHORISED BY A MAGISTRATES’ COURT FOLLOWING A HEARING AT WHICH THE DETAINED PERSON IS PRESENT.
THE COMMISSION SUGGESTS THE ADOPTION OF A PROVISION THAT WHERE A PERSON HAS BEEN CHARGED HE MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE A MAGISTRATES’ COURT AS SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE AND IN ANY EVENT NOT LATER THAN THE FIRST SITTING AFTER HE IS CHARGED WITH THE OFFENCE.
- - 0 - -
LAW REFORM REPORT ON ARREST WELCOMED ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, TODAY (MONDAY) WELCOMED THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT ON ARREST PREPARED BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.
’’THIS IS THE PRODUCT OF FOUR YEARS OF HARD WORK BY THE SUB-COMMITTEE SET UP BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE," HF SAID.
"I AM VERA GRATEFUL TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE REPORT HAD MADE A LARGE NUMBER OF DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HE WOULD NEED TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY, TOGETHER WITH THE POLICE FORCE AND Till ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS.
HF COULD NOT SA^ HOW LONG THIS WOULD TAKE, BUT POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE AND WOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
"OUR AIM MUST Bl- TO ENSURE THAT THE POLICE CONTINUE TO HAVE ADEQUATE POWERS TO FIGHT URI Ml AND THAT THESE POWERS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE," MR STRACHAN SAID.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
7
JI MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED t t t * *
A TOTAL OF 11 MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (OCTOBER), BRINGING THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 328.
SPEAKING AT A MONTHLY MEDIA BRIEFING, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN (SPECIAL PREVENTIVE PROGRAMME), DR S S LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ONE OF THE NEW HIV INFECTED PERSONS HAD ALSO BEEN CONFIRMED AS AIDS PATIENT DURING THE MONTH.
IN ADDITION, ONE AIDS PATIENT DIED IN THE SAME MONTH.
THIS BRINGS TO 70 CONFIRMED AIDS CASES WITH 45 DEATHS. THE 25 OTHERS ARE EITHER UNDER COUNSELLING AND TREATMENT OR HAVE LEFT THE TERRITORY.
OF THE 328 HIV INFECTED, 61 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, 227 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, SIX WERE DRUG ABUSERS. AND THREE ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
FOR THE REMAINING 31, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 251,850 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.
UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,155,936 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 26 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
/AIDS VIRUS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 8
AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing
Virus Unit, Department of Health
Apr 85-Sep 92 Oct 92 Total
No. NO. No. No. No. No,
Referrals from Public tested* +ve tested* +ve tested* *ve
hospitals and clinics 32094 136 482 4 32576 140
Referrals from private
practitioners 1941 64 15 5 1956 69
Attendances at social
hygiene clinics 205625 54 2389 2 208014 56
Haemophiliacs 631 61 2 0 633 61
IV drug users 7035 1 39 0 7074 1
Referrals from Family
Planning Association 243 0 1 0 244 0
Health care personnel 1332 0 21 0 1353 0
TOTAL 248901 316 2949 11 251850 327
* This indicates the number are repeated for certain of specimens individuals. and not persons a s tests
Aug 85-Sep 92 Oct.92 Total
Hong Kong Red Cross Blood transfusion No. No. tested +ve No. No. tested +ve No. tested No. +ve
Service 1140474 26 15462 0 1155936 26
November 1992
---------0-----------
/9.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
9
GOVT LAND AUCTION IN DECEMBER ♦ * t * t
TWO GOVERNMENT LAND LOTS WILL BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 15.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD TN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED IN AREA 30A, SHEUNG SHUT, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,871 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCEPT ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 17,613 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1996.
THE SECOND SITE IS LOCATED IN YIP CHEONG STREET, ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,935 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES (EXCEPT OFFENSIVE TRADE AND ANY GODOWN FOR DANGEROUS GOODS).
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA 01- NO'!' LESS THAN 7,290 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1996.
OF THIS, NOT LESS THAN 2,430 SQUARE METRES SHALL BE USED AS MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR WORKSHOP.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHA I STREF I’. KOWLOON .
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE WAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN. TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TS1NG, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
- - 0---------
/10 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 10 -
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE SCHEME WELL ADMINISTERED t * * t t
THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT PAID TRIBUTE TO THE STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT BY POINTING OUT IN HIS RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORT THAT THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE SCHEME WAS WELI ADMINISTERED, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID
AT THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE’S PUBLIC HEARING HELD TODAY (MONDAY), MR CARTLAND SAID’FOUR RELATIVELY TECHNICAL POINTS OF THE SCHEME WERE STUDIED BUT THE MAIN THRUST OF THE REPORT WAS THAT THERE WAS A SOUND FRAMEWORK FOR CONTROL OF THE SCHEME WHICH WAS WELL RUN.
HE DREW MEMBERS' ATTENTION TO THE SCALE OF THE SCHEME’S OPERATION IN WHICH ABOUT 900 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 70,000 APPLICATIONS A YEAR WITH AN EXPENDITURE OF $2.1 BILLION.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT ARE REALLY AN ENCOURAGEMENT AND A TRIBUTE TO THE STAFF. WITH A CASELOAD OF 420,000 THEIR WORK IS LARGELY MECHANICAL, OFTEN TEDIOUS AND IT’S AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THEM THAT THEIR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED IN THIS WAY. "
HE SAID HE AGREED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT THAT IN FUTURE THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE SOUGHT WHEN THE DEPARTMENT WAS TO CHANGE THE QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WHICH WOULD RESULT IN ANY FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS.
LT WAS A FORWARD-LOOKING POINT ON THE PART OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WHEN HE INCLUDED THAI IN HIS REPORT, HE ADDED.
IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO SEEK ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THAT PURPOSE, BUT THERE WOULD BE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS IN ANY FUTURE CHANGE GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE PRESENT CASELOAD. FOR THAT REASON THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE CONSULTED IN FUTURE, MR CARTLAND ADDED.
--------0-----------
SEWAGE PUMPING STATION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT SIGNED * * * * *
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A $52.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TAI PO SEWAGE PUMPING STATION UNDER STAGE TWO OF THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME.
THE CONTRACT WAS Sic,NED BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR CHUNG KWOK-LEUNG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CONTRACT.
WORKS ON THE CONTRACT INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A PUMPING STATION AND A BALANCING TANK INSIDE THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WITH ASSOCIATED PIPEWORK AND ANCILLARY CHAMBERS.
/CONSTRUCTION WORKS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 11 -
CONSTRUCTION WORKS WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION BY MARCH 1995.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE PUMPING STATION WILL PUMP TREATED SEWAGE EFFLUENT FROM TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS THROUGH A SUBMARINE PIPELINE TO SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
MR CHUNG SAID THE COMBINED TREATED SEWAGE FROM SHA TIN AND TAI PO WOULD THEN BE PUMPED THROUGH A TWIN PUMPING MAIN, GRAVITATE THROUGH A 7.4 KILOMETRES LONG TUNNEL TO KAI TAK NULLAH BEFORE FINALLY DISCHARGING TO VICTORIA HARBOUR.
THE TOLO HARBOUR EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME IS PART OF THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN WHICH IS AIMED AT REDUCING POLLUTION CAUSED BY ’’RED TIDES” IN THE HARBOUR.
------0--------
LONG AND MERITORIOUS AWARDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS *****
THERE WERE SMILES ALL AROUND AS SIX POLICY SECRETARIES AND 36 DIRECTORATE OFFICERS WHO USED TO PRESENT LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES TO THEIR STAFF BECAME PROUD RECIPIENTS OF SUCH CERTIFICATES THEMSELVES TODAY (MONDAY).
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS, WAS JOINTLY OFFICIATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM.
THE STRENGTH OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE HAS GROWN FROM A MEAGRE TOTAL OF 79 IN 1962 TO 460 AT PRESENT.
THIS EXPANSION REFLECTS THE INCREASING COMPLEXITIES OF THE PROCESS OF THE GOVERNMENT BROUGHT ABOUT BOTH BY THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG INTO A CITY OF WORLD STATURE AND THE INCREASING ASPIRATIONS OF THE LOCAL POPULATION.
TWELVE OFFICERS RECEIVED THE 30-YEAR CERTIFICATES FROM SIR DAVID.
THEY INCLUDED MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE; MRS ANSON CHAN, SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES; MR JAMES SO, SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE; MR ANTHONY EASON, SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS; AND MR DOMINIC WONG, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
MR WIGGHAM, IN HIS DUAL CAPACITY AS A RECIPIENT AND AN OFFICIATING GUEST, LATER PRESENTED THE 20-YEAR CERTIFICATES TO 30 OFFICERS.
/AMONG THEM .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 12 -
AMONG THEM WERE MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE; MR HAIDER BARMA, DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES; MR MICHAEL SZE, SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS; AND MR IAN R. STRACHAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY.
ALSO ATTENDED THE OCCASION WERE 18 OF THE 22 ’’FRESHERS” WHO
WERE APPOINTED UNDER THIS
YEAR’S RECRUITMENT EXERCISE.
WELCOMING THE NEW APPOINTEES, MR WIGGHAM EXPRESSED HOPES THAT THEY WOULD PROCEED ON A SELF-PROPELLED COURSE OF PROGRESSION, GRADUALLY BLOSSOMING INTO WELL-ROUNDED INDIVIDUALS, AND CAPABLE OF TAKING ON AN EXTREMELY WIDE RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
HE URGED THEM TO GIVE OF THEIR BEST ALWAYS AND TO SET THEMSELVES EVER HIGHER GOALS AND STANDARDS.
AT THE SAME FUNCTION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE ASSOCIATION, MR JOHN CHAN, TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO BID FAREWELL TO TWO RETIRING OFFICERS - MR DAVID NEND1CK, SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, AND MR HAROLD KWOK, FORMER DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS OF LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY:
30-YEAR CERTIFICATES:
MR BARRIE WIGGHAM
MRS ANSON CHAN
MR JAMES SO YIU-CHO
MR ANTHONY G. EASON
MR DOMINIC' WONG SHING-WAH
MR ADOLF HSU HSUNG
MR DARWIN CHEN
MR ALBERT LAM CH I-CHIU
MR PAUL WONG KAM-CHIU
MR PETER NG KWOK-TAI
MR LUI HAU-TUEN
MR BRIAN L. COAK
/20-YEAR .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 13 -
20-YEAR CERTIFICATES:
MRS ELIZABETH WONG MR HAIDER H.T. BARMA MR MICHAEL SZE CHO-CHEUNG MR MICHAEL CARTLAND MR IAN R. STRACHAN MR NICHOLAS NG WING-FUI MR BILLY LAM CHUNG-LUN MR RICHARD J.F. HOARE MR ANTHONY J. MILLER MRS HELEN YU LAI CHING-PING MISS CHRISTINE CHOW KWAN-TAI MRS ELIZABETH M. BOSHER MISS ELAINE CHUNG LAI-KWOK MRS SHELLEY LAW LEE LAI-KUEN MR DAVID K. DOWDING MR PAUL LEUNG SAI-WAH MISS JACQUELINE A. WILLIS MR KWONG KI-CHI MRS RACHEL M.B. CARTLAND MR NICHOLAS YEK CHEK-MING MR RICKY FUNG CHO I-CHEUNG MR WILLIAM YAP CHOI-CHIN MR ANTHONY G. COOPER MR VICTOR YUNG CHUK-HUNG MR THOMAS YIU KEI-CHUNG MISS LOLLY CHIU YUEN-CHU MR PAUL WONG PO-WAH MR CHRIS WAN CHUNG-CHU MR JOHN WAN CHUNG-ON MR TIMOTHY TONG HING-MING
---------0-----------
TENDERS INVITED FOR SITTING-OUT AREA IN CHAI WAN
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA AT TAI MAN STREET, CHAI WAN.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN EIGHT MONTHS.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON DECEMBER 11.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
------0-------
/14 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG AND KOWLOON EAST *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES TN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT THE SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FROM FEI NGO SHAN ROAD TO SHAW’S STUDIO.
THE AFFECTED AREAS ALSO INCLUDE FEI NGO SHAN ROAD, ANDERSON ROAD, LUNG WO TSUEN, TAN SHA TSUEN, SAM LONG TSUEN, TSENG LAN SHUE TSUEN, PAK SHEK WO TSUEN, RAZOR HILL ROAD, PAK SHEK TERRACE, PAK SHEK WO SAN TSUEN, PIK UK PRISON, PIK UK TSUEN, SIU TO YUEN TSUEN, CLEAR WATER BAY APARTMENTS, TA KU LING SAN TSUEN, PIK SHUT SAN TSUEN, CHUK KOK TSUEN AND TAI PO TSAI TSUEN.
BECAUSE OF MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATER MAINS, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST WILL GO OFF FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 26).
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE SAN PO KONG, NGAU CHI WAN, CHOI HUNG ESTATE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, PING SHEK ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUNG ON ESTATE, SHUN CHI COURT, SHUN LEE TSUEN THA, NGAU TAU KOK, LOK WAH ESTATE, JORDAN VALLEY, KOWLOON BAY, KWUN TONG, LAM TIN, SAU MAU PING AND CHA KWO LING.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 70.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 410.959 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 259.304 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 44.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
/15
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,420
REVERSAL OF LAF +80
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECT1ON/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.6 *+0.1* 23.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.25 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.19 4.54
1 MONTH 3.36 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.16 4 . 74
3 MONTHS 3.63 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.16 4.94
6 MONTHS 3.84 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 1 1 4.625 99.27 5.08
12 MONTHS 4.32 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,575 MN
CLOSED 23 NOVEMBER 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPLANATORY INFORMATION ON PAA FUNDS PASSED TO FINANCE COMMITTEE ..................................................... 1
NEW COINS AND BANK NOTES TO BE ISSUED ........................... 2
JUNE SALARY INDICES FOR MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONALS .............. 5
STATEMENT ON MEDICAL SURVEY ..................................... 8
EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD STARTS WORK .......................... 8
COMMITTEE DISCUSSES WIDE-RANGING TRANSPORT ISSUES ............... 9
NEW PRIVATE SECRETARY FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE APPOINTED ........... 11
SERVICE EXPANDS TO CARE FOR UNATTENDED CHILDREN ................ 12
ENJOY A DAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE ................................. 12
MOTION DEBATE ON NORTHWEST NT TRANSPORT ........................ 13
WANG TAU HOM METHADONE CLINIC ON MOVE .......................... 14
201 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME ..................................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .............. 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
16
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
1
EXPLANATORY INFORMATION ON PAA FUNDS
PASSED TO FINANCE COMMITTEE
* * * ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES THAT DELAYING CONSTRUCTION AND CRUCIAL DESIGN WORK ON THE AIRPORT AT CHER LAP KOK FOR THREE MONTHS WOULD INCREASE COSTS BY NOT LESS THAN $1.3 BILLION, WHI LE A SIX-MONTH DELAY WOULD PRODUCE AN INCREASE OF NOT LESS THAN $2.5 BILLION.
THESE ESTIMATES ARE CONTAINED IN EXPLANATORY INFORMATION ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY TO MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, WHO ARE NOW CONSIDERING THE GOVERNMENT’S REQUEST FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) TO RECEIVE AN $8.63 BILLION ADVANCE FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND.
THE FUNDS ARE NEEDED BY THE PAA FOR THE $9,041 BILLION SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND FOR OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE.
THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THE ADVICE OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, WHICH WAS BRIEFED ON THE REQUEST FOR FUNDS LAST FRIDAY.
IT IS CONTAINED IN FOUR ANNEXES TO THE MAIN FINANCE COMMITTEE PAPER ON THE FUNDS, WHICH WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE ON FRIDAY.
A DETAILED ANALYSIS IS PROVIDED OF THE PROPOSED PAA EXPENDITURE, INCLUDING $1,088 BILLION FOR ON-SITE SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT FOR THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT.
"IN CONSIDERING VIEWS PUT FORWARD BY THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP, THE GOVERNMENT HAS REVIEWED THE START OF CERTAIN DESIGN CONSULTANCIES TO BE LET BY THE PAA.
"IN ORDER TO KEEP COMMITMENTS TO THE TO ENSURE THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE OVERALL HAS DECIDED TO DEFER SEEKING FUNDING FOR PACKAGES.
ABSOLUTE MINIMUM NEEDED SLIPPAGE, THE GOVERNMENT EIGHT OUT OF 13 DESIGN
"THIS MEANS THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS REDUCTION OF $355 MILLION IN THE TOTAL $8.63 FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN
PROPOSING A POSSIBLE
BILLION BEING SOUGHT
SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE POTENTIAL COST O| DELAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "OUR ESTIMATES SHOW THAT IT WOULD Bl EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE IN TERMS OF THE OVERALL COST OF THE AIRPORT TO EXTEND VALIDITY DATES, OR TO RE-TENDER, THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT. IT WOULD BE JUST AS EXPENSIVE TO DELAV CRUCIAL DESIGN CONTRACTS AT THE AIRPORT."
"THIS DEMONSTRATES HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT TO BE SIGNED BEFORE THE CURRENT TENDERS EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 30, AND FOR CRU( I AL DESIGN CONTRACTS To GO AHEAD.
"PROGRESS ON THESE CONTRACTS WILL. ENABLE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO \( T IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE AIRPORT CORF PROGRAMME AGREED BY BRITAIN AND (’HINA LAST YEAR.
/"ONE OF .......
4
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
"ONE OF THE ANNEXES SHOWS THAT DELAYING THE START OF THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT, OR COMPLETION OF CRUCIAL DESIGN CONTRACTS, FOR THREE MONTHS WOULD ADD $1.28 BILLION TO THE $68.5 BILLION COSTS OF THE AIRPORT, WHILE A SIX-MONTH DELAY WOULD ADD $2.54 BILLION.
"THE INCREASES WOULD BE CAUSED BY ADDITIONAL WORKS TO PROTECT THE ADVANCE SITE FORMATION WORKS AT CHEK LAP KOK, AND BY THE IMPACT OF INFLATION ON EXPENDITURE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THERE WOULD ALSO BE OTHER COST INCREASES: FOR EXAMPLE THE PAA’S MANAGEMENT COSTS AND OVERHEADS WOULD RISE BY $103 MILLION FOR A THREE-MONTH DELAY AND $205 MILLION FOR SIX MONTHS."
IT IS ALSO EXPLAINED IN THE ANNEXES THAT A RE-TENDER OF THE AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT WOULD NOT BENEFIT FROM THE SORT OF FALL IN CONSTRUCTION PRICES, WHICH HAS BEEN EVIDENT IN HONG KONG IN RECENT MONTHS.
"THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT IS NOT TYPICAL OF WORK IN HONG KONG BECAUSE IT IS SO LARGE AND BECAUSE IT INCLUDES AN UNPRECEDENTED QUANTITY OF MINING AND MARINE DREDGING WORKS. THE DREDGERS WE REQUIRE ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY WORLDWIDE.
"IN ANY CASE, SPECULATION ABOUT POSSIBLE LOWER TENDER PRICES NEEDS TO BE BALANCED AGAINST THE SUBSTANTIAL ESTIMATED COST INCREASES PUBLISHED IN THE ANNEXES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED ON FRIDAY TO APPROVE $153.5 MILLION FOR MAJOR. CONSULTANCIES CONNECTED WITH GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE FACILITIES COMPRISE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT, WEATHER RADAR EQUIPMENT, AND POSTAL MECHANISATION SYSTEMS. THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WAS BRIEFED ON THIS SUBJECT ON OCTOBER 23.
- - 0 - -
NEW COINS AND BANK NOTES TO BE ISSUED *****
EXISTING COINS AND BANK NOTES WILL BE GRADUALLY REPLACED WITH ONES BEARING NEW DESIGNS STARTING FROM EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
OUTLINING THE ARRANGEMENTS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE) OF HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR JOSEPH YAM, SAID: "AS THE EXISTING COINS AND BANK NOTES BEAR REFERENCES WHICH WILL BECOME INAPPROPRIATE TO THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, THEY NEED TO BE PROGRESSIVELY REPLACED AND WITHDRAWN FROM CIRCULATION."
THIS IS SPECIFIED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION
/THE DESIGNS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
3 -
THE DESIGNS OF THE NEW COINS HAVE BEEN STANDARDISED: THE OBVERSE FEATURES A BAUHTNIA FLOWER AND "HONG KONG” IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH AND THE REVERSE FEATURES THE DENOMINATION IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH WITH A LARGE ARABIC NUMERAL IN THE CENTRE AND THE YEAR OF ISSUE IMMEDIATELY BELOW IT.
APPROVAL FOR THE NEW DESIGNS HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE RELEVANT UK AUTHORITIES.
THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE ALSO BEEN CONSULTED ON THE NEW DESIGNS AND SUPPORTED THEIR INTRODUCTION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN THE INTEREST OF SMOOTH TRANSITION.
MR YAM EXPLAINED THAT A PHASED INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW COINS WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE OF PRODUCTION AND STORAGE CONSTRAINTS.
’’THE NEW FIVE-DOLLAR AND TWO-DOLLAR COINS WILL BE INTRODUCED FIRST AT THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR.
’’THE ISSUE OF OTHER COINS WILL FOLLOW SHORTLY, WITH THE NEW ONE-DOLLAR, 50-CENT AND 20-CENT COINS BEING INTRODUCED LATER IN 1993," HE SAID.
"A 10-DOLLAR COIN WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED IN 1994 OR 1995 TO REPLACE THE EXISTING 1 O-DOLLAR NOTE," HE ADDED.
THE METAL COMPOSITIONS OF NEW COINS ARE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OF THE EXISTING ONES TO FACILITATE WITHDRAWAL B\ MACHINE, BUT THE SIZE, WEIGHT AND SHAPE REMAIN THE SAME SO THAT THERE WILL BE MINIMAL DISRUPTION.
MR YAM NOTED THAT COINS HAD A LONG LIFE TO BE WITHDRAWN UNDER. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
AND THEREFORE NEEDED
"INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES AND BANKS, WHICH RECEIVE A LARGE NUMBER OF COINS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS POINTS FOR SORTING THE OLD FROM THE NEW FOR WITHDRAWAL.
”TT WILL BE A GRADUAL PROCESS AND WILL BE MONITORED CLOSELY, THE NUMBER OF POINTS OF WITHDRAWAL BEING INCREASED IF NECESSARY.
"THE AIM IS TO HAVE THE MAJORITY REPLACED BY 1997," HE SAID.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW FIVE-DOLLAR AND
TWO-DOLLAR COINS IN JANUARY 1993, POSTERS WILL BE PUT HALLS AND GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES TO FAMILIARISE THE NEW DESIGNS.
AS FOR THE NEW DESIGNS FOR BANK NOTES, MR YAM THIS WAS A MATTER FOR THE TWO NOTE-ISSUING BANKS.
UP IN BANKING
PUBLIC OF THE
EXPLAINED THAT
"THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN FINALISED AND HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO THE CHINESE SIDE, WHO RAISED NO OBJECTION.
/"THE NEW .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
’’THE NEW BANK NOTES WILL BE PROGRESSIVELY INTRODUCED FROM THE BEGINNING OF 1993.
’’THE REPLACEMENT OF BANK NOTES WILL BE EFFECTED THROUGH THE NATURAL PROCESS OF WITHDRAWING FROM CIRCULATION THOSE USED BANK NOTES WHICH ARE NO LONGER OF GOOD CIRCULATION QUALITY,” MR YAM SAID, NOTING THAT BANK NOTES HAD AN AVERAGE LIFE OF ABOUT TWO YEARS.
SEPARATE ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE BY THE TWO NOTE-ISSUING BANKS ABOUT THE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BANK NOTES CLOSER TO THE DATE OF INTRODUCTI ON.
MR YAM POINTED OUT THAT SOME BANK NOTES AND COINS OF EXISTING DESIGNS WOULD INEVITABLY REMAIN IN CIRCULATION AFTER 1997.
HE SAID IT WOULD BE UP TO THE SAR GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE WHETHER A SPECIFIC TIME FRAME SHOULD BE SET FOR SUCH BANK NOTES AND COINS TO BE EXCHANGED INTO NEW BANK NOTES AND COINS, AND BE WITHDRAWN FROM C IRCl’LATION ALTOGETHER.
IN A RELATED DEVELOPMENT, THE GOVERNMENT COMMEMORATIVE PROOF AND UNCIRCULATED COIN SETS DESIGNS EARLY NEXT YEAR.
WILL BE PRODUCING FEATURING THE NEW
THE SETS WILL EACH CONTAIN SEVEN COINS RANGING FROM THE 10-CENT TO Till- 10-DOLLAR COIN. THE COINS WILL BE DATED 1993.
WORLDWIDE SALES OF THE PROOF SETS WILL BE LIMITED TO 30,000, OF WHICH 25,000 WILL BE WAILABLE FOR SALE IN HONG KONG.
’’THERE WILL BE NO ISSUE LIMIT FOR THE UNCIRCULATED SETS.
"THE TARGET DATE FOR LAUNCHING SALES IS MID-JANUARY 1993," MR YAM SAID.
"THE SETS WILL BE SOLD AT A PREMIUM AND DEMAND IS EXPECTED TO BE SUBSTANTIAL DPI TO THEIR NUMISMATIC VALUE," HE ADDED.
NET PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE COMMEMORATIVE CO IN SETS WILL BE CREDITED TO Till SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT AND THEREAFTER USED TO FINANCE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, CAREFULLY SELECTED PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE. COMMUNITY , AS HAS BEEN THE CASE IN EARI I ER INSTANCES.
THE SALE OF THE COMMEMORATIVE COIN SETS WILL Bl- LAUNC HED BY A PUBLICITY C AMPAIGN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
- - 0-----------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 5 -
JUNE SALARY INDICES
FOR MANAGERS AND PROFESSIONALS * * * * *
THE AVERAGE SALARY LEVEL FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, AS INDICATED BY THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A), WAS 10.4% HIGHER TN JUNE THIS YEAR THAN IN JUNE LAST YEAR.
THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), WHICH MEASURES CHANGES IN THE AVERAGE SALARY LEVEL ONLY FOR THOSE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN BOTH 1991 AND 1992, ROSE BY 13.8% OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE FINDINGS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
BOTH SALARY INDICES (A) AND (B) ARE DESIGNED TO MEASURE CHANGES IN SALARY LEVELS.
HOWEVER, BY CONFINING TO THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN 1991 AND 1992, THE SALARY INDEX (B) ONLY ACCOUNTS FOR SALARY CHANGES DUE TO GENERAL INCREMENT, MERITORIOUS INCREASE AND GAIN IN SENIORITY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SALARY INDEX (A) TAKES INTO ACCOUNT EFFECTS OF LABOUR MOBILITY AS WELL.
THE RATE OF INCREASE OF THE SALARY INDEX (B) IS USUALLY HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE SALARY INDEX (A) BECAUSE THE SALARY INDEX (A) INCLUDES THE SALARIES OF NEWLY RECRUITED AND NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEES, WHO TEND TO BE PAID COMPARATIVELY LOWER SALARIES THAN THOSE ALREADY IN THE SAME RANK.
BETWEEN JUNE 1991 AND JUNE 1992, THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) FOR LARGE COMPANIES INCREASED B\ 9.7% AND THAT FOR MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES BY 10.6%.
AS REGARDS THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 13.9% AND 13.8% RESPECTIVELY.
BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL SALARY INDICES BY THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, THE REAL SALARY INDICES ARE OBTAINED TO MEASURE CHANGES IN THE PURI BASING POWER OF THE YMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE REAL .SALARY INDEX (A) AND THE REAL SALARY 1NDEX <B) REGISTERED INC REASES OF 0.4% AND 3.5% RESPECTIVELY IN JUNE 1992.
AMONG THE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES COVERED IN THE SURVEY, 68% 01 THEM WERE ENTITLED TO PROFIT-SHARING BONUS, 38% TO HOUSING BENEFITS OF SOME KIND AND 79% 1’0 PROV IDENT/RETIREMFNT FUND OR PENSION.
/IT WAS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
6
IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT 85% OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO GUARANTEED YEAR-END BONUS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) SINCE 1984 TO MEASURE CHANGES IN SALARY RATES FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES.
A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 200 LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES IS COVERED IN THE SURVEY. BOTH LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEES WORKING IN COMMON OCCUPATIONS OF MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS ARE ENUMERATED.
TN THE SURVEY, THE SALARY RATE IS DEFINED TO INCLUDE, IN ADDITION TO BASIC SALARIES, COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, GUARANTEED YEAREND BONUS, COMMISSION AND TIPS, AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
OTHER ITEMS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE TOTAL PAY PACKAGE OF EMPLOYEES AT MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS, SUCH AS PROFIT-SHARING BONUS AND HOUSING BENEFITS, ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF THE SALARY RATE.
HOWEVER, STATISTICS ON FRINGE BENEFITS ARE SEPARATELY COMPILED. THEY ARE EXPRESSED IN TERNS OF PERCENTAGES OF EMPLOYEES INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY ENTITLED TO THEM.
DETAILS OF THE SALARY MOVEMENT, AVERAGE SALARY RATE FOR MAJOR OCCUPATIONS AND STATISTICS ON EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENT TO VARIOUS FRINGE BENEFITS, TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE SURVEY METHODOLOGY, ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "1992 REPORT OF SALARY AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS -MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT)".
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT $25 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR. CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, I9TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT 'Illi SALARY INDICES CAN RE DIRECTED TO THE KAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 582 1746 OR 582 5595.
/7........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 7 -
Naninal Salary. Indices (A) and (B) analysed by major economic sector for JUne 1992
(June 1983 = 100)
Selected major economic sector Naninal Salary Index (A) Naninal Salary Index (B)
Manufacturing, electricity, gas and steam 260.1 (+14.5) 323.5 (+14.1)
Building and construction and related trades 258.7 (+9.3) 356.7 (+12.1)
Wholesale, retail and inport/export trades 265.3 (+11.5) 360.8 (+14.9)
Transport, storage and communication 225.2 (+7.3) 322.6 (+13.6)
Financial institutions and insurance 291.8 (+8.8) 384.5 (+15.0)
All sectors above 264.0 (+10.4) 353.5 (+13.8)
Note : All indices are rounded to one decimal place.
Figures in brackets are percentage changes for June 1992 over June 1991 and are calculated fron indices rounded to one decimal place.
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/8.........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 8 -
STATEMENT ON MEDICAL SURVEY ♦ * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE RESULTS OF AN OPINION SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG PUBLIC DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION AMONG PUBLIC HOSPITAL DOCTORS LAST MONTH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH MADE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
♦ IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT PUBLIC IMAGE OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS ALWAYS A MATTER OF CONCERN NOT ONLY TO THE STAFF BUT TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
* WE HAVE NOTED THE LOW RESPONSE RATE TO THE QUESTIONNAIRES WHICH REPRESENTED ONLY 13 PER CENT OF ALL PUBLIC HOSPITAL DOCTORS.
* IN THAT CONTEXT AND PARTICULARLY IN THE ABSENCE OF DETAILED ANALYSIS, IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE TO COMMENT ON THE VALIDITY OR OTHERWISE OF THE SURVEY CONCERNED.
------0-------
EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD STARTS WORK
*****
THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD SET UP TO CONSIDER THE PROVISION AND AVAILABILITY OF RETRAINING COURSES FOR THE BENEFITS OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES MET FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY (TUESDAY).
IT IS TASKED TO IDENTIFY PARTICULAR OCCUPATIONS THAT HAVE HIGH VACANCY RATES AND OF WHICH LOCAL EMPLOYEES MAY SECURE EMPLOYMENT BY ATTENDING RETRAINING COURSES TO ACQUIRE NEW OR ENHANCED VOCATIONAL SKILLS.
IT WILL ALSO LIAISE WITH TRAINING BODIES, OTHER RELATED ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON THE DESIGN, ADMINISTRATION AND AVAILABILITY OF RETRAINING COURSES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD IS DR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN IS MR LARRY TCHOU MING-HONG.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ARE:
♦ MR HO SAI-CHU, DR LUI MING-WAH, MR HENRY TANG YING-YEN AND MRS HELEN PRICE REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS;
♦ MR CHEUNG WOOD-LUN, MR LEUNG FU-WAH, MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG AND MS LT FUNG-YING REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES;
* THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE;
* THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY;
/* THE CENTRE ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 9 -
♦ THE CENTRE MANAGER OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY;
♦ THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE; AND
* A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FROM THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS DISCUSSED THE PLANNED RETRAINING COURSES RECOMMENDED BY THE COURSE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, PROPOSED TARGETS OF RETRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT-LINKED RETRAINING PROGRAMMES.
------0-------
COMMITTEE DISCUSSES WIDE-RANGING TRANSPORT ISSUES
*****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) MET TODAY (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A FARE INCREASE APPLICATION FROM THE STAR FERRY COMPANY, THE COMPULSORY FITTING OF REAR SEAT BELTS IN NEW PRIVATE CARS AND THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINT UNIT’S THIRD QUARTERLY REPORT FOR 1992.
AT THE MEETING, TAC MEMBERS WERE ALSO INFORMED OF A PLAN TO RECONSTRUCT A SECTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND A PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
ON STAR FERRY’S FARE INCREASE APPLICATION, MEMBERS NOTED THAT FARES WERE LAST REVISED TN SEPTEMBER 1990.
GIVEN THE RISING OPERATING COSTS AND LOW PATRONAGE GROWTH, THE AFTER-TAX PROFIT OF THE COMPANY WITHOUT A FARE RISE IS EXPECTED TO DROP SIGNIFICANTLY FROM $9 MILLION IN 1991 TO $G.5 MILLION IN 1992 AND THEN TO $3.3 MILLION TN 1993.
THE STAR FERRY IS SEEKING FARE INCREASES WITH EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AT AN AVERAGE INCREASE RATE LOWER THAN THE INFLATION RATE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1990 AND FEBRUARY 1993, WHICH IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX A IS ESTIMATED AT 27 PER CENT.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT IN I’HE CALCULATION OF THE FARE INCREASES, IT WAS ASSURED THAT THE POTENTIAL LOSS IN REVENUE ARISING FROM THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF THE FREE TRAVEL SCHEME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS WOULD NOT BE PASSED ON TO OTHER PASSENGERS.
THE MEETING WAS ALSO INFORMED OF A PLAN BY STAR FERRY TO INTRODUCE A FOUR-DAY TOURIST TICKET FOR UNLIMITED TRAVEL ON SCHEDULED SERVICES OF BOTH STAR FERRY AND HK TRAMWAYS AT $20 EACH.
TAC’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE FARE INCREASES WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LION.ROCK TUNNEL ROAD BETWEEN THE TOLL PLAZA AND SHA TIN ROAD, MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WOULD EXPEDITE THE WORK BY CARRYING OUT SOME QUIETER WORK THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.
/AS A........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 10 -
AS A RESULT, THE RECONSTRUCT ION PERIOD WOULD BE SHORTENED FROM 20 TO 16 MONTHS. WORE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN NOVEMBER 1994.
STAGE ONE OF THE RECONSTRUCTION WILL INVOLVE THE CLOSURE OF ONE OF THE FOUR TRAFFIC LANES BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND SHA TIN ROAD. TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION, TIDAL FLOW TRAFFIC WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING MORNING AND EVENING PEAK HOURS.
STAGE TWO OF THE RECONSTRUCTION WILL INVOLVE THE CLOSURE OF ONE OF THE FIVE TRAFFIC LANES BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND THE TOLL PLAZA.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN TWO-LANE TRAFFIC IN EACH DIRECTION, THE EXISTING BUS LANE ON THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD MAY HAVE TO BE SUSPENDED DURING STAGE TWO OF THE RECONSTRUCTION.
DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD, THE SPEED LIMIT ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WILL BE REDUCED FROM 70 TO 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR AND THERE WOULD BE EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY TO INFORM MOTORISTS OF THE WORKS.
TODAY’S MEETING ALSO DISCUSSED A PROPOSAL TO MAKE THE FITTING OF REAR SEAT BELTS IN NEW PRIVATE CARS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT.
MEMBERS ADVISED THAT THE FITTING AND WEARING OF REAR SEAT BELTS SHOULD BE MADE A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT SIMULTANEOUSLY IF THE PROPOSAL WAS ADOPTED FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
ON THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME, MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 14, 1992.
THE SCHEME, WHICH ATMS TO PROVIDE BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICES TO PEOPLE APPLYING FOR VEHICLE AND DRIVER LICENCES, WILL BE MONITORED BY TAC.
THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE TRANSPORT JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1992 WAS TABLED AT TODAY’S
COMPLAINT UNIT (TCU) MEETING.
FOR
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE AIR HORN, WHICH REPLACED THE FOOTGONG AS THE AUDIBLE WARNING SYSTEM ON TRAM IN AUGUST, WAS THE CAUSE OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE NOISE LEVEL WHEN IT WAS SOUNDED.
BUT, ACCORDING TO THE HK TRAMWAYS, SINCE THE AIR HORN WAS INTRODUCED, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RATE OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING TRAMS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER HAD DROPPED BY .30 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE MONTHLY AVERAGE FOR JANUARY TO JULY THIS YEAR.
AS A RESULT OF THESE COMPLAINTS AND IN VIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AIR HORN TO REDUCE TRAM ACCIDENTS, THE HK TRAMWAYS WILL BE ASKED TO ADVISE THEIR MOTORMEN TO USE THE AIR HORN ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY SO AS TO MINIMISE THE LEVEL OF NOISE.
/IN THE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
IN THE THIRD QUARTER COVERING JULY 1 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
RECEIVED 2,894 COMPLAINTS/SUGGESTIONS COMPARED WITH 2,398 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THE INCREASE IS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A RISE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
ALL COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN OR. WILL BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED AND WHERE JUSTIFIED, THE CASES WILI BE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY FOR ACTION.
_ _ 0-----------
NEW PRIVATE SECRETARY FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE APPOINTED * * * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR BOWEN LEUNG PO-WING WILL BE ATTACHED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE FROM DECEMBER 7 THIS YEAR.
HE WILL SUCCEED MR RICHARD HOARE AS PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR LATER IN THE MONTH.
AS ARRANGED SOME TIME AGO, MR HOARE WILL THEN ATTEND A TRAINING COURSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
MR. LEUNG, AGED 13, FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1973 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER.
HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, MR LEUNG SERVED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
EROM 1984 T() 1990, HE SERVED IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION BOTH AT THE HEADQUARTERS AND MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI AND EASTERN DISTRICTS.
HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS IN SEPTEMBER 1990.
/12 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 12 -
SERVICE EXPANDS TO CARE FOR UNATTENDED CHILDREN
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS FURTHER EXPANDED ITS OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE THIS MONTH, A CHIEF SOCIAL WORK OFFICER, MRS KATHERINE SHIN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE SERVICE IS AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT INTRODUCED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN NOVEMBER 1989 WITH A VIEW TO ELIMINATING THE RISK OF LEAVING UNATTENDED YOUNG CHILDREN AT HOME.
"A REVIEW OF THE PROJECT HAS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR THE SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY, WE THEREFORE EXTEND THE PROJECT FOR A FURTHER 12 MONTHS," MRS SHIN SAID.
A TOTAL OF 75 CHILD CARE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT, OFFERING 225 PLACES TO CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX.
SHE APPEALED TO PARENTS WHO HAD TO LEAVE HOME FOR URGENT ENGAGEMENT TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE SERVICE, RATHER THAN LEAVING YOUNG CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.
"A FLEXIBLE MODE OF FEE CHARGING HAS ALSO BEEN ADOPTED FOR PARENTS WHO NEED THE SERVICE FOR A SHORT SPAN OF TIME," SHE SAID.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE CENTRES OFFER SHORT-TERM TEMPORARY CARE ON SESSIONAL BASIS, CHARGING FEES IN THE RANGE OF $10 TO $15 PER ADMISSION.
CHARGES AT PRESENT \RE AT A RATE OF $25 FOR HALF-DAY AND $50 FOR FULL-DAY CARE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC’ INTERESTED IN THE SERVICE MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 313 2255 OR THE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD-CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON 836 3111.
"PARENTS COULD ALSO SEEK HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S 30 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," MRS SHIN ADDED.
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ENJOY A DAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
*****
ABOUT 700 TRAIL WALKERS AND A PRODUCTION TEAM TELEVISION HONG KONG’S "TAKE IT EASY" PROGRAMME WILL BE THE FAMILY WALK IN SAI KUNG THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 29) TO LAUNCHING OF THE "ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE DAY".
OF RADIO STROLLING MARK THE
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9.30 AM AT SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE, PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG.
/ORGANISED BY .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 13 -
ORGANISED BY THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND COMMITTEE, THE EVENT ATMS TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN ENJOYING THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND TO PARTICIPATE IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS HIKING AND PICNICKING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY IN SAI KUNG AND JOIN THE WALK.
THEY ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO ORGANISE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL 594 5660.
-----0-------
MOTION DEBATE ON NORTHWEST NT TRANSPORT
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL DEBATE A MOTION THAT CALLS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXTERNAL TRANSPORT NETWORK OF NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION WILL BE PROPOSED BY THE HON WONG WAI-YIN.
MEMBERS WILL ASK 19 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FOUR BILLS THAT WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THE BILLS ARE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1992, EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF POWERS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL AND IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
AT THE MEETING, THE HON K K FUNG, THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK AND THE HON ALBERT CHAN WILL EACH MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION TO SUSPEND THE STANDING ORDERS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO BRIEF MEMBERS ABOUT HIS RECENT OVERSEAS VISITS AT A SITTING OF THE COUNCII ON DECEMBER 1.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE WHILE THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS ORDINANCE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WEI COME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS IN THE PUBLIC GALLERIES BY CALLING 869 9492.
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/14 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 14 -
WANG TAV HOM METHADONE CLINIC ON MOVE t ♦ t i t
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCES THAT THE WANG TAU HOM METHADONE CLINIC WILL MOVE TO THE LI KEE MEMORIAL DISPENSARY AT 99 CARPENTER ROAD, KOWLOON CITY NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 1).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE CLINIC WOULD THEN BE OPERATED UNDER THE NAME OF LI KEE METHADONE CLINIC.
THOSE PATIENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED THE WANG TAU HOM METHADONE CLINIC BUT WISH TO RE-REGISTER CAN PROCEED TO THE LI KEF METHADONE CLINIC ON TUESDAY OR FRIDAY EVENINGS.
THE RELOCATION WILL NOT AFFECT THE NORMAL OPERATION WANG TAU HOM JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC WHICH KILL CONTINUE TO GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
OF THE PROVIDE
--------0---------
201 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME
* * * * *
A GROUP OF 201 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 89 MEN, 44 WOMEN, 38 BOYS AND 30 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 135TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 11,116 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 25,096 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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/15 .
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 24 NOV 92 24 NOV 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q248 H278
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,270 MN HKD 670 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 300 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.71 PCT 3.88 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.77 PCT 3.88 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 33 PCT ABOUT 93 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.74 PCT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND 3.94 PCT
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 30 NOVEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 1 DEC 92 1 DEC 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q249 Y297
ISSUE DATE 2 DEC 92 2 DEC 92
MATURITY DATE 3 MAR 93 1 DEC 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160 MN HKD 200+60 MN
- - 0----------
/16........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24,
1992
- 16 -
. HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.5 *-0.1* 24.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BONDS
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.07 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.26 4.48
1 MONTH 3.35 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.26 4.66
3 MONTHS 3.69 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.29 4.86
6 MONTHS 3.82 PCT 24 MONTHS 24 I 1 4.625 99.27 5.08
12 MONTHS 4.27 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9, ,069MN
CLOSED 24 NOVEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
FIRM PLANS TO SOLVE CONGESTION PROBLEM IN NORTHWEST NT .... 1
ANTI-TAX EVASION BILL CONSISTENT WITH BILL OF RIGHTS ....... 2
EXTENSION OF WEEKEND FARRS TO SATURDAY MORNINGS ............ 4
WAYS TO IMPROVE LABOUR TRIBUNAL EFFICIENCY UNDER STUDY .... 4
FEES ON REGISTRATION OF PATENTS APPROVED ................... 5
BILL TO BETTFR ENFORCE CUSTOMS’ FORFEITURE PROVISIONS INTRODUCED .............................................. 5
BILL TO REMOVE DIFFICULTIES TN ENFORCEMENT OVER FORFEITURE
OF SEIZED GOODS ......................................... 7
GOVERNOR TO BRIEF LEGCO ON OVERSEAS VISITS ................. 8
BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT GAINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION ............................................. 8
CONTENTS OF DIPLOMATIC EXCHANGES ARE CONFIDENTIAL .......... 9
PROPERTY MARKET SHOWS DOWNWARD TREND ...................... 10
WORK ON NEW TELECOM POLICY IN PROGRESS .................... 10
VIETNAMESE REPATRIATION POLICY REITERATED ................. 11
SHA OUTLINES GOVT POLICY ON GAMBLING ...................... 13
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME EXPLAINED ............. 14
CMB FARES TO BE MAINTAINED AT REASONABLE LEVELS ........... 14
USERS' COMMITTEES TO HAVE MONITORING AND ADVISORY ROLES ... 15
/AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES ..
f*
AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES UPGRADED ............................... 16
APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED .... 16
MEASURES IN PLACE TO FIGHT RESTAURANT KITCHEN POLLUTION ... 17
REVIEW UNDERWAY TO ENSURE EFFICIENT BERTH SERVICE ............ 18
319 FISHERMEN REGISTER FOR COMPENSATION CLAIMS ............... 18
IRREGULARITIES OF LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS WILL BE INVESTIGATED ............................................... 19
TRAINING COURSE ON REMEDIAL TEACHING ......................... 19
COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN NORTHWESTERN NT MEET DEMAND .......... 20
MOTION ON NORTHWEST NT TRANSPORT PASSED ...................... 21
GOVERNOR IN JAPAN ............................................... 22
HK AND JAPAN ARE GOOD FRIENDS: GOVERNOR ......................... 23
FS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT FUNDING REQUESTS ......................... 24
NEW BUSINESS REGISTRATION RECORDS SYSTEM ........................ 25
TECHNOLOGY REVIEW BOARD HOLDS FIRST MEETING ..................... 26
TWO SITES PUT UP FOR AUCTION .................................... 27
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER ...................................... 28
MORE SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS URGED .................................. 29
PAC TO HOLD FURTHER HEARING ON FRIDAY .......................... 29
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .
30
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
1
FIRM PLANS TO SOLVE CONGESTION PROBLEM IN NORTHWEST NT
*****
THE CONGESTION OF ROAD LINKS TO THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES IS BEING TACKLED POSITIVELY AND ENERGETICALLY THROUGH SEEKING AND IMPLEMENTING LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS AND ACHIEVING SHORT-TERM RELIEF, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE MOTION DEBATE ON THE EXTERNAL TRANSPORT NETWORK OF NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, MR LEUNG SAID THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION LAID IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROUTE 3 (COUNTRY PARK SECTION), INCLUDING THE TING KAU BRIDGE WHICH WOULD LINK AU TAU AND TSING YI.
”WE ARE ABOUT TO CONSIDER INVITING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO HELP US DECIDE WHETHER AND WHEN TO PRIVATISE THIS PROJECT,” HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID ANOTHER LONGER-TERM SOLUTION WAS TO PROVIDE A RAIL LINK TO THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES (NWNT) WHICH WAS BEING CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RAIL DEVELOPMENT STUDY, THE RESULTS OF WHICH SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
”AT THIS STAGE I CANNOT PRE-EMPT THE OUTCOME OF THAT STUDY, BUT IT SEEMS TO ME A RAIL LINK TO THE NWNT HAS OBVIOUS ATTRACTIONS IN THAT THE SAME CORRIDOR COULD BE SHARED WITH A PROPOSED FREIGHT LINE FROM THE BORDER TO THE CONTAINER PORT AS WELL AS A NEW CROSS BORDER PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE.
’’FOR THE MOMENT, HOWEVER, WE MUST AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF THIS STUDY,” HE SAID.
IN THE INTERIM, MR LEUNG SAID EVERY EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO TACKLE THE MORE URGENT PROBLEM OF PEAK-HOUR CONGESTION.
THESE INCLUDED:
* A TOTAL OF $2.7 BILLION IS NOW BEING SPENT ON NEW ROADS IN THE NWNT INCLUDING THE FINAL SECTION OF THE NT CIRCULAR ROAD FROM FAIRVIEW PARK TO AU TAU, THE YUEN LONG/TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR, AND THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS.
* SOME $740 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON WIDENING CASTLE PEAK ROAD. WORK ON THE SECTION BETWEEN SO KWUN WAT AND SAM SHING IS NOW NEARING COMPLETION AND WORK ON THE DUALLING AND REALIGNMENT OF THE SECTION CLOSEST TO TSUEN WAN WILL BEGIN AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
* EXTRA CLIMBING LANES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THREE UPHILL SECTIONS OF TUEN MUN HIGHWAY. WORK ON THE FIRST OF THESE IS DUE TO START IN 1994, AT A COST OF $150 MILLION.
MR LEUNG SAID ORDERS WERE LIKELY TO BE PLACED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY TO PROVIDE TWO 300-SEAT FAST VESSELS RUNNING BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND CENTRAL.
/THESE NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
2
THESE NEW VESSELS, WHEN AVAILABLE PROBABLY IN AUGUST 1993 WOULD BOOST THE CAPACITY OF THE HIGH-SPEED FERRY SERVICE FOR TUEN MUN BY ABOUT 50 PER CENT.
IN THE INTERIM, ALL MEANS OF CONVENTIONAL VESSELS WOULD BE DEPLOYED TO MEET DEMAND.
IN ADDITION, MR LEUNG SAID A WORKING GROUP WAS NOW BEING ESTABLISHED COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS TO CONSIDER THIS ISSUE.
THE WORKING GROUP WILL FOCUS ITS ATTENTION ON PRACTICAL METHODS OF IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW. THESE INCLUDE HOW TO MANAGE BETTER THE ROAD SPACE AVAILABLE AND TO IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
IT WILL CONSIDER A WIDE RANGE OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES SUCH AS THE BETTER SCHEDULING OF ROAD MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING BUS-ONLY LANES AND OTHER MEASURES TO FACILITATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
"IT CAN ALSO CONSIDER MEASURES TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND TO SPEED UP THE RECOVERY OF BROKEN DOWN VEHICLES WHICH MAY BLOCK THE CARRIAGEWAY," HE SAID.
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ANTI-TAX EVASION BILL CONSISTENT WITH BILL OF RIGHTS *****
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1992 WHICH SEEKS TO PREVENT SUSPECTED DEFAULTING TAXPAYERS FROM LEAVING THE TERRITORY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI, ALSO SAID THE BILL GAVE TAXPAYERS FOR THE FIRST TIME THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE FOR A REVOCATION OF DEPARTURE PREVENTION DIRECTIONS OR "STOP ORDERS” AND TO APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT.
MR KWONG SAID THE BACKGROUND TO THIS LEGISLATION WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO BRING LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG INTO LINE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THE "STOP ORDERS" PLAY AN ESSENTIAL PART IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO COMBAT TAX EVASION.
DOUBTS HAVE, HOWEVER, BEEN RAISED AS TO WHETHER THE EXISTING PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE ISSUE OF THESE "STOP ORDERS" ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS, MR KWONG SAID.
"WE ARE THEREFORE SEEKING TO AMEND THE LAW SAFEGUARDS IN THESE PROVISIONS TO ENSURE BILL OF WHILE PRESERVING THE COMMISSIONER’S ABILITY REVENUE," MR KWONG SAID.
TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE RIGHTS CONSISTENCY, TO PROTECT PUBLIC
/THE INLAND .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
3
THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE ALLOWS THE COMMISSIONER TO ISSUE A CERTIFICATE TO A DISTRICT JUDGE IN RESPECT OF A PERSON WHO HE BELIEVES IS ABOUT TO, OR IS LIKELY TO LEAVE HONG KONG WITHOUT PAYING ALL TAX ASSESSED UPON HIM.
THE DISTRICT JUDGE MUST THEN ISSUE THE ’’STOP ORDER’’ TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO TAKE MEASURES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO PREVENT THE PERSON FROM LEAVING HONG KONG WITHOUT PAYING THE TAX DUE.
MR KWONG SAID SUCH MECHANISM DID NOT PROVIDE A TAXPAYER WITH ANY AVENUE FOR APPEAL.
IN JUNE LAST YEAR, A DISTRICT JUDGE REFUSED TO ISSUE THREE ’’STOP ORDERS” SINCE TO DO SO COULD CONTRAVENE THE BILL OF RIGHTS THAT PROVIDES FOR CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS TO THE FREEDOM TO LEAVE HONG KONG, WHERE THIS IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
"THE BILL BEFORE THIS COUNCIL PROVIDES SPECIFICALLY FOR CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A ’STOP ORDER’ MAY BE REVOKED,” MR KWONG SAID.
IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE BILL SHOULD GO FURTHER AND TRANSFER TO THE COURTS THE DISCRETION TO DECIDE WHETHER A ’’STOP ORDER" SHOULD BE ISSUED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
"SUCH A PROCEDURE WOULD INEVITABLY TAKE A GOOD DEAL OF TIME IN INDIVIDUAL CASES.
"IN THE CASE OF DEFAULTING TAXPAYERS, OR TAXPAYERS WHO MAY INTEND TO DEFAULT, THE ABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST DEPENDS CRITICALLY ON SPEED OF ACTION," HE SAID.
MR KWONG SAID TO TRANSFER DISCRETION TO ISSUE "STOP ORDERS" TO THE COURTS WOULD PROVIDE A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PERSONS WITH UNPAID TAX TO ABSCOND AT WILL WHICH WOULD BE AN OPEN INVITATION TO TAX EVASION.
HE SAID THE BILL INTRODUCED PRESERVED THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO PROTECT PUBLIC INTEREST BY TAKING SWIFT AND EFFECTIVE ACTION TO PREVENT DEFAULTING TAXPAYERS FROM LEAVING THE TERRITORY. IT ALSO STRENGTHENED THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS.
"BY REQUIRING THE COMMISSIONER TO SERVE A COPY OF THE "STOP ORDER" UPON THE TAXPAYER AND BY PROVIDING PROPER CHANNELS OF APPEAL, IT ENSURES THAT THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WILL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS," MR KWONG SAID.
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/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
EXTENSION OF WEEKEND FARES TO SATURDAY MORNINGS
THE WEEKDAY FARES FOR OUTLYING ISLAND FERRY SERVICES WOULD HAVE GONE UP BY ANOTHER 50 CENTS PER TRIP HAD THERE NOT BEEN THE EXTENSION OF WEEKEND FARES TO SATURDAY MORNINGS.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING A DEBATE ON A RESOLUTION THAT SEEKS TO REPEAL THE EXTENSION OF HONGKONG YAUMATEI FERRY’S (HYF) WEEKEND FARES TO SATURDAY MORNINGS.
MR LEUNG SAID THE IMPACT OF WEEKEND FARES ON ISLANDS RESIDENTS WAS MINIMAL AS THE HIGHER FARES WERE INTENDED PRIMARILY FOR HOLIDAYMAKERS.
’’REGULAR COMMUTERS, INCLUDING URBAN DWELLERS WHO WORK ON THE OUTLYING ISLANDS, ARE PROTECTED BY THE USE OF MONTHLY TICKETS.
’’ISLANDS RESIDENTS WHO TRAVEL LESS FREQUENTLY CAN AVOID THE HIGHER WEEKEND FARES BY USING RETURN TICKETS AVAILABLE TO THEM AT WEEKDAY FARES.”
MR LEUNG SAID IF THE WEEKEND FARES ON SATURDAY MORNINGS WERE REMOVED, IT WAS ESTIMATED HYF WOULD SUFFER A REVENUE LOSS OF ABOUT $4 MILLION A YEAR.
"OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, IT WOULD FURTHER REDUCE HYF’S ALREADY MODEST RATE OF RETURN AND ACT AS A DISINCENTIVE FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENTS.
"WITHOUT FURTHER INVESTMENTS, SERVICE STANDARDS COULD SUFFER AND NECESSARY IMPROVEMENTS MAY NOT BE DELIVERED IN TIME," MR LEUNG SAID.
THE RESOLUTION WAS DEFEATED IN A VOTING BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
WAYS TO IMPROVE LABOUR TRIBUNAL EFFICIENCY UNDER STUDY
♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING AN ADDITIONAL CHANNEL OF QUASI-JUDICIAL ARBITRATION AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WITH THE POWER TO MAKE LEGALLY BINDING AWARDS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, WHEN SPEAKING ON A MOTION MOVED BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK TO AMEND THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (FEES)(AMENDMENT) RULES 1992 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/"WE ARE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
"WE ARE ASSESSING, AS A MATTER OF URGENCY, THE STAFFING, FINANCIAL AND LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS APPROACH AND HOPE TO WORK OUT CONCRETE PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE MANPOWER PANEL OF THIS COUNCIL BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR," MR CHAN SAID.
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT SUPPORT MR LAU’S MOTION, MR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT IF IT WAS PASSED, IT WOULD RESULT IN THE PRESENT FEE UPDATING EXERCISE WHICH HAD ALREADY COME INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR BEING REVERSED.
"WE DO NOT FAVOUR THIS COURSE OF ACTION WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WILL NECESSITATE SHARPER INCREASES WHEN FEES ARE UPDATED NEXT TIME," HE SAID.
MR CHAN ALSO REVEALED THAT THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL WAS BEING CAREFULLY EXAMINED BY THE JUDICIARY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.
- - - - 0 ---------------
FEES ON REGISTRATION OF PATENTS APPROVED ♦ * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULE 1992 TO INCREASE THE FEES TO THE REGISTRAR OF PATENTS ON THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE, SAID THESE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN 1989.
FOLLOWING A COSTING EXERCISE UNDERTAKEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, IT IS PROPOSED THAT ALL FEES BE INCREASED TO COPE WITH THE COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED AND TO BRING THEM IN LINE WITH THE LEVEL OF FEES CHARGED FOR SIMILAR SERVICES RELATING TO REGISTRATION OF TRADE MARKS.
MS YUE SAID THIS WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE ESTABLISHED POLICY OF
USERS PAYING THE FULL COST FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
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BILL TO BETTER ENFORCE CUSTOMS’ FORFEITURE PROVISIONS INTRODUCED ******
A BILL THAT SEEKS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IN ENFORCING THE FORFEITURE PROVISIONS IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 ALSO SEEKS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES RELATED TO STRATEGIC COMMODITIES.
/MOVING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
6
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE, SAID OWING TO AN INCREASE IN SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES IN RECENT YEARS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE HAD TO STORE AN INCREASING AMOUNT OF SEIZED ARTICLES.
SINCE 1988, THE STORAGE SPACE REQUIRED HAD INCREASED FIVE TIMES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS HAD BEEN INCURRED.
"AMENDMENTS ARE PROPOSED TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER, SUBJECT TO ADEQUATE CHECKS AND BALANCES, TO DISPOSE OF THOSE SEIZED ARTICLES WHICH ARE PERISHABLE OR DETERIORATING IN NATURE OR DIFFICULT TO STORE, PRIOR TO CONCLUSION OF ANY FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS," SHE SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE COMMISSIONER IS OBLIGED TO SERVE NOTICES OF SEIZURES ON ALL PARTIES WHO APPEAR TO HIM TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH SEIZED GOODS.
"THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES IN SERVING NOTICES OF SEIZURES ON PERSONS WHO DO NOT HAVE A PERMANENT ADDRESS IN HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
MS YUE SAID AMENDMENTS WERE PROPOSED TO LIMIT THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE COMMISSIONER NEEDED TO SERVE A NOTICE OF SEIZURE TO THE OWNER, AND TO BROADEN THE CATEGORIES OF PERSONS WHO COULD MAKE A CLAIM TO THE COMMISSIONER AND TO THE MAGISTRATE IN A FORFEITURE HEARING.
"THIS WOULD ALLOW MORE EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES BY THE COMMISSIONER WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY," SHE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY SAID IT TOOK ON AVERAGE ABOUT 12 MONTHS FROM THE POINTS OF SEIZURE TO CONCLUDE THE CRIMINAL AND FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS OF A NORMAL CASE OF PROSECUTION UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
WHERE THE CLAIMANT OF THE SEIZED GOODS WAS ALSO THE DEFENDANT OF THE FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS, SHE SAID THE AMENDMENTS WOULD SHORTEN THE PROCEEDINGS BY SIX MONTHS.
THIS WOULD HELP ECONOMISE THE USE OF RESOURCES BY THE COMMISSIONER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE JUDICIARY AND ALSO HELP ALLEVIATE THE STORAGE PROBLEM.
AS TO THE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES RELATED TO STRATEGIC COMMODITIES, MS YUE SAID THIS WAS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE DETERRENT AGAINST ILLEGAL TRADE IN WEAPONS AND GOODS WITH MILITARY APPLICATIONS.
STRATEGIC COMMODITIES OFFENCES, WHEN TRIED ON INDICTMENT, WOULD ATTRACT A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF SEVEN YEARS' IMPRISONMENT AND AN UNLIMITED FINE, IN LINE WITH THE PENALTIES IN OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS, SHE ADDED.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR OFFENCES ON SUMMARY CONVICTION WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
BILL TO REMOVE DIFFICULTIES IN ENFORCEMENT OVER FORFEITURE OF SEIZED GOODS *****
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992 WHICH SEEKS TO REMOVE OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES FACING THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE IN ENFORCING THE PROVISIONS OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE ON THE FORFEITURE OF SEIZED GOODS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR KWONG KI-CHI, SAID MEMBERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD EXPERIENCED PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN ENFORCING THESE PROCEDURES.
HE SAID EXTENSIVE, AND IN MANY CASES UNNECESSARY DOCUMENTATION WAS REQUIRED IN SERVING NOTICES.
"SERVICE OF NOTICES IS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT IF THE OWNERS RESIDE OVERSEAS OR IF THE OWNERS ’DISAPPEAR’ AFTER LODGING THE NOTICE OF CLAIM."
MR KWONG SAID CONFISCATED GOODS WERE ALSO POSING A SIGNIFICANT AND COSTLY STORAGE PROBLEM.
HE SAID A REVIEW HAD BEEN CONDUCTED TO STREAMLINE THE FORFEITURE PROVISIONS TO RESOLVE THESE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES.
MR KWONG SAID THE BILL WOULD EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER TO DISPOSE OF SEIZED ARTICLES WHICH WERE PERISHABLE OR DIFFICULT TO STORE BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS.
"THIS WILL PRODUCE SAVINGS IN STORAGE SPACE AND COST," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE BILL WOULD ALSO BROADEN THE CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE WHO COULD MAKE A CLAIM TO THE COMMISSIONER OR THE MAGISTRATE IN FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS.
"THIS WILL ENABLE ANYONE WITH A LEGITIMATE INTEREST IN THE SEIZED GOODS TO COME FORWARD TO CLAIM THE GOODS.
"IT NOW TAKES ON AVERAGE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO CONCLUDE CRIMINAL AND FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS.
"THE AMENDMENTS WILL SHORTEN THIS PERIOD BY UP TO SIX MONTHS IN CERTAIN CASES," MR KWONG SAID.
HE SAID THE BILL WOULD PRODUCE SAVINGS IN STAFF TIME AND STORAGE SPACE WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE FAIRNESS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE PUBLIC.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
8
GOVERNOR TO BRIEF LEGCO ON OVERSEAS VISITS *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO SUSPEND ITS STANDING ORDERS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO BRIEF MEMBERS ABOUT HIS OVERSEAS VISITS AT A SITTING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 1).
MOVING THE MOTION TO SUSPEND STANDING ORDERS 7, 11 AND 12, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THE GOVERNOR, AS PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL, WOULD LIKE TO MEET MEMBERS SOON AFTER HIS RETURN FROM HIS CURRENT OVERSEAS VISITS TO BRIEF THEM ABOUT HIS VISITS AND TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS.
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BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT GAINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION *****
THE INTRODUCTION OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORTS SINCE 1987 HAS GONE SMOOTHLY AND NO STATE HAS WITHHELD RECOGNITION OF THE PASSPORTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IN 1987 THE UK CARRIED OUT AN EXTENSIVE BRIEFING EXERCISE IN ANTICIPATION OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW BN(O) STATUS TO EXPLAIN IT TO OTHER COUNTRIES.
"AT THAT TIME, NO COUNTRIES INDICATED RELUCTANCE TO ACCEPT BN(O) PASSPORTS," MR STRACHAN SAID.
MR STRACHAN ALSO SAID SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZEN (BDTC) AND BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORT HOLDERS HAD NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO MORE STRINGENT IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS THAN BEFORE.
HE ALSO SAID THE UK GOVERNMENT HAD NOT ISSUED ANY KIND OF NOTIFICATION TO OTHER EUROPEAN COMMUNITY COUNTRIES, REMINDING THEM TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO HOLDERS OF BRITISH PASSPORTS ISSUED IN HONG KONG BECAUSE THE UK WOULD HAND OVER HONG KONG TO CHINA IN 1997.
0
/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
9
CONTENTS OF DIPLOMATIC EXCHANGES ARE CONFIDENTIAL *****
THE CONTENTS OF DIPLOMATIC EXCHANGES BETWEEN GOVERNMENTS ARE BY CONVENTION CONFIDENTIAL.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MS LAU ASKED WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD REQUEST THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO GIVE A FULL AND FRANK DISCLOSURE OF THE RELEVANT EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS SINCE THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS ON OCTOBER 7 SO THAT THE HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD NO LONGER BE KEPT IN THE DARK ON NEGOTIATIONS WHICH AFFECT THEIR FUTURE.
MR SZE SAID MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WERE BRIEFED ON DISCUSSIONS OF HONG KONG ISSUES BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS.
HE SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S POSITION, AS SET OUT IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE VICE-PREMIER IN LONDON, REMAINED AS FOLLOWS:
* HMG STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE GOVERNOR AND HIS CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS, WHICH ARE FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW;
* THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN HMG’S POLICY TOWARDS HONG KONG;
* IT REMAINS HMG’S WISH TO WORK IN CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION ON THE BASIS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION; AND
* THE GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO CONSIDER ANY PROPOSALS THE CHINESE SIDE MIGHT HAVE TO MAKE.
THE SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNOR HAD ALSO MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE INTENDED TO MAKE HIMSELF AVAILABLE REGULARLY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM LEGCO MEMBERS AND TO DISCUSS GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PROPOSALS.
HE WILL NEXT DO THIS ON DECEMBER 1, MR SZE SAID.
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/10 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
10 PROPERTY MARKET SHOWS DOWNWARD TREND *****
THE TIGHTENING OF LENDINGS BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS AND THE CONSTANT SUPPLY OF NEW FLATS HAVE ALREADY SEEN THEIR EFFECTS ON THE PROPERTY MARKET WHICH HAS SHOWN SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THIS IS REFLECTED IN THE SLOWER GROWTH RATE IN RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING AND THE DROP IN THE NUMBER OF TRANSACTIONS REGISTERED WITH THE LAND OFFICE," MR NENDICK SAID.
RESULTS OF A SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, INDICATED THAT GROWTH IN RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING SLACKENED FROM 16% FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 1991 TO 8% FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1992.
FIGURES UP TO OCTOBER SUGGESTED THAT THE DOWNWARD TREND IS CONTINUING.
NEVERTHELESS THE COMMISSIONER HAS CONTINUED TO URGE AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS NOT TO RELAX THEIR LENDING STANCE.
HE HAS ALSO ADVISED INSTITUTIONS NOT TO ENTER INTO ARRANGEMENTS WITH PROPERTY DEVELOPERS WHICH WOULD ALLOW BORROWERS TO OBTAIN LOANS IN EXCESS OF 70% OF PROPERTY VALUES.
"WHILST THERE MAY BE SOME INSTANCES OF EXCEPTIONS TO THE 70% LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIO, WE ARE SATISFIED THAT IN GENERAL THE BANKING SECTOR IS CONTINUING TO HOLD THE LINE," MR NENDICK SAID.
HE SAID IN THE LIGHT OF THIS, THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT FURTHER INITIATIVES WERE CALLED FOR AT THIS STAGE.
"HOWEVER, AS I HAVE INDICATED, THE SITUATION IS KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW," HE SAID.
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WORK ON NEW TELECOM POLICY IN PROGRESS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID SHE HOPED SHORTLY TO INTRODUCE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROPOSALS FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE TELEPHONE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCES WHICH WERE NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT NEW POLICY MEASURES.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED NOT TO RENEW THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY'S EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE FOR THE PROVISION OF LOCAL VOICE TELEPHONE SERVICES, WHEN IT EXPIRES IN 1995, BUT TO REPLACE IT WITH A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENCE, SHE SAID.
/AGREEMENT HAS ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED WITH HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED ON A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO REDUCE THE COST TO CONSUMERS OF INTERNATIONAL DIRECT DIAL TELEPHONE CALLS AND TO REPLACE THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY’S FORMER SCHEME OF CONTROL BY A SYSTEM OF PRICE-CAPPING.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY', MRS CHAN SAID CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN FINALISING THE DETAILS OF ARRANGEMENTS IN AREAS SUCH AS PRICE-CAPPING AND NETWORK INTERCONNECTION.
"SINCE JUNE, WE HAVE ALSO MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN PLANNING FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMPETITIVE REGIME FOR THE LICENSING OF LOCAL FIXED TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS," SHE SAID.
A DECISION ON THE NUMBER OF NEW LOCAL NETWORKS TO BE LICENSED WILL BE MADE IN THE LIGHT OF THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THE NUMBER OF NEW NETWORKS WHICH THE MARKET IS LIKELY TO BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN IN THE NEAP. FUTURE, SHE ADDED.
SINCE THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ISSUED A GUIDANCE NOTE IN SEPTEMBER THAT CALLED FOR PROPOSALS BY FEBRUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, 52 PARTIES HAD REGISTERED INTEREST WITH THE AUTHORITY, i.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE GUIDANCE NOTE SETS OUT THE BROAD LICENSING CRITERIA THAT THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY INTENDS TO APPLY AND INDICATES THE GENERAL LEVEL OF PAYMENTS THAT MOBILE TELEPHONE AND NEW LOCAL FIXED NETWORKS MAY EXPECT TO RECEIVE FOR DELIVERING AND RECEIVING INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC.
TN A FURTHER STEP TO HELP POTENTIAL NEW FIXED NETWORK PROVIDERS TN PREPARING THEIR PROPOSALS, MRS CHAN SAID THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY HAD RECENTLY HOSTED A TECHNICAL SEMINAR ON NETWORK INTERCONNECTION.
IN ADDITION, SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN GIVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO WHAT CHANGES, IF ANY, SHOULD BE MADE TO THE REGULATORY STRUCTURE.
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VIETNAMESE REPATRIATION POLICY REITERATED
******
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, REITERATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO WISH TO SEPARATE FAMILIES IN THE REPATRIATION OF ILLEGAL VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM HONG KONG.
BUT IN THE VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE EX-CHINESE VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVIIS) WHO WERE MARRIED TO SCREENED-OUT VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHILE BEING DETAINED IN HONG KONG, THERE WAS NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO RETURN THEM TO CHINA AND THEIR VIETNAMESE SPOUSES TO VIETNAM, HE SAID.
/IN A ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
12
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR STRACHAN SAID NO RESETTLEMENT COUNTRY WOULD BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT ECVIIS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT A SCREENED-OUT VIETNAMESE MIGRANT WILL ALSO HAVE TO RETURN TO VIETNAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION AGREED AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE IN JUNE 1989.
“IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO RELAX OUR RULES IN THIS INSTANCE.
“TO DO SO WOULD CREATE A POTENTIAL LOOPHOLE IN OUR IMMIGRATION CONTROLS AND POSSIBLY ENCOURAGE VIETNAMESE SETTLED IN CHINA TO ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY WITH A VIEW TO MARRYING VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS,” HE SAID.
“BEARING IN MIND THAT OVER 200,000 VIETNAMESE HAVE BEEN RESETTLED IN CHINA SINCE 1978/79, THIS DANGER OF ABUSE OF OUR IMMIGRATION CONTROLS IS VERY REAL,” HE ADDED.
MR STRACHAN EXPLAINED THAT A MARRIAGE BETWEEN AN ECVII AND A SCREENED-OUT VIETNAMESE MIGRANT DID NOT CHANGE THEIR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT STATUS.
PRIOR TO A MARRIAGE TAKING PLACE BETWEEN AN ECVII AND A VIETNAMESE MIGRANT, THE ADMINISTRATION EXPLAINS CLEARLY THE POSITION TO THEM AND THEY ARE THEREFORE MADE WELL AWARE OF THEIR LIKELY FUTURE SEPARATION, HE ADDED.
THE NORMALISATION OF RELATIONS IN 1991 BETWEEN CHINA AND VIETNAM HAS FACILITATED MOVEMENTS OF PEOPLE BETWEEN THESE TWO COUNTRIES.
THE REPATRIATED ECVIIS, OR THEIR VIETNAMESE SPOUSES UPON THEIR RETURN TO VIETNAM, MAY APPLY THROUGH NORMAL CHANNELS IN CHINA, OR IN VIETNAM, TO REUNITE WITH THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.
BUT MR STRACHAN SAID THIS WAS ULTIMATELY A MATTER FOR CHINA AND VIETNAM.
“THE UNHCR HAVE ALREADY INDICATED THEIR WILLINGNESS TO HELP IN SUCH CASES,” HE SAID.
- 0 ------------
/13 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
13
SHA OUTLINES GOVT POLICY ON GAMBLING
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON GAMBLING IS TO RESTRICT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GAMBLING BUT TO ALLOW CONTROLLED OUTLETS FOR SUCH ACTIVITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS; MR MICHAEL SUEN, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN PRACTICE, THIS MEANS STRICT LAWS AND FIRM ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL GAMBLING ACTIVITIES, SUPPORTED BY THE PROVISION OF CONTROLLED ALTERNATIVES WHERE A COGENT NEED FOR SUCH ALTERNATIVES HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, HE SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAT-YIN, MR SUEN ALSO SAID OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES (OCBCs), INTRODUCED IN 1974 AS ONE OF THE MEASURES TO COMBAT ILLEGAL GAMBLING ON HORSE RACING, HAD PROVED MOST EFFECTIVE.
AS REGARDS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF OCBCs WHICH MAY BE ESTABLISHED, MR SUEN SAID IT WAS 134 - A FIGURE ADOPTED IN 1979.
"THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF CENTRES HAS FLUCTUATED OVER THE YEARS, FROM 121 IN THE 1983/84 RACING SEASON TO 130 IN 1989/90.
"AT PRESENT THERE ARE 125.”
ON THE CRITERIA FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OCBC, MR SUEN SAID EACH APPLICATION WAS CONSIDERED ON ITS INDIVIDUAL MERITS.
THESE INCLUDE THE SIZE OF THE PROPOSED CENTRE, ITS LOCATION, PROXIMITY TO EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AS WELL AS LOCAL PUBLIC OPINION AND POLICE COMMENTS ON THE LEVEL OF ILLEGAL GAMBLING PREVALENT IN THE AREA.
MR SUEN SAID THE NEW TUEN MUN OCBC THEATRE WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN DUE COURSE.
AND HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER WILL MONITOR THE USE OF THIS FACILITY CLOSELY.
THE NEW TUEN MUN OCBC COMPRISES 144 BETTING WINDOWS AND A BETTING THEATRE WITH A SEATING CAPACITY FOR 530 PEOPLE.
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/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
14
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME EXPLAINED
*****
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) PROJECTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME BUILDING, PLANNING AND LAND ADMINISTRATION CONTROLS AS OTHER PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’WHEN A DECISION IS MADE TO DISPOSE OF A SITE FOR PSPS DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPERS ARE INVITED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TO TENDER FOR THE SITE,” MR EASON SAID.
THE TENDER CONDITIONS INCLUDE SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS OF THE FLATS AS WELL AS OTHER CONDITIONS REQUIRED BY VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, PRINCIPALLY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS.
REGARDING THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF PSPS FLAT OWNERS, MR EASON SAID THEY WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE OF OTHER OWNERS OF FLATS.
"COMPLAINTS OR COMPENSATION CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF BUILDING DEFECTS OR MANAGEMENT ASPECTS MAY BE LODGED WITH THE DEVELOPER OR THE APPOINTED MANAGEMENT COMPANY UNDER THE DEED OF ASSIGNMENT OR THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT.”
MR EASON SAID THE ROLE OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN A PSPS DEVELOPMENT WAS TO ADVISE AND LIAISE WITH THE DEVELOPER AND THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO ENSURE PROMPT ATTENTION TO PROBLEMS AND FOLLOW-ACTION.
"UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF SALE, THE DEPARTMENT MAY, AS A FINAL RESORT, INTERVENE TO CARRY OUT ANY NECESSARY RECTIFICATION WORKS, AND CHARGE THE EXPENSES AGAINST THE RETENTION MONEY OR A 10-YEAR BANK GUARANTEE PROVIDED BY THE DEVELOPER," MR EASON ADDED.
-----0------
CMB FARES TO BE MAINTAINED AT REASONABLE LEVELS *****
THE NORMAL CRITERIA ADOPTED IN DETERMINING PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES AND THE SPECIAL TERMS IN CHINA MOTOR BUS’S NEW FRANCHISE SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE FUTURE CMB FARES WILL BE MAINTAINED AT REASONABLE LEVELS ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MIRIAM LAU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/MR LEUNG .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
15
MR LEUNG SAID IN DETERMINING THE FARES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT NORMALLY ALLOWED THE OPERATING COMPANIES TO RECOVER COSTS AND EARN A REASONABLE PROFIT, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT FACTORS INCLUDING SERVICE QUALITY, COMMITMENT TO FURTHER INVESTMENTS, CHANGES IN OPERATING COSTS AND MARKET ENVIRONMENT, PASSENGER AFFORDABILITY AND OTHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.
"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO BALANCE, ON THE ONE HAND, THE NEED TO KEEP FARES AT ACCEPTABLE LEVELS, AND ON THE OTHER, A REASONABLE INCENTIVE FOR CONTINUED INVESTMENTS, WITHOUT WHICH PUBLIC DEMAND FOR BETTER SERVICES COULD NOT BE MET," ME SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE SPECIAL TERMS IN CMB’S NEW FRANCHISE ALSO PROVIDED FOR WIDER EXPOSURE BY THE COMPANY TO MARKET FORCES, MORE EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT MONITORING OF ITS OPERATION AND GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE PUBLIC FOR ITS SERVICES THROUGH THE MANDATORY ESTABLISMENT OF PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS.
--------o ---------
USERS’ COMMITTEES TO HAVE MONITORING AND ADVISORY ROLES
*****
"USERS’ COMMITTEES" AS PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR EACH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT AS AND WHEN THE DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR WIGGHAM SAID DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING ACCOUNTABILITY, WOULD BE DEVELOPED FOR EACH USERS’ COMMITTEE IN THE LIGHT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGES.
"IN GENERAL THE COMMITTEES WILL REVIEW THE OUTCOME OF DEPARTMENT’S MONITORING OF PERFORMANCE PLEDGES; CONSIDER REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS ON THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC IN RELATION TO THE SERVICES COVERED BY A PLEDGE; AND ADVISE AS THEY CONSIDER APPROPRIATE ON MATTERS COVERED BY A PLEDGE," HE SAID.
THESE COMMITTEES WOULD COMPRISE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH OR RELY ON THE SERVICES SUBJECT TO A PLEDGE.
IT IS PLANNED THAT ALL DEPARTMENTS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC SHOULD JOIN IN THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT TWO YEARS, MR WIGGHAM ADDED.
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/16 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25,
1992
AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES UPGRADED
******
KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, CHINA MOTOR BUS AND CITYBUS COMPANIES HAVE UPGRADED THE SYSTEM INSIDE THEIR AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF TEMPERATURES FROM WHICH A SUITABLE ONE CAN BE SELECTED TO IMPROVE PASSENGER COMFORT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID KOWLOON MOTOR BUS WAS ALSO ARRANGING FOR HEATERS TO BE FITTED WHILE WINDOWS OF AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES OPERATED BY THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY COULD BE OPENED TO MODERATE TEMPERATURES.
IN ADDITION, THE FRANCHISED COMPANIES ARE LIAISING WITH OVERSEAS BUS MANUFACTURERS ON FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING DESIGN CHANGES WHICH CAN PROVIDE BETTER CONTROL OF TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY AND AIR CIRCULATION INSIDE BUSES.
ON EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES, MR LEUNG SAID THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT INTENDED TO BRING IN, BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, LEGISLATION PRESCRIBING NOISE STANDARDS FOR VEHICLES, INCLUDING BUSES.
IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED ONLY ONE COMPLAINT ABOUT EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES.
APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED
******
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY HAS FINALISED PLANS FOR ADMINISTERING THE APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC).
THIS WAS REPORTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT, MS YUE SAID FINANCE COMMITTEE’S ENDORSEMENT WOULD BE SOUGHT SHORTLY AND THE SCHEME WOULD BE LAUNCHED IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER.
AS THE SCHEME BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR HONG KONG, IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO GIVE CAREFUL THOUGHT TO, AND TO OBTAIN EXPERT ADVICE ON, A NUMBER OF COMPLEX ISSUES RELATING TO TTS IMPLEMENTATION AND THE SAFEGUARDING OF GOVERNMENT’S INVESTMENT, SHE SAID.
/A SPECIALIST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
17
A SPECIALIST COMMITTEE UNDER THE ITDC HAS MET SIX TIMES TO CONSIDER THE ISSUES.
"THIS WORK HAD TAKEN LONGER THAN ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED, BUT WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE APPROACH ADOPTED IS SOUND AND PRACTICAL," MS YUE SAID.
-----o------
MEASURES IN PLACE TO FIGHT RESTAURANT KITCHEN POLLUTION
*»*»»«
MEASURES ARE IN HAND TO ELIMINATE THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CAUSED BY VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN THE KITCHENS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PEGGY LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THE CASE OF NUISANCES SUCH AS THE EMISSION OF DUST PARTICLES OR EXCESSIVE HOT FUMES AND AN OBNOXIOUS SMELL, A NUISANCE NOTICE MIGHT BE SERVED ON THE LICENSEE OF A RESTAURANT UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE HIM TO ABATE THE NUISANCE WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD, HE SAID.
IF THE LICENSEE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE NOTICE HE IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND, ON CONVICTION, A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND A DAILY FINE OF $100, MR EASON SAID.
IN THE CASE OF AIR OR NOISE POLLUTION ASSOCIATED WITH KITCHENS IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT STAFF MIGHT SERVE ABATEMENT NOTICES UNDER THE AIR OR NOISE POLLUTION ORDINANCES AS APPROPRIATE, HE ADDED.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SUCH A NOTICE IS AN OFFENCE WHICH, ON CONVICTION, CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 FOR A NOISE POLLUTION OFFENCE AND $5,000 FOR AN AIR POLLUTION OFFENCE, MR EASON SAID.
"FOR PERSISTENT OFFENDERS, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS MAY CONSIDER SUSPENDING OR CANCELLING THEIR RESTAURANT LICENCE."
SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE IN 1989, ONLY ONE NOTICE HAD BEEN SERVED ON A LICENSEE TO CURTAIL NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OF A DIESEL STOVE.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WERE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO REDUCE THE NUISANCES CAUSED TO RESIDENTS BY VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND STOVES IN RESTAURANT KITCHENS AND REGULAR INSPECTION, CONSTANT MONITORING, AND EXPEDITIOUS RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS WOULD CONTINUE.
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/18 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
18
REVIEW UNDERWAY TO ENSURE EFFICIENT BERTH SERVICE ♦ * * ♦ *
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE HAS RECENTLY INITIATED A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT IN THE ALLOCATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BERTHS AT THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS (PCWAS) TO ENSURE THAT THESE FACILITIES CAN BE FULLY AND EFFECTIVELY USED BY GENUINE OPERATORS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS CHAN SAID IN DUE COURSE FULL CONSULTATION WOULD BE CONDUCTED WITH ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, IN PARTICULAR THE USERS OF PCWAS, BEFORE ANY FINAL DECISIONS WERE TAKEN.
PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ARE MANAGED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND ARE OPEN TO ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WHO MAY HANDLE CARGO AFTER PAYING THE APPROPRIATE FEE.
BERTHS ARE ALLOCATED ON A "FIRST COME FIRST SERVED" BASIS AND ARE CHARGED ON A TIME BASIS.
------o-------
319 FISHERMEN REGISTER FOR COMPENSATION CLAIMS
* * * t *
A TOTAL OF 319 FISHERMEN HAD REGISTERED CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOUTH CHEUNG CHAU SPOIL AREA IN A REGISTRATION EXERCISE CARRIED OUT LAST MONTH.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONG EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID THE AMOUNT OF EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION PAYABLE FOR VALID CLAIMS HAD YET TO BE ASSESSED AND WOULD BE DEPENDENT ON THE VALUE OF THE ANNUAL FISH HARVEST IN THE AREA WHICH WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $1.5 MILLION AT 1991 PRICES.
HE SAID IN THE LIGHT OF FISHERMEN’S REPRESENTATIONS, THE ADMINISTRATION WAS REVIEWING THE RULE OF FISHING VESSELS OVER 15 METRES LONG NOT BEING ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION.
ON RETRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, MR EASON EXPLAINED THAT A FISHERMAN WAS ENTITLED TO APPLY FOR APPROVED RETRAINING COURSES IF HE WAS A PERMANENT HONG KONG RESIDENT WHO HAD BEEN EMPLOYED BY THE SAME EMPLOYER OR IN THE SAME INDUSTRY FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS.
"THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDES VOCATIONAL TRAINING FREE OF CHARGE TO IN-SHORE FISHERMEN WHO WISH TO JOIN THE DISTANT WATERS FISHING FLEET," MR EASON SAID.
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/19 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
19
IRREGULARITIES OF LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS WILL BE INVESTIGATED *****
INVESTIGATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON REPORTS OF IRREGULARITIES REGARDING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS REGISTERED IN PARTS II AND III OF THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS 1990.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS WONG SAID THE DUTY OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS ARE DEFINED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE.
"THE LAW STIPULATES THAT MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS REGISTERED IN PART II OR PART III OF THE REGULATIONS MUST WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST REGISTERED IN PART I," SHE SAID.
"THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPERVISION OF THEM VARY DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OF THE JOB.
"IF REPORTS OF IRREGULARITIES REGARDING THEIR PRACTICE ARE RECEIVED BY THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS BOARD, INVESTIGATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES PRESCRIBED IN THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS.
"THE REGULATORY PROCEDURES FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS WORKING IN THESE LABORATORIES ARE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF SELFREGULATION OF THE PROFESSION AND PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY."
AS AT YESTERDAY (TUESDAY), 1,082 MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS WERE REGISTERED IN PART I, 849 IN PART II AND 226 IN PART III OF THE REGISTER.
THE EXACT NUMBER OF MEDICAL LABORATORIES AND THEIR BRANCH OFFICES IS NOT KNOWN BUT IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 100 OF THEM.
-----0------
TRAINING COURSE ON REMEDIAL TEACHING *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TO SET UP A WORKING PARTY TO CONSIDER WHAT FURTHER MEASURES MIGHT BE TAKEN TO ASSIST SCHOOLS ENROLLING A HIGH PROPORTION OF ACADEMICALLY LESS ABLE STUDENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE WORKING PARTY, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START WORK IN EARLY JANUARY NEXT YEAR, WILL COMPRISE PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND OTHERS.
/IN A .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
20
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAN SAID UNDER THE SCHOOL-BASED REMEDIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME RECOMMENDED IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO, 4, TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS ENROLLING A HIGH PROPORTION OF STUDENTS IN THE LOWEST 10 PER CENT OF THE ABILITY RANGE WERE SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE TRAINING ON REMEDIAL TEACHING FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
ABOUT 630 TEACHERS WILL UNDERGO THIS FOUR-WEEK TRAINING ON A BLOCK-RELEASE BASIS A YEAR.
SUPPLY TEACHERS WILL BE ENGAGED TO COVER THOSE TEACHERS WHO ARE CHOSEN TO ATTEND THIS COURSE.
"THE COURSE CONTENT WILL FOCUS ON THE SKILLS OF REMEDIAL TEACHING AND THE USE OF RESOURCE MATERIALS," MR CHAN SAID.
"WE EXPECT THAT, UPON COMPLETION OF THE TRAINING, THESE TEACHERS WILL RETURN TO THEIR SCHOOLS AND WILL FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT IN DISCHARGING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES," HE ADDED.
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COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN NORTHWESTERN NT MEET DEMAND
*****
EXISTING COMMUNITY SERVICE FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES ARE ON THE WHOLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANNING RATIOS TO MEET DEMAND, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN, MRS WONG SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF WELFARE CLIENTS INCLUDING CHILDREN CENTRES, YOUTH CENTRES, SOCIAL CENTRES AND MULTISERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE PLANNING RATIOS FOR THESE SERVICES ARE ONE CHILDREN CENTRE AND ONE YOUTH CENTRE TO 20,000-30,000 GENERAL POPULATION; ONE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY TO 3,000 ELDERLY PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER; AND ONE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY TO 25,000 PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER.
THESE COMPARE WITH THE EXISTING RATIOS OF ONE CHILDREN CENTRE TO 23,946 GENERAL POPULATION; ONE YOUTH CENTRE TO 22,172 GENERAL POPULATION; ONE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY TO 3,198 PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER; AND ONE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY TO 27,182 PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER.
AS FOR REMOTE RURAL AREAS WHERE THE POPULATION DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CERTAIN COMMUNITY SERVICE FACILITIES UNDER THE CURRENT PLANNING STANDARDS, MRS WONG SAID SMALLER SCALE FACILITIES MAY BE ESTABLISHED.
"NEARBY FACILITIES ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO EXTEND THEIR SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS IN REMOTE RURAL AREAS THROUGH OUTREACHING PROGRAMMES," SHE ADDED.
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/21 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
21
MOTION ON NORTHWEST NT TRANSPORT PASSED
*****
A MOTION ON THE EXTERNAL TRANSPORT NETWORK OF NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES MOVED BY THE HON WONG WAI-YIN WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A TOTAL OF 15 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE TWO-HOUR MOTION DEBATE.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE WAS THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR MICHAEL LEUNG.
IN ADDITION, THREE MOTIONS WERE PROPOSED UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE. OF THEM, TWO MOVED BY THE HON K K FUNG AND THE HON ALBERT CHAN WERE DEFEATED, AND THE OTHER BY THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK WAS PASSED.
ALSO PASSED WERE THREE MOTIONS. ONE OF THEM WAS ON THE SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD. THE OTHER TWO WERE MOVED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AND THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS ORDINANCE BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG AND THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MS DENISE YUE RESPECTIVELY.
FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED. THEY WERE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1992, INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1992, EXEMPTIONS FROM REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER OF POWERS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL AND IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992.
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/22 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
22
GOVERNOR IN JAPAN *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID IN TOKYO TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE HOPED HIS VISIT WOULD HELP STRENGTHEN THE TRADE AND INVESTMENT TIES BETWEEN JAPAN AND HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS ARRIVAL AT TOKYO’S NARITA AIRPORT, HE SAID HE WAS VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO THE VISIT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IT HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR A LONG TIME BECAUSE IT COINCIDED WITH THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HONG KONG JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE.
THIS COMMITTEE "HELPS TO STRENGTHEN THE LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN WHICH ARE ALREADY VERY CONSIDERABLE, BOTH IN TRADE AND INVESTMENT".
MR PATTEN IS SPENDING ALMOST FOUR DAYS IN TOKYO AT THE INVITATION OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. AS PART OF THE VISIT HE WILL BE MEETING A NUMBER OF JAPANESE LEADERS.
"I’LL BE TALKING TO THEM ABOUT ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION, ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF THE REGION, THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE AND OPEN TRADE FOR ALL OF US, AND I’LL BE EXPLAINING SOME OF MY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES DURING MY FIVE-YEAR GOVERNORSHIP OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR PATTEN SAID HE WAS SURE THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HONG KONG "AND EQUALLY SURE THAT EVERYONE HERE, AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES, RECOGNISES THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RESTS PRINCIPALLY WITH PEKING AND LONDON AND, OF COURSE, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG".
THE GOVERNOR SAID OBVIOUSLY SINCE HONG KONG WAS SUCH AN IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CAPITAL, "THERE’S A GOOD DEAL OF INTEREST AROUND THE WORLD IN HOW WE ARE DOING AND WHAT OUR OBJECTIVES ARE" .
TONIGHT MR PATTEN IS MEETING JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN AT A DINNER HOSTED BY THE PRINCIPAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TOKYO.
TOMORROW HE WILL ADDRESS THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE JOINT HONG KONG JAPAN, JAPAN HONG KONG BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE BEFORE GOING ON TO MEET THE PRIME MINISTER MR MIYAZAWA.
/23 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
23
HE AND JAPAN ARE GOOD FRIENDS: GOVERNOR *****
HONG KONG AND JAPAN ARE GOOD FRIENDS WITH A SHARED COMMITMENT TO AN OPEN ECONOMY, AN OPEN WORLD ECONOMY AND OPEN TRADE BETWEEN ALL NATIONS, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"AND THAT’S GOING TO BE AN EXCEPTIONALLY IMPORTANT CAUSE FOR US ALL TO ARGUE FOR IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR TOKYO, MR PATTEN SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO THE VISIT WHICH HAD BEEN PLANNED SOME TIME AGO.
"MY PREDECESSOR HAD BEEN PLANNING TO ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE HONG KONG-JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE WHICH TAKES PLACE EVERY OTHER YEAR IN TOKYO, AND PART OF THE REASON FOR MY VISIT IS TO ATTEND A MEETING OF THAT COMMITTEE WHICH HAS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN BRINGING TOGETHER THE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
ASKED IF HE WOULD BE SEEKING FURTHER INTERNATIONAL APPROVAL FOR HIS POLITICAL REFORMS, MR PATTEN SAID: "I THINK THAT JAPAN, LIKE OTHER COUNTRIES, RECOGNISES THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS PRIMARILY A MATTER FOR PEKING, FOR LONDON AND FOR HONG KONG."
"AND LIKE OTHER NATIONS, JAPAN WOULDN’T WANT TO INTERFERE IN THAT, BUT HONG KONG HAS AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION; IT’S AN INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL AND THEREFORE IT'S NOT SURPRISING THAT OTHERS ARE INTERESTED IN OUR SUCCESS AND IN OUR DEVELOPMENT," HE ADDED.
"WHAT I’M AWARE OF IS THAT DECISIONS ON THE FUTURE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG WILL HAVE TO BE MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THAT’S TRUE UNDER THE EXISTING ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS AND LETTERS PATENT; IT’S TRUE UNDER ANNEX TWO OF THE BASIC LAW,” HE ADDED.
"I’M UNDER AN OBLIGATION TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS, BECAUSE AS YOU ALL KNOW, THE BASIC LAW IS SILENT ON THOSE MATTERS AND THERE AREN’T EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE. I’VE PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS.
"THERE ARE ONE OR TWO OTHER PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD BY INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS. I VERY MUCH WELCOME A DEBATE ABOUT THE BEST WAY FORWARD," HE SAID.
"THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION IN THE FIRST MONTHS OF NEXT YEAR AND IT WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO DO SO ON THE BASIS OF PROPOSALS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE. IT WON’T BE ABLE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF VACUUMS," MR PATTEN SAID.
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/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
24
FS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT FUNDING REQUESTS *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, HAD A NUMBER OF MEETINGS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WITH GROUPS OF LEGCO MEMBERS ON GOVERNMENT’S REQUESTS FOR FUNDS FOR THE AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT WHICH WILL GO BEFORE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON FRIDAY.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THESE MEETINGS, MR MACLEOD SAID HE DID NOT THINK THAT SPECULATING ABOUT CONTINGENCY PLANS WOULD BE HELPFUL.
HE SAID: "I THINK TO START SPECULATING ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE WOULD NOT ACTUALLY BE HELPFUL IN RELATION TO OUR MAIN AIM WHICH IS, AFTER ALL, TO CONTINUE TALKING TO CHINA AND TO REACH AGREEMENT.”
"WE ARE TRYING HERE TO BE HELPFUL AND TO PROCEED WITH ONE CONTRACT AND AT THE SAME TIME TO TALK TO CHINA AND SEEK TO REACH AGREEMENT.
"SO WE DON’T WANT TO DO ANYTHING WHICH WILL MAKE REACHING AGREEMENT LESS LIKELY AND I THINK TO BEGIN TO SPECULATE ABOUT CONTINGENCY PLANS AND WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF WE DON’T REACH AGREEMENT AND SO ON, WOULD NOT ACTUALLY BE VERY HELPFUL," HE SAID, ADDING THAT QUITE A NUMBER OF LEGCO MEMBERS WERE BEGINNING TO FIND THAT A SENSIBLE ARGUMENT.
ON MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE REQUEST FOR FUNDS, HE SAID WHILE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SUMMARISE THEIR VIEWS, IT WAS FAIR TO SAY THAT THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT FOR THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT ITSELF.
BUT ON THE OTHER EXPENDITURE WHICH RELATES TO SITE SUPERVISION, TO RELATED HEADQUARTERS COSTS AND SO ON, HE SAID THERE WAS SOME FEELING THAT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THAT WAS REDUCED TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM THAT WAS REQUIRED.
ON OTHER CONTRACTS WHICH RELATE TO WORK AFTER SITE PREPARATION, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID REDUCE THE NUMBER OF DESIGN CONTRACTS TO THE ABSOLUTE TOP PRIORITY FIRST FIVE AND THEREFORE REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WHICH MEMBERS WERE ASKED TO VOTE ON FRIDAY.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE RESPONSE OF THE INDEPENDENT LEGISLATORS, HE SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THEIR VIEWS.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOW CONSIDER MEMBERS’ COMMENTS VERY SERIOUSLY AND HOPEFULLY WOULD COME TO SOME CONCLUSIONS WHICH WOULD HELP MEMBERS IN RELATION TO FINDING AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUN PACKAGE OF RELATED MEASURES WHICH COULD BE PUT TO MEMBERS ON FRIDAY, HE SAID.
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/25 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25,
1992
25
NEW BUSINESS REGISTRATION RECORDS SYSTEM
THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992 AND THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992 WILL COME INTO EFFECT NEXT MONTH.
"STARTING FROM DECEMBER 1, THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE WILL IMPLEMENT A NEW SYSTEM WHEREBY RECORDS WILL BE KEPT ON COMPUTERS AND MICROFILM,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
A PERSON WHO APPLIES FOR BUSINESS REGISTRATION WILL HAVE TO USE THE NEW FORMS PRESCRIBED IN THE REGULATION.
”A PERSON CARRYING ON BUSINESS AT A BRANCH WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION WITHIN ONE MONTH OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE BRANCH,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE NEW FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 28) FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
HONG KONG:
KOWLOON:
TSUEN WAN:
FIRST FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 3 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD WAN CHAI HONG KONG
FIRST FLOOR, MONGKOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES 30 LUEN WAN STREET
MONG KOK KOWLOON
FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD TSUEN WAN NEW TERRITORIES
AS REGARDS THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON BUSINESS REGISTRATION, THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE WILL PROVIDE CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES OF EXTRACTS RETRIEVED FROM THE NEW MICROFILM AND COMPUTER STORAGE SYSTEM.
HOWEVER, THE OFFICE WILL REMOVE RECORDS OF BUSINESSES WHICH HAVE CEASED OPERATION FOR 10 YEARS OR MORE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ANY PERSON WHO HAS FURTHER ENQUIRIES RELATING TO BUSINESS REGISTRATION MATTERS MAY CALL 594 0888.
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/26 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25,
1992
26 TECHNOLOGY REVIEW BOARD HOLDS FIRST MEETING ******
THE TECHNOLOGY REVIEW BOARD (TRB) CONCLUDED ITS FIRST THREE-DAY MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TRB WAS ESTABLISHED TO ADVISE THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC) ON BROAD STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY TRENDS AND LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
COMMENTING ON THE MEETING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE ITDC, SAID: "THE TRB’S JOB IS TO LOOK AT WHERE HONG KONG COULD AND SHOULD BE HEADING IN TECHNOLOGY."
"IT HAS MADE AN EXCELLENT START ON THIS IMPORTANT AND DEMANDING TASK AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING ITS REPORT," HE ADDED.
CHAIRMAN OF THE TRB, PROFESSOR CHARLES K KAO, ALSO DESCRIBED THE MEETING AS HIGHLY USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE.
BESIDES PROFESSOR KAO, THE TRB COMPRISES THREE LOCAL AND FIVE OVERSEAS MEMBERS.
THEY ARE:
* DR JOHN ASHWORTH, DIRECTOR OF THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE;
* MR T H BARMA, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY;
* SIR JOHN CADOGAN, FORMER DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, BRITISH PETROLEUM GROUP, AND CURRENTLY VISITING PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY, IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE;
* DR VICTOR K K FUNG, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRUDENTIAL ASIA CAPITAL LTD;
» DR CHARLES HERZFELD, FORMER DIRECTOR OF DEFENSE RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE;
* DR DEREK ROBERTS, PROVOST OF UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON;
* MR C D TAM, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER (ASIA PACIFIC), MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LTD; AND
/DR CHRIET TITULAER.........
27
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
* DR CHRIET TITULAER, PRESIDENT OF CHRIET TITULAER PRODUKTIES
B.V. IN THE NETHERLANDS.
DURING THE THREE-DAY MEETING, TRB MEMBERS EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH ABOUT 50 BUSINESSMEN, TECHNOLOGISTS AND ACADEMICS WITH INTERESTS IN THE MAJOR MANUFACTURING AND SERVICES SECTORS.
0
TWO SITES PUT UP FOR AUCTION * * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL PUT UP TWO GOVERNMENT LAND LOTS FOR AUCTION ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 27) AFTERNOON.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST SITE IS AT MUI WO FERRY PIER, MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 741 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN, CINEMA AND HOTEL) PURPOSES.
THE SECOND LOT, AT 35-42 ROSE STREET, YAU YAT TSUEN, KOWLOON, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,312 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION. A PRESS AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AT THE VENUE. PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
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/28 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
28
GOVT LAND TO LET BY TENDER * * * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED IN AREA ONE, TSING YI, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,400 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS INTENDED FOR A PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS BUT INCLUDING COACHES).
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
THE SECOND SITE IS LOCATED IN AREA 33, TAI PO.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.47 HECTARES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR A PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CAR PARK.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
THE REMAINING SITE IS LOCATED IN AREA TWO, TIN SHUI WAI, YUEN LONG, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,435 SQUARE METRES.
THE SITE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF THE TENANT’S GOODS, AND/OR NEW UNLICENSED MOTOR VEHICLE (EXCLUDING ANY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, SCRAPPED CARS/METAL, CONTAINER, CONTAINER VEHICLE, CONTAINER-TRAILER, CEMENT AND OTHER DUSTY MATERIALS).
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 11.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN KWAI TSING, TAI PO AND YUEN LONG; OR AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED IN THESE OFFICES.
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/29 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1992
MORE SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS URGED * * * *
SCHOOLS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO STRENGTHEN SPORTS PROGRAMMES BY FORMING MORE SPORTS CLUBS, ORGANISING MORE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND MAKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR AFTER-SCHOOL-HOUR USES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD SEMINAR ON "SPORT IN SCHOOLS -THE FUTURE CHALLENGE.
ON TRAINING, MR WONG SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE TWO-YEAR AND THREE-YEAR COURSES FOR NEW PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS.
IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED BY SOME OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND SHORT COURSES WILL ALSO BE RUN REGULARLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO HELP OTHER SERVING TEACHERS TO UPDATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN COACHING AND ORGANISING SPORTS ACTIVITIES, MR WONG ADDED.
MR WONG PRAISED THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD FOR DEVELOPING AND PROMOTING PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS IN SCHOOLS.
PAC TO HOLD FURTHER HEARING ON FRIDAY *****
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A FURTHER PUBLIC HEARING ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 27) ON THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT NO. 19 ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 THIS YEAR.
THE HEARING WILL BEGIN AT 8.30 AM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE REPORT WILL BE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR H C PANG AND PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT OFFICER (PUBLIC TRANSPORT), MS Z WONG.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING IS AS FOLLOWS:
TIME OFFICIALS SUBJECT
8.30 AM DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR REPROVISIONING OF
TRANSPORT, MR H C PANG AND PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT OFFICER (PUBLIC TRANSPORT) MS Z WONG
FERRY PIERS IN KWUN TONG (PARAGRAPHS 10.1
10.16)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25,
1992
- 30
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.4 *-0.1* 25.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.93 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.30 4.44
1 MONTH 3.60 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.30 4.63
3 MONTHS 3.74 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.30 4.86
6 MONTHS 3.86 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.30 5.06
12 MONTHS 4.32 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,711 MN
CLOSED 25 NOVEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTACTS WITH JAPAN FURTHER DEVELOPED ........................... 1
GOVERNOR PRAISES JAPAN/HK BUSINESS COMMITTEE .................... 2
GOVERNMENT SUBMITS REVISED PROPOSAL ON PAA FUNDS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE ...................................................... 3
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE ............. 4
CONSUMER*PRICE INDICES FOR OCTOBER .............................. 5
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER .......................... 11
SCA WELCOMES ELSIE TU' S MOVE .................................. 13
MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL ON WASTEWATER DISCHARGE ................. 14
CAMERAS TO DETECT RED LIGHT JUMPING ............................ 15
FIRE SERVICES PUBLICISES ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE ................ 16
ACTION TO CLAMP DOWN EXEMPTED HOUSE IRREGULARITIES ............. 18
BERTHING AND EMBARKATION FEES TO BE REVISED .................... 18
CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IN SHA TIN ................................. 19
CAMP FOR DISABLED AT WEEKEND ................................... 20
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW ............................. 21
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..
22
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
1
CONTACTS WITH JAPAN FURTHER DEVELOPED ♦ ♦ * * t
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TONIGHT (THURSDAY) DESCRIBED HIS FIRST FULL DAY OF MEETINGS IN TOKYO AS EXTREMELY INTERESTING.
DURING A HECTIC ROUND OF ENGAGEMENTS, MR PATTEN HAS MET SOME OF JAPAN’S MOST SENIOR POLITICAL LEADERS, INCLUDING THE PRIME MINISTER, MR MIYAZAWA, AND THE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR MICHIO WATANABE, AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF BUSINESS LEADERS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE MEETINGS, THE GOVERNOR SAID HF HAD DISCUSSED THE STRONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN, AND TALKED ABOUT HIS "HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR ENSURING THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS FULLY IMPLEMENTED OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS".
"IT HAS BEEN A VERY HELPFUL DAY FOR ME, VERY HELPFUL IN FURTHER DEVELOPING THE CONTACTS BETWEEN FRIENDS IN HONG KONG AND JAPAN," HE ADDED.
THE MEETING WITH MR MIYAZAWA LASTED FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES, WHICH WAS CONSIDERABLY LONGER THAN HAI) BEEN EXPECTED.
ASKED ABOUT THE JAPANESE REACTION TOWARDS HIS PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 LEGCO ELECTIONS, MR PATTEN SAID HE THOUGHT THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THAT THE ISSUE OF IMPLEMENTATING THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS A MATTER FOR HONG KONG AND CHINA AND BRITAIN.
"THEY ARE NOT, QUITE RIGHTLY, GOING TO INTERFERE IN THAT PROCESS. BUT LIKE OTHER FRIENDS OF HONG KONG, THEY WILL WATCH WITH GREAT INTEREST AT HOW THINGS DEVELOP LN THE NEXT YEARS.
"I’M SURE THAT EVERYBODY WHO WISHES HONG KONG WELL, WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO SECURE OUR PROSPERITY AND OUR STABILITY," MR PATTEN SAID.
TOMORROW, THE GOVERNOR HAS ANOTHER BUSY ROUND OF ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDING GIVING A KEYNOTE SPEECH TO A LUNCHEON JOINTLY HOSTED BY THE JAPAN/HONG KONG SOCIETY, THE HONG KONG/JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TOKYO.
HE WILL ALSO HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE JAPAN NATIONAL PRESS CLUB AND HAVE MEETINGS WITH THE FINANCE MINISTER, MR HATA, AND THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR KOZO WATANABE.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
- 2 -
GOVERNOR PRAISES JAPAN/HK BUSINESS COMMITTEE
******
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING OUTLINED HIS THOUGHTS ON THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
IN HIS FIRST SPEECH TO THE JAPAN/HONG KONG, HONG KONG/JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE IN TOKYO, MR PATTEN PRAISED THE COMMITTEE FOR BEING A "FORUM WHICH PRODUCES ACTIONS NOT JUST WORDS".
ITS SUCCESSES INCLUDED:
- THE REMOVAL OF ALL ITEMS ON THE HONG KONG EXCLUSION LIST UNDER THE JAPANESE GENERAL SCHEME OF PREFERENCES;
- ENCOURAGING THE JAPANESE TOY ASSOCIATION TO RECOGNISE TWO HONG KONG TESTING CENTRES WHICH GRANT THE "SAFE TOY" MARK ON ITS BEHALF; AND
- BEING INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING TO ESTABLISH A SHEET METAL PROCESSING UNIT SUPPORTED BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT AT HONG KONG’S VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE.
"ALL THIS HAS HELPED TO STRENGTHEN THE INCREASINGLY CLOSE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN," MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT JAPAN WAS HONG KONG’S THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND WAS CURRENTLY THE BIGGEST INVESTOR IN HONG KONG.
MR PATTEN ALSO LISTED SOME OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS INCLUDING:
- LOW AND PREDICTABLE TAXES;
- LOW AND CONTROLLED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE;
- MAXIMUM SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY AND MINIMUM INTERFERENCE.
AS PART OF THE CONDITIONS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS, THE GOVERNOR
MENTIONED CONTINUING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND "INVESTMENT IN OUR SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, SUCH AS EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE, HOSPITAL SERVICES, AND STANDING UP FOR HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE AS DESCRIBED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION."
MR PATTEN ALSO OUTLINED TO THE BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE HIS PROPOSALS FOR THE 1995 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
HE STRESSED THAT THEY WERE "EXACTLY THAT - PROPOSALS". AND HE WELCOMED OTHER PROPOSALS AND IDEAS, PROVIDED THEY MEANT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS WOULD BE OPEN, FAIR AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
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/3.........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
3
GOVERNMENT SUBMITS REVISED PROPOSAL ON PAA FUNDS TO FINANCE COMMITTEE *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TODAY (THURSDAY) SUBMITTED A REVISED PROPOSAL TO MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS TO BE ADVANCED TO THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND.
THE FUNDS ARE NEEDED BY THE PAA FOR THE $9 BILLION SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND FOR OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID: "DURING THE PAST TWO DAYS I HAVE HAD VERY USEFUL MEETINGS WITH MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. THERE WAS VERY CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT FOR THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT TO GO AHEAD.
"I HAVE ASSURED THE MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S SPENDING ON SOCIAL SERVICES AND OTHER PROGRAMMES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THIS WORK AND THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO GROW IN LINE WITH GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY. THERE IS NO QUESTION OF PEOPLE'S LIVELIHOOD SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THIS PROJECT.
"HOWEVER MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERNS THAT, AT THIS STAGE, WE SHOULD ONLY PROVIDE FUNDS WHICH ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO ENABLE THIS PROJECT TO PROCEED," MR MACLEOD SAID.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THESE CONCERNS, WE HAVE IDENTIFIED ITEMS THAT CAN BE TRIMMED OR PHASED. THIS HAS ENABLED US TO SUBMIT A REVISED PROPOSAL WHICH REDUCES THE FUNDS BEING REQUESTED BY $1,931 BILLION FROM THE ORIGINAL $8,630 BILLION TO $6,699 BILLION."
MR MACLEOD EXPLAINED THAT THE $1,931 BILLION AROSE PARTLY FROM: A REDUCTION FROM 17.15 PER CENT TO 12.5 PER CENT IN THE CONTINGENCY SUM REQUIRED FOR THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT AND RELATED WORKS; DEFERRAL OF FUNDS TOTALLING $1,058 BILLION REQUIRED AFTER JUNE 1993 FOR FINANCING HEADQUARTERS’ MANAGEMENT COSTS; AND DEFERRAL OF EIGHT DESIGN CONTRACTS (AS ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 24).
"THE $6,699 BILLION IS THE MINIMUM NEEDED TO ALLOW THE IMPORTANT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT AND ITS ESSENTIAL RELATED WORK TO PROCEED, WHILE WE CONTINUE WITH OUR EFFORTS TO OBTAIN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE OVERALL FINANCING FOR THE AIRPORT," MR MACLEOD SAID.
------0----------
/4 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
4 -
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE ******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD FOR THE FUTURE AND INVEST IN HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"AT THE SAME TIME, WE WILL CONTINUE TO STEP UP OUR EFFORTS TO MEET THE HOUSING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND FULFIL OUR CONTINUING COMMITMENTS TO THE HOUSING PROGRAMME," HE ADDED.
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT LI CHIT STREET, WAN CHAI.
MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN NOW AND 1997, AN AVERAGE OF OVER 100 NEW FLATS WOULD BE BUILT EVERY DAY BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY.
FURTHERMORE, ALL URBAN SQUATTERS ON GOVERNMENT LAND WOULD BE REHOUSED BY MARCH 1996 AND ALMOST THREE-QUARTERS OF THOSE LIVING IN EXISTING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WOULD BE REHOUSED BY 1997, HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE LAUNCHING A NEW MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSING SCHEME TO BENEFIT ABOUT 13,000 FAMILIES IN THE SANDWICH CLASS BY 1997.
"BEFORE THE FLATS FROM THE NEW SCHEME BECOME AVAILABLE, WE WILL BE BUYING FLATS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SELL TO THE SANDWICH CLASS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES.
"THIS SCHEME SHOULD GO A LONG WAY IN EASING THE HOUSING PROBLEMS OF THIS PARTICULAR INCOME GROUP WHO FACE SPECIAL DIFFICULTY IN REALISING THEIR AMBITION TO BUY THEIR OWN HOME," MR MACLEOD SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO STRESSED THE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT TO UPGRADE HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO PROVIDE A MORE COMFORTABLE HOME AND GENERALLY IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT FOR THOSE CURRENTLY LIVING IN OLD AND DILAPIDATED AREAS.
HE CITED AN EXAMPLE THAT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS WERE CURRENTLY IMPOSED ON BUILDINGS IN KOWLOON PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF AVIATION REQUIREMENTS.
"ONCE THE KAI TAK AIRPORT HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO CHEK LAP KOK, THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE LIKELY TO BE LIFTED.
"AS A RESULT, THIS WOULD OPEN UP CONSIDERABLE NEW DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
"THIS WOULD IN TURN REINFORCE THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF RENEWAL WITHIN THE EXISTING URBAN AREAS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS." HE SAID.
HE SAID IN THIS RESPECT THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ALONG WITH OTHER AGENTS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY.
/THE LI .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
- 5 -
THE LT CHIT STREET REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD BRING ABOUT A FACE-LIFT TO THE CROWDED URBAN ENVIRONMENT IN WAN CHAI BY PROVIDING THE MUCH-NEEDED OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, INCLUDING A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY, A SOCIAL THERAPY CENTRE AND AN URBAN HOSTEL, MR MACLEOD SAID.
IN ADDITION, IT WILL PROVIDE 30 FLOORS OF NEW RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY COMPRISING 180 FLATS.
A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THIS REDEVELOPMENT WOULD BE THE PRESERVATION OF THE UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THE FACADES OF THE OLD BUILDINGS THROUGH LANDSCAPING.
MR MACLEOD WISHED THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT LTD, THE JOINT VENTURE PARTNER, EVERY SUCCESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PORJECT.
------0-------
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR OCTOBER
*****
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION MODERATED IN OCTOBER AFTER A RELAPSE IN SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS & STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN OCTOBER 1992 WAS 9.5% HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER 1991. THIS WAS LOWER THAN THE FIGURE OF 9.9% IN THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE CPT(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 10% AND 9.5% RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER 1992 THAN IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN SEPTEMBER 1992 WERE BOTH 10.2%.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH WAS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPI’S, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.7% TN OCTOBER. 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER 1992 WAS 10.1%.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID: "ALTHOUGH THE OCTOBER. CPI INFLATION FIGURE IS STILL RELATIVELY HIGH, THE LATEST MODERATION SHOWS THAT THE SHARP REBOUND IN SEPTEMBER WAS ONLY TEMPORARY."
"TAKEN TOGETHER, INFLATION FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR HAS REMAINED AT A SINGLE-DIGIT LEVEL. OUR FORECAST OF A 9.5% INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) FOR 1992 AS A WHOLE SHOULD BE ACHIEVABLE."
THE SLOWER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CPI’S IN OCTOBER THAN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES RETURNING TO A LOWER LEVEL AFTER THE UPSURGE IN SEPTEMBER.
/COMPARING OCTOBER .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
6
COMPARING OCTOBER 1992 WITH OCTOBER 1991, RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR DURABLE GOODS (1.8% IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B)); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (5.1% IN BOTH CPIS); TRANSPORT (6.1% IN THE CPI(A) AND 6.7% IN THE CPI(B)); FUEL AND LIGHT (6.2% AND 6.0%); AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (6.8% AND 6.5%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (9.7% IN THE CPI(A) AND 9.8% IN THE CPI(B)); MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (10.2% TN BOTH CPI’S); SERVICES (12.3% IK THE CPI(A) AND 11.1% IN THE CPI(B?>; ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (13.0% AND 12.4%); AND HOUSING (15.1% AND 15.7%).
COMPARING OCTOBER 1992 WITH SEPTEMBER 1992, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.1% WHILE THE CPI(B) AND HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY G.4% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY. THIS COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
THE INCREASES WERE MAINLY DUE TO HIGHER RENT FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS. HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS, AND A RISE IN THE PRICES OF CIGARETTES AND CHINESE NEWSPAPERS.
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.2% THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR THE CPI(B) WAS 9.8%.
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1992, THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.4% AND 9.6% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1991.
FOR THE J 2 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1992, THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.6% AND 9.8% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE INDICES. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.7% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1992.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT” FOR OCTOBER 1992, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $9 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES 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, I BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6403.
DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/TABLE 1
7
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and fiat.es of Increase for October 1992
(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
Component Index for Oct 92 % change over Oct 91 Index for Oct 92 % change over Oct 91 Index for Oct 92 % change over Oct 91 Index for Oct 92 % change over Oct 91
Food 125.6 +7.7 126.9 +8.1 126.2 +8.7 126.2 +8.1
Meals bought, away from home 132.3 +10.2 132.3 +10.2 129.5 +10.6 131.7 +10.3
Food, excluding meals bought away from home 118.9 +5.1 119.3 +5.1 120.7 +5.4 119.3 +5.1
Housing 138.1 +15.1 138.6 +15.7 137.0 +12.4 137.9 +14.5
Fuel and light 116.1 +6.2 115.4 +6.0 115.2 +5.4 115.7 +6.0
Alcoholic drinks 164.2 +13.0 156.0 +12.4 152.6 +12.3 159.7 +12.7
and tobacco
Clothing and 118.9 +9.7 120.0 +9.8 129.5 +10.3 123.0 +10.0
footwear
Durable goods 107.3 +1.8 107.1 +1.8 111.5 +3.8 108.4 +2.4
Miscellaneous 120.0 +6.8 117.8 +6.5 116.5 +5.6 118.2 +6.4
goods
Transport 126.7 +6.1 126.7 +6.7 127.9 +7.0 127.0 +6.6
Services 136.1 +12.3 132.6 +11.1 127.0 +9.7 132.0 +11.1
All items 128.4 +9.5 128.4 +10.0 128.6 +9.5 128.5 +9.7
The 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on the expenditure patterns deri ved from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of urban households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-89,999 a month in 1989/90. The CPT(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-$17,499 in the same period. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,500-$37,499 in 1989/90.
Whereas the CPI(A), CPT(B) and Hang Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI(A), CPT(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consumer price changes on the household sector generally.
/TABLE 2 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
8
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for October 1990 - October 1992 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month CPI(A) CPT(B) Hanq Senq CPT Composite CPI
1990 October 105.8 105.9 106.7 106.1
November 106.5 106.7 107.8 106.9
December 107.4 107.6 108.1 107.7
1991 January 108.3 108.4 108.6 108.4
February 110.3 110.1 110.2 110.2
March 111.9 111.1 110.7 111.3
April 113.9 113.0 112.0 113.1
May 114.0 113.6 113.4 113.7
June 114.6 114.1 113.9 114.2
July 115.4 114.8 113.9 114.8
August 116.0 115.3 114.6 115.4
September 116.8 116.1 115.8 116.3
October 117.2 116.8 117.4 117.1
November 117.7 117.6 118.7 117.9
December 118.1 118.3 118.5 118.3
1992 January 119.7 119.3 119.4 119.5
February 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4
March 122.5 121.9 121.8 122.1
April 124.0 123.4 122.9 123.5
May 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0
June 125.3 125.1 125.2 125.2
July 125.5 125.4 125.4 125.4
August 125.6 125.9 125.8 125.8
September 128.3 127.9 127.5 128.0
October 128.4 128.4 128.6 128.5
/CHART 1 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
9
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
/CHART 3 .......
1
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
10
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
/Il ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
11
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER
*****
IN OCTOBER 1992, THE PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS REMAINED STRONG, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE.
IMPORTS ALSO GREW SHARPLY.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY $16,825 MILLION OR 32.9% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $67,923 MILLION IN OCTOBER 1992.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC OR 2.6% TO $21,854 MILLION.
EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED
BY
$558 MILLION
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN OCTOBER GREW BY $17,383 MILLION OR 24.0% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $89,777 MILLION.
MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $20,739 MILLION OR 29.9% TO $90,021 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $244 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.3% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN OCTOBER 1992.
THIS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $3,112 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN OCTOBER 1991.
IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $133,185 MILLION OR 31.0% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $563,240 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $192,139 MILLION, $3,850 MILLION OR 2.0% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1991.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $755,379 MILLION IN Till FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992, WAS $137,035 MILLION OR 22.2% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED B\ $118,663 MILLION OR 23.5% TO $779,956 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEI-’H'IT OF $21,577 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEI-’H IT OF $12,919 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO
2.1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE OCTOBER TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID WHILE RE-EXPORTS SURGED FURTHER, IT WAS ALSO ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAI) REGISTERED POSITIVE GROWTH FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
/THE SUSTAINED .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
- 12 -
THE SUSTAINED INCREASE IN IMPORTS RETAINED FOR LOCAL USE, B\ 13.6% IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1992 OVER A YEAR. EARLIER, REFLECTED BOTH A ROBUST DOMESTIC DEMAND AND A FAVOURABLE OUTLOOK FOR. DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE COMING MONTHS.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 1992:
MERCHAND ISE : DOMES'!’ I C EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE $21,854 MILLION $67,923 MILLION $89,777 MILLION $90,021 MILLION $244 MILLION ( IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES LATEST 3 MONTHS AUG 92 TO OCT 92 HK$ MN. AUG 91 TO OCT 9 1 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 63,817 193,226 257,043 252,343 4,700 62,186 148,434 210,620 202,990 7,630 1,631 44,792 46,423 49,353 -2,930 2.6 30.2 22.0 24.3
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR OCTOBER 1992 HK$ MN. OCTOBER 1991 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 21 , ( 24 . 6 7 , 89, 90, 854 3%) 92 3 7 7 7 021 24 I 21,296 (29.4%) 51,098 72,394 69,282 3,112 558 16,825 1 7,383 20,739 -3,356 2.6 32.9 24.0 29.9
LAST MONTH OCTOBER 1992 HK$ MN. SEPTEMBER 1992 HI\$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 21 , ( 24 . 67, 89 , 90, 854 3%) 923 7 7 7 021 24 4 21,129 (21.7%) 61,361 85,4 90 82,952 2,538 7 25 3,562 1 , 287 7,069 -2,782 3.4 5.5 5.0 8.5
/CALENDAR YEAR .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
- 13 -
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-OCT 1992 HK$ MN. JAN-OCT 1991 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 192,139 188,289 3,850 2.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.4%) (30.5%)
RE-EXPORTS 563,240 430,055 133,185 31.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 755,379 618,344 137,035 22.2
IMPORTS 779,956 631,293 148,663 23.5
TRADE BALANCE -24,577 -12,949 -11,628
NOV 91 TO NOV 90 TO INCREASE
LAST 12 MONTHS OCT 92 OCT 91
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 234,894 230,379 4,515 2.0
RE-EXPORTS 668,027 509,521 158,506 31.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 902,921 739,900 163,021 22.0
IMPORTS 927,645 754,747 172,898 22.9
TRADE BALANCE -24,724 -14,847 -9,877
--------0-----------
SCA WELCOMES ELSIE TU ’ S MOVE *****
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED MRS ELSIE TU ’ S MOVE OF PUTTING FORWARD PROPOSALS ON FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, HER COMMENTS ON THE ELECTION COMMITTEE AND OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE GOVERNOR’S CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE.
RESPONDING TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, MR SZE SAID THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH WOULD NEED TO STUDY THE PROPOSALS WITH CARE.
’’ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DISCUSS THEM IN DETAIL WITH MRS TU, AS WE HAVE DONE WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE PUT FORWARD ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS,” HE SAID.
"BUT ONE THING I CAN SAY IS THAT MRS TU’S PAPER HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE DIFFICULTIES WE FACE IN TRYING TO COME UP WITH PROPOSALS ON FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTION COMMITTEE THAT WILL BE REGARDED BY THE COMMUNITY AS FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE.”
MR SZE SAID HE HOPED THAT THESE PROPOSALS WOULD ENCOURAGE OTHER PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD WITH COMMENTS AND THEIR OWN IDEAS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
---------0-----------
/14 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
- 14 -
MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL ON WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
*****
MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER THE DISCHARGE OF WASTEWATER IS PROPOSED TO MAKE HONG KONG A CLEANER AND GREENER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL, TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), SEEKS TO ADD REGULATION-MAKING POWER TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO REQUIRE THE CONNECTION OF WASTEWATER TO PUBLIC SEWERAGE AND THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES.
UNDER REGULATIONS TO BE MADE UNDER THE AMENDMENT BILL, PROPERTY OWNERS MAY BE REQUIRED BY SERVICE OF A NOTICE TO CONVEY WASTEWATER TO A TERMINAL MANHOLE.
THE GOVERNMENT MAY THEN CONNECT UP THE MANHOLE TO THE NEW PUBLIC SEWERAGE WHICH IS BEING BUILT IN PHASES TO COLLECT WASTEWATER FOR TREATMENT BEFORE DISPOSAL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID MOST OF PREMISES IN THE URBAN AREA AND NEW TOWNS WERE PROVIDED WITH TERMINAL MANHOLES. OWNERS OF THESE PROPERTIES WILL UNLIKELY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED STATUTORY REQUIREMENT.
”IN THE CASE OF SMALL HOUSES LOCATED IN UNSEWERED AREAS, MODIFICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO CONVERT THE EXISTING SEPTIC TANKS TO TERMINAL MANHOLES AT A MODEST COST,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER MAIN PROVISIONS IN THE AMENDMENT BILL ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* OWNERS OF PROPERTY WITH PRIVATE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES IN WATER CONTROL ZONES NAY BE REQUIRED BY NOTICE TO CARRY OUT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WORKS TO THEIR
TREATMENT FACILITIES. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT PRIVATE TREATMENT FACILITIES ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND WILL NOT CAUSE POLLUTION TO NEARBY STREAMS AND BEACHES.
* THE PENALTY FOR MAKING ILLEGAL DISCHARGES OF WASTE OR POLLUTING MATTERS IN A WATER CONTROL ZONE WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE A MAXIMUM OF SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. THE CURRENT MAXIMUM PENALTY IS A FINE OF $100,000 FOR FIRST CONVICTION, $200,000 FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION PLUS $5,000 FOR EACH DAY DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE HAS CONTINUED.
* A SEPARATE PENALTY PROVISION WILL BE CREATED FOR THE DISCHARGE OF POISONOUS AND NOXIOUS MATTERS INTO COMMUNAL SEWERS OR DRAINS. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE NEW OFFENCE
IS A FINE OF $200,000 AND ONE YEAR IMPRISONMENT FOR FIRST
CONVICTION, AND A FINE OF $500,000 AND TWO YEARS’
IMPRISONMENT FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION PLUS
$20,000 FOR EACH DAY THE OFFENCE HAS CONTINUED.
/* REGULATIONS WILL .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
15
* REGULATIONS WILL BE MADE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN COMMERCIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES. THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS WILL NOT BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT UNTIL SUFFICIENT TRAINED PERSONNEL ARE AVAILABLE.
IN THE EVENT THAT A PROPERTY OWNER HAS FAILED TO COMPLETE THE REQUIRED WORKS ON WASTEWATER CONNECTION OR PRIVATE TREATMENT FACILITIES WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME, THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL ALSO EMPOWER THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT THE WORKS AND RECOVER THE COST FROM HIM.
THE GOVERNMENT CAN ALSO CREATE EASEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWERS, DRAINS AND RELATED WORKS.
COMPENSATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE LOSS OF VALUE OF LAND DUE TO THE CREATION OF AN EASEMENT AND DAMAGE CAUSED DURING ENTRY INTO PROPERTY OR THE CARRYING OUT OF WORKS.
THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL BE TABLED TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
- - 0 - -
CAMERAS TO DETECT RED LIGHT JUMPING * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL INSTALL CAMERAS AT SIGNALISED ROAD JUNCTIONS WHERE RED LIGHT JUMPING IS FOUND TO BE MOST FREQUENT TO DETECT VEHICLES IGNORING RED LIGHT SIGNALS.
THE CAMERAS ARE INSTALLED UNDER A ONE-YEAR PILOT SCHEME WHICH WILL START NEXT MONTH TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY, THE SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR CHING KAM-CHEONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
EXPLAINING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME, MR CHING SAID THE CAMERAS WOULD BE INSTALLED ROTATIONALLY A']' ROAD JUNCTIONS WHERE RIGHT-ANGLED COLLISIONS WERE FREQUENT.
LAST YEAR, 2,932 ACCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SIGNALISED ROAD JUNCTIONS. OF THESE, ABOUT 12 PER CENT MIGHT HAVE BEEN DUE TO RED LIGHT JUMPING, MR CHING SAID.
"RED LIGHT JUMPING IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE. DRIVERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON FIRST CONVICTION AND \ MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS* IMPRISONMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS," MR CHING SAID;
"IN ADDITION, THREE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS WILL ALSO BE INCURRED", HE SAID.
THE SYSTEM COMPRISES THREE CRUCIAL ELEMENTS - A CAMERA UNIT, A DETECTOR/SENSOR UNIT AND A CONTROL UNIT.
/THE CAMERA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
16
THE CAMERA IS MOUNTED ON A POLE OVERSEEING THE JUNCTION. THE DETECTORS ARE LAID AT SUITABLE DISTANCE BEYOND THE STOP LINE AND THE SENSORS ARE LINKED WITH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL ASPECTS.
THE CAMERA WILL BE SET TO A STANDBY MODE ONLY DURING THE RED PHASE OF THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL CYCLE. VEHICLES WILL BE SPOTTED BY THE DETECTORS AS THEY PASS THE STOP LINE AND IGNORED THE RED LIGHT.
IF A VEHICLE IS DETECTED DURING THIS PERIOD, THE CONTROL UNIT WILL IMMEDIATELY TRIGGER THE CAMERA TO TAKE CONSECUTIVELY TWO PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE VEHICLE.
THE TWO PHOTOGRAPHS WILL SHOW THE OFFENDING VEHICLE LN MOTION AND THE RED SIGNAL LIGHT ASPECT.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION SUCH AS TIME, DATE, LOCATION AND SPEED OF THE OFFENDING VEHICLE WILL ALSO BE PRINTED ON THE PHOTOGRAPHS.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS WILL PROVIDE A HARD EVIDENCE FOR THE POLTCF TO PROSECUTE THE ’’RED-LIGHT RUNNERS".
IF A SECOND CAR VIOLATES THE SIGNAL BEFORE THE SECOND PHOTOGRAPH OF THE PRECEDING CAR HAS BEEN SHOT. THE THIRD AND FOURTH PHOTOGRAPHS WILL THEN BE TAKEN.
THE ALL-WEATHER SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
MR CHING SAID THE SYSTEM WAS NOT INTENDED AS A TRAP TO MOTORISTS AS LONG AS THEY OBSERVE THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS. HOWEVER OFFENDERS SPOTTED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD BE PROSECUTED.
- - 0 - -
FIRE SERVICES PUBLICISES ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE WHICH MADE IT CLEAR TO THE PUBLIC THE STANDARDS OF ITS FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES. ’
SPEAKING AT \ PRESS CONFERENCE, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, SAID THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE FORMED PART OF THE ‘SERVING THE COMMUNITY’ SCHEME, WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IN OCTOBER.
IT COVERS THE RESPONSE TO FIRE CALLS AND EMERGENCY AMBULANCE CALLS, AND COMPLAINTS ON FIRE HAZARDS OR DANGEROUS GOODS.
ON FIRE CALLS INVOLVING BUILDINGS, MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT THE STANDARD RESPONSE TIME FOR BUILT-UP AREAS IS SIX MINUTES AND FOR REMOTE AREAS OR ISOLATED DEVELOPMENTS FROM NINE TO 23 MINUTES.
IN 1991, WE MET 82.3 PER CENT 01 THESE CALLS WITHIN
THIS
RESPONSE TIME AND FOR 1992/93, OUR TARGET IS TO RAISE IT TO 85 PER
CENT," HE SAID.
/TURNING TO
I
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, .1992
17 -
TURNING TO AMBULANCE CALLS, MR LAM SAID A STANDARD TRAVELLING TIME OF 10 MINUTES HAD BEEN SET FOR AN AMBULANCE TO ARRIVE AT SCENES AFTER A CALL FOR HELP WAS RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNICATION CENTRE.
LAST YEAR, AMBULANCES MANAGED TO MEET 91.1 PER CENT OF EMERGENCY CALLS BY ARRIVING AT SCENES WITHIN 1.0 MINUTES, AND THE DEPARTMENT AIMS TO ACHIEVE A TARGET OF 91.5 PER CENT FOR 1992/93.
THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON SUSPECTED FIRE HAZARDS OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT ILLEGAL MANUFACTURE, STORAGE OR CONVEYANCE OF DANGEROUS GOODS.
THEY CAN EITHER TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE ON 723 8787 OR WRITE TO A FIRE PROTECTION REGIONAL OFFICE.
'ON RECEIPT OF A TELEPHONE COMPLAINT ON DANGEROUS GOODS OR FIRE HAZARDS WITH IMMINENT DANGER, WE WILL INVESTIGATE IT WITHIN 24 HOURS,” MR LAM SAID.
"WE HAVE BEEN MONITORING OUR PERFORMANCES IN ALL THREE AREAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.
"WHEREAS WE HAVE SEtAtHESE STANDARDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REASONS IN THE PAST, WE WILL MAKE PUBLIC THE MEASURE OF OUR PERFORMANCES AT LEAST ON AN ANNUAL BASIS," HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED> WELCOMED ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING THESE SERVICES.
HE ALSO ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT THEY HAD A RIGHT TO A FULL AND PROMPT EXPLANATION ON OCCASIONS THAT THE SERVICE WAS UNABLE TO RESPOND WITHIN ITS TARGETS.
"SOME OF THE CONSTRAINTS TO EMERGENCY SERVICES, SUCH AS TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ARE ALREADY WELL-KNOWN AND ACCEPTED BY THE PUBLIC,” HE SAID.
I
AN EXPLANATORY LEAFLET WAS PUBLISHED AND COPIES WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES, OFFICES OF VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
- - 0-------
/18 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
18
ACTION TO CLAMP DOWN
EXEMPTED HOUSE IRREGULARITIES * * * * *
THE LAND AUTHORITY IS TO STEP UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN YUEN LONG AGAINST NEW TERRITORIES EXEMPTED HOUSES NOT COMPLYING WITH THE LAW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) IRREGULARITIES IN EXEMPTED HOUSES IN THE DISTRICT WERE ON THE INCREASE, AND THE SITUATION AT PRESENT CALLED FOR URGENT ACTIONS.
HE SAID ENFORCEMENT ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN TO WEED OUT IRREGULARITIES FOUND IN EXEMPTED HOUSES, SUCH AS ENCLOSED ROOF-TOP STRUCTURES, ENCLOSED BALCONIES, OPEN-SIDED ROOF-TOP STRUCTURES EXCEEDING 50 PER CENT OF BUILD-OVER AREA, GROUND FLOOR EXTENSIONS AND ENLARGED CANOPIES.
’’THE FIRST TARGETS OF THE EXERCISE ARE TING FOOK VILLAS AND CHUN HING SAN TSUEN. EXEMPTED HOUSES WITH IRREGULARITIES IN OTHER LOCATIONS, SUCH AS CHUN WAH GARDEN, KWAN LOK SAN TSUEN, MAN YUEN TSUEN AND CHUK YUEN TSUEN, WILL BE THE NEXT TARGETS AT A LATER STAGE.” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ADVISORY LETTERS WERE BEING SENT TO REGISTERED LANDOWNERS INFORMING THEM OF 1’HE IRREGULARITIES AND REQUESTING THEM TO TAKE IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTION.
THE ADVISORY LETTERS WILL BE REGISTERED WITH THE LANI) OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT jlN YUEN LONG AND WILL BE DEREGISTERED ON COMPLETION OF RECTIFICATION ACTION BY THE LANDOWNERS CONCERNED.
"IF THE IRREGULARITIES STILL PERSIST AFTER FINAL WARNING LETTERS ARE SENT, DEMOLITION ACTION WILL BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TERM CONTRACTOR AND THE DEMOLITION COST WOULD BE RECOVERED FROM THF LANDOWNERS," HE WARNED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CRITERIA IN RESPECT OF THE EXEMPTED HOUSES ARE SET OUT IN THE BUILDING ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES) ORDINANCE.
THESE INCLUDE THE HEIGHT LIMIT OF 8.23 METRES (27 FEET) AND THE ROOF-OVER AREA LIMIT OF 65.03 METRES (700 SQUARE FEET).
------0-------
BERTHING AND EMBARKATION FEES TO BE REVISED
*****
THE BERTHING FEE FOR VESSELS AND THE EMBARKATION FEE FOR PASSENGERS USING THE HK-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL WILL BE REVISED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR PYRKE SAID: "THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE REVISION OF CHE TWO FEE ITEMS ON NOVEMBER 17 THIS YEAR.
/•'THE BERTHING.......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
19
’’THE BERTHING FEE FOR DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT INCLUDING JETFOIL, HYDROFOIL, CATAMARAN AND HOVERFERRY, AND VESSELS OTHER THAN FERRIES WILL INCREASE FROM $2.60 TO $3 PER TON WHILE THE FEE FOR FERRIES WILL INCREASE FROM $1,30 TO $1.50 PER TON, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT.
’’THE EMBARKATION FEE FOR PASSENGERS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $21 TO $25, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 19 PER CENT.
”IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE EFFECT OF THE INCREASE WILL BE TO RAISE PASSENGER FARES BY TWO TO FOUR PER CENT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE AVERAGE JETFOIL FARE TO MACAU WILL PROBABLY INCREASE FROM $121 TO $125 AND THE CATAMARAN FARE TO ZHONGSHAN FROM $152 TO $156.”
THE REVISION OF THE FEES ARE NECESSARY TO RECOVER THE FULL COST OF OPERATING THE GOVERNMENT-OWNED HK-ltACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL AND TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE RETURN ON THE CAPITAL EMPLOYED.
’’THE TWO TERMINALS ARE OPERATED AS PUBLIC UTILITIES AND THE GOVERNMENT RECOVERS ITS COSTS AND OBTAINS A RETURN ON ITS INVESTMENT BY CHARGING FEES TO FERRY OPERATIONS AND PASSENGERS,” MR PYRKE SAID.
THE BERTHING FEE AND THE EMBARKATION FEE WERE LAST REVISED IN APRIL AND OCTOBER LAST YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF THE REVISION OF THE TWO FEE ITEMS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
----o--------
CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IN SHA TIN ♦ t t t *
AN ANNUAL CIVIC EDUCATION DAY WILL BE HELD IN SHA TIN THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 29) TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CHIC EDUCATION! THE THEME WILL BE: ’’KNOW MORE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, ENJOY FULLY YOUP OWN RIGHTS”.
IT WILL BE HELI) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY IN PHASE III OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, OF? DANIEL TSE, AND THE SECRETARY FOR HOME \FFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THF OPENING CEREMONY.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN INTER-VASITY DEBATE BETWEEN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE TOPIC FOR DEBATE WILL BE "HUMAN RIGHTS SHOULD BE BASED ON PUBLIC’ INTEREST", THF ADJUDICATORS WILL COMPRISE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MRS PEGGY LAM AND MR JAMES TO, AND ASSOCIATE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES OF THF CITY' POLYTECHNIC OF’ HONG KONG, MR CHAN WING-TAI.
/OTHER ACTIVITIES .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
20
OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL BE A COMPUTER PARTICIPANTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT.
GAME DESIGNED TO ASSESS
A NEWLY PUBLISHED COMIC BOOK ENTITLED "THE BILL OF RIGHTS AS TOLD BY A WISE OLD WOMAN” WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
THE FULL-COLOUR BOOK USES LIVELY CARTOONS AND SIMPLE TO EXPLAIN THE HONG KONG BILL OF RIGHTS.
LANGUAGE
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS COULD BE IMPLEMENTED MORE EFFECTIVELY, 'IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE CONCEPT.
FROM SUNDAY, ALL THE DISTRICTS’ CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEES WILL BE ORGANISING A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, AND DEBATES, TO PROMOTE THE THEME, HE ADDED.
"WE HOPE ALL THESE EFFORTS WILL ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR OWN RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECT!I ON OF THE LAW ” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CIVIC' EDUCATION DAY IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON CIVIC EDUCATION, WITH SPONSORSHIP BY THE APPLE COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL LTD AND HONG KONG TELECOM.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE COMMITTEE ON TEL 835 1376 OR 835 1380.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 29) AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY IN PHASE III OF NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN.
------0--------
CAMP FOR DISABLED AT WEEKEND
* * * ♦
MORE THAN 500 DISABLED PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS WILL SHARE THE FUN AND THEIR FAMILY LIFE EXPERIENCES AT AN OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR THE DISABLED AT WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 28).
THE CAMP, WHICH IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE "CARE AND SHARE PROGRAMME" ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE SPIRIT OF INTEGRATION BETWEEN THE ABLED AND THE DISABLED.
A "TAKE-OFF CEREMONY OF LOVE BALLOONS" WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY
TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE EVENT.
/OFFICIATING AT .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, DR RAYMOND WU WAI-YUNG, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN WAI-KWAN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 29).
A PRESS COACH WILL DEPART FROM TAI WAI KCR STATION TO THE YOUTH
VILLAGE AT 10.15 AM SHARP. THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE OPPOSITE THE TAXI STAND OUTSIDE THE STATION.
AN INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP.
- - 0 - -
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON NEW AIRPORT FUNDING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHAMBER’S PUBLIC GALLERIES. THEY MAY MAKE RESERVATIONS BY CALLING 869 9492.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE COMMITTEE’S PAPERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE READING AFTER 2.30 PM AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE PAPERS WILL BE EMBARGOED FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING ENDS.
- - 0 - -
122
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1992
- 22 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 0
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT I , 500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.4 *+0.0* 26.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.90 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 101.25 4.48
1 MONTH 3.68 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.22 4.69
3 MONTHS 3.78 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.24 4.89
6 MONTHS 3.85 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.35 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 99.24 5.10
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,669 MN
CLOSED 26 NOVEMBER 1992
------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PUSHES FIGHT FOR FREE TRADE ............................ 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR'S PRESS CONFERENCE IN JAPAN .............. 3
FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVES AIRPORT FUNDS ........................ 7
FS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT PROGRAMME ................................ 7
STATEMENT ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ............................... 8
ECONOMIC SITUATION IN 3RD QUARTER OF 1992 AND UPDATED FORECASTS OF GDP AND PRICES FOR 1992 .......................... 8
SHORT EXTENSION OF MFA EXPECTED ................................ 16
GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR SI43 MILLION ................................ 18
HK TO STRENGTHEN TRADE LOBBYING EFFORTS IN U.S.................. 19
HK A VITAL BASE FOR OVERSEAS FIRMS ............................. 20
279 RETURN TO VIETNAM .......................................... 22
CHRISTMAS MAIL ARRANGEMENTS .................................... 22
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION FOR OPERATING NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ....................................................... 23
CLOSING TIME AT LOK MA CHAU BORDER EXTENDED .................... 24
TWO TUNNEL COMPANIES DECLARED AS PUBLIC BODIES ................. 24
PRE-WAR BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS ................ 25
FLAG DAYS LINED UP FOR 1993 .................................... 26
EXAM FEE FOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY REVISED ................. 27
/TENDERS FOR .......
TENDERS FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVISION TO CUSTOMS & EXCISE DEPARTMENT ............................................ 28
OWNERS ALERTED ON IMPOSTERS .................................... 28
CONSTRUCTION OF COLUMBARIUM AT CAPE COLLINSON .................. 29
RECONSTRUCTION OF FOOTBRIDGE IN TAI O .......................... 29
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING ......................... 30
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME EXTENDS TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS ...................................................... 31
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL ........................................ 31
FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER .................................... 32
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 33
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
1
GOVERNOR PUSHES FIGHT FOR FREE TRADE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) SPOKE PASSIONATELY ABOUT THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENTS TO ADOPT FREE TRADE POLICIES.
DELIVERING A KEYNOTE SPEECH AT A LUNCHEON IN TOKYO ATTENDED BY NEARLY 600 JAPANESE BUSINESS PEOPLE, MR PATTEN SAID HE BELIEVED ’’PASSIONATELY THAT IT IS FREE TRADE THAT KICKSTARTS AND MAINTAINS THE MOMENTUM IN RAISING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL”.
"IT IS FREE TRADE THAT WE SHOULD FIGHT FOR,” HE STRESSED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE KEY TO DEALING WITH TRADING PROBLEMS WAS CO-OPERATION.
TOGETHER, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND THE REGION COULD STRIVE FOR THE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF ASIA.
"TOGETHER THROUGH OUR CONTRIBUTION TO ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, THE PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION COUNCIL AND THE.ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION, WE CAN PLAY A VITAL PART IN THIS PROCESS," MR PATTEN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE POSSIBLE WITHDRAWAL OR LIMITATION OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) TRADING STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES WAS A THREAT TO THE HONG KONG SUCCESS STORY, AS THE TWO NATIONS WERE HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNERS.
"THAT IS WHY ONE OF MY BIGGEST TASKS NEXT YEAR WILL BE TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS IN THE UNITED STATES AND ELSEWHERE THAT POLITICISATION OF TRADE CANNOT BE THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD FOR ANYONE.
"WHAT IS NEEDED IS MORE DIALOGUE AND MORE TRADE. NOT DISENGAGEMENT AND LESS TRADE," MR PATTEN SAID.
SOUTHERN CHINA, WHICH PRODUCED OVER HALF OF CHINA’S EXPORTS TO THE U.S. WAS THE MOST OPEN AND OUTWARD-LOOKING PART OF THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMY, AND IT WOULD BE HURT THE MOST IN ANY CHINA/U.S. TRADE FRICTION.
MR PATTEN DESCRIBED THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM REPRESENTED BY THE GATT AS THE CRUCIAL FACTOR IN SHAPING THE WORLD’S TRADING FUTURE.
HE SAID HE WAS GLAD THE U.S. AND THE EC HAD JUST REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE MAJOR ELEMENTS BLOCKING THE URUGUAY ROUND AND ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE A "TRAGEDY IF THE ROUND WERE TO COME TO NOTHING".
"WE BELIEVE THAT SECTORS WHICH ARE NOT COMPETITIVE SHOULD NO LONGER BE PROTECTED."
/MR PATTEN .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
2
MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG "AS A CONTRACTING PARTY AND LIVING EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE GATT STANDS FOR" WOULD PLAY ITS PART IN PUSHING FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TO THE ROUND.
TURNING TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE, THE GOVERNOR SAID AS PART OF THE INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE, HE HAD MADE ’’MODEST PROPOSALS" FOR CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT SO THAT MORE PEOPLE COULD PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC LIFE.
"THIS IS SOMETHING WHICH THE PEOPLE HAVE SAID THEY WANT".
HE REITERATED THAT THEY WERE SIMPLY PROPOSALS WHICH WERE IN LINE WITH THE BASIC LAW.
"I HAVE SAID IT IN PEKING, CANADA AND LONDON. NOW I SAY IT IN JAPAN, I STAND READY TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS WITH ANYONE, AT ANY TIME AND ANYWHERE," MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR MADE THREE POINTS.
HE SAID WITH A MORE PROSPEROUS AND BETTER EDUCATED PUBLIC, IT WOULD NOT BE HELPFUL TO POLITICAL STABILITY IN HONG KONG TO SPEND THE NEXT FIVE YEARS RESISTING EVERY PRESSURE FOR A SLIGHTLY GREATER MEASURE OF PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT.
"WHAT MAKES HONG KONG SO SPECIAL IS THE COMBINATION OF ITS ECONOMIC FREEDOM AND ITS OPENNESS AND TOLERANCE AS A SOCIETY - ITS WAY OF LIFE."
MR PATTEN SAID: "WE MUST ENSURE THAT OUR WAY OF LIFE AND THE RULE OF LAW ARE MAINTAINED - THAT IS THE BEST WAY OF SECURING OUR PROSPERITY AND THE CONFIDENCE OF INVESTORS IN OUR FUTURE".
THE THIRD POINT MADE BY THE GOVERNOR WAS THAT THE CONCEPT "WE ARE SEEKING TO IMPLEMENT IS ONE COUNTRY: TWO SYSTEMS - THAT MEANS WHAT IT SAYS. ONE COUNTRY - TWO (NOT ONE-AND-A-BIT) SYSTEMS".
AS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT \T CHEK LAP KOK, MR PATTEN SAID THIS WAS MOVING AHEAD, "BUT WE ARE NOT GOING IT ALONE".
"WE ARE COMMITTED 100 PER CENT To IMPLEMENTING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
"WE WILL LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED IN OUR EFFORTS TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE OVERALL FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS," MR PATTEN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE JAPANESE COULD BE PROUD OF THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THREE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT AIRPORT-RELATED PROJECTS - THE TSING MA BRIDGE, THE KAP SHU1 MUN BRIDGE, AND HE HOPED THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED AIRPORT SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS AT THE END. OF THE SPEECH, MR PATTEN REITERATED HIS OPPOSITION TO DOING AWAY WITH THE LINK BETWEEN THE HK AND U.S. DOLLARS.
/”I HAVE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
- 3
”1 HAVE TO SAY TODAY AS I HAVE SAID CONSISTENTLY IN I’HE PAST I SEE NO CASE WHATSOEVER FOR US UNCOUPLING OUR DOLLAR FROM THE U.S. DOLLAR.”
"I THINK THE DOLLAR LINK HAS GIVEN US STABILITY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS DURING WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN OTHERWISE TIMES OF CONSIDERABLE TURMOIL.”
EXAMPLES SUCH AS THE GULF WAR, OCCASIONAL PASSING
DISAGREEMENTS WITH CHINA AND COUPS IN THE SOVIET UNION, MR PATTEN
SAID.
------0-------
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S PRESS CONFERENCE IN JAPAN
♦ ♦ * * »
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY’ THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE JAPAN NATIONAL PRESS CLUB TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: I HAVE ALREADY NADI Y FXLRLY LONG SPEECH, \T LEAST BY MY STANDARDS, AT LUNCH-TIME, \ND FA E.N MORL CURIOUS BY MY STANDARDS, I DELIVERED FROM Y TEXT, SO NOBODY HAD TO DO SHORTHAND, SO I HAVE DONE YOUR WORK FOR YOU TODAY AND I DON’T WANT TO SAY VERY’ MUCH AT THE OPENING OF THIS PR! SS CONFERENCE. PERHAPS I CAN JUST SAY A FEW THINGS VERY’ BRIEFLY.
I HAD TWO PURPOSES IN COMING TO JAPAN, ONE OF THE FIRST TRIPS OVERSEAS THAI I’VE MADE S I NCI I Bl C AM!' GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG. FIRST OF ALL, I WANTED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG/JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE WHICH IS ITSELF AN INST I II. 1’ION AL I Sb'D I? I -Ml NDF R O| Till' VERY < LOSF BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HoNG KONG AND JAPAN, ONI- OF THE CLOSEST BUSINESS ANT) TRADE RELATIONS, NOT ONLY IN Till- RI-GION BUT IN THE WORLD, AND I WANT 10 SEE THAT CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OVERLAPPING INTERESTS IN THE REGION AND THF WORLD AND A NUMBER O| SHARED CONCERNS, AND I WAS, THEREFORE, DELIGHTED TO ACCEPT \N INVITATION TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFICIAL VISIT. THOSE SHARED INTERESTS AND CONCERNS INCLUDE THE SUCCESSFUL OPENING UP OF CHINA’S ECONOMY , KH IC H IS SO IMPORTANT FOK’ THE WHOLE WORLD, AND CONTINUING OPEN AND FREE TRADE, WHICH IS THE BEST WAY OF SUSTAINING ECONOMIC. AND SOC I Al. PROGRESS. ALSO BOTH HAY F A SHARED EXPERIENCE, A SHARED EXPERIENCE 01 PRAC I ISI NG MARKE’l ECONOMICS IN AN OPEN. FREE AND TOLERANT SOCIETY Will (II WORKS WITHIN I’HE FRAMEWORK OF THE RULE OF LAW. I’VE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO EXPLAIN HOW I WANT TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE THAI' WAY I'- HONG KONG IN A NUMBER OF MEET INCIS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN MINISTER AND FINAN' I MINISTER AND WITH A NUMBER OF POLITIC AI LEADERS, AND WITH :’J 'SINES’S LE'DERS AS WELL, AT THE KEIDANREN YESTERDAY.
/IT’S BEEN, ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
IT’S BEEN, I THINK, MY SIXTH VISIT TO JAPAN THOUGH THE FIRST I’VE MADE AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, AND I HOPE, GOD WILLING, THAT I’LL BE ABLE TO MAKE MANY MORE IN THE NEXT FOUR AND A HALF YEAR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS VOTING ON THE FUNDING FOR THE SITE PREPARATION FOR THE NEW AIRPORT. IF IT DOES NOT APPROVE THE FUNDING, WHAT KIND OF CONTINGENCY PLAN DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE?
GOVERNOR: I’LL ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT VOTES IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER THEY’VE TAKEN PLACE RATHER THAN BEFORE.
QUESTION: CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOUR IMPRESSION IS OF THE LEVEL OF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR YOUR PLAN FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS ?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT, LIKE OTHER GOVERNMENTS - AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I SAID BEFORE 1 CAME TO JAPAN AND IT IS SOMETHING THAT I’VE SAID IN JAPAN, AND I DARESAY IT IS SOMETHING I’LL SAY WHEN I’VE LEFT JAPAN - I THINK THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT, LIKE OTHER GOVERNMENTS, RECOGNISES THAT THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS A MATTER PRINCIPALLY FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM, FOR CHINA AND FOR HONG KONG. AND OBVIOUSLY IT’S INTERESTED IN THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. AS I UNDERSTAND IT, IT’S MADE STATEMENTS IN THE PAST, AND DURING THIS VISIT, SAYING THAT IT SUPPORTS THE BROAD MOVES TOWARDS DEMOCRAT!SATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE BASIC LAW. I WOULDN’T EXPECT IT TO SAY ANY MORE THAN THAT, AND WHAT I HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED WITH IS THE INTEREST IN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG AND THE CONCERNS FOR OUR SUCCESSFUL AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, YOU’VE SAID THAT YOUR BIGGEST TASK NEXT YEAR IS TO PERSUADE WASHINGTON ABOUT THE HARMFUL EFFECTS ON HONG KONG IF CHINA’S MFN IS REVOKED. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR EXACT STRATEGY, ASIDE FROM YOUR NATURAL CHARISMA?
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, 1 THINK I WOULD TAKE FROM YOU THE IMPORTANCE OF BEGINNING BY BEING FLATTERING. BUT I HOPE THAT I WOULD HAVE MORE CREDIBILITY IN PUTTING THE ARGUMENT AS SOMEBODY WHO WAS RECOGNISED TO STAND UP FOR HONG KONG'S BEST INTERESTS, WOULD PUT ARGUMENTS BOTH OF PRINCIPLE AND ARGUMENTS CONCERNING THE IMPACT ON HONG KONG OF THE POLITICISATION OF TRADE. FIRST OF ALL ON PRINCIPLE, I BELIEVE PASSIONATELY IN FREE TRADE. I BELIEVE THAT FREE TRADE IS THE BEST WAY OF PROMOTING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRESS, I BELIEVE THAT FREE TRADE IS THE BEST WAY OF CONTINUING TO PROMOTE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND OPENING UP OF CHINA, WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG, VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE REGION, AND VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE WORLD. IT IS ALWAYS, IN MY JUDGMENT, WRONG TO TRY' TO POLITICISE TRADE AS THAT LEADS TO LOWER GROWTH, IT LEADS TO THROWING PEOPLE OUT OF WORK, AND IT LEADS TO HIGHER PRICES.
/I WOULD .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
I. WOULD POINT OUT IN PARTICULAR. THE IMPACT WHICH ENDING OR QUALIFYING MFN STATUS WOULD HAVE FOR OUR GROWTH IN HONG KONG AND FOR JOBS IN HONG KONG. I DON'T KANT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THE POLITICAL ARGUMENTS BETWEEN OTHERS AND THAT IS A POINT THAT I WILL PUT EXTREMELY VIGOROUSLY. I WOULD TAKE WITH ME BUSINESS LEADERS AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM HONG KONG WHO CAN PUT ALL THESE ARGUMENTS FROM THEIR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, J WAS NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE LUNCHEON AND TO HEAR YOUR SPEECH THERE. BUT AS J UNDERSTAND IT, THE PROPOSALS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATISATION OF HONG KONG, J UNDERSTAND THAT CHINA NOW IS VERY ANGRY OVER YOUR PROPOSALS. NOW, WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW FROM YOU AS THE GOVERNOR, WHY IS IT THAT THE FORMER GOVERNOR, YOUR PREDECESSOR, NEVER SAID ANYTHING TO THAT EFFECT, AND WHY IS IT THAT GOVERNOR PATTEN, YOU YOURSELF, HAVE STARTED TO ASSERT THE POLICY? J WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT MAY BE THE INTENTIONS BEHIND THAT PROPOSAL? AND ANOTHER POINT: NOW IF YOl ANGER CHINA, IF CHIN/Y BECOMES SO NAD OVER THE PROPOSALS, WHAT MAY BECOME OF THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG? WHAT MAY BECOME OF THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, OR DON’T YOU THINK THAT THAT MAY HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT?
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, IT IS OF COURSE A POINT WHICH I HAVE ADDRESSED IN INNUMERABLE SPEECHES AND YOU’LL EXCUSE ME IF I DON’T GO INTO THE DETAILS OF ALL THE ARGUMENTS IN AN ANSWER TO YOUR INTERESTING QUESTION. ARRANGEMENTS HAD NOT BEEN AGREED FOR THE LAST ELECTIONS BEFORE THE TRANSFER AND THE RESUMPTION OF CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997. THE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE FOR THOSE ELECTIONS AND I WAS OBLIGED TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR THOSE ELECTIONS MYSELF. THE EXISTING SOVEREIGN POWER, BRITAIN HAD PRESSED FOR THREE YEARS FOR AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN 1995. CHINA HAD SAID DURING THAT PERIOD THAT IT DID NOT WISH TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS BECAUSE THAT WOULD INVOLVE A CHANGE IN THE BASIC LAW. I THEREFORE PROPOSED A DIFFERENT APPROACH, AN APPROACH WHICH IN MANY PARTICULARS FELL WELL SHORT OF WHAT MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN ARGUING FOR, AND THAT IS WHAT THE DEBATE IS ABOUT AT PRESENT. THEY'RE MODEST PROPOSALS, WHICH 1 REPEAT, FELL WELL SHORT OF WHAT MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAD URGED ME TO DO.
I AN PERFECTLY HAPPY, AS I HAVE SAID ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, To CONSIDER OTHER PROPOSALS. OTHER PROPOSALS ARE STARTING TO COME FORWARD, FOR EXAMPLE WITHIN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNC 11. ITSELF KILL HAVE TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION IN THE FIRST MONTHS OF NEXT YEAR, THAT’S PERFECTLY’ CLEAR FROM THE EXISTING CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS. IT WOULD BE EQUALLY CLEAR UNDER THE BASIC LAW AFTER 1997. THE ONLY POINT 1 WILL ADD TO THAT IS THIS: WHAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO TURN INTO REALITY IS THE HISTORIC CONCEPT OF ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS. AS 1 SAID AT LUNCH, IT'S TWO SYSTEMS NOT ONE-AND-A-HALF SYSTEMS, OR ONE-AND-A-QllARTER SYSTEMS. I THINK WE HAVE TO STAND UP FOR OUR SYSTEM BEFORE 199 7 IN Ol.’DER TO ENSURE THAT IT EXISTS AFTER 1997.
/QUESTION: I'M .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
QUESTION: I’M SURE, GOVERNOR, YOU HAVE READ THE NOVEL BY SIMON WINCHESTER, THE JOURNALIST WHO RESIDES IN HONG KONG, ENTITLED, "THE PACIFIC NIGHTMARE". NOW GOVERNOR, IF YOU HAVE READ THIS NOVEL I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW FROM YOU, TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK THE NOVEL HAS THE REALISTIC ELEMENTS, TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK THE NOVEL WILL BECOME A REALITY OR ACTUALITY? NOW, WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS, AS HONG KONG HAS EVOLVED ACCORDING TO ... AND SO FORTH, AND JAPAN ALSO, WITH SUCH DEVELOPMENTS, TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK THERE MAY BE AN INHERENT DANGER OF US BEING INVOLVED IN THE CIVIL WAR, PERHAPS, THAT MAY HAPPEN INSIDE CHINA? PERHAPS THIS MAY BE A VERY DIFFICULT QUESTION FOR YOU TO ANSWER AS A PUBLIC PERSON, BUT PERHAPS IN THE CAPACITY OF JUST ONE READER, ONE BOOK LOVER, IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR PERSONAL COMMENT.
GOVERNOR: AS A BOOK LOVER, WHAT MAKES IT PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO ANSWER THE QUESTION IS THAT 1 HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK.
I USED TO REVIEW QUITE A LOT OF BOOKS AND I KNOW, AS MANY OF YOU DO, THAT IT'S NOT ENTIRELY NECESSARY TO READ THE BOOK BEFORE REVIEWING IT, HE MAKES SOME ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE PLOT IN ORDER TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION. HONG KONG HAS BEEN AN ASTONISHINGLY SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY AND IT REPRESENTS TODAY ABOUT 18 PERCENT OF CHINA'S. GDP. WITH GUANGDONG IT REPRESENTS, I SUPPOSE, ABOUT 29 PERCENT OF CHINA’S GDP. AND HONG KONG IS A PRICELESS ASSET AND I AM SURE THAT CHINA, WHEN CHINA RESUMES SOVEREIGNTY, WILL WANT TO CHERISH IT. WHAT I HOPE THAT CHINA WILL RECOGNISE IN 1997, IS THAT GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS THAT WORK, GOVERNING INSTITUTIONS WHICH HELP TO SUSTAIN THE RULE OF LAW, SHOULD BE KEPT, SHOULD BE PRESERVED, SINCE THE RULE OF LAW AND HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE ARE ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY.
QUESTION: IT SEEMS THAT THE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER HAS NOT SHOWN HIS SUPPORT FOR YOUR POLITICAL REFORMS CLEARLY DURING YOUR VISIT.
GOVERNOR: I’LL REPEAT WHAT I SAID EARLIER. I ANSWERED THE QUESTION BEFORE I CANE TO TOKYO, I ANSWEP.ED IT AT THE AIRPORT WHEN I ARRIVED, AND I'VE ANSWERED IT ON A NUMBER OF OTHER OCCASIONS. 1 DID NOT COME TO TOKYO ASSUMING THAT JAPAN WOULD SAY OTHER THAN JAPAN HAS ALREADY SAID, BECAUSE, I REPEAT, JAPAN AND JAPANESE OFFICIALS RECOGNISE THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS A MATTER FOR PEKING, FOR LONDON, AND FOR HONG KONG. AND THAT, 1 REPEAT, IS WHAT I SAID BEFORE 1 CANE TO TOKYO ON THIS TRIP. WHAT I WAS VERY PLEASED ABOUT WAS TO HAVE 15 MINUTES WITH THE PRIME MINISTER AT WHICH WE HAD AN EXTREMELY GOOD DISCUSSION ABOUT THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES THAT FACE HONG KONG, AS WELL AS \BOUT OTHER NATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST. AND IT WAS A PARTICULAR PLEASURE TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN NY AGENDA FOR HONG KONG FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN SAYING ABOUT IT.
THERE'S A PERFECTLY OBVIOUS POINT - YOU CAN ONLY BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOU EXPECTED SOMETHING TO HAPPEN AND IT DOESN'T. SINCE BEFORE I CAME 1 SAID WHAT I EXPECTED TO HAPPEN, AND WHAT I DIDN'T EXPECT TO HAPPEN, I WASN’T DISAPPOINTED THAT WHAT I DIDN’T EXPECT TO HAPPEN DIDN’T HAPPEN.
/QUESTION: I .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
7
QUESTION: I WOULD LIKE TO ASK, GOVERNOR, A VERY FRANK QUESTION. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, WHAT WAS THE SIGNIFICANCE AND MEANING OF HONG KONG TO GREAT BRITAIN FOR THE PAST 90 OR SO YEARS? AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW, AFTER THE RETURN OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF HONG KONG, AT LEAST FOR THE COMING 50 YEARS, WHAT DOES GREAT BRITAIN EXPECT OF SAY -- WHAT KIND OF SYSTEM OR WHAT KIND OF SITUATION WOULD GREAT BRITAIN DESIRE AND WANT FOR. HONG KONG FOR THE COMING 50 YEARS OR SO?
GOVERNOR: BRITAIN HAS HAD AN INTERESTING AND INTENSE RELATIONSHIP
WITH HONG KONG, BUT IT HAS BEEN DIFFERENT FROM THE RELATIONSHIP WE'VE HAD WITH OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIES. FOR EXAMPLE, IN THIS REGION, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA, WE HAD BEEN PREPARING THOSE COMMUNITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE, AND WE’VE PROVIDED THEM WITH THE USUAL WESTMINSTER MODEL OF DEMOCRACY AND Till': RULE OF LAW AND A CLEAN HONEST GOVERNMENT BEFORE THEY BECOME INDEPENDENT. BUT HONG KONG, FOR REASONS OF HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES, IS NOT IN THAT POSITION, CHINA RESUMES SOVEREIGNTY FOR HONG KONG IN 1997.
1997 DOESN’T MEAN THAT WE LOSE ALL OUR INTEREST IN HONG KONG. ABOVE ALL, WE CLEARLY HAVE A MORAL COMMITMENT THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS FULLY IMPLEMENTED, AS I'M SURE IT WILL BE. THAT MORAL COMMITMENT IS MORE INTENSE THAN THAT IN THE FIRST COUPLE OF YEARS AFTER 1997, AS LAID DOWN IN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA. CLEARLY WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN BEFORE 1997 TO ENSURE THAT THE PRINCIPLES AND VALUES ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION ARE DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED, I APOLOGISE THAT I HAVE TO LEAVE YOU NOW BUT I’VE GOT AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANOTHER MINISTER.
- - - - 0 ---------------
FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVES AIRPORT FUNDS t * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED A PROVISION OF $6,699 BILLION FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO PROCEED WITH THE SITE PREPARATION CONTRACT FOR THE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND ITS ESSENTIAL RELATED WORK.
-------o - - - -
FS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT PROGRAMME
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AFTER THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY):
"GOOD EVENING, I WILL JUST SAY A COUPLE OF SENTENCES REALLY, BECAUSE I’VE HAD RATHER A LONG MEETING TODAY.
/"THIS IS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
8
’’THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION BECAUSE IT ENABLES US TO TAKE A FURTHER STEP FORWARD ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, AND OF COURSE ALSO TO MEET OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE MOU. IT ALSO GIVES US FURTHER TIME TO TALK WITH CHINA. WE’VE EMPHASISED BEFORE THAT OUR PRIME AIM REMAINS TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH CHINA AND THIS WILL LET US DO THAT IN PARALLEL WHILE MAKING THIS FURTHER STEP FORWARD.
’’THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.”
-----0------
STATEMENT ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ♦ * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 (CT9) WILL BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE TERMS OF A LAND GRANT AS IS USUAL WITH CONTAINER TERMINALS. NO OTHER FORM OF CONTRACT OR FRANCHISE IS INVOLVED.
’’THE GRANT OF LAND FOR CT9 IS INCLUDED IN THE 1992-93 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME. THIS WAS APPROVED BY THE LAND COMMISSION EARLIER THIS YEAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ANNEX III OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.”
--------0 -----------
ECONOMIC SITUATION IN 3RD QUARTER OF 1992
AND UPDATED FORECASTS OF GDP AND PRICES FOR 1992
*****
THE GROWTH MOMENTUM OF THE ECONOMY WAS SUSTAINED TN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992.
RE-EXPORTS REMAINED ROBUST, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO SHOWED AN INCREASE.
LOCALLY, ROTH CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT DEMAND ROSE FURTHER. THE LABOUR MARKET TIGHTENED UP AGAIN, AND CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION REMAINED RELATIVELY HIGH.
THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW BY AN ESTIMATED 4.7% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 4.2% FOR 1991 AS A WHOLE.
THE GROWTH RATE IN THE THIRD QUARTER WAS PROBABLY IN THE REGION OF 5-5.5%.
THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE DESCRIBED IN THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1992 RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
9
THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST SAID FOLLOWING THE REGULAR PRACTICE, THE ECONOMIC FORECASTS FOR 1992 HAD BEEN REVIEWED AND UPDATED. ADJUSTMENTS ARE MADE TO CERTAIN COMPONENTS, BUT THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP IS MAINTAINED AT 5%.
THE FORECAST OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION, IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), IS ALSO KEPT UNCHANGED AT 9.5%.
IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY ABOUT 1% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER. THE INCREASE IN REAL TERMS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS AS A WHOLE WAS ALSO ABOUT 1%.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES CONTINUED TO PICK UP, WHILE THOSE TO CHINA RECORDED A FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE. ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY AND JAPAN CONTINUED TO DECLINE.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM REMAINED ON A DOWNTREND, BUT THE DECLINE HAD MODERATED SOMEWHAT IN RECENT MONTHS.
REFLECTING THE REVIVAL OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES SO FAR THIS YEAR, THE SHARE OF THIS MARKET IN HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE TO 27% IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992, FROM 26% IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.
RE-EXPORTS SURGED FURTHER, BY ABOUT 27% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER. FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS TAKEN TOGETHER, THE INCREASE WAS ABOUT 29% IN REAL TERMS. THIS ROBUST PERFORMANCE WAS SUPPORTED BY THE CONTINUED UPSURGE IN RE-EXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
A GREATER ABSORPTION OF IMPORTS FOR CHINA’S OWN USE, COUPLED WITH THE CONTINUED EXPANSION IN OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER, WERE THE MAIN CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS.
AS RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW AT A MUCH FASTER RATE THAN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE TO 74% IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992, FROM 69% IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.
CHINA REMAINED THE LARGEST MARKET FOR AS WELL AS THE LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, ACCOUNTING FOR 29% AND 61% RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992.
SUPPORTED BY THE CONTINUED SURGE IN RE-EXPORTS AND THE ROBUST DOMESTIC DEMAND, TOTAL IMPORTS SHOWED A FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH, BY ABOUT 21% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
RETAINED IMPORTS ALSO SHOWED A NOTABLE INCREASE, BY ABOUT 11% IN REAL TERMS. FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS TAKEN TOGETHER, TOTAL IMPORTS AND RETAINED IMPORTS ROSE BY ABOUT 22% AND 13% RESPECTIVELY IN REAL TERMS.
/AMONG THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
10
AMONG THE VARIOUS END-USE CATEGORIES, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS RECORDED THE FASTEST GROWTH IN THE THIRD QUARTER, FOLLOWED BY THOSE OF CONSUMER GOODS, AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES.
THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS AND FUELS SHOWED SMALL DECLINES, HAVING RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $2,140 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992.
FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 COMBINED, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $24,333 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF QUARTERLY GDP IN CONSTANT PRICE TERMS, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, AS THE LARGEST COMPONENT OF DOMESTIC DEMAND, GREW BY 8% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING A 9% INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
UNDERLYING THIS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS A MARKED INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON BOTH CONSUMER DURABLES AND NON-DURABLES.
AS REGARDS GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, THE GROWTH RATE ON NATIONAL ACCOUNTS BASIS WAS 12% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING A 7% INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
LOCAL INVESTMENT, MEASURED IN TERMS OF GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION, RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF 11% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING A 5% INCREASE TN THE FIRST QUARTER.
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO A STRONG GROWTH IN EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, BY 23% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION CONTINUED TO DECLINE, BY 5% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR REMAINED GENERALLY SLUGGISH. NEVERTHELESS, THERE WAS A PICK-UP IN PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION LATELY.
DOMESTIC DEMAND CONTINUED TO BE ROBUST IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
ON CONSUMPTION, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS SHOWED A FURTHER SHARP INCREASE, BY ABOUT 20% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, HAVING RECORDED AN 8% INCREASE IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES GREW BY 13% IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1992 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THESE STRONG INCREASES HAD SUPPORT FROM BOTH LOCAL CONSUMERS AND THE TOURIST SECTOR.
/ON INVESTMENT, ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
ON INVESTMENT, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, BY ABOUT 21% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, HAVING RISEN BY 24% IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
WITHIN THIS CATEGORY, RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING USE CONTINUED TO SHOW A MARKED INCREASE.
FOLLOWING A TEMPORARY EASING IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992, THE LABOUR MARKET TIGHTENED UP AGAIN IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, AT 1.9% IN THE THIRD QUARTER, WAS 0.4 AND 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT RESPECTIVELY LOWER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE, AT 1.9% IN THE THIRD QUARTER, WAS 0.3 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT LOWER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THOUGH 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
IN THE SECOND QUARTER, VACANCIES IN ALL MAJOR SERVICE SECTORS RECORDED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDE OVER A YEAR EARLIER, BUT THOSE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES CONTINUED TO DECLINE.
EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND IN THE SERVICE SECTORS AS A WHOLE WERE HIGHER BOTH IN MONEY TERMS AND IN REAL TERMS.
THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET VARIED AMONGST SUBSECTORS IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET UNDERWENT SOME CONSOLIDATION.
THE RELATIVELY TIGHT MORTGAGE LENDING POLICY OF THE BANKS CONTINUED TO HAVE A RESTRAINING EFFECT, NOTWITHSTANDING ANOTHER INTEREST RATE CUT BY HALF OF A PERCENTAGE POINT ON JULY R.
TRANSACTIONS FELL MARKEDLY TN THE THIRD QUARTER.
PRICES SHOWED LITTLE MOVEMENT BUT WERF CLEARLY UNDER PRESSURE, AS INDICATED BY A GENERAL SOFTENING OF ASKING PRICES IN THE LATTER PART OF THE QUARTER.
MEANWHILE, RENTALS FOR NEW LETTINGS CONTINUED TO INCREASE.
IN THE MARKET FOR SHOPPING SPACE, DEMAND WAS MAINTAINED WHILE PRICES AND RENTALS GENERALLY HELD STEADY, WITH SOME INCREASES IN RENTALS FOR SHOPS IN PRIME LOCATIONS.
THE DEMAND FOR. OFFICE SPACE CONTINUED TO RISE ALONG WITH A MODERATE INCREASE IN RENTALS IN MANY DISTRICTS, WHILE SUPPLY REMAINED ABUNDANT. THE SALES MARKET FOR OFFICE STRATA WAS ACTIVE AND ATTRACTED MUCH INTEREST.
THE MARKET FOR FACTORY SPACE REMAINED GENERALLY HOWEVER, WELL-LOCATED MODERN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS DESIGNED MANUFACTURING AND ANCILLARY OFFICE USES WERE MORE FAVOURED.
SLUGGISH.
FOR BOTH
/ON INFLATION, ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
12
ON INFLATION, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) MODERATED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM 13.1% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1991 TO 10.1% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992, AND FURTHER TO 9.0% IN BOTH THE SECOND AND THE THIRD QUARTER.
TAKING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1992 AS A WHOLE, THE AVERAGE INCREASE WAS 9.4%. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE CPI(B) AND HANG SENG CPI WERE 9.6% AND 9.9%, WHILE THE COMPOSITE CPI WAS 9.6% HIGHER.
IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS WERE OBSERVED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992.
FIRST, THE MARKET EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, MOVING WITHIN A NARROW RANGE OF HK$7.723 TO HKS7.742 PER U.S. DOLLAR.
THIS REPRESENTED A DEVIATION OF LESS THAN ONE PERCENTAGE POINT FROM THE LINKED RATE.
SECONDLY, REFLECTING THE MOVEMENT OF THE U.S. DOLLAR AGAINST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES DURING THE THIRD QUARTER, THE TRADE-WEIGHTED EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR FELL SLIGHTLY, FROM 110.2 AT THE END OF THE SECOND QUARTER TO 109.6 AT THE END OF THE THIRD QUARTER.
THIRDLY, FOLLOWING A FURTHER EASING IN U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES, LOCAL MONEY MARKET INTEREST RATES ALSO EASED.
DEPOSIT RATES ADMINISTERED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS WERE ADJUSTED DOWNWARDS ACROSS-THE-BOARD BY HALF OF A PERCENTAGE POINT ON JULY 6.
FOURTHLY, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO SHOW A NOTABLE GROWTH DURING THE THIRD QUARTER. THE GROWTH RATE OF THE BROADEST DEFINITION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M3, WAS BROADLY IN LINE WITH THAT OF NOMINAL GDP.
HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS RECORDED A RELATIVELY SLOWER GROWTH THAN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS DURING THE THIRD QUARTER.
IN PARTICULAR, THE GROWTH IN MORTGAGE LOANS SLOWED DOWN FURTHER, ALONG WITH CONSOLI DATION IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET.
FIFTHLY, AFTER A STRONG RALLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER, THE STOCK MARKET CONSOLIDATED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER. THE HANG SENG INDEX STOOD AT 5,505 AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, 10% LOWER THAN AT THE END OF JUNE BUT 28% HIGHER THAN AT THE END OF DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER AMOUNTED TO HK$2.5 BILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER, DOWN FROM HK$3.5 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
SIXTHLY, THE SIZE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS DISCLOSED ON JULY 15. AS AT THE END OF 1991, THE EXCHANGE FUND STOOD AT HK$236 BILLION.
/FOREIGN CURRENCY .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
- 13 -
FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AMOUNTED TO HK$225 BILLION OR U.S.$29 BILLION, AND RANKED 12TH IN THE WORLD.
THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST SAID THAT THE GDP AND PRICE FORECASTS FOR 1992 WERE REVIEWED BY INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS IN THE LIGHT OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS AND THE SHORT-TERM OUTLOOK FOR THE ECONOMY. THE UPDATED FORECASTS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IS MAINTAINED AT 1.5%. THIS HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN RECENT MONTHS, THE IMPROVED ORDERS POSITION, AND THE STEADY GROWTH IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES .
HAVING REGARD TO THE HIGHLY FAVOURABLE OUTTURN SO FAR THIS YEAR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF RE-EXPORTS IS REVISED FURTHER UPWARDS, FROM 25% TO 27%.
WITH THE THE SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA ON SECTION 301 OF THE U.S. TRADE ACT, RE-EXPORTS INVOLVING CHINA SHOULD CONTINUE TO SURGE, THEREBY UNDERPINNING HONG KONG’S OVERALL RE-EXPORT PERFORMANCE. THE RAPID GROWTH IN CHINA’S IMPORTS FOR MEETING ITS OWN DEMAND SHOULD ALSO BOOST RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA.
WITH THE FORECAST OF A HIGHER GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS AND A SLIGHTLY FASTER INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF IMPORTS OF GOODS IS RAISED FROM 19% TO 20.3%.
GIVEN THE FASTER GROWTH IN VISIBLE TRADE AND THE SIGNIFICANT REVIVAL IN TOURISM SO FAR THIS YEAR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF EXPORTS OF SERVICES AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES ARE LIFTED FURTHER, FROM 11% TO 12% AND FROM 10% TO 11% RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE DOMESTIC SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IS REVISED FROM 7.5% TO 8%, IN THE LIGHT OF THE FAVOURABLE OUTTURN SO FAR.
FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, A CONSUMPTION SPENDING CAN BE EXPECTED.
FURTHER STEADY INCREASE IN
THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IS RAISED FROM 6% TO 8%, MAINLY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FASTER INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, WHICH FOR GDP ESTIMATION PURPOSES IS INCLUDED IN GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE.
AS REGARDS INVESTMENT, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION IS REVISED FROM 7.2% TO 6.6%. THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO \ DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT IN EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AS WELL AS IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN, FROM \N INCREASE OF 2.6% TO A DECLINE OF 1.8% IN REAL TERMS, AND FROM ZERO GROWTH TO A DECLINE OF 4.5% IN REAL TERMS.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS BEEN SLACK AND IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN SO IN THE SHORT TERM, ALTHOUGH PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY HAS IMPROVED LATELY.
/ON THE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
- 14
ON THE OTHER HAND, GIVEN THE SUSTAINED RAPID INCREASE IN PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT IS RAISED FURTHER UPWARDS FROM 13.9% TO 17.5%.
OVERALL, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP IS MAINTAINED AT 5%.
GIVEN THE CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY, THE RAPID INCREASES IN SOME OF THE FINAL DEMAND COMPONENTS ARE BEING SUPPORTED TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT BY GREATER IMPORTS, AS DISTINCT FROM LOCAL SUPPLY.
ON CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION, GIVEN THE OUTTURN IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS, THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A), AT 9.5% FOR 1992 AS A WHOLE, SHOULD STILL BE APPLICABLE. SEVERAL FACTORS ARE LIKELY TO AFFECT THE RATE OF INFLATION IN THE SHORT TERM.
ON IMPORTED INFLATION, WORLD COMMODITY PRICES HAVE BEEN SOFT SO FAR THIS YEAR AND ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN SO IN THE COMING MONTHS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE WEAKENING OF THE U.S. DOLLAR EARLIER IN THE YEAR IS BEING REFLECTED IN HIGHER PRICES OF IMPORTS.
ON DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATION, CONTINUED GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY CAN BE EXPECTED TO GENERATE A GREATER DEMAND FOR RESOURCES. MOREOVER, HOUSING RENTALS HAVE BEEN RISING MORE RAPIDLY.
RISING WAGES AND SALARIES AMIDST A RELATIVELY TIGHT LABOUR MARKET WILL ALSO ADD TO THE COST OF SERVICE ITEMS WITH A SIGNIFICANT LABOUR CONTENT.
NEVERTHELESS, SUSTAINED INVESTMENT IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, COUPLED WITH THE ARRIVAL OF FOREIGN WORKERS UNDER THE 1992 LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME, SHOULD HELP TO EXPAND THE PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY OF THE ECONOMY, THEREBY RELIEVING SOME OF THE RESOURCE PRESSURES.
THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR, AS A BROAD OVERALL MEASURE OF INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, IS RAISED FROM 9.5% TO 10%, MAINLY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE MORE RAPID INCREASE EARLIER IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE TERMS OF TRADE (l.E. IMPORT PRICES RISING LESS RAPIDLY THAN EXPORT PRICES, WHICH HAD THE INSTANT EFFECT OF LIFTING, NOT LOWERING, THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR).
NEVERTHELESS, THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR HAS BEEN MODERATING IN RECENT QUARTERS, AS THE MODEST CHANGE IN IMPORT PRICES GRADUALLY FILTERS THROUGH TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY.
THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1992 WILL BE ON SALE ON NOVEMBER 27 XT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE IN GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $30 A COPY .
/FORECAST FOR .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
15
FORECAST FOR 1992 AS RELEASED ON 28.8.1992 (%)
CURRENT UPDATE RELEASED ON 27.1 1. 1992 (%)
GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF :
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 7.5 8
GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 6 8
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION 7.2 6.6
TRANSFER COSTS OF LAND AND BUILDINGS 8 8
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 2.6 -1.8
PRIVATE SECTOR 0 -5
PUBLIC SECTOR 8 5
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN 0 -4.5
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 13.9 17.5
PRIVATE SECTOR 14 18
PUBLIC SECTOR 8.5 0
TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS 17.4 18.7
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 1.5 1.5
RE-EXPORTS 25 27
IMPORTS OF GOODS 19 20.3
EXPORTS OF SERVICES 11 12
IMPORTS OF SERVICES 10 11
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) 5 5
PER CAPITA GDP 3.9 3.9
GROWTH RATE IN MONEY TERMS OF :
GDP 14.9 15.4
PER CAPITA GDP 13.8 14.3
RATE OF INCREASE IN :
GDP DEFLATOR 9.5 10
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) 9.5 9.5
-----0------
/16 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
16
SHORT EXTENSION OF MFA EXPECTED * * * * *
THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AND THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE MULTI FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) RULES WERE BROUGHT GRADUALLY BACK INTO THE GATT SYSTEM WERE EMPHASISED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON OF THE TEXTILE COUNCIL TODAY (FRIDAY), MR TSANG WELCOMED THE BREAKTHROUGH IN THE GATT URUGUAY ROUND (UR) OF MULTILATERAL TRADE TALKS OVER THE PAST WEEK.
’’THE END IS NOW IN SIGHT AND WE MUST ALL WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT THIS WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY IS NOT LOST.
’’FAILURE OF THE ROUND WOULD BE A GREAT SET-BACK TO THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM, AND WOULD IN TURN AFFECT THE ENTIRE TEXTILE INDUSTRY OF HONG KONG.
”AS AN OPEN ECONOMY, WE IN HONG KONG COUNT ON THE OPERATION OF MULTILATERAL RULES TO GOVERN OUR COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD.
”WE NEED A STRONG GATT SYSTEM, A SYSTEM UNDER WHICH WE HAVE DONE SO WELL.
"AND WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE MFA RULES GOVERNING TRADE IN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS ARE BROUGHT GRADUALLY BACK INTO THE GATT SYSTEM," MR TSANG SAID.
THOUGH MUCH WORK REMAINS TO BE DONE TO CONCLUDE THE UR TRADE TALKS, IT IS CLEAR THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A TEXTILES AGREEMENT UNDER THE UR IN PLACE BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THE CURRENT TERM OF THE MFA AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH.
SO IT IS NECESSARY, AS MR TSANG SAID, TO IDENTIFY AN ARRANGEMENT TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE EXPIRY OF THE MFA AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT, HOPEFULLY ON THE FIRST OF JANUARY 1994.
ACCORDING TO MR TSANG, DISCUSSIONS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA HAD STARTED AND HONG KONG HAD PARTICIPATED ACTIVELY IN THE PROCESS WITH A VIEW TO ACHIEVING AN EARLY AGREEMENT.
HE ENSURED MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILE COUNCIL THAT ANY BRIDGING ARRANGEMENT WOULD ENABLE THE TRADE TO CONTINUE, WITHOUT DISRUPTION.
"EXPORTING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES HAVE AGREED A COMMON POSITION UNDER THE UMBRELLA ORGANISATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (ITCB).
"THAT POSITION SEEKS A SHORT EXTENSION OF THE MFA WITH IMPROVEMENT IN MARKET ACCESS, AND IT MEETS OUR PRAGMATIC APPROACH ALTHOUGH THE EXACT DURATION AND TERMS OF EXTENSION HAVE YET TO BE DEFINED.
/”WE ARE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
17
"WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THERE WILL BE /X SATISFACTORY OUTCOME AND THAT THERE WILL BE A SHORT EXTENSION OF THE MFA AGREED -POSSIBLY OF 12 MONTHS - TO SEE US THROUGH TO THE HOPE FOR INTRODUCTION OF THE UR PACKAGE,” MR TSANG SAID.
ON THE WAY FORWARD, HE SAID IF THE UR WAS SUCCESSFULLY WRAPPED UP IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, A VERY GRADUAL, 10-YEAR PHASE OUT OF RESTRICTIONS TO BEGIN IN JANUARY 1994 COULD BE EXPECTED.
BUT, IF THE OUTCOME OF THE ROUND WAS DELAYED, MR TSANG SAID THERE WOULD BE SOME HARD BARGAINING NEXT YEAR.
’’MANY EXPORTING COUNTRIES ARE LOSING PATIENCE WITH THE MFA. IT HAS BEEN EXTENDED AND EXTENDED, WE NEED TO SEE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. WE STAND READY TO RESPOND TO THAT CHALLENGE SHOULD IT COME," HE SAID.
WHILE TALKING ABOUT THE ATTRACTIONS OF THE DRAFT UR TEXT ON TEXTILES WHICH PROVIDES FOR A GRADUAL, 10-YEAR PHASE OUT, MR TSANG CAUTIONED THAT "THE HANDS OF THE IMPORTERS ARE ALSO STRENGTHENED IN CERTAIN RESPECTS”.
"FIRSTLY, IF A PARTY FAILS TO LIVE UP TO ITS GATT OBLIGATIONS, THE GATT COUNCIL MAY AUTHORISE ADJUSTMENT TO THE GROWTH RATES FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD PHASES OF THE AGREEMENT.
"SECONDLY, ON CIRCUMVENTION, IMPORTERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEDUCT QUOTA LEVELS FROM THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND TO INTRODUCE RESTRAINTS ON PLACES RESPONSIBLE FOR FRAUDULENT TRANSHIPMENT, UNILATERALLY ALBEIT AFTER DUE CONSULTATION,” MR TSANG SAID.
HE CALLED ON FULL CO-OPERATION FROM THE TRADE TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S INTERESTS IN THIS AREA.
MR TSANG OUTLINED THE TIME FRAME FOR MFA’S RETURN TO GATT RULES: ASSUMING THAT THE UR PACKAGE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1994, THEN EACH IMPORTING COUNTRY MUST INTEGRATE INTO THE GATT PRODUCTS REPRESENTING 16 PER CENT OF THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS COVERED BY THE AGREEMENT ON THE FIRST DAY OF IMPLEMENTATION; A FURTHER 17 PER CENT BY JANUARY 1997; AND ANOTHER IS PER CENT BY .JANUARY 2001 WHILE THE REMAINING 19 PER ('ENT WILL BE INTEGRATED \T THE END OF THE AGREEMENT WHICH IS JANUARY 2001.
THE PRODUCTS TO BE INTEGRATED AT EACH STAGE KILL INCLUDE A COMBINATION OF TOPS AND YARNS, FABRICS, MADE-UP TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND CLOTHING TO BE CHOSEN BY THE IMPORTING COUNTRY.
"IN PRACTICE, IMPORTING COUNTRIES WILL CHOOSE THE PRODUCTS TO BE PHASED OUT VERY CAREFULLY.
"FEW PRODUCTS
PHASED OUT UNTIL THE
OF XNY REAL TRADE INTEREST TO HONG KONG LATTER STAGES," MR TSANG EXPLAINED.
WILL
BE
"FOR PRODUCTS NOT YET 1NTFGRATED INTO THE GATT, QUOTA LEVEL WILL BE BUILT ON EXISTING RESTRAINT LIMITS, AND DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, BE INCREASED AT \ FASTER RATE THAN THE PRESENT, BY SLIGHTLY ENHANCING THE GROWTH RATES FOR EACH CATEGORY.
/’’FLEXIBILITY PROVISIONS .........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
18
’’FLEXIBILITY PROVISIONS WILL REMAIN THROUGHOUT THE TRANSITION BUT ANY EXISTING CUMULATIVE LIMITS ON THE USE OF SUCH PROVISIONS WILL BE REMOVED,” HE CONTINUED.
ON THE WHOLE, MR TSANG BELIEVED THE UR PACKAGE SHOULD PROVIDE OUR TRADE WITH A GREATER DEGREE OF CERTAINTY OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS ON THE BASIS OF IMPROVED GROWTH LEVELS.
-----0------
GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $143 MILLION *****
TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $143 MILLION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IN A PUBLIC AUCTION THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FIRST LOT IS AT 35-42 KOSE STREET, YAU YAT TSUEN, KOWLOON.
IT WAS SOLD TO SANDSPRINGS LTD AT $98 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $60 MILLION.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,312 SQUARE METRES, THE LAND IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING (OVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA 01 NOT LESS THAN 1,650 SQUARE METRES WITHIN THE TIME LIMIT LAID DOWN tn THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS UPON REDEVELOPMENT.
THE SECOND LOT IS AT MUI WO FERRY PIER ROAD, MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND. IT WAS BOUGHT BY NEW GROW DEVELOPMENT LTD AT THE ONSET PRICE OF $45 MILLION.
THE SITE WHICH HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 741 SQUARE METRES IS EARMARKED FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN, CINEMA AND HOTEL) PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING (’OVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 2,085 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGEN’!, MR ROGER HARDING, IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
-----o------
/19 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
19
UK TO STRENGTHEN TRADE LOBBYING EFFORTS IN U.S.
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO DO A THOROUGHLY GOOD JOB IN CONVINCING THE UNITED STATES ADMINISTRATION, SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN THAT THE MOST IMMEDIATE THREAT TO HONG KONG’S STRONG ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS LAY IN THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE UNITED STATES MIGHT WITHDRAW MOST FAVOURED-NATION (MFN) TRADING STATUS FROM CHINA.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN HE SPOKE IN A FORUM ON ’’HONG KONG TRADE ISSUES” ORGANISED BX THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
MR JACKSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ARGUE THAT EVEN CONDITIONING MFN WAS A HIGH-RISK STRATEGY AND THAT MEASURED MINDS AND STEADY HANDS MUST GUIDE THIS HIGHLY CHARGED ISSUE TO A SENSIBLE CONCLUSION, IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ALL.
"WE ARE REVIEWING THE DETAILS OF OUR LOBBYING MESSAGE AND OUR LOBBYING RESOURCES, WE WILL STRENGTHEN BOTH AND TARGET THEM CAREFULLY.
"AND WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH PRIVATE SECTOR INTERESTS, FOR THEY TOO HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THIS EXERCISE,” HE SAID.
THE TOPIC OF MR JACKSON’S TALK WAS '’HONG KONG IN THE PRESENT WORLD TRADE ENVIRONMENT”.
HE SAID THE WORLD TRADE ENVIRONMENT WAS GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT PATCH WITH A LONG RECESSION AMONG MAJOR WESTERN ECONOMIES AND DIFFICULTIES STILL TO BE OVERCOME IN THE URUGUAY ROUND.
"SO THE CHALLENGES BEFORE US ARE MANY, BUT SO ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES", HE SAID.
HE SAID HF BELIEVED INTERNATIONAL TRADE WAS STILL GROWING.
"THE CERTAINTY’ IS THAT HONG KONG IS BETTER PLACED THAN ALMOST ANY OTHER PLACE ON THIS PLANET TO TAKI ADV\NTAGE OF FUTURE ECONOMIC GROWTH.
"WE FACE ENORMOUS OPPORTUNITIES. THE CHALLENGE IS TO MAKE THE LAST OF THEM,” MR JACKSON SAID.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR JACKSON REFUTED THE COMMON NOTION THAT "HONG KONG’S BORDER WITH CHINA IS VANISHING". HE SAID THIS WAS AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION .
HE FIRMLY ARGUED THAT HONG KONG’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DRAMATIC ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SOUTHERN CHINA COULD BEST BE SAFEGUARDED BY-ENSURING THAT "TUI' BORDER REMAINS \ VERY REAL ONE; THAT IT IS NOT A VANISHING BORDER."
"IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS THAT WE BUILD ON OUR SUCCESSFUI DEX ELOI ‘MENTS AND RE-ENFORCE IN HONG KONG’S SEPARATE ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL STATUS.
CONFIDENCE
CONFIDENCE
/’’THE JOINT ..........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
20
"THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND INDEED THE BASIC LAW, PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) TO RETAIN HONG KONG’S STATUS AS A FREE PORT AND AS A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY; AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, WITH FREE FLOW OF CAPITAL.
"THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE ALREADY IN PLACE," NR JACKSON SAID.
A TIGHTLY CONTROLLED BORDER WAS SO IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG’S SEPARATE ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL STATUS, WHICH WAS WHY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT HAD TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY ACCUSATIONS THAT SOME OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILES QUOTA WAS BEING USED TO COVER SHIPMENTS OF CHINA-MADE GOODS; OR THAT HONG KONG WAS BEING USED AS A TRANSHIPMENT ROUTE FOR FRAUDULENT CONSIGNMENTS.
MR JACKSON ADMITTED THAT NO SYSTEM WAS PERFECT BUT "WE TAKE THESE TRANSGRESSIONS VERY SERIOUSLY."
"NOT ONLY DO THEY BREACH OUR BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENTS, THEY CHIP AWAY AT THE VERY BASIS OF OUR COMMERCIAL AUTONOMY.”
"WE WILL DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO STOP SUCH ACTIVITY, THROUGH BORDER CHECKS, SPOT-CHECKS IN FACTORIES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, CO-OPERATION WITH OTHER CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES, THE GATHERING OF INTELLIGENCE, REWARDING INFORMERS AND THROUGH LEGAL ACTION AGAINST INFRINGEMENTS.
"HONG KONG’S COMMERCIAL AUTONOMY MUST BE VIGOROUSLY ENFORCED TO BE CREDIBLE. THERE MUST BE NO VANISHING BORDER, FOR THE ECONOMIC GOOD OF ALL INVOLVED," HF SAID.
-----o------
HK A VITAL BASE FOR OVERSEAS FIRMS *****
HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT LOCATION FOR OVERSEAS COMPANIES WITH AN INTEREST IN ASIA-PACIFIC, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR IN COLOGNE, GERMANY, MR BARMA SAID MANY ENTERPRISES CHOSE TO SET UP THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND REPRESENTATIONAL OFFICES IN HONG KONG TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITS EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND CLOSE TIES WITHIN THE REGION.
AS AT MID-1991, 880 COMPANIES HAD DONE SO.
REGARDING MANUFACTURI NG, MR BARMA SAID THE TOTAL VALUE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AT ORIGINAL COST AT THE END OF 1991 WAS OVER $84.3 BILLION.
JAPAN WAS THE LEADING SOURCE COUNTRY OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, ACCOUNTING FOR 32 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE. THE UNITED STATES CAME SECOND WITH 28 PER CENT, AND CHINA THIRD WITH 11 PER CENT.
MR BARMA SAID OVER THE YEARS, HONG KONG HAD ESTABLISHED ITS STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND SERVICE CENTRE.
/"THERE ARE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
21
"THERE ARE NOW SOME 480 OVERSEAS BANKS REPRESENTED HERE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE WORLD'S TOP BANKS IN TERMS OF TOTAL ASSETS ARE PRESENT HERE,” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG’S STOCK MARKET WAS AT PRESENT ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST ACTIVE IN ASIA, MR BARMA SAID SOME 400 PUBLIC COMPANIES WERE CURRENTLY LISTED ON THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE, WITH A TOTAL MARKET CAPITALISATION OF ABOUT $1,443 BILLION.
’’THIS HAS MADF HONG KONG THE SECOND LARGEST STOCK MARKET IN ASIA, AFTER JAPAN. MANY OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR SECURITIES HOUSES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE PRESENT HERE,” HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE OPENING OF THE BORDER WITH CHINA IN 1978 GAVE HONG KONG NEW IMPETUS TN ITS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WITH HONG KONG BUSINESS CARRYING ON LOW-COST, HIGH-VOLUME AND LABOUR-INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE BORDER IN GUANGDONG IN SOUTHERN CHINA.
’’THIS HONG KONG/SOUTHERN CHINA PARTNERSHIP NOW HAS A SUCCESSFUL TRACK RECORD OF 14 YEARS,” HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE CLOSE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAD PLACED HONG KONG IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHILE FURTHERING ITS OWN.
’’THE OPENING OF (’HINA AS A MARKET AND A SOURCE OF LABOUR AND LAND FACILITATES THE FURTHER UPGRADING AND TRANSFORMATION OF HONG KONG’S OWN ECONOMY.
’THE FLOURISHING RE-EXPORT TRADE BRINGS BUSINESS NOT ONLY TO OUR TRADERS, BUT ALSO OUR SERVICE SECTOR SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION, FINANCE AND EVEN TOURISM.
"THIS ENHANCES HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN COMMERCIAL AND FTNANCIAL CENTRE.
INTERNATIONAL
’’OUTWARD PROC ESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA ALSO ALLOW HONG KONG COMPANIES TO CONCENTRATE THEIR EFFORTS IN MARKETING AND DEVELOPING MORE CAPITAL INTENSIVE, HIGHER TECHNOLOGY, AND HIGHER VALUE-ADDED MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG AND TO MOVE UP MARKET," HE SAID.
MR BARMA \DDED THAT COMPETITIVE MANUFACTURING INVOLVED THE STRATEGIC LOCATION OF THE LOW-COST ACTIVITIES SO THAT THE MORE COMPLEX ACTIVITIES WERE IN CONVENIENT PROXIMITY.
"THUS AS FAR AS THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG IS CONCERNED , THE SB I FT I NG CF HONG KONG ’ S LABOUR INTENS I VE ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS INTO SOUTHERN CHINA HAS CREATED A STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG TO BECOME A SUPPORT BASE NOT ONLY LN PROVIDING \ VARIETY OF TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICES BUT ALSO IN THE SUPPLY OF MATERIALS, PARTS, COMPONENTS AND TOOLING," HI* SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE RELOCATION PROCESS HAD ALSO ENABLED HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR WORKFORCE TO CONCENTRATE ON THE MORE SKILL-INTENSIVE ACTIVITIES LOCALLY, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING DIRECTLY TO THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN LABOUR PRODUCT IV1TY .
/’’YOU WILL ..........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
’’YOU WILL BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT INVESTMENT IM PLANT AND MACHINERY INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT AND LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY BY 11 PER CENT LAST YEAR.
’’THUS NOTWITHSTANDING THE CHANGES TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC STRUCTURE WHICH HAS BEEN A REDUCED SHARE OE MANUFACTURING TO THE GDP, THE ACTUAL VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT HAS NOT DECLINED AND THERE STILL EXISTS A VER’, STRONG INDUSTRIAL BASE IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
279 RETURN TO VIETNAM t * t *
A GROUP OF 279 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS RETURNED HOME TODAY (FRIDAY) UNDER THE UNHCR VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS RETURNED THIS MONTH TO 1,477.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE FIGURE FOR ONE MONTH HAS SURPASSED THE 1,400 MARK AND IS ALSO THE HIGHEST IN ONE SINGLE MONTH SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS A VERY ENCOURAGING TREND WHICH INDICATED THAT MORE AND MORE VIETNEMESE MIGRANTS WERE REALISING THAT THEIR ONLY FUTURE WAS TO START A NEW LIFE BACK HOME.
’’UNHCR’S ASSISTANCE IN COUNSELLING MIGRANTS IN THE CAMPS AND IN MONITORING THE WELL-BEING OF RETURNEES ARE MAJOR FACTORS FOR. THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMME,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TODAY’S FLIGHT WAS THE SIXTH THIS MONTH AND THE 136TH SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989. THE 279 RETURNEES COMPRISED 110 MEN, 75 WOMEN, 51 BOYS AND 43 GIRLS.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 11,395 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 25,375 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE HIE PROGRAMME STARTED.
CHRISTMAS MAIL ARRANGEMENTS it**
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE LATEST DATE FOR POSTING CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR LOCAL DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS IS DECEMBER I') (SATURDAY).
POSTINGS AFTER THIS DAT!' MIGHT RUN THE RISK OF NOT BEING DELIVERED IN TIME BECAUSE OF ANTICIPATED PRESSURES.
SHE ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PIIBf.li TO POST AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID A LAST-MINUTE RUSH.
/MRS HO
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
23
MRS HO ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT A SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY WOULD BE PROVIDED ON DECEMBER 20 (SUNDAY) AND ON DECEMBER 27.
A SPECIAL COLLECTION SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON DECEMBER 20. NO DELIVERY WILL BE MADE ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY.
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR’S DAY.
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DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION FOR OPERATING NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED TRANSPORT OPERATORS INTERESTED IN RUNNING 19 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES FOR VARIOUS DISTRICTS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE NEXT FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID MORE THAN 500 FORMS HAD ALREADY7 BEEN DISTRIBUTED SINCE APPLICATIONS WERE INVITED ON NOVEMBER 6.
A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING A NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS WILL MEET TO CHOOSE THE OPERATORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD’S ESTABLISHED CRITERIA.
"THESE CRITERIA COVER THE APPLICANT’S EXPERIENCE IN TRANSPORT SERVICE, FINANCIAL RESOURCES, MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES AND THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF HIS VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED, INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR ANY APPLICANT WHO IS IN PARTNERSHIP OR INTENDS TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS FOR OPERATING THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, THE SPOKESMAN PROPOSED A COMPANY BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE APPLICATION BE MADE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
24
CLOSING TIME AT LOK MA CHAU BORDER EXTENDED * * * * *
THE CLOSING TIME OF LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING FOR GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE FURTHER EXTENDED FROM R PM TO 10 PM WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE EXTENSION FOLLOWED RECENT DISCUSSIONS AND AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO COPE WITH THE GROWING (’ROSS BORDER TRAFFIC.
THE OPENING TIME FOR THE CROSSING WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT 7 AM.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT WOULD HELP TO SPREAD TRAFFIC DEMAND, THUS EASING CONGESTION," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TWO TUNNEL COMPANIES DECLARED AS PUBLIC BODIES *****
THE LISI OF PUBLIC BODIES UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE IS AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE OPERATORS OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
UNDER THE AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE (NO. 2) ORDER 1992 OF THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE GAZETTED TODA^ (FRIDAY), THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED AND THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED ARE LISTED AS PUBLIC BODIES.
THE INCLUSION OF THESE TWO COMPANIES IN THE SCHEDULE MEANS THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS OR MEMBERS AS WELL AS PERSONS HAVING DEALINGS WITH THE TWO COMPANIES ARE SUBJECT TO THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED HAS ALREADY BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE.
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/25 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
- 25
PRE-WAR BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL DECLARED DANGEROUS
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (FRIDAY) DECLARED FIVE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS ON TUNG MAN STREET IN CENTRAL DANGEROUS, AND 10 OTHER BUILDINGS ON THE SAME STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
THE BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ARE AT 3, 5, 19, 29 AND 31 TUNG MAN STREET, AND THOSE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS ARE AT 7, 9, 21, 23, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37 AND 39 OF THE STREET.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID ALL THE BUILDINGS WERE BUILT BEFORE THE WAR.
THEY ALL HAD LOAD-BEARING WALLS AND NEARLY ALL HAD TIMBER FLOOR AND ROOF JOISTS, HE ADDED.
THE BUILDINGS AT 15 AND 17 OF THE STREET WERE A PARTIALLY REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMED STRUCTURE WITH LOAD-BEARING PARTY-WALLS SHARED WITH THOSE AT 13 AND 19.
SOME OF THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS WERE SHOWING SIGNS OF DILAPIDATION.
THE LOAD-BEARING PARTY-WALLS TN A NUMBER OF CASES WERE CONSIDERED DEFECTIVE AS EVIDENCED BY MANY FRACTURES IN AND THROUGH THE PARTY-WALLS, ERODED BRICKWORK AND BULGING PARTY-WALLS.
THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER MEMBERS IN THE BUILDINGS WAS POOR WITH DEFECTIVE TIMBERS IN NEARLY ALL THE BUILDINGS, IN PARTICULAR THE ROOFS.
THE CONDITION OF THE BUILDINGS LED TO CONCERN OVER PUBLIC SAFETY IN THIS NARROW AND WELL-USED PUBLIC THOROUGHFARE AS EVIDENCED BY THE TEMPORARY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN RESPECT OF SOME BUILDINGS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET AT 20-26 AND 30.
THESE BUILDINGS WERE CLOSED UNDER EMERGENCY ORDERS ON NOVEMBER 3 THIS YEAR OWING TO IMMINENT DANGER ARISING FROM SEVERE DEFECTS IN THE STRUCTURAL WALLS AND TIMBER STRUCTURAL MEMBERS.
THE BUILDINGS AT 11 AND 13 OF TUNG MAN STREET WERE CLOSED EARLIER BECAUSE OF THEIR DANGEROUS CONDITION AND ARE AWAITING DEMOLITION.
THE BUILDINGS AT 3-9 AND 19-39 OF TUNG MAN STREET ARE STRUCTURALLY DEPENDANT ON EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT AND CANNOT WITHSTAND DEMOLITION OF ADJOINING BUILDINGS.
THEY SHOULD ALL BE DEMOLISHED IN ONE OPERATION IN THE INTERESTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY ALONG WITH THOSE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET.
/SOME OF .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
26
SOME OF THE AFFECTED BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN RESUMED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT HAS BEEN ADVISED TO TAKE CONCURRENT ACTION IN RESPECT OF THE BUILDINGS UNDER HIS CONTROL, THAT IS THOSE AT 7, 9, 19, 21, 23, 33 AND 39 TUNG MAN STREET.
IN VIEW OF THE ANTICIPATED SHORT LIFE OF THE BUILDINGS, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT HAS ALSO BEEN ADVISED TO DEMOLISH THE BUILDING AT 15-17 OF TUNG MAN STREET BECAUSE OF THE EXTENSIVE WORKS REQUIRED TO RETAIN THIS BUILDING.
SIMILAR RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVEN TO THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT IN RESPECT OF NO. 41.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN RESPECT OF NOS. 3, 5, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35 AND 37 TUNG MAN STREET ON DECEMBER 30, 1992 WERE POSTED ON THE BUILDINGS TODAY.
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FLAG DAYS LINED UP FOR 1993 * * * * *
A TOTAL OF 51 ORGANISATIONS WILL HOLD FLAG DAYS TO RAISE FUNDS FROM JANUARY 2 NEXT YEAR, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
FOUR OF THEM WILL HOLD THEIR FLAG DAYS ON TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY MORNINGS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE FLAG DAYS ORGANISED BY THE OTHERS WILL FALL ON SATURDAY MORNINGS AS USUAL.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT RESTRICTED TO SATURDAY MORNINGS.
THAT TRADITIONALLY, FLAG SELLING
WAS
HOWEVER, APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS HAVE BEEN INCREASING EACH YEAR. IN 1991 AND 1992, 44 FLAG DAYS WERE ALLOCATED AS AGAINST 47 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR 1991 AND 63 FOR 1992,” HE SAID.
IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR MORE FLAG DAYS, OTHERWISE DESERVING APPLICATIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE REJECTED, HE ADDED.
TO RESTRICT THE NUMBER OF FLAG DAYS WILL NOT ONLY DENY OPPORTUNITIES TO RAISE FUNDS FOR WORTHY CAUSES, BUT WILL ALSO MEAN THAT THE POTENTIAL FOR HOLDING FLAG DAYS CANNOT BE FULLY EXPLOITED,” HE SAID.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THEREFORE CONSIDERS THAT TIME HAD COME TO ALLOW THE EXTENSION OF FLAG DAYS '1’0 NON-SATURDAYS FOR GENUINELY DESERVING APPLICANTS.
THE PROPOSAL WAS DISCUSSED AND ENDORSED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WHICH IS THE APPROVING AUTHORITY OF FLAG DAY ALLOCAT ION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/’’THUS, FOR ..........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
27
’’THUS, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG, FOUR ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ALLOWED, ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS, TO HOLD THEIR FLAG DAYS ON WEEKDAYS,” HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CONTACT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 892 5278 OR ITS HOTLINE 343 2255 IN CASE OF ANY DOUBTS ABOUT ANY PARTICULAR WELFARE ORGANISATION, HE SAID.
HE APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO ADOPT PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD, ADDING THAT THEY SHOULD EXERCISE GREATER EFFORTS IN MONITORING THEIR FLAG SELLING ACTIVITIES.
THE ORGANISERS WERE ADVISED TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES AND THE TIME FOR SELLING, AND THE COLLECTION POINTS FOR BAGS.
’’FLAG-DAY ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS OF FLAGS OR COLLECTION BAGS, AND SEEK HELP WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND,” HE SAID.
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EXAM FEE FOR CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY REVISED
THE EXAMINATION FEE FOR THE ISSUE OR ENDORSEMENT OF A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY UNDER THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS REGULATION HAS BEEN ADJUSTED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
THE ADJUSTMENT IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THE FEE FOR CARRYING OUT THE EXAMINATION, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OR ENDORSEMENT OF A CERTIFICATE TO QUALIFIED CANDIDATE, HAS BEEN RAISED FROM $330 TO $450,” SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY WERE ISSUED UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS ORDINANCE TO CERTIFY THAT THE HOLDERS ARE COMPETENT TO OPERATE SPECIFIED TYPE OF BOILERS AND STEAM RECEIVERS, OR TO ENDORSE THAT THE HOLDER IS COMPETENT TO OPERATE ONE OR MORE TYPES OF BOILERS AND STEAM RECEIVERS IN ADDITION TO THE TYPE SPECIFIED IN THE CERTIFICATE.
THE FEE WAS LAST REVISED IN AUGUST 1989 AND THE PRESENT REVISION TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE COSTING IN RESPECT OF THE EXAMINATION.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE EXAMINATION FEES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 852 4179.
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/28 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
28
TENDERS FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVISION TO CUSTOMS & EXCISE DEPARTMENT *****
TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS STARTING FROM THE DATE OF ACCEPTANCE.
AS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE VEHICLES WILL BE USED TO TRANSPORT ANY CONFISCATED GOODS IN AND OUT OF STOREHOUSES WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF HONG KONG.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE TOTAL HIRING FREQUENCIES WILL BE IN THE REGION OF 500 TIMES.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SUPPLIES SECTION OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, HARBOUR BUILDING, EIGHTH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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OWNERS ALERTED ON IMPOSTERS
*****
T H E LABOU R 1) EP ARTMEN T
OWNERS TO BE WAT( JHFUL FOR PEOPLE DEPARTMENT.
TODAY (FRIDAY) ADVISED
IMPERSONAT I NG AS OFFICERS
COMPANY
OF THE
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE OPERATOR OF A FOOD COMPANY IN SHA TIN HAD RECEIVED A CALL FROM SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE A LABOUR OFFICER SEEKING DONATIONS IN THE FORM OF BUYING PORCELAIN PLATES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS WOULD NOT NORMALLY APPROACH THE PUBLIC FOR CASH DONATIONS.
’’WHERE DONATION IS OFFERED AS A GOODWILL GESTURE TOWARDS THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROMOTIONAL EVENTS, THE PUBLIC COULD ALWAYS APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT DIRECTLY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”IF OWNERS HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT A ('ALLER’S IDENTITY, THEY SHOULD ASK FOR HIS CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER OR ADDRESS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES," HE SAID.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO CHECK WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR REPORT
IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION," HE ADDED.
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/29 ........
FRIDAS , NOVEMBER 27, 1992
29 CONSTRUCTION OF COLUMBARIUM AT CAPE COLLINSON *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SIXTH COLUMBARIUM BLOCK AT CAPE COLLINSON CREMATORIUM.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEVEN-STOREY COLUMBARIUM BLOCK THAT PROVIDES A TOTAL OF 19,894 STANDARD NICHES EACH MEASURING 220 MM HIGH, 270 MM WIDE AND 410 MM DEEP.
THE CONTRACTOR HAS TO PROVIDE STAIRCASES AND A PASSENGER LIFT WITHIN THE BLOCK. AN ANCILLARY TOILET BLOCK ADJACENT TO THE COLUMBARIUM BLOCK WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
GROUND FLOOR OF THE TOILET BLOCK WILL HAVE BOTH MALE AND FEMALE TOILETS WHILE ITS FIRST FLOOR WILL ACCOMMODATE A FIRE SERVICES TANK AND A REPROVISIONED FRESH WATER STORAGE TANK.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED LN JUNE 1994.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 18.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34'1’11 FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, G6 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
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RECONSTRUCTION OF FOOTBRIDGE IN TAI 0
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE AT HANG MEI, TAI O, ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE NEW FOOTBRIDGE, OF REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, WILL REPLACE THE ADJACENT SUBSTANDARD FOOTBRIDGE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDER DOCUMENTS \RE OBTAINABLE FROM THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/NEW TERRITORIES, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, ROOM 314, HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 88 (HUNG HAU STREET, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES CAN BI MADE ON TEE 762 3519 OR 762 3544.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN HIE PUBLK WORKS TENDER BOX, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18.
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/30 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
30
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS IN TSUEN WAN AND TUFN MUN TO HELP IMPROVE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE FORMER DISTRICT AS WELL AS BOTH FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLIES TO EASTERN TUEN MUN.
THE FIRST CONTRACT INVOLVES THE LAYING OF FRESH WATER MAINS ALONG A NEW ROAD CALLED ROAD 2/1, YEUNG UK ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN.
THE PROJECT CONSTITUTES THE REMAINING WORKS IN THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TREATMENT AND TRANSFER FACILITIES AT YAU KAM TAU, TSUEN WAN.
WORKS INCLUDE THE LAYING OF 830 METRES OF MILD STEEL FRESH WATER MAINS WITH DIAMETERS RANGING FROM 600 TO 1,000 MILLIMETRES ALONG ROAD 2/1 AS WELL AS THE LAYING OF 850 METRES OF DUCTILE IRON FRESH WATER MAINS OF 400 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER ALONG YEUNG UK ROAD AND TEXACO ROAD.
THE SECOND CONTRACT, ON THE OTHER HAND, INVOLVES THE LAYING OF 800 METRES OF DUCTILE IRON FRESH WATER MAINS WITH DIAMETERS RANGING FROM 250 TO 100 MILLIMETRES ALONG TAI LAM CHUNG ROAD.
THE CONTRACTOR IS ALSO REQUIRED TO LAY 2,700 METRES AND GOO METRES OF DUCTILE IRON SALT WATER MAINS FROM (ASTLE PEAK ROAD TO TAI LAM CHUNG AND ALONG SO KWUN WAT ROAD FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO SO KWUN WAT ROAD UNDERPASS RESPECTIVELY. THE DIVMETERS RANGE FROM 200 TO 600 MILLIMETRES.
WORKS UNDER BOTH CONTRACTS VRE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY Bl- OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, I I TH MOOR, WANUIIAI TOWER 2, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL (LOSE AT NOON OX DECEMBER IB.
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/31 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME EXTENDS TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLANS TO EXTEND THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME (SMI) TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS NEXT SEPTEMBER AND TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1991, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (FI? I DAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL SPEECH DAY, MR WONG SAID THE SMI WAS AN EXCELLENT WAY OF DEVOLVING AUTHORITY TO SCHOOLS TO MANAGE THEIR OWN FINANCES AND AFFAIRS MORE FLEXIBLY.
"IT IS ALSO ANOTHER EXCELLENT WAY OF ENCOURAGING THE PARTICIPATION OF TEACHERS, PASI STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR SCHOOLS," IIF SAID.
MR WONG SAID SMI WOULD HELP ENHANCE COMMUNICATION, DETERMINE SCHOOL OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVE MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES, ALL OF WHICH WOULD BENEFIT STUDENTS.
SO FAR, ONLY 3 1 SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD JOINED THE SCHEME. MANY MORE WOULD ENROL WHEN FURTHER APPLICATIONS WERE INVITED NEXT MARCH.
"I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF TEACHERS, PAST STUDENTS AND PARENTS WISHED TO REMAIN ’SILENT PARTNERS’ FOR LONG," MR WONG SAID.
EARLIER, HE COMPLIMENTED HIE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR FORMAL I SING CH ANNULS OF C’OMMUNI CATION AMONG TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS BY SETTING UP A STAFF ADVISORY COUNCIL AND A STUDENT COUNCIL.
MR WONG SAID THESE WERE INGREDIENTS WHICH WOULD FIT IN WELL WITH THE CONCEPT OF WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE, WHICH THE DEPARTMENT WAS ACTIVELY PROMOTING.
HE ADDED TH \T HE INTENDED TO STRENGTHEN THE THREE-WAY C HANNEL OF COMMUNICATION THROUGH THE SETTING UP OI A CENTRALISED COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR.
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL
THE 14TH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WILL START ON DECEMBER 20 AND LAST UNTIL JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT’S CULTURE AND RECRF. \TION CO-ORDINATION ASSOC I AT I ON , THE ANNUAL EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PERFORMING ARTS AND ENCOURAGING ACTIVE PARTICI PATION BY LOCAL GROUPS.
/ON OFFER
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1992
32
ON OFFER WILL BE A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMES INCLUDING CANTONESE OPERAS, POP CONCERTS, DRAMAS, VARIETY SHOWS AND FILMS.
THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY TWO TROUPES FROM CHINA.
TICKETS FOR THE PROGRAMMES ARE NOW ON SALE AT URBTIX OUTLETS.
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FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER
* * t *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 14 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING \RE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE:
DATE TIME
DEC EMBER 1 CTUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DEI EMBER 2 (WEDNESDAY) 0.01 AM - 1 1 .59 PM
DECEMBER 3 (THURSDAY) 0.01 AM - 1 1 .59 PM
DECEMBER 4 (FRIDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 7 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 8 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 9 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 10 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 1 1 (ERI DAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 14 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DEC EMBER 15 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 16 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 1 7 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DEC EMBER 18 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
/33 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27
1992
33
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * * * *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500 REVERSAL OF LAF NIL BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY +1,300 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,800
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 113.6 *+0.2* 27.11.92
B. ir ।
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT exchange FUND BONDS
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.90 PCT 15 MONTHS 2102 5.50 101.23 4.49
1 MONTH 3.73 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 101.22 4.68
3 MONTHS 3.80 PCT 21 MONTHS 2408 4.375 99.28 4.87
6 MONTHS 3.92 PCT 12 MONTHS 4.36 PCT TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS CLOSED 27 NOVEMBER 1992 24 MONTHS AND BONDS - 24 1 1 5,529MN 4.625 99.28 5.08
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN FROM JAPAN ..................... 1
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 .......................... 2
GOVT ASTONISHED BY CT9 STATEMENT ................................... 2
STATEMENT ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 .................................. 3
GOVT PLANS FOR FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES ........................... 4
GREENING STRATEGY IS NEEDED FOR HONG KONG .......................... 5
CONDOLENCES TO ICAC HEAD'S FAMILY .................................. 5
EMPLOYER FINED FOR NOT PAYING COMPENSATION ......................... 6
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CONCLUDES TOMORROW ...................... 6
ARTS AND CULTURE COCKTAIL CARNIVAL ................................. 7
GOVT PLANS TO EXTEND PIER ON SOUTH LAMMA ........................... 8
EDUCATION STAFF AWARDED FOR IONG SERVICE ........................... 8
BUILDING SAFETY ACTIVITY CONTINUES ................................. 9
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS ................................. 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 10
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992 - 1 -
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN FROM JAPAN
*****
I’VE HAD AN EXTREMELY USEFUL AND SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO JAPAN. AS YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE PURPOSES WAS TO ATTEND THE HONGKONG-JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE WHICH HAD A VERY GOOD MEETING. I ALSO HAD AN OFFICIAL VISIT AND MET THE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER, THE JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER, THE JAPANESE FINANCE MINISTER, THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND A NUMBER OF OTHER JAPANESE POLITICAL LEADERS; I MET A NUMBER OF JAPANESE BUSINESS LEADERS AT THE KEIDANREN AND ALSO MADE A NUMBER OF SPEECHES, INCLUDING ONE AS YOU KNOW, YESTERDAY AT A LUNCH ATTENDED, I THINK, BY ALMOST 700 HUNDRED PEOPLE. SO IT WAS A VERY GOOD VISIT. IT UNDERPINNED OUR STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH JAPAN. WE HAVE AN EXCELLENT COMMERCIAL AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH JAPAN. JAPAN ARE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS, AND I WAS DELIGHTED TO HAVE THE OPPPORTUNITY OF TALKING VERY CANDIDLY TO JAPANESE LEADERS OVER THE LAST THREE DAYS. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO PAYING MANY FUTURE VISITS TO JAPAN OVER THE NEXT FOUR AND A HALF YEARS WHICH I HOPE WILL HELP TO STRENGTHEN THE LINKS BETWEEN OUR COMMUNITIES.
PERHAPS I CAN JUST SAY ONE OTHER THING. I WAS EXTREMELY SAD TODAY TO LEARN OF THE DEATH OF PETER ALLEN. HE WAS ONE OF THE LAST SENIOR OFFICIALS THAT 1 SAW BEFORE I LEFT FOR TOKYO. PETER WAS AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT. HE HAD WORKED ENORMOUSLY HARD, VERY CONSCIENTIOUSLY OVER THE YEARS FOR HONG KONG. HIS CAREER WAS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC SERVICE. 1 AM SURE THAT I SPEAK FOR EVERYONE IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, ALL HIS COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN EXTENDING MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND TO HIS FAMILY. IT WAS A GREAT SHOCK TO ALL HIS FRIENDS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND I’M SURE A GREAT SHOCK TO EVERYONE IN HONG KONG WHO KNEW HIM AND LIKED HIM AS WE DID.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, ARE YOU FRUSTRATED THAT THE JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER DID NOT SUPPORT YOU OPENLY ABOUT YOUR POLITICAL PROPOSALS?
GOVERNOR: DID YOU ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE I LEFT FOR TOKYO? DID YOU COME HERE? IF YOU HAD DONE, YOU WOULD HAVE HEARD ME SAY THAT I RECOGNISED THAT THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT RECKONED THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS PRIMARILY A MATTER FOR PEKING AND LONDON AND HONG KONG. AND THAT WAS THEIR POSITION AND WOULD BE THEIR POSITION. THEY WERE OBVIOUSLY INTERESTED IN DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG, THAT THEY RECOGNISED THOSE DIPLOMATIC GUIDELINES. THEREFORE, I CAN’T HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED SINCE I HADN’T EXPECTED TO HAPPEN WHAT YOU CLAIM WOULD HAVE DISAPPOINTED ME, HAD IT NOT HAPPENED, IF YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN. I SAID THAT AT EVEN GREATER LENGTH YESTERDAY WITH EVEN MORE DOUBLE NEGATIVES.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, GUO FENGMIN’S COMMENTS ABOUT CT9 - DOES THAT INDICATE THAT THERE IS NO RESPITE TN THE CHINESE DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE AGAINST YOUR REFORMS OR AGAINST YOUR PROGRAMME?
/GOVERNOR: I
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
2
GOVERNOR: I DON’T WANT TO SPEND THE NEXT DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS DEBATING UNREASONABLE ARGUMENTS. THE FACTS SPEAK VERY CLEARLY FOR THEMSELVES. WHAT I WANT TO DO, WHATEVER OTHER PEOPLE MAY BE SEEKING, IS TO WORK AND ARGUE FOR WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I WANT TO WORK FOR THEIR PROSPERITY AND THEIR STABILITY AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE. AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THAT VERY IMPORTANT ENDEAVOUR.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
------------------------0------- *
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 ♦ * * * ♦
THE ATTACK BY THE CHINESE SIDE ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 IS VERY DIFFICULT TO COMPREHEND AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE TAKING IT UP WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL IN TOKYO, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ’’THE LAND FOR THE CONTAINER TERMINAL WAS AGREED AS A GRANT THROUGH THE LAND COMMISSION IN THE NORMAL WAY UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION.”
’’THERE IS NO QUESTION OF A FRANCHISE AFTER 1997.”
HE SAID A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD HAVE BEEN ASTONISHED BY THE STATEMENT YESTERDAY AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CERTAINLY BE TAKING THAT UP WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
"IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO FOUNDING WHATSOEVER,” HE ADDED.
------0-------
GOVT ASTONISHED BY CT9 STATEMENT
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, LIKE MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, ARE ASTONISHED BY AMBASSADOR GUO’S STATEMENT ON THE CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 (CT9) YESTERDAY, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS, SIR DAVID SAID: "THIS MORNING THE POLITICAL ADVISER CALLED IN THE NCNA’S REPRESENTATIVE, AND EXPRESSED OUR SURPRISE AND CONCERN.
"IN PARTICULAR, WE ARE SURPRISED THAT NO ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO CHECK THE FACTS WITH US OR WITH THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, BEFORE THE STATEMENT WAS ISSUED.
"THE FACTS ARE THAT CT9 WILL BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE TERMS OE A LAND GRANT AS IS USUAL WITH CONTAINER TERMINALS. NO OTHER FORM OF CONTRACT OR FRANCHISE IS INVOLVED.
/FURTHERMORE, THE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
3
’’FURTHERMORE, THE GRANT OF LAND FOR CT9 WAS APPROVED BY THE LAND COMMISSION IN MARCH THIS YEAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANNEX III OF THE JOINT DECLARATION,” HE SAID.
’’WE ARE DOING OUR VERY BEST TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. WE RECOGNISE THAT A GOOD RELATIONSHIP IS VITAL FOR THE CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. BUT CO-OPERATION IS DIFFICULT UNLESS THE CHINESE SIDE TAKES A REASONABLE AND RATIONAL APPROACH.”
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION, SIR DAVID SAID: "I DON’T BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANY CONNECTION WHATSOEVER BETWEEN THE DIFFICULTIES WE ARE HAVING OVER THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG WITH THE CHINESE SIDE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHICH ARE CLEARLY IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.”
"WE CERTAINLY WOULD HOPE THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO QUESTION OF ONE AFFECTING THE OTHER. I DON’T THINK HONG KONG PEOPLE EXPECT THAT TO HAPPEN EITHER."
ASKED IF HE WAS CONCERNED ON THE EFFECT THIS MIGHT HAVE ON INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE, HE SAID: "CLEARLY SUCH STATEMENTS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE AN EFFECT ON THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY IF THEY ARE MADE WITHOUT FOUNDATION.
"THEY CAN DO DAMAGE, AND IT’S FOR THAT REASON THAT WE THINK THAT ANY SUCH STATEMENT SHOULD BE VERY CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BEFORE THEY’RE MADE."
---------0-----------
STATEMENT ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9
*****
THE POLITICAL ADVISER TODAY (SATURDAY) EXPRESSED TO NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY THE GREAT SURPRISE AND CONCERN OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT AMBASSADOR GUO’S STATEMENT OF YESTERDAY (NOVEMBER 27) ABOUT CONTAINER TERMINAL 9.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE PARTICULARLY SURPRISED THAT NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO CHECK THE FACTS WITH THEM OR WITH THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP BEFORE THE STATEMENT WAS ISSUED.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONTAINER TERMINAL. 9 WILL BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE TERMS OF A LAND GRANT AS IS USUAL WITH CONTAINER TERMINALS.
NO OTHER FORM OF CONTRACT OR FRANCHISE IS INVOLVED.
THE GRANT OF LAND FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 WAS APPROVED IN THE LAND COMMISSION IN MARCH THIS YEAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF ANNEX III OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 30), HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT WILL BE RAISING THIS MATTER WITH THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR IN LONDON.
--------0 - -
/4 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
4
GOVT PLANS FOR FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A FLOODWAY AND CONCRETE NULLAH WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 20.6 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED IN SHAN PUI RIVER TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN YUEN LONG AREAS.
THE WORK WILL START IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED ABOUT MID-1997.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDS TO DREDGE A FAIRWAY WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 14.49 HECTARES OF SEABED AT THE TYPHOON SHELTER IN TUEN MUN.
THE DREDGING WORK IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE DRAUGHT FOR FULLY LADEN BARGES TO USE THE FUTURE PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING AREA IN AREA 16.
THE WORK WILL START IN FEBRUARY AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE EXTENT OF THE TWO AREAS AFFECTED ARE DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THAT DATE, THAT IS, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 26.
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.
THE GOVERNMENT NOTICES, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLANS, CAN BE SEEN ON THE NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITES.
THE PLANS CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED). AND AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
--------0------------
/5 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
5
GREENING STRATEGY IS NEEDED FOR HONG KONG
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT PEOPLE’S DESIRE NOT TO LOOSE THEIR FUNDAMENTAL LINKS WITH NATURE AND JOY IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT MEANT THAT THE "GREENING OF HONG KONG" IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME.
SPEAKING AT THE 1992 SHELL BETTER ENVIRONMENT AWARDS SCHEME PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, DR REED SAID THE MAJORITY OF THE ENTRIES TO THE SCHEME WERE CONCERNED WITH GREEN AND GROWING THINGS.
COMPARED WITH 15 OR EVEN 10 YEARS AGO, DR REED SAID, THERE HAD BEEN GREAT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION, AND THE PROVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE AND SOLID WASTE.
"BUT OUR COMMUNITY WILL ALWAYS PERCEIVE THEIR ENVIRONMENT TO BE POOR UNTIL WE SEE MORE GREENERY ABOUT OUR STREETS AND MORE OPEN SPACES WITHIN OUR ENVIRONMENT," HE SAID.
DR REED ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS HAD PAID MUCH ATTENTION TO GREENERY, ALL THESE EFFORTS WAS ON A PROJECT-BY-PROJECT BASIS.
"MOVES ARE ALREADY AFOOT TO FORMULATE A TERRITORIAL LANDSCAPE STRATEGY AND THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS VERY RECENTLY ESTABLISHED A WORKING GROUP TO DRAW UP A LONG-TERM COMPREHENSIVE TREE PLANTING STRATEGY FOR THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG.
"WITH THESE AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTS, WE ARE EVIDENTLY LOOKING AT A MORE ORCHESTRATED APPROACH, WHICH CAN’T BE ANYTHING BUT GOOD NEWS FOR THE GREENING OF HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
------0-------
CONDOLENCES TO ICAC HEAD’S FAMILY *****
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID FORD, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, MR PETER ALLAN:
"I AM SHOCKED AND SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE SUDDEN DEATH OF PETER ALLAN THIS MORNING. HE WAS A FINE MAN, MUCH RESPECTED BY US ALL AND DOING A GREAT JOB AS HEAD OF THE ICAC. I WILL MISS HIM GREATLY AS A FRIEND AND A COLLEAGUE. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES GO TO HIS WIFE LIZ AND TO ALL HIS FAMILY."
--------0-----------
/6.........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
6
EMPLOYER FINED FOR NOT PAYING COMPENSATION
*****
EMPLOYERS ARE LIABLE TO HEAVY FINES FOR NOT MAKING PERIODICAL PAYMENTS WITHIN A TIME LIMIT TO EMPLOYEES INJURED If WORK, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) MR JOHN SUNG SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR SUNG MADE THE REMINDER FOLLOWING A CASE IN WHICH AN EMPLOYER WAS CONVICTED OF FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE WELFFNY SNACK SHOP CONGEE NOODLE AND SWEET WAS FINED $2,000 BY A SHA TIN MAGISTRATE FOR TWO SUMMONSES FOR NOT PAYING AN INJURED EMPLOYEE HIS ENTITLED COMPENSATION FOR TEMPORARY INCAPACITY CAUSED BY A WORK ACCIDENT WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD.
MR SUNG POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE ORDINANCE, AN INJURED EMPLOYEE IS ENTITLED TO PERIODICAL PAYMENTS DURING HIS PERIOD OF INCAPACITY AT A RATE OF TWO-THIRDS OF HIS MONTHLY EARNINGS, AND THE PAYMENTS ARE PAYABLE WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE EMPLOYEE’S NORMAL PAY DAY.
"WHERE AN EMPLOYER OBJECTS TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT MAY ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT TO BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE STATING THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION AND REQUIRING PAYMENT TO BE MADE WITHIN 21 DAYS," HE EXPLAINED.
ANY EMPLOYER FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000.
MR SUNG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A NEW DIRECT SETTLEMENT SYSTEM HAS COME INTO OPERATION.
"UNDER THE SYSTEM, AN EMPLOYER MAY ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT, EITHER WRITTEN OR VERBAL, WITH HIS EMPLOYEE ON COMPENSATION FOR WORK-RELATED INJURIES RESULTING IN NO PERMANENT INCAPACITY AND INVOLVING SICK LEAVE OF NOT MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CONCLUDES TOMORROW
*****
THE MONTH-LONG SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH A STAR-STUDDED VARIETY SHOW AT THE FOUNTAIN PLAZA OF WAH KWAI ESTATE, BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM.
IN ADDITION TO PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR LOCAL SINGERS, THERE WILL BE AN ACROBATIC SHOW.
ADMISSION IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
/OFFICIATING GUESTS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
7
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE; THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MRS SO CHAU YIM-PING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - 0 - -
ARTS AND CULTURE COCKTAIL CARNIVAL ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE MONTH WILL CLOSE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH A SPECIAL CARNIVAL AT THE GARDEN PLAZA OF HONG KONG PARK, BEGINNING AT 12.30 PM.
THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARTS AND CRAFTS STALLS, A STREET DRAMA, CHINESE AND WESTERN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS DEMONSTRATIONS AS WELL AS A PROSE RECITATION BY A GROUP OF PRIMARY STUDENTS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING POPULAR LOCAL SINGERS.
A JOINT PRESENTATION WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON THE RADIO STATION’S CHANNEL TWO FROM 3 PM.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE MONTH, TO BE HELD AS PART OF THE CARNIVAL.
ADMISSION FOR THE CARNIVAL IS FREE AND ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE GARDEN PLAZA OF HONG KONG PARK.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
8
GOVT PLANS TO EXTEND PIER ON SOUTH LAMMA
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO EXTEND THE PIER AT MO TAT WAN, SOUTH LAMMA.
THE PROPOSED WORKS WILL AFFECT AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,640 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED. THE NEW PIER WILL PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO SHORE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.
THE WORK WILL START IN MARCH AND COMPLETE AROUND JULY NEXT YEAr.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THAT DATE, THAT IS, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 26.
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.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED) AND AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
--------0-----------
EDUCATION STAFF AWARDED FOR LONG SERVICE
*****
A TOTAL OF 303 MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF RANKS FROM WORKMAN II TO SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND HAD A COMBINED SERVICE OF MORE THAN 8,200 YEARS TODAY (SATURDAY) RECEIVED LONG SERVICE AWARDS.
THE MAJORITY OF RECIPIENTS - TOTALLING 105 - ARE CERTIFIED MASTERS/MISTRESSES, SOME OF WHOM BEGAN THEIR TEACHING CAREER IN 1956.
OF THE TOTAL, 166 HAD BEEN IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE FOR 30 YEARS AND 137 FOR 20 YEARS.
AMONG THE RECIPIENTS WHO RECEIVED THE 30-YEAR LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICES CERTIFICATES WERE THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR ROBERT LO CHUN-HANG WHO IS NOW ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR WONG SIK-WAH, AT PRESENT ACTING SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (DEVELOPMENT).
/THEY ALSO ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
9
THEY ALSO INCLUDED LECTURERS AND ASSISTANT LECTURERS, PRINCIPALS AND VICE-PRINCIPALS OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
PRESENTING THE AWARDS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAD RETIRED.
"THEIR CONTRIBUTION IS ADMIRABLE AND THEIR SERVICE WOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN," HE SAID.
FOR THOSE STILL WITH THE DEPARTMENT, HE LOOKED TOWARDS THEIR CONTINUED DEDICATED TASK OF SERVING THE PUBLIC AND PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
------0-------
BUILDING SAFETY ACTIVITY CONTINUES
*****
ANOTHER ROUND OF BUILDING SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN KWAI CHUNG, STARTING TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THE BUILDING SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE CAMPAIGN TAKES AN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH BY IMPRESSING ON PROPERTY OWNERS THAT IT IS THEIR JOB TO KEEP THEIR PROPERTIES IN GOOD CONDITION.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN THE CONCOURSE OF THE KWAI FONG MTR STATION IN KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY AND FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM ON MONDAY.
BOO OFFICERS WILL BE ON THE SPOT TO EXPLAIN TO THE INQUISITIVE PUBLIC ON MATTERS OF BUILDING SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE.
THE BOO IS OPERATING A ROUND-THE-CLOCK HOTLINE 848 2222 ON
BUILDING SAFETY.
--------0-----------
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS SERVING IN AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR NURSING
IS TO OFFER AN 11-WEEK TRAINING PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY OR MEDICAL TRAINING LOCALLY.
Tiir nnrnJ1 WILL S00N BE A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR THEM TO COMPTptr t Jr r?nroE WHEN A LEGISLATION TO CONTROL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR inclUDING THOSE PRIVATELY RUN, IS TO BE INTRODUCED ” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY)'
/UNDER THE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1992
10
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, NO ONE SHALL BE QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED AS A HEALTH WORKER FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT AT A RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME WITHOUT HAVING COMPLETED A COURSE OF TRAINING APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE*
“THE COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COLLEGE OF NURSING, HONG KONG, AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MIDFEBRUARY NEXT YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE COURSE, WHICH IS ALSO AIMED AT IMPROVING THE SERVICE QUALITY OF STAFF IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, INCLUDES BASIC SKILLS IN LOOKING AFTER THE ELDERLY, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND BASIC PRINCIPLES IN RUNNING A HOME FOR THE ELDERLY. J
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THEIR QUALIFICATION. THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ELDERLY HOMES IN WHICH THEY ARE SERVING WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO TAKE UP A JOB IN THESE HOMES MAY ALSO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, SEVENTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 15.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 834 7414 OR 892 5193.
------0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ ♦♦***
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,800
REVERSAL OF LAF -1,300
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -40
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,460
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER -----------------------------------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CIVIC EDUCATION DAY FOCUSES ON HUMAN RIGHTS .................... 1
HELP URGED FOR DISABLED ........................................ 2
PUBLIC SUPPORT ESSENTIAL TO HERITAGE PRESERVATION .............. 2
DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS MUST SAFEGUARD WORKERS .................. 4
ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN ................................. 5
FOSTER CARE PLACES MORE THAN DOUBLE BY 1996/97 ................. 5
DISABLED SHARE CAMPING FUN ..................................... 6
PUBLIC ENCOURAGED TO ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE ......................... 8
TSUEN WAN LAUNCHES KEEP HK CLEAN CAMPAIGN ...................... 9
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29,
1992
1
CIVIC EDUCATION DAY FOCUSES ON HUMAN RIGHTS * * * * *
HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW ARE THE CORNERSTONES FOR MAINTAINING THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THESE TWO ASPECTS ARE ALSO THE WORK FOCUS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE, MR SUEN ACKNOWLEDGED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND UNDERLINED ITS CLOSE TIES WITH THE EDUCATION ON THE RULE OF LAW.
"THE SPIRIT OF THE RULE OF LAW LIES IN THE EQUAL PROTECTION OF LAW FOR EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY, REGARDLESS OF THEIR RACE AND RELIGION, BE THEY POOR OR RICH.
"THEREFORE, LEGAL ARTICLES SHOULD BE SPECIFIC AND DETAILED. THEY SHOULD BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOCIAL CHANGES AND REQUESTS FROM CITIZENS."
THE PROCESS OF LAW SHOULD ALSO BE OPEN, RATIONAL AND FAIR, HE SAID.
AND HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS IS REALLY THE GIST OF HUMAN RIGHTS, WHICH COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF A SOUND LEGAL SYSTEM.
EARLIER, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, DR DANIEL TSE, SAID THE PURPOSE OF ORGANISING A CIVIC EDUCATION DAY WAS TO DIRECT DISTRICT RESOURCES TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF AND INTEREST IN CIVIC EDUCATION.
WHILE NOTING THAT HUMAN RIGHTS IS A GOAL THAT CAN BE REALISED, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS COULD ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED EFFECTIVELY WHEN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CONCEPT AND SUBSTANCE OF THE LEGISLATION.
THEREFORE, DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION GROUPS ARE ORGANISING ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, DEBATES AND TRAINING CAMPS.
THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY, WITH THE THEME "KNOW MORE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, ENJOY FULLY YOUR OWN RIGHTS", IS THE FIFTH OF ITS KIND SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN 1986.
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/2 .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
2
HELP URGED FOR DISABLED *****
THE PUBLIC SHOULD ABANDON THEIR TRADITIONAL ATTITUDES TO THE DISABLED AND SHOULD HELP THEM INTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (YOUTH AND REHABILITATION), MR ANTHONY CHAN WAI-KWAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF AN OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR THE DISABLED, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO THE WELFARE OF DISABLED PEOPLE.
"THE GOVERNOR HAD STRESSED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS THIS OCTOBER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES," MR CHAN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR HAD ALSO PROPOSED TO DOUBLE THE ALLOCATION FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING STANDARD OF THE NEEDY AND TO DEVELOP NEW SERVICES, HE SAID.
"BESIDES UPGRADING THE LIVING STANDARD OF THE DISABLED, THERE IS A LONG-TERM AIM ON REHABILITATION SERVICES - TO INTEGRATE DISABLED PEOPLE INTO THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
THESE PEOPLE MUST BE GIVEN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY, HE ADDED.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE DISABLED TO WIDEN THEIR HORIZON AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL THROUGH TRAINING AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD ALSO JOIN HANDS WITH THE DISABLED TO BUILD UP A HARMONIOUS SOCIETY, HE ADDED.
THE CAMP IS A MAJOR EVENT UNDER THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CARE AND SHARE PROGRAMME IN WHICH MANY PARTICIPANTS FROM VARIOUS REHABILITATION SERVICE UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT SHARED CAMPING EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS AT THE CHINESE YMCA WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.
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PUBLIC SUPPORT ESSENTIAL TO HERITAGE PRESERVATION
SUPPORT FROM PRIVATE OWNERS IS NECESSARY IN PRESERVING LOCAL HERITAGE AS ALMOST ALL CHINESE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS WORTHY OF PRESERVATION IN HONG KONG ARE PRIVATELY OWNED, THE CHAIRMAN OF ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, MR DAVID LUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE REHABILITATION CEREMONY OF THE YEUNG HAU TEMPLE IN TUNG TAU TSUEN, YUEN LONG, MR LUNG SAID VILLAGERS, IN PARTICULAR THE ELDERS, OF TUNG TAU SAM TSUEN HAD GIVEN GREAT SUPPORT BY AGREEING TO PRESERVE THE ARCHITECTURALLY DISTINGUISHED TEMPLE.
/”I SINCERELY .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
3
"I SINCERELY HOPE OTHERS WILL FOLLOW THEIR GOOD EXAMPLE TO SUPPORT SUCH WORK," HE SAID.
AMONG THE 47 MONUMENTS DECLARED SO FAR, THREE WERE CHINESE TEMPLES. THE PRESENT YEUNG HAU TEMPLE WAS THE ONLY TEMPLE OF ITS KIND DECLARED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE MANAGER OF YEUNG HAU TEMPLE, MR TANG YUK-KAM, SAID THE TEMPLE WAS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ANTIQUITIES IN HA TSUEN WHICH VILLAGERS OF TUNG TAU SAM TSUEN WERE EAGER TO PRESERVE.
MR TANG ADDED THAT HE WAS GRATEFUL TO THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH FOR FUNDING THE RESTORATION PROJECT.
HE ALSO THANKED THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, THE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE PROJECT CONTRACTOR FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION.
THE 200-YEAR-OLD YEUNG HAU TEMPLE WAS BUILT BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS OF THE TANG CLAN IN TUNG TAU TSUEN, LO UK TSUEN AND HONG MEI TSUEN, LOCALLY REGARDED AS TUNG TAU SAM TSUEN.
ACCORDING TO THE TANGS, THE TEMPLE WAS BUILT TO COMMEMORATE YANG LIANG-JIE, ALSO CALLED HAU WONG, A SONG GENERAL WHO GAVE UP HIS LIFE TO PROTECT THE LAST SONG EMPERORS.
THE ORIGINAL DESIGN OF THE BUILDING WAS A TWO-HALL STRUCTURE WITH AN OPEN COURTYARD IN BETWEEN. THE OPEN COURTYARD WAS LATER ROOFED OVER.
TWO DRUM TERRACES AND THEIR FOUR COLUMNS AT THE ENTRANCE WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH RED SANDSTONE.
THE WHOLE TEMPLE IS DECORATED WITH FINE WOOD CARVINGS AND PAINTINGS OF AUSPICIOUS CHINESE MOTIFS.
YEUNG HAU TEMPLE WAS DECLARED A HISTORICAL BUILDING IN NOVEMBER 1988. REPAIR WORK FIRST STARTED IN ’d89 AND WAS FOLLOWED BY RESTORATION WORK WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDS.
THE RESTORATION PROJECT WAS COMPLETED IN MID-1992 UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF T'lE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AMU CULTURE BRANCH.
OTHER GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR TANG SHIU-TONG; A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR ANGUS MIU; THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR KENNETH CHAN, AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TUNG TAU SAM TSUEN.
THE TEMPLE IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE LOCAL VILLAGERS.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
4 DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS MUST SAFEGUARD WORKERS *******
DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS ARE REMINDED OF THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION, UNDER THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, TO DEVISE AND ADOPT A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK TO GUARD WORKERS AGAINST POSSIBLE DANGERS.
”A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IF DEMOLITION WORK INVOLVES ILLEGAL STRUCTURES,” LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
’’THIS IS BECAUSE THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURES MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THEY APPEARED TO BE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN PUT UP FOR A LONG TIME,” MR CHAN EXPLAINED.
’’THERE MAY ALSO BE DANGERS RESULTING FROM LACK OF MAINTENANCE AND NATURAL WEAR AND TEAR,” HE ADDED.
’’THEREFORE, THE STRUCTURES SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY ASSESSED FOR ANY HIDDEN DANGERS BY A COMPETENT PERSON, PREFERABLY A QUALIFIED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OR SURVEYOR, AND A SAFETY WORK PLAN BE DEVISED TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THEIR ADVICE, BEFORE DEMOLITION WORK BEGINS,” MR CHAN SAID.
”IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO CORDON OFF THE AREA UNDERNEATH A CANOPY OR A HANGING STRUCTURE UNDER DEMOLITION TO PREVENT INJURIES ON WORKERS OR THE PUBLIC BY FALLING PARTS,” HE SAID.
"EMPLOYERS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $30,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS THE DUTY OF EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE SUITABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS SAFETY HELMETS, DUST MASKS AND EAR PROTECTORS, FOR WORKERS.
”IF WORKERS ARE REQUIRED TO WORK AT A HEIGHT, THEY MUST BE PROVIDED WITH SAFETY BELTS WITH HARNESS ATTACHED TO AN INDEPENDENT LIFELINE,” HE SAID.
WORKERS SHOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH WORK, MR CHAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD BE TRAINED AND SUPERVISED TO CARRY OUT ALL THE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, HE STRESSED.
MR CHAN ALSO URGED WORKERS TO CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS IN USING SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR THEM.
THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE IS ALWAYS READY TO OFFER WORK SAFETY ADVICE.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS WHO TAKE ON CHILDREN IN NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS TO COMPLY STRICTLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS.
THE REMINDER WAS MADE FOLLOWING TWO COURT CASES AT THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY IN WHICH A RESTAURANT SUB-CONTRACTOR AND A CANTEEN OWNER WERE FINED $3,000 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY FOR EMPLOYING CHILDREN ILLEGALLY.
TWO BOYS, BOTH AGED 14, WERE FOUND WORKING ALONG WITH OTHER WORKERS IN THE LI MUK SHU RESTAURANT AND THE WEI HONG CANTEEN IN KWAI CHUNG DURING INSPECTIONS BY LABOUR INSPECTORS.
INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE EMPLOYERS HAD NOT OBTAINED FROM THE CHILDREN’S PARENTS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND A VALID SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED UNDER THE REGULATIONS.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, AN EMPLOYER MUST OBTAIN FROM A CHILD’S PARENTS A VALID SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE FOR THE CHILD OR EVIDENCE OF THE CHILD HAVING COMPLETED FORM 3 EDUCATION, AND A WRITTEN CONSENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR INSPECTION) MR CHAN KWOK-KUEN SAID.
"IN ADDITION, A CHILD AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 14 CAN BE EMPLOYED ONLY ON A PART-TIME BASIS IN AN NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING, BUT SHOULD IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE EMPLOYED IN THE KITCHEN OF AN EATING ESTABLISHMENT," HE SAID.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO BREACHES THE PROVISIONS ON CHILD EMPLOYMENT IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
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FOSTER CARE PLACES MORE THAN DOUBLE BY 1996/97
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO MORE THAN DOUBLE THE EXISTING 240 FOSTER CARE PLACES TO 600 BY 1996/97, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE SAID AS A START THE NUMBER OF FOSTER CARE PLACES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WOULD BE INCREASED BY 80 IN JANUARY.
"IT Id INTENDED TO CONTINUE EXPANDING FOSTER CARE PLACES UNTIL IT REPLACES INSTITUTIONAL CARE AS THE MAIN FORM OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN IN HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/TO MEET .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
TO MEET WITH THE EXPANSION, ONE SOCIAL WORK OFFICER HAS BEEN POSTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT. FOUR ADDITIONAL CASE WORKERS WILL ALSO JOIN THE UNIT BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE AIM OF FOSTERING IS TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE FAMILY TO CHILDREN WHO CANNOT BE ADEQUATELY TAKEN CARE OF BY THEIR FAMILIES DUE TO NEGLIGENCE, ILLNESS OF PARENTS OR OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
"THROUGH FOSTERING, CHILDREN CAN GROW IN A FAMILY SETTING AND ENJOY A NORMAL CHILDHOOD. WHEN THEY RETURN TO THEIR NATURAL PARENTS, THEY MAY FIND IT EASIER TO ADJUST TO FAMILY LIFE," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THE LAUNCHING OF A SERIES OF ROVING EXHIBITIONS AND RADIO PROGRAMNMES ON THE SERVICE SINCE JULY HAD HELPED TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF FOSTER CARE AND TO APPEAL TO MORE FAMILIES TO OFFER FOSTER HOMES.
THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES HAD ALSO INCREASED TO ABOUT 20 PER WEEK, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS ASSESSING THE APPLICATIONS AND LOOKING FOR SUITABLE AND CARING FOSTER PARENTS.
"FOSTER PARENTS CAN BOTH SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND IMPROVE THEIR ABILITY AS PARENTS,” HE ADDED.
THEY ARE ENTITLED TO A MONTHLY ALLOWANCE OF $2,678 AS MAINTENANCE GRANT FOR A CHILD AND INCENTIVE GRANT FOR THEMSELVES. IN ADDITION, AN INITIAL SETTING-UP GRANT OF $893 WILL ALSO BE GIVEN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE IDEAL FOSTER PARENTS ARE A HAPPY MARRIED COUPLE AGED BETWEEN 25 AND 60.
HOWEVER SOME DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY ON THE AGE LIMIT IS ALLOWED IF THE APPLICANTS ARE FOUND TO BE CARING AND SUITABLE.
ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS ON FOSTER CARE SERVICES MAY BE MADE ON TEL 852 4596 OR 852 4599.
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DISABLED SHARE CAMPING FUN
*****
MORE THAN 600 DISABLED PEOPLE, THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS BRIGHTENED UP WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE WITH LAUGHTER AND CHEERS DURING A CAMP TODAY (SUNDAY).
AS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE ANNUAL "CARE AND SHARE" PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HUNDREDS OF TRAINEES FROM 13 DISTRICTS SHARED THEIR FAMILY LIFE EXPERIENCES AT THE OVERNIGHT CAMP.
/ALONG WITH .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
ALONG WITH OTHER CAMPERS, 30-YEAR-OLD AH-WING AND HIS 60-YEAR-OLD MOTHER ENJOYED A JOYFUL EVENING LAST (SATURDAY) NIGHT, TAKING PART IN KARAOKE, DISCO DANCING AND WATCHING VIDEOS.
THEY ALSO TOOK PART IN VARIOUS KINDS OF GAMES AND ENGAGED IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES THIS MORNING.
AH-WING IS SEVERELY HANDICAPPED AND HE HAS BEEN RECEIVING TRAINING IN A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE SINCE LAST YEAR. HIS MOTHER WAS PLEASED THAT HE HAD GOT THIS NEW CAMPING EXPERIENCE.
"WE ENJOYED VERY MUCH IN THE TWO-DAY PROGRAMME AND HAD MADE MANY NEW FRIENDS," AH-WING’S MOTHER SAID.
SHE SAID AH-WING HAD ‘ALREADY MADE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT AFTER ACQUIRING SKILLS IN SELF-CARE AND SIMPLE MANUAL TASKS IN THE EAST KOWLOON DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE.
SHE WAS SURE THAT THE CAMPING EXPERIENCE WOULD BROADEN HIS HORIZON AND HELP HIM INTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY.
THE DISABLED PARTICIPANTS, ALL BEING TRAINEES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICE UNITS, INCLUDED 352 MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS, 23 MENTALLY ILL, 11 PHYSICALLY DISABLED, FIVE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND FOUR HEARING IMPAIRED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE EVENT, MR KO HAU-MING, SAID THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO PROMOTE A SPIRIT OF INTEGRATION BETWEEN THE ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED.
HE SAID THE "CARE AND SHARE" WAS THE MOTTO OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH STRESSED MUTUAL HELP.
"THE CAMP ALSO PROVIDES A CHANCE TO ADVOCATE FAMILY ACTIVITIES WITH A VIEW TO STRENGTHEN THEIR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP," HE ADDED.
"TO COINCIDE WITH THE PUBLICATION OF THE REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER, DISABLED PEOPLE WERE THUS CHOSEN AS THE TARGET GROUP OF THE ’CARE AND SHARE’ PROGRAMME ’92," MR KO SAID.
"RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE ESSENTIAL TO A BALANCED LIFE AND ARE OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE TO DISABLED PERSONS. THEY WOULD FACILITATE THE LEARNING AND ACQUISITION OF SOCIAL SKILLS, AND ARE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS FOR AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAMME OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION."
0
Z8 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
8
PUBLIC ENCOURAGED TO ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE ♦ t * ♦ *
ENTHUSIASTIC TRAIL WALKERS TODAY (SUNDAY) WENT OUT IN FULL FORCE TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE "ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE DAY".
AMONG THEM, ABOUT 700 WENT HIKING ON THE FAMILY WALK IN PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CENEMONY OUTSIDE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID THE EVENT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE "ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE SCHEME" ORGANISED BY THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND COMMITTEE (SDTFC).
UNDER THE SCHEME, FUNDS ARE GRANTED TO ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR THE BENEFIT OF URBAN DWELLERS.
MR SO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND WHICH HAD GRANTED NEARLY $50 MILLION TO FINANCE ABOUT 4,000 PROJECTS DURING THE PAST TWO DECADES.
THE PROJECTS INCLUDED PROVISION OF FACILITIES FOR RECREATIONAL, SPORTING, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID TENS OF THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGSTERS, HAD BENEFITED FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, MR CARLOS CHEUNG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SDTFC, MR CHAN KA-KUI.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, MR SO, OFFICIATING GUESTS AND MEMBERS OF THE RTHK-2 "TAKE IT EASY" PROGRAMME, ALSO JOINED THE HIKING ON THE FAMILY WALK.
LAUNCHED LAST YEAR, THE ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE SCHEME HAD ALREADY ALLOCATED ABOUT $480,000 TO SUBSIDISE 45 GROUPS IN ORGANISING HIKING, CAMPING, ORIENTEERING COMPETITION AND WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
BOTH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL ALSO ORGANISED SOME 20 PROGRAMMES TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME.
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/9 .........
*
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1992
- 9
TSUEN WAN LAUNCHES KEEP HK CLEAN CAMPAIGN ♦ t * * t
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS ARE TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID THE CAMPAIGN WAS MEANT TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
"THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH EDUCATION, PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES," HE SAID.
"FOR THIS PURPOSE, WE HAVE ORGANISED VARIOUS ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, INCLUDING A CARNIVAL, COLOURING COMPETITION, BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION AS WELL AS A GAME STALL DECORATION COMPETITION," HE ADDED.
THE CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT ON LAW OF CONTRACT .................................... 1
NEXT STEPS IN CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE EXPLAINED .................. 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER ................................. 3
GOVT WILL INVEST IN EMERGENCY SERVICES: FS ...................... 6
KAI TAK EXTENSION PROGRESSING ON PROGRAMME ...................... 7
SPEED LIMIT ON EXPRESSWAYS TO BE RELAXED ........................ 8
SPECIAL LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW .................................. 8
ADDITIONAL ROLE FOR BLD ......................................... 9
OPENING OF TSING YI TOWN CLINIC ................................. 9
CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM LAB ELECTION .......................... 10
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO CLOSE ............................ H
STUDENTS URGED TO SET GOALS .................................... 12
1992 HK ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS NOW ON SALE ................ 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 13
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
STATEMENT ON LAW OF CONTRACT * * * *
COMMENTING ON THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE IN PEKING TODAY, A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"THE JOINT DECLARATION MAKES CLEAR THAT AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, THE LAWS PREVIOUSLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG, WHICH INCLUDE THE LAW OF CONTRACT, SHALL BE MAINTAINED, SAVE FOR ANY THAT CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW AND SUBJECT TO ANY AMENDMENT BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION LEGISLATURE.
ACCORDING TO THE BASIC LAW, CONTRACTS WHICH ARE VALID UNDER HONG KONG’S EXISTING LAWS WILL CONTINUE TO BE VALID AND RECOGNISED AND PROTECTED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, PROVIDED THAT THEY DO NOT CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW.
AS A MATTER OF CURRENT PRACTICE, WE DISCUSS MAJOR GOVERNMENT FRANCHISES AND CONTRACTS STRADDLING 1997 WITH THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. THESE DISCUSSIONS HAVE BEEN PRODUCTIVE IN THE PAST AND WE ARE GLAD TO NOTE THAT THE CHINESE SIDE INTEND IN FUTURE TO TAKE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO POST-1997 INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.”
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NEXT STEPS IN CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE EXPLAINED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SZE, TODAY (MONDAY) EXPLAINED THE NEXT STEPS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS GOING TO TAKE CONCERNING THE CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE.
ADDRESSING THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION IN LONDON, MR SZE EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE GOVERNOR WERE NOT SET IN CONCRETE BUT WERE PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION WITH ANYONE.
"THOSE CRITICAL OF OUR PROPOSALS SHOULD ADVANCE BEYOND PURELY RHETORICAL CHANTS. THEY SHOULD ALSO TELL US WHAT BETTER ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS THEY THEMSELVES HAVE IN MIND," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE JUST ONE BOTTOM LINE - THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994/95 SHOULD BE OPEN, FAIR AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."
MR SZE SAID TIME WAS OF THE ESSENCE BECAUSE THE DEBATE COULD NOT GO ON ENDLESSLY.
GIVEN THE NORMAL ELECTION CYCLE AND THE TIMING OF THE 1994 AND 1995 ELECTIONS, IT WAS INCUMBENT ON THE ADMINISTRATION, WITH THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, TO PUT FIRM, CLEAR AND DETAILED PROPOSALS ON THE FINAL PACKAGE TO LEGCO SOME TIME EARLY NEXT YEAR IN THE FORM OF DRAFT LEGISLATION.
/"AT THE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
2
"AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT WILL BE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE REFORM PACKAGE IN THE LIGHT OF ALL THE VIEWS EXPRESSED," HE SAID.
HE SAID HE HAD EVERY CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDGEMENT AND INTEGRITY OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS IN CARRYING OUT THIS SOLEMN DUTY IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY AND IN THE LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
TURNING TO CONCERNS ABOUT DETERIORATION IN SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS AND ITS EFFECT ON HONG KONG, MR SZE SAID RELATIONS WITH CHINA HAD FOR LONG BEEN A MAJOR FACTOR IN POLICY MAKING, AND IT WAS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT NOW AS 1997 DREW CLOSER.
"BUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA IS NOT A FREE-STANDING ENTITY OF ITS OWN. IT IS NOT THE ONLY BENCH-MARK AGAINST WHICH OUR ACTIONS WILL BE JUDGED," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE FURTHERANCE OF A GOOD RELATIONSHIP DID NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT BOTH SIDES COULD AGREE ON ALL ISSUES AT ALL TIMES.
IN A MATURE RELATIONSHIP, THERE WOULD INEVITABLY BE TIMES WHERE THE TWO PARTIES HAD TO AGREE TO DISAGREE.
MR SZE ALSO ADDRESSED THE MAIN CRITICISMS MADE BY THE CHINESE SIDE, WHICH WERE THAT THE PROPOSALS WERE TOO RADICAL AND CONFRONTATIONAL, THAT THEY PRE-EMPTED CONSULTATION WITH CHINA, THAT THEY WERE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BASIC LAW, AND THAT THEY WERE NOT CONDUCIVE TO STAB I LITY AND PROSPERITY.
MR SZE SAID THE PROPOSALS WERE NOT CONFRONTATIONAL AT ALL. OTHERWISE HONG KONG WOULD HAVE FORGED AHEAD TO INCREASE DEMOCRACY BY THE MOST DIRECT MEANS, WHICH WAS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS.
"IT IS PRECISELY TO AVOID DIRECT CONFRONTATION THAT WE HAVE PROPOSED TO BROADEN THE DEMOCRATIC BASE OF THE 1995 ELECTION BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS, WHICH ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE BASIC LAW," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE IMPRUDENT FOR THE GOVERNOR TO DISCUSS THESE PROPOSALS WITH (HINA BEHIND THE BACKS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
HAD HE DONE SO, IT WOULD HAVE IMMEDIATELY CAUSED WORRYING SPECULATION ABOUT WHAT SECRET DEALS WERE IN THE MAKING. THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN CONDUCIVE TO POLITICAL STABILITY.
ON THE CRITICISMS THAT THE PROPOSALS WERE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BASIC LAW, MR SZE SAID IT WAS A FACT THAT THE BASIC LAW DID NOT PROVIDE ALL THE ANSWERS ABOUT HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS.
IT WAS LITERALLY SILENT ON WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES OR ABOUT THE ELECTION COMMITTEE FOR 1995.
/’’IT IS ..........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
"IT IS THEREFORE INCUMBENT UPON US TO COME UP WITH SPECIFIC PROPOSALS TO FLESH OUT THESE POINTS. WHAT WE HAVE PROPOSED ARE FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIC LAW PRINCIPLES OF GRADUAL AND ORDERLY PROGRESS, AND OF OPENNESS AND DEMOCRACY," HE SAID.
ON THE CRITICISM THAT THE PROPOSALS WERE NOT CONDUCIVE TO PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, HE SAID AS THE COMMUNITY BECOMES MORE MATURE AND AS THE LEVEL OF SOPHISTICATION INCREASED IN STEP WITH BETTER EDUCATION AND IMPROVEMENT IN ECONOMIC POWER, IT WAS ONLY NATURAL THAT THERE WERE MORE DEMANDS FOR A GREATER DEGREE OF PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
"NOTHING WILL DO MORE TO DE-STABILISE SOCIETY THAN TO TRY AND BLOCK OFF OR RESIST THE REASONABLE AMBITION OF THE COMMUNITY IN THIS AREA. AND POLITICAL STABILITY IS, AS WE ALL KNOW, ESSENTIAL FOR THE SOCIAL STABILITY AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS THAT ALL OF US DESIRE," HE SAID.
-----0.-----
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER
*****
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS RECORDED A STRONG INCREASE DURING OCTOBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
CONSISTENT WITH THIS, THE BROADEST HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, M3, ROSE DURING THE MONTH. HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO INCREASED IN OCTOBER.
DEPOSITS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A NUMBER OF SHARE FLOTATION EXERCISES, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, ROSE SHARPLY BY 19.1% IN OCTOBER FOLLOWING
INCREASES OF 1.0% AND 2.8% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.
MAINLY DUE TO THE SHARE FLOTATION OF THE CHINA TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT LTD, DEMAND DEPOSITS AND TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 80.0% AND 16.9% RESPECTIVELY WHILE SAVING DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 2.4%. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 38.9%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 1.0% IN OCTOBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 1.3% AND 1.5% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER. RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.3% WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS RECORDED INSIGNIFICANT CHANGE. YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 10.2%.
/DURING OCTOBER, ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
DURING OCTOBER, DEPOSITS IN ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS ROSE BY 9.8% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 3.8% AND 2.9% RESPECTIVELY.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS GREW BY 24.9% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 13.9% AND 22.7% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 54.2%, 18.3% AND 17.6% IN OCTOBER, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 16.9%, 2.7% AND 2.7% IN SEPTEMBER.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 113.3%, 39.4% AND 37.1% RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 INCREASED BY 49.7%, 9.4% AND 8.9%
RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER. THESE COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 14.5%, 2.2% AND 2.0% RESPECTIVELY IN SEPTEMBER.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 99.5%, 24.6% AND 22.5% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 3.5% IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.4% AND 2.5% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THESE LOANS, HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS INCREASED BY 15.8% WHILE FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS DECREASED BY 2.3%. COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 34.4% AND 18.7% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.04% IN OCTOBER, AFTER DECREASES OF 0.1% AND 1.9% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH LOANS GREW BY 7.7%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 13.7% IN OCTOBER, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.9% AND 2.3% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 31.7%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG DECREASED BY 2.5% IN OCTOBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.7% AND 3.0% IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 21.0%.
LOANS TO FINANCE TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG INCREASED BY 2.9% DURING OCTOBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.2% IN AUGUST AND A DECREASE OF 1.8% IN SEPTEMBER. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS DECREASED BY 1.0%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 159. THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 55 WHILE THE NUMBER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY ONE TO 147.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
MONETARY STATISTICS - OCTOBER 1992
Oct 1992 Earlier months change to Oct 1992)
Sep 1992 Jul 1992 Oct 1991
Money Supply
Ml -HKS 230,705 149,595 ( 54.2 ) 132,296 ( 74.4 ) 108,142 ( 113.3 )
Foreign currency 16,879 15,830 ( 6.6 ) 16,177 ( 4.3 ) 15,964 ( 5.7 )
Total 247,584 165,425 ( 49.7 ) 148,473 ( 66.8 ) 124,106 ( 99.3 )
M2 - HKS* 851,699 719,965 ( 18.3 ) 693,623 ( 22.8 ) 611,155 ( 39.4 )
Foreign currency* 789,850 780,254 ( 1.2 ) 756,977 ( 4.3 } 706,650 ( 11.8 )
Total 1,641,549 1,500,219 ( 9.4 ) 1,450,601 ( 13.2 ) 1,317,804 ( 24.6 )
M3 - HKS* 873,362 742,406 ( 17.6 ) 715,622 ( 22.0 ) 636,798 ( 37.1 }
Foreign currency* 823,510 815,111 ( 1.0 ) 792,679 ( 3.9 ) 748,809 ( 10.0
Total 1,696,872 1,557,518 ( 8.9 ) 1,508,301 ( 12.5 ) 1,385,607 ( 22.5 )
Notes and coins in circulation 56,748 56,299 ( 0.8 ) 54,459 ( 4.2 ) 46,097 ( 23.1 )
of which held by public 49,588 48,957 ( 1.3 ) 47.022 ( S.5 ) 40,032 ( 23.7 )
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 197,996 116,468 ( 70.0 ) 101,451 ( 95.2 ) 84,024 ( 135.6 )
Total Savings deposits 352,604 351,317 ( 0.4 ) 347,454 ( 15 ) 291,009 ( 21.2 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1,024,495 967,129 ( 5.9 ) 938,030 ( 9.2 ) 886,557 ( 15.6 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 34,183 35,543 ( -3.8 ) 36,257 ( -5.7 ) 39,693 ( -13.9 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 19,187 19,754 ( -2.9 ) 20,029 ( -4.2 ) 24,816 ( -22.7 )
HKS deposits* 809,604 679,547 ( 19.1 ) 654,827 ( 23.6 ) 583,035 ( 38.9 )
US$ deposits* 375,617 367,338 ( 2.3 ) 334,256 ( 12.4 ) 301,948 ( 24.4 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 443,245 443,326 ( -0.0 ) 454,138 ( -2.4 ) 441,115 ( 0.5 )
All deposits 1,628,466 1,490,211 ( 9.3 ) 1,443,221 ( 12.8 ) 1,326,099 ( 22.8 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 57,329 51,317 ( 2.0 ) 46,747 ( 11.9 ) 41,893 ( : 24.9 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade ' 89,210 89,173 ( 0.0 ) 90,945 ( -1.9 ) 82,806 | [ 7.7 )
To Finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,450 11,126 ( 2.9 ) 11,196 ( 2.3 ) 11,569 I [ -1.0 )
Other loans for use in H.K. - 1,037,830 912,534 ( 13.7 ) 884,492 ( 17.3 ) 787,995 I ! 31.7 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,434,577 1,471,180 ( -2.5 ) 1,377,519 ( 4-1 ) 1,185,737 1 ( 21.0 )
Ollier loans where the place of use is not known 37,266 37,440 ( -0.5 ) 38.022 ( -2.0 ) 39,046 ( ( 4.6 )
Loans in HKS 937,192 309,135 ( 15.8 ) 789,201 ( 13.8 ) 697,195 < ( 34.4 )
Loans in foreign currencies 1,673,141 1,712,319 ( . -2.3 ) 1,612,973 ( 3.7) 1,409,958 ( 18.7 )
Total loans and advances 2,610,333 2,521,453 ( 3.5 ) 2,402,174 ( 8.7 ) 2,107,153 ( 23.9 )
Starting from April 1991, swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and noc-US
♦ Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits, dollar 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.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30,
1992
GOVT WILL INVEST IN EMERGENCY SERVICES: FS *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN ESSENTIAL AMD EMERGENCY SERVICES TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS A SAFE AND EFFICIENT PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE, TO VISIT, TO DO BUSINESS AND TO INVEST, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE, MR MACLEOD SAID THE COMPUTERISED CENTRE COST OVER $100 MILLION TO BUILD AND EQUIP.
"BUT GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES TO OUR COMMUNITY, I MUST SAY THAT THIS MONEY IS WELL SPENT," HE SAID.
THE COMMUNICATION CENTRE RECEIVES CALLS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND WITH THE HELP OF THE COMPUTER, IDENTIFIES THE LOCATION OF THE INCIDENTS AS WELL AS THE NEAREST FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES, AND DESPATCHES THEM TO THE SCENE.
IT IS THE NERVE CENTRE OF ALL FIRE SERVICES ACTIVITIES.
"NO DOUBT, THE ADVENT OF THIS SOPHISTICATED AND MODERN COMMUNICATION CENTRE - AND WITH IT A MUCH MORE EFFICIENT MOBILISATION SYSTEM - WILL SUBSTANTIALLY BOOST THE DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
HE ALSO PRAISED THE FIRE SERVICES FOR BEING NOTED FOR THEIR PROFESSIONALISM, DEDICATION, AND ESPRIT DE CORPS.
"DESPITE THE EVER INCREASING CALLS FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND SPEEDILY," HE SAID.
"IN OVER 80 PER. CENT OF ALL FIRE AND SPECIAL SERVICES CASES ATTENDED TO LAST YEAR, FIVE SERVICES PERSONNEL WERE ABLE TO REACH THE SCENES WITHIN GRADED RESPONSE TIMES.
TOWNS.
"THAT IS TO SAY SIX MINUTES IN BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS AND NEW
"JN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY AMBULANCE CALLS, OVER 90 PER CENT OF SUCH CALLS WERE ATTENDED TO WITHIN THE TARGET TRAVEL TIME OF 10 MINUTES," HE NOTED.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED TO LEARN THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS GEARING UP ITS EFFORTS TO TRY AND ATTEND EVEN MORE CALLS WITHIN THE STANDARD RESPONSE TIMES UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME.
THE TARGET SET FOR 1992/93 WILL. BE 85 PER CENT FOR FIRE CALLS AND 91.5 PER CENT FOR EMERGENCY AMBULANCE CALLS, ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAMME.
/THESE PLEDGES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
THESE PLEDGES ARE TO BE ATTAINED WITHIN EXISTING RESOURCES.
"THESE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES FORM PART OF THE INITIATIVES TO ACHIEVE GREATER OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT AND TO DEVELOP A USER-ORIENTATED SERVICE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE FIRE SERVICES WILL RISE TO THIS CHALLENGE," MR MACLEOD SAID.
-----o------
KAI TAK EXTENSION PROGRESSING ON PROGRAMME
*****
WORKS TO EXTEND THE KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ARE PROGRESSING ON PROGRAMME AND WELL WITHIN ESTIMATES, TO PROVIDE 30 MORE PARKING BAYS FOR AIRCRAFT UPON COMPLETION BY MARCH 1994.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, DURING HIS SITE VISIT TO KAI TAK TODAY (MONDAY) TO SEE FOR HIMSELF PROGRESS OF THE $740 MILLION EXTENSION PROGRAMME WHICH HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT IN PHASES SINCE AUGUST 1988.
MR BLAKE SAID THE EXTENSION PROGRAMME INCLUDED FORMATION OF 36 HECTARES OF LAND FOR AIRCRAFT PARKING, WORKS TO IMPROVE AND EXTEND THE TERMINAL FACILITIES AND RESURFACING OF PART OF THE RUNWAY.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF THE EXTENSION PROGRAMME.
"SO FAR, 19 NEW PARKING BAYS HAD BEEN COMPLETED. ANOTHER FIVE BAYS WILL BE ADDED IN THE CURRENT PHASE OF WORK DUE FOR COMPLETION IN AUGUST 1993, AT WHICH TIME A TOTAL OF 63 PARKING BAYS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT KAI TAK AIRPORT.
"THE FINAL PHASE WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIX MORE BAYS TO BRING THE FINAL TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING BAYS TO 69 BY EARLY 1994 , " HE SAID.
MR BLAKE SAID THE CURRENT EXTENSION PROGRAMME WAS DESIGNED TO INCREASE KAI TAK’S CAPACITY TO HANDLE AIR TRAFFIC WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO REACH SATURATION BY 1994 WHEN THE NUMBER OF AIR PASSENGERS WOULD GROW TO 24 MILLION COMPARED WITH 19.2 MILLION LAST YEAR.
MR BLAKE SAID: "WE ALREADY HAVE A VERY EFFICIENT AIRPORT WHICH IS HANDLING 32 FLIGHTS PER. HOUR DURING THE BUSY PERIOD.
"AT THE END OF OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE 12 MONTH THROUGHPUT HAD REACHED 21.6 MILLION PASSENGERS, WITH CARGO THROUGHPUT AT 930,000 TONNES.
/"WHILE THE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
8
’’WHILE THE CURRENT EXTENSION PROGRAMME WILL FURTHER OPTIMISE KAI TAK’S EFFICIENCY, EXTENSION BEYOND THE PRESENT WORKS IS IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO THE RESTRICTIONS ARISING FROM A SINGLE RUNWAY OPERATION AND PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC MOVEMENT AFTER MIDNIGHT. REMOVAL OF THE NIGHT-TIME RESTRICTION WOULD PLACE UNACCEPTABLE DEMANDS UPON RESIDENTS LIVING BELOW THE FLIGHT PATH AND THOSE CLOSE TO THE AIRPORT.
"THE PREDICTED AIR TRAVEL GROWTH FOR THE REGION AND INTERNATIONALLY MAKE IT OBVIOUS, AS BORNE OUT BY THE 14% INCREASE IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC ALREADY SEEN THIS YEAR, THAT THE NEED FOR OUR NEW AIRPORT BY 1997 IS BECOMING EVER MORE PRESSING," MR BLAKE SAID.
--------0 ---------
SPEED LIMIT ON EXPRESSWAYS TO BE RELAXED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT SPEED LIMIT ON SEVERAL EXPRESSWAYS WILL BE RELAXED FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID SPEED LIMIT ON T6 BRIDGE AND ON CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WILL BE RELAXED, FROM 70 TO 80 KILOMTRES PER HOUR.
THE 100 KILOMETRE-PER HOUR SPEED LIMIT ON THE TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS BY ABOUT 400 METRES.
ON THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROUTE, THE SPEED LIMIT WILL BE FROM 80 TO 100 KILOMETRES PER HOUR BETWEEN SO KWUN PO AND FAIRVIEW PARK IN THE WESTBOUND DIRECTION AND BETWEEN FAIRVIEW PARK AND SAN SHAN ROAD AND BETWEEN PO SHEK WU ROAD AND SO KWUN PO IN THE EASTBOUND DIRECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE TO THE SPEED LIMIT FOR THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE KWUN TONG BY PASS, ON ROUTE 6 BETWEEN TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE T6 BRIDGE AND THE TUEN MUN ROAD.
SPEED LIMIT FOR THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE KWUN TONG BY PASS, AND ON TUEN MUN ROAD WILL REMAIN AT 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR, WHILE THE SPEED LIMIT ON ROUTE 6 WILL REMAIN AT 80 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
-----0------
SPECIAL LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON HIS RECENT OVERSEAS VISITS AT A SPECIAL SITTING OF THE COUNCIL AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERIES OF THE LEGCO CHAMBER. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.
-----0 ------
/9 ....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30,
1992
9
ADDITIONAL ROLE FOR BLD
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE AND CONVEYANCING SERVICE ON ALL GOVERNMENT LAND MATTERS FROM THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONVEYANCING SECTION OF THE RGD WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE BLD WHERE A NEW LEGAL ADVISORY AND CONVEYANCING OFFICE WILL BE SET UP.
”IT WILL BECOME THE FOURTH MAIN OFFICE WITHIN BLD, ALONGSIDE THE LANDS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AN») THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRANSFER OF THE SECTION FROM RGD TO BLD WILL GIVE THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND CONTROL OVER, ALL RESOURCES INVOLVED IN LAND ADMINISTRATION.
HE SAID THE NEW OFFICE WOULD BE HEADED BY A PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, AND STAFFED MAINLY BY TWO GRADES OF OFFICERS, NAMELY THE SOLICITOR GRADE AND THE NEWLY CREATED LAND CONVEYANCING OFFICER GRADE.
"THE NEW OFFICE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE ON ALL GOVERNMENT LAND MATTERS AND CONDUCT ALL GOVERNMENT PROPERTY CONVEYANCING," HE SAID.
-----0------
OPENING OF TS1NG YI TOWN CLINIC *****
THE TSING YI TOWN CLINIC, WITH ITS NEW BUILDING DESIGN AND NEW OPERATIONAL STYLES, EPITOMISES THE DEVOTION OF HEALTH CARE PLANNERS TO THE CAUSE OF QUALITY PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, MRS PATTEN SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CLINIC THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, MRS PATTEN HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF A QUALITY MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDED AT THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES AND THE HEALTH SYSTEM.
MRS PATTEN SAID: "NONE OF US, I AM SURE, WOULD LIKE OURSELVES OR OUR FAMILY MEMBERS TO UNDERGO COMPLICATED TREATMENT IN HOSPITAL IF A DISEASE CAN BE CURED AT THE EARLIEST STAGE AND BETTER STILL, IF DISEASE CAN BE PREVENTED."
"I BELIEVE IT IS ALSO BENEFICIAL FOR THE COMMUNITY TO MINIMISE PRESSURE ON THE MORE EXPENSIVE AND TECHNOLOGICALLY MORE SPECIALISED MEDICAL SERVICES," SHE ADDED.
MRS PATTEN THEN EXTENDED HER WARM SUPPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S AIM IN BUILDING UP BETTER QUALITY PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
/MRS PATTEN .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
10
MRS PATTEN WAS ALSO DELIGHTED TO LEARN THAT THE DEPARTMENT, WITHIN A SPAN OF LESS THAN TWO YEARS, INITIATED A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WHICH GREATLY ENHANCED THE QUALITY OF THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT (GOP) CLINIC SERVICE.
THESE CHANGES FEATURE INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECORDS, AN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM, DRUG LABELLING AND HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
"ALL THESE ARE BEING ACCOMPLISHED WITH THE MAXIMUM ECONOMY AND THE CREDIT SHOULD GO TO THE DEVOTED FRONT-LINE WORKERS AS WELL AS THE FAR-SIGHTED PLANNERS OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE,” MRS PATTEN SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID THE NEW DESIGN OF THE CLINIC PROVIDED A HOMELY ATMOSPHERE, A COMFORTABLE AND CLIENT-ORIENTED ENVIRONMENT.
DR LEE SAID THE NEW CLINIC, WITH A FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 900 SQUARE METRES AND BEING THE SECOND OUT-PATIENT CLINIC ON TSING YI, WAS BUILT TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR GOP SERVICES FROM THE 160,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS.
DR LEE SAID: "IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS BEEN DEVELOPING THE PRACTICES OF BEING A ’CARING AND COMMUNICATING DEPARTMENT’.
"PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IS PARTICIPATORY CARE," DR LEE SAID, "AND THE QUALITY CARE CAN BE FURTHER IMPROVED WITH GREATER COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT."
-----o------
CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM LAB ELECTION ♦ ♦Ct*
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM THE HONG KONG AIRCREW OFFICERS ASSOCIATION TO WITHDRAW THE NOMINATION OF CAPTAIN W B TUCKNOTT AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE FORTHCOMING LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ELECTION.
CONSEQUENTLY, ONLY EIGHT CANDIDATES WILL VIE FOR FIVE SEATS AS EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING NEXT JANUARY.
THEY ARE:
♦ MR LEUNG FU-WAH
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RUBBER AND PLASTIC WORKERS GENERAL UNION
♦ MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI, FELIX
HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS GENERAL UNION
/* MISS LI ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
11
* MISS LI FUNG-YING
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES’ GENERAL UNION
♦ MR CHU MING
HONG KONG PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS ASSOCIATION
* MR LEUNG CHOK-FU
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CLOCK AND WATCH TRADE WORKERS UNION
* MR CHEUNG PAK-CHI
CABLE AND WIRELESS (HK) LTD STAFF ASSOCIATION
* MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG
HONG KONG BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS GENERAL UNION
* MR LEUNG SHIU-CHUN
UNION OF HEADS OF AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF HONG KONG
THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 5 AT WAH YAN COLLEGE IN KOWLOON.
-----o------
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS TO CLOSE
* * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AT A TENEMENT BUILDING IN CHAT WAN SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED AT THE ROOF OVER FLATS B AND D, FIFTH FLOOR OF MAN WAH BUILDING, 7-7D SUI MAN ROAD.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 23, 1993 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
/12 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
12
STUDENTS URGED TO SET GOALS ♦ * * *
STUDENTS SHOULD SET GOALS AND STANDARD OF ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH WOULD LEAD THEM TO A MEANINGFUL LIFE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CHIU CHOW PUBLIC SCHOOL ANNUAL SPEECH DAY IN SHA TIN, MR WONG URGED GRADUATES TO MAKE USE OF THE KNOWLEDGE THEY LEARNED IN SCHOOL WHEN JOINING SOCIETY AS ADULTS.
"YOU NEED TO BE KIND-HEARTED AND FORGIVING, HAVE THE VIRTUE OF MUTUAL RESPECT AND THOUGHTFULNESS AND THE ABILITY TO DISTINGUISH RIGHT FROM WRONG,” MR WONG SAID.
STUDENTS ALSO NEEDED TO DEVELOP PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRENGTHS TO BETTER FACE FUTURE FRUSTRATIONS AND DIFFICULTIES, HE SAID.
MR WONG STRESSED THAT IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP A RIGHTEOUS AND UNCORRUPTED CHARACTER.
--------0 -----------
1992 HK ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS NOW ON SALE *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED THE 1992 EDITION OF THE HONG KONG ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
THE REPORT COVERS STATISTICS ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY, POPULATION, BIRTHS AND DEATHS, LABOUR FORCE, EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, AND DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE TRANSPORT, GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, COMMUNICATION AND TOURISM, FOOD SUPPLIES, HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE, LAW AND ORDER, PUBLIC FINANCE, FINANCE AND BANKING, PRICES, AND CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT.
ALTOGETHER, THERE ARE ABOUT 300 TABLES IN 20 SECTIONS, COVERING WHEREVER POSSIBLE A 10-YEAR PERIOD FROM 1982-1991.
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT $98 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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/13 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1992
13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN KONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 67 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 392.766 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 242.136 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 41.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0 ------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT 1,460
REVERSAL OF LAF +40
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 114 *+0.1* 30.11.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.06 PCT 15 MONTHS 2402 5.50 100.76 4.90
1 MONTH 3.92 PCT 18 MONTHS 2405 5.50 100.73 5.04
3 MONTHS 3.96 PCT 21 MONTHS 2 4 08 4.375 98.80 5.18
6 MONTHS 4.06 PCT 24 MONTHS 2411 4.625 98.80 5.43
12 MONTHS 4.63 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,839 MN
CLOSED 30 NOVEMBER 1992
0