DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SECOND QUARTER DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS .......................... 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY ....................................... 4
BILL TO HELP FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIMES ........................ 7
AMENDED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS ............. 8
INSPECTOR APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE WORLD TRADE GROUP AFFAIRS ....... 9
40 VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS UP FOR AUCTION ....................... 9
PROPRIETORS ALERTED ON IMPOSTERS ................................... 10
WATER CUTS IN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN ............................... 10
SALT WATER CUTS IN YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK............................. 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................. 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER I, 1992
1
SECOND QUARTER DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS
*****
IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, THE THREE MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS OF TEXTILES, CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, AND WEARING APPAREL TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 56% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANUFACTURED GOODS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY 13% TO $12.7 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1991 .
ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS DECREASED BY 3% TO $9.8 BILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992. DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WEARING APPAREL ALSO DROPPED BY 5% TO $9.6 BILLION.
AS FOR THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN THE INDUSTRY GROUP OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+$1.1 BILLION OR +20%); PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING (+$248 MILLION OR +15%); AND CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+$204 MILLION OR +13%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED IN PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$558 MILLION OR -11%); PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$372 MILLION OR -18%); AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-$309 MILLION OR -3%).
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING THE MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION USED IS THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC). THE HSIC IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE'UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) USED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
IN COMPARISON, THE HSIC IS MORE RELATED TO PRODUCTION PROCESSES WHEREAS THE SITC IS MORE GEARED TO END USES OF PRODUCTS.
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN. THERE MAY BE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS.
IN COMPILING THE ABOVE STATISTICS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF SUCH AN ITEM HAS HOWEVER BEEN WHOLLY RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH THE ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED.
/DOMESTIC EXPORT .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
- 2 -
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY PRODUCED ABOVE MAY INCLUDE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE PRODUCED AS SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS BELONGING TO OTHER INDUSTRIES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS ■ CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 839 3250) .
A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, JUNE 1992".
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS
3
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
Domestic exports of manufactured goods classified by industrial origin for the second quarter of 1992
(Value in HKS’OOO)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1992 2nd qtr. 1991 2nd qtr. Value change % change
Food 637,263 546,877 +90,386 + 16.5
Beverages 137,806 131,340 +6,466 +4.9
Tobacco manufactures 836,459 791,562 +44,897 +5.7
Textiles (including knitting) 12,664,500 11,230,379 + 1,434,121 +12.8
Wearing apparel, except footwear 9,566,683 10,076,558 -509,876 -5.1
Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel 434,081 403,694 +30,387 +7.5
Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear 83,151 142,643 -59,492 -41.7
Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures 117,687 150,975 -33,288. -22.0
Paper and paper products, printing and publishing 1,929,192 1,681,672 +247,520 + 14.7
Chemicals and chemical products 1,791,466 1,587,025 +204,441 +12.9
Products of petroleum and coal 4,516 2,707 + 1,809 +66.8
Rubber products 32,780 34,277 -1,497 -4.4
Plastic products 1,757,367 2,129,414 -372,048 -17.5
Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal 133,587 120,436 +13,151 + 10.9
Basic metals and fabricated metal products 2,443,206 2,533,307 -90,101 -3.6
Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components 6,701,261 5,563,675 +1,137,586 +20.4
Consumer electrical and electronic products 9,772,839 10,081,354 -308,515 -3.1
Transport equipment 44,811 121,450 -76,639 -63.1
Professional and optical equipment 4,668,857 5,226,894 -558,037 -10.7
Other manufacturing industries 9 3,783,123 3,368,247 +414,876 + 12.3
Total 57,540,634 55,924,486 +1,616,149 +2.9
Notes : 1. Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated from unrounded figures.
2. The above statistics are derived by re-grouping the merchandise export items under the external trade classification system according to the industries in which these items are normally produced. As from 1992, the Third Revision of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC R3) has been adopted in place of the Second Revision (SITC R2) for the classification of trade statistics. To facilitate year-on-year comparison, statistics for the same period in 1991 have been re-compiled in terms of SITC R3 as far as possible. The above statistics may not be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
- 4
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JULY *****
STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SHOWED THAT HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS RECORDED A SLIGHT INCREASE DURING JULY.
CONSISTENT WITH THIS, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS ROSE DURING THE MONTH.
HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND ADVANCES ALSO INCREASED IN JULY.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, ROSE BY 0.6% IN JULY FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 3.7% AND 2.1% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.9%. SAVINGS DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.9% WHILE TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.7%.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 18.9%.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS DECREASED BY 0.6% IN JULY, AFTER INCREASES OF 1.6% AND 0.4% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.2% WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 1.2%.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 9.1%.
DURING JULY, DEPOSITS IN ALL CURRENCIES WITH LICENSED BANKS ROSE BY 0.2% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES DROPPED BY 6.8% AND 3.3% RESPECTIVELY.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS GREW BY 14.9% WHILE DEPOSITS WITH RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY 6.8% AND 27.2% RESPECTIVELY.
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 INCREASED BY 0.4%, 0.8% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY IN JULY, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 6.1%, 2.2% AND 2.0% IN JUNE.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 32.6%, 20.7% AND 18.8% RESPECTIVELY.
/TOTAL Ml .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
5
TOTAL Ml AND M2 INCREASED BY 0.4% AND 0.3% RESPECTIVELY WHILE TOTAL M3 RECORDED NO GROWTH IN JULY. THESE COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 6.1%, 1.1% AND 1.2% IN JUNE.
YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE MONETARY AGGREGATES INCREASED BY 30.3%, 14.9% AND 13.3% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 1.0% IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.7% AND 1.9% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THESE LOANS, BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS AND FOREIGN
CURRENCY LOANS INCREASED BY 1.0% EACH.
COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 17.6% AND 26.1% RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.9% IN JULY, AFTER INCREASES OF 4.3% AND 1.0% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH LOANS GREW BY 11.0%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 0.6% IN JULY, FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.0% AND 1.2% IN MAY AND JUNE RESPECTIVELY. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 16.7%.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 1.5% IN JULY, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.2% AND 2.6% IN MAY AND JUNE. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 30.1%.
LOANS TO FINANCE TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG DECREASED BY 23.0% DURING JULY, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 4.2% IN MAY AND A DECREASE OF 1.4% IN JUNE. YF.AR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 13.9%.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 160 WHILE THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 54. THE NUMBER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY THREE TO 150.
/TABLE 1 .......
6
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
TABLE 1 ; MONETARY STATISTICS - JULY 1992
Money Supply Jul 1992 Earlier months (% change to Jul 1992) (HKSmn)
Jun 1992 Apr 1992 Jul 1991
Ml - HKS 132.296 131,773 ( 0.4 ) 116,907 ( 13.2 ) 99,773 ( 32.6 )
Foreign currency 16,177 16,110 ( 0.4 ) 15,072 ( 7.3 ) 14,177 ( Hl ).
Total 148,473 147,883 ( 0.4 ) 131,979 ( 12.5 ) 113,951 ( 30.3 )
M2-HKS* 693,623 687,849 ( 0.8 ) 650,471 ( 6.6 ) 574,701 ( 20.7 )
Foreign currency* 756,977 758,935 ( -0.3 ) 745,938 ( 1.5 ) 687,406 ( io-i )
Total 1,450,601 1,446,784 ( 0.3 ) 1,396,409 ( 3.9 ) 1,262,107 ( 14.9 )
M3 - HKS* 715,622 710,209 ( 0.8 ) 673,263 ( 6.3 ) 602,407 ( 18 8 )
Foreign currency* 792.679 798,774 ( -0.8 ) 783,058 ( 1.2 ) 729,219 ( 8.7 )
Total 1,508,301 1,508,984 ( -0.0 ) 1,456,321 ( 3.6 ) 1,331,627 ( 13.3 )
Notes and coins in circulation 54,459 52,500 ( 3.7 ) 51,630 ( 5.5 ) M.564 ( 22.2 )
of which held by public 47,022 45,729 ( 2.8 ) 44,706 ( 5.2 ) 38,450 ( 22.3 )
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 101,451 102,154 ( -0.7 ) 87,272 ( 16.2 ) 75,501 ( 34.4 )
Total Savings deposits 347,454 342,803 ( 1.4 ) 312,730 ( 11.1 ) 253,897 ( 36.8 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 938,030 939,854 ( -0.2 ) 935,672 ( 0.3 ) 877,790 ( 6.9 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 36,257 38,909 ( -6.8 ) 36,422 ( -0.5 ) 38,905 ( -6.8 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 20,029 20,702 ( -3.3 ) 21,290 ( -5.9 ) 27,500 ( -27.2 )
HKS deposits* 654,827 650,990 ( 0.6 ) 615,135 ( 6.5 ) 550,663 ( 18.9 )
US$ deposits* 334,256 333,728 ( 0.2 ) 316,439 ( 5.6 ) 288,738 ( 15.8 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 454,138 459,703 ( -1.2 ) 461,812 ( -1.7 ) 434,193 ( 4.6 )
All deposits 1.443,221 1,444,421 ( -0.1 ) 1,393,386 ( 3.6 ) 1,273,594 ( 13.3 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 46,747 45,181 ( 3.5 ) 44,536 ( 5.0 ) 61,156 ( -23.6 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance U.K.’s visible trade 90,945 90,153 ( 0.9 ) 85,558 ( 6.3 ) 81,903 ( no )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,196 14,545 ( -23.0 ) 14,159 ( -20.9 ) 9,828 ( 13.9 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 884,492 878,951 ( 0.6 ) 851,597 ( 3.9 ) 757,808 ( 16.7 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,377,519 1,356,673 ( 1.5 ) 1,282,065 ( 7.4 ) 1,059,148 ( 30.1 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 38,022 37,566 ( 1.2 ) 38,529 ( -1.3 ) 41,584 ( -8.6 )
Loans in HKS 789,201 781,524 ( 1.0 ) 759,684 ( 3.9 ) 671,257 ( 17.6 )
Loans in foreign currencies 1,612,973 1,596,365 ( 1.0 ) 1,512,224 ( 6.7 ) 1,279,015 ( 26.1 )
Total loans and advances 2,402,174 2,377,889 ( 1.0 ) 2,271,908 ( 5.7 ) 1,950,272 ( 23.2 )
♦ Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. Starting from April 1991, swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and non-US 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.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
BILL TO HELP FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIMES *****
THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES BILL WILL GREATLY ASSIST THE POLICE IN FIGHTING ORGANISED CRIMES ALTHOUGH IT WILL NOT BE A PANACEA THAT WILL SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS INSIDIOUS THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING, MR STRACHAN SAID EXISTING LEGISLATION WAS NOT ADEQUATE TO TACKLE EFFECTIVELY THE PROBLEMS OF ORGANISED CRIME IN HONG KONG.
"IT DOES NOT GIVE THE POLICE THE NECESSARY POWERS OF INVESTIGATION, NOR DOES IT EMPOWER THE AUTHORITIES TO CONFISCATE THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME, NOR DOES IT MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO LAUNDER THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME,” HE EXPLAINED.
HE SAID ONE OF THE MAJOR CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES BILL, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JULY THIS YEAR, WAS TO PROVIDE THE POLICE WITH GREATER POWERS IN THEIR INVESTIGATION OF ORGANISED CRIME.
"THE BILL WILL EMPOWER THE POLICE TO REQUIRE PERSONS HAVING INFORMATION RELEVANT TO AN INVESTIGATION TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND THOSE IN POSSESSION OR CONTROL OF MATERIAL RELEVANT TO AN INVESTIGATION TO PRODUCE IT," HE SAID.
HE SAID THESE WERE WIDE POWERS BUT THEY WERE SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF SAFEGUARDS BUILT INTO THE BILL.
THESE POWERS COULD BE INVOKED ONLY IN RESPECT OF THE RESTRICTED LIST OF OFFENCES SPECIFIED IN THE BILL.
MOREOVER, APPLICATION FOR THE USE OF SUCH POWERS WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND AUTHORISED BY A HIGH COURT JUDGE.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE POLICE WOULD BE REVIEWING THEIR ARRANGEMENTS FOR WITNESS PROTECTION SO THAT PERSONS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION RELATING TO ORGANISED CRIME COULD FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THEY WOULD BE PROTECTED FROM REPRISAL.
TURNING TO THE PROPOSAL FOR HEAVIER PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN ORGANISED CRIME, HE SAID WHERE A PERSON HAD BEEN CONVICTED OF OFFENCES SPECIFIED IN THE BILL, THE PROSECUTION WOULD BE ENTITLED TO PROVIDE THE COURT WITH INFORMATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE OFFENCE TO ORGANISED CRIME, ITS IMPACT ON VICTIMS AND ITS FINANCIAL BENEFITS.
"AFTER CONSIDERING THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED, IF THE COURT IS SATISFIED THAT IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO IMPOSE A HEAVIER SENTENCE THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE THE CASE, IT MAY IMPOSE SUCH A SENTENCE, PROVIDED IT DOES NOT EXCEED THE STATUTORY MAXIMUM," HE ADDED.
/TO ATTACK .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
8
TO ATTACK THE FINANCIAL BASE OF ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT WHERE A PERSON IS CONVICTED OF A SPECIFIED OFFENCE, THE COURT WOULD BE ABLE TO ORDER CONFISCATION OF ALL PROCEEDS OF CRIME RECEIVED BY THAT PERSON.
HE ADDED THAT THE BILL WOULD MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO LAUNDER PROCEEDS OF CRIME FOR ANOTHER PERSON, AND THE MONEY LAUNDERING OFFENCE WAS BASED ON THE CORRESPONDING PROVISIONS IN THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN RULED TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
’’THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INTENDS TO APPEAL TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL AGAINST THE RULING, AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO AWAIT THE RESULT OF THE APPEAL BEFORE CONSIDERING WHETHER ANY AMENDMENT TO THE MONEY LAUNDERING PROVISION IN THE BILL IS NECESSARY,” HE SAID.
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AMENDED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS
THE REVISED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS COMES INTO EFFECT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CODE, DEALING WITH THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS AND ASSOCIATED WORKS FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS IN THE TERRITORY, WAS PREPARED BY THE STANDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS AND WAS LAST REVISED IN 1982.
AMONG THE AMENDMENTS ARE RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE STORAGE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND THE OPERATION OF OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS.
IT INCLUDES THE REQUIREMENT ON TANK SAFETY DISTANCES AND FIRE WALL COMPARTMENTATION FOR REDUCING FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS.
THE CODE ALSO LAYS DOWN EXPANDED REQUIREMENTS ON MARINE POLLUTION EQUIPMENT AND FOR CONTINGENCY PLAN TO DEAL WITH FIRE OR POLLUTION INCIDENTS IN OIL STORAGE INSTALLATIONS.
COPIES OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE.
MEANWHILE, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS ISSUED PRACTICE NOTES GIVING THE IMPENDING CHANGES AND A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW CODE TO ALL AUTHORISED PERSONS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS REGISTERED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
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/9 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
9
INSPECTOR APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE WORLD TRADE GROUP AFFAIRS
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, IN EXERCISE OF THE POWERS CONFERRED ON HIM BY SECTION 143 (1) (C) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 32), HAS APPOINTED MR JOHN LEES OF FERRIER HODGSON & MARFAN, AS INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF WORLD TRADE CENTRE GROUP LIMITED AND TOMSON PACIFIC LIMITED.
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40 VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS UP FOR AUCTION *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD AN AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 5) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
EX8555 EX201 EY9969 EY826
EY1148 *DM10 *DD600 CC8177
EX308 EY3138 EY861 EY298
*DD700 EX991 EX927 *AA929
EY1113 *FB1 *FA12 EY248
EX3251 EY918 EY908 EX8302
EY566 EX1136 EY1003 EY225
*FB9 *EC13 *FA22 *FA9000
EX3378 EY1962 EY168 EY2023
EY411 EY729 DS2800 EY172
* 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, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL HAVE BEEN THE 179TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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/10 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
10
PROPRIETORS ALERTED ON IMPOSTERS
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) A^IS^VTr^PA^ PROPRIETORS TO BE WATCHFUL FOR PEOPLE IMPERSONATING AS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF COMPANIES RECENTLY BEEN APPROACHED BY PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE LABOUR OFFICERS ASKING FOR PARTICULARS OF THE COMPANIES.
HAD
AND
HE EXPLAINED THAT DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS MAKING ENQUIRIES WOULD ALWAYS MAKE KNOWN THEIR NAMES AND THE NAMES OF THEIR OFFICES.
"OFFICERS CONDUCTING SITE INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES BY PRODUCING THEIR WARRANT CARDS," HE SAID.
"IF PROPRIETORS HAVE ANY DOUBT ABOUT A CALLER’S IDENTITY, 1 HEY SHOULD ASK FOR HIS CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER OR ADDRESS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO CHECK WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION," HE ADDED.
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WATER CUTS IN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL GO OFF FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 3) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN LO UK TSUEN, TUNG TAU TSUEN, FUNG KONG TSUEN, SHA KONG WAI TSUEN, SHA KONG WAI, NGAU HOM, SAN HING TSUEN, LAU FAU SHAN, HANG HAU TSUEN AND SHA KONG TSUEN.
MEANWHILE, ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL NOT GET SUPPLY OF FLUSHING WATER FROM 9.30 AM TO 10 PM ON THURSDAY TO FACILITATE INSTALLATION OF PUMP DELIVERY VALVE.
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SALT WATER CUTS IN YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK
*****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK WILL GO OFF FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 3) TO FACILITATE THE CONDUCTING OF NEW PUMP TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT JORDAN ROAD FERRY PIER AND ALL PREMISES BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, WYLIE ROAD, YIM PO FONG STREET, ARGYLE STREET, CHERRY STREET, FERRY STREET AND MAN CHEONG STREET.
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/Il .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 85.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 500.660 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 254.352 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 43.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 1 SEPT 92 1 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q236 H272
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 1,640 MN HKD 740 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 300 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.44 PCT 2.62 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.46 PCT 2.63 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO 100 PCT ABOUT 57 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.47 PCT 2.66 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 7 SEPTEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 8 SEPT 92 8 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q237 Y294
ISSUE DATE 9 SEPT 92 9 SEPT 92
MATURITY DATE 9 DEC 92 8 SEPT 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800 + 160 MN HKD 200 + 60 MN
---------0-----------
/12........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
- 12 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
***** $ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,800
REVERSAL OF LAF -300
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 108.5 ♦-0.1* 1.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 2.21 PCT 15 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.31 PCT 18 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.42 PCT 21 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 2.62 PCT 24 MONTHS
12 MONTHS 3.10 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 103.51 3.29
2402 5.50 102.70 3.62
2405 5.50 102.71 3.88
2408 4.375 100.72 4.03
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 1 SEPTEMBER 1992
- 7,337 MN
------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMITTEE IS RIGHT PLACE TO DISCUSS AIRPORT: GOVERNOR .................... 1
FEES FOR DEGREE, SUB-DEGREE COURSES TO GO UP ............................. 2
COMMITTEE MEETS TO DISCUSS PROPERTY MARKET ............................... 3
LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME: AN UPDATE ..................................... 4
HONG KONG LIFE TABLES PUBLISHED .......................................... 5
REPORT ON ENERGY STATISTICS ON SALE ...................................... 5
NEW STAMPS ON CHINESE OPERA .............................................. 6
SALT WATER CUT IN HO MAN TIN ............................................. 8
NO MAIL SERVICE DAY AFTER FESTIVAL ....................................... 8
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .................................................. 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 9
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
COMMITTEE IS RIGHT PLACE TO DISCUSS AIRPORT: GOVERNOR
*****
THE RIGHT WAY TO DISCUSS MATTERS CONCERNING THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT IS IN THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE AND IT WILL BE A VERY SENSIBLE IDEA FOR THE COMMITTEE TO MEET SOON, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A VISIT TO SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT, MR PATTEN SAID HE WAS SURE THAT ISSUES CONCERNING FINANCING THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WOULD BE SOLVED ON THEIR MERITS.
"I’M SURE THAT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE USEFUL PROGRESS WHENEVER IT MEETS," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE, ALL OF US, IN HONG KONG AND IN CHINA AN INTEREST IN RESOLVING THESE MATTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AND I THINK THAT WE’RE ALL SINCERELY COMMITTED TO THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED," HE ADDED.
ASKED WHAT HE WOULD BE DISCUSSING WITH MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD, FCO MINISTER WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD TALK TO HIM ABOUT A RANGE OF ISSUES AFFECTING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THE REGION, FROM TRADE TO THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
COMMENTING ON CONCERNS EXPRESSED TO HIM ABOUT THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT IN SHAM SHUI PO, MR PATTEN SAID: "I THINK THAT IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WE ENSURE LAW AND ORDER THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY AND I DO UNDERSTAND THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY ORDINARY DECENT FAMILIES WHEN THEIR COMMUNITIES ARE AFFECTED BY EITHER PROSTITUTION OR THE SALE OF PORNOGRAPHY ON STREETS AND IN SHOPS WHICH YOUNG CHILDREN GO INTO."
"SO I HOPE THAT WE’LL BE ABLE TO WORK WITH THE FORCES OF LAW AND ORDER; WITH THE POLICE AND WITH THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO TACKLE PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSE UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERN TO DECENT FAMILIES," HE SAID.
EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON THE GOVERNOR TOURED MEI FOO SUN CHUEN, ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S EARLIEST AND LARGEST PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES, AND MET A FAMILY THERE.
HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ADJACENT TO THE ESTATE, INCLUDING THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 AND ROUTE 3.
MR PATTEN THEN PROCEEDED TO NAM CHEONG STREET AND WALKED THROUGH A SECTION OF PEI HO STREET TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS CREATED BY HAWKERS AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE AREA.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE SITUATION WOULD IMPROVE SOON WHEN SOME OF THE HAWKERS WOULD BE MOVED TO NEARBY TEMPORARY MARKETS IN OCTOBER.
/BEFORE ENDING .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
- 2 -
BEFORE ENDING HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND URBAN COUNCILLORS IN THE NAM CHEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE.
MR PATTEN WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR PAUL WONG; SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN FUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND CHOI.
FEES FOR DEGREE, SUB-DEGREE COURSES TO GO UP ******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FEES FOR DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES IN INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE 1993-94 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE NEW FEE FOR DEGREE COURSES WILL BE $17,000 AND THAT FOR SUB-DEGREE COURSES WILL BE $12,750. THESE COMPARE WITH $11,600 AND $9,000 RESPECTIVELY FOR 1992-93.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADJUSTMENT FOLLOWED A POLICY DECISION IN JANUARY LAST YEAR TO GRADUALLY INCREASE THE COST RECOVERY RATE OF DEGREE COURSES TO REACH 18 PER CENT BY THE END OF THE 1995-98 TRIENNIUM AND THAT THE FEE FOR SUB-DEGREE COURSES SHOULD BE 75 PER CENT OF THAT FOR DEGREE COURSES.
"IT WAS ANNOUNCED THEN THAT THE INDICATIVE FEE FOR 1993-94 SHOULD BE $17,000 WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO A COST RECOVERY RATE OF 12.1 PER CENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"HOWEVER, HAVING REVIEWED THE UP-TO-DATE COST FIGURES, IT IS FOUND THAT $17,000 ONLY REPRESENT 10.6 PER CENT COST RECOVERY RATE.
"INSTEAD OF INCREASING THE 1993-94 FEE LEVEL FURTHER TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINALLY FORECASTED COST RECOVERY RATE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO GO FIRM ON $17,000 SO AS TO AVOID PASSING THE FULL IMPACT OF INFLATION ON TO STUDENTS."
THE INDICATIVE FEES FOR THE THREE ACADEMIC YEARS 1994-97 ARE: INDICATIVE FEE (SUB-DEGREE)
INDICATIVE FEE (DEGREE) RECOVERY RATE
1994-95 $24,000 13.5 $18,000
1995-96 $31,000 16 $23,250
1996-97 $36,000 17 $27,000
/THE INCREASE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
- 3 -
THE INCREASE IN FEES SHOULD NOT CAUSE HARDSHIP TO STUDENTS AS CORRESPONDING ADJUSTMENT IN STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL BE MADE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT NO STUDENT SHOULD BE DENIED ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION BECAUSE OF LACK OF MEANS," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
COMMITTEE MEETS TO DISCUSS PROPERTY MARKET
*****
MEASURES TAKEN TO CURB PROPERTY SPECULATION INCLUDING THE TIGHTENING OF THE LENDING POLICIES IN LATE 1991 AND THE ENACTMENT OF THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992 IN JANUARY ARE GRADUALLY TAKING EFFECT.
THIS WAS STATED IN THE HALF-YEARLY REPORT ON THE PROPERTY MARKET TABLED AT THE MEETING OF THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (LBAC) THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
THE REPORT, COMPILED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON A SIX-MONTH BASIS, GIVES A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE PROPERTY MARKET INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL,COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE SECTORS AS WELL AS THE LAND SALES SITUATION.
THE MEETING, WHICH WAS CHAIRED BY MR CHENG HON-KWAN, NOTED THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, LED BY STRONG DEMAND IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR, STRENGTHENED AT A SLOWER PACE OWING TO THE MEASURES TO DAMPEN SPECULATION.
LAND OFFICE STATISTICS INDICATED A DECREASE OF ABOUT 30.7 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF SALES AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS LODGED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS SIX MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1991 .
THE CORRESPONDING AVERAGE DECREASE IN THE URBAN AREA WAS 12.5 PER CENT.
IN VALUE TERMS, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE OF 6.2 PER CENT IN THE URBAN AREA WHILE A DECREASE OF 13.7 PER CENT WAS RECORDED FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR CONTINUED TO REMAIN BUOYANT WITH STRONG DEMAND PARTICULARLY IN THE SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED FLATS WHILE THE LUXURY RESIDENTIAL SECTOR SHOWED STEADY GROWTH.
THE COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL SECTORS REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE WITH THE SITUATION BASICALLY UNCHANGED AS COMPARED WITH THE LAST SIX-MONTH PERIOD.
THE OFFICE SECTOR IS HOWEVER, STILL CONFRONTED WITH AN OVERSUPPLY SITUATION WHICH SHOULD CONTINUE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS YEAR.
/THE INDUSTRIAL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
4
THE INDUSTRIAL MARKET CONTINUED TO SHOW POSITIVE SIGNS HAVING REGARD TO THE INTEREST IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS OFFERED DURING THIS PERIOD AND RECENT AUCTION RESULTS.
ON LAND SALES, MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT ABOUT 14.24 HECTARES OF LAND WAS OFFERED FOR SALE EITHER AT AUCTION OR BY TENDER.
THIS COMPRISED 10.64 HECTARES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE, 2.38 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN USES, 1.12 HECTARES FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE (COMMERCIAL AND/OR RESIDENTIAL) AND 0.1 HECTARE FOR OTHER USES.
"THE PRICES ACHIEVED PARTICULARLY IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS AND REFLECTED THE COMPETITIVE DEMAND IN THE MARKET," MR CHENG SAID.
"OVERALL THE PROPERTY MARKET REMAINS STABLE AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESIDENTIAL-LED. THIS SITUATION IS LIKELY TO REMAIN FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR UNLESS THE CURRENT INTEREST RATE TREND IS REVERSED," HE SAID.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE KEY FEATURES OF THE INDUSTRIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY BEING CARRIED OUT AS PART OF THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
THE STUDY PROJECTS THE AMOUNT, TYPE AND LOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL LAND NEEDED UP TO 2011.
---------0-----------
LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME: AN UPDATE * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID OF THE 12,000 FOREIGN WORKERS ALLOWED TO ENTER UNDER THE 1992 GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME, THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED ABOUT 10,000 VISA APPLICATIONS.
SO FAR 2,524 VISA APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED, 14 REFUSED AND 15 WITHDRAWN. THE REMAINDER ARE BEING PROCESSED.
THE DEADLINE FOR VISA APPLICATIONS FOR SOME 790 FOREIGN WORKERS WILL NOT EXPIRE UNTIL AROUND THF END OF THE YEAR.
IN THESE CASES, THE RELEVANT QUOTAS WERE APPROVED ONLY RECENTLY, FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION OF APPEALS FROM EMPLOYERS AGAINST THE EARLIER REFUSAL OF THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR QUOTAS.
"ANY REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE FOR VISA APPLICATIONS WILL HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED ON INDIVIDUAL MERITS. THE NUMBER OF SUCH REQUESTS IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE LARGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0 - -
/5 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2,
1992
- 5
HONG KONG LIFE TABLES PUBLISHED *****
A REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SHOWS THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG LIVE LONGER NOWADAYS.
BETWEEN 1986 AND 1991, THE EXPECTATION OF LIFE AT BIRTH FOR MALES INCREASED FROM 74 TO 75 YEARS; THAT FOR FEMALES, FROM 79 TO 81 YEARS.
THE REPORT "HONG KONG LIFE TABLES 1986-2011" DESCRIBES THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE MORTALITY CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG.
IT INDICATES THAT THE MORTALITY RATE IN HONG KONG IS VERY LOW BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A FURTHER DECLINE IN THE MORTALITY RATE IN HONG KONG IN FUTURE WAS EXPECTED.
THIS IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AS WELL AS THE GROWING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, BALANCED DIETS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS, HE SAID.
BY 2011, THE EXPECTATION OF LIFE AT BIRTH FOR MALES IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE TO 78 YEARS; THAT FOR FEMALES TO 83 YEARS.
THE REPORT ALSO DESCRIBES THE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A LIFE TABLE.
IT IS NOW ON SALE AT $16.50 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAT TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
--------0-----------
REPORT ON ENERGY STATISTICS ON SALE ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A STATISTICAL REPORT ENTITLED "HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS 1981 - 1991" WHICH DESCRIBES SITUATION OF ENERGY SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN HONG KONG.
THE REPORT CONTAINS COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION RELATING TO DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY, INCLUDING OIL PRODUCTS, COAL PRODUCTS, ELECTRICITY AND TOWN GAS.
ALSO INCLUDED IS AN OVERALL ENERGY BALANCE WHICH SUMMARISES THE SOURCES AND USES OF THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY, DEPICTING THEIR RELATIONSHIP TN THE ENERGY TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES.
/REGARDING VARIOUS .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
- 6
REGARDING VARIOUS OIL PRODUCTS, STATISTICS ON LIST PRICES, STORAGE CAPACITY, TANK STOCK, IMPORTS, RE-EXPORTS, RETAINED IMPORTS AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OF IMPORTS, AND QUANTITY OF SALES BY TYPE OF USER ARE PRESENTED IN THE REPORT.
FIGURES ON IMPORTS, RE-EXPORTS, RETAINED IMPORTS AND AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OF IMPORTS OF SELECTED COAL PRODUCTS ARE GIVEN.
ON ELECTRICITY AND TOWN GAS, THE REPORT SHOWS FIGURES ON TARIFF CHARGES, GENERATING CAPACITY, PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION BY TYPE OF USER.
ANNUAL FIGURES FOR THE YEARS 1981 TO 1991 ARE PROVIDED WITH RESPECT TO MOST OF THESE STATISTICS. IN ADDITION, QUARTERLY FIGURES FOR 1990 AND 1991 ARE PRESENTED FOR SELECTED ITEMS.
THE REPORT, AT $20 A COPY, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STAtlSTICS SECTION ON 805 6441.
--------0-----------
NEW STAMPS ON CHINESE OPERA ******
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 24 ON THE THEME OF CHINESE OPERA, THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS: 80 CENTS, $1.80, $2.30 AND $5. THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR IAN LEUNG AND PRINTED BY JOH.
ENSCHEDE OF THE NETHERLANDS.
THEY WILL BE DISPLAYED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE FROM SEPTEMBER 10.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS, AT $1 EACH WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, FROM SETPEMBER 10.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 10 TO 16. THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $12.90 EACH AT THE FOLLOWING 27 POST OFFICES:
/HONG KONG ISLAND .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
- 7 -
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE HENNESSY ROAD POST OFFICE KING’S ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE QUEEN’S ROAD POST OFFICE SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
KOWLOON
CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWONG WAH STREET POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE LOK FU POST OFFICE MONGKOK POST OFFICE NGAU TAU KOK POST OFFICE 01 MAN POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE TAI PO POST OFFICE TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE TUEN MUN CENTRAL POST OFFICE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING THE ’’FIRST DAY” INDICATION ON SEPTEMBER 24 AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE.
---------0-----------
/8.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
SALT WATER CUT IN HO MAN TIN * * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL GO OFF FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 4) TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT HO MAN TIN HILL, WATERLOO ROAD HILL, 01 MAN ESTATE, HO MAN TIN ESTATE, CHUN MAN COURT, VALLEY ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEK KU STREET, PERTH STREET, KING TAK STREET, TWEED ROAD, DUNBAR ROAD, GULLANE ROAD, SHEUNG LOK STREET, SHEUNG HING STREET, PUI CHING ROAD, GOOD SHEPHERD STREET AND CARMEL VILLAGE STREET.
- - 0 - -
NO MAIL SERVICE DAY AFTER FESTIVAL
******
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON SEPTEMBER 12 (THE DAY FOLLOWING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL) AND THAT ALL POST OFFICES WOULD BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY.
- - 0 - -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED *****
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON HO KONG-SANG ON MAY 15, 1990 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
HO WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF WONG CHOR-WAH.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1992
9
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 108.3 *-0.2* 2.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.37 PCT 15 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.47 3.32
1 MONTH 2.40 PCT 18 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.72 3.60
3 MONTHS 2.45 PCT 21 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.73 3.87
6 MONTHS 2.64 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.10 PCT 24 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.73 4.02
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 6,876 MN
CLOSED 2 SEPTEMBER 1992
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR SEES DISCIPLINED SERVICES AT WORK .......................... 1
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES OLYMPIC ATHLETES ............................. 2
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS TAI PO FACTORIES ............................. 2
HALF-YEAR FIGURES ON MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR ....................... 3
SEWAGE PUMPING STATION FOR AP LEI CHAU .............................. 11
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ...................................... 12
MORE SUPPORT FOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION .............................. 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 16
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
GOVERNOR SEES DISCIPLINED SERVICES AT WORK
******
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED A NUMBER OF DISCIPLINED SERVICES INSTITUTIONS TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THEIR WORK.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR ERIC MCCOSH, MR PATTEN FIRST VISITED STANLEY PRISON, A MAXIMUM SECURITY INSTITUTION ESTABLISHED IN 1938.
HE TOURED THE SHOE-MAKING AND SILK-SCREENING WORKSHOPS TO SEE HOW INMATES WORK. THE NINE WORKSHOPS IN STANLEY PRISON ACCOUNTED FOR MORE THAN ONE-QUARTER OF THE TOTAL COMMERCIAL VALUE, $290 MILLION, OF THE ENTIRE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES LAST YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED A NUMBER OF CELLS TO LEARN ABOUT CELLULAR ACCOMMODATION FOR PRISONERS.
FROM THERE, HE TOOK A HELICOPTER TO MAN KAM TO CONTROL POINT. AN AVERAGE OF 9,400 VEHICLES CROSS THE CONTROL POINT EACH DAY, MAKING IT THE BUSIEST OF THE THREE VEHICULAR CROSSING POINTS AT THE BORDER.
RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR CLIVE OXLEY, THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE CHECK POINT.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE CONTROL POINT PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN COMBATING COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND TRANSHIPMENT FRAUD INVOLVING TEXTILE GOODS.
AT THE INCOMING MANIFEST PROCESSING KIOSK, HE SAW HOW CUSTOMS OFFICERS PROCESSED VEHICLES COMING INTO HONG KONG. AT THE CUSTOMS IMPORT CARGO EXAMINATION BUILDING, HE SAW HOW VEHICLES WERE SEARCHED AND CARGO EXAMINED.
AFTER LUNCH, THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE (RHKAAF) HEADQUARTERS.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY WING COMMANDER GRAEME MCINTOSH ON THE ROLE AND ACTIVITIES OF RHKAAF. HE WAS SHOWN THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AS WELL AS AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE FACILITIES AT THE HANGAR FOR FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS.
HE THEN MOVED ON TO THE NEXT STOP OF HIS VISIT - THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI.
IN THE COMPANY OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR LAURENCE LEUNG MING-YIN, HE SAW THE WORK OF THE INTERVIEWING UNIT AND THE HOME OFFICE NATIONALITY TEAM (HK) UNDER THE DEPARTMENT’S BRITISH NATIONALITY DIVISION.
AT THE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH SECTION, HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROBLEMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND THE USE OF FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
/HE VISITED .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
- 2 -
HE VISITED THE FORGERY DISPLAY ROOM WHERE MORE THAN 5,000 EXHIBITS OF FORGED DOCUMENTS WERE KEPT.
THE GOVERNOR ENDED HIS DAY’S VISIT AT TSIM TUNG FIRE STATION. ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, HE SAW A FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE EXERCISE AT THE DRILL YARD OF THE STATION.
HE THEN TOURED THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE FIRE SERVICES MOBILISING AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
------0-------
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES OLYMPIC ATHLETES ******
THE GOVERNOR, MR CHRISTOPHER PATTEN TODAY (THURSDAY) HOSTED A RECEPTION IN THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE FOR THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WHO TOOK PART IN THE 25TH OLYMPIC GAMES IN BARCELONA IN AUGUST.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, THE GOVERNOR GREETED EACH OF THE OLYMPIC ATHLETES WHO HAD DISPLAYED A VERY OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN BARCELONA, ESPECIALLY IN SWIMMING, BADMINTON, TABLE-TENNIS AND YACHTING EVENTS.
OTHER GUESTS ATTENDING THE RECEPTION TONIGHT INCLUDED THE MEMBERS AND OFFICIALS OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE BOARD AND THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD AS WELL AS KEY OFFICE-BEARERS OF RELEVANT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
------0-------
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS TAI PO FACTORIES ******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED TWO FACTORIES IN TAI PO.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, SIR DAVID FIRST WENT TO THE FACTORY OF VTECH GROUP OF COMPANIES AT TING KOK ROAD.
FOUNDED IN 1976, VTECH GROUP OF COMPANIES IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S LEADING DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS OF ADVANCED ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, INCLUDING PERSONAL COMPUTERS, ELECTRONIC LEARNING AIDS, CORDLESS TELEPHONES, SATELLITE RECEIVERS AND OTHER AUDIOVISUAL PRODUCTS.
SIR DAVID TOURED THE FACTORY’S ASSEMBLY LINE AND INSPECTED THE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE NEWLY LAUNCHED 900 MEGAHERTZ CORDLESS PHONE.
/THE CHIEF .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
3
THE CHIEF SECRETARY THEN MOVED ON TO THE FACTORY OF A S WATSON INDUSTRIES LIMITED AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
EMPLOYING ABOUT 900 STAFF MEMBERS AT ITS PLANT IN TAI PO, THE COMPANY IS A MAJOR PRODUCER OF DISTILLED DRINKING WATER IN HONG KONG.
AT THE QUALITY CONTROL LABORATORY, SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE STRINGENT QUALITY CONTROL AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYED THROUGHOUT THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS.
— — — — 0 — — — —
HALF-YEAR FIGURES ON MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO $149,923 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 14% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THIS IS ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR SHOWED NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BY AIR INCREASED BY 15% AND 23% RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991 .
IN VALUE TERMS, AIRBORNE TRADE ACCOUNTED FOR 17% OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE. THE SHARES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND REEXPORTS WERE 29%, 18% AND 13% RESPECTIVELY.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR TO SINGAPORE ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 32%. THAT TO TAIWAN AND THE U.S. INCREASED BY 8% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR TO GERMANY, FRANCE, SWITZERLAND AND THE NETHERLANDS DECREASED BY 30%, 17%, 11% AND 10% RESPECTIVELY.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR IN RESPECT OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR WERE RECORDED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (+26%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (+15%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (+5%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
- 4 -
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (-12%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ( -16%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (-22%).
IMPORTS BY AIR FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 3.
IMPORTS BY AIR FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY AIR FROM SINGAPORE (+38%), GERMANY (+29%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+29%), TAIWAN (+28%), ITALY (+24%) AND MALAYSIA (+19%).
IMPORTS BY AIR FROM SWITZERLAND, JAPAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ALSO INCREASED, BY 12%, 10% AND 10% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY AIR FROM THE U.S. SHOWED A SLIGHT DECREASE OF 1%.
IMPORTS BY AIR IN RESPECT OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 4.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS BY AIR OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (+17%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (+42%); AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (+17%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY AIR OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (-82%); TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (-70%); AND MISCELLANEOUS EDIBLE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS (-5%).
RE-EXPORTS BY AIR TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS BY AIR TO MOST MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION INCREASED IN VALUE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1992 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR RE-EXPORTS BY AIR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (+64%), ITALY (+46%), THE U.S. (+43%), CHINA (+30%), JAPAN (+18%) AND SINGAPORE (+14%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY AIR TO THAILAND AND GERMANY DECREASED BY 32% AND 6% RESPECTIVELY.
RE-EXPORTS BY AIR IN RESPECT OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 6.
/ANALYSED BY .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
5
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY AIR WERE REGISTERED FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+52%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (+56%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (+15%); AND CLOTHING (+16%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (-10%); AND ESSENTIAL OILS AND RESINOIDS AND PERFUME MATERIALS, TOILET, POLISHING AND CLEANSING PREPARATIONS (-27%); AND INORGANIC CHEMICALS (-38%).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, JUNE 1992", NOW ON SALE AT $52 A COPY.
THE REPORT CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4915.
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR TO THE 10 COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION
MAJOR COUNTRY OF DESTINATION JAN - JUN 1992 I HKD Mn I JAN - JUN 1991 (HKD Mn .) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD Mn ) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
USA 10,884 10,363 ♦ 521 ♦ 5
SINGAPORE 3,487 2,638 + 849 ♦ 32
JAPAN 3,163 3,158 ♦ 5 *
GERMANY 2,566 3,690 - 1,124 - 30
UNITED KINGDOM 1,530 1,625 95 6
TAIWAN 1,413 1,305 ♦ ’ 108 ♦ 8
NETHERLANDS 761 849 88 - 10
FRANCE 690 827 137 - 17
CANADA 652 678 26 4
SWITZERLAND 646 723 77 - 11
Note : ♦ denotes less than 0.5 X
/TABLE 2 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
- 6 -
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN - JUN 1992 (HKD Mn ) JAN - JUN 1991 (HKD Mn ) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD Mn ) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,509 9,639 1,130 "ftt 12
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 6,431 5,097 ♦ 1,333 ♦ 26
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, NES; WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5,582 6,633 1,051 16
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, NES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 5,027 4,374 ♦ 654 ♦ 15
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS* AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 2,804 2,678 + 127 ♦ 5
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 769 987 218 22
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS, NES 322 255 ♦ 66 ♦ 26
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES, NES, AND RELATED PRODUCTS 316 320 4 1
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES, NES 211 193 ♦ 18 4- 9
FISH, CRUSTACEANS, MOLLUSCS AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF 193 202 9 4
/TABLE 3 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
TABLE 3: IMPORTS BY AIR FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN - JUN 1992 (HKD Mn.) JAN - JUN 1991 (HKD Mn ) INCREASE/ PERCENTAGE
DECREASE (HKD Mn ) CHANGE ’ (%)
JAPAN 16,469 15,007 ♦ 1,462 ♦ 10
USA 12,521 12,618 - 97 - 1
SINGAPORE 5,405 3,923 ♦ 1,482 ♦ 38
TAIWAN 4,691 3,667 ♦ 1,024 ♦ 28
SWITZERLAND 4,477 3,983 494 ♦ 12
ITALY 3,546 2,867 679 ♦ 24
MALAYSIA 3,190 2,687 + 503 ♦ 19
GERMANY 3,128 2,420 ♦ . 709 ♦ 29
UNITED KINGDOM 2,916 2,263 ♦ 653 ♦ 29
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,688 2,452 ♦ 237 ♦ 10
/TABLE 4 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
8
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY AIR OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN - JUN 1992 (HKD Mn ) JAN - JUN 1991 (HKD Mn ) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD Mn ) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, NES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 21,408 18,253 ♦ 3,155 ♦ 17
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, NES; WATCHES AND CLOCKS 10,699 10,555 ♦ 143 ♦ 1
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES, NES 9,093 7,772 ♦ 1,321 + 17'
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 7,193 5,083 ♦ 2,110 ♦ 42
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 4,432 3,482 ♦ 950 ♦ 27
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,361 3,778 ♦ 583 ♦ 15
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,505 2,329 ♦ 176 ♦ 8
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES, NES, AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,275 2,030 ♦ 245 ♦ 12
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS, NES 1,683 1,384 ♦ 300 ♦ 22
MEDICINAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS 1,606 1,162 ♦ 444 ♦ 38
/TABLE 5 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
- 9 -
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY AIR TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION
MAJOR COUNTRY JAN - JUN JAN - JUN INCREASE/ PERCENTAGE
OF DESTINATION 1992 1991 DECREASE CHANGE
(HKD Mn ) (HKD Mn ) (HKD Mn ) (%)
USA 8,540 5,959 + 2,580 f 43
TAIWAN 4,319 3,855 4- 465 ♦ 12
JAPAN 4,263 3,617 + 645 ♦ 18
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,839 2,537 + 302 + 12
GERMANY 2,728 2,898 - 171 - 6
CHINA 2,610 2,010 ♦ 600 ♦ 30
SINGAPORE 2,289 1,999 + 290 ♦ 14
UNITED KINGDOM 1,430 871 + 559 ♦ 64
ITALY 1,065 727 + 338 ♦ 46
THAILAND 1,051 1,546 - 495 - 32
/TABLE 6 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
10
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY AIR OF THE 1O MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN - JUN 1992 (HKD Mn ) JAN - JUN 1991 (HKD Mn ) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKD Mn ) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, NES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 7,880 6,865 + 1,014 ♦ 15
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,068 6,083 4- 985 + 16
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, NES; WATCHES AND CLOCKS 6,311 4,147 + 2,164 ♦ 52
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES, NES 3,783 4,212 - 429 - 10
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,356 2,577 ♦ 780 + 30
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 3,172 2,032 + 1,141 + 56
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,859 1,513 ♦ 345 ♦ 23
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 1,513 1,103 + 410 ♦ 37
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES, NES, AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1.012 859 ♦ 153 ♦ 18
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS, NES 860 639 ♦ 221 ♦ 35
- - 0 - -
/Il
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
SEWAGE PUMPING STATION FOR AP LEI CHAU * » « »
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A $17.9 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AND INTERCEPTING SEWER IN AP LEI CHAU.
THE PROJECT IS TO PROVIDE A TRUNK SEWAGE SYSTEM FOR THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF AP LEI CHAU INCLUDING THE RECENTLY RECLAIMED WATERFRONT AREAS.
IT WILL SERVE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 32,500 AND A 3.7-HECTARE INDUSTRIAL AREA.
AT PRESENT, SEWAGE COLLECTION FOR THE AREA IS BEING HANDLED BY A TEMPORARY PUMPING STATION AND RISING MAIN WHICH CONVEY THE SEWAGE TO THE EXISTING SEWER AT LEE NAM ROAD.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR CHUNG KWOK-LEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HOI SING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, DR CHARM HOI-SANG, AT A CEREMONY AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS.
AFTER SIGNING THE CONTRACT, MR CHUNG SAID WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT INCLUDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN 81 O-METRE-LONG PRECAST CONCRETE INTERCEPTING SEWER OF DIAMETER RANGING FROM 675 MM TO 900 MM, A PUMPING STATION, A 250-METRE-LONG DUCTILE IRON RISING MAIN OF 600 MM DIAMETER, A RECEPTION CHAMBER AND THE ASSOCIATED ANCILLARY WORKS.
"ON COMPLETION, THE INTERCEPTING SEWER WILL COLLECT THE SEWAGE FROM NORTHEASTERN AP LEI CHAU TO THE PUMPING STATION.
"THE STATION WILL THEN LIFT THE SEWAGE THROUGH THE RISING MAIN TO THE RECEPTION CHAMBER AT Till- JUNCTION OF AP LEI (HAU BRIDGE ROAD AND LEE NAM ROAD, FOR DISCHARGING INTO THE EXISTING PUBLIC SEWERS AND THE AP LET CHAU SCREENING PLANT," MR CHUNG SAID.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF APRIL 1994.
- - 0----------
/12 .
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
- 12 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ******
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE GRADING SYSTEM SERVES TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATER WAS USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATER IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
’’BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
’’BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS:
* GRADE ”1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE ”2” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLT COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/* GRADE ”3”
13
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
* GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A GRADE "4" OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A GRADE "3" OR BETTER WAS CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, NAMELY CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING, BASED ON THE WATER QUALITY DURING PAST SEASONS.
THEY ARE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAIL TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH PREVIOUS GRADING PRESENT GRADING
(AS AT 20.8.92) (AS AT 3.9.92)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 1 1
DEEP WATER BAY 2 ]
HAIRPIN 1 1
MIDDLE BAY 2 1
REPULSE BAY 2 1
SHEK O 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST STEPHEN’S 1 1
TURTLE COVE 1 1
STANLEY MAIN 1 1
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
/TUEN MUN........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
- 14 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK x
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 3
X 3 X 3 2
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2
HAP MUN BAY j
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
1
2 2
1
1 1
2
2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 2
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 2
SILVERMINE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
TUNG O* !
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
. TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 3
APPROACH 2
CASAM 2
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 2
LIDO 2
TING KAU 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
3 2
2
2
2
2
3
2
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING * NON-GAZETTED BEACH
/THE FOLLOWING .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
15
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
DEEP WATER BAY, MIDDLE BAY, REPULSE BAY AND TONG FUK FROM "2" TO "1"; BUTTERFLY AND GEMINI FROM "3” TO "2".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR DAVID L HALL ON 835 1234.
- - 0 - -
MORE SUPPORT FOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION ******
FOLLOWING THE FORMATION OF THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST, ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF SUPPORT WOULD BE PROVIDED TO PRIVATE GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH GOOD IDEAS FOR CONSERVATION OF HONG KONG'S HERITAGE.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE OPENING SESSION OF A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE ON BUILDING CONSERVATION.
MR SO SAID THE TRUST WOULD HELP TO FUND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS, RESTORATION OF TEMPLES AND OTHER HISTORIC BUILDINGS, AND EFFORTS TO RECORD OLD AND LOCAL TRADITIONS WHICH WERE BEING SWEPT AWAY BY CHANGING LIFESTYLE.
"I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT FUND-RAISING FOR THE TRUST IS GOING WELL, AND I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE TO SUPPORT THE TRUST IN WHATEVER WAY THEY CAN," MR SO SAID.
HE SAID CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS WAS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING TASK IN HERITAGE PRESERVATION.
"OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, WITH FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE JOCKEY CLUB AND OTHER GENEROUS BENEFACTORS, THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE AND THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE DISCOVERED AND RESTORED MANY HISTORIC REMINDERS OF OUR TIME AS A RURAL BACKWATER OF IMPERIAL CHINA," HE ADDED.
ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS WHO HELPED TO SHAPE THE CITY OF HONG KONG PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN PROTECTING THE TERRITORY’S HERITAGE, HE SAID.
MR SO POINTED OUT THAT CONSERVATIONISTS WERE INCREASINGLY RECOGNISING THE DEMAND FOR A MODERN FUNCTION WHEN CONSIDERING THE SAVING OF OLD BUILDINGS PRACTICALLY.
/THE PRESENT
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
- 16 -
THE PRESENT HOME OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, THE PEAK CAFE, THE CONVERSION OF THE OLD STANLEY POLICE STATION TO A RESTAURANT, AND THE RESTORATION OF THE OLD PATHOLOGICAL INSTITUTE AS THE HOME OF THE MODERN-DAY COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS ARE EXAMPLES OF HOW HISTORIC BUILDINGS CAN BE RENOVATED FOR NEW USES,
A HERITAGE TRAIL IN PING SHAN, YUEN LONG, FEATURING HONG KONG’S ONLY GENUINE PAGODA, A WALLED VILLAGE, THE LARGEST ANCESTRAL HALL IN THE TERRITORY AND A RICHLY' DECORATED STUDY HALL, WOULD OPEN NEXT YEAR AS A WAY TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF AND INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES AND DIRECTION SIGNS WOULD ALSO BE ERECTED AT HISTORICAL BUILDINGS FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING SESSION WERE THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, NR PAUL CORSER, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, MR STEPHEN S C POON.
JOINTLY’ ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE CENTRES ON THE PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF BUILDING CONSERVATION.
ABOUT 13 SPEAKERS FROM HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, GUANGZHOU AND MACAU WILL GIVE TALKS AT THE CONFERENCE.
--------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 NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 108.4 *+0.l* 3.9.92
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1992
17
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.39 PCT 15 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.46 3.32
1 MONTH 2.41 PCT 18 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.75 3.57
3 MONTHS 2.45 PCT 21 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.74 3.86
6 MONTHS 2.66 PCT 24 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.75 4.01
12 MONTHS 3.12 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 3,882 MN
CLOSED 3 SEPTEMBER 1992
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMPACT OF U.S. RETALIATORY TRADE ACTION ASSESSED........................ 1
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE ........................... 2
FESTIVAL TO STRESS FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN HK AND CANADA .................... 5
TWO INSHORE PROJECTS AUTHORISED ........................................ 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR FACILITIES AT ELDERLY COMPLEX ...................... 7
NEW REPTILE HOUSE IN ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN ................................. 7
SOUTH LANTAU COAST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED.......................... 8
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS ON HK SOUTH ............................ 9
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED .............................. 9
REGIONAL HEALTH COMMITTEE TO MEET IN HK ............................... 10
APPRENTICE SCHEME GIVES IMPETUS TO ECONOMY ............................ 11
THREE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ............................ 12
WORKERS’ SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES URGED .............................. 12
CAMPAIGN AGAINST CAR THEFT IN KOWLOON CITY ............................ 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
14
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER I, 1992
1
IMPACT OF U.S. RETALIATORY TRADE ACTION ASSESSED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (FRIDAY) RELEASED THE RESULTS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT WHICH TRADE ACTION BY THE UNITED STATES AGAINST CHINA COULD HAVE ON HONG KONG.
MR CHAU SAID ALTHOUGH THE MARKET ACCESS TRADE TALKS WERE A BILATERAL ISSUE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE U.S., THERE WAS GREAT CONCERN IN HONG KONG ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ANY TRADE ACTION WHICH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT MIGHT TAKE.
"THE PRELIMINARY LIST OF PRODUCTS ON WHICH THE U.S. HAVE THREATENED TO RAISE TARIFFS COVERS A VERY WIDE RANGE OF OUR RE-EXPORT TRADE," MR CHAU SAID.
"OUR BROAD ESTIMATE IS THAT IF IMPLEMENTED TO THE FULL EXTENT, OUR TRADE, INCLUDING RELATED TRADE FLOWS, WOULD DROP BY HK$35 BILLION (US$4.5 BILLION) IN THE YEAR OF INCIDENCE.
"ARISING FROM THIS LOSS IN TRADE, THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF AROUND 16,600 JOBS. THE GROWTH RATE OF OUR GDP WOULD ALSO DROP BY ABOUT 0.7 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT," HE NOTED.
"THE LONGER TERM KNOCK-ON EFFECTS, WHILE NOT READILY QUANTIFIABLE, ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE SERIOUS," HE SAID.
"THEY INCLUDE WEAKENING OF INVESTMENT INTERESTS BY HONG KONG AND FOREIGN COMPANIES IN CHINA, UNDERMINING OF HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA AND MAJOR ENTREPOT, AND REDUCING HONG KONG’S LONGER-TERM GROWTH POTENTIAL," HE ADDED.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE CONVEYING THE RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC IMPACT TO THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION.
"IT WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO EXPRESS HONG KONG’S CONCERNS TO BOTH THE U.S. AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS," HE NOTED.
MR CHAU HOPED THAT BEFORE THE U.S. STATUTORY DEADLINE FOR TALKS EXPIRED ON OCTOBER 10, CHINA AND THE U.S. WOULD BE ABLE TO CONCLUDE A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE AGREEMENT.
ON AUGUST 27, THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHED A LIST OF SOME
US$3.9 BILLION WORTH OF UNITED STATES IMPORTS FROM CHINA THAT ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR RETALIATION.
/THE SECRETARY .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU; ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON; PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, MR ESMOND LEE; AND ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR GREGORY CHIU, WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING AT GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL AT 3.30 PM TODAY (FRIDAY).
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
------0-------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE ♦ * » * »
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE, ESTIMATED AT $13.1 BILLION, INCREASED BY 21% OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SHARP INCREASE IN RETAIL SALES REFLECTED A CONTINUED STRENGTHENING IN SPENDING BY BOTH LOCAL CONSUMERS AND TOURISTS.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 16% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING ON MOTOR VEHICLES, OTHER CONSUMER DURABLES, CLOTHING, JEWELLERY AND WATCHES.
SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES IN JUNE CONTINUED TO REGISTER THE LARGEST YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE, BY 68% IN VALUE AND 59% IN VOLUME, WHILE SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES WENT UP BY 27% IN VALUE "AND 26% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 37% IN VALUE AND 25% IN VOLUME AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
SALES OF JEWELLERY, WATCHES, CLOCKS AND VALUABLE GIFTS ROSE BY 22% IN VALUE AND 29% IN VOLUME. THE LARGER INCREASE IN VOLUME WAS DUE TO THE FALL IN THE PRICES OF JEWELLERY ITEMS.
MORE MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES, BY 15% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME, AND FOR SALES OF FUELS, BY 12% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES IN SUPERMARKETS SHOWED NO GROWTH IN VOLUME DESPITE AN INCREASE IN VALUE BY 8%.
SALES IN OTHER FOODSTUFF OUTLETS DROPPED BY 3% IN VALUE AND 9% IN VOLUME. THIS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A DECREASE IN SALES IN MARKET STALLS SELLING FISH, MEAT AND VEGETABLES.
/COMPARING THE........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
- 3 -
COMPARING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 20% IN VALUE AND 14% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING WITH MAY 1992, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1992 INCREASED BY 4% IN BOTH 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 ARF USED AS INDICATORS OF PRICE CHANGES,
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JUNE 1992 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, 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 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.
THE
AND
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR MAY 1992 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JUNE 1992.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN MAY AND JUNE 1992 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF JUNE 1992 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR MAY 1992 AND JUNE 1991, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO JUNE OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991 ARF \LSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1
4
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
TABL£ 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Tbtal Retail Sales for June 1992 (Provisional Figure) ■ HK$13,097.6 million for May 1992 (Revised Figure) = HK$12,625.4 million
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VQUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES TOR MAY 1992 AND JUNE 1992 (Montldy average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
Index o) June 1991 June 199; Jan.-Jun. 1992
Item Retail May June caipared wit) caipared will caipared with
Sales 1992 1992 May 1991 June 199J Jan.-Jun,1991
• (Revised (Provisional Points % Points % Points %
figures; figures)
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS
Value 134.4 139.5 ♦5.0 +3.7 +24.6 +21.4 +22.1 +19.9
Volune 117.5 122.2 ♦4.7 +4.0 +16.8 +15.9 ♦14.2 +13.6
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 118.1 113.4 -4.7 -4.0 -3.0 -2.6 ♦6.6 +6.1
drinks and tobacco Volume 100.5 93.4 -7.1 -7.1 -9.1 -8.9 -3.1 -3.2
(other than
supennarkets)
Supermarkets Value 126.7 133.9 ♦7.2 +5.7 +10.1 +8.2 +12.9 +11.5
Volute 104.0 109.7 ♦5.7 +5.5 -0.3 -0.3 +2.7 +2.6
Fuels Value 141.4 135.5 -5.8 -4.1 +14.5 +12.0 +7.6 +6.4
Volune 109.9 104.5 -5.4 -4.9 +2.2 +2.1 -0.5 -0.5
Clot)dng, footwear and Value 150.3 147.4 -2.9 -1.9 ♦39.4 +36.5 +27.5 +23.9
allied products Volune 121.7 119.6 -2.2 -1.8 ♦23.8 +24.9 ♦14.2 +13.2
Consuner durable goods * Value 162.4 175.4 +13.0 +8.0 +53.5 +43.9 ♦44.8 +40.6
Volune 146.1 157.4 +11.2 +7.7 +44.0 +38.8 ♦35.7 +34.3
- Motor vehicles Value 179.0 202.3 ♦23.3 +13.0 +81.9 +68.0 ♦82.3 +80.6
and parts Volune 151.3 170.8 ♦19.5 +12.9 ♦63.4 +59.0 ♦64.2 +68.8
- Consumer durable Value 150.4 155.9 +5.5 +3.7 ♦32.9 +26.8 +17.6 +15.1
goods other than Volume 142.4 147.7 +5.2 +3.7 +30.0 +25.5 +15.1 +13.5
motor vehicles
and parts
Department stores Value 120.5 119.4 -1.1 -0.9 +15.2 +14.6 +17.7 +16.7
Vol me 100.1 98.9 -1.2 -1.2 ♦4.9 +5.3 +7.3 +7.3
Jewellery, watches Value 128.6 141.7 +13.1 +10.2 +26.0 +22.4 +24.4, +22.9
and clocks, and Voluie 131.9 148.6 +16.8 +12.7 ♦33.3 +28.9 ♦30.0 +28.9
valuable gifts
Other consuner goods Value 123.4 133.0 +9.6 +7.8 ♦22.1 +20.0 ♦15.T +13.3
not elsewhere Vol me 106.8 114.6 +7.8 +7.3 +10.6 +10.2 ♦4.3 +3.8
classified
N7TE : » Diis covers both "Motor vdiicles and parts" and "Consuier durable goods otl>er than motor vehicles and parts".
- - 0 - -
/5
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
5
FESTIVAL TO STRESS FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN UK AND CANADA
* * * * * aaaiaoW, gToaioHR asonant <■ vi.
FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92, WHICH CENTRED ON THE THEME OF FRIENDSHIP AND CO-OPERATION, WOULD SHOWCASE HONG KONG’S DYNAMISM AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY TO CANADA THROUGH SOME 150 CULTURAL, SPORTS, EDUCATIONAL AND BUSINESS EVENTS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN HIS ADDRESS TO A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHEAST.
HE SAID FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 WAS THE BIGGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS OVERSEAS PROMOTION RONG KONG HAD EVER STAGED.
THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 26 AND OCTOBER 21 IN FIVE CITIES IN CANADA - TORONTO, MONTREAL, CALGARY, OTTAWA AND VANCOUVER.
IT WILL STRESS THE MUTUAL BENEFITS THAT CAN BE GAINED THROUGH STRONGER EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, FAMILY AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANABA.
"HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S LEADING ECONOMIES. THE FESTIVAL WILL UNDERLINE THE VALUE OF HONG KONG AS CANADA’S KEY TO ASIA, THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIC REGION IN THF WORLD.
"HONG KONG ALSO PRESENTS ENORMOUS OPPORTUNITY AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA,” MR SO SAID.
APART FROM FUN AND ENJOYMENT, THE FESTIVAL WOULD ALSO OFFER IMMENSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN TO GET TO KNOW THEIR CANADIAN COUNTERPARTS AS WELL AS TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES AND TO DEVELOP LASTING FRIENDSHIP WITH THEM.
MR SO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE FESTIVAL EVENTS.
HE SAID THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WERE ORGANISING DELEGATIONS TO CANADA TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT.
HE ADDED THAT BARONESS DUNN, SIR Q W LI, MR PETER SUTCH, MR CHOW MAN-YIU AND MANY PROMINENT HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN WOULD BE SPEAKING AT BUSINESS SEMINARS IN CANADA.
"THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL BE VISITING OTTAWA AND VANCOUVER IN MID-NOVEMBER. WHILE IN OTTAWA, HE WILL ' PRESENT A 40-FOOT HANDCRAFTED DRAGON BOAT TO THE PEOPLE OF CANADA TO MARK THE OFFICIAL CLOSING OF THE FESTIVAL," MR SO SAID.
OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHO WILL ATTEND THE FESTIVAL EVENTS ARE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD; THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR JOHN CHAN; THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN; AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU.
- - 0---------
/6 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
- 6 -
TWO INSHORE PROJECTS AUTHORISED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO DREDGE ABOUT 1,603 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE SLIPWAYS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING OF YACHTS AT PAR SHA WAN, SAI KUNG.
THE WORK WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED AROUND MARCH NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, AUTHORISATION HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO REINFORCED CONCRETE PLATFORMS WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 128 SQAURE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT SHAM WAN/ABERDEEN CHANNEL.
THE PLATFORMS WILL BE USED FOR INSTALLATIONS TO PROVIDE ELECTRICITY TO FLOATING RESTAURANTS.
THE WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENTS OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE TWO PROJECTS ARE DESCRIBED IN SEPARATE NOTICES GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICES AND THE PLANS CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER.
FOR THE PROJECT IN SAI KUNG, THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 SUB-OFFICE, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, UNIT 121-122, GROUND FLOOR, PO NING HOUSE, PO LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN 0, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PLAN FOR THE SHAM WAN/ABERDEEN CHANNEL PROJECT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG AND AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 3, 1993.
---------0---------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
- 7 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR FACILITIES AT ELDERLY COMPLEX ♦ * * * * ♦
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF IRRIGATION FACILITIES AND A MEDICAL GASES SYSTEM FOR A SERVICES COMPLEX FOR THE ELDERLY AT WONG CHUK HANG.
THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM INCLUDES WATER PUMPS AND WATER POINTS FOR IRRIGATING ITS OPEN SPACE.
THE MEDICAL GASES INSTALLATION INCLUDES THE SUPPLY OF OXYGEN AND VACUUM/SUCTION SYSTEM
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START NEXT MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON OCTOBER 2.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
------0--------
NEW REPTILE HOUSE IN ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN * * * * *
VISITORS TO THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS WILL HAVE AN ADDITIONAL PLACE OF INTEREST TO TOUR LATE NEXT YEAR WHEN A NEW REPTILE HOUSE IS COMPLETED.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO CONSTRUCT THE TWO-LEVEL OPEN-TOP REPTILE HOUSE WHICH WILL MEASURE ABOUT 13 METRES BY 8 METRES AND WILL ACCOMMODATE VARIOUS TYPES OF REPTILES.
THE UPPER LEVEL OF THE HOUSE WILL BE OPEN TO PUBLIC WHILE THE LOWER LEVEL IS TO BE USED AS A WORKSHOP.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND BE FINISHED BY NEXT SEPTEMBER.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 25.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
------0 - -
/8 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
8
SOUTH LANTAU COAST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT SOUTH LANTAU COAST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
•THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE REZONING OF A SITE TO THE EAST OF PUI O VILLAGE FROM "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA" TO "OTHER SPECIFIED USES” (WATER WORKS PUMPING STATION).
ANOTHER AMENDMENT IS THE REZONING OF TWO AREAS NEAR CHEUNG SHA FROM "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)".
MEANWHILE, AN AREA TO THE NORTH AND EAST OF TAI LOONG WAN TSUEN IS REZONED FROM "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT" TO "GREEN BELT", WHEREAS AN AREA TO THE SOUTH OF THE VILLAGE IS REZONED FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT".
ALSO, ALL THE AREA COVERED BY THE LANTAU SOUTH COUNTRY PARK WITHIN THE PLANNING SCHEME AREA IS REZONED FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "COUNTRY PARK".
THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED FROM TODAY FOR THREE WEEKS AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
» PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
* LANTAU AND ISLANDS DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE,
10TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE,
77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG WITHIN A PERIOD OF THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND ITS KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE AT 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
/9.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
9
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS ON HR SOUTH
******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF FRESH WATER MAINS ON HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH TO HELP IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO REPULSE BAY, CHUNG HOM KOK, STANLEY AND RED HILL AREAS.
WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE LAYING OF ABOUT 4,000 METRES OF DUCTILE IRON MAINS RANGING FROM 300 TO 450 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER FROM SOUTH BAY TO STANLEY.
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START THIS DECEMBER AND TAKES ABOUT 19 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON SEPTEMBER 25.
------0--------
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) TH XT MR HU MAN-SHIU, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, WOULD SUCCEED MR WONG KWOK-LAI AS DIRECTOR ON SEPTEMBER 15.
MR WONG WILL BE RETIRING AFTER 32 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
MEANWHILE, MR KWOK PING-KI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, HAS SUCCEEDED MR MIAO CHI AS DIRECTOR SINCE AUGUST 3.
ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR MIAO HAS COMPLETED 28 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
FOLLOWING ARE BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS:
MR WONG KWOK-LAI
MR WONG, AGED 56, FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT ENGINEER IN 1960. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IN 1982 AND TO DIRECTOR IN 1988.
MR HU MAN-SHIU
MR HU, AGED 54, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN 1963. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WATER SUPPLIES IN 1986 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN 1990. MR HU ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
AN
OF
HAS
/MR MIAO .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
- 10 -
MR MIAO CHI
MR MIAO, AGED 58, FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT ELECTRICAL ENGINEER IN 1963. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES IN 1986 AND TO DIRECTOR IN 1990.
MR KWOK PING-KI
MR KWOK, AGED 58, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT ELECTRICAL ENGINEER IN 1959. HE WA.S PROMOTED TO GOVERNMENT BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEER IN 1982 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES IN 1990. MR KWOK HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
------0--------
REGIONAL HEALTH COMMITTEE TO MEET IN HK
* * * * *
THE 43RD SESSION OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC WILL BE HELD AT THE GRAND HYATT HOTEL NEXT WEEK.
HOSTED BY HONG KONG, THE FIVE-DAY MEETING WILL BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 100 SENIOR HEALTH OFFICIALS, INCLUDING MINISTERS OF HEALTH, FROM OVER 30 COUNTRIES AND PLACES IN THE REGION.
DELEGATES TO THE MEETING WILL INCLUDE THOSE FROM CHINA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN ON MONDAV AFTERNOON DURING WHICH THE CHAIRMAN AND OTHER OFFICIALS FOR THE 4 3RD SESSION WILL BE ELECTED.
ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE AN ANNUAL REPORT ON AIDS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES, PROGRESS REPORT ON ERADICATION OF POLIOMYELITIS IN THE REGION AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL ACTION PLAN ON TOBACCO OR HEALTH FOR 1990-1994.
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT : THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 7).
------0-----------
/Il ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
11
APPRENTICE SCHEME GIVES IMPETUS TO ECONOMY
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT APPRENTICE TRAINING SCHEME NOT ONLY EQUIPS THE TRAINEES FOR THEIR FUTURE CAREER BUT ALSO HELPS TO GIVE IMPETUS TO THE DYNAMIC ECONOMY OF HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR STEPHEN CHEONG AT A GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THE TRAINEES TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY, MR CHEONG SAID THE FOUR-YEAR COMPREHENSIVE AND USEFUL TRAINING PROGRAMME COVERED BOTH THEORY AND PRACTICE AND PROVIDED A GOOD SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE APPRENTICES TO MEET THEIR NEW CHALLENGES.
HE SAID THE GRADUATING APPRENTICES COULD CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR HONG KONG THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS THEY WERE GOING TO MAKE IN THEIR JOBS.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD EMBARKED ON A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF LARGE-SCALE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS, MR CHEONG SAID A GREAT NEED FOR TECHNICAL PERSONNEL TO CARRY OUT THE ENGINEERING WORKS WOULD BE REQUIRED.
SINCE 1969, MORE THAN 2,600 TECHNICAL PERSONNEL HAD BEEN TRAINED UNDER THE SCHEME.
"NOW, ANOTHER BATCH OF FRESH GRADUATES ARE GOING TO JOIN THIS FORCE; THEY WILL CONTINUE AND INCREASE THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY MADE UNDER THIS SCHEME," HE ADDED.
GRADUATING TODAY WERE 22 CRAFT APPRENTICES AND NINE TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES WHO HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE TRAINING COURSE WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDED ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS FOR PROFICIENCY IN THEORETICAL TECHNOLOGY AND SKILL IN PRACTICAL WORK.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR KWOK PING-KI, STAFF INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING PROGRAMME AND PARENTS OF THE GRADUATING APPRENTICES.
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/12........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
THREE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS ******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED THE BUILDINGS AT 1 GILMAN STREET AND 2 WING ON STREET IN CENTRAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND THE BUILDING AT 3 GILMAN STREET/4 WING ON STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE BUILDINGS WERE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR STRUCTURES.
THE BUILDING AT 1 GILMAN STREET WAS CONSTRUCTED OF TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOF ON LOAD-BEARING WALLS; WHILE THAT AT 2 WING ON STREET HAS TIMBER FLOORS AND CONCRETE ROOF ON LOAD-BEARING WALLS.
HE SAID THE LATTER WAS VERY DILAPIDATED WITH OVER HALF OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER JOISTS DECAYED AND FRACTURES TO THE BRICKWALLS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS, IN PARTICULAR AT THE REAR PARTY WALL COMMON WITH 1 GILMAN STREET.
NO. 1 GILMAN STREET WAS ALSO IN VERY POOR CONDITION WITH OVER HALF OF THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER JOISTS DECAYED AND FRACTURED BRICKWALLS AT THE REAR, HE ADDED.
IT IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED THAT THESE TWO BUILDINGS HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THEY ARE NOW DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE CLOSED AND DEMOLISHED.
THE BUILDING AT 3 GILMAN STREET/4 WING ON STREET WAS MADE OF TIMBER AND CONCRETE FLOORS WITH LOAD-BEARING WALLS.
ALTHOUGH IT IS IN BETTER CONDITION, THE SURVEYOR CONSIDERED THAT IT COULD NOT SAFELY WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF THE OTHER TWO BUILDINGS AND SHOULD ALSO BE CLOSED AS BEING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS AND SUBSEQUENTLY BE DEMOLISHED.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON NOVEMBER 4 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY.
- - 0 - -
WORKERS’ SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES URGED
******
PROPRIETORS OF FACTORIES AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ARE REMINDED OF THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES.
CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, MADE THE APPEAL FOLLOWING RECENT VISITS BY FACTORY INSPECTORS TO 54 DRAINAGE WORK SITES TO PRESS FOR BETTER SAFETY PERFORMANCE BY THE MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS.
/"PROSECUTION HAS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
- 13 -
"PROSECUTION HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT AGAINST TWO PROPRIETORS FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE WORK SYSTEM UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE," MR CHAN SAID.
"BOTH CASES ARE CONNECTED WITH ENTRY INTO DRAINAGE MANHOLE AND IN ONE CASE THE ALLEGED OFFENCE WAS DETECTED LATE AT NIGHT," HE SAID.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES REQUIRED CAREFUL PLANNING AND BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES MUST TAKE APPROPRIATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AGAINST POSSIBLE DANGERS.
"DETAILS ABOUT LIABILITIES OF PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYEES FOR SAFE ENTRY INTO CONFINED SPACES AND A SAFE WORK SYSTEM ARE STIPULATED IN THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS AND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CONFINED SPACES) REGULATIONS," HE SAID.
"EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY PROVISIONS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT WHILE THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR AN OFFENDING EMPLOYEE IS A FINE OF $10,000," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN SAID FURTHER PROSECUTIONS WOULD BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WHO BREACHED THE LAWS.
HE SAID THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WAS ALWAYS READY TO OFFER ADVICE ON WORK SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OR THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE ON 13TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
------0------------
CAMPAIGN AGAINST CAR THEFT IN KOWLOON CITY
*****
A CAMPAIGN AGAINST CAR THEFT WILL BE LAUNCHED IN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
KOWLOON CITY
THE CAMPAIGN, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE DRIVING HOME THE MESSAGE AMONG RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY CARETAKERS AND CAR PARK ATTENDENTS.
DISTRICT
AIMS AT BUILDING
RESIDENTS WILL ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT CRIME IMMEDIATELY.
A PUBLICITY BUS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT. HACKEN LEE, WILL JOIN THE PARADE TO URGE RESIDENTS CRIME.
POPULAR SINGER, MR TO FIGHT AGAINST
/AN OPENING ......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1992
14
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW OUTSIDE THE ’’WHAMPOA” AT SHUNG KING STREET, WHAMPOA GARDEN.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR TERRENCE ORSLER, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES MR PATRICK WONG. ’
------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 -260
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,240
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 109.1 *+0.7* 4.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 2.40 PCT 15 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.43 PCT 18 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.46 PCT 21 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 2.66 PCT 24 MONTHS
12 MONTHS 3.13 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 103.45 3.32
2402 5.50 102.70 3.60
2405 5.50 102.70 3.88
2408 4.375 100.73 4.02
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 4 SEPTEMBER 1992
- 2,725 MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON WEDNESDAY .............................. 1
40 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SOLD IN AUCTION ................. 1
CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES FOR SHAM SHUI PO.......................... 2
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE .............................. 2
WATER CUT IN TAI KOK TSUI ........................................... 3
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 3
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1992
XIRPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON WEDNESDAY ♦ *»**»
THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS NEXT MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 9) IN HONG KONG.
THE TWO TEAMS WILL BE LED BY THE BRITISH \ND CHINESE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SINO-BR1T1SH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY AND AMBASSADOR GUO FENGMIN.
40 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SOLD IN AUCTION ******
FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF
MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN $2,214,000.
AUCTION
THIS
THE SUM WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK FBI FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $810,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK EY168 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $205,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR EX8555, EY1148, EY2023 AND EX927.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
EX8555 1,000 EX201 2,000 EY9969 5,000 EY826 9,000
EY1148 1,000 ♦ DM10 80,000 *DD600 140,000 CC8177 3,000
EX308 10,000 EY3138 11,000 EY861 6,000 EY298 33,000
♦DD700 80,000 EX991 3,000 EX927 1,000 *AA929 102,000
EY1113 6,000 *FB1 810,000 ♦ FA12 90,000 EY248 11,000
EX3251 6,000 EY918 23,000 EY908 19,000 EX8302 2,000
EY566 4,000 EXI 136 WITHDRAWN EY1003 8,000 EY225 10,000
♦ FB9 170,000 *EC13 102,000 *FA22 150,000 ♦FA9000 55,000
EX3378 4,000 EY1962 3,000 EY168 205,000 EY2023 1,000
EY411 WITHDRAWN EY729 5,000 DS2800 30,000 EY172 11,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
/THE VEHICLE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1992
2
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 179TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $145,618,905.
THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOR EY411 AND EX1136. THESE TWO VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.
---------0-----------
CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES FOR SHAM SHUI PO *****
THE CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE NO. 114 WILL MAKE TWO EXTRA RUNS FROM MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 7) TO MEET INCREASING DEMANDS OF PASSENGERS IN SHAM SHUI PO, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE BUS WILL DEPART SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER BUS TERMINUS AT 7.43 AM AND 8.06 AM DAILY FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE ROUTE WAS INTRODUCED IN JUNE THIS YEAR FOLLOWING THE SUSPENSION OF THE FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND SHAM SHUI PO AND TAI KOK TSUI.
THE BUS RUNS BETWEEN SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER BUS TERMINUS AND CENTRAL (MACAU FERRY PIER ) VIA TAI KOK TSUI.
ITS FARE IS $4.5 PER SINGLE JOURNEY. THE SECTION FARE IS $2.3 AFTER CROSSING THE HARBOUR.
-----0-----
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE
******
RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRES WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE COMING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL HOLIDAY.
SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR LAI CHING-WAI, TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID: ’’VISITORS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM RELEASING ANY HUNG MING LANTERN. THEY SHOULD BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH BARBECUE FIRES AND HAND-HELD CANDLE-LIT LANTERNS.”
/MR LAI ........
3
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1992
MR LAI SAID MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WAS ONE OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK PERIODS. SIX HILL FIRES BROKE OUT IN COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE LAST FESTIVAL PERIOD.
MR LAI POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE AND THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE TO LIGHT FIRE ILLEGALLY OR TO RELEASE A HUNG MING LANTERN IN A COUNTRY PARK OR IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
’’ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES 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,” HE SAID.
THERE WERE FIVE PROSECUTIONS AGAINST THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRE IN COUNTRY PARKS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. OFFENDERS WERE FINED UP TO $1,000.
--------0-----------
WATER CUT IN TAI KOK TSUI ♦ ♦ t ♦
FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL GO OFF ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 7) TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
ALL PREMISES ON TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, LI TAK STREET, KA SHIN STREET, KOK CHEUNG STREET, POK MAN STREET AND THOSE ALONG THE SEAFRONT WILL NOT GET SUPPLY OF FRESH WATER FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THOSE PREMISES ON TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, WAI ON STREET, POK MAN STREET AND THE SEAFRONT WILL BE AFFECTED BY SALT WATER CUT FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
S MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,240
REVERSAL OF LAF + 260
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAl OF LAF 1 , 500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY N I L
EFFECT OF LAF TODAI NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE \( COUNT I , 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, SEPTEMBER 6, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION......... 1
KENNEDY ROAD TO BE UPGRADED......................................... 1
RECLAMATION WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 ................................. 2
SEMINARS FOR RETIRING CIVIL SERVANTS ............................... 2
AIR CONTROL GROUP ON MOVE .......................................... 3
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SERVICES .......... 4
PHOTO CONTEST ON FAMILY LIFE
4
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1992
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION *****
NOMINATIONS ARE INVITED TO FILL A VACANCY IN THE TAI HING CONSTITUENCY OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES MAY HAND IN THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS TO THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, DURING THE NEXT TWO WEEKS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 21.
ANY REGISTERED ELECTOR WHO HAS BEEN ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING NOMINATION IS ELIGIBLE TO STAND FOR ELECTION.
EACH NOMINATION HAS TO BE SUBSCRIBED BY A TOTAL OF 10 ELECTORS LIVING IN THE CONSTITUENCY.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE BY-ELECTION FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SEAT WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 11.
---------0-----------
KENNEDY ROAD TO BE UPGRADED
*****
PROPOSED ROADWORKS SERVING TO IMPROVE THE ALIGNMENT AND CAPACITY OF KENNEDY ROAD HAVE BEEN GAZETTED.
THE WORKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH A PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR A HOTEL IN WAN CHAI.
THE PROJECT IS IN CONNECTION WITH THE GRANT OF A SITE TO A DEVELOPER WHO IS REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT WORKS INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF OPEN SPACES WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE SITE.
THE DEVELOPER IS ALSO REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT ROADWORKS INCLUDING THE RE-ALIGNMENT OF KENNEDY ROAD AND CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS TO THE DEVELOPMENT BY BRIDGE AND TUNNEL.
ALSO INVOLVED IS THE CLOSURE AND MODIFICATION OF HAU FUNG LANE AND SHIP STREET.
THE SITE TO BE GRANTED TO THE DEVELOPER IS BOUNDED BY HOPEWELL CENTRE, KENNEDY ROAD, SHIP STREET AND A REAR LANE IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
/THE PROPOSED .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1992
- 2 -
THE PROPOSED WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE IMPLEMENTED UPON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 19TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 3.
--------0------------
RECLAMATION WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN 0
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S SOUTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR RECLAMATION AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN O.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN. IT INVOLVES RECLAMATIONS IN AREAS 55, 56 AND 57, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL AND TWO BOX CULVERTS.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 24 MONTHS.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROJECT’S SUPERVISORY CONSULTANT, MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED AT 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS OCTOBER 2.
--------0------------
SEMINARS FOR RETIRING CIVIL SERVANTS
*****
THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH WILL ORGANISE THREE MORE SEMINARS STARTING THIS WEEK TO HELP RETIRING CIVIL SERVANTS ADAPT TO LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT.
THIS FOLLOWS THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST SERIES OF PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINARS HELD IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
THE SEMINARS, ONE IN ENGLISH AND TWO IN CANTONESE, ARE DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS OF OFFICERS.
/THE SEMINAR .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1992
3
THE SEMINAR IN ENGLISH SERVES DIRECTORATE OFFICERS, STAFF ON THE UPPER AND MIDDLE MASTER PAY SCALE (MPS) AND THOSE WHO ARE GOING TO RETIRE OVERSEAS.
OF THE TWO SEMINARS IN CANTONESE, ONE IS FOR STAFF ON THE LOWER, MIDDLE AND UPPER MPS. THE OTHER IS FOR STAFF ON LOWER MPS AND MODEL SCALE I.
"THE SEMINARS AIMED AT HELPING RETIRING OFFICERS CONFRONT LATENT FEARS AND APPREHENSIONS AND DEVELOP A MORE POSITIVE APPROACH TO RETIREMENT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"THEY ALSO PROVIDE INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON SPECIFIC MATTERS OF CONCERN TO RETIRING OFFICERS INCLUDING PRE-RETIREMENT PREPARATION, HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS, PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH, BASIC FINANCIAL PLANNING AND HOW TO START A BUSINESS."
EACH SEMINAR WILL LAST TWO DAYS AND EACH WILL BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 500 PARTICIPANTS.
THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, THE FIRST ONE WILL BE OPENED BY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR W K LAM, ON SEPTEMBER 8 (TUESDAY).
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE THEATRE OF SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, 345 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AT 9 AM ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 8).
-----------0-------- AIR CONTROL GROUP ON MOVE * * * *
THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE AIR CONTROL GROUP OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS MOVED TO THE 33RD FLOOR OF WANCHAI TOWER 3, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ENQUIRE MATTERS RELATING TO SPECIFIED PROCESS LICENSING, ASBESTOS REMOVAL MATTERS, IMPORT QUOTA FOR CFCS AND HALON AND CHIMNEY APPLICATION CAN CALL 594 6262 OR 594 6295.
------0--------
/4 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1992
- 4 -
DEADLINE FOR VIEWS ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SERVICES
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING PARTY ON REVIEW OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO SUBMIT VIEWS ON SERVICES OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES.
"BEING USERS OF THE CENTRES, YOUNGSTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.
"THEIR SUBMISSIONS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARIAT OF THE WORKING PARTY AT ROOM 908, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI BY SEPTEMBER 15," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, YOUTH WORK AGENCIES AND TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN INVITED TO GIVE VIEWS ON SERVICES OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, HE ADDED.
THE WORKING PARTY ON REVIEW OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES, APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, COMPRISES MEMBERS FROM YOUTH ORGANISATIONS, ACADEMIC INSTITUTES, SCHOOLS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT.
IT WAS FORMED IN MARCH TO REVIEW SERVICES OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE, INCLUDING THE MODE OF OPERATION OF THESE CENTRES IN ORDER TO ADOPT A MORE REALISTIC AND FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO MAXIMISE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE.
"THE REVIEW IS CONDUCTED IN LINE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0-----------
PHOTO CONTEST ON FAMILY LIFE ♦ * * * *
SHUTTERBUGS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES IF THEY SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR A PHOTO CONTEST ON FAMILY LIFE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 25.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE CONTEST, ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, WAS ONE OF THE EVENTS OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE GOOD FAMILY RELATIONS.
"THE ENTRIES SHOULD INCLUDE A SERIES OF FOUR CAPTIONED PHOTOGRAPHS PORTRAYING HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE. APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/“IT IS .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1992
- 5 -
"IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT HUNDREDS OF ENTRIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN FLOWING IN, INTERESTED PEOPLE ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
"THEY MAY SHARE THE JOY OF FAMILY LIFE WITH OTHERS WHILE HAVING A CHANCE TO WIN ATTRACTIVE PRIZES INCLUDING FOUR RETURN TICKETS TO BANGKOK, PHOTOGRAPHIC APPLIANCES AND GIFT COUPONS." HE ADDED.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICES AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE, 24TH FLOOR. SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 451 3133.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LINKED RATE HELPS EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS ........................... 1
POLICE CONDUCT MANAGEMENT REVIEW ................................... 2
HONG KONG ALIVE TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ........................ 4
HK AIMS FOR HOLISTIC APPROACH TO REHABILITATION .................... 5
SEMINAR ON RED TIDES ............................................... 7
SURVEY ON DRUG USE AMONG YOUTHS TO GET UNDER WAY ................... 8
PROPOSALS TO AMEND RATEABLE VALUES PROCESSED ....................... 9
MOVEMENT OF MOON IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ............................ 9
SERVICE INDUSTRY REPORTS ON SALE .................................. 10
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT............................................... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 11
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
LINKED RATE HELPS EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS *****
THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN THE U.S. AND THE HK DOLLARS HAS HELPED THE EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS OF LOCAL EXPORTERS BECAUSE IT HAS REDUCED THE RISK OF EXCHANGE LOSSES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR '92 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR YEUNG REFUTED ACCUSATION THAT THE DOLLAR LINK HAD RESULTED IN IMPORTED INFLATION.
"THIS ALLEGATION DOES NOT STAND UP TO CLOSE EXAMINATION," HE SAID.
"IN THE CASE OF WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS AND PARTS IMPORT PRICES, IN 1991 WERE ON AVERAGE 4.5 PER CENT LOWER THAN THEY WERE IN 1983, WHEN THE LINK WAS INTRODUCED.
"DURING THE PERIOD 1986 TO 1991, SUCH IMPORT PRICES FELL BY AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 0.2 PER CENT. IN OTHER WORDS, CONTRARY TO COMMON BELIEF, THE U.S./HK DOLLAR LINK HAS FOSTERED RATHER THAN 'INHIBITED GROWTH DURING THE 1980S," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRIES HAD BEEN PHENOMENALLY SUCCESSFUL IN THE PAST DECADE.
THE GROSS OUTPUT OF THE WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRIES HAS GROWN FROM $8.7 BILLION IN 1980 TO $17.1 BILLION IN 1990, AN INCREASE OF 97 PER CENT; WHILE THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE, IN THE SAME DECADE, FROM $6.5 BILLION TO $19.1 BILLION, OR BY 191 PER CENT.
HE ATTRIBUTED THIS SUCCESS TO THE TWO INDUSTRIES’ ABILITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGE.
"IN MAKING PRODUCTS AS SUSCEPTIBLE TO RAPID CHANGE IN FASHION AS GARMENTS, OUR INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE INCREASINGLY PUT THEMSELVES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY COULD RESPOND VERY QUICKLY TO CHANGES IN DESIGN AND PRODUCTION," HE SAID.
"UNDERPINNING THIS WILLINGNESS TO ADAPT TO CHANGE IS THE FACT THAT , DURING THE 1980S, BOTH INDUSTRIES WERE WELL SERVED BY SUPPORT INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG," HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG ALSO PRAISED THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR ITS MASSIVE AND SUSTAINED PROMOTIONAL EFFORT WHICH HELPED LOCAL INDUSTRIES TO EXPAND MARKET SHARES AND TO OPEN UP NEW MARKETS.
"ALMOST THE ENTIRE OUTPUT OF OUR (WATCH AND CLOCK) INDUSTRIES WAS EXPORTED IN 1990, COMPARED WITH ONLY TWO-THIRDS 10 YEARS AGO, AND DURING THE LAST DECADE THAT OUTPUT HAS DOUBLED.
"THERE IS NO BETTER PROOF THAT THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAS DONE A FIRST-CLASS JOB," MR YEUNG SAID.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
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POLICE CONDUCT MANAGEMENT REVIEW *****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH MESSRS COOPERS AND LYBRAND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS LTD, MARKING A FURTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THE FORCE’S MAJOR REVIEW OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT AND COMMAND STRUCTURE.
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED, AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS, BY MR KEITH LOMAS, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (MANAGEMENT), AND MR ROBERT A COCHRANE, DIRECTOR (MANAGING) OF COOPERS AND LYBRAND.
MR LOMAS POINTED TO THE MANY DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE FORCE SINCE THE MAJOR REVIEWS OF THE LATE 1970s AND EARLY 1980s (THE UNIFORM BRANCH ESTABLISHMENT REVIEW OF 1977, THE UNIFORM BRANCH DEVELOPMENT REVIEW OF 1981 AND THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT REVIEW OF 1981 ) .
DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE FORCE HAVE INCLUDED MODERNISATION AND EXPANSION OF THE MARINE POLICE FLEET, RESTRUCTURING OF KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT.
MR LOMAS STRESSED THAT REVIEWS AND INSPECTIONS OF SPECIFIC FORMATIONS ARE A REGULAR FEATURE OF POLICE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE BUT THAT THE FORCE, AS WITH ANY LARGE ORGANISATION, BENEFITS FROM PERIODIC OVERALL REVIEW.
"WE BELIEVE THAT NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO EXAMINE THE FORCE IN DEPTH AND TO DETERMINE THE MANNING LEVELS AND COMMAND/MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE THAT WILL PLACE THE FORCE ON A SOUND AND REALISTIC FOOTING TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS," MR LOMAS SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG.
THE REVIEW IS BEING DIRECTED BY A STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AND A REVIEW WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY MR LOMAS. THE BULK OF THE STUDIES INTO FORMATION ESTABLISHMENTS IS BEING CONDUCTED BY TEAMS OF EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS HEADED BY MR JIM MAIN, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
THE STUDIES COMMENCED IN MAY AND JUNE. EXAMINATIONS OF MANNING LEVELS FOR REGIONS, DISTRICTS AND DIVISIONS, THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND FRONTIER PATROL DETACHMENT, MARINE REGION AND CRIME WING ARE NOW IN PROGRESS. THESE FORMATIONS ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF FORCE ESTABLISHMENT.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE EXAMINATION OF THE REMAINING FORMATIONS CAN BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 1993.
ONE AREA OF ESTABLISHMENT REVIEW, TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS AND REGIONAL TRAFFIC FORMATIONS, HAS BEEN SET ASIDE FOR STUDY BY MESSRS COOPERS AND LYBRAND - ENABLING THE FORCE TO COMPARE ITS OWN REVIEW METHODOLOGY WITH THAT EMPLOYED BY THE CONSULTANTS AND TO SEE IF THERE ARE NEW LESSONS TO BE LEARNT.
/THE CONSULTANCY .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
3
THE CONSULTANCY PHASE COMMENCES TODAY' (MONDAY) AND RUNS THROUGH TO FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR. THE CONSULTANTS’ ROLE IS THREE-FOLD:
(A) TO PROVIDE IN-PUT, THROUGH THEIR MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORKING GROUP, ON STUDIES CARRIED OUT BY' THE POLICE STUDY TEAMS;
(B) TO CONDUCT THE REVIEW OF ESTABLISHMENT FOR TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS AND REGIONAL TRAFFIC FORMATIONS; AND
(C) TO CONDUCT A STUDY OF THE FORCE MANAGEMENT AND COMMAND STRUCTURE. THIS STUDY IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN LATE OCTOBER AND TO BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY 1993. 4
MR LOMAS STRESSED THAT ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE REVIEW IS TO DETERMINE A REALISTIC ESTABLISHMENT.
HE EMPHASISED THAT IF, AS A RESULT OF CHANGING COMMITMENTS, THERE ARE MANPOWER SAVINGS TO BE MADE IN SOME AREAS THEN THE RESOURCES WILL BE RETAINED BY THE FORCE AND CHANNELLED TO MEET NEW OR INCREASING POLICING COMMITMENTS IN OTHER AREAS.
STUDY TEAMS WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION DURING THE COURSE OF THEIR STUDIES:
(A) IDENTIFICATION OF FUNCTIONAL ROLES FOR ADDITIONAL SERGEANT AND STATION SERGEANT POSTS (A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL STUDY' ON RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS);
(B) POSSIBLE AREAS FOR AN INCREASED ROLE FOR WOMEN POLICE; AND
(C) POSSIBLE AREAS FOR GREATER CIVILIANISATION.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
4
HONG KONG ALIVE TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION *****
HONG KONG IS ALIVE TO THE NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL THERE ARE PLANS TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND PREVENT MORE.
PROTECTION AND
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AT THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATE.
APART FROM THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN JUNE 1989 WHICH OUTLINED POSITIVE STEPS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR EASON SAID MORE ROOM WAS MADE ON HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA FOR BROADER ISSUES SUCH AS THE INITIATIVES ARISING FROM THE RECENT EARTH SUMMIT IN RIO DE JANEIRO, GLOBAL WARMING, OZONE DEPLETION AND ACID RAIN.
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT ARE EXAMINING THE AGREEMENTS REACHED AT RIO AND CONSIDERING THEIR IMPLICATIONS, IT IS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL FULFIL WHATEVER INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS ARISE AND WOULD POINT TO THE PERFORMANCE ON CONTROLLING OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES UNDER THE MONTREAL CONVENTION, HE SAID.
ON GLOBAL WARMING, MR EASON SAID IT WAS AGREED THAT PROFLIGATE USE OF ENERGY CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROBLEM.
IN THIS RESPECT, HONG KONG SET UP AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE LAST YEAR TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS AND TO FORMULATE A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
ITS RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDED A PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY TO BE STARTED LATER THIS YEAR AND PUBLISHING A SERIES OF ADVISORY NOTES ON GOOD ENERGY HOUSEKEEPING AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES, INITIALLY FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN NOVEMBER TO BE FOLLOWED BY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS LATER.
ALSO INCLUDED WERE THE INTRODUCTION OF OVERALL THERMAL TRANSFER VALUE CONTROLS AND THE SET UP OF AN ENERGY DISPLAY AND INFORMATION CENTRE.
MR EASON SAID SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITS THE LOCAL MANUFACTURE OF AND IMPOSES STRICT CONTROLS ON THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF THE CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFCS) AND HALONS, HONG KONG HAD SUCCEEDED IN REDUCING BY HALF THE CONSUMPTION OF CFCS.
"CONSUMPTION DROPPED FROM 3,855 TONNES TO 1,962 TONNES, A TARGET ORIGINALLY SET FOR 1995," HE SAID.
"AMENDMENTS TO THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE ARE BEING PROCESSED WHICH WILL FACILITATE MORE ACTIVE CONTROL OF A BROADER RANGE OF OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES."
/"TWELVE SUCH .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
5
’’TWELVE SUCH ITEMS WILL BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO REFLECT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ’LONDON AMENDMENT* TO THE PROTOCOL.”
’’MANDATORY RECOVERY AND RECYCLING AND A BAN ON THE VENTING OF SCHEDULED SUBSTANCES WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED. WE EXPECT TO IMPLEMENT THESE MEASURES IN 1993,” HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THE LEVELS OF BOTH SULPHUR DIOXIDE AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE IN THE ATMOSPHERE, WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO ACID RAIN FORMATION WERE CLOSELY MONITORED.
’’SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FUEL RESTRICTION REGULATION IN 1990 - WHICH OBLIGED INDUSTRY TO USE FUEL OIL WITH A SULPHUR CONTENT OF 0.5 PER CENT - SULPHUR DIOXIDE LEVELS IN HONG KONG HAVE FALLEN SIGNIFICANTLY.
’’HOWEVER, NITROGEN DIOXIDE LEVELS REMAIN HIGH AND WE MUST THEREFORE LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT HOW WE CAN LIMIT AIR POLLUTION FROM DIESEL ENGINES,” HE ADDED.
HK AIMS FOR HOLISTIC APPROACH TO REHABILITATION *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED REHABILITATION AS A CULTURE, A MOVEMENT REQUIRING THE SUPPORT OF EVERY ONE.
SHE SAID REHABILITATION PERMEATED THROUGH EVERY SPHERE OF ACTIVITIES AND TOUCHED UPON DIVERSE ASPECTS OF LIFE.
"THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PERSONS ARE IN RESPECT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, ACCESS, TRANSPORT, RECREATION AND IN FACT EVERY ASPECT OF DAY-TO-DAY LIFE,” SHE SAID.
”WE AIM FOR INTEGRATION, A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO REHABILITATION: THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF DISABLED PERSONS SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED IN MAINSTREAM SERVICES, NOT SEGREGATED, NOT SEPARATED.
"AND THIS CALLS FOR CLOSE LIAISON AND CO-ORDINATION AMONG SERVICE PROVIDERS, BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT,” SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG WAS ADDRESSING REPRESENTATIVES FROM MORE THAN 80 COUNTRIES AT THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL 17TH WORLD CONGRESS BEING HELD IN NAIROBI, KENYA.
SHE SAID HONG KONG HAD JUST COMPLETED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS REHABILITATION POLICIES BY A WORKING PARTY MADE UP OF PEOPLE FROM A WIDE SPECTRUM OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN REHABILITATION SERVICES, THE DISABLED COMMUNITY AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR.
/A GREEN .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
- 6
A GREEN PAPER CONTAINING THE WORKING PARTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS HAS BEEN FORMULATED AND PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION♦
MRS WONG NOTED THAT PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER HAD BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTIVE AND THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW ASSESSING THE MANY HUNDREDS OF SUBMISSIONS TO MAP OUT THE WAY FORWARD.
BUT SHE BELIEVED THE STRATEGIES FOR NEW POLICIES WOULD INCLUDE:
* IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF DISABILITIES WITH A VIEW TO PREVENTING IMPAIRMENT AND MINIMISING DISABILITIES;
♦ THE BROADER ENVIRONMENT TO MINIMISE HANDICAPS TO DISABLED PERSONS, SO THAT THEY CAN ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES;
* POSITIVE PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS DISABLED PERSONS; AND
♦ REMOVAL OF PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL BARRIERS.
MRS WONG ALSO SPOKE ON LEGISLATIVE MEASURES WHICH ARE CONSIDERED BY MANY AS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF DISABLED PERSONS AND ADVANCE THEIR INTERESTS.
IN HONG KONG, SHE SAID, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF LAWS WHICH AIM TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF DISABLED PERSONS.
"IN RESPECT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL DISABILITY, WE HAVE LAWS WHICH STIPULATE SPECIAL PROVISIONS IN LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND PROCEEDINGS, SPECIAL PROTECTION AGAINST ABUSE, AND GUARDIANSHIP CONDITIONS FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES," MRS WONG SAID.
"WE ALSO HAVE LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS IN PLACE TO REQUIRE DEVELOPERS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE ACCESS FACILITIES FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS IN PUBLIC PLACES.
"OVERALL, OUR LAWS ARE NOT DISCRIMINATORY."
ALTHOUGH THE EXISTING LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES IN HONG KONG ALREADY PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS AND PROTECTION OF DISABLED PERSONS IN MANY AREAS, MRS WONG STRESSED THE NEED FOR NEW LEGISLATION TO STATE MORE EXPLICITLY THE RIGHTS OF DISABLED PERSONS.
"THE QUESTION OF SPECIFIC LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF DISABLED PERSONS IS, THEREFORE, A LIVE ISSUE.
"OUR ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE IS THE REALISATION OF A PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH DISABLED PERSONS ACTUALLY EXERCISE AND ENJOY THEIR RIGHTS," SHE SAID.
"EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND FULL.PARTICIPATION: A BETTER TOMORROW FOR ALL" IS OUR VISION FOR HONG KONG, MRS WONG SAID.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
SEMINAR ON RED TIDES
*****
HONG KONG’S FIRST EVER COLLOQUIUM ON RED TIDES WILL BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 9 TO 11 AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE COLLOQUIUM WILL FOCUS ON RED TIDES IN HONG KONG AND SOUTH CHINA.
APART FROM LOCAL EXPERTS, ACADEMICS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN THE FIELDS OF MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, MORE THAN 10 PARTICIPANTS FROM CHINA AND ONE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL ATTEND THE EVENT.
SENIOR FISHERIES OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DR PATSY WONG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY): "IT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EXPERTS IN HONG KONG AND CHINA TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON THE COMMON PROBLEM OF RED TIDES IN THE REGION.
"BECAUSE OF INCREASING OCCURRENCE OF RED TIDES IN RECENT YEARS, THE SUBJECT HAS ATTRACTED PUBLIC CONCERN. IT IS HOPED THAT THE COLLOQUIUM WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR MORE CO-OPERATION IN RESEARCH WORK IN FUTURE."
THE THREE-DAY FUNCTION WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON ON SEPTEMBER 9. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR BRIAN MORTON, WILL ROUND UP THE TALKS AND DISCUSSION SESSIONS ON SEPTEMBER 10.
TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS WILL CENTRE ON OCCURRENCE OF RED TIDES; TOXIC RED TIDES AND RELATED SHELLFISH POISONING; AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENT AND FORMATION OF RED TIDES.
ON THE LAST DAY (SEPTEMBER 11) OF THE COLLOQUIUM, PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE A FIELD TRIP TO TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL, WHERE HIGHEST OCCURRENCE OF RED TIDES HAS BEEN RECORDED IN HONG KONG.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE COLLOQUIUM ON RED TIDES TO BE HELD AT 10.45 AM ON SEPTEMBER 9 (WEDNESDAY) IN ROOM G05, JAMES LEE SCIENCE BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
REPORTERS WHO COME IN THEIR OWN CARS ARE ADVISED TC ENTER THE UNIVERSITY FROM THE UNIVERSITY DRIVE OFF KOTEWELL ROAD.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
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SURVEY ON DRUG USE AMONG YOUTHS TO GET UNDER WAY
******
THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WILL CONDUCT A SURVEY NEXT MONTH TO COLLECT MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE DATA ON DRUG USE AMONG YOUNGSTERS.
THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 115,000 STUDENTS IN THE LOCAL CHINESE-SPEAKING SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, WHILE BRIEFING ABOUT 150 THIRD-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE AND PREVENTION AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SURVEY ARE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT DRUG ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS TO ASSESS STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON DRUGS AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS DRUG ABUSE.
THE SURVEY ALSO AIMS TO FIND OUT WHY THE STUDENTS ABUSE DRUGS, THE SOURCE FROM WHERE THEY OBTAIN DRUGS, AND HOW THEY LEARN ABOUT DRUGS.
THEIR AWARENESS OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES FOR DRUG ABUSERS WILL ALSO BE ASSESSED.
TWO SIMILAR SURVEYS WERE CONDUCTED IN 1987 AND 1990.
REFERRING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY EFFORTS, MR WOODHOUSE SAID A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMES FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS WERE LAUNCHED EACH YEAR.
"THE PRIMARY AIM OF OUR EFFORTS IS TO PUBLICISE THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TO PROMOTE THE ADVANTAGES OF A DRUG-FREE LIFESTYLE.
"CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ARE REMINDED OF THE DANGERS OF EXPERIMENTING WITH DRUGS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO DEPENDENCY," HE SAID.
HE ALSO URGED THE MEDICAL STUDENTS TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE WHEN THEY ENTERED THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
"HONG KONG’S FIGHT AGAINST DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IS NOT A BATTLE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT CAN WIN SINGLE-HANDEDLY. WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, INCLUDING YOUNG DOCTORS LIKE YOU, AND OTHER CARING PROFESSIONS," HE SAID.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
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PROPOSALS TO AMEND RATEABLE VALUES PROCESSED
******
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS NOW DEALT WITH ALL PROPOSALS RECEIVED IN APRIL AND MAY THIS YEAR TO ALTER THE RATEABLE VALUES IN THE VALUATION LISTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT URGED RATEPAYERS WHO HAD NOT YET RECEIVED A NOTICE OF DECISION FOR THEIR PROPOSALS TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON 805 7666.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IF A RATEABLE VALUE HAD BEEN ALTERED AS A RESULT OF A PROPOSAL, THE AMENDMENT TO THE RATEABLE VALUE AND ANY ADJUSTMENT TO THE RATES PAYABLE WOULD BE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
ANY SUCH ADJUSTMENT WILL BE MADE BY THE TREASURY IN THE RATES DEMANDS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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MOVEMENT OF MOON IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
*****
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (MONDAY) ADVISED THE PUBLIC ON THE TIMES ON MOONRISE, TRANSIT AND MOONSET DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL PERIOD.
ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 10), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 5.17 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 61 DEGREES) AT 11.14 PM, AND MOONSET AT 5.15 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ON THE DAY OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL (FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 5.50 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 66 DEGREES) AT 11.55 PM, AND MOONSET AT 6.04 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ON SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 6.22 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 71 DEGREES) AT 00.36 AM, AND MOONSET AT 6.53 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
10
SERVICE INDUSTRY REPORTS ON SALE
* * ♦ *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED THREE REPORTS THAT CONTAIN A WIDE RANGE OF STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURAL AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES FOR 1990.
THE REPORTS ARE ON:
* 1990 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS;
* 1990 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES; AND
♦ 1990 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES.
THESE ARE NOW ON SALE AT $22, $21 AND $24 A COPY RESPECTIVELY.
THE STATISTICS ARE COMPILED FROM DATA COLLECTED FROM SOME 12,800 SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS.
EXAMPLES OF THE STATISTICAL ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE REPORTS ARE:
* GROSS OUTPUT; SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS; BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOME
» COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES
* PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE
» OPERATING EXPENSES
♦ NET PREMIUMS, NET CLAIMS AND FUNDS AND RESERVES (FOR INSURANCE INDUSTRY ONLY)
* VALUE ADDED (A MEASURE OF CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) AND GROSS SURPLUS
* GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS
APART FROM STATISTICS RELATING TO THE YEAR 1990, THE REPORTS ALSO CONTAIN SOME SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE YEARS 1988 AND 1989 TO SHOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRIES IN RECENT YEARS.
THE STATISTICS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR POLICY FORMULATION, DECISION MAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
THE REPORTS ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICES STATISTICS BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1248.
/Il ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
11
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT *****
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE WHO HOLD CASH ORDER BOOK COUPONS MAY RECEIVE THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAY-DAY FALL ON THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SAID PAYMENT SCHEDULED ON SEPTEMBER 12 AND 13 WOULD BE ADVANCED TO SEPTEMBER 10 AND 11 RESPECTIVELY.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR RECIPIENTS TO COLLECT THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE
* * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 85.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 499.610 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 258.417 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 44.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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 108.8 *+0.0» 7.9.92
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1992
12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.33 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.59 3.19
1 MONTH 2.33 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.89 3.46
3 MONTHS 2.32 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.90 3.75
6 MONTHS 2.53 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.92 3.92
12 MONTHS 3.03 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8.457MN
CLOSED 7 SEPTEMBER 1992
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK, CANADA SIGN ENVIRONMENT AGREEMENT ................................. 1
MORE CONTROL ON SPREAD OF DISEASES NEEDED ............................. 2
HK TO ATTEND FOURTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF APEC ....................... 3
NO PROPOSALS ON TAXI MERGING........................................... 4
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE .................. 4
POST OFFICE OPENS WANCHAI TOWER BRANCH ................................ 9
NEW TRANSPORT TERMINUS IN THE PEAK OPENS .............................. 9
CLINIC SERVICE TO BE SUSPENDED ON SATURDAY ............................ 9
HEAVY FINE FOR FALSE TRADE DECLARATION ............................... 10
POPULATION FIGURE .................................................... 10
235 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME ........................................... 11
500 RETIRING CIVIL SERVANTS ATTEND SEMINAR ........................... 11
HEALTH EXHIBITION AT SCIENCE MUSEUM .................................. 12
LOGO SOUGHT FOR SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVAL ................................ 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 14
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
HK, CANADA SIGN ENVIRONMENT AGREEMENT *****
A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON AND THE VISITING CANADIAN MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, THE HON PAULINE BROWES.
UNDER THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT, HONG KONG AND CANADA WILL PROVIDE EACH OTHER WITH INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND ON SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROGRAMMES.
THE AGREEMENT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE TWO SIDES TO DEVELOP A CO-OPERATION PROGRAMME WHICH MAY INCLUDE EXCHANGE OF PERSONNEL AND JOINT PROJECTS ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNIQUES AND TECHNOLOGIES.
INITIALLY, THE PROGRAMME WILL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS:
* ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AND EXPERIENCE;
* PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES;
* WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE;
* PROMOTION OF THE APPLICATION OF CLEAN TECHNOLOGY; AND
* ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION, INCLUDING ACID RAIN AND CLIMATE CHANGE.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE MANAGED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENT CANADA.
SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MINISTER BROWES SAID: "CANADA’S GREEN PLAN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT COMMITS CANADA TO STRENGTHENING BILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL CO-OPERATION. THROUGH EXCHANGES OF KNOWLEDGE AND COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES, AGREEMENTS SUCH AS THE ONE SIGNED TODAY BUILD TOWARDS GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION."
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR EASON SAID: "THE MEMORANDUM REFLECTS GROWING TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA.”
HE WELCOMED IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG TO LEARN FROM CANADA’S EXPERIENCE AND HIGH STANDARDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
"CANADA’S GREEN PLAN FOR A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IS GENERALLY SEEN AS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF HOW COMMUNITIES WITH A STRONG ECONOMY CAN PURSUE THEIR ECONOMIC STRENGTHS IN HARMONY WITH THE ENVIRONMENT.
/"THE FIRST .......
2
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
"THE FIRST LEAF THAT HONG KONG CAN BORROW FROM CANADA’S GREEN PLAN IS THE IMPORTANCE THAT CANADA PAYS TO DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTAL UNDERSTANDING WITHIN ITS COMMUNITY.
’’ANOTHER LESSON FOR HONG KONG IN CANADA’S GREEN PLAN IS THAT AS THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT BRINGS CLOSEF? THE CONCEPT OF A GLOBAL VILLAGE, SO ALSO IT BRINGS CLOSER THE NEED TO THINK OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES NOT PURELY IN DOMESTIC TERMS,” HE SAID.
---------0 -
MORE CONTROL ON SPREAD OF DISEASES NEEDED
*****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, DR S H LEE, SAID MUCH HAD TO BE DONE IN CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF DISEASES AMONG VARIOUS COUNTRIES.
HE SAID THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS REGARD AND IN THE RAPID DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.
DR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 43RD SESSION OF WHO’S REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC WHICH OPENED IN HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY).
AS CHAIRMAN OF THE CURRENT SESSION, DR LEE SAID HONG KONG WAS A VERY BUSY CROSSROAD OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND TRAVEL.
THIS BRINGS WITH IT THE HEALTH RISKS THAT ACCOMPANY PEOPLE AND GOODS AS THEY MOVE AROUND THE WORLD, MAKING DISEASE SURVEILLANCE VERY DIFFICULT.
"IN THE RECENT PAST WE HAVE SEEN SOME GOOD EXAMPLES IN THE FORM OF ’BORDER MEETINGS’ IN PROGRAMME AREAS SUCH AS DRUG ABUSE, AIDS AND OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES,” HE SAID.
"SUCH MEETINGS HAVE GREATLY HELPED IN SETTING UP SYSTEMS TO MONITOR THE TRANSBOUNDARY MOVEMENT OF INFECTIONS.
"I AM SURE THERE ARE MANY OTHER WAYS IN WHICH WHO IS ENABLING COUNTRIES TO CO-OPERATE WITH EACH OTHER IN CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF DISEASES, AND THAT THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE DONE IN THIS AREA."
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT WHO’S COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMMES IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC OVER THE YEARS HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ADDRESSING THE MAJOR HEALTH ISSUES OF THE REGION.
CITING EXAMPLES, HE SAID CONTROL OF THE SIX TARGET DISEASES WAS BECOMING POSSIBLE; THE ELIMINATION OF LEPROSY WAS BECOMING A REALITY; AND MORTALITY FROM DIARRHOEAL DISEASES WAS ALSO BEING RAPIDLY REDUCED.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THE NEED FOR NEW INITIATIVES TO REDUCE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HEALTH OF URBANISATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION WHICH WERE RELATED MAINLY TO ENVIRONMENT AND LIFESTYLE.
/IN ADDITION .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
3
IN ADDITION TO COMMUNICABLE DISEASES CONTROL, DR LEE SAID HONG KONG WOULD COLLABORATE WITH WHO MEMBER STATES IN OTHER AREAS LIKE WATER AND SANITATION, POLLUTION CONTROL, CANCER AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION.
DURING THE FIVE-DAY SESSION, MEMBERS WILL BE REVIEWING PROGRESS IN ERADICATING POLIOMYELITIS, CONSIDERING OPTIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HEALTH SERVICES AND FOR PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING IN THE REGION, AND DISCUSSING MANY OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES.
DR LEE SAID: "WE SHOULD GIVE PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE
ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF ALL THESE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS."
"THE NEED FOR BETTER CARE AND BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE IS FELT BY ALL POPULATION GROUPS. IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS HAVE GREATLY INCREASED THE DEMAND FOR GOOD SERVICES.
"THOUGH OUR RESOURCES ARE VERY LIMITED, WE HAVE TO FIND WAYS TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE EQUITY AND QUALITY OF OUR HEALTH SERVICES," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
HK TO ATTEND FOURTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF APEC * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE FOURTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) TO BE HELD IN BANGKOK WILL AGREE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERMANENT SECRETARIAT.
"APEC HAS PROVED TO BE A VERY USEFUL FORUM FOR ECONOMIES IN THE REGION TO SHARE EXPERIENCE AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERMANENT SECRETARIAT WILL BE AN IMPORTANT STEP TO STRENGTHEN FURTHER APEC’S ACTIVITIES," MR CHAU SAID BEFORE LEAVING FOR BANGKOK TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
"THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS FUNDING FOR THE SECRETARIAT, FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN APEC, REGIONAL TRADE LIBERALISATION MEASURES AND THE URUGUAY ROUND," HE ADDED.
HONG KONG JOINED APEC IN NOVEMBER 1991. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT HONG KONG IS PARTICIPATING IN AN APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY MR T H CHAU. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER; DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MISS CHERRY LING; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN C TSANG AND PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, MISS JOANNA CHOI.
/THE MINISTERIAL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
4
THE MINISTERIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 10 AND 11. TO PREPARE FOR THIS MEETING, SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE DELEGATIONS ARRIVED EARLIER IN BANGKOK TO DISCUSS THE VARIOUS ISSUES.
HONG KONG IS REPRESENTED AT THE SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETING BY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG.
CURRENT MEMBERS OF APEC INCLUDE AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, MALAYSIA, NEW ZEALAND, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
- - 0 - -
NO PROPOSALS ON TAXI MERGING * * * ♦
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOT FORMULATED ANY PROPOSAL ON THE MERGING OF URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS.
"IT IS WRONG TO CONSTRUE THE FORTHCOMING CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE TRANSPORT NEEDS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AS AN INDICATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN OR IS ABOUT TO TAKE A VIEW ON THE ISSUE.
"IN FACT, THE STUDY AIMS TO LOOK AT A WHOLE RANGE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO THE NEW AIRPORT, INCLUDING THE TAXIS," HE SAID.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE STUDY WILL START IN OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1993.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL THEN CONSIDER THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY AND SEEK PUBLIC VIEWS, INCLUDING THOSE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS. AT THIS STAGE, ANY PROPOSAL FOR MERGING IS SPECULATING AND TOTALLY UNFOUNDED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE *****
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR INCREASED BY 1%, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22%. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES HAVING BEEN DISCOUNTED.
/REGARDING PRICE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
5
REGARDING PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY 1%, IMPORT PRICES WERE VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.
PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDEXES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX IS THE RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX. IT INCREASED BY 1% IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING JUNE 1992 WITH JUNE 1991, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 12% WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 39%. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 32%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED. IMPORT PRICES 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 JUNE 1992 WITH JUNE 1991, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+47%); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+45%); TEXTILE FABRICS (+13%) AND METAL MANUFACTURES (+12%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-36%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-23%); AND FOOTWEAR (-12%).
ON DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS RECORDED FOR TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES, BY 10%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS RECORDED A CONSIDERABLE DECREASE OF 5% IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES. THE DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD; DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; AND METAL ORES AND SCRAP ALL DECLINED BY 3%.
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 INCREASED BY 20% IN JUNE 1992 OVER JUNE 1991.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF LIVE POULTRY; ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; FRUIT; AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASE WAS RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 34%.
/COMMODITY ITEMS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
6
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS; FOOTWEAR; CLOTHING; AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY,
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 20% IN JUNE 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR BASE METALS (OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL); WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; WOVEN FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; AND RAW COTTON.
HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MAN-MADE FIBRES AND SILK FABRICS.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 65% IN VOLUME IN JUNE 1992 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 56% IN JUNE 1992 OVER JUNE 1991.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS; AND OFFICE MACHINES. HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS NOTED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEXTILE MACHINERY.
THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JUNE 1992 OVER JUNE 1991 : CAPITAL GOODS (+3%); FUELS (+3%); CONSUMER GOODS (+2%); AND FOODSTUFFS (+1%).
HOWEVER, THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES 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 IN JUNE 1992 COMPARED WITH JUNE 1991, BY 70%.
THAT OF CONSUMER GOODS; RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; AND FOODSTUFFS ALSO REGISTERED INCREASES, BY 37%, 33% AND 14%
RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 23%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS, CONSUMER GOODS AND FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 7%, 2% AND 2%
RESPECTIVELY.
THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 3% WHILE THOSE OF CAPITAL GOODS REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.
DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
/THE REPORT ......
7
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AROUND SEPTEMBER 14 AT $6 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE 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 INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4918) .
TABLE 1 : CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP COMPARING JUN 1992 WITH JUN 1991 COMPARING WITH VALUE % JAN-JUN 1992 JAN-JUN 1991 UNIT VALUE VOLUME
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
% %
CLOTHING 9 2 7 2 2 *
TEXTILE FABRICS 12 -1 13 4 2 2
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 5 -3 8 -3 -3 -1
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 4 10 -6 -12 7 -18
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -36 * -36 -39 -1 -38
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 40 -5 47 21 -5 27
FOOTWEAR -9 4 -12 -30 3 -32
METAL MANUFACTURES 16 4 12 9 4 5
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 40 -3 45 -14 -5 -9
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -3 ♦ -4 -13 -1 -12
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -7 -1 -6 7 2 5
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -25 -3 -23 -32 1 -33
ALL COMMODITIES 12 * 12 2 1 1
* LESS THAN 0.5%
/TABLE 2 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JUN 1992 WITH JUN 1991 COMPARING WITH JAN-JUN 1992 JAN-JUN 1991
UNIT UNIT
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE VALUE VOLUME VALUE VALUE VOLUME
% % % % % %
FOODSTUFFS 21 1 20 13 1 11
CONSUMER GOODS 38 2 34 30 2 27
RAW MATERIALS AND
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 18 -2 20 15 -2 18
FUELS 71 3 65 3 -16 23
CAPITAL GOODS 62 3 56 33 1 32
ALL COMMODITIES 33 1 32 23 * 23
* LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JUN 1992 WITH JUN 1991 COMPARING JAN-JUN 1992 WITH JAN-JUN 1991
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
% % % % % %
FOODSTUFFS 15 2 14 8 2 5
CONSUMER GOODS 40 2 37 34 3 30
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 30 -3 33 26 -2 28
FUELS -18 7 -23 15 -14 33
CAPITAL GOODS 70 * 70 48 1 46
ALL COMMODITIES 40 * 39 33 1 31
---------0-----------
* LESS THAN 0.5%
/9.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
9
POST OFFICE OPENS WANCHAI TOWER BRANCH
******
A NEW BRANCH POST OFFICE IN WANCHAI TOWER III OPENS FOR BUSINESS TODAY (TUESDAY), PROVIDING A NORMAL RANGE OF COUNTER SERVICES.
THE GLOUCESTER ROAD POST OFFICE IS ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF WANCHAI TOWER III, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE POST OFFICE ALSO ACCEPTS SPEEDPOST POSTINGS AND MAKES AVAILABLE 1,000 P.O. BOXES.
THE BUSINESS HOURS ARE 9.30 AM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9.30 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES IS 877 0929.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, MRS PEGGY LAM; AND THE ACTING WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TOM W H FONG, OFFICIATED AT ITS OPENING CEREMONY THIS MORNING.
THIS BRINGS TO 120 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BRANCH POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG.
------0--------
NEW TRANSPORT TERMINUS IN THE PEAK OPENS ♦ * * *
A NEW PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS IN THE PEAK WILL BE OPENED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE TERMINUS WILL COMPRISE A BUS TERMINUS, A TAXI STAND AND A GREEN MINIBUS STAND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING TERMINUS OF CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTES 15, 15A, 15B AND 15M, AND THE TERMINUS OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 1 AT FINDLAY ROAD WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE NEW TERMINUS.
--------0-----------
CLINIC SERVICE TO BE SUSPENDED ON SATURDAY
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO HOLIDAY AND EVENING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICES ON SEPTEMBER 12 (SATURDAY) WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
------0--------
/10........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
HEAVY FINE FOR FALSE TRADE DECLARATION ******
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED DISHONEST TEXTILE TRADERS THAT MAKING FALSE DECLARATION OF GOODS ORIGIN MAY INCUR A MAXIMUM FINE AMOUNTING TO 40 PER CENT OF THE "FREE ON BOARD" VALUE OF THE GOODS INVOLVED.
THE ADVICE WAS MADE AFTER A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A TRADING FIRM WAS FINED $225,000 BY A NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRATE FOR POSSESSION OF 8,672 PIECES OF CHINA-MADE LADIES' WOVEN PANTS AND BLOUSES BEARING FALSE "MADE IN HONG KONG" LABELS.
THE FIRM WAS ALSO FOUND GUILTY OF FALSELY DECLARING THE GOOQS TO BE HONG KONG PRODUCT IN APPLYING FOR TEXTILE EXPORT LICENCES ON FIVE OCCASIONS.
THREE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE CASE WERE ALSO CONVICTED AND FINED A TOTAL OF $160,000 FOR APPLYING "MADE IN HONG KONG" TRADE DESCRIPTION TO CHINA-MADE GARMENTS, AND MAKING FALSE DECLARATION IN THEIR APPLICATION FOR TEXTILE EXPORT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN.
THE COURT HEARD ON SEPTEMBER 4 THAT THE GOODS, VALUED AT ABOUT $1.5 MILLION, WERE FOR EXPORT TO THE UNITED STATES.
THE HEAD OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROL OFFICER MR ANDREW WONG SAID CUSTOMS TRADE CONTROL OFFICERS WOULD SPARE NO EFFORT TO PROSECUTE OFFENDERS OF THIS TYPE.
"THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE THAT THE COURTS ALSO TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW ON THESE OFFENCES BECAUSE OF THE HARMFUL EFFECT THEY HAVE ON THE REPUTATION OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE TRADE. HEAVIER SENTENCES ARE THUS IMPOSED," MR WONG SAID.
"ONCE WE DETECTED A CASE, WE WOULD SHOW NO MERCY ON THE OFFENDERS BY BRINGING THEM TO THE COURT," HE ADDED.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE IN HONG KONG IS $500,000 FINE PLUS TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
- - 0 - -
POPULATION FIGURE * * * *
THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF HONG KONG AT THE END OF JUNE WAS 5,811,500, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 56,700 PERSONS OR 1.0 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH MID-1991 WHEN THE ESTIMATED POPULATION WAS 5,754,800.
/BETWEEN MID-1991
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
11
BETWEEN MID-1991 AND MID-1992, THERE WERE 71,800 BIRTHS AND 30,600 DEATHS IN HONG KONG.
THE BALANCE OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS THUS AMOUNTED TO 41,200 AND ACCOUNTED FOR 73 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION GROWTH.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE BALANCE OF TOTAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES SHOWED A NET INFLOW OF 15,500 PERSONS.
- - 0 - -
235 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME *****
A GROUP OF 235 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 81 MEN, 74 WOMEN, 26 BOYS AND 54 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 121ST BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 7,798 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 21,677 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
500 RETIRING CIVIL SERVANTS ATTEND SEMINAR ******
FIVE HUNDRED RETIRING CIVIL SERVANTS ATTENDED A PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, SAID THE SEMINAR AIMED TO HELP THE OFFICERS CONFRONT ANY LATENT FEAR AND APPREHENSION, DEVELOP A MORE POSITIVE AND HEALTHY ATTITUDE TOWARDS RETIREMENT AND DEFINE THEIR OWN PRIORITIES AND TAKE ACTION IN GOOD TIME.
"THIS SEMINAR WILL ALSO PROVIDE YOU WITH A FORUM TO SHARE YOUR VIEWS AND FEELINGS WITH RETIRING COLLEAGUES AND EXPERTS IN SPECIFIC FIELDS AND TO IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS," HE TOLD THE PARTICIPANTS.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE TWO-DAY SEMINAR IS AN IMPROVEMENT ON THE ONES HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH PARTICIPANTS AS WELL AS EXPERTS IN THE FIELD.
IT PROVIDES INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON PRE-RETIREMENT PREPARATION, HOW TO COPE WITH THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF RETIREMENT, HEALTH AND NUTRITION FOR RETIREES AND BASIC FINANCE PLANNING.
TWO SIMILAR SEMINARS DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS OF OFFICERS WILL BE CONDUCTED NEXT WEEK.
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/12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
- 12 -
HEALTH EXHIBITION AT SCIENCE MUSEUM *****
A FOUR-DAY HEALTH EXHIBITION TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF SELF CARE WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 11) AT THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION HALL, SCIENCE MUSEUM, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
ENTITLED ’’HEALTHY MEMBERS, HAPPY FAMILY”, THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT.
IT AIMS TO DRIVE HOME MESSAGES OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, SELF CARE AND FAMILY SUPPORT.
THE EMPHASIS IS ON THE CAUSES OF SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG SUCH AS HEART DISEASES, CANCERS, HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY, AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
THERE WILL BE STATIC DISPLAYS ON A WIDE VARIETY OF HEALTH TOPICS. THEY INCLUDE: DIET AND OVERWEIGHT, EXERCISE AND REST, DRUG ABUSE AND ALCOHOL, SMOKING AT HOME, SEX EDUCATION AND FAMILY PLANNING, MENTAL FITNESS, ASTHMA AND OTHER ALLERGIES, ORAL HYGIENE, AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE AUDIOVISUAL SHOW, BOOTH GAMES AND DISPLAY OF THE WINNING ENTRIES IN TWO RECENTLY HELD CARTOON WORDING AND PHOTO CONTESTS.
A 24-HOUR TELEPHONE HOTLINE (833 0111) WILL PROVIDE TAPED INFORMATION ON THE EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 3 PM TO 7 PM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 11) AND FROM 10.30 AM TO 7 PM BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 12 AND 14.
STAFF FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BE ON HAND TO GIVE ADVICE AND ANSWER ENQUIRIES.
FREE EDUCATION AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
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LOGO SOUGHT FOR SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVAL *****
STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ARE INVITED TO DESIGN THE LOGO FOR THE SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVAL.
THE THEME OF THE DESIGN SHOULD PROVIDE AN INTERESTING FOCUS FOR DRAMA ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
THE FESTIVAL MADE ITS DEBUT IN THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR AND ATTRACTED 110 SCHOOLS.
/"IT AIMS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
13
"IT AIMS AT PROMOTING DRAMA AS A REGULAR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY AND DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ CREATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE EXPRESSION AND LANGUAGE SKILLS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO DIVISIONS, WITH GROUP A OF DIVISION I OPEN TO SECONDARY 1-3 AND GROUP B TO SECONDARY 4-7 STUDENTS.
DIVISION II IS OPEN TO FULL-TIME STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
EACH PARTICIPANT MAY SUBMIT A MAXIMUM OF TWO DESIGNS. ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT THROUGH SCHOOLS BEFORE OCTOBER 20.
A TOTAL OF 15 PRIZES, RANGING FROM $200 TO $700 IN BOOK TOKENS, WILL BE AWARDED: FIVE EACH FOR THE TWO GROUPS IN DIVISION I AND FIVE FOR DIVISION II.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SECTION ON 892 6692.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 8 SEPT 92 8 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q237 Y294
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,585 MN HKD 1,330 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 200 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.36 PCT 3.10 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.37 PCT 3.10 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 59 PCT ABOUT 88 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.38 PCT 3.15 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 14 SEPTEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 15 SEPT 92 15 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q238 H273
ISSUE DATE 16 SEPT 92 16 SEPT 92
MATURITY DATE 16 DEC 92 17 MAR 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160 MN HKD 300+60 MN
o
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERASL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING NALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW] 108.8 *+0.0* 8.9.92
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1992
- 15 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.34 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.55 3.21
1 MONTH 2.35 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.88 3.46
3 MONTHS 2.35 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.89 3.75
6 MONTHS 2.54 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.92 3.91
12 MONTHS 3.08 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 5,708 MN
CLOSED 8 SEPTEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BAGUIO VILLAS LANDSLIDE REPORT RELEASED ................................ 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY COMMENTS ON BCCHK'S REPAYMENT SCHEME ............... 2
TALKS ON HK/GUANGDONG BOUNDARIES OF ADMINISTRATION...................... 2
GOVT TAKES ACTIVE ROLE TO REDUCE POLLUTION ............................. 3
HONG KONG - MANHATTAN OF CHINA ......................................... 4
EDUCATION TV PROGRAMME TO DISCOURAGE STUDENT SUICIDES .................. 6
A KUNG NGAM SITE TO LET................................................. 7
VISITORS MUST OBSERVE CONDITIONS OF STAY IN HONG KONG................... 8
LANTERN CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO........................................ 9
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TRAINING FOR STUDENTS ............................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............ 10
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
BAGUIO VILLAS LANDSLIDE REPORT RELEASED ******
THE TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORT COMPILED BY THE GEOTECHNICAj ENGINEERING OFFICE ON THE BAGUIO VILLAS LANDSLIDE WAS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF THE LANDSLIDE WAS THE EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH INTENSITY OF RAINFALL WHICH CAUSED SOIL EROSION IN FRONT OF AN OLD MASONARY RETAINING WALL.
THE WALL FAILED BECAUSE OF LOSS OF SUPPORT CAUSED BY SOIL EROSION AND A BUILD-UP OF WATER PRESSURE BEHIND THE WALL.
POOR STRUCTURAL CONDITION OF THE WALL MIGHT ALSO HAVE CONTRIBUTED.
THE AGE OF THE RETAINING WALL IS NOT KNOWN, BUT ITS EXISTENCE CAN BE TRACED BACK TO 1924.
THE WALL MAY WELL DATE BACK TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE AS A FARM IN THE 1880S AND REMAINED WITHIN THE OWNERSHIP OF DAIRY FARM UNTIL 1988 WHEN THE ESTATE WAS RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT.
PART OF THE ESTATE WAS THEN ALLOCATED TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
MR BLAKE SAID ALL OF THE INTERIM ENGINEERING WORKS TO PROTECT THE AFFECTED BUILDINGS HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
PERMANENT STABILISATION WORKS INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PROTECTIVE WALLS ON ADJACENT SLOPES AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM BELOW VICTORIA ROAD WILL BE COMPLETED DURING THE COMING DRY SEASON.
USE OF BLOCK 26 OF BAGUIO VILLAS IS NOW FULLY RESTORED. ALL OF THE AFFECTED GOVERNMENT QUARTERS IN BLOCKS 43 AND 44, SAVE FIVE APARTMENTS ON THE LOWER FLOORS, ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR RE-OCCUPATION.
MR BLAKE SAID ANY QUESTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LANDSLIDE WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF FINDINGS OF AN IMPENDING INQUEST INTO THE TWO DEATHS INVOLVED IN THE LANDSLIDE TO BE HELD AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
AS AN ADDITIONAL PRECAUTION, THE GOVERNMENT BEGAN A SYSTEMATIC SEARCH FOR SLOPES WITH THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS AS THE ONE ABOVE BAGUIO VILLAS SOON AFTER THE LANDSLIDE WHICH OCCURRED ON MAY 8, 1992.
/MR BLAKE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
2
MR BLAKE SAID THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE SEARCH WAS TO IDENTIFY AND UPGRADE PROMPTLY ANY UNSATISFACTORY SLOPES FOUND AS AN ADDED MEASURE TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE OF A BAGUIO VILLAS TYPE LANDSLIDE.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ON THE BAGUIO VILLAS LANDSLIDE ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND AT THE CIVIL ENGINEERING LIBRARY, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
COMMENTS ON BCCHK’S REPAYMENT SCHEME
*****
COMMENTING ON THE RESULTS OF THE VOTING ON THE SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT BY SCHEME CREDITORS OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONGKONG LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION), THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT WAS GOOD NEWS FOR ALL CREDITORS.
"I AM DELIGHTED THAT THE SCHEME HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE CREDITORS,” MR MACLEOD ADDED.
’’THE SCHEME, ASSUMING IT IS APPROVED BY THE HIGH COURT, WILL ENABLE SMALL CREDITORS TO RECEIVE FULL PAYMENT SHORTLY. IT WILL ALSO HELP SPEED UP THE SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS BY LARGE CREDITORS AND REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.”
"I WOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LIQUIDATOR AND THE SPECIAL MANAGERS FOR THEIR SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS,” HE SAID.
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TALKS ON HK/GUANGDONG BOUNDARIES OF ADMINISTRATION
******
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON RELATING TO THE BOUNDARIES OF ADMINISTRATION BETWEEN HONG GUANGDONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 10 AND 11 THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES.
MATTERS
KONG AND BETWEEN
D^PUH POLITICAL ADVISER, MR S E BRADLEY, WILL LEAD THE HONG KONG TEAM. THE GUANGDONG TEAM WILL BE LED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF GUANGDONG FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR ZHANG QINGPING DIRECTOR OF
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/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
1992
3
GOVT TAKES ACTIVE ROLE TO REDUCE POLLUTION
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TAKING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN REDUCING POLLUTION LOADING TO THE SURROUNDING WATERS THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE AND STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE COLLOQUIUM ON RED TIDES IN HONG KONG AND SOUTH CHINA 1992.
HE SAID THE OCCURRENCE OF RED TIDES IN THE TOLO SYSTEM, WHICH IS A LARGE ENCLOSED BAY TO THE NORTHEAST OF HONG KONG, APPEARED TO BE DECREASING AFTER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN SINCE 1987.
"RED TIDES NOW ATTRACT MORE PUBLIC ATTENTION BECAUSE OF THEIR INCREASING INTENSITY, AND BECAUSE OF THEIR IMPACT ON MARINE ENVIRONMENT, ON FISHERIES AND, POTENTIALLY AT LEAST, ON PUBLIC HEALTH.
"FISH KILLS ASSOCIATED WITH RED TIDES SINCE 1980 HAVE AMOUNTED TO 246 TONNES, AT A VALUE OF $12.6 MILLION," HE SAID.
IN 1988, THERE WERE 88 INCIDENTS OF RED TIDES, THE HIGHEST FOR ANY YEAR ON RECORD.
"GAZETTED BEACHES HAVE ALSO BEEN THREATENED, AFFECTING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,” HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR EASON POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT YET FULLY UNDERSTOOD HOW RED TIDES WERE FORMED, AND HE HOPED THAT THE SYMPOSIUM WOULD GIVE THE EXPERTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHED MORE LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT.
HE SAID GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN HONG KONG HAD ESTABLISHED A RED TIDE REPORTING NETWORK, AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL ACTION PLAN AND A DATABASE ON RED TIDE OCCURRENCE.
HE ADDED THAT THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WERE RESEARCHING THE FORMATION OF RED TIDES AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS, WITH THE TWIN AIMS OF SAFEGUARDING PUBLIC HEALTH AND MINIMISING ECONOMIC LOSS CAUSED BY RED TIDES.
MR EASON POINTED OUT THAT RED TIDES WERE NOT RESTRICTED TO HONG KONG WATERS.
HE CONSIDERED THAT THE PARTICIPATION OF EXPERTS FROM CHINA IN THE COLLOQUIUM WOULD ENABLE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT, PAVE THE WAY FOR MUTUAL CO-OPERATION IN FURTHER RESEARCH WORK AND FORMULATE MORE EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH RED TIDES PROBLEM.
THE COLLOQUIUM, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND HELD IN HONG KONG, WAS ATTENDED BY EXPERTS, ACADEMICS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN THE FIELDS OF MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FROM HONG KONG AND CHINA.
/THE EVENT........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
4
THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.
THE DISCUSSION TOPICS FOCUSED ON OCCURRENCE OF RED TIDES; TOXIC RED TIDES AND RELATED SHELLFISH POISONING; AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENT AND FORMATION OF RED TIDES.
ON THE LAST DAY OF THE COLLOQUIUM ON SEPTEMBER 11, PARTICIPANTS WOULD TAKE A FIELD TRIP TO TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL, WHERE HIGHEST OCCURRENCE OF RED TIDES HAS BEEN RECORDED IN HONG KONG.
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HONG KONG - MANHATTAN OF CHINA *****
HONG KONG IN THE YEAR 2000 WILL BE KNOWN AS THE "MANHATTAN OF CHINA", THE PRINCIPAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TOKYO, MR DAVID LAN, PREDICTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON "HONG KONG IN THE YEAR 2000, BOOM OR DOOM?" AT THE HOTEL OKURA EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON MEETING IN TOKYO, MR LAN SAID HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A LEADING COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE BOTH REGIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A HUB FOR PRODUCTION, TRADE, FINANCE, TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES IN THE REGION WILL CONTINUE.
HE SAID HONG KONG IN THE YEAR 2000 WAS LIKELY TO BE EVEN MORE PROSPEROUS AND DYNAMIC THAN IT WAS AT PRESENT.
BY THEN THE NEW AIRPORT AND OTHER RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS LIKE AIRPORT HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, LAND RECLAMATION AND FURTHER EXPANSION OF THE PORT WOULD HAVE CHANGED HONG KONG ALMOST BEYOND RECOGNITION.
HE SAID THIS COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WOULD ACT AS A DYNAMO FOR FURTHER WEALTH CREATION, NOT JUST IN HONG KONG BUT IN GUANGDONG, AND MORE WIDELY IN CHINA WHOSE FLOURISHING ECONOMIC LINKS WITH HONG KONG WERE TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
"FROM NOW TO THE YEAR 2000 AND BEYOND, HONG KONG WILL BE FULL OF INVESTMENT AND TRADING OPPORTUNITIES. WHETHER ONE WANTS TO TAKE UP ANY OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES IS REALLY A MATTER OF SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT AND PERSONAL CHOICE," HE SAID.
THE OPENING OF CHINA’S ECONOMY HAD PROVIDED A NEW AND STRONG IMPETUS TO HONG KONG’S OVERALL ECONOMIC GROWTH. THERE ARE NOW ABOUT THREE MILLION WORKERS IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE WORKING FOR HONG KONG COMPANIES.
/"SUCH REGIONAL
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
5
"SUCH REGIONAL DIVISION OE LABOUR AND INTRA-INDUSTRY SPECIALISATION HAS BROUGHT ENORMOUS BENEFITS TO BOTH ECONOMIES. WHILE THE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING WORK IS DONE IN GUANGDONG, MOST OF THE SUPPORTING SERVICES HAVE TO BE PROVIDED BY HONG KONG.
"THIS SUPPORT TAKES THE FORM OF FRONT-END SERVICES SUCH AS DESIGN AND THE SOURCING OF A WIDE VARIETY OF PARTS AND COMPONENTS; AND REAR-END SERVICES LIKE WAREHOUSING, QUALITY-CONTROL, MARKETING, TRADE FINANCING AND SHIPPING,” HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, MR LAN SAID THE FINANCIAL SECTOR CONTINUED TO BENEFIT FROM THE TREND TOWARDS INTERNATIONALISATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS, AND OVER THE YEARS, HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED INTO A MAJOR REGIONAL LOAN SYNDICATION CENTRE.
"IN PARTICULAR, WE SERVE AS A FUND-RAISING CENTRE FOR CHINA.
"OUR STOCK MARKET IS THE SECOND LARGEST BOURSE IN THE REGION AFTER JAPAN,” HE SAID.
MR LAN SAID THERE HAD ALSO BEEN A LARGE INFLOW OF MONEY. TOTAL DEPOSITS IN HONG KONG'S BANKING SYSTEM HAD INCREASED STEADILY - UP 20 PER CENT EVERY YEAR FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. AND THERE HAI) BEEN NO NET OUTFLOW OF THE HONG KONG DOI,LAR.
SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS HAD GROWN AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 16 PER CENT PER YEAR.
MR LAN ADDED THAT THE HENG SANG INDEX HAD REACHED AN ALL-TIME HIGH RECENTLY, AND HONG KONG’S RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRICES HAD GROWN MORE THAN 50 PER CENT ON AVERAGE IN THE PAST YEAR OR SO.
ON EMIGRATION, HE SAID WHILE IT HAD BEEN CAUSE FOR CONCERN, AN INTERESTING PHENOMENON WAS THAT AS A RESULT OF MORE EX-HONG KONG RESIDENTS RETURNING TO WORK, THERE WERE STRONG INDICATIONS THE NET OUTFLOW OF PEOPLE WAS ACTUALLY DECLINING.
"ALL THESE FIGURES AT LEAST SHOW THAT HONG KONG IS FAR FROM BEING ON THE VERGE OF COLLAPSE DESPITE THE FACT THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE STARTED A COUNT-DOWN TO 1997," HE SAID.
TURNING TO CHINA’S ECONOMY, MR LAN SAID CHINA WAS NOW MOVING FORWARD RAPIDLY AND HONG KONG WAS KEEN TO EXPLORE THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
"SO, IT IS OF NO SURPRISE THAT MANY FOREIGN COMPANIES COME TO HONG KONG WITH AN EYE TO INVEST IN AND TRADE WITH CHINA.
"HONG KONG CAN CERTAINLY PROVIDE THE BEST FOOTHOLD FOR COMPANIES WITH AN AMBITION OF EXPANDING THEIR BUSINESS AMBIT IN CHINA,” HE SAID.
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/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
6
EDUCATION TV PROGRAMME TO DISCOURAGE STUDENT SUICIDES *****
A SPECIAL TELEVISION PROGRAMME TO HELP STUDENTS VALUE LIFE AND TO DISCOURAGE SUICIDES WILL BE SHOWN IN CLASSROOMS IN LATE NOVEMBER, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE 30-MINUTE PROGRAMME ENTITLED "VALUE OF LIFE" WILL BE TARGETED AT PRIMARY 3 TO SECONDARY 5 STUDENTS.
IT WILL INCLUDE A NUMBER OF DRAMATISED SITUATIONS AND PROBLEMS ON SCHOOL WORK, EXAMINATIONS, RELATIONS AMONG SCHOOLS, FAMILIES AND PEER GROUPS.
DURING HIS VISIT TO THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S (RTHK) EDUCATION TELEVISION (ETV) CENTRE IN BROADCAST DRIVE, MR WONG SAID: "I AM GRATEFUL TO TV CELEBRITIES AND TOP INTERNATIONAL TENNIS PLAYER MICHAEL CHANG FOR APPEARING IN THE PROGRAMME TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON THE VALUE OF LIFE."
"IN ADDITION, PROFESSIONALS WILL ADVISE THE STUDENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR PARENTS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, AND ON WAYS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS, INCLUDING SEEKING HELP FROM TEACHERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND GUIDANCE OFFICERS.
"WE HOPE THAT THROUGH THE PRODUCTION OF THIS NEW PROGRAMME, STUDENTS WILL HAVE A POSITIVE UNDERSTANDING OF VALUE OF LIFE."
MR WONG SAID APART FROM THE PRODUCTION OF REGULAR SYLLABUSBASED EDUCATION TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, BOTH DEPARTMENTS ALSO PRODUCED SPECIAL TOPICAL SUBJECTS ON A REGULAR BASIS.
MR WONG CITED EXAMPLES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
"IT IS THE DEPARTMENT’S POLICY TO CONTINUE TO PRODUCE TOPICAL SUBJECTS FOR OUR STUDENTS TO MEET THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT," HE ADDED.
LAST YEAR THE ETV CENTRE PRODUCED 150 PROGRAMMES WITH AN AUDIENCE OF 650,000. MOST VIEWERS WERE PRIMARY STUDENTS AND THE REST WERE JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.
TO ENSURE THAT THESE PROGRAMMES ARE PROPERLY RECEIVED, ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS AS WELL AS PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH BOUGHT PLACES ARE PROVIDED WITH COLOUR TV SETS, VIDEO RECORDERS AND TAPES.
EDUCATION TELEVISION STARTED IN 1971 TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND TO COMPLEMENT THE WORK OF TEACHERS IN CLASSROOMS.
SINCE 1976, RTHK AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE JOINED HANDS TO FURTHER EXTEND THE SERVICE IN SUBJECTS AND LEVELS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MS MARIA WAN, MR WONG VIEWED SOME ETV PROGRAMMES, SAW STUDIO FILMING AND PRODUCTION AND TOURED ITS ARTS GALLERY.
/DURING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
7
DURING THE VISIT, HE ALSO DISCUSSED VARIOUS ASPECTS OF WORK WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG STAFF, AND EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPORT IN MAKING ETV PROGRAMMES A GREAT SUCCESS.
’’WITH THE JOINT EFFORT OF RTHK AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF HI-TECH IN TV PRODUCTION, I AM SURE STUDENTS WILL ENJOY A NEW GENERATION OF EVEN BETTER ETV PROGRAMMES IN THE YEARS AHEAD,” MR WONG CONCLUDED.
ROUNDING UP HIS VISIT, MR WONG HAD A GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE, AND THANKED HER FOR PRODUCING THE LEADERSHIP REQUIRED OF A FIRST-CLASS BROADCASTING STATION.
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A KUNG NGAM SITE TO LET *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT A KUNG NGAM THAT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,600 SQUARE METRES.
THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC PARKING AREA FOR MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES) AND/OR A WORKS AREA WITH PARKING SPACES FOR ASSOCIATED VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER EHICLES) AND/OR AN OPEN STORAGE ARE/X (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND CONTAINER VEHICLES).
THE TENANCY IS FOR NINE MONTHS AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY. TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON SEPTEMBER 25.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE 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, WAN CHAI, 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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/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
8
VISITORS MUST OBSERVE CONDITIONS OF STAY IN HONG KONG
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED VISITORS THAT THEY MUST OBSERVE THEIR CONDITIONS OE STAY IN HONG KONG.
THEY HAVE TO LEAVE BEFORE THEIR LIMIT OF STAY EXPIRES AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE UP ANY EMPLOYMENT, WHETHER PAID OR UNPAID, WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT MADE THE ADVICE FOLLOWING THE CONVICTION OF 14 BANGLADESHI VISITORS AT THE WESTERN MAGISTRACY TODAY OF USING OR POSSESSING FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND OF BREACHING THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY IN HONG KONG.
FOUR OF THE VISITORS WERE CONVICTED OF USING OR POSSESSING HORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND WERE SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS .
ONE OF THEM WAS PROSECUTED TOGETHER WITH ANOTHER PERSON FOR HELPING OTHERS TO BREACH THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY. THE TWO WERE FINED $8,000 AND $10,000 RESPECTIVELY.
THE REST WERE CHARGED WITH BREACH OF CONDITIONS OF STAY AND EACH WAS FINED $2,000.
THE 14 VISITORS WERE ALL ARRESTED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS DURING AN OPERATION IN SHA TIN ON SEPTEMBER 2.
NINE OF THEM WERE APPREHENDED IN A GODOWN AND WERE FOUND TO •I'VE BEEN WORKING ILLEGALLY IN BREACH OF THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY. THE OTHERS WERE FOUND INSIDE A WOODEN HOUSE IN FO TAN AND WERE SUSPECTED TO BE HOLDING FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
"ANY PERSONS WHO BREACH THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"PEOPLE WHO HELP OTHERS TO COMMIT THESE OFFENCES ARE ALSO LIABLE TO PROSECUTION," HE SAID, ADDING THAT ANY PERSONS WHO USE OR POSSESS FORGED, FALSE OR UNLAWFULLY OBTAINED TRAVEL DOCUMENT ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR 14 YEARS.
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/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
LANTERN CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO ******
A LANTERN CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAM SHUI PO TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, LANTERN RIDDLES, GAME STALLS AND CHINESE HANDICRAFT DEMONSTRATION.
ALL SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 6.30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO COUNCIL FOR THE PROMOTION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL SERVICES LTD, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PHILIP CHOK, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUEST.
IN ADDITION, THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ALSO HOLD A MIDAUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING, STARTING AT 8 PM.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO LANTERN CARNIVAL WHICH STARTS AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW ON THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND AND THE YAU TSIM MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL WHICH STARTS AT 8 PM TOMORROW IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN.
- - 0 - -
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TRAINING FOR STUDENTS
*****
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS INVITING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS TO JOIN ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME.
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY ONE TO FORM THREE WHO WISHED TO LEARN TO PLAY WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WERE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT.
"SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING ON PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS VIOLIN, ER-HU, PIPA, TRUMPET AND FLUTE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"APPLICANTS WITH APPROPRIATE MUSICAL STANDARD MAY APPLY TO JOIN THE INTERMEDIATE OR HIGHER LEVEL TRAINING PROGRAMMES," HE NOTED.
/"WEEKLY ONE-HOUR
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
10 -
"WEEKLY ONE-HOUR TRAINING SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, WITH ABOUT FOUR TO NINE TRAINEES EACH CLASS," HE ADDED.
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING OVER 600 TRAINING CLASSES IN BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR OVER 2,700 STUDENTS.
AN IMPORTANT PART OF INSTRUMENT TRAINING IS PLAYING IN ORCHESTRAS OR BANDS. TRAINEES WHO HAVE ATTAINED A GOOD MUSICAL STANDARD ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN AT LEAST ONE MUSIC OFFICE ORCHESTRA OR BAND.
THE MUSIC OFFICE ALSO ORGANISES A SERIES OF MUSICAL ACTIVITIES EVERY YEAR TO BROADEN TRAINEES’ EXPERIENCE. THESE INCLUDE A MUSIC CAMP, A YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, A BAND FESTIVAL, AND AN ANNUAL GALA.
MONTHLY TRAINING FEES AT THE ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE, AND HIGHER LEVELS ARE $60, $90, AND $120 RESPECTIVELY.
APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO ATTEND A HANDS AND MOUTH INSPECTION AND SIMPLE VOICE TEST AT THE MUSIC CENTRES NEXT MONTH. THE FIRST TRAINING SESSION WILL START IN NOVEMBER.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS SEPTEMBER 26.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 582 5314.
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 108.8 *+0.0* 9.9.92
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1992
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.64 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.57 3. 19
1 MONTH 2.41 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.97 3.39
3 MONTHS 2.39 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.97 3.70
6 MONTHS 2.55 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.99 3.88
12 MONTHS 3.10 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,349MN
CLOSED 9 SEPTEMBER 1992
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DIFFICULT ISSUE DEALT WITH CONSIDERABLE COMPETENCE: GOVERNOR ........ 1
EXCELLENT PROGRESS ON AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME: SECRETARY FOR WORKS .. 3
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY ........................ 4
LEVY ON OUTBOUND PACKAGE TOUR FARES TO FALL.......................... 5
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO VISIT VIETNAM ............................. 6
VIEWS SOUGHT ON SCHEME AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ................... 7
OPERATION ON DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS FORGES AHEAD ..................... 7
FIRST HK DISABLED MAN ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT OF REHAB INT’L.......... 8
TAP MUN TEMPLE GETS FACELIFT......................................... 9
NEW MINIBUS ROUTE TO SERVE TSEUNG KWAN O............................. 10
ARTS AND BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICES ON MOVE ......................... 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......... 11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
DIFFICULT ISSUE DEALT WITH CONSIDERABLE COMPETENCE: GOVERNOR
*******
HONG KONG HAVE DEALT WITH THE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WITH CONSIDERABLE COMPETENCE OVER THE LAST DECADE AND MORE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, MR PATTEN SAID: "I THINK THE WORLD RECOGNISES THAT NO COMMUNITY CAN BE EXPECTED TO ACCEPT ECONOMIC MIGRANTS IN LARGE NUMBERS."
"I THINK THAT IT’S CLEAR TO EVERYONE THAT IT IS BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE PLAINLY ECONOMIC MIGRANTS TO RETURN TO VIETNAM AND TO MAKE A LIFE FOR THEMSELVES THERE WITH THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE AND UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE UNHCR," HE SAID.
"PEOPLE HAVE TO RECOGNISE THAT THE ECONOMY IN VIETNAM IS IMPROVING, I THINK THERE IS A GENERAL RECOGNITION OF THAT, AND THAT THEIR LIVES ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY WOULD BE FAR BETTER LIVED IN VIETNAM THAN IN A CAMP LIKE THIS," HE ADDED.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ABOUT THE AIRPORT TALKS, MR PATTEN SAID: "WE’VE ASKED FOR A MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE NEXT WEEK. I’D LIKE TO SEE IT TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, AT WHICH WE CAN RESPOND TO THOSE PROPOSALS WHICH WE’RE AT PRESENT STUDYING VERY CLOSELY."
"AND WE WILL WANT TO RESPOND TO THEM AS CONSTRUCTIVELY AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT WE CAN MAKE AS MUCH PROGRESS AS IS CONCEIVABLE," HE SAID.
"I’VE SAID AGAIN AND AGAIN THAT I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEMS WHICH ARE BEING DISCUSSED IN THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE ARE ALL WHOLLY SOLVABLE, WHOLLY SOLUBLE, ON THEIR MERITS.
"I THINK WE COULD SORT THEM OUT ON THEIR MERITS WITH THE SORT OF SPEED WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND DOUBTLESS, THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN CHINA, WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE.
"CONCRETE PROPOSALS, INTERESTING PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD BY CHINESE OFFICIALS. WE ARE STUDYING THEM; WE WILL RESPOND NEXT WEEK AND I HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE EARLY AGREEMENT DURING THE MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WE WOULD LIKE TO HOLD ON WEDNESDAY," MR PATTEN SAID.
"I CAN’T IMAGINE THAT THERE CAN BE ANY DIFFICULTY ABOUT THAT BECAUSE IT WILL AFTER ALL, BE US THAT IS RESPONDING TO CHINESE PROPOSALS NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND.
"WE’RE NEGOTIATING IN GOOD FAITH. AS YOU KNOW, FOR US THE ONLY BOTTOM LINE IS TO GET THE BEST POSSIBLE PROJECT AT THE BEST POSSIBLE COST. I THINK THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD EXPECT OF US AND IT’S IN THAT SENSE THAT WE’LL BE NEGOTIATING ON THEIR BEHALF," HE ADDED.
/EARLIER, ACCOMPANIED .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
- 2 -
EARLIER, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, AND THE ACTING REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR EDDY CHAN, THE GOVERNOR ARRIVED AT THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE TO LEARN ABOUT THE LIFE OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AND THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR JOHN ASHWORTH, AND THE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CENTRE, MR JASMINDER KANG, ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE CENTRE.
HE WAS TOLD THAT WHITEHEAD WAS THE LARGEST DETENTION CENTRE IN THE TERRITORY, HAVING A CAPACITY OF 25,000. MANAGED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IT CURRENTLY ACCOMMODATES 22,000 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
APART FROM DORMITORIES, THERE ARE VARIOUS FACILITIES INCLUDING SCHOOL COMPLEXES, CLINICS AND WORKSHOPS.
HE LEARNT THAT NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES IN THE CENTRE. THESE INCLUDED VOCATIONAL TRAINING, WORK PROGRAMMES, BABY CARE, COUNSELLING AND RECREATION.
MR PATTEN FIRST TOURED A PURPOSE-BUILT SCHOOL COMPLEX AND WATCHED A CLASS IN SESSION.
THEN, HE VISITED A WORKSHOP WHERE VIETNAMESE ASSEMBLED WATCH PARTS.
AFTERWARDS, HE WALKED THROUGH TWO DORMITORIES AND TALKED TO SOME OF THE RESIDENTS.
HAVING TOURED THE DETENTION CENTRE, MR PATTEN WENT ON TO THE UNHCR OFFICE IN YAU MA TEI. THERE HE WAS MET BY THE CHIEF OF MISSION, MR ROBERT VAN LEEUWEN, AND HIS DEPUTY, MR KAISER ZAMAN.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY MR VAN LEEUWEN ON THE WORK OP' THE UNHCR. HE WAS TOLD THAT UNHCR PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN HONG KONG.
IT ALSO DEVOTED CONSIDERABLE RESOURCES TO MONITORING AND ASSISTING THE REINTEGRATION OF RETURNEES BACK IN VIETNAM.
MR PATTEN WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE UNHCR SUPPORTED HONG KONG IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMMES AND HELPED TO PROMOTE VOLUNTARY RETURN.
ON BEHALF OF THE UNHCR, MR VAN LEEUWEN PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO THE GOVERNOR TO THANK HONG KONG FOR ITS HELP IN PROVIDING FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN THE TERRITORY.
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/3.........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
3
EXCELLENT PROGRESS ON AIRPORT CORE * * * »
PROGRAMME: SECRETARY FOR WORKS *
EXCELLENT PROGRESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SO FAR ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONTRACTS, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, TOLD A SEMINAR THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR BLAKE SAID THAT SO FAR II OF THE 62 MAJOR WORKS CONTRACTS FOR THE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED PORTION OF THE ACP HAD BEEN AWARDED AND ALL WERE WELL WITHIN THE BUDGET FIXED.
"THIS GIVES EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE BUDGETARY TARGETS ESTABLISHED IN THE BASELINE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ARE ACHIEVEABLE," HE SAID.
ABOUT 280 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE SEMINAR WHICH FOCUSED ON THE NINE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS THAT MAKE UP THE ACP, APART FROM THE NEW AIRPORT.
THE NINE PROJECTS WILL PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND TO PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT BREATHING SPACE TO THE OVERCROWDED AREAS OF WEST KOWLOON AND MAJOR NEW ROAD LINKS INCLUDING ONE OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR SUSPENSION BRIDGES.
THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDE HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH WILL SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT AND FORM PART OF A PROJECTED NEW HIGHWAY SYSTEM CONNECTING WITH CHINA, A NEW RAILWAY LINE RELIEVING THE EXISTING NATHAN ROAD MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORRIDOR, AND OPEN UP LANI) FOR A CONTINUATION OF A SUCCESSFUL NEW TOWN PROGRAMME WHICH HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN DURING THE PAST 20 YEARS.
SEVEN MORE MAJOR WORKS CONTRACTS ARE DUE TO BE AWARDED THIS YEAR. THESE COMPRISE CONTRACTS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS:
* THE YAM O SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY FOR WHICH THE
CENTRAL TENDER BOARD WILL TODAY AWARD THE CONTRACT, AND WORK IS
DUE TO BEGIN SHORTLY.
* FOUR CONTRACTS WILL BE AWARDED ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION
PROJECT. ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF THE 300 HECTARES OF RECLAMATION
FOR WEST KOWLOON HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.
* TENDERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR WORK ON THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WHICH COMPRISES 20 HECTARES OF THE EXISTING SEAWALL OPPOSITE EXCHANGE SQUARE.
* THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND THE MA WAN VIADUCT. THE REMAINING MAJOR STRUCTURES TO COMPLETE THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IS SCHEDULED TO BE AWARDED BY NOVEMBER AND THE AWARD WILL BE AHEAD OF THE MASTER PROGRAMME AND WITHIN BUDGET.
/ALSO SPEAKING .......
4
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, THE ACTING PROJECT MANAGER OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR H K WONG, SAID 16 CONTRACTS ON THE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED PORTION OF THE ACP WOULD BE AWARDED NEXT YEAR AND 22 IN 1994.
MR WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENT WOULD BUILD UP RAPIDLY IN THE NEXT TWO OR THREE YEARS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE $1.8 BILLION WORTH (AT MONEY OF THE DAY PRICES) OF GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AT THE CHEE LAP KOK AIRPORT.
THESE INCLUDE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER TO BE OPERATED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, METERIOLOGICAL STATIONS TO BE OPERATED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND AN AIRMAIL CENTRE BY THE POST OFFICE.
OTHERS INCLUDE FACILITIES REQUIRED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO FULFIL THEIR RESPECTIVE ROLES IN THE OPERATION OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
’’THERE WILL BE VERY GOOD BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPLIERS IN HI-TECH EQUIPMENT FOR AIRPORT OPERATION,” MR WONG SAID.
’’SUCH EQUIPMENT INCLUDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MICROWAVE LANDING SYSTEMS, RADAR DATA PROCESSING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM AND FLIGHT DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM,” HE NOTED.
A THIRD SPEAKER, THE ACTING PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR MIKE RANDALL, ADDRESSED THE SEMINAR ON THE ACP GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACTS.
- - 0 - -
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AWARDED A $1,336 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YAM O SECTION OF THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY TO A CONSORTIUM MADE UP OF A HONG KONG COMPANY AND TWO JAPANESE COMPANIES.
THE CONSORTIUM, THE AOKI CORPORATION/FRANKI CONTRACTORS LIMITED/TOBISHIMA CORPORATION JOINT VENTURE, HAS SUBMITTED THE LOWEST TENDER.
THE CONTRACT SUM IS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR THE PROJECT.
THE CONTRACT, AS WITH OTHER MAJOR CONTRACTS UNDER THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP), IS A FIXED PRICE LUMP SUM CONTRACT.
THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, ONE OF THE 10 CORE PROJECTS UNDER THE ACP, WILL BE A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY TO BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF LANTAU.
/IT WILL
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
5
IT WILL CONNECT WITH THE WESTERN END OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, FORMING PART OF AN EXTENSIVE TRANSPORT NETWORK LINKING THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK TO THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXPRESSWAY IS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS: TAI HO, YAM O AND TUNG CHUNG.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE TAI HO SECTION WAS AWARDED IN JUNE THIS YEAR, WHILE TENDERS FOR THE TUNG CHUNG SECTION WILL BE INVITED LATER IN THE YEAR.
THE YAM O SECTION WILL RUN BETWEEN TSING CHAU TSAI AND TA PANG PO ON LANTAU. IT WILL BE BUILT PARTLY ON HILLSIDE AND PARTLY ON RECLAIMED LAND.
WORKS WILL ALSO COMPRISE THE FORMATION OF RESERVES FOR THE PROPOSED AIRPORT RAILWAY AND PUBLIC UTILITIES, RUBBLE MOUND SEAWALL, PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGES AND A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY.
THE CONTRACT AWARD FOR YAM O WAS APPROVED BY THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY).
WORK WILL START NEXT WEEK AND BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS’ TIME.
THE GOVERNMENT RECEIVED TENDERS FROM SEVEN PREQUALIFIED CONSORTIA, WITH TENDER SUMS RANGING FROM $1,336 MILLION TO $1,893 MILLION.
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LEVY ON OUTBOUND PACKAGE TOUR FARES TO FALL
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCES TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS APPROVED A REQUEST FROM THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TIC) TO REDUCE THE EXISTING LEVY ON OUTBOUND PACKAGE TOUR FARES FROM 1 PER CENT TO 0.5 PER CENT.
’’THE LEVY REDUCTION IS SUBJECT TO TWO CONDITIONS - FIRST, THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL RESERVE FUND (TICRF) HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED A RESERVE OF $100 MILLION; AND SECONDLY, THE TICRF HAS RESOLVED TO INCREASE THE RATE OF COMPENSATION TO AGGRIEVED OUTBOUND TRAVELLERS FROM THE PRESENT 70 PER CENT TO 80 PER CENT OF THE PACKAGE TOUR FARE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS THESE CONDITIONS HAVE NOW BEEN MET, BOTH THE REDUCTION IN LEVY AND THE INCREASE IN COMPENSATION WILL TAKE EFFECT NEXT TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 15).
THE LEVY AND COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENTS ARE PART OF A REGULATORY REFORM PACKAGE AGREED BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION, TIC AND TICRF FOR THE PURPOSES OF ENHANCING PROTECTION TO OUTBOUND TRAVELLERS AND STRENGTHENING THE SELF-REGULATORY ROLE OF THE TIC.
/THEIR INTRODUCTION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
6
THEIR INTRODUCTION REPRESENTS THE FIRST STAGE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REFORM PACKAGE.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REST OF THE PACKAGE WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL, WHICH WAS GAZETTED ON JULY 17, 1992 AND WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 14, 1992.
THE TIC IS THE SELF-REGULATORY ORGANISATION FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY. THE TICRF IS ITS SUBSIDIARY, RESPONSIBLE FOR HOLDING A COMPENSATION FUND FOR OUTBOUND TRAVELLERS.
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO VISIT VIETNAM
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, WILL LEAVE FOR VIETNAM ON SATURDAY FOR A SEVEN-DAY VISIT.
MR ASPREY WILL VISIT THE AREAS FROM WHERE MANY VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ORIGINATED, SUCH AS HAIPHONG, HUE, DANANG AND HO CHI MINH CITY, TO SEE SOME OF THOSE WHO HAVE RETURNED FROM HONG KONG, A SECURITY BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE WILL LOOK AT VARIOUS EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AID SCHEMES AND PROPOSALS FOR SMALL-SCALE PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN JULY.
HE WILL ALSO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE REPATRIATION AND REINTEGRATION OF VIETNAMESE NON-REFUGEES WITH THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES, THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO VIETNAM, AND UNHCR AND EUROPEAN COMMUNITY OFFICIALS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MR ASPREY WILL MEET THE NEWS MEDIA ON HIS RETURN FROM VIETNAM ON SEPTEMBER 20 (SUNDAY). MEDIA MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT BUILDING AT 9.30 PM.
------0------------
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
VIEWS SOUGHT ON SCHEME AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
*****
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, MET REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG CONFEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS TODAY (THURSDAY) TO LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS ON A PROPOSAL FOR A REWARD FOR INFORMATION SCHEME TO HELP THE POLICE AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IDENTIFY EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE PROPOSAL IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED BY THE SECURITY BRANCH AND THE POLICE AS A MEANS TO TACKLE THE INCREASING NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WHO COME HERE TO WORK.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, ABOUT 21,000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, COMPARED WITH 15,300 ARRESTED DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TODAY’S MEETING IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF MEETINGS THE SECURITY BRANCH WILL BE HOLDING WITH TRADE UNION REPRESENTATIVES TO LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED REWARD SCHEME.
ANOTHER MEASURE BEING ACTIVELY PURSUED TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (II) IS A PLAN BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO SET UP A SPECIAL ANTI-11 TASK FORCE OF ABOUT 100 OFFICERS.
MR STRACHAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND NO LET UP IN EFFORTS AGAINST THEM.
---------0-----------
OPERATION ON DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS FORGES AHEAD
******
PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR ANTHONY SAMSON, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON SAW FOR HIMSELF THE PROGRESS OF AN OPERATION AIMING AT REMOVING DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS FROM BUILDINGS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
MR SAMSON, WHO IS HEAD OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO), INSPECTED THE PROGRESS OF WORKS ON FOUR BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK WHICH ARE AMONG THE 52 TARGETED BUILDINGS IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE OPERATION.
SPEAKING ABOUT THE OPERATION ’’CATHERINE WHEEL" WHICH BEGAN LATE LAST YEAR, MR SAMSON SAID FIVE OF THE BUILDINGS COVERED IN THE FIRST PHASE HAD BEEN COMPLETELY RESTORED BY THE REMOVAL OF DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS SUCH AS CANOPIES, CAGES AND FLOWER RACKS EXTENDING FROM THE PREMISES.
IN ADDITION, THE REMOVAL OF SIMILAR PROJECTIONS ON 12 OTHER BUILDINGS HAD REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
/•'SOME 6,800 .........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
8
"SOME 6,800 ADVISORY LETTERS WERE SERVED TO OWNERS AND RESIDENTS COVERING A TOTAL OF 11,160 UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS HAVING TO BE REMOVED.
"ONLY THOSE OWNERS WHO DO NOT RESPOND TO THE ADVISORY LETTER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE WILL BE SERVED STATUTORY REMOVAL ORDERS. SHOULD AFFECTED OWNERS NOT COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS, THE STRUCTURES WILL THEN BE DISMANTLED BY THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR WITH THE COSTS INCURRED TO BE RECOVERED FROM THE OWNERS.
"THE RESULT HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING AS ABOUT 55 PER CENT OF THE OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS WERE CO-OPERATIVE.
THEY VOLUNTARILY REMOVED THE DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS WITHOUT HAVING THE AUTHORITIES TO ISSUE THE REMOVAL ORDERS."
HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN FOUND NECESSARY TO SERVE ABOUT 3,000 REMOVAL ORDERS ON UNCOOPERATIVE OWNERS.
HE SAID UNDER THE OPERATION BUILDINGS WERE MADE SAFE NOT ONLY FOR THE RESIDENTS BUT ALSO FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS MOST OF THE DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS WERE HANGING OVER CROWDED STREETS.
"WITH THE WORK NEARING COMPLETION IN THE REMOVAL OF THESE PROJECTIONS, SOME 15 ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN TARGETED IN THE FOLLOW-UP SECOND PHASE OF THE OPERATION. IT IS EXPECTED THAT MORE BUILDINGS WILL BE ADDED TO THE LIST IN DUE COURSE," MR SAMSON SAID.
THE FOUR BUILDINGS IN MONG KOK WHICH WERE INSPECTED TODAY ARE ALL LOCATED WITHIN AN AREA BOUNDED BY MONG KOK ROAD, CHEUNG WONG ROAD, SHUM CHUN STREET, ARGYLE STREET AND CANTON ROAD.
DURING THE INSPECTION, MR SAMSON ALSO SAW BOO STAFF DELIVER ADVISORY LETTERS TO OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF THE NEWLY TARGETED CHEUNG FAI MANSION IN TONG MI ROAD, MONG KOK, ASKING THEM TO VOLUNTARILY REMOVE THE DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS FROM THEIR PREMISES.
A TOTAL OF 230 ADVISORY LETTERS WERE ISSUED INVOLVING 335 DANGEROUS PROJECTIONS.
- - 0 - -
FIRST HK DISABLED MAN ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT OF REHAB INT’L *****
A WHEELCHAIR USER FROM HONG KONG, MR PETER CHAN, HAS BEEN ELECTED THE REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT FOR THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS DURING THE 17TH WORLD CONGRESS OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL BEING HELD IN NAIROBI, KENYA.
HE IS TO SUCCEED MR M B LEE, ALSO FROM HONG KONG, WHO HAS BEEN AWARDED A PRESIDENTIAL CITATION AT THE CONGRESS IN RECOGNITION OF HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL AND OTHER REHABILITATION WORK.
/A MEMBER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
9
A MEMBER OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (RDCC) AND CHAIRMAN OF THE REHABILITATION ALLIANCE IN HONG KONG, MR CHAN IS THE FIRST DISABLED PERSON FROM THE TERRITORY TO BE ELECTED TO THIS POSITION.
ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, DR JOSEPH KWOK, HAS BEEN ELECTED THE HON SECRETARY AND TREASURER FOR THE REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC.
THE SECREATARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WHO HEADS THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO KENYA, TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED THE NEW APPOINTMENTS.
SHE SAID MR CHAN WAS VERY ACTIVE IN THE HONG KONG REHABILITATION FIELD AND HAD REPRESENTED THE INTERESTS OF DISABLED PERSONS IN MAJOR GOVERNMENT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES, IN PARTICULAR THE WORKING PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION.
THE GREEN PAPER, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED EARLIER THIS YEAR, HAD ATTRACTED IMMENSE INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS DURING THE NAIROBI CONGRESS WITH MANY OVERSEAS DELEGATES ASKING FOR COPIES.
THE SPEECH BY MRS WONG ON THE FORMULATION OF DISABILITY POLICIES AND LEGISLATION AT THE PLENARY SESSION WAS ALSO WELL RECEIVED BY OVER 2,000 DELEGATES FROM MORE THAN 110 MEMBER COUNTRIES.
IN HER SPEECH, SHE HAD CALLED FOR ACTION AND ACHIEVEMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY TO ENABLE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO EXERCISE THEIR INVIOLABLE HUMAN RIGHTS.
SHE ALSO CALLED ON THE COMMUNITY TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOVERNMENT WHICH PROVIDED LEADERSHIP AND FUNDING SUPPORT.
THE REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL 17TH WORLD CONGRESS IS BEING HELD IN NAIROBI, KENYA, BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 7 AND 11.
THE NEXT WORLD CONGRESS WILL TAKE PLACE IN NEW ZEALAND IN 1996.
- - 0 - -
TAP MUN TEMPLE GETS FACELIFT *****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS GREATLY CONCERNED ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN REMOTE AREAS.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE RE-OPENING CEREMONY OF A 400-YEAR-OLD TIN HAU TEMPLE IN TAP MUN, TAI PO.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMOTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS IN THESE AREAS. TAP MUN IS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF ITS KIND,” HE SAID.
/MR LAM
10
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED TAP MUN RESIDENTS WITH DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL SERVICES AS WELL AS PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MAINTAINING EFFICIENT AND SAFE FERRY SERVICES.
ON PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL CULTURE, HE SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT TREASURES OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE. IT IS HOPED THAT THIS EXTRAORDINARY TIN HAU TEMPLE WOULD BE PRESERVED FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION AFTER THE RENOVATION."
OF THE $1.3 MILLION RENOVATION COSTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALLOCATED $300,000 VIA THE CHINESE TEMPLE COMMITTEE TO SUBSIDISE THE PROJECT. THE REMAINDER WAS CONTRIBUTED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
OVERLOOKING THE TOLO (CHEK MUN) CHANNEL, THE TEMPLE IS A POPULAR PLACE FOR THE FISHING FOLKS IN THE VICINITY.
MR LAM PAID TRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROJECT AND WISHED THEM PROSPERITY IN THE YEARS TO COME.
- - 0 - -
NEW MINIBUS ROUTE TO SERVE TSEUNG KWAN O *****
A NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 18 IN TSEUNG KWAN O WILL COME INTO SERVICE FROM 6.30 AM ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 12), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE MINIBUS WILL PLY BETWEEN HANG HAU (NORTH) AND NORTH POINT VIA TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL AND EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
IT WILL RUN AT AN EIGHT-MINUTE INTERVAL FROM 6.30 AM AT HANG HAU AND FROM 7 AM AT NORTH POINT DAILY UNTIL 11 PM AT BOTH POINTS.
THE FARE WILL BE $8 PER SINGLE JOURNEY. THE SECTION FARE WILL BE $2.5 AFTER LEAVING ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON THE WAY TO NORTH POINT.
THE SECTION FARES AFTER DEPARTING EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL ON THE JOURNEY TO HANG HAU WILL BE $3.5 AND $2.5 RESPECTIVELY.
- - 0 - -
ARTS AND BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICES ON MOVE ******
THE SECRETARIAT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND THE BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICE OF THE CULTURE DIVISION OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH WILL OPERATE FROM THEIR NEW OFFICES AT WANCHAI TOWER III FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 16).
THE OFFICES ARE ON THE 40TH FLOOR OF WANCHAI TOWER III, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND THE BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICE ARE 594 5600 AND 594 5636 RESPECTIVELY. THE FAXLINE NUMBER IS 802 4893.
- - 0 - -
/Il
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1992
11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,700
REVERSAL OF LAF
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY mti
IN 1 Li
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY + 1/5
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT i
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 109 .0 *+0. 2* 10.9. 92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE EF BILLS HONG FUND KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.07 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.55 3.20
1 MONTH 2.61 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.95 3.40
3 MONTHS 2.42 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.95 3.71
6 MONTHS 2.57 PCT 23 12 MONTHS 3.08 PCT MONTHS 2408 4.375 101.00 3.87
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,159 MN CLOSED 10 SEPTEMBER 1992
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO MEET PRIME MINISTER IN LONDON .................................. i
GOVERNOR VISITS UK NEXT WEEK ............................................... 2
REGISTRATION FOR FISHERMEN AFFECTED BY DREDGING ............................ 2
THREE NEW TERRITORIES LOT UP FOR SALE ...................................... 3
FLOATING PIER TO BE BUILT IN TAI TAM BAY ................................... 4
HEALTH EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE SELF-CARE ..................................... 5
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO PROMOTE ORAL HEALTH ................................ 6
NEW ROAD LINKS IN WESTERN DISTRICT APPROVED ................................ 7
FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES REVISED ....................................... 7
CONFINED SPACES MUST BE PROPERLY TESTED .................................... 8
TENDERS FOR SHA TIN SPECIAL SCHOOL INVITED ................................. 9
SIU SAI WAN TO GET NEW PUMPING STATION .................................... 10
NEW BUS TERMINUS TO OPEN IN CHEUNG SHA WAN ................................ 10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ................ 11
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
- 1 -
GOVERNOR TO MEET PRIME MINISTER IN LONDON * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN WILL TALK TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE FOREIGN SECRETARY ABOUT SOME OF HIS THOUGHTS BEFORE HE PUTS HIS FINAL TOUCHES TO HIS SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN HE VISITS LONDON NEXT WEIK.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE TSUI MUSEUM OF ART TODAY (FRIDAY), THE GOVERNOR SAID : "I’VE HAD TWO MONTHS DURING WHICH THERE HAD BEEN WIDE CONSULTATIONS IN HONG KONG.
"I’VE TALKED TO EVERYBODY ELSE IN HONG KONG AND I THINK IT IS PROBABLY SENSIBLE TO TALK TO THE PRIME MINISTER AS WELL."
"THE PRIME MINISTER IN SECURING THE STABILITY BACK BEFORE I FI NAI. ISE MY VIEWS WERE," HE ADDED.
AS YOU ALSO KNOW IS EXTREMELY INTERESTED AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. 1 WANT TO GO SPEECH AND SET OUT FOR HIM EXACTLY WHAT MY
ASKED IF THE AIRPORT ISSUE WOULD BE ON THE \GENDA, THE GOVERNOR. SAID : "I THINK YOU KNOW THAT THE CHINESE SIDE IN THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE HAVE PUT FORWARD INTERESTING CONCRETE PROPOSALS.
’’WE’RE GOING TO RESPOND TO THOSE PROPOSALS NEXT WEEK IN A WAY WHICH I THINK WILL BE REGARDED AS VERY POSITIVE AND \ FRY CONSTRUCTIVE AND I’LL BE TELLING THE PRIME MINISTER ABOUT THAT AS WELL.."
--------0-----------
GOVERNOR VISITS UK NEXT WEEK
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL VI SUI LONDON ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 15) FOR CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND OTHER SENIOR MINISTERS AT HIS REQUEST.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE DISCISSIONS IN HONG KONG OVER THE PAST IWO MONTHS, MR PATTEN WANTS TO BRIEF MINISTERS ON THE MAJOR ISSUES OX THE HONG KONG AGENDA BEFORE HE FINALISES HIS ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7."
MR PATTEN hl LI TRAVEL TO LONDON ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 14) EVENING AND RETURN TO HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 16).
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/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
- 2 -
REGISTRATION FOR FISHERMEN AFFECTED BY DREDGING
♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT WILL START REGISTERING CLAIMS FROM FISHERMEN NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 14) FOR THE LOSS OF FISHING GROUNDS AS A RESULT OF THE DREDGING OF THE SEABED AT THE EAST OF TUNG LUNG CHAU AND TATHONG CHANNEL.
THE REGISTRATION, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL OCTOBER 8, WILL BE HELD AT THE HANG HAU TEMPORARY ANCHORAGE AREA IN SAI KUNG.
ONLY FISHERMEN WHOSE VESSELS HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH A VALID FISHING VESSEL LICENCE BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE VESSELS SHOULD NOT EXCEED 15 METRES IN LENGTH AS SHOWN ON THE LICENCE BOOK.
"THE VESSELS MUST BE BASED AT ANY ONE OF THE PORTS OF ABERDEEN, CHAI WAN, CAUSEWAY BAY, HANG HAU, KAI LUNG WAN, KAU SAI, LEI YUE MUN, LEUNG SHUEN WAN, LUK CHAU, MA NAM WAT, PAK SHA WAN, PO TOT, PO TOI O, RENNIE’S MILL VALLEY, SAI KUNG, SHAU KEI WAN, SHEK O, SHUM WAN, SOK KWU WAN, STANLEY BAY, TAI TAM, TAI TAU CHAU, TSUEN WAN, TUNG LUNG CHAU AND YAU MA TEI," HE SAID.
FISHERMEN ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE REGISTRATION SCHEDULE BELOW:
HOME PORT
DATE OF REGISTRATION
SHAU KEI WAN SEPTEMBER 14 AND 15
CHAI WAN SEPTEMBER 15 AND 16
PO TOI 0 SEPTEMBER 17
LEI YUE MUN TUNG LUNG CHAU ) SEPTEMBER 18
HANG HAU ) SEPTEMBER 21
RENNIE’S MILL VALLEY )
SHEK 0 LEUNG SHUEN WAN ) SEPTEMBER 22 AND 23
SAI KUNG SEPTEMBER 24 AND 25
TAI TAU CHAU MA NAM WAT ) SEPTEMBER 28 AND 29
PAK SHA WAN ) SEPTEMBER 29
SHAM WAN )
KAU SAI ) SEPTEMBER 30
KAI LUNG WAN ABERDEEN ) OCTOBER 1 AND ' 2
TAI TAM )
STANLEY BAY )
PO TOI ) OCTOBER 6
LUK CHAU )
SOK KWU WAN )
YAU MA TEI ) OCTOBER 7
CAUSEWAY BAY TSUEN WAN ) OCTOBER 8
/TIME: ........
ERIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
3
TIME:
10 AM TO 12.30 PM AND 1.30 PM TO 4 PM (EXCLUDING SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY)
IN CASE A TYPHOON OR STRONG WIND SIGNAL IS HOISTED, THE REGISTRATION WILL BE POSTPONED AUTOMATICALLY. THE ALTERNATIVE DATES OF REGISTRATION WILL BE ARRANGED IN DUE COURSE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FISHERMEN WERE REQUIRED TO REGISTER IN PERSON AND SHOULD BRING WITH THEM THEIR VESSELS, ALL FISHING GEARS, MARINE DEPARTMENT LICENCES, IDENTITY CARDS, CREW BOOKS (IF ANY) AND FISH MARKET RECEIPTS (IF ANY), AND OTHER PROOFS OF INCOME.
"THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A DECLARATION CONFIRMING THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE PRESENCE OF WITNESS," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE REGISTRATION WAS CONDUCTED ON A NO-COMMITMENT, WITHOUT-PREJUDICE BASIS.
"IT MUST NOT BE CONSTRUED AS BINDING ON THE GOVERNMENT THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN REGISTERED IS ENTITLED TO PAYMENT OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE DUE TO THE DREDGING WORKS.
"EACH CLAIM WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS AND THE CLAIMANT WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULTS SEPARATELY," HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY TELEPHONING THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG ON 791 7033 OR 791 7019.
--------0-----------
THREE NEW TERRITORIES LOT UP FOR SALE *****
THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT
AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS
LAND WILL BE SOLD IN A PUBLIC DEPARTMENT ON OCTOBER 8 THIS YEAR.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG CITY HALL AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST SITE IS IN AREA 29B, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES. WITH
AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,900 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE
RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO
COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 3,312 SQUARE METRES ON
OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE SECOND SITE IS IN MEI WO CIRCUIT, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 884 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES FOR OCCUPATION BY ONE SINGLE FAMILY.
/THE BUILDING .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
4
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 212 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1995.
THE THIRD SITE IS IN AREA 11, ON SUM STREET, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,100 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN) PURPOSES AND/OR BUS DEPOT.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 24,300 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND 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, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN NUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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FLOATING PIER TO BE BUILT IN TAI TAM BAY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO PERMIT THE BUILDING OF A FLOATING PIER WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,160 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI TAM BAY.
THE PIER IS FOR THE BERTHING OF VESSELS VISITING A CLUB THERE.
THE WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN SOON AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO YEARS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 10, 1993.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER.
THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
------0--------
/5 .....
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
5
HEALTH EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE SELF-CARE
RESIDENTS’ DUTY AND RIGHT ARE COMPLEMENTING TO EACH OTHER IN THE SELF-CARE APPROACH TO HEALTH PROBLEMS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS SELINA CHOW, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A "HEALTHY MEMBERS, HAPPY FAMILY" EXHIBITION AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM.
MRS CHOW SAID MORE DISCUSSIONS PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT WERE NEEDED.
SHE SAID RESIDENTS WOULD LEARN EXHIBITION AND BECOME AWARE OF HOW SELF-CARE.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO KNOW THEIR SELF-CARE MORE EFFICIENTLY," SHE SAID.
ON THE MATTER BETWEEN THE
MUCH ABOUT HEALTH TO EXERCISE THEIR
FROM THE
DUTY FOR
RIGHT IN ORDER TO PRACTISE
REFERRING TO RESIDENTS’ RIGHT, MRS CHOW CITED VARIOUS EXAMPLES THAT PATIENTS SHOULD ASK DURING THEIR MEDICAL ATTENDANCE AND CONSULTATION.
THESE INCLUDED THF KINDS OF ILLNESS SUFFERED, THE DURATION OF TREATMENT REQUIRED, THE INGREDIENTS, DOSAGE, EFFECTS AND SIDE-EFFECTS OF THE PRESCRIBED DRUGS AND MEDICAL CHARGES.
MRS CHOW EMPHASISED THAT ALTHOUGH THE THREE MAIN ASPECTS OF THE EXHIBITION - SELF-CARE, HEALTH} LIFESTYLE AND FAMILY SUPPORT -APPEARED SEPARATELY AND INDEPENDENTLY, THEY INDEED WERE INTERRELATED.
EARLIER, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN, SAID DESPITE THE FAVOURABLE HEALTH INDICES HONG KONG WAS EXPERIENCING, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAD ACCORDED SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY.
SHE SAID WITH THE RISING STANDARD OF KNOWLEDGE AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOOD HEALTH AMONG THE LOCAL RESIDENTS, IT WAS TIMELY TO INSTIL HEALTH EDUCATION MESSAGES TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO ADAPT THEMSELVES TO SELF-CARE.
"BOTH MEDICAL AND NURSING SERVICES \S WELL AS RESIDENTS’ INITIATIVES AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION ARE OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE IN PURSUING PERSONAL CARE AND \ HEALTHY FAMILY.
TO FURTHER PROMOTE SELF-CARE, DR CHAN SAID THF DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT (CHEU) HAD EMBARKED ON VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTION OF LEAFLETS AND AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS, AND THE SETTING UP OF \ 24-HOUR PRE-RECORDED TELEPHONE SERVICE.
ORGANISED BY THE CHEU AS A CLIMAX TO THIS YEARS’ SELF-CARE CAMPAIGN, THE EXHIBITION AIMS TO DRIVE HOME MESSAGES OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, SELF-CARE AND FAMILY SUPPORT.
/THE EMPHASIS .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
- 6 -
THE EMPHASIS IS ON THE CAUSES OF SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG SUCH AS HEART DISEASES, CANCERS, HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY, AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
THERE WILL BE STATIC DISPLAYS ON A WIDE VARIETY OF HEALTH TOPICS. THEY INCLUDE: DIET AND OVERWEIGHT, EXERCISE AND REST, DRUG ABUSE AND ALCOHOL, SMOKING AT HOME, SEX EDUCATION AND FAMILY PLANNING, MENTAL FITNESS, ASTHMA AND OTHER ALLERGIES, ORAL HYGIENE AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE.
IT ALSO FEATURES AUDIOVISUAL SHOW, BOOTH GAMES AND DISPLAY OF THE WINNING ENTRIES IN TWO RECENTLY HELD CARTOON AND PHOTO CONTESTS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10.30 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) UNTIL MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 14).
---------------------0------- GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO PROMOTE ORAL HEALTH ******
A TERRITORY-WIDE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TARGETED PARTICULARLY AT PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY7 OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS HELEN YU, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING ORAL HEALTH.
MAJOR INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED, SHE SAID.
’’FOR EXAMPLE, OUR SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SERVICE NOW SERVES OVER 400,000 PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN.
”WE ALSO PROMOTE ORAL HYGIENE AND ORAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG THE PUBLIC' THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME," SHE ADDED.
APART FROM THE PLANNED EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN, MRS YU NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO EXPLORING WITH HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOCIATION THE FEASIBILITY OF A TRANSFER SCHEME FOR CHILDREN LEAVING THE SCHOOL DENTAL CARE SERVICE UPON GRADUATION FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL.
IN ALL THESE ENDEAVOURS, SHE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT LOOKED TO BOTH THE DENTAL GRADUATES AND PRACTISING DENTISTS FOR SUPPORT AND COOPERATION.
MRS YU ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY FOR PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE TN PROMOTING ORAL HEALTH IN THE COMMUNITY AND FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE TERRITORY.
- - 0 - -
/7
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
NEW ROAD LINKS IN WESTERN DISTRICT APPROVED ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS GIVEN APPROVAL TO A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE BELCHER BAY RECLAMATION IN WESTERN DISTRICT WHERE A NEW DUAL CARRIAGEWAY, A PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND A TEMPORARY OPEN SPACE ON THE NEW RECLAMATION WILL BE PROVIDED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WOULD LINK UP CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST IN SAI YING PUN WITH SMITHFIELD IN KENNEDY TOWN.
"IN COMBINATION WITH THE FUTURE SMITHFIELD EXTENSION, THIS NEW ROAD WILL FORM AN ADDITIONAL CORRIDOR IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT FOR THROUGH TRAFFIC BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND POKFULAM ROAD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, ALL CARGO HANDLING ACTIVITIES ALONG THE EXISTING KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA WILL BF ACCOMMODATED IN THE PROPOSED PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA ALONG THE SEAFRONT UNDER GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT.
TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA, A TEMPORARY DISTRICT OPEN SPACE WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE NEW RECLAMATION BETWEEN THE PROPOSED CARRIAGEWAY AND THE EXISTING KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PRECAUTIONARY AND CONTROL MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE CAUSED TO NEARBY RESIDENTS DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
WORKS ON THE RECLAMATION AND ROAD SCHEME ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY MID-1996.
------0--------
FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES REVISED *****
THE FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURE AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES WILL BE REVISED WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1.
THE NEW FEES ARE PRESCRIBED IN THE FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) NOTICE 1992 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE EXISTING AND NEW FEES ARE:
EXISTING NEW
$ $
* SIGNATURES OF THE
* GOVERNOR 1 45 210
* CHIEF SECRETARY 125 180
* FINANCIAL SECRETARY 125 180
/* THE ISSUE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
8
♦ THE ISSUE OF A DUPLICATE OF ANY DOCUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER 75 1 10
* ANY ALTERATION, TRANSFER, ENDORSEMENT OR ADDITION TO A DOCUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER 75 110
t CERTIFICATION OF A TRUE EXTRACT OF ANY DOCUMENT, BOOK, RECORD OR INSTRUMENT BY A PUBLIC’ OFFICER 75 110
THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT FEES CHARGED FOR SERVICES SHOULD RECOVER THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST INVOLVED.
--------0-----------
CONFINED SPACE.S MUST BE PROPERLY TESTED ♦ * * * *
SAFETY TESTS MUST BE CONDUCTED BY A COMPETENT PERSON WITH SCIENTIFIC MONITORING INSTRUMENTS BEFORE ANY WORKER ENTERS A CONFINED SPACE, CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"EMPLOYERS AND CONTRACTORS MUST REALISE THAT POSSIBLE HAZARDS, SUCH AS DANGEROUS AND TOXIC GASES AS WELL AS OXYGEN DEFICIENCY, EXIST IN CONFINED SPACES,” HE SAID.
"CARELESSNESS AND NEGLIGENCE MAY RESULT IN FATALITIES,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY, EMPLOYERS AND CONTRACTORS HAD A STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO DEVISE AND ADOPT A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK TO GUARD AGAINST DANGERS INCLUDING EXPLOSIVE OR TOXIC GASES AND OXYGEN DEFICIENCY.
"TESTING OF THE CONFINED SPACE FOR THE PRESENCE OF ANY DANGEROUS GASES AND THE OXYGEN CONTENT BEFORE WORK BEGINS IS THEREFORE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK,” HE SAID.
"IT IS OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE THAT THE TESTS ARE CARRIED OUT BY A COMPETENT PERSON WITH SCIENTIFIC MONITORING INSTRUMENTS," HE SAID.
"DANGEROUS PRACTICES, SUCH AS DROPPING A LIGHTED PIECE OF PAPER INTO A CONFINED SPACE, SHOULD IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE ADOPTED,” HE STRESSED.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WORKERS SHOULD BE INFORMED OF THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CONFINED SPACES.
/"IN ADDITION.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
9
"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.
FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THESE DUTIES CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CONFINED SPACES) REGULATIONS AND UNDER THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF SECTION 6A OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE.
ON CONVICTION, AN EMPLOYER OR A CONTRACTOR IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
MR CHAN SAID THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WAS ALWAYS READY TO OFFER ADVICE ON WORK SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OR THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AT 1 3TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
------0------------
TENDERS FOR SHA TIN SPECIAL SCHOOL INVITED * * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN AREA 30A OF SHA TIN.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,340 SQUARE METRES, THE SCHOOL WILL CATER FOR 200 STUDENTS IN SIX PRIMARY AND FOUR SECONDARY' CLASSES.
THE SCHOOL PREMISES WILL COMPRISE 10 GENERAL CLASSROOMS, SEVEN SPECIAL ROOMS AND THREE PARAMEDICAL ROOMS IN ADDITION TO SOME ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
THE SCHOOL WILL REPLACE THE ONE IN TSZ WAN SHAN, WHICH IS AFFECTED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START THIS DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 9.
------0-----------
/10........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
- 10 -
SIU SAI WAN TO GET NEW PUMPING STATION
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION AND THE LAYING OF ASSOCIATED PUMPING MAINS IN SIU SAI WAN.
THE CONTRACT CONSISTS OF SITE FORMATION WORKS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION WITH A DAILY CAPACITY OF 22,000 CUBIC METRES, A POWER TRANSFORMER ROOM AND THE LAYING OF 900 METRES OF WATER MAINS WITH DIAMETER OF 800 MILLIMETRES.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN THIS DECEMBER AND TAKE 19 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
UPON COMPLETION, THE PUMPING STATION WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE IN CHAI WAN. ITS CAPACITY WILL BE ADEQUATE TO MEET THE INCREASE IN SALT WATER DEMAND FROM CHAI WAN AND SIU SAI WAN IN THE COMING YEARS.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 2.
--------0 - -
NEW BUS
TERMINUS TO OPEN IN CHEUNG SHA WAN
******
A NEW CHEUNG SHA WAN BUS TERMINUS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAZA AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WITH TAI NAN WEST STREET WILL BE OPEN FOR USE BY FRANCHISED BUSES ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 12), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN ADDITION, A NEW TAXI STAND WILL BE PROVIDED IN CHEUNG SHUN STREET BETWEEN CHEUNG LAI STREET AND TAI NAN WEST STREET.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF CHEUNG SHA WAN BUS TERMINUS, KMB ROUTES 2B, 2F, 30, 60 AND 86C WILL BE RELOCATED TO TERMINATE AT THE NEW TERMINUS.
ALSO BUS STOPS FOR KMB ROUTES 60 AND 86C ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD, FAT TSEUNG STREET BUS TERMINUS, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED ON THE SAME DATE.
- - 0--------
/Il ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1992
11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,675
REVERSAL OF LAF 17R
-1/3
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY MT,
NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 109.5 *+0.5* 11.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.33 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.57 3.16
1 MONTH 2.89 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.99 3.3 7
3 MONTHS 2.47 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 103.00 3.67
6 MONTHS 2.62 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 101.02 3.86
12 MONTHS 3. 10 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,910MN
CLOSED 11 SEPTEMBER 1992
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FOURTH ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION MEETING A GREAT SUCCESS ......... 1
$2.9M DONATION FOR SCHOOL PROGRAMMES ...................................... 2
WHOLE-DAY SESSION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS ..................................... 3
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY FINED FOR OVERCHARGING .................................. 3
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1992
FOURTH ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION MEETING A GREAT SUCCESS ♦ * * * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (SATURDAY) HAILED THE FOURTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) AS A MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF THAT ORGANISATION.
| RETURNING TODAY FROM THE APEC MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 10-11 IN BANjKOK, THAILAND, MR CHAU SAID: "WE MADE A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT DECISIONS AT THIS MEETING. IN PARTICULAR, WE HAVE DECIDED TO SET UP A PERMANENT SECRETARIAT OF APEC IN SINGAPORE."
"WE HAVE ALSO DETERMINED THE LEVELS OF CONTRIBUTION WHICH INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS WILL MADE TOWARDS THE APEC BUDGET," HE SAID, NOTING THAT SUCH LEVELS HAVE BEEN WORKED OUT ON AN OBJECTIVE AND EQUITABLE BASIS.
"THESE DECISIONS WILL GIVE GREATER IMPETUS TO APEC’S ACTIVITIES AND PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE . ORGANISATION TO ENABLE THE VARIOUS WORK PROJECTS OF APEC TO GO FORWARD.
"HONG KONG WAS HAPPY TO SUPPORT THE DECISION ON SINGAPORE AS THE SEAT OF THE SECRETARIAT. SINGAPORE WAS CHOSEN FROM AMONG FOUR COMPETITIVE AND GENEROUS BIDS.
"IT WAS A DIFFICULT DECISION BUT NONETHELESS MADE AMICABLY BY CONSENSUS.
"THE FACT THAT FOUR BIDS WERE MADE REFLECTS THE ENTHUSIASM AND INTEREST OF MEMBERS IN THE APEC PROCESS", MR CHAU ADDED.
THE MEETING ALSO DISCUSSED THE CURRENT STATE OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT NEGOTIATIONS.
"APEC MEMBERS RENEWED THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE MULTILATERAL APPROACH TO WORLD TRADE AND URGED IMMEDIATE AND DECISIVE ACTION BY ALL CONCERNED TO CONCLUDE THE NOGOTIATIONS BY YEAR END," MR CHAU SAID.
SENIOR OFFICIALS OF APEC MEMBERS REGAN TO GATHER ON SEPTEMBER 5, IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE MINISTERIAL MEETING AND PREPARED THE GROUND FOR MINISTERS.
DURING THE COURSE OF THE BANGKOK CONFERENCE, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION HELD A NUMBER OF INFORMAL, SEPARATE TALKS WITH OTHER DELEGATIONS, AND EXCHANGED VIEWS ON ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST.
HONG KONG JOINED APEC IN 1991. IT WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT HONG KONG PARTICIPATED IN AN APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING.
/OTHER MEMBERS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1992
- 2
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER; DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RICKY FUNG; ASSISTANT I)I RECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN TSANG; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MISS CHERRY LING AND PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, MISS JOANNA CHOI.
THE APEC COMPRISES 15 MEMBERS: AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, MALAYSIA, NEW ZEALAND, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
---------0-----------
$2.9M DONATION FOR SCHOOL PROGRAMMES
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A $2.9 MILLION DONATION TO SPONSOR ACTIVITIES PROMOTING THE WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE AND THE "TOWARDS A BETTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT".
THE DONATION WAS MADE BY THE WELLWISHER FOUNDATION LTD, A CHARITABLE ORGANISATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC WONG SHING-WAH, SAID TODAY THAT THE WELLWISHER FOUNDATION HAD INITIALLY TRANSFERRED A SUM OF $500,000 TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND WOULD MAKE FURTHER DONATIONS AT SIX-MONTH INTERVALS OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS.
COMMENDING THE FOUNDATION FOR ITS GENEROSITY, MR WONG SAID WHILE THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATION SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND CONTRIBUTION ALSO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE.
"THE DONATION IS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN," HE SAID. "THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE COMMUNITY LEADERS FOLLOW THE FOUNDATION’S EXAMPLE IN HELPING TO PROMOTE ACTIVITIES IN THE EDUCATION FIELD."
THIS IS THE SECOND DONATION RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN RECENT MONTHS. THE LAST DONATION WAS MADE BY THE FUNG HON-CHU FOUNDATION IN JULY FOR THE PROMOTION OF SERVICE TO GIFTED CHILDREN.
MR WONG SAID EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 RECOMMENDED THE ADOPTING OF THE WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE, WHICH INVOLVES ALL TEACHERS IN A SCHOOL TO ACTIVELY HELPING STUDENTS TO RESOLVE THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS.
THE APPROACH ALSO STRESSES THE CREATION OF A POSITIVE, CARING AND INVITING ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO EFFECTIVE LEARNING.
"SOME SCHOOLS HAVE, ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE, ALREADY INTRODUCED INNOVATIVE PRACTICES SUCCESSFULLY," HE SAID.
/HE ALSO ......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1992
- 3 -
HE ALSO SAID A GROUP OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HAD DECIDED TO GROUP THEMSELVES TOGETHER TO LAUNCH A "TOWARDS A BETTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT".
"THEY WOULD SHARE THEIR VALUABLE EXPERIENCE WITH OTHERS THROUGH A SERIES OF EXCHANGES. WITH MUTUAL SUPPORT AND JOINT EFFORT, PRINCIPALS COULD MAKE USE OF THE WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH AND OTHER GOOD PRACTICES TO ACHIEVE THE BETTER SCHOOL OBJECTIVE," MR WONG SAID.
--------0 - -
WHOLE-DAY SESSION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS
*****
BI-SESSIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTENDING TO TURN WHOLE DAA IN THE 1993-94 SCHOOL YEAR ARE NOW INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID FOLLOWING APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, FUNDS WERE NOW AVAILABLE FOR WHOLE-DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO EMPLOY MORE TEACHERS UNDER THE REVISED TEACHER-CLASS RATIO.
AS RECOMMENDED IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 AND ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE REVISED TEACHER-CLASS RATIO FOR WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 1.2:1 TO 1.4:1.
THE RATIO OF SENIOR TEACHERS HAS ALSO BEEN IMPROVED FROM ONE ASSISTANT MASTER/MISTRESS FOR EVERY FOUR CLASSES TO ONE FOR EVERY THREE CLASSES.
APPLICATIONS FOR CONVERSION TO WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLING IN THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 15.
--------0-----------
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY FINED FOR OVERCHARGING
*****
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OPERATORS ARE LIABLE TO HEAVY FINES FOR OVERCHARGING, LABOUR OFFICER (EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES) MR FRANCIS WONG SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR WONG MADE THE ADVICE IN THE WAKE OF A CASE IN WHICH THE TRUSTESHIP AGENCY IN NORTH POINT WAS FINED $5,000 RY A EASTERN MAGISTRATE FOR OVERCHARGING $3,000 PLACEMENT FEE FROM A JOB-SEEKER.
THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WAS ALSO ORDERED TO REFUND THE JOB-SEEKER.
/"UNDER THE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1992
"UNDER THE EMPLOYEMNT AGENCY REGULATIONS, THE COMMISSION CHARGEABLE TO A JOB-SEEKER ON SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT BY AN AGENCY IS NOT MORE THAN 10 PER CENT OF HIS FIRST MONTH’S WAGES," MR WONG NOTED.
HE ALSO REMINDED PROSPECTIVE OPERATORS OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES TO OBTAIN A LICENCE OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND TO PAY ATTENTION TO OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS ON CHARGING OF PLACEMENT FEES.
’’OPERATING AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE IS AN OFFENCE CARRYING A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000,’’ HE SAID.
’’LICENSEES MAY FACE THE RISK OF HAVING THEIR LICENCES REVOKED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IF THEY VIOLATE THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES REGULATIONS,” HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ON THE OPERATION OF OR FEES CHARGEABLE BY EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES CAN BE MADE TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ADMINISTRATION ON 852 3540 OR 852 3541.
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1992 CONTENTS
APPLICATIONS FOR PRIMARY ONE PLACE INVITED TWO MORE WEEKS TO SUBMIT VIEWS ON ECR5 ................
APPEALS TO SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD ON RISE ......................
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWER, ROAD WORK IN TUEN MUN ......................
PICTURES OF HONG KONG ON DISPLAY TOMORROW ...................
PUTONGHUA ADDED TO SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVAL ......................
TUEN MUN CAREERS CENTRE TO CLOSE ON MONDAY ..................
SOUTH KWAI CHUNG MATERNITY HOME TO CLOSE SOON ......................
6
SUNDAY, SEPTI MBER 13, 1992
- 1 -
APPLICATIONS FOR PRIMARY ONE PLACE INVITED * * * * *
PARENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACI IN A PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL OCTOBER 2.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE IS OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG CHILDREN BORN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1987 WHO ARE NOT STUDYING IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL.
PARENTS CAN OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION SHEETS FROM THE KINDERGARTENS WHERE THEIR CHILDREN ARE STUDYING.
FOR CHILDREN NOT ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS, THE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE IN DISTRICT OFFICES YNI) OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
"COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 28 AND OCTOBER 2 DIRECT TO ONLY ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TN WHICH THE PARENT WISHES TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE.
"THIS SCHOOL MAY EITHER BE WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE FAMILY LIVES. BUT PARENTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO SELECT A NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY’ TRANSPORT PROBLEMS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN SELECTING A SCHOOL, PARENTS SHOULD ALSO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE "POINTS SYSTEM" WHICH IS BASED ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE CHILD'S FAMILY.
HOWEVER, PARENTS SHOULD NOTE THAT ONLY ONI- APPLICATION FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED IN RESPECT OF ANY ONE CHILD.
"IF THEY' ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATION WILL BE RENDERED NULL AND VOID AND ANY ALLOCATION OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE MADE ON THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATION WILL BE WITHDRAWN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SCHOOLS RECEIVING TOO FEW APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE PRIMARY ONE CLASSES. IN SUCH CASES, CHILDREN ALREADY’ ACCEPTED BY THESE SCHOOLS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES WILL HAVE TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY’ RE-ALLOCATED TO SOME OTHER SCHOOLS THAT HAVE VACANCIES.
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO CANNOT USE CHINESE AS THE LEARNING MEDIUM, THEY MAY SEEK ADVICE FROM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 289 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG (TEL 572 4383) BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION FORM.
IF PARENTS WHO DO NOT WISH To APPLY’ FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN ANY’ PARTICULAR SCHOOL, THEY SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 28 AND OCTOBER 2 IO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:-
/* PRIMARY ONE ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1992
* PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT,
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES (ENTRE, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, WAN CHAI.
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 703, 405 NATHAN ROAD, SEVENTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI.
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, FIRST FLOOR, SHA TIN.
* TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO.
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
* THEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN.
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG.
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, FANLING.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED PARENTS WHO WISH TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO ATTEND PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS OR PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION TO APPLY TO THESE SCHOOLS DIRECT AS THEY ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM.
- - 0 - -
TWO MORE WEEKS TO SUBMIT VIEWS ON ECR5 ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED THAT THEY HAVE TWO MORE WEEKS TO SEND IN THEIR VIEWS ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 5.
THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED ON JUNE 24 THIS YEAR TO SOLICIT PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND THE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL END ON SEPTEMBER 30.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMISSION SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT, THERE HAD BEEN A LOT OF COMMENTS IN THE MEDIA, AND MUCH DISCUSSION AT BRIEFING SESSIONS, DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS, AND OTHER FORUMS.
/"HOWEVER, ONLY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1992
"HOWEVER, ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF DIRECT SUBMISSIONS HAVE BEEN ri PAD " 'I'UV OnnvraMAM O A T r»
RECEIVED SO FAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"BASED ON PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, WE EXPECT QUITE A RUSH OF SUBMISSIONS TOWARDS THE END OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD.
"THE PUBLIC ARE THEREFORE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT PUBLIC REACTION CAN BE FULLY ASSESSED IN GOOD TIME, AND PREPARATIONS CAN BE MADE FOR AN EARLY START ON IMPLEMENTING THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH HAVE WIDE PUBLIC SUPPORT."
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT EITHER BY POST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, C/O EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL OR BY FACSIMILE (868 5916) BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30.
- - 0 - -
APPEALS TO SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD ON RISE
*****
THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 132 APPEALS RELATING TO SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS IN 1991-92, AN INCREASE OF 21 CASES OR 18.9 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR, ACCORDING TO ITS LATEST ANNUAL REPORT.
OF THESE, SIX WERE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 124 WERE ON SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE, AND TWO WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
REGARDING THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE APPEALS, 72 WERE RELATED TO NORMAL DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, 51 TO HIGHER DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, AND ONE TO NORMAL OLD AGE ALLOWANCE.
ALL APPEALS WILL BE HEARD BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WHO ARE UNOFFICIALS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE BOARD IS AN INDEPENDENT BODY PROVIDING A MEANS OF REDRESS FOR PERSONS NOT SATISFIED WITH DECISIONS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF ELIGIBILITY AND PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.
IN 1991-92, THE BOARD HEARD A TOTAL OF 111 CASES, INCLUDING 46 CASES BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE PRECEDING YEAR. A TOTAL OF 11 CASES WERE WITHDRAWN BY THE APPELLANTS AND 56 CARRIED FORWARD TO THE YEAR 1992-93 PENDING HEARING.
OF THE 111 APPEALS HEARD DURING THE YEAR, THE BOARD SUBSTANTIATED THE DECISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN 63 CASES AND VARIED ITS DECISIONS IN 48 CASES.
TO KEEP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WELL AWARE OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD, POSTERS ABOUT THE APPEAL BOARD WERE PUT UP AT SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
/EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1992
EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS ABOUT THE APPEAL MACHINERY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THESE OFFICES.
IN ADDITION, WHENEVER A PERSON WAS NOTIFIED IN WRITING OF THE RESULT OF HIS APPLICATION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BY THE DEPARTMENT, HE WAS ALSO INFORMED OF HIS RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE BOARD AGAINST THE DEPARTMENT’S DECISION.
- - 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWER, ROAD WORK IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S TUEN MUN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWER AND ROAD EXTENSION WORKS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN. IT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF SEWER IN THE FORM OF AN INVERTED SIPHON ACROSS THE TUEN MUN NULLAH BETWEEN AREAS 16 AND 18.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE EXTENSION OF ROAD 8A LEADING TO THE PROPOSED VILLAGE EXPANSION AT YEUNG SIU HANG, A DISTRICT OPEN SPACE IN AREA 8 AND THE BUILDING OF A CAR PARK IN AREA 30A.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 15
MONTHS
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONTRACT’S CONSULTANT ENGINEERS, MESSRS SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS ON 38TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS OCTOBER 9.
- - 0 - -
PICTURES OF HONG KONG ON DISPLAY TOMORROW
******
TWENTY PICTURES SHOWING THE DYNAMIC AND VERSATILE LIFE IN HONG KONG WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT LEVEL ONE, PACIFIC PLACE, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) BEFORE THEY ARE SENT TO CANADA FOR EXHIBITION AS PART OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 LATER THIS MONTH.
ORGANISED BY THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST AS A PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT, THE EXHIBITION WILL SHOW THE WINNING ENTRIES OF AN "EYE-CATCHING PICTURES OF HONG KONG" PHOTO COMPETITION LAUNCHED IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
/SOME 200
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1992
5
SOME 200 ENTRIES WERE RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC COVERING A WIDE-RANGE OF SUBJECTS DEPICTING THE COLOURFUL LIFE AND INTERESTING SCENES IN THE TERRITORY.
DURING THE FESTIVAL, SIX SETS OF THE WINNING PICTURES WILL BE DISPLAYED IN VANCOUVER, MONTREAL, OTTAWA, CALGARY, TORONTO AND WINNIPEG.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 1 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE EXHIBITION VENUE WHERE THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE TWO RETURN TICKETS TO CANADA SPONSORED BY THE CANADIAN AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL.
AFTERWARDS, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 17).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ’’EYE-CATCHING PICTURES OF HONG KONG” PHOTO EXHIBITION AT 1 PM AT LEVEL ONE (NEAR MCDONALD’S RESTAURANT), PACIFIC PLACE, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG TOMORROW (MONDAY).
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
---------0-----------
PUTONGHUA ADDED TO SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVAL
*****
STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THIS YEAR’S SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVAL WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR PUTONGHUA - A NEW LANGUAGE CATEGORY THAT HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE FESTIVAL.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE BEING INVITED TO COMPETE IN DRAMAS WHICH CAN NOW BE PRESENTED IN PUTONGHUA, CANTONESE OR ENGLISH.
THE FESTIVAL, WHICH MADE ITS DEBUT LAST YEAR, IS SPONSORED BY THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
IT AIMS AT PROMOTING DRAMA AS A REGULAR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY TO DEVELOP STUDENTS’ CREATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE EXPRESSION AND LANGUAGE SKILLS.
’’THE MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH AN EXCITING AND INTERESTING FOCUS FOR DRAMATIC AND LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
THE FESTIVAL COMPRISES FOUR PHASES - TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS, SCHOOL PERFORMANCES, PUBLIC PERFORMANCES AND GALA EVENINGS.
CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNING SCHOOLS IN DIFFERENT PHASES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 26.
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/6 .....
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1992
- 6
TL’EN MUN CAREERS CENTRE ♦ * * * *
TO CLOSE ON MONDAY ♦ *
THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE (CAS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSE DOWN ITS CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE IN TUEN MUN TOMORROW (MONDAY).
YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING CAREERS GUIDANCE ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE OTHER CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES IN WAN CHAI AND MONG KOK.
THE CAS PROVIDES A LARGE VARIETY OF SERVICES THROUGH ITS INFORMATION CENTRES TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR TALENTS, INTERESTS AND ABILITIES.
EACH CENTRE HAS A REFERENCE LIBRARY CONTAINING PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCE MATERIALS ON CAREERS, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND FURTHER EDUCATION, WHICH ARE OF PARTICULAR USE TO FORM 5 AND FORM 7 STUDENTS.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE \N AUDIO-VISUAL UNIT WITH SLIDE PRESENTATIONS, CASSETTE RECORDINGS AND VIDEO TAPES ON CAREERS, AS WELL AS A FREE ENQUIRY SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING ADVICE ON CAREERS AND TRAINING.
IN ADDITION, CAREERS PAMPHLETS ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE: AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO VISITORS AT THE CENTRES.
THE TWO CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES \RE OPFN FROM 9 \M TO 5.30 PM BETWEEN MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS (EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS). THEIR \DDRFSSES \RF VS FOLLOWS:
SOUTHORN CENTRE, 16TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAT TEL. 835 2044
MONG KOK GOVERNMENT 30 LI’FN WAN STREET, TEL. 399 2241 % 399
OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR MONG KOK 22 4 2
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SOUTH KWAI CHUNG MATERNITY HOME TO CLOSE SOON * * * * *
THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG MATERNITY HOME IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 28 (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT ALL CLIENTS PREVIOUSLY REFERRED TO THE MATERNITY HOME FOR ANTE-NATAL CARE WOULD BE DIRECTED TO YAN CHAI HOSPITAL STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER 21.
THE CLOSURE WILL NOT AFFECT THE NORMAL OPERATION OF SOUTH KWAI CHUNG MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE VARIOUS MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DISCUSSIONS HELP SHAPE VIEWS ON HK: GOVERNOR ........................... 1
BEST AIRPORT AND RAILWAY FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE: K Y YEUNG......... 1
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY RELEASED ............................ 4
OIL DEPOTS TO BE RESITED................................................ 11
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITORS EASED ................................... 12
TEACHING KIT ON JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW ........................ 13
EDUCATION OFFICERS CONDUCT SURPRISE INSPECTIONS ........................ 14
INVESTMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE ESSENTIAL ................... 15
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN SHRIMPS TRADE RECORDED ........................... 16
JLG XXIV ............................................................... 17
AIR POLLUTION LEVELS REMAIN LOW IN AUGUST............................... 17
FINANCIAL ADVISER ON OTB APPOINTED ..................................... 20
TWO GURKHA BATTALIONS MERGE ............................................ 20
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED................................................ 21
AFTER-SCHOOL, DAY-CARE SERVICES WELL RECEIVED .......................... 21
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................................... 22
WATER CUTS IN TAI KOK TSUI, YUEN LONG................................... 22
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 23
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
- 1 -
DISCUSSIONS HELP SHAPE VIEWS ON HK: GOVERNOR
******
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN SAID TONIGHT (MONDAY) THAT HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH VERY MANY LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE HELPED TO SHAPE HIS VIEWS ABOUT WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FORWARD FOR HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE LEAVING FOR LONDON, MR PATTEN SAID: "I NOW THINK IT’S A VERY GOOD MOMENT FOR ME TO REPORT ON MY CONCLUSIONS TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND OTHER SENIOR MINISTERS AND THEN TO COME BACK AND IN DUE COURSE, SET OUT MY AGENDA FOR THE WAY FORWARD FOR HONG KONG.”
"I’LL BE HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, WITH THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER AND WITH MINISTERS TOMORROW AND THEN RETURNING AFTER THOSE DISCUSSIONS TO PUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE SPEECH WHICH I LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7," HE SAID.
-----0--------
BEST AIRPORT AND RAILWAY FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE: K Y YEUNG *****
THE FINANCIAL PACKAGES PROPOSED FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) HAVE BEEN DEVISED WITH AN INTENTION TO BUILD THE BEST POSSIBLE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, SAID.
SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE ON THE FINANCIAL SCHEMES FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAIL PROJECTS ORGANISED BY THE "ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS" ECONOMIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE, MR YEUNG SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MEET THESE AIMS.
"HOWEVER, WE ARE PREPARED TO BE FLEXIBLE AND WILLING TO CONSIDER CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR REFINEMENT," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID IT HAD BEEN RECOGNISED THAT THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WAS ESSENTIAL TO UNDERPIN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Ik-
"WE ALSO KNOW THAT THE SOONER WE GET ON WITH THE PROGRAMME, THE LESS LIABILITY WE WILL LEAVE BEHIND FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
"LET US THEREFORE PRESS AHEAD WITH SELF-CONFIDENCE. I AM MOST OPTIMISTIC THAT UPON COMPLETION, THE ACP WILL GENERATE MUCH MORE LONGTERM ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS TO HONG KONG THAN THE COSTS INVOLVED," HE SAID.
/TALKING ABOUT .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14,. 1992
- 2 -
TALKING ABOUT THE BENEFITS TO HONG KONG BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE ACP, MR YEUNG SAID THE SAR (SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION) GOVERNMENT WOULD RECEIVE SUBSTANTIAL LAND PREMIUM, PROFITS TAX, RATES, DIVIDENDS, AND SO ON FROM THE PAA AND MTRC.
"IT IS ESTIMATED THAT, BY 2020, THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD BRING SOME $48 BILLION AS ADDITIONAL INCOME TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WOULD GENERATE SOME $77 BILLION. THESE ALONE ADD UP TO OVER $125 BILLION.
"APART FROM DIRECT FINANCIAL BENEFITS, GOING AHEAD WITH THE NEW AIRPORT ALONE WILL INCREASE OUR GDP (GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) BY AT LEAST $420 BILLION OVER THE PERIOD 1997-2010," HE SAID.
BEFORE GOING INTO DETAILS OF THE FINANCIAL PACKAGES FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, MR YEUNG EXPLAINED THE REASONS WHY THE TWO PROJECTS COULD NOT BE ENTRUSTED ENTIRELY TO PRIVATE SECTOR CONSORTIA.
IT WAS MAINLY BECAUSE THERE WAS THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW AIRPORT MET HONG KONG’S STRATEGIC NEEDS AND INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS, HE SAID.
"THIS ENTAILS A DEGREE OF PUBLIC CONTROL WHICH, IN THE LIGHT OF EXTENSIVE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE, IS BEST ACHIEVED THROUGH A GOVERNMENT-OWNED CORPORATION."
IN THE CASE OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, IT WAS CLEAR THAT OUR EXISTING RAILWAY OPERATORS WERE BEST PLACED IN TERMS OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE.
"BOTH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION AND THE MTRC WERE INVITED TO MAKE PROPOSALS AND THE LATTER WAS CONSIDERED THE BEST,” HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE PAA AND THE MTRC WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OPERATE AS BUSINESSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES.
"THE TWO CORPORATIONS WILL ATTRACT HIGH LEVELS OF PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT, WHICH WILL BE ACHIEVED PARTLY THROUGH THE GRANT OF FRANCHISES AND PARTLY THROUGH COMMERCIAL BORROWING.
"THESE FORMS OF PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION ARE ESSENTIALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM TAKING AN EQUITY STAKE IN THE TWO CORPORATIONS. THERE IS, AFTER ALL, LITTLE TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE INVESTOR WHO PUTS UP HIS MONEY IN THE FORM OF A LOAN AND GETS HIS RETURN IN INTEREST, AND THE ONE WHO PUTS UP HIS MONEY IN THE FORM OF EQUITY AND GETS HIS RETURN IN DIVIDENDS," HE SAID.
TURNING TO HONG KONG’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) SIGNED BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA, MR YEUNG SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD CONSISTENTLY BEEN ACTING IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE MOU.
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
- 3 -
HONG KONG REMAINED COMMITTED TO COMPLETING THE ACP TO THE FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE BY JUNE 30, 1997.
"WE HAVE MADE A GOOD START: 15 WORKS CONTRACTS HAD BEEN LET ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET,” HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO SAID THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE, WHICH HAD BEEN SET UP UNDER THE MOU, HAD INITIATED CONSULTATION ON IMPORTANT MATTERS RELATING TO THE ACP.
"WE HAVE INITIATED CONSULTATION ON AIRPORT-RELATED CONTRACTS AND FRANCHISES AND ARE GIVING FULL WEIGHT TO THE VIEWS OF THE CHINESE SIDE.
"WE HAVE RECEIVED CERTAIN NEW AND INTERESTING PROPOSALS FROM THE CHINESE SIDE AT LAST WEDNESDAY’S MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE. WE ARE LOOKING AT THESE PROPOSALS SERIOUSLY. WE EXPECT TO REACT TO THEM SOME TIME THIS WEEK," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING ITS FINANCES WITH THE FIRM OBJECTIVE OF LEAVING FISCAL RESERVES ON JUNE 30, 1997 OF NOT LESS THAN $25 BILLION.
AN AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WITH MEMBERSHIP DISCUSSED BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES HAD ALSO BEEN SET UP.
"THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SERVICED EFFECTIVELY BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE. OVER THE PAST 10 MONTHS, THE COMMITTEE AND ITS SUB-COMMITTEES HAVE MET 27 TIMES, RECEIVED 29 PRESENTATIONS, AND CONSIDERED 53 PAPERS AND OVER 100 REPLIES TO QUESTIONS," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG ALSO STRESSED THAT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS WERE DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO PARTICIPATE FULLY THROUGH LENDING TO THE MTRC AND THE PAA.
"IT IS TRUE THAT THE SAR GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO ACCEPT OBLIGATIONS IN RELATION TO CALLABLE EQUITY, BUT THIS IS ALREADY PROVIDED FOR IN THE MOU THE RELEVANT PART OF WHICH SAYS THAT THE CHINESE SIDE WILL TAKE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO GUARANTEES.
"THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IN GOING DOWN THE CALLABLE EQUITY ROUTE IS THAT THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT WILL BE LEFT WITH SIGNIFICANTLY SMALLER OBLIGATIONS THAN IF THE GUARANTEES PROVIDED FOR IN THE MOU HAD BEEN ADOPTED,” HE SAID.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
4 EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY RELEASED ******
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JULY THIS YEAR, AT $167,128 MILLION, INCREASED BY 20% IN VALUE AS COMPARED WITH JULY LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1% TO $21,380 MILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 25% TO $60,782 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 18% TO $82,162 MILLION. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23% TO $84,966 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT $1,026 BILLION, INCREASED BY 23% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2% TO $128 BILLION WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31% TO $370 BILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22% TO $498 BILLION WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 23% TO $528 BILLION.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JULY 1992 WITH JULY 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA (+11%), SINGAPORE (+11%), THE UNITED STATES (+6%) AND CANADA (+2%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE (-23%), GERMANY (-15%), TAIWAN (-13%), JAPAN (-7%), THE NETHERLANDS (-6%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (-2%).
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, SINGAPORE, CANADA, THE UNITED STATES AND TAIWAN INCREASED BY 16%, 13%, 8%, 8% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY, FRANCE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE NETHERLANDS AND JAPAN DECREASED, BY 27%, 18%, 12%, 11% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1,142 MILLION OR 3%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1,065 MILLION OR 10%); MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $443 MILLION OR 32%); AND TEXTILES (BY $77 MILLION OR 1%).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
- 5 -
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,720 MILLION OR 19%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $838 MILLION OR 7%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JULY 1992 WITH JULY 1991, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS: JAPAN (+34%), ITALY (+30%), SINGAPORE (+29%), GERMANY (+27%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+25%), CHINA (+22%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+20%), MALAYSIA (+20%), THE UNITED STATES (+17%) AND TAIWAN (+14%).
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN 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%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+28%), MALAYSIA (+28%), CHINA (+24%), ITALY (+24%), SINGAPORE (+20%), TAIWAN (+18%), 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 SEVEN MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $9,652 MILLION OR 33%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $8,834 MILLION OR 21%); CLOTHING (BY $7,980 MILLION OR 23%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $7,271 MILLION OR 22%); AND TEXTILES (BY $7,193 MILLION OR 14%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JULY 1992 WITH JULY 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES, CHINA, CANADA AND FRANCE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 39%, 35%, 32%, 28%, 20% AND 18% RESPECTIVELY.
THAT TO SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND GERMANY ALSO INCREASED, BY 12%, 11% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 21%.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, CHINA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN AND FRANCE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 44%, 40%, 39%, 37%, 28% AND 23% RESPECTIVELY.
THAT TO SINGAPORE AND TAIWAN ALSO INCREASED, BY 16% AND 12% RESPECTIVELY.
/HOWEVER, THE ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
6
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND GERMANY DECREASED, BY 6% AND 4% RESPECTIVELY.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1992 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1991, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $14,681 MILLION OR 42%); CLOTHING (BY $8,623 MILLION OR 26%); TEXTILES (BY $6,866 MILLION OR 22%); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $6,237 MILLION OR 28%).
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 JULY WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY OCTOBER.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE JULY 1992 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN JULY WILL BE ON SALE AT $52 A COPY AROUND SEPTEMBER 18.
THE REPORT CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE 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: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JUL 1992 (HKD MN) JUL 92 OVER JUL 91 ( % ) JAN-JUL 1992 (HKD MN) JAN-JUL 92 OVER JAN-JUL 91 ( % )
UNITED STATES 6,103 + 6 34,142 + 8
CHINA 5,548 + 11 34,047 + 16
GERMANY 1,598 - 15 8,490 - 27
/UNITED KINGDOM .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
7
UNITED KINGDOM 1,280 JAPAN 935 SINGAPORE 885 + TAIWAN 462 CANADA 550 + NETHERLANDS 456 FRANCE 256 2 7 11 13 2 6 23 6,892 6,304 5,625 3,619 2,891 2,825 1,798 - 12 - 3 + 13 + 3 + 8 - 11 - 18
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1992 * (HKD MN) 1 JUL 92 OVER JUL 91 [ % ) JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 1992 OVER JAN-JUL (HKD MN) ( % 92 91 )
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,943 + 5 40,164 + 3
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,904 - 10 12,632 2
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,665 - 2 11,292 + 10
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,634 - 5 10,876 + 1
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,701 + 12 10,560 — 7
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,419 - 10 9,890 + 1
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 , 147 - 14 7,208 — 19
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 400 - 6 2,798 + 5
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 299 - 18 2,024 + 5
MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 304 + 43 1,824 + 32
/TABLE 3: .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
8
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
JUL JUL 92 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 92
MAJOR SUPPLIER 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
JUL 91 JAN-JUL 91
(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )
CHINA 31,914 + 22 193,296 + 24
JAPAN 15,367 + 34 90,979 + 29
TAIWAN 7,773 + 14 48,631 + 18
UNITED STATES 5,739 + 17 37,915 + 15
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3,769 + 25 25,876 + 28
SINGAPORE 3,546 + 29 21,968 + 20
GERMANY 1,843 + 27 11,997 + 31
UNITED KINGDOM 1,676 + 20 10,991 + 15
ITALY 1,378 + 30 8,023 + 24
MALAYSIA 1 , 147 + 20 7,148 + 28
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1992 (HKD MN) JUL 92 OVER JUL 91 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 92
1992 (HKD MN) OVER JAN-JUL 91
( % ) ( % )
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,487 + 3 59,577 + 14
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 8,498 + 21 51,629 + 21
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,084 + 20 42,352 + 23
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,444 + 18 40,263 + 22
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,987 + 34 38,638 + 33
/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
- 9 -
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS,
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,384 + 37 25,836 ♦ 21
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,362 + 58 19,045 + 50
FOOTWEAR 2,896 + 38 17,030 ♦ 46
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 2,947 + 80 16,791 52
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 2,512 + 12 16,679 + 19
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION
JUL JUL 92 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 92
MAJOR COUNTRY OF 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
DESTINATION JUL 91 JAN-JUL 91
(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )
CHINA 18,487 + 28 113,666 + 39
UNITED STATES 13,855 + 32 77,772 + 44
JAPAN 3,115 + 39 19,437 + 28
GERMANY 2,843 + 3 17,796 - 4
TAIWAN 2,114 + 11 15,353 + 12
UNITED KINGDOM 1,942 + 35 10,183 + 37
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,092 - 21 7,985 - 6
SINGAPORE 1,172 + 12 7,629 + 16
CANADA 1,070 + 20 6,216 + 40
FRANCE 962 + 18 6,174 + 23
/TABLE 6: .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
- 10 -
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
JUL JUL 92 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 92
COMMODITY DIVISION 1992 OVER 1992 OVER
JUL 91 JAN-JUL 91
(HKD MN) ( % ) (HKD MN) ( % )
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED
ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 9,230 + 38 49,345 + 42
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,171 + 23 41,639 + 26
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,752 + 5 38,470 + 22
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4,648 + 16 28,266 + 21
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,412 + 16 28,132 + 28
FOOTWEAR 3,413 + 38 18,982 + 46
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,794 + 58 16,449 + 53
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,076 + 13 13,645 + 26
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,907 + 47 11,487 + 45
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 1,623 + 92 9,810 + 68
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/Il ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
11
OIL DEPOTS TO BE RESITED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO REMOVING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE THREE OIL DEPOTS AT EAST TSING YI NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENTS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR BOWEN LEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AFTER THE MEETING OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON LAND USE PLANNING AND CONTROL RELATING TO POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS (CCPHI), MR LEUNG SAID NEGOTIATIONS WERE AT AN ADVANCED STAGE WITH HK OIL FOR THE SURRENDER OF ITS TSING YI SITE IN EXCHANGE FOR A COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL LOT AT MA ON SHAN.
"THE PLAN IS TO DECOMMISSION THE DEPOT BY REMOVING ALL OIL AND GAS STORAGE FROM IT BY MID-1993 AND TO CLEAR THE SITE BY OCTOBER NEXT YEAR."
MR LEUNG SAID PLANNING WAS ALSO AT AN ADVANCED STAGE TO REMOVE THE ADJOINING MOBIL OIL TERMINAL TO A NEW SITE IN WEST TSING YI BY SEPTEMBER 1993.
"A PROPOSAL IS UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINA RESOURCES COMPANY (CRC) TO RESITE ITS DEPOT AT NGA YING CHAU TO SOUTH TSING YI NEXT TO ANOTHER CRC OIL TERMINAL THERE.
"HOWEVER, THE NGA YING CHAU DEPOT IS BEING MOVED FOR PRIMARILY ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING, NOT HAZARD, REASONS.
"THE IMPENDING REMOVAL OF THESE DEPOTS ARE IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO SITE ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS TO THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDE OF TSING YI WHICH IS SEPARATED BY AN INTERVENING MOUNTAIN RIDGE FROM RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ON THE EAST SHORE OF THE ISLAND," MR LEUNG SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE TWO RECENT INCIDENTS AT THE WATER TREATMENT WORKS IN SHA TIN AND THE HK OIL DEPOT ON TSING YI, HE SAID INVESTIGATIONS WERE UNDER WAY BY RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO ESTABLISH THE CAUSES OF THESE INCIDENTS.
PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE INVESTIGATIONS, HIS COMMITTEE WOULD MEET TO DISCUSS THE FINDINGS AND CONSIDER WHATEVER ACTION IS NECESSARY TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE SAFETY IN THESE INSTALLATIONS.
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD THE POWER TO REDUCE THE STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATION AS A LICENSING CONDITION OR A NOTICE FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENT.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE THE REDUCTION OF THE LPG STORAGE LEVEL AT THE HONG KONG OIL TERMINAL AT TSING YI FROM 2,000 TO 630 TONNES AND THE CHLORINE LEVEL AT THE SHATTN WATER TREATMENT WORKS FROM 415 TO 115 TONNES.
/ON STORAGE .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
12
ON STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHLORINE IN WATER TREATMENT WORKS, MR LEUNG SAID STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISKS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE RISK GUIDELINES ISSUED BY HIS COMMITTEE.
THESE INCLUDE MODIFICATIONS OF EXISTING BUILDINGS AND THE PROVISION OF CHLORINE ABSORPTION TOWERS AT TREATMENT WORKS.
OTHER SAFETY MEASURES BEING IMPLEMENTED INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF MORE CHLORINE DETECTORS AND ALARMS IN ALL CHLORINE HANDLING AREAS, INVENTORY REDUCTION, CONVERSION TO SMALLER STORAGE CONTAINERS AND THE IMPROVEMENTS TO PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND AIR BREATHING APPARATUS AND INTENSIVE TRAINING OF THE STAFF IN CHLORINE HANDLING.
MR LEUNG EXPLAINED THAT HIS COMMITTEE HAD A SET OF GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THAT THE RISK LEVEL GENERATED BY POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS WAS AS LOW AS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE.
APPLICATIONS TO ESTABLISH NEW INSTALLATIONS WILL NOT BE APPROVED UNLESS THE ASSESSED RISK IS WITHIN THE GUIDELINES.
IN ADDITION, RISK MITIGATION MEASURES TO IMPROVE STORAGE FACILITIES AND SAFETY DEVICES AT THE PLANT ARE ADOPTED FOR EXISTING INSTALLATIONS.
WHERE THE RISK LEVEL IS FOUND TO BE TOO HIGH FOR EXISTING INSTALLATIONS, RELOCATION WILL BE CONSIDERED.
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VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITORS EASED * * * ♦ *
NEW VISA REGULATIONS INTRODUCED TODAY (MONDAY) WILL ALLOW PEOPLE FROM MOST PARTS OF THE WORLD TO VISIT HONG KONG VISA-FREE FOR UP TO THREE MONTHS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE EASING OF ENTRY RESTRICTIONS, MANY MORE PEOPLE WOULD FIND IT EASIER TO COME HERE AND, WITH VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS, ALMOST EVERYONE WOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE TERRITORY.
THE CHANGE IS THE RESULT OF A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S VISA POLICY.
"UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, NATIONALS OF JAPAN MAY ENTER VISA-FREE FOR VISITS OF UP TO ONE MONTH INSTEAD OF JUST SEVEN DAYS AS AT PRESENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"NATIONALS OF AFGHANISTAN, ALBANIA, BULGARIA, CAMBODIA, CIS, CZECHOSLOVAKIA, CUBA, HUNGARY, LAOS, MONGOLIA, ROMANIA, AND VIETNAM MAY NOW OBTAIN SINGLE OR DOUBLE JOURNEY VISIT VISAS FOR STAYS OF UP TO 14 DAYS WITHOUT REFERENCE TO HONG KONG.
/"PREVIOUSLY THEY .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
"PREVIOUSLY THEY HAD TO WAIT SEVEN DAYS FOR VISAS WHICH ONLY ADMITTED THEM FOR ONE WEEK," HE NOTED.
NATIONALS OF THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES MAY ENTER VISA-FREE FOR 14 DAYS INSTEAD OF SEVEN AS AT PRESENT: ALGERIA, ANGOLA, BAHRAIN, BENIN, BHUTAN, BOURKINA FASSO, BURUNDI, CAMEROON, CAPE VERDE REPUBLIC, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, CHAD, COMOROS, CONGO, CROATIA, DJIBOUTI, EGYPT, EQUATORIAL GUINEA, ESTONIA, ETHIOPIA, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA, GABON, GUINEA, GUINEA-BISSAU, HAITI, INDONESIA, IVORY COAST, JORDAN, KUWAIT, LATIVA, LIBERIA, LITHUANIA, MADAGASCAR, MALI, MAURITANIA, MOZAMBIQUE, NIGER, OMAN, PHILIPPINES, QATAR, REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS, RWANDA, SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE, SAUDI ARABIA, SENEGAL, SLOVENIA, SOUTH KOREA, SURINAM, TOGO, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, US TRUST TERRITORY OF PACIFIC ISLANDS (HOLDERS OF US TRUST TERRITORY PASSPORTS ONLY), VATICAN CITY, YUGOSLAVIA AND ZAIRE.
POLAND AND SOUTH AFRICA HAVE VISA WAIVER AGREEMENTS WITH HONG KONG.
"THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS SHORTLY TO CONCLUDE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH WILL ALLOW POLISH AND SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONALS TO ENTER HONG KONG VISA-FREE FOR 14 AND 30 DAYS RESPECTIVELY, INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT SEVEN AND 14 DAYS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE VISA WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS ALLOW HONG KONG PEOPLE WITH BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN OR BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS TO ENTER POLAND AND SOUTH AFRICA VISA-FREE ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS," HE SAID.
THAI NATIONALS WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY VISA-FREE ACCESS FOR 14-DAY VISITS UNDER THE VISA WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAVE LONG EXISTED BETWEEN THAILAND AND HONG KONG.
ARGENTINES WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY SUCH ACCESS FOR VISITS OF UP TO ONE MONTH UNDER THE TERMS OF A SIMILAR AGREEMENT.
VISAS WILL HOWEVER BE REQUIRED FOR NATIONALS OF COUNTRIES NOT RECOGNISED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM, INCLUDING TAIWAN.
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TEACHING KIT ON JOINT DECLARATION AND BASIC LAW * * * * *
A NEW TEACHING KIT ON THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW HAS NOW BEEN PRODUCED FOR CIVIC EDUCATION TEACHERS.
THE KIT INCLUDES SLIDES WITH COMMENTARY AND A GAMEBOARD TO HELP AND SUPPORT TEACHERS IN SUCH SUBJECTS AS GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, SOCIAL STUDIES AND LIBERAL STUDIES AT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL.
"IT ALSO HELPS PUPILS ACQUIRE A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRINCIPLES AND MAJOR CONTENTS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW WITH A VIEW TO ENHANCING THEIR CIVIC AWARENESS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
/THE NEW.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
14
THE NEW, BILINGUAL TEACHING KIT CONTAINS SUGGESTIONS ON TEACHING STRATEGIES, TRANSPARENCIES, SLIDES ON THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, A GAMEBOARD ON THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND ANOTHER GAMEBOARD ON THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
"IT IS HOPED THAT STUDENTS, AFTER ATTENDING THE LESSONS, SHOULD BE ABLE TO STATE THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND MAJOR EVENTS LEADING TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, RECOGNISE ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND BE ABLE TO DESCRIBE ITS MAJOR CONTENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO EVALUATE THE RELEVANCE OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION IN MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
EDUCATION OFFICERS CONDUCT SURPRISE INSPECTIONS
*****
DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS FROM TSUEN WAN AND KWUN TONG CONDUCTED SURPRISE INSPECTIONS THIS AFTERNOON AT TWO PREMISES THAT HAD ADVERTISED FOR STUDENTS.
THE INSPECTIONS WERE CONDUCTED TO CHECK WHETHER THE ADVERTISED PREMISES HAD BREACHED ANY PART OF THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE OR REGULATIONS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID.
"THE OPERATORS WERE ADVISED ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE, PARTICULARLY ON THE NECESSITY OF REGISTRATION IF THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS FOUND IN THEIR PREMISES TOTAL MORE THAN 19 IN ANY GIVEN DAY," MR WONG SAID.
THE OPERATORS WERE TOLD THAT FAILURE TO REGISTER WOULD MAKE THEM LIABLE TO PROSECUTION FOR RUNNING AN UNREGISTERED SCHOOL, HE SAID.
IN THE 1990-91 SCHOOL YEAR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED 59 INVESTIGATIVE INSPECTIONS IN RESPECT OF 35 PREMISES.
MR WONG SAID 16 CASES WERE UNSUBSTANTIATED.
OF THOSE SUBSTANTIATED, 10 APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION, TWO CEASED OPERATION AND SEVEN LIMITED THEIR DAILY ENROLMENT TO LESS THAN 20.
IN THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR 85 INVESTIGATIVE INSPECTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT IN RESPECT OF 36 PREMISES.
THIRTEEN CASES WERE UNSUBSTANTIATED. OF THESE SUBSTANTIATED, TWO APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION, FOUR CEASED OPERATION AND 17 ARE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
/'•BETWEEN AUGUST..........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
15 -
’’BETWEEN AUGUST 28 AND SEPTEMBER 13 THIS YEAR, OFFICERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED 33 INVESTIGATIVE VISITS AND NONE HAD ESTABLISHED THE OPERATION OF A SCHOOL,” MR WONG ADDED.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY STUDENTS, SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHICH INCLUDE VERIFYING THE AUTHENTICITY OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO CHECK WITH OUR DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS WHETHER THEIR CHOICE OF SCHOOL FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT COURSES IS ON OUR SCHOOL REGISTER," HE SAID.
INVESTMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE ESSENTIAL *****
INVESTMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS ESSENTIAL FOR HONG KONG TO SUSTAIN ITS DEVELOPMENT AND TO HAVE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, THE DEPUTY SERETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY COPPER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA, MR COOPER SAID THE ROAD TO THIS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WAS NO EASY PATH BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY DONE A LOT.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT FOR AN IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT HAS BEEN STATED - OUR 1989 WHITE PAPER AND STATUTORY WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN ARE CLEAR AND PRECISE PLANS FOR REVERSING POLLUTION AND CLEANING UP HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR COOPER ALSO OUTLINED SOME OF THE ACTION PLANS THAT WERE ALREADY IN HAND TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
ON SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL, MR COOPER SAID SIX MORE REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS WOULD BE BUILT AND A SECOND ONE WOULD OPEN EARLY NEXT YEAR; THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS WOULD BE COMMISSIONED WITH A CONTRACT FOR THE FIRST ONE TO BE SIGNED SOON; ENVIRONMENTALLY UNACCEPTABLE URBAN-BASED LANDFILLS WERE BEING CLOSED AND POLLUTING INCINERATORS WERE BEING SHUT DOWN.
ON TOXIC WASTES, MR COOPER SAID HONG KONG WOULD COMMISSION A STATE-OF-THE-ART CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY ON TSING YI.
"THIS PLANT WILL DEAL WITH HONG KONG’S 100,000 TONNES OF TOXIC AND CHEMICAL WASTES ANNUALLY. CONTROLS UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE, TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THIS FACILITY AND TO PROTECT SEWERAGE, ARE ALREADY BEING IMPLEMENTED," HE SAID.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME HAD NOT BEEN ABANDONED OR SHELVED.
"ON THE CONTRARY, PLANNING IS ON-GOING. THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ACTIVELY RESEWERING HONG KONG AND DESIGNING THE DISPOSAL SCHEME."
/HE SAID .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
HE SAID POLLUTION IN TOLO HARBOUR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY CURTAILED WHEN THE TOLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN WAS FULLY IMPLEMENTED.
"AS PART OF THIS, PHASE I OF THE EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME WILL SOON BE COMMISSIONED AT A COST OF $453 MILLION.
"IN ADDITION, PART OF THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT SEWERAGE SCHEME WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AT A COST OF NEARLY $800 MILLION," HE SAID.
ON THE FUNDING OF THESE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS, MR COOPER SAID APART FROM INDIRECT FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT REVENUES, PART OF THE SOLUTION WAS APPLYING THE POLLUTER-PAYS PRINCIPLE WHICH COULD BE APPLIED FAIRLY AND PRECISELY IF CHARGES FOR SEWAGE SERVICES IN HONG KONG WERE TO BE INTRODUCED.
ON BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ENVIRONMENT, HE SAID THERE WAS A GROWING INVESTMENT MARKET FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES.
"A RECENT ESTIMATE PUTS THIS MARKET AT $200 BILLION, AND BY 2000, IT IS EXPECTED TO REACH $300 BILLION," HE SAID.
MR COOPER ALSO URGED HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN TO ACT AND THINK GREEN IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN THE ECONOMY AND TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.
- - 0 - -
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN SHRIMPS TRADE RECORDED
*****
HONG KONG HAS MAINTAINED A SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE TRADING OF SHRIMPS IN RECENT YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE OPENING OF THE THIRD GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON THE SHRIMP INDUSTRY.
"AS PART OF THE TERRITORY’S GROWING ENTREPOT TRADE, IMPORTS OF SHRIMPS HAVE INCREASED BY MORE THAN TWOFOLD TO 49,000 TONNES, VALUED AT SOME $1,900 MILLION, OVER THE PAST DECADE," DR LEE SAID.
"ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THESE IMPORTS ARE RE-EXPORTED, MOSTLY TO
THE USA AND JAPAN." HE NOTED.
HE SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE ALSO BIG CONSUMERS OF SHRIMPS.
"THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY FOND OF FISHERY PRODUCTS, WITH A
PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF 50 KILOGRAMS LAST YEAR," HE ADDED.
"AMONG THE POPULAR SEAFOOD DISHES, SHRIMP OCCUPIES AN IMPORTANT PLACE WITH A DAILY CONSUMPTION OF 80 TONNES, REPRESENTING 14 PER CENT OF ALL SEAFOOD CONSUMED.
/"EXCEPT FOR
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
17
’’EXCEPT FOR AN INSIGNIFICANT PRODUCTION FROM INTERTIDAL PONDS, ALMOST ALL LOCALLY-PRODUCED SHRIMPS CAME FROM SHRIMP TRAWLER CATCHES.
”IN 1991, LOCAL PRODUCTION OF SHRIMPS AMOUNTED TO 10,000 TONNES WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ABOUT $600 MILLION.
’’THIS, HOWEVER, ONLY MET ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE LOCAL DEMAND, THE REMAINDER BEING MET BY IMPORTS MAINLY FROM CHINA AND VIETNAM.”
WITH INCREASING LOCAL CONSUMPTION AND THE EXPANDING ENTREPOT TRADE, DR LEE WAS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A MAJOR MARKET FOR SHRIMPS, OFFERING EXCELLENT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TO THE PRODUCERS, PROCESSORS AND TRADERS.
---------0-----------
JLG XXIV
♦ * t
THE FCO ANNOUNCED THIS MORNING THAT THE TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN LONDON FROM 21-23 SEPTEMBER.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR MICHAEL SZE (SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HONG KONG), MR ALAN PAUL (COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HONG KONG), MR PETER RICKETTS (HEAD, HONG KONG DEPARTMENT, FCO), AND MR WILLIAM EHRMAN (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG).
------0--------
AIR POLLUTION LEVELS REMAIN LOW IN AUGUST * * * ♦ *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR AUGUST 1992 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, AS WELL AS TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE SAMPLED FOR 24 HOURS EVERY SIX DAYS.
THESE POLLUTANTS MAINLY COME FROM COMBUSTION OF FUEL IN INDUSTRIAL PLANTS AND MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINES. TSP AND RSP ARE ALSO GENERATED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND SOME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AS WELL AS NATURAL SOURCES.
/IN AUGUST.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
I
- 18 -
IN AUGUST, POLLUTANT LEVELS WERE GENERALLY LOW EXCEPT ON THE LAST FEW DAYS OF THE MONTH. SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER SULPHUR DIOXIDE AND NITROGEN DIOXIDE LEVELS WERE HOWEVER RECORDED AT ALL STATIONS ON THE 27TH AND 28TH WHEN VERY CALM WIND CONDITION THAT PRECEDED THE TROPICAL CYCLONE ’MARK’ HAD IMPEDED THE CAPACITY OF THE ATMOSPHERE TO DISPERSE POLLUTANTS AND CAUSED ELEVATION OF POLLUTION LEVELS.
THE DAILY HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF SO2 AND NO2, TSP AND RSP ARE 350, 150, 260 AND 180 MICROGRAMS PER CUBIC METER RESPECTIVELY.
THESE OBJECTIVES ARE COMPARABLE TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AIR QUALITY STANDARDS RECOMMENDED FOR PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
HIGH LEVELS OF SO2 CAUSE RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, REDUCE LUNG FUNCTION AND INCREASE 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 AND 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 BUILD-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 IN 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 ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER MR W S TSUI ON 594 6401.
/19 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
- 19 -
- ~ fl & t
Hong Kong Air Quality Report for August 1992
(1ft t/i 1 b/tt* >
Concentration Concentration Concentration
Microgram per Cubic Meter Microgram per Cubic Meter Microgram per Cubic Meter
- - 0----------
/20 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
20
FINANCIAL ADVISER ON OTB APPOINTED
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND OVERSEAS TRUST BANK LIMITED (OTB) HAVE APPOINTED JARDINE FLEMING SECURITIES LIMITED AS FINANCIAL ADVISER IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISPOSAL OF GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST IN OTB.
"WE CAN NOW START ON THE EXERCISE AND WE AIM TO COMPLETE IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IN DOING SO, THE INTEREST OF THE EXISTING STAFF OF OTB WILL BE AN IMPORTANT FACTOR WE SHALL BE TAKING INTO ACCOUNT," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
"POTENTIAL BUYERS WHO HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED THEIR INTEREST WITH US ARE INVITED TO CONTACT EITHER MR RAYMOND LI OF THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH ON 529 0121 OR MESSRS. NICHOLAS SMITH OR LIU CHEE-MING OF JARDINE FLEMING ON 843 8888," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
TWO GURKHA BATTALIONS MERGE *****
A SMALL PIECE OF HONG KONG HISTORY WAS MADE AT CASSINO LINES, SAN TIN, THIS (MONDAY) MORNING WHEN THE TWO BATTALIONS THAT MADE UP 2ND KING EDWARD VII’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES (THE SIRMOOR RIFLES) MERGED INTO A SINGLE-BATTALION REGIMENT.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1886 WHEN THE SECOND BATTALION WAS RAISED THAT THE REGIMENT HAS CONSISTED OF ONLY A SINGLE BATTALION.
AT ONE STAGE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR, THE REGIMENT BOASTED FIVE BATTALIONS.
THE MERGER FORMS PART OF THE BRITISH RESTRUCTURING THE ARMY, ANNOUNCED LAST YEAR.
IT WAS BOTH THE FIRST TO TAKE PLACE IN INVOLVING THE GURKHAS WHO ARE TO LOSE SOME 65 STRENGTH AFTER 1997.
GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR
HONG KONG AND THE FIRST PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL
IT ALSO REFLECTED THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE HANDOVER OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SINO-HONG KONG BORDER TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
LED BY THE BRIGADE OF GURKHAS BAND, REPRESENTATIVE SECTIONS OF THE 1ST AND 2ND BATTALIONS MARCHED ON TO THE PARADE GROUND FROM DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.
/THEY WERE........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
21
THEY WERE THEN REVIEWED BY THEIR REGIMENTAL COLONEL, FIELD MARSHAL SIR JOHN CHAPPLE, WITH THE CURRENT COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG, MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN FOLEY, AND HIS IMMEDIATE PREDECESSOR, NOW LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR PETER DUFFELL, AMONG THE SPECTATORS.
AFTER THE INSPECTION, TWO BATTALIONS MARCHED PAST IN LINE FOR THE LAST TIME AND THEN REFORMED AS A SINGLE BATTALION ON THE DIRECTION OF FIELD MARSHAL CHAPPLE.
IN A SHORT SPEECH, FIELD MARSHAL CHAPPLE SPOKE OF THE GURKHAS PROUD RECORD AND THEIR FUTURE IN THE MAINSTREAM OF THE BRITISH ARMY.
SEPTEMBER 14 IS A SIGNIFICANT DAY IN REGIMENTAL HISTORY AS IT MARKS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE ACTION AT DELHI DURING THE INDIAN MUTINY IN 1957 WHICH LED TO THE REGIMENT BEING GRANTED ITS PRINCIPAL BATTLE HONOUR - THE QUEEN’S TRUNCHEON.
ON PARADE IN THE CARE OF HONORARY CAPTAIN BHARTI GURUNG, WHO AT THE AGE OF 80, IS THE REGIMENT’S OLDEST AND MOST SENIOR GURKHA MAJOR, THE SOLID SILVER TRUNCHEON WAS THE SCENE FOR THE ATTESTATION OF 40 RECRUITS WHO HAVE THE HONOUR TO BE THE FIRST NEW SOLDIERS TO JOIN THE MERGED REGIMENT.
---------0----------
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF TMB FINANCE (HONG KONG) COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (MONDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
---------0----------
AFTER-SCHOOL, DAY-CARE SERVICES WELL RECEIVED
*****
THE AFTER-SCHOOL, DAY-CARE SERVICES ARE WELL RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS AND THE UTILISATION RATE HAS BEEN VERY SATISFACTORY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE POK 01 HOSPITAL CHOW CHI SHIK MEMORIAL AFTER-SCHOOL, DAY-CARE SERVICES CENTRE IN HIN KENG ESTATE, MR LAM SAID THE SERVICES WERE MUCH NEEDED BY SOCIETY.
THIS COULD ALSO PREVENT UNATTENDED CHILDREN FROM HAVING ACCIDENTS AT HOME, HE SAID, ADDING THAT GOOD CARING SERVICES COULD ENABLE PARENTS TO WORK CONTENTEDLY.
/THE GROUP .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
22
THE GROUP INTRODUCED AFTER-SCHOOL, DAY-CARE SERVICES LAST YEAR. SO FAR, A TOTAL OF NINE CENTRES HAVE BEEN OPENED, AND ANOTHER FOUR WILL SOON COME INTO OPERATION.
MR LAM ALSO COMMENDED POK 01 HOSPITAL FOR PROVIDING GOOD MEDICAL, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 86.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 504.944 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 261.379 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 44.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
WATER CUTS IN TAI KOK TSUI, YUEN LONG *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL GO OIF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES BOUNDED BY TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, CHERRY STREET, WONG TAI STREET AND CHUNG WUI STREET.
MEANWHILE, SOME PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL ALSO HAVE NO FRESH WATER SUPPLY FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE CONNECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
PREMISES AT LO UK TSUEN, TUNG TAU TSUEN, FUNG KONG TSUEN, SHA KONG WAI TSAI., SHA KONG WAI, NGAU HOM, SAN HING TSUEN, LAU FAU SHAN, HANG HAU TSUEN, SHA KONG TSUEN, HONG MEI TSUEN, SAN WAI, SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI AND HA TSUEN SHI WILL BE AFFECTED.
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/23 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
- 23 -
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 110.2 »+0.7* 14.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.11 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.55 3.17
1 MONTH 2.97 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.97 3.37
3 MONTHS 2.57 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.99 3.68
6 MONTHS 2.68 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 101.00 3.87
12 MONTHS 3.10 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,312MN*
CLOSED 14 SEPTEMBER 1992
* RECORD HIGH
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC TO BE FULLY CONSULTED ON TAXI POLICY ............................... 1
AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY .................................... 2
STI COMMENTS ON SENATE VOTE ............................................... 2
FINANCIAL SECRETARY VISITS UNITED STATES .................................. 3
VIEWS ON PROPOSED LIVESTOCK LICENSING SHCEME WILL BE CONSIDERED ........... 4
THREE CANDIDATES VIE FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL SEAT............................. 5
CHANGES TO TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL ............'.......... 5
MRS PATTEN DOTS EYES OF FESTIVAL DRAGON BOAT .............................. 7
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES RELEASED ................................. 8
RENOVATION WORK MUST BE SAFE ............................................. 12
MACAU HEALTH CHIEF VISITS LAM TIN CLINIC ................................. 13
230 VIETNAMESE GO HOME ................................................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ........................ 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............... 15
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
PUBLIC TO BE FULLY CONSULTED ON TAXI POLICY *****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) CONSIDERED A CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF TAXI POLICY AND NOTED THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S (KMB) FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME FOR 1992-96.
MEMBERS ENDORSED THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER WHICH SET OUT, FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION, A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE TAXI LICENSING SYSTEM, THE FARE POLICY AND THE QUALITY OF TAXI SERVICE.
THE PAPER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 30. THE PUBLIC AND THE TAXI TRADE WILL HAVE FOUR MONTHS TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSALS AND GIVE THEIR OPINIONS.
TO STIMULATE PUBLIC DISCUSSION, THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF PUBLICITY MEASURES DURING THE FOUR-MONTH PERIOD. THESE INCLUDE A PRESS CONFERENCE, POSTERS, INTERVIEWS AND RADIO AND TV ANNOUNCEMENTS.
THE COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE CONSULTED AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE ANY DECISION IS TAKEN ON ANY OF THE PROPOSALS TN THE CONSULTATION PAPER. THE COMMITTEE IS NOT EXPECTED TO TAKE A VIEW ON THE PROPOSALS BEFORE MID-1993.
ON KMB’S FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME FOR 1992-96, MEMBERS NOTED THAT KMB PLANNED TO INTRODUCE 26 NEW ROUTES INCLUDING SIX NEW CROSSHARBOUR SERVICES AND 168 ITEMS OF SERVICE IMPROVEMENT TO SERVE NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND TO MEET RISING DEMAND.
TO RELIEVE THE PEAK-HOUR CONGESTION ALONG THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR, KMB WILL CONTINUE TO INTRODUCE ADDITIONAL AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES ACROSS THE HARBOUR AND FROM THE NEW TOWNS TO SOUTH KOWLOON.
A TOTAL OF 24 SUCH SERVICES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED SINCE 1991 AND ABOUT 10 MORE WILL BE ADDED OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THE MODIFICATIONS MADE BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, INCLUDING IMPROVEMENT ITEMS ADDED TO MEET DISTRICT BOARD DEMANDS AND THE RETENTION OF SOME LOSS-MAKING BUT SOCIALLY DESIRABLE ROUTES.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS NOTED THAT KMB HAS COMMISSIONED AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT COMPREHENSIVE MARKET RESEARCH, INCLUDING PASSENGER SURVEYS, TO HELP GUIDE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ITS AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS REVIEWED THE SERVICE DISRUPTIONS OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IN 1991 AND NOTED VARIOUS FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS AND MEASURES TO IMPROVE CO-ORDINATION OF TRANSPORT EMERGENCIES.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON RECENT INCIDENTS INVOLVING VARIOUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES AND THE POSSIBLE CAUSES.
- - 0 - -
/2
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
- 2 -
AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY * * * * *
THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS NEXT MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 16, 1992 IN HONG KONG.
THE TWO TEAMS WILL BE LED BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, MR ANTHONY GALSWORTHY AND AMBASSADOR GUO FENGMTN.
------0-------
STI COMMENTS ON SENATE VOTE *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO NEED TO BE UNDULY ALARMED BY THE VOTE IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE ON THE MITCHELL BILL, WHICH SOUGHT TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS ON THE RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST-FAVOURED-NATION (MFN) TRADING STATUS IN 1993.
"THE BILL INTRODUCED BY SENATOR MITCHELL WAS PASSED BY VOICE VOTE. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO ROLL CALL TO RECORD WHETHER THE VOTE FALLS SHORT OF THE TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY WHICH WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OVERRIDE A PRESIDENTIAL VETO, THERE IS STILL A GOOD PROSPECT THAT THE BILL WILL NOT BECOME LAW," MR CHAU SAID.
"THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION IS FIRMLY OPPOSED TO THE BILL AND THE PRESIDENT HAS MADE QUITE CLEAR HIS INTENTION TO VETO IT. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION AND ITS ALLIES IN CONGRESS WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE PRESIDENT’S VETO OF THIS LEGISLATION IS UPHELD."
"WE COULD ALSO DRAW SOME COMFORT FROM SENATOR MITCHELL’S OWN PREDICTION THAT HE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY IN THE SENATE IF AN ATTEMPT IS MADE TO OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENT’S VETO."
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT OUR CONCERN OVER THE BILL IS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD IN THE UNITED STATES," HE ADDED.
THE MITCHELL BILL IS SIMILAR TO THE PEASE/PELOSI BILL PASSED IN THE HOUSE IN JULY, AND WOULD DENY MFN TREATMENT FOR EXPORTS FROM PREDOMINATELY STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES UNLESS CHINA HAS MET CONDITIONS RELATING TO IMPROVEMENTS IN HUMAN RIGHTS, TRADE PRACTICES AND WEAPONS NON-PROLIFERATION.
UNDER NORMAL U.S. PROCEDURES, ONCE THE BILL IS SUBMITTED BY CONGRESS TO THE PRESIDENT, HE WILL HAVE 10 DAYS IN WHICH TO VETO IT.
ANY ATTEMPT TO OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENTIAL VETO IS LIKELY TO TAKE PLACE BY EARLY OCTOBER BEFORE THE CONGRESS ADJOURNS FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS.
---------0-----------
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
3 -
FINANCIAL SECRETARY VISITS UNITED STATES
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL DEPART FOR THE UNITED STATES ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 18) TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND/WORLD BANK AND TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE.
MR MACLEOD WILL FIRST VISIT WASHINGTON FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND/WORLD BANK ANNUAL MEETINGS.
HE WILL TAKE PART IN THE SEVENTH ROUND TABLE OF THE SMALL STATES FINANCIAL FORUM WITH THE THEME "DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCE OF EXPORT TRADE".
HE WILL ALSO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL BANKING SEMINAR OF THE INFLUENTIAL GROUP OF THIRTY.
WHILST IN WASHINGTON, IN ADDITION TO MEETINGS WITH A NUMBER OF LEADING INTERNATIONAL BANKERS, MR MACLEOD WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL ON SENIOR U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
THESE INCLUDE THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, MRS CARLA HILLS; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, MR DAVID MULLINS; UNDER SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, MR DAVID MULFORD; AND PRESIDENT OF THE OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION, MR FRED ZEDER.
HE WILL ALSO VISIT THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON AND HOLD DISCUSSION WITH MINISTER (WASHINGTON), MR PETER LO.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL PROCEED TO NEW YORK ON THE EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 23 TO UNDERTAKE A TWO-DAY PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMME FOR HONG KONG.
HE WILL ADDRESS THE CORPORATE LUNCHEON OF THE ASIA SOCIETY ON
SEPTEMBER 24, AND THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS THE FOLLOWING DAY.
HIS THEME WILL BE ON HONG KONG’S ROLE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC AND ITS FUTURE PROSPECTS.
DURING HIS VISIT TO NEW YORK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL VISIT TWO CREDIT RATING AGENCIES - MOODY’S AND STANDARD H POOR’S. HE WILL ALSO MEET A NUMBER OF LEADING FINANCIERS INTERESTED IN HONG KONG.
HE WILL ATTEND A LUNCHEON HOSTED IN HIS HONOUR BY THE MARINE MIDLAND/HONGKONG BANK AND A DINNER HOSTED BY THE MORGAN STANLEY GROUP.
AS PART OF HIS PROGRAMME TN NEW YORK, MR MACLEOD WILL APPEAR IN A LIVE INTERVIEW AT THE CABLE NEWS NETWORK TELEVISION’S POPULAR "BUSINESS DAY” PROGRAMME.
/HE WILL ......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
HE WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE "WORLD IN FOCUS" DISCUSSION PROGRAMME ON NEW YORK PUBLIC TELEVISION.
IN ADDITION, HE WILL MEET THE EDITORIAL BOARDS OF THE WALL STREET JOURNAL AND BUSINESS WEEK.
HE WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK .
MR MACLEOD WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 27.
--------0------------
VIEWS ON PROPOSED LIVESTOCK LICENSING SCHEME WILL BE CONSIDERED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL THE COMMENTS AND VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL TO IMPLEMENT THE LIVESTOCK KEEPING LICENSING SCHEME BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS MADE.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME WERE CONTAINED IN A LETTER SENT TO LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS WHO HAD BEEN REQUESTED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS THE LATEST BY TODAY (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE AND THE LIVESTOCK SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WERE CONSULTED AT SPECIALLY ARRANGED MEETINGS LAST MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID THE COMMENTS AND OPINIONS GATHERED IN THESE MEETINGS WOULD BE VERY VALUABLE AND REPRESENTED THE MAJORITY VIEWS OF THE FARMERS SINCE MAJOR LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATIONS ALL HAVE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE COMMITTEES.
THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK KEEPING ASSOCIATIONS, WHFCH IS THOUGHT TO HAVE ORGANISED RALLY IN CENTRAL AND PETITION THE CHIEF SECRETARY, IS ALSO REPRESENTED ON THE TWO COMMITTEES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A DECISION ON A FINALISED LICENSING SCHEME WAS EXPECTED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
---------0-----------
/5 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
5
THREE CANDIDATES VIE FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL SEAT
*****
A TOTAL OF THREE NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IN THE TUEN MUN WEST CONSTITUENCY WHEN THE TWO-WEEK NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSES TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE BY-ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 5.
PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF THE CANDIDATES ARE:
NAME AGE OCCUPATION CONTACT TEL NO.
MR YIM TIN-SANG 39 DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER 452 3605 AND 459 6108
MR LI MAN-KWONG 36 LEGAL ADVISER 469 1482 9034 5640
MR LEUNG KIN-MAN 32 CLERK 457 2172
MR LEUNG’S NOMINATION WAS RECEIVED THIS AFTERNOON.
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CHANGES TO TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, ANNOUNCED THAT AMENDMENTS WOULD BE INTRODUCED TO THE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL TO INCLUDE EN71 AND ASTM STANDARDS AS ALTERNATIVE SAFETY STANDARDS FOR TOYS IN ADDITION TO THE ICTI STANDARD ALREADY STIPULATED IN THE BILL.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE AFTER HIS MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) WITH THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY BILL.
CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO PROVIDING EXPRESSLY IN THE BILL THAT A COURT MAY GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO A TESTING CERTIFICATE SHOWING COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS WHEN A DEFENCE OF DUE DILIGENCE IS USED BY A TOY SUPPLIER IN PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HIM.
"LATE SUBMISSIONS FROM THE TOY RETAILERS AND SUPPLIERS ARGUE STRONGLY FOR A MULTIPLE-STANDARD-REGIME IN ORDER TO MAXIMISE THE CHOICE OF TOYS TO BE SUPPLIED TO CHILDREN IN HONG KONG," MR CHAU SAID.
/THE TOY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
6
THE TOY RETAILERS AND SUPPLIERS ALSO POINT OUT THAT ADOPTION OF THE ICTI STANDARD AS THE ONLY SAFETY STANDARD WOULD INCREASE THE PRICE OF TOYS, AS THOSE TOYS WHICH HAVE ALREADY COMPLIED WITH EN71 AND ASTM STANDARDS WOULD HAVE TO BE RE-TESTED AGAINST THE ICTI STANDARD AND THIS WOULD INCREASE THE SUPPLY COST.
’’THE EN71 AND ASTM STANDARDS ARE USED RESPECTIVELY IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND THE UNITED STATES. OUR MAJOR TOY SUPPLIERS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, ARE FAMILIAR WITH THESE STANDARDS.
"WE BELIEVE THAT A MULTIPLE-STANDARD-REGIME WILL MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG AS A SMALL TOY MARKET. IT WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FLEXIBILITY FOR THE TOY SUPPLIERS WITHOUT UNDERMINING THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN,” HE SAID.
"IN ADOPTING A MULTIPLE-STANDARD-REGIME, IT IS NECESSARY TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF SAFETY STANDARDS TO BE INCLUDED IN ORDER TO MINIMISE ENFORCEMENT COMPLEXITY AND AVOID POSSIBLE CONFUSION TO CONSUMERS.
"ONLY THOSE WHICH ARE OF AN INTERNATIONAL STATUS WILL BE SELECTED," HE ADDED.
THE HONG KONG TOYS COUNCIL HAS ALSO EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE ADOPTION OF ICTI, EN71 AND ASTM STANDARDS IN THE BILL.
UNDER THE BILL, IT WILL BE A DEFENCE FOR A PERSON IN PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HIM TO SHOW THAT HE TOOK ALL REASONABLE STEPS AND EXERCISED ALL DUE DILIGENCE TO AVOID SUPPLYING UNSAFE TOYS OR CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS.
THESE COULD INCLUDE RELIANCE ON INFORMATION LIKE TESTING RESULTS SHOWING COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS.
"WE APPRECIATE THE AD HOC GROUP’S CONCERN FOR PRE-SALE TESTING, AND AGREE TO CONSIDER PROVIDING EXPRESSLY IN THE BILL THAT SUCH TESTING CERTIFICATES MAY FORM A SPECIFIC DEFENCE FOR A TOY SUPPLIER IN PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HIM," MR CHAU SAID.
"WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE THE NECESSARY AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL IN EARLY NOVEMBER," HE SAID.
THERE WILL BE A GRACE PERIOD AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL TO ALLOW THE TOY SUPPLIERS TO ADJUST.
"IT IS OUR INTENTION TO BRING THE ORDINANCE INTO EFFECT NEXT JULY," HE SAID.
THE BILL WILL IMPOSE A STATUTORY DUTY ON SUPPLIERS OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS TO ENSURE THAT THE PRODUCTS THEY SUPPLY ARE SAFE, A BREACH OF WHICH MAY BRING A MAXIMUM FINE OF $500,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
------0------------
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
- 7 -
MRS PATTEN DOTS EYES OF FESTIVAL DRAGON BOAT * * * * *
MRS PATTEN TODAY (TUESDAY) DOTTED THE EYES OF A DRAGON BOAT THAT THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL PRESENT AS A GIFT FROM HONG KONG TO CANADA DURING THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 IN MID-NOVEMBER.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY WERE THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR CANADA, MR COLIN RUSSEL, AND MEMBERS OF THE PATRONS COMMITTEE OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92.
ABOUT 50 GUESTS ATTENDED THE CEREMONY AT THE SHUM WAN PIER IN WONG CHUK HANG.
"THE 12-METRE-LONG DRAGON BOAT IS AN APPROPRIATE GIFT, FOR TO MANY CANADIANS, DRAGON BOATS MORE THAN JUNKS SYMBOLISE HONG KONG THESE DAYS,” MR SO SAID.
"DRAGON BOAT RACING WILL BE VERY MUCH PART OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92," HE ADDED.
"AS A CURTAIN RAISER, RACES WERE HELD IN VANCOUVER HARBOUR IN JUNE AND THERE WILL ALSO BE OTHER RACES IN CALGARY AND REGINA," HE NOTED.
FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 WILL BE THE BIGGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS OVERSEAS PROMOTION HONG KONG HAS EVER STAGED.
THE FESTIVAL WILL OPEN IN TORONTO ON SEPTEMBER 26 AND WILL BE HELD IN FOUR OTHER CITIES ACROSS CANADA - MONTREAL, CALGARY, OTTAWA AND VANCOUVER.
TO FORGE IT’S THEME - "BRIDGE ACROSS THE PACIFIC", THE FESTIVAL WILL STRESS THE MUTUAL BENEFITS THAT CAN BE GAINED THROUGH STRONGER EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, FAMILY AND BUSINESS RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA.
IT WILL SHOWCASE TO ITS PACIFIC NEIGHBOUR HONG KONG’S SUCCESS, VERSATILE LIFE AND DYNAMISM.
SOME 400 PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GOING TO CANADA IN THE COMING WEEKS.
OVER 150 EVENTS WILL BE ORGANISED UNDER THE FESTIVAL BANNER WHICH INCLUDE A FEAST OF FOOD, FUN, CULTURE AND BUSINESS.
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY EIGHT HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUPS, FOOD PROMOTIONS WITH CHEFS FROM HONG KONG AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE BEST SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN IN TABLE-TENNIS, BADMINTON AND MARTIAL ARTS.
OTHERS INCLUDE FILM FESTIVALS SHOWING THE BEST OF HONG KONG FILMS, AN EXHIBITION OF WORKS BY HONG KONG ARTISTS AND A COLLECTION OF ANCIENT CHINESE COINS.
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/8 .....
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
- 8 -
ANTI-POLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES RELEASED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY IN THE COURTS DURING AUGUST OF BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION CURRENTLY ENFORCED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
SIMILAR ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE MONTHLY.
AS THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS COULD BE VERY 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 AUGUST:
NAME (COMPANY/ PERSON) ADDRESS DATE OF OFFENCE NATURE OF OFFENCE RECORD OF FINES($) OFFENCE COURT
■ l.ARGES LTD * PATERSON ST, CAUSEWAY BAY 9.5.91- 21.2.92 APCO : UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION OR ALTERATION OF FURNACES $ 2,500 1ST EASTERN
2 . EASTERN- NICE INVEST- MENT LTD SHAU KEI WAN MAIN ST EAST, SHAU KEI WAN 18.6.91- 20.8.91 APCO : " 2,000 1ST •1
3.SHOW HEALTH INDUSTRIES LTD JORDAN RD, TSIM SHA TSUI 14.9.91- 12.11.91 APCO : ” 4,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
4.SUNNY NETWORK LTD HING MAN ESTATE, CHAI WAN 10.10.91- 17.12.91 APCO : 3,500 1ST EASTERN
5.SANCTOWN LTD CHEONG LOK ST, YAU MA TEI 10.10.91- 30.1.92 APCO : ” 500 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
6.GOLDEN CATERERS LTD STANLEY ST, CENTRAL 7. 11.91- 5.12.91 APCO : " 3,500 1ST EASTERN
7.RIVERS SEAFOOD VILLAGE (WHAMPOA) LTD HARBOUR RD, WAN CHAI 13.12.91- 20.1.92 APCO : ” 5,000 1ST SOUTH KOWLOON
/8. KONG FUNG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
9
8.KONG FUNG IRON & STEEL FACTORY LTD KWUN TEI, FANL1NG 16.12.91 APCO : 6,000 USING PROHIBITED FUEL IN THE TERRITORY 2ND FANLING
9.FREYSINNET HONG KONG LIMITED JUNCTION RD, KOWLOON TONG 20.12.91 WPCO : 10,000 DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST EASTERN
10.COLLIERS JARDINE PROPERTIES LIMITED GLOUCESTER RD, WAN CHAI 20.1.92 WPCO : 10,000 2ND fl
11.FAN AH BEAN CURD COMPANY PAT HEUNG, YUEN LONG 19.2.92 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 5,000 1ST FANLING
12.WAH HING DYEING FACTORY LTD FUNG KAT HEUNG, YUEN LONG 19.2.92 WPCO : 8,000 1ST •1
13.SILVERLEY DEVELOPMENT LTD WING YIP ST, KWAI CHUNG 29.2.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 3,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
14.CARADO GARDEN MANAGEMENT LTD CARADO GARDEN, TAI WAI 6.3.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 12,000 3RD SHATIN
15.DOUBLE DATE DEVELOPMENT LTD CHUNG MEI RD, TSING YI 19.3.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 4,500 1ST TSUEN WAN
16.HUNG HING OFF-SET PRINTING COMPANY LTD TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TAI PO 30.3.92 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE 6,500 1ST SHATIN
/I7. CENTRE OCEAN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
- 10 -
17.CENTRE OCEAN INVESTMENT LTD LEIGHTON RD, CAUSEWAY BAY 31.3.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 5,000 1ST EASTERN
18.TRUE SUCCESS LTD TAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 13.4.92 APCO : ” 2,500 1ST KWUN TONG
19.GENERAL LUCK CO LTD LION ROCK RD, KOWLOON CITY 14.4.92 NCO : FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE 10,000 3RD SAN PO KONG
20.FULL PING SHAN, SUPPORT YUEN LONG FINISHING & DYEING FACTORY LTD 16.4.92 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 8,000 1ST FANLING
21.WELFARE FINISHING & DYEING FACTORY LTD PING SHAN, YUEN LONG 16.4.92 WPCO : 8,000 1ST ft
22.TRUE SUCCESS LTD TAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 22.4.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 2,000 2ND KWUN TONG
23.DAILY EARN LTD HUNG TO RD, KWUN TONG 22.4.92 APCO : ” 2,000 1ST •i
24.WARMTEX FIBERFILLS INDUSTRY CO LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 22.4.92 APCO : 6,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
25.CHUNG DOK RESTAURANT LTD CHUNG ON ST, TSUEN WAN 24.4.92 APCO : ” 6,000 1ST ••
2G.TINGO LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING CO KWAI TAK ST KWAI CHUNG 24.4.92 APCO : 3,500 1ST If
27.WARMTEX FIBERFILLS INDUSTRY CO LTD WING LAP ST, KWAI CHUNG 28.4.92 APCO : 6,000 2ND TSUEN WAN
/28. HT CIRCUITS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
28. HT CIRCUITS LTD YUEN LONG TOWN LOT 393, YUEN LONG 28.4.92 WPCO : DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 5,000 1ST FANLING
29.SHUI WAH DYEING & TEXTILE FACTORY HA TSUEN, YUEN LONG 30.4.92 WPCO: 8,000 DISCHARGE POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE DEEP BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE 1ST TSUEN WAN
30.INTERNATIONAL DYEING & BLEACHING FACTORY LTD PUN SHAN ST, TSUEN WAN 30.4.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 10,000 2ND it
31.WIDA DYEING FACTORY LTD CASTLE PEAK RD, TSUEN WAN 30.4.92 APCO : " 4,500 1ST n
32.SURE ADVANCE LTD WAI YIP ST, KWUN TONG 19.5.92 APCO : FAILURE TO ABATE AN AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE (GENERAL) 1,500 1ST KWUN TONG
33.GOODSIDE INDUSTRIAL LTD TAI WAI RD, TAI WAI 28.5.92 APCO : FAILURE TO TAKE MEASURES TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY AIR POLLUTANT 7,500 1ST SHA TIN
34.JUNPOINT DEVELOPMENT LTD LAM TIN ST, KWAI CHUNG 9.6.92 APCO : EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE EMISSION 6,000 1ST TSUEN WAN
NOTE :
APCO : AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
NCO : NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE
WPCO : WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE
/A SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
12
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THREE PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED BY THE POLICE FOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM PUBLIC PLACE AT NIGHT. THEY WERE FINED FROM $400 TO $600.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ENQUIRIES ON SPECIFIC CASES MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS :
APCO, MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL 594 6200
NCO, MR STEVEN HO TEL 594 6500
WPCO, CASE 16 DR MIKE CHIU TEL 417 4101
WPCO, CASE 11, 12, DR ELLEN CHAN TEL 650 6955
20,21,28 AND 29
WPCO, CASE 9 AND 10 MR MURRAY LUO TEL 835 1134
HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL MATTERS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S MEDIA RELATIONS SECTION.
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RENOVATION WORK MUST BE SAFE * * * *
CONTRACTORS OF RENOVATION WORK HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THEIR WORKERS’ SAFETY WHEN HANDLING INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES AND DANGEROUS GOODS, DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR KAN HON-SANG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR KAN SAID CONTRACTORS MUST TAKE ALL NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, INCLUDING THE PROPER LABELLING OF THE CONTAINERS OF INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES AND DANGEROUS GOODS, AND THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF THE WORKERS IN CARRYING OUT THESE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
"IN ADDITION, CONTRACTORS, LIKE ANY OTHER EMPLOYERS, ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO ADOPT A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK," HE STRESSED.
MR KAN MADE THE APPEAL FOLLOWING TWO RECENT MAJOR FIRES IN BUILDINGS UNDER RENOVATION. IN ONE CASE, TWO WORKERS WERE KILLED.
IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, TWO WORKERS DIED AND 75 WERE INJURED IN FIRES ON PREMISES UNDER RENOVATION.
"CONTRACTORS SHOULD MAKE A GREATER EFFORT IN ENSURING THE SAFETY OF WORKERS OPERATING IN THESE PREMISES," MR KAN SAID.
"FAILURE TO TAKE THE NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MAY CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS, THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS AND THE GENERAL DUTY PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE," HE POINTED OUT.
/ON CONVICTION.........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
13 -
ON CONVICTION, A CONTRACTOR IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE RANGING FROM $30,000 TO $50,000 PLUS IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
MEANWHILE, A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED CONTRACTORS TO KEEP THE USE OF INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES AND DANGEROUS GOODS TO THE MINIMUM AND TO HANDLE THEM WITH DUE CARE.
THEY WERE ALSO STRONGLY ADVISED TO TRAIN THEIR WORKERS HOW TO USE PORTABLE FIRE-FIGHTING APPLIANCES AND STANDARD FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS PROVIED IN THE PREMISES IN CASE OF A FIRE OUTBREAK AND TO DIAL 999 FOR HELP WITHOUT DELAY.
"PROMPT ACTION IN REPORTING FIRES NOT ONLY HELPS SAVE LIVES, BUT ALSO REDUCES UNNECESSARY DAMAGE TO PROPERTY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SAFETY OF WORKERS IN PREMISES UNDER RENOVATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
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MACAU HEALTH CHIEF VISITS LAM TIN CLINIC *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS OF MACAU, DR ANA MARIA BASTO PEREZ, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE LAM TIN POLYCLINIC TO SEE FOR HERSELF THE DAILY OPERATION OF THE CLINIC.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, DR PEREZ TOURED THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT, THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES CENTRE, THE SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC AND THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING.
DR PEREZ WAS BRIEFED ON THE PILOT KWUN TONG DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM UNDER WHICH THE LAM TIN POLYCLINIC IS ONE OF THE SIX HEALTH INSTITUTIONS.
SHE WAS ALSO TOLD ABOUT THE PROGRAMME OF PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE.
AT THE INVITATION OF THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, THE HEALTH DELEGATION FROM MACAU, HEADED BY DR PEREZ, SPENT THREE DAYS IN HONG KONG.
DURING THEIR STAY, THEY HAVE VISITED A HEALTH CENTRE, A HOSPITAL AND A CHINESE MEDICINAL MATERIAL RESEARCH CENTRE.
THE PARTY RETURNED TO MACAU THIS AFTERNOON.
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/14 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
- 14
230 VIETNAMESE GO HOME * * * * *
A GROUP OF 230 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 76 MEN, 55 WOMEN, 56 BOYS AND 43 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 122ND BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 8,028 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 21,907 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 15 SEPT 92 15 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q238 H273
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,782.5 MN HKD 850 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 300 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.61 PCT 2.72 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.63 PCT 2.75 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 24 PCT ABOUT 14 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.66 PCT 2.76 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 21 SEPTEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 22 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q239
ISSUE DATE 23 SEPT 92
MATURITY DATE 23 DEC 92
TENOR 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160 MN
- - 0 - -
/15
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1992
15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500 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 110.0 *-0.2* 15.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.14 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.50 3.21
1 MONTH 2.95 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.93 3.40
3 MONTHS 2.60 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.96 3.69
6 MONTHS 2.72 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.15 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.99 3.87
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,718 MN
CLOSED 15 SEPTEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSTRUCTIVE STEP FORWARD IN AIRPORT MEETING: GOVERNOR ............. 1
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT FOR INDUSTRY ............................................................. 2
HOTEL ORDINANCE ADVISORY GROUP IN THE PIPELINE ..................... 3
LANTAU TAXIS TO INCREASE FARE ...................................... 4
GOVT LAND IN QUARRY BAY TO LET...................................... 5
THREE LOTS UP FOR AUCTION .......................................... 5
UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED................ 6
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR YAU TSIM, MONG KOK ........................ 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ......... 7
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
CONSTRUCTIVE STEP FORWARD IN AIRPORT MEETING:
******
GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING THIS MORNING REPRESENTED A VERY CONSTRUCTIVE STEP FORWARD BY THE BRITISH SIDE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM LONDON, MR PATTEN SAID: "I THINK THAT MEETS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD FROM THE CHINESE SIDE LAST WEEK."
"I THINK THAT THERE IS THE CHANCE OF BREAKING THE LOG JAM. I THINK THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE WANT TO SEE. 1 THINK PEOPLE ARE PRETTY FRUSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT WE DON’T SEEM TO HAVE DONE THAT SO FAR," HE ADDED.
"SO I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT AFTER THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXAMINE OUR SUBSTANTIVE 'YES', THEY’LL BE ABLE TO READ IT FOR WHAT IT IS," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT HIS FORTHCOMING VISIT TO PEKING, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THE MAIN POINT OF MY VISIT TO PEKING IN OCTOBER AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED IS SO THAT I CAN ESTABLISH A GOOD PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS."
"I THINK IT IS UNLIKELY THAT WE’LL AGREE ON EVERYTHING WE EVER DISCUSS BUT I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE DISCUSS THINGS KNOWING ONE ANOTHER’S POSITION, RESPECTING ONE ANOTHER’S POSITION AND RESPECTING ONE ANOTHER’S INTEGRITY, AND IN ORDER TO ARRIVE AT THAT HAPPY STATE OF AFFAIRS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO MEET PEOPLE FACE TO FACE," HE ADDED.
MR PATTEN SAID HE HAD AN EXTREMELY INTERESTING VISIT TO LONDON.
"AS YOU KNOW, 1 HAD GOOD MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN SECRETARY AND OTHER SENIOR MINISTERS. I MET ABOUT TEN MINISTERS IN ALL DURING THE COURSE OF MY 16 HOURS," HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ABOUT CURRENT TRADE DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WE HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT FREE TRADE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, NOT ONLY FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS, BUT FOR BETTER RELATIONS BETWEEN COUNTRIES.”
"SO WE WILL CONTINUE TO ARGUE VIGOROUSLY FOR FREE TRADE. I THINK THAT’S IN THE INTEREST OF CHINA; I THINK IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES; CERTAINLY IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG WHICH HAS BEEN A CHAMPION OF FREE TRADE OVER THF YEARS AND IN MY JUDGMENT, IT’S PLAINLY IN THE INTEREST OF THE WORLD," HE ADDED.
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/2
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT FOR INDUSTRY *****
THE GOVERNMENT REMAINS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG IS ONE IN WHICH INDUSTRY CAN THRIVE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD SAID TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE YOUNG INDUSTRIALIST AWARDS OF HONG KONG 1992 ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY REMAINED A KEY COMPONENT OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY DESPITE THE RAPID GROWTH OF THE SERVICES SECTOR IN RECENT YEARS.
’’INDUSTRY NOW ACCOUNTS FOR 17 PER CENT OF THE LOCAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND EMPLOYS NEARLY A QUARTER OF THE WORKFORCE,” HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A VERY IMPRESSIVE INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY TN THE PAST DECADE.
"NOT MANY PEOPLE REALISE THAT OUR INDUSTRY IS PRODUCING, IN REAL TERMS, 80 PER CENT MORE THAN IT DID 10 YEARS AGO, WITH ONLY THREE QUARTERS OF THE MANPOWER.
"AUTOMATION, BETTER ORGANISATION, INTEGRATION WITH MANUFACTURING IN SOUTHERN CHINA TO SAVE ON LABOUR AND LAND INTENSIVE PROCESSES ---- ALL THESE HAVE ENABLED OUR PRODUCTIVITY PER PERSON TO RISE, IN REAL TERMS, AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 9.5 PER CENT OVER THE PAST DECADE.
"WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS A SLIMMER, FITTER, MORE FLEXIBLE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, CAPABLE OF QUICK ABSORPTION OF NEW TECHNIQUES AND A QUICK RESPONSE TO MARKET DEMANDS,’’ HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD CONCEDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE LOCAL INDUSTRY FACED CONTINUING CHALLENGES TO ITS COMPETITIVENESS.
ISSUES HIGH ON MANUFACTURERS’ AGENDAS INCLUDE FINDING THE NECESSARY MANPOWER, COPING WITH PROTECTIONISM AND CONSUMERS’ GROWING DEMANDS, AND KEEPING COSTS UNDER CONTROL, HE SAID.
GIVEN THESE CHALLENGES, HONG KONG NEEDS TALENTED YOUNG INDUSTRIALISTS MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, MR MACLEOD SAID.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FEDERATION OF HK INDUSTRIES FOR ORGANISING THE ANNUAL YOUNG INDUSTRIALIST AWARDS WHICH GIVE RECOGNITION TO HK’S YOUNG AND UP-AND-COMING INDUSTRIALISTS.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
3
HOTEL ORDINANCE ADVISORY GROUP IN THE PIPELINE
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF FORMING THE ADVISORY GROUP ON IMPLEMENTATION OF HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION ORDINANCE TO FACILITATE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST, MR SUEN SAID THE NEW BODY WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A CHANNEL FOR COMMUNICATION WITH THE TRADE.
"THE GROUP WILL UNDERTAKE STUDIES ON THE BUILDING STRUCTURE AND FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS AS REQUIRED BY THE ORDINANCE IN ISSUING LICENCES TO HOTELS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS.
"IT WILL ALSO REVIEW THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS INVOLVED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LAW SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY MEASURES CARRIED OUT BY HOTELS ARE EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL," MR SUEN SAID.
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON (BUILDING MANAGEMENT) WILL BE THE CONVENOR OF THE ADVISORY GROUP WHICH WILL COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOTEL INDUSTRY, RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
MR SUEN SAID THE GROUP WOULD HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING SHORTLY.
TURNING TO THE ORDINANCE WHICH WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MAY LAST YEAR, MR SUEN SAID IT WAS AIMED AT ENSURING THAT HOTELS AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS COMPLY WITH THE REQUIRED FIRE PREVENTION AND BUILDING STRUCTURAL SAFETY STANDARDS.
ANOTHER OBJECTIVE IS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP A REGISTER OF ALL SUCH ACCOMMODATIONS, INCLUDING GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, APARTMENTS, MOTELS AND HOLIDAY FLATS.
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ORDINANCE, MORE THAN 2,000 SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS HAD ALREADY REGISTERED WITH THE OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY (OLA) AND WERE GRANTED CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION WITH WHICH THEY WERE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING TEMPORARILY.
THE LICENSING SCHEME IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN STAGES, WITH GUESTHOUSES AND HOTELS COMING UNDER THE FIRST PHASE.
"THESE HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES ARE GIVEN, IN PRINCIPLE, A TWO-YEAR EXEMPTION PERIOD TO ENABLE THEM TO UPGRADE THEIR FIRE PREVENTION INSTALLATIONS TO MEET THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1993, " MR SUEN SAID.
BUT HE STRESSED THAT EXTENSION OF THE EXEMPTION PERIOD OR FLEXIBLE IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN NEWLY INTRODUCED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED FOR INDIVIDUAL CASES, ESPECIALLY IN CONNECTION WITH HOTELS.
/MR SUEN .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
4
MR SUEN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE OLA WOULD OFFER ASSISTANCE TO HOTEL MANAGEMENTS ON A REASONABLE MODIFICATION WORK SCHEDULE AND DISCUSS WITH THEM ABOUT THE ACCEPTABILITY OF SIMILAR SAFETY SYSTEMS.
FINALLY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS APPEALED FOR FULL COOPERATION FROM THE INDUSTRY TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE FOR THE SAKE OF PROTECTING THE LIFE AND PROPERTY OF THEIR GUESTS AND STAFF.
’’THIS WILL HELP ENHANCE HONG KONG’S GOOD REPUTATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM INDUSTRY,” HE ADDED.
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LANTAU TAXIS TO INCREASE FARE ♦ ♦ * * t
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF 21.7 PER CENT IN METER CHARGES FOR LANTAU TAXIS TO MEET RISING OPERATING COSTS.
THE NEW FARE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 8 (SUNDAY) THIS YEAR.
UPON REVISION, THE FLAGFALL FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES WILL GO UP FROM $7 TO $8 AND THE SUBSEQUENT FARE FROM $0.80/0.25 KILOMETRE TO $0.80/0.2 KILOMETRE. BAGGAGE AND RADIO-CALL SERVICE SURCHARGES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $3.
\ GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID IN DETERMINING THE NEW FARE SCALE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE INCREASED OPERATING COSTS SINCE THE LAST FARE REVISION, THE POLICY OF MAINTAINING A REASONABLE FARE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN TAXIS AND OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES, AND THE? NEED TO MAINTAIN AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF TAXI SERVICE, HAVING REGARD TO AVAILABILITY OF TAXIS AND PASSENGER WAITING TIME.
HE POINTED OUT THAT METER CHARGES FOR LANTAU TAXIS WOULD HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR ABOUT 29 MONTHS BY NOVEMBER 1992 SINCE THEIR LAST REVISION IN JUNE 1990.
"THE APPROVED RATE OF INCREASE IS LOWER THAN THAT DEMANDED BY THE TRADE AND IS ABOUT FIVE PERCENTAGE POINTS LOWER THAN THE CUMULATIVE INCREASE IN OPERATING COSTS WHICH IS EXPECTED TO REACH 26 PER CENT WHEN THE NEW FARES BECOME EFFECTIVE TN NOVEMBER," HE SAID.
THE NEW FARE SCALE ALSO TAKES INTO ACCOUNT RESULTS OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S SURVEYS WHICH SHOWED THAT THE MONTHLY NET INCOME OF THE LANTAU TAXI TRADE TN 1992 HAD, IN REAL TERMS, BEEN REDUCED TO A LEVEL SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW THAT OF JUNE 1990.
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/5 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
5
GOVT LAND IN ♦
QUARRY BAY TO LET * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN QUARRY BAY,' HONG KONG. %
THE SITE IS LOCATED AT TAI HONG STREET, QUARRY BAY AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,425 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS INTENDED FOR THE STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS (EXCLUDING DANGEROUS GOODS, CONTAINERS, CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS).
IT COULD ALSO BE USED AT THE SAME TIME FOR WASTE PAPER COLLECTING AND SORTING AND/OR PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CAR PARKING FOR LICENSED MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES AND TRAILERS).
THE TENANCY IS INITIALLY FOR A TERM UP TO JUNE 30, 1993 AND
WILL BE RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 2.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE 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, WAN CHAI, 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.
---------0------------
THREE LOTS UP FOR AUCTION * * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL PUT UP THREE PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 18).
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG CITY HALL AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST SITE IS LOCATED OFF SUN SING STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, HONG KONG. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,685 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING HOTEL AND GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE SECOND SITE IN KIN ON STREET, AREA 9, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,464 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES AND MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK.
/THE REMAINING .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
6
THE REMAINING SITE IS IN CHEUNG SHA ON LANTAU ISLAND, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 855 SQUARE METRES, IT IS DESIGNATED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAND AUCTION.
A PRESS AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AT THE VENUE. PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
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UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED
* * * * «
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON A BUILDING IN MONG KOK SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE IN FLAT 5A ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF TAK LEE MANSION, 1-5 ARGYLE STREET.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 14 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
--------0-----------
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR YAU TSIM, MONG KOK
*****
MR BARTON IRELAND WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MR IRELAND, AGED 42, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1977 AND BECAME AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1982.
HE HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS POLICY BRANCHES, INCLUDING THE FINANCE BRANCH, SECURITY BRANCH, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH.
HE WAS ALSO A FORMER ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF TSING YI. HIS LAST POSTING WAS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1992
7
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 110.4 »+0.4* 16.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.29 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.46 3.24
1 MONTH 2.96 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.88 3.43
3 MONTHS 2.62 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.90 3.73
6 MONTHS 2.74 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.99 3.87
12 MONTHS 3.14 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,869 MN CLOSED 16 SEPTEMBER 1992
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY ........... 1
UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY - JULY ............................ 4
VIEWS EXCHANGED ON COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ........................... 5
PROGRAMMES FOR GIFTED STUDENTS TO BE DEVELOPED .................... 6
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY .................................... 7
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW ...................................... 10
BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICE MOVES TO WANCHAI TOWER III .............. 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS......... 11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
1
NEW FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY *****
NEW FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WERE PRESENTED YESTERDAY TO THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE.
THEY HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP IN RESPONSE TO PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE CHINESE SIDE ON SEPTEMBER 9.
THIS MORNING THE PROPOSALS WERE EXPLAINED TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO AD HOC COMMITTEE AND THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
"WE HAVE PUT THESE PROPOSALS FORWARD AS A CONSTRUCTIVE RESPONSE TO SUGGESTIONS MADE BY THE CHINESE SIDE ON SEPTEMBER 9," SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR K Y YEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"WE HAVE ACCEPTED THE SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE CHINESE SIDE AND WE HOPE THAT, BY BUILDING ON THEM, WE HAVE PAVED THE WAY FOR EARLY AGREEMENT ON THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"THE PROPOSALS WOULD ALSO PROVIDE THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY (AA) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) WITH A PACKAGE WHICH MATCHES INCREASED FUNDS AGAINST FORECAST EXPENDITURE.
"THE PROPOSALS WOULD INVOLVE REINVESTING ALL THE LAND PREMIA PAYABLE BY THE MTRC AS ADDITIONAL EQUITY IN THE TWO CORPORATIONS. THIS WOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ALLOW CALLABLE EQUITY TO BE DROPPED," MR YEUNG SAID.
THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE NEW PROPOSALS ARE:
1. THE LAND GRANTED TO THE MTRC UP TO 1997 IN CONNECTION WITH THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WILL BE ADDITIONAL TO HONG KONG’S NORMAL LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME;
2. LANDS PREMIA ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $40 BILLION, WHICH IS TO BE PAID BY THE MTRC BEFORE 1997, WILL BE INVESTED AS ADDITIONAL PAID-UP EQUITY IN THE AA AND MTRC. WE HAVE SUGGESTED IT MIGHT BE SPLIT AS FOLLOWS:
* A $25 BILLION INCREASE, FROM $16.6 BILLION TO $41.6 BILLION, IN GOVERNMENT PAID-UP EQUITY IN THE AA;
* A $15 BILLION INCREASE, FROM $3.7 BILLTON TO $18.7 BILLION, IN GOVERNMENT PAID-UP EQUITY IN THE MTRC;
3. CANCELLATION OF CALLABLE EQUITY TOTALLING $21 BILLION FOR THE AA AND THE MTRC;
4. REDUCTION IN TOTAL BORROWINGS BY THE AA AND THE MTRC BY AT LEAST $40 BILLION;
5. A REDUCTION OF THE ORDER OF $10 BILLION IN THE TWO CORPORATIONS’ COMBINED INTEREST AND FINANCING CHARGES.
/MR YEUNG
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
- 2 -
MR YEUNG SAID INFORMATION HANDED OVER TO THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE ILLUSTRATED IN MORE DETAIL THE KIND OF EFFECT THE NEW PROPOSALS WOULD HAVE ON THE ORIGINAL FINANCIAL PACKAGES.
THIS INFORMATION SHOWED THAT, IN PREPARING FIGURES TO ILLUSTRATE THE EFFECT OF THE NEW PROPOSALS, THE CASH FLOWS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED:
AIRPORT
A) BY INCREASING THE LEVEL OF THE AA’S PAID-UP EQUITY BY $25 BILLION;
B) BY REQUIRING PAYMENT TO GOVERNMENT OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CHARGES AND METEOROLOGICAL CHARGES FROM THE OPENING OF THE AIRPORT, RATHER THAN BEING DEFERRED TILL 2005;
ON THIS BASIS:
A) THE MAXIMUM DEBT OF THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY WOULD BE REDUCED TO $5.9 BILLION FROM $37 BILLION;
B) ALL DEBT COULD BE REPAID BY 1999;
C) SAVINGS IN THE TOTAL PROJECT COST COULD BE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE REDUCTION IN INTEREST AND FINANCING CHARGES. THE ORDER OF SAVINGS WOULD BE $5.5 BILLION;
D) DIVIDENDS COULD BE PAID TO THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT (SARG) FROM 2000 INSTEAD OF 2005.
THE AIRPORT RAILWAY
THE CASH FLOWS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED BY INCREASING THE LEVEL OF PAID-UP EQUITY BY $15 BILLION.
ON THAT BASIS:
A) THE MAXIMUM DEBT OF THE MTRC WOULD BE REDUCED TO $29.9 BILLION FROM $47.9 BILLION. THE BORROWINGS REQUIRED TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WOULD BE REDUCED FROM $36 BILLION TO $17 BILLION;
B) ALL DEBT RELATED TO THE AIRPORT RAILWAY COULD BE REPAID BY 2006;
C) DEFERRAL OF PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS TO THE SARG WOULD NO LONGER BE NEEDED. DIVIDENDS WOULD BE PAID FROM 1997 - THE
SAME TIME AS IF THE MTRC HAD NOT UNDERTAKEN THE AIRPORT RAILWAY;
D) SAVINGS IN TOTAL PROJECT COST WOULD BE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE REDUCTION IN INTEREST AND FINANCING CHARGES. THE ORDER OF SAVINGS WOULD BE ABOUT $4.3 BILLION.
/EXPLAINING THE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
3
EXPLAINING THE LAND PREMIA PROPOSALS, MR YEUNG SAID: "IN RESPONDING TO THE CHINESE PROPOSAL FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S HALF OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY LAND PREMIA TO BE USED ON THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WE HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT IS LOGICAL TO USE THE FULL $40 BILLION LAND PREMIA ACCRUING BY 1997, AND TO USE IT BOTH FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND FOR THE AIRPORT.
’’THIS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANNEXE THREE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE SAR LAND FUND TO BE USED TO FINANCE LAND DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS.
"WE HAVE PROPOSED TO THE CHINESE SIDE THAT THE LAND GRANTS INVOLVED IN THESE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE AGREED NOW AS A COMPLETE PACKAGE, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER REFERENCE TO THE LAND COMMISSION EACH YEAR.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO BE OUTSIDE THE NORMAL ANNUAL LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME WHICH NEEDS TO GO AHEAD AS PLANNED.
"THUS, THIS PROPOSAL WILL NOT SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE EITHER THE GOVERNMENT’S PROJECTED FISCAL RESERVES UP TO 1997, NOR THE PROJECTED SIZE OF THE SAR LAND FUND."
MR YEUNG SAID IN ADDITION TO THE PROPOSAL RELATING TO LAND PREMIA, THE CHINESE SIDE ALSO PROPOSED THAT SEPARATE ACCOUNTS SHOULD BE DRAWN UP, SO AS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE CAPITAL COSTS AND REVENUES OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND THE REST OF THE MTR SYSTEM.
"WE HAVE AGREED TO THIS PROPOSAL," HE SAID.
ILLUSTRATION OF THE EFFECTS OF' NEW FINANCING PROPOSALS
AIRPORT
AIRPORT RAILWAY
ORIGINAL NEW ORIGINAL NEW
GOVERNMENT EQUITY INJECTION $16.6BN $41.6BN $3.7BN $18.7BN
CALLABLE EQUITY $8.5BN NIL S12.5BN NIL
LAND (UNCHANGED) LAND PREMIA TO GO TO HKG AND SAR LANI) FUND ADDITIONAL LAND PREMIA INVESTED IN MTRC
AND PAA
/OTHER PROVISIONS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
OTHER PROVISIONS:
MAXIMUM DEBT S37BN $5.9BN $36BN S17BN
REPAYMENT OF DEBT BY 2005 1999 2010 2006
BEGIN DIVIDEND PAYMENTS 2005 2000 2001 1997
AIRPORT AUTHORITY TO PAY AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROL AND METEOROLOGICAL CHARGES FROM: 2005 DAY OF OPENING - -
------0------------
UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY - JULY
*****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE QUARTER MAY -JULY THIS YEAR WAS 2.1% AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.2%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD JUNE - AUGUST WAS 1.9%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.0%.
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET HAS TIGHTENED UP SOMEWHAT IN RECENT MONTHS, AS BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE HAVE EDGED LOWER.
DURING THE PERIOD MAY - JULY 1992, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOBSEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 59,600, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 61,100.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR MAY - JULY 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 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
5
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1992 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS ■ SALES ( FNTRI AROUND SEPTEMBER 28 AT $15.50 A COPY.
--------0-----------
VIEWS EXCHANGED ON COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
AT THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) THE STAFF SIDE REQUESTED A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY TO REVIEW THE LEVEL OF CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR 1992.
THE AC TING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR STUART HARB INSON, SAID AFTER THE MEETING THAT THE OFFICIAL AND THE STAFF SIDES HAD HAD \ PRELIMINARY EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.
"A DECISION ON WHETHER A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY WILL BE ESTABLISHED WILL DEPEND ON WHETHER THERE ARE ANY MATTERS IN DISPUTE WHICH FALL WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF A COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY AS SET OUT IN THE 1968 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE STAFF SIDE ” MR HARBJNSON SAID. ’
UNDER THE 1968 AGREEMENT, HE EXPLAINED, \ COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY MAY BE APPOINTED PROVIDED THAT THE MATTER IN DISPUTE IS NOT ONE WHICH, IN I HE OPINION OF I HE GO\ERNOR, IS TRIVIAL, IS A MATTER OF S FTTI FD PUBLIC POLICY OR AFFECTS THE SECURITY OF HONG KONG.
THE STAFF SIDE HAD ALSO PRESENTED THEIR FORMAL PROPOSALS ON PENSION SAFEGUARDS.
THEY ASKED THAT A PENSION RESERVE FUND SHOULD BE SET UP AND PROPOSED A NUMBER OF OTHER OPTIONS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONSIDER.
WE ARE STUDYING THE STAFF SIDE’S VIEWS AND WE HOPE TO INFORM THEM OF THE OUTCOME LATER THIS YEAR,” MR HARBINSON ADDED.
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/6.........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
6 -
PROGRAMMES FOR GIFTED STUDENTS TO BE DEVELOPED
* ♦ * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP A PROFESSIONAL TEAM TO DEVELOP PROGRAMMES FOR GIFTED STUDENTS AND TO EVALUATE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR LI YUET-TING, SAID A RESOURCE CENTRE WOULD ALSO BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS WITH THE NECESSARY SUPPORT.
"IN OUR PLAN, THIS RESOURCE CENTRE WILL HOUSE A REFERENCE LIBRARY, A THEATRE, A SCIENCE LABORATORY, LECTURE ROOMS, WORKSHOPS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES," HE SAID.
MR LI SAID IF THE RESOURCE CENTRE COULD BE SET UP IN 1994 AS SCHEDULED, IT WOULD BE A PLACE OF INTEREST FOR DELEGATES ATTENDING THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE GIFTED IN 1995.
TEACHERS AT THE CENTRE, HE SAID, WOULD BE ABLE TO SELECT AND PRODUCE USEFUL TEACHING MATERIALS, MEET OTHER TEACHERS OF GIFTED STUDENTS AND EXCHANGE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE.
"REPUTABLE EXPERTS SUCH AS PROMINENT WRITERS AND SCIENTISTS CAN BE INVITED TO CONTRIBUTE IN SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS WHILE OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR GIFTED STUDENTS TO MEET THEIR PEERS OF COMPARABLE ABILITIES AND INTEREST," MR LI ADDED.
MR LI SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 4 HAD RECOMMENDED THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMMES FOR GIFTED STUDENTS.
"IN OUR VIEW, THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF GIFTED EDUCATION IS NOT TO CREATE ’AN ELITE’, BUT TO PROVIDE THE BEST ENVIRONMENT FOR GIFTED STUDENTS TO PROGRESS AT THEIR OWN PACE AND TO CAPITALISE ON THEIR EXCEPTIONAL ABILITIES.
"OUR LONG-TERM STRATEGY IS DIRECTED AT DEVELOPING A CLIMATE OF SUPPORT AND APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONAL PROVISION FOR THE RANGE OF ABILITIES AND NEEDS OF GIFTED STUDENTS.
"WE SHALL HAVE TO WORK CLOSELY KITH EDUCATIONAL1 STS, ACADEMICS, AND PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTARY BODIES TO PROMOTE PUBLIC INTEREST AND TO PLAN APPROPRIATE PROGRAMMES FOR THESE STUDENTS," MR LI SAID.
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/7
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
7
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADES WOULD BE ANNOUNCED AT BIWEEKLY INTERVALS DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATER WAS USUALLY SAMPLED.
"THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E.COLT DATA OBTAINED BY THE EPD UNDER ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME,” THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION," ’’ HE ADDED.
"THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS," HE SAID.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
"BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN," THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," HE SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS :
* GRADE 1 INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
♦ GRADE 2 INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E. COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/* GRADE 3 .......
8
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
* GRADE 3 INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E. COL] COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT EACH
BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE
THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE 4 INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR.
THE E. COL1 COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITERS AT
EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A GRADE 4 OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, AS THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
SIMILARLY, THE REOPENING OF A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A GRADE 3 OR A BETTER GRADE WAS CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED.
AT PRESENT, TWO BATHING BEACHES, CASTLE PEAK AND OLD CAFETERIA, HAVE BEEN DECLARED UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING, BASED ON THE WATER .QUALITY DURING THE PAST SEASONS.
THEY WERE POLLUTED BY FAECAL WASTES AND FAILED TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENTLY THE HONG KONG STANDARDS.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE TWO BEACHES.
IN ADDITION, ROCKY BAY BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THESE THREE BEACHES ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN ”X" TN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW :
BEACH
PREVIOUS PRESENT
GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 3.9.92) (AS AT 17.9.92)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK 0 SOUTH BAY ST. STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
2 2
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
2 2
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
X X
1 1
/TUEN MUN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
9
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 2
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI 0 2
SILVERMINE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 2
TUNG 0* 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ 3
APPROACH 2
CASAM 2
GEMINI 2
HOI MEI WAN 2
LIDO 2
TING KAU 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
X CO X CM CM t-<CMCMt-<t-<t-<CMCM CO CM CM CO CM CM CM
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED TO SWIMMERS PURPOSES. ♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
/THE FOLLOWING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
- 10 -
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
TUNG WAN ON MA WAN FROM "2" TO "1", TING KAU AND KADOORIE FROM "3" TO "2"; GEMINI FROM "2" TO "3".
THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR DAVID L HALL, ON 835 1234.
--------0-----------
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW
*******
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AMONG EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WILL BE HELD IN SHA TIN FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, THE 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 ON THE SPOT FROM 3 PM TO 4 PM DAILY TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND LABOUR RELATIONS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM TOMORROW ON LEVEL 3, NEW TOWN PLAZA PHASE 1 IN SHA TIN, AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM OVER THE WEEKEND.
--------0-----------
/Il ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
11
BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICE MOVES TO WANCHAI TOWER III ♦ * * * *
THE BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH HAS MOVED TO WANCHAI TOWER III, 40TH FLOOR, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
PUBLISHERS AND PRINTERS ARE ADVISED TO REGISTER THEIR NEW BOOKS WITH THE BOOKS REGISTRATION OFFICE AT THE NEW PREMISES.
THEY ARE REMINDED THAT FIVE COPIES OF BOOKS FIRST PRINTED, PRODUCED OR PUBLISHED IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE- REGISTERED WITH THE OFFICE WITHIN ONE MONTH OF PUBLICATION.
THEY SHOULD DELIVER THE COPIES FREE OF CHARGE TO THE
REGISTRATION OFFICE AND FILL IN ONE SET OF DEPOSIT FORM.
THE BOOKS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE REGISTRATION AND PRESERVATION OF COPIES OF BOOKS FIRST PRINTED, PRODUCED OR PUBLISHED IN HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO CONTRAVENES THE ORDINANCE SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $2,000.
THE OFFICE IS THE LOCAL AGENT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BOOK NUMBERING SYSTEM. PUBLISHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF THIS FREE SERVICE TO HELP PROMOTE THEIR BUSINESS. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NEW OFFICE.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL 594 5636.
---------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 Nil.
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 111.1 *+0.7* 17.9.92
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1992
- 12 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.30 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.35 3.33
1 MONTH 3.19 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.79 3.49
3 MONTHS 2.67 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.82 3.77
6 MONTHS 2.78 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.15 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.90 3.92
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,455 MN
CLOSED 17 SEPTEMBER 1992
- 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FS CLARIFIES NEW AIRPORT FINANCING PROPOSALS .............................. 1
THREE LOTS OF LAND FETCH $511.6 MILLION ................................... 3
ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR JULY ............... 4
FEES FOR DUPLICATE BUSINESS CERTIFICATES TO GO UP ......................... 8
DINING-OUT POPULAR AMONG HK PEOPLE ........................................ 8
TENDERS INVITED FOR THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS ........................... 9
NAVY DAYS AT HMS TAMAR ................................................... 10
BANKING LICENCE REVOKED .................................................. 10
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR ................................. 11
276 VIETNAMESE GO HOME ................................................... 11
TV AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY ON MOVE ......................... 12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
12
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
FS CLARIFIES NEW AIRPORT FINANCING PROPOSALS
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THE NEW FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WOULD BRING TN REVENUE ADDITIONAL TO THE NORMAI. LAND SALES PROGRAMME.
SPEAKING TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE UNITED STATES TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND/WORLD BANK, MR MACLEOD ALSO GAVE THE ASSURANCE THAT THE PROPOSALS WOULD NOT TAKE AWAY FROM MONEY WHICH MIGHT BE USED ON OTHER AREAS.
HF SAID :"ONE KEY MATTER TO REMEMBER IS THAT THF REVENUE FROM THE AIRPORT RAILWAY RELATED LAND IS ADDITIONAL TO THE NORMAL LAND SALES PROGRAMME. IT’S ADDITIONAL TO THF FORECAST TH\T WE HAVE HITHERTO BEEN USING.
"THAT’S NOT A SITUATION THAT YOU COULD GET IN MANY OTHER PLACES, HONG KONG IS PECULIAR IN HAVING AN ARTIFICIAL CONSTRAINT ON THE LAND SUPPLY. IT’S PECULIAR IN HAVING THF LAND SUPPLY CONTROLLED IN THE END BY A BODY ON WHICH OF COURSE THE CHINESE ARE REPRESENTED.
"SO THERE’S AN ARTIFICIAL CONSTRAINT AND IF YOU LIFT THAT CONSTRAINT IN THIS CASE FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY RELATED LAND, THEN YOU DO IN FACT GET ADDITIONAL REVENUE WHICH WASN’T PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED.
"IT WASN’T EXPECTED EITHER IN OUR FORECAST OF OUR RESERVES NOR IN THE FORECASTS OF THE LAND FUND, SO IT’S ADDITIONAL IN BOTH CASES.
RESPONDING TO \ Q( FRY THAT THE NEW PROPOSALS MIGHT AFFECT OUR SPENDING ON SOCIAL SERVICES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID: ”1 CAN SAY VERY CLEARLY THAT IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO TAKE AWAY FROM WHAT WE ARE SPENDING AND WHAT WE SHOULD BE SPENDING ON SOCIAL PROGRAMMES.
"THOSE WILL GO AHEAD AT FULL STEAM.
"THIS IS ADDITIONAL REVENUE, IT IS NOT TAKING AWAA FROM WHAT WE ARE SPENDING ON OUR NORMAL FINANCING AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMES.
"I THINK YOU WILL FIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH ON OCTOBER THE SEVENTH THAT WHAT I HAVE SAID WILL BE VERY CLEARLY CONFIRMED."
AS TO THE QUESTION OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS, HE SAID A KEY RESULT OF THF PROPOSALS WAS OF COURSE A REDUCTION IX THF FINANCING COSTS.
"WF’VF ESTIMATED THAT TO RE ABOUT $10 BILLION WHICH IS \ VERY LARGE SUM OF MONEY. SO THAT CERTAINLY WILL HELP TO MAKE THF PROJECT MORE COST EFFECTIVE.
/•'ALTERING THE.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
2
"ALTERING THE RATIO OF EQUITY TO DEBT - THERE IS NO MAGIC RIGHT ANSWER TO THE PROPORTION BETWEEN EQUITY AND DEBT.
"EQUITY OF COURSE IS NOT SIMPLY MONEY PUT INTO THE CORPORATIONS WHICH THEN DISAPPEARS FOREVER AND DOESN’T PRODUCE ANY BENEFITS IN INVESTMENT WHICH PRODUCES DIVIDENDS.
"IN THE CASE OF THE INCREASED EQUITY WHICH WE PROPOSED IT PRODUCES DIVIDENDS VERY MUCH QUICKER THAN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE. THAT’S A BENEFIT TO THE SAR GOVERNMENT IN FACT," HE SAID.
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT HONG KONG SHOULD NOT USE THE LAND FUND WHICH BELONGS TO THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT, HF POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE LAND FUND WERE VERY CLEAR.
"THEY DO ALLOW FOR THE LAND FUND TO BE USED BEFORE 1997 FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN HONG KONG. THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT THAT.
"IT DOES PROVIDE FOR THAT AND REMEMBER THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL BE PRODUCING REVENUE WHICH THE LAND FUND WOULD NOT OTHERWISE HAVE GOT.
"SO THE SAR GOVERNMENT’S INHERITANCE AS IT WERE FROM THE LAND FUND WON’T IN FACT BE AFFECTED AND IT WILL GET THE BENEFIT OF THE EARLIER DIVIDENDS FROM THE TWO CORPORATIONS. SO I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY PROBLEM THERE,” MR MACLEOD SAID.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE LIKELY REACTION OF BEIJING TO THE NEW PROPOSALS, HE SAID WE WERE HERE RESPONDING TO A CHINESE SUGGESTION.
"WE ARE RESPONDING IN A WAY WHICH WE THINK MEETS THEIR DECLARED CONCERNS. SO I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF IT DOESN’T GET POSITIVE ANSWER," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE RECENT CONDITIONS IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKETS IN EUROPE, HE SAID: "PEOPLE HAVE ASKED QUITE UNDERSTANDABLY WHAT MAY THAT MEAN FOR HONG KONG. THE FOCUS OF SPECULATION IS OF COURSE ON EUROPEAN CURRENCIES AND IN PARTICULAR THE WEAKER EUROPEAN CURRENCIES.
"THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT TO SPREAD BEYOND THAT AND IT HAS NOT SPREAD TO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
"HONG KONG DOLLAR IS ACTUALLY SLIGHTLY STRENGTHENED TODAY. WE OF COURSE HAVE NOT ONLY A STRONG CURRENCY, WE HAVE A LINK WHICH IS WORKING VERY WELL, WE ALSO HAVE A STRONG ECONOMY. SO, THAT IS NOT A MATTER OF MUCH CONCERN.”
ON HIS MEETING WITH MRS CARLA HILLS, THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, DURING HIS VISIT TO THE STATES, MR MACLEOD SAID HE WOULD CERTAINLY BE FOCUSING MAINLY ON THE PROBLEMS OF U.S./CHINA TRADE RELATIONS AS THEY AFFECT HONG KONG.
"THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION I MUST SAY IS VERY AWARE OF OUR SITUATION, OF OUR CONCERNS, BUT 1 THINK IT USEFUL TO REITERATE THEM AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME," HE SAID.
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/3 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
3
THREE LOTS OF LAND FETCH $511.6 MILLION
THREE PIECES H- GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $511.6 MILLION B^ THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IN A PUBLIC AUCTION THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE SITE OFF SUN SING STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, WAS SOLD TO ZEBR1NE INVESTMENT LTD AT $475 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $280 MILLION.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,685 SQUARE METRES, IT IS
INTENDED
FOR
NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING HOTEL AND GODOWN) PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 9,500 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1996.
THE SECOND SITE, LOCATED ON KIN ON STREET, WAS BOUGHT BY FAMOUS PALACE PROPERTIES LTD AT $32 OPENED AT $28 MILLION.
DEVELOPER HAS TO
SQUARE METRES ON OR
AREA 9, TUEN MUN, MILLION. BIDDING
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,46 1 SQUARE METRES, IT IS EARMARKED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES AND MULTI-STOREY VEHICLE PARK.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 14,045 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1995.
THE THIRD SITE, LOCATED IN ( HEUNG SHA ON I \NTAU ISLAND, WAS SOLD TO ORIENTAL BEST PROPERTY LTD AT $1.6 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENED AT $2.5 MILLION.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 855 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS DESIGNATED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ACCORDING TO THE Bl I LD I NG ( OV ENANT , I HF DEVELOPER ILAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 171 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
THE \ICTION, HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG WAS CONDUCTED RY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR TIMOTHY MILLS.
CITY HALL,
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/4 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
4
ORDERS, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FIGURES FOR JULY
*****
THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS INCREASED BY 1% IN JULY THIS YEAR OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ORDERS POSITION IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER A YEAR VGO. INCREASES IN ORDERS WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DECLINED.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, ORDERS FOR THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED DECREASED IO 1% IN JULY. ORDERS IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DECREASED S J GN 11- 1 C ANTL^ AND THOSE IN THE TEXTILES AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES DECREASED MODERATELY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY RECORDED A SLIGHT INCREASE IN ORDERS WHILE THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED LITTLE CHANGE.
THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND TS 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 JULY 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAS'!? YEAR. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE CONTINUING TREND OF RELOCATING PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO SOUTH CHINA.
HOWEVER, COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED in THE SURVEYED MANUFACTURERS SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN JULY 1992.
IN JULY 1992, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED BY 15% TN MONEY TERMS OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR AND BY 1% OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED DECREASED MODERATELY IN JULY 1992 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, BUI REMAINED STABLE WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE LARGE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN JULY 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR AND SLIGHTLY OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR THIS INDUSTRY ('OVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE LARGE COMPANIES IN THE SERVICE SECTOR SURVEYED INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN JULY 1992 OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH AND THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
/PER CAPITA .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
- 5 -
PER CAPITA EARNINGS TN THE SERVICE COMPANIES SURVEYED INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR AND SLIGHTLY OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH.
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 SPOEKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERED ONLY THE LARGE COMPANIES, THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY NOT BE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING, CONSTRICTION 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, HF ADDED.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JULY 1992 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, WANCHAJ TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, XT $4.50 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6441.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN oRDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING THREE TABLES:
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUF \( TUR ING INDUSTRIES
ORDERS-ON-HAND
TABLE 1
AS AT THE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
END OF
INDUSTRY JULY 1992 JUNE 92 JULY 91
— — (%)
(MONTHS) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 1.44 -1 + 1
— — — — + 1
WEARING APPAREL 4.78 -1
TEXTILES 2.17 -4 -9 -2
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.03 -1 5
FABRICATED METAL 4.57 i + 10
PRODUCTS + 1 + 6
ELECTRICAL AND 5.67
ELECTRON IC PRODI 'CTS -3
OTHERS 3.97 - 1
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
/TABLE 2 : .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
- 6 -
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT
PERSONS ENGAGED AS XT THE END OF JULY 1992
INDUSTRY/SERVICES CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
JUNE 92 JULY 91
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED ♦ -11
— — — — —
FOOD AND DRINKS * *
WEARING APPAREL -2 -15
TEXTILES -1 -11
PLASTIC PRODUCTS + 9 -8
FABRICATED METAL * -17
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND * -17
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS -2
CONSTRUCTION # ♦ -6
— —
SERVICES + 1 + 1
— _ — —
BANKS + 1 -1
HOTELS t ♦
PUBLIC UTILITIES + 1 + 2
OTHERS + 1 + 2
* CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
/TABLE 3 : .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
7 -
TABLE 3 : PER CAPITA EARNINGS
NOTE: OWING TO THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF IRREGULAR PAYMENTS (E.G. BACKPAY OR SPECIAL BONUS), "PER CAPITA EARNINGS" FOR A GIVEN MONTH MAY RE 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
CHANGE WHEN
AVERAGE COMPARED । WITH
AS IN —
INDUSTRY/SERVICES JULY 1992 JUNE 92 JULY 91
— —
(HK$ ) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 7,844 + 1 + 15
— — —• —
FOOD AND DRINKS 8,099 -1 + 4
WEARING APPAREL 5,854 -1 + 11
TEXTILES 6,925 + 3 + 13
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 7,586 + 1 + 16
FABRICATED METAL 7,752 + 1 + 16
PRODUCTS
ELECTRICAL AND 8,295 ♦ + 21
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS 9,954 + 1 + 14
CONSTRUCTION # 11 , 110 + 4 + 15
— — —
SERVICES 12,706 + 2 + 13
— — —• — — — —
BANKS 1 1,490 - 7 + 11
HOTELS 8,924 + 7 + 14
PUBLIC UTILITIES 13,112 + 11 + 14
OTHERS 14,083 -1 + 12
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PER CAPITA EMPLOYED BY
EARNINGS COVER
COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY;
LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
SITE WORKERS
NOTE TO TABLES 1 - 3 :
UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONG 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.
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/8 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
8
FEES FOR DUPLICATE BUSINESS CERTIFICATES TO GO UP *****
THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992, WHICH SEEKS TO INCREASE THE FEES CHARGED FOR THE ISSUE OF DUPLICATE BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES AND DUPLICATE BRANCH REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES, IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"GIVEN THE INCREASE IN ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS SINCE THE FEE FOR THE ISSUE OF A DUPLICATE BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE OR A DUPLICATE BRANCH REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE WAS LAST REVISED IN 1990, THE FEE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $22 TO $30 WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1992," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FEE REVISION CAN GENERATE AN ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF $50,000 A YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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DINING-OUT POPULAR AMONG HK PEOPLE * * * *
DINING-OUT IS COMMON AMONG THE HONG
REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE
KONG POPULATION, A SPECIAL RESTAURANTS SECTOR SAID.
THE ARTICLE IS CONTAINED IN THE JULY ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS NOW ON SALE AT $48 A COPY.
ACCORDING TO THE 1989-90 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, FOODSTUFFS ACCOUNTED FOR 34 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE.
OF THIS, MORE THAN HALF WAS SPENT ON MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME.
SUBSTANTIAL SPENDING BY TOURISTS ON MEALS IN RESTAURANTS HAS ALSO BEEN RECORDED.
THE RESTAURANTS SECTOR HAS THEREFORE BEEN TAKING UP AN IMPORTANT POSITION AMONG THE SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY SURVEYS TO COLLECT ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE RESTAURANTS SECTOR.
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THESE SURVEYS, THE ARTICLE REVIEWS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE RESTAURANTS SECTOR AND ANALYSES ITS OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS IN RECENT YEARS.
THE PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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/9.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
- 9 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR THREE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DISTRICT OPEN SPACE AT CORNWALL STREET, KOWLOON TONG.
THE WORKS, TO BE STARTED IN MID-DECEMBER, INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-STOREY SQUASH AND TABLE TENNIS COMPLEX AS WELL AS A LARGE LANDSCAPED PARK WITH JOGGING TRACK AND WATER FEATURES.
UPON COMPLETION BY MAY 1994, THE COMPLEX WILL HOUSE 16 SQUASH COURTS, 18 TABLE TENNIS COURTS AND A LIGHT REFRESHMENT RESTAURANT.
MEANWHILE, TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR WORKS TO IMPROVE TWO LEISURE FACILITIES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
OF THEM, ONE IS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF PART OF THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK IN YAU MA TEI.
THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF A MIN I-SOCCER PITCfr, A BASKETBALL-CUM-VOLLEYBALL COURT, A LANDSCAPED GARDEN WITH A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A PUBLIC TOILET, A STORE ROOM AND A METER/SWITCH ROOM.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND TAKE 11 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE OTHER PROJECT IS TO UPGRADE THE SMITHFIELD CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IN KENNEDY TOWN.
THE CONTRACTOR WILL BE REQUIRED TO RENOVATE A SMALL SITTING-OUT AREA WITH CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT.
THE PROJECT WILL START IN MID-DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY JUNE NEXT YEAR.
TENDER OFFERS FOR THE THREE PROJECTS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 9.
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
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/10 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
- 10
NAVY DAVS \T UMS TAMAR
♦ * * * *
A VARIETY OF ATTRACTIONS WILL BE OFFERED DURING THIS YEAR’S NAVY DAYS TO BE HELI) AT HMS TAMAR ON NOVEMBER 6 AND 7.
THESE WILL BE THE LAST NAVY DAYS HELD ON THE PRESENT SITE BEFORE THE NAVY’S MOVE TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND NEXT YEAR.
THE GATES WILL OPEN AT 11 AM ON NOVEMBER 6 AND 10 AM ON NOVEMBER 7.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE THE ROYAL NAVY’S PEACOCK CLASS PATROL VESSELS OF THE HONG KONG SQUADRON AS WELL AS WARSHIPS FROM THE UNITED STATES NAVY, THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY AND THE MALAYSIAN NAVY.
ALSO ON SHOW WILL BE A BRAND NEW POLICE LAUNCH, A MARINE SERVICE FIREBOAT AND HELICOPTERS FROM THE ARMY \1R CORPS AND ROYAL AIR .FORCE.
THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG SQUADRON ON THEIR FAST PURSUIT CRAFT, A FLYPAST, PARACHUTE JUMP AND DOG SHOWS.
SEVERAL VISITING BANDS WILL TAKE PART IN THE ARENA DISPLAY TOGETHER WITH GYMNASTICS TEAMS AND THE STANLEY SEA SCHOOL WINDOW-LADDER TEAM.
A WIDE RANGE OF STALLS WILL OFFER EVERYTHING FROM T-SHIRTS AND SOUVENIRS TO FOOD AND DRINK.
LAST YEAR’S EVENT ATTRACTED MORE THAN 76,000 PEOPLE TO HMS TAMAR. OVER HK$500,000 WAS RAISED FOR CHARITY.
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BANKING LICENCE REVOKED
******
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE BANKING LICENCE OF BANK OF IRELAND HAD BEEN REVOKED AT THE REQUEST OF THE BANK.
BANK OF IRELAND HAS DECIDED TO WITHDRAW FROM HONG KONG AS PART OF THE RATIONALISATION OF ITS GLOBAL OPERATIONS. THE BANK HAS CEASED TO CARRY ON BANKING BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
AFTER THE REVOCATION, THERE ARE 161 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 131 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
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/Il ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
- 11 -EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR * * * * *
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES TO MARK THE START OF THF NEW SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 20) WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNATED EDUCATION SUNDAY.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WERE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SERVICES.
DETAILS OF THE SERVICES ARE:
VENUE LANGUAGE TIME OFFICIALS ATTENDING
CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL (16 CAINE ROAD, MID-LEVELS, HONG KONG) CHINESE 11 AM DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG
ST TERESA’S CHURCH (258 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON TONG) ENGLISH 11 AM ACTING SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MRkK H CHAN
ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL (GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG) ENGLISH 11.30 AM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION), MR JOHN CLARK
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH (135 MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY) CHINESE 1 1 AM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND RESEARCH), MR T F MAN
- - 0----------
27G VIETNAMESE GO HOME
* * * * *
A GROUP OF 27G VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 87 MEN, 74 WOMEN, 61 BOYS AND 54 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 123RD BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 8,304 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 22,183 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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/12........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1992
- 12
TV AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY ON MOVE
*****
THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES IN WANCHAI TOWER III FROM ITS PRESENT OFFICES IN NATIONAL MUTUAL CENTRE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT WILL OCCUPY PREMISES ON THE 39TH AND 40TH FLOORS OF WANCHAI TOWER III AT 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE NEW TELEPHONE ENQUIRY NUMBER IS 594 5883. THE COMPLAINTS
HOTLINE OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL BE CHANGED TO 827 8488.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,500
REVERSAL OF LAF x NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -20
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,480
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TW1 110.8 *-0.3* 18.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.17 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.42 3.24
1 MONTH 2.86 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.86 3.43
3 MONTHS 2.56 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.89 3.72
6 MONTHS 2.64 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.97 3.88
12 MONTHS 3.09 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,688 MN
CLOSED 18 SEPTEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPERTY TRANSACTION STATISTICS FOR AUGUST ......................... 1
SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES TO VISIT CANADA .................... 2
EC INITIATES ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS ON MAGNETIC DISCS ............ 3
BUILDINGS NEED PROPER MAINTENANCE .................................. 4
SERVICES FOR DISABLED TO EXPAND .................................... 5
YOUNG VIOLINISTS INVITED TO JOIN CONTEST............................ 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.......... 7
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
PROPERTY TRANSACTION STATISTICS FOR AUGUST
*****
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED IN THE LAND OFFICE IN AUGUST DECREASED BY 0.03 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND BY 29 PER CENT COMPARED WITH AUGUST LAST YEAR.
IN ALL, 12,603 SUCH AGREEMENTS WERE REGISTERED DURING THE MONTH. THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED WAS ABOUT $32.22 BILLION.
THESE FIGURES WERE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS REGISTERED IN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
THERE WERE 14 BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 19,559 OTHER MORTGAGES REGISTERED IN THE MONTH, COMPARED TO 13 AND 15,850 RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1.69 BILLION COMPARED WITH ABOUT $3.27 BILLION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
IN THE MONTH THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES WAS ABOUT $7.91 BILLION, UP BY 21.7 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $6.5 BILLION IN AUGUST 1991.
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, AMOUNTED TO ABOUT $5.51 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 53 PER CENT FROM ABOUT $3.6 BILLION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
MEANWHILE, DETAILS OF LAND OFFICE CONSENTS GIVEN TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS FOR SALES AND PURCHASES OF UNCOMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE ALSO RELEASED.
IN AUGUST, FIVE SUCH CONSENTS WERE GRANTED INVOLVING 38 UNITS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND 2,600 UNITS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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/2 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
2
SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES TO VISIT CANADA
* * * » ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL DEPART FOR CANADA TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE 29TH ASSEMBLY MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO) TO BE HELD IN MONTREAL FROM SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 8.
SHE WILL BE JOINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR PETER LOK, AND OTHER OFFICIALS FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
ICAO IS AN AGENCY OF THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIALISING IN INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION MATTERS. THE ICAO ASSEMBLY ON WHICH ALL MEMBERS (ABOUT 160) ARE REPRESENTED MEETS ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS TO REVIEW PROGRESS IN CIVIL AVIATION AND SET THE OVERALL POLICY FOR THE ORGANISATION.
THE GATHERING WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE HONG KONG DELEGATES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH EXPERTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES ON MATTERS SUCH AS FUTURE AIR NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND AVIATION SECURITY, TO NAME BUT A FEW OF THE ISSUES TO BE COVERED BY MEETINGS HELD WITHIN THIS SESSION.
MRS CHAN WILL PROCEED TO TORONTO IN THE AFTERNOON OF SEPTEMBER 25 TO TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92.
SHE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE LANTERN FESTIVAL AT THE SCARBOROUGH CIVIC CENTRE ON SEPTEMBER 29.
SHE WILL ALSO ATTEND AND ADDRESS A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 1. HER THEME WILL BE ’’OPPORTUNITIES FOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG”.
DURING THE VISIT, SHE WILL CALL ON THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TORONTO AND ATTEND A LUNCH HOSTED BY THE DIRECTOR (TORONTO), MR STEPHEN LAM.
AT THE LUNCH, TO BE ATTENDED BY BUSINESSMEN AND BANKERS, SHE WILL GIVE AN UPDATE ON THE ECONOMIC AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.
MRS CHAN WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 3.
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/3.........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
3
EC INITIATES ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS ON MAGNETIC DISCS *****
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY (EC) HAS ANNOUNCED THE INITIATION OF ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST 3.5-INCH MAGNETIC DISCS ORIGINATING IN HONG KONG AND KOREA.
THE ACTION IS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO A COMPLAINT LODGED BY THE COMMITTEE OF EUROPEAN DISKETTE MANUFACTURERS.
A TOTAL OF 16 HONG KONG COMPANIES ARE NAMED IN THE COMPLAINT.
’’THE DEPARTMENT IS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE COMMISSION’S DECISION TO INITIATE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HONG KONG,” ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MS MARIA KWAN, SAID.
’’GIVEN HONG KONG’S OPEN MARKET AND THE SMALL SIZE OF OUR COMPANIES, WE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF SUCH ACTION.
”IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, THERE HAS BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL FALL IN THE LEVEL OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT TO THE EC OF THE PRODUCT CONCERNED SINCE THE SECOND HALF OF 1991. FALLING IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED INJURY TO THE EC’S INDUSTRY,” MS KWAN ADDED.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS KNOWN FOR SOME TIME THE INITIATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS WAS BEING CONSIDERED AND HAS ALREADY HELD A FEW MEETINGS WITH THE LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO FOREWARN THEM.
’’THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL MEET THE LOCAL PRODUCERS TO DISCUSS THE WAY FORWARD AFTER WE HAVE STUDIED THE RELEVANT DOCUMENTS SETTING OUT THE EC’S COMPLAINT,” SHE SAID.
THERE IS NO PRECISE HONG KONG EXPORT FIGURES FOR 3.5-INCH MAGNETIC DISCS. THE PRODUCT IS INCLUDED UNDER THE COMMODITY HEADING IN THE EXPORT STATISTICS COVERING UNRECORDED MAGNETIC DISCS FOR SOUND RECORDING OR SIMILAR RECORDING OF OTHER PHENOMENA.
EXPORT TO THE EC UNDER THIS HEADING AMOUNTED TO HK$196 MILLION IN 1991 AND HK$69 MILLION IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1992. EXPORT LEVEL FELL SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE THE SECOND HALF OF 1991.
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/4 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
BUILDINGS NEED PROPER MAINTENANCE
*****
A BUILDING SAFETY CAMPAIGN UNDERLINING THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, ADOPTS AN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH IN REMINDING PROPERTY OWNERS THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAINTAIN THEIR PROPERTY IN GOOD CONDITION AT ALL TIMES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY HELD IN THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN, DEPUTY CONVENER OF THE OMELCO LANDS AND WORKS PANEL, DR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI, SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE THE MATTER OF MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS GET PROPER RECOGNITION.
HE SAID THE PROBLEM WAS BY NO MEANS ONLY STRUCTURAL, BUT ALMOST ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING CARRIED A MAINTENANCE COMMITMENT WHICH COULD BE HAZARDOUS IF IGNORED.
"WE CANNOT EXPECT THE GOVERNMENT TO INSPECT ALL BUILDINGS WITH THE FREQUENCY NECESSARY TO KEEP THEM SAFE. BUT OWNERS CAN,” HE SAID.
ANOTHER OFFICIATING GUEST, ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR BOWEN LEUNG, STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER BUILDING REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE AS FAILURE TO DO SO WOULD SERIOUSLY JEOPARDISE NOT ONLY THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS BUT THAT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE NEED TO INTENSIFY ITS PUBLICITY ON BUILDING SAFETY BY PROMOTING A SENSE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE AND CO-OPERATION AMONG BUILDING OWNERS.
"THE DUTY OF BUILDING SAFETY RESTS ON BUILDING OWNERS. BUT, NEVERTHELESS EVERY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE CAMPAIGN, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE HAS SET UP A NEW HOTLINE - 848 2222 - ADVISING THE PUBLIC ON BUILDING MAINTENANCE MATTERS.
THE OFFICE ALSO ARRANGES SEMINARS WITH COMMUNITY BODIES AND • ORGANISES EXHIBITIONS SHOWING THE GENERAL ASPECTS OF BUILDING SAFETY.
MEANWHILE, PUBLICITY MATERIAL CARRYING A MESSAGE ON "MAINTAIN YOUR BUILDING, KEEP IT SAFE" WILL BE PUT ACROSS TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE MEDIA.
THE CAMPAIGN NOTES THAT IF A BUILDING IS LEFT IN DISREPAIR, IT WILL DETERIORATE AND BE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS, POSING A THREAT TO BOTH THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC. IN ADDITION, THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY CAN BE UPHELD IF IT IS PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
/TO LAUNCH .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
5
TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN, AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE IS BEING HELD IN SHA TIN AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY, LEVEL ONE OF THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, PHASE THREE, TODAY AND TOMORROW .
STAFF OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP THE VISITORS.
------0--------
SERVICES FOR DISABLED TO EXPAND * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANNED TO SPEND ABOUT $580 MILLION TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL OF 2,500 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES AND 2,400 RESIDENTIAL PLACES IN THE COMING FIVE YEARS FROM 1992-93 TO 1996-97 TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, IN HER ADDRESS TO THE OPENING OF PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF HONG KONG’S SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND HOSTEL IN TUEN MUN.
"WE HAVE BEEN ATTACHING GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE TRAINING OF DISABLED PERSONS AND THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THEM," MRS GOODSTADT SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO EXPAND VARIOUS REHABILITATION SERVICES IN AN ATTEMPT TO MEET THE DEMANDS.
IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED AN ADDITIONAL OF 1,800 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH PLACES TO MORE THAN 4,100.
"AS THERE ARE STILL 2,500 PEOPLE ON OUR WAITING LIST, WE PLAN TO INCREASE THE PLACES TO FULLY MEET THE DEMANDS BY 1996-97," SHE SAID.
ON RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PLANNED TO BOOST THE EXISTING 1,810 PLACES FOR MODERATELY AND SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO MORE THAN 4,200 PLACES IN THE COMING FIVE YEARS, MRS GOODSTADT SAID.
TO HELP THE DISABLED INTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY, SHE SAID SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY AND EFFORTS OF VARIOUS WELFARE AGENCIES WERE ESSENTIAL.
EQUALLY IMPORTANT WAS DIRECT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE REHABILITATION SERVICES THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST FUNDS, SHE SAID.
MRS GOODSTADT APPEALED TO LOCAL PROPRIETORS TO PLACE MORE ORDERS WITH THE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND TO ACTIVELY HIRE MORE DISABLED PEOPLE.
- - 0----------
/6 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
6
YOUNG VIOLINISTS INVITED TO JOIN CONTEST
*****
YOUNG VIOLIN PLAYERS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1992 HONG KONG YOUTH VIOLIN SOLI CONTEST TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER.
ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE CONTEST AIMS TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN STRING MUSIC AMONG YOUNG VIOLINISTS WHILE PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE.
THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO TWO CLASSES: CLASS A IS OPEN TO APPLICANTS AGED 15 AND BELOW AND CLASS B IS OPEN TO APPLICANTS AGED 10 OR BELOW.
EACH PARTICIPATING TEAM SHOULD CONSIST OF BETWEEN FOUR AND 12 MEMBERS.
CONTESTANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM TWO PIECES, COMPRISING A SET PIECE AND A SELF-CHOSEN WORK. THEY MUST PLAY FROM MEMORY AND SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN PIANO ACCOMPANIST.
THE PRELIMINARY CONTEST IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE ON OCTOBER 25. THE FINAL WILL BE HELD AT THE DRAMA THEATRE, HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON NOVEMBER 8.
THE CHAMPION, AND THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNER-UPS WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES OF $2,000, $1,500 AND $1,000 RESPECTIVELY, IN ADDITION TO TROPHIES.
THE CHAMPION TEAM WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM IN THE CHAMBER CONCERT OF THE 1992 HONG KONG YOUTH STRING INTERFLOW CONCERT TO BE ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE ON NOVEMBER 15.
THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY THE HARMONY MUSIC COMPANY. THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL CONSIST OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS SEPTEMBER 25. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 802 0657.
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/7........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1992
7
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,480
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL*
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,480
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,480
* AMT TO BE REVERSED ON 21/9 +20MN
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, SEPTEMBER 20, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EFFLUENT DISCHARGERS URGED TO GET LICENCE .......................... 1
FOREIGN WORKERS TO BE TOLD OF THEIR RIGHTS ......................... 2
DRY AND HOT IN AUGUST ..............................................
PARENTS AND TEACHERS URGED TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION ............. 6
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1992
EFFLUENT DISCHARGERS URGED TO GET LICENCE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR LICENCES UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE FOR EFFLUENT DISCHARGES IN THE NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONE IS SEPTEMBER 30.
THE MAJOR AREAS WITHIN THE NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONE INCLUDE TUEN MUN, CASTLE PEAK, LAM TEI, LUNG KWU SHEUNG TAN, PILLAR POINT, SO KWUN WAT, SIU LAM, TAI LAM CHUNG, YAM O, CHEK LAP KOK, TUNG CHUNG AND TAI 0.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SAID OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, INSTITUTIONAL, RESIDENTIAL AND ALL OTHER TYPES OF PREMISES WITHIN THE ZONE WITH EFFLUENT DISCHARGES SHOULD APPLY FOR A LICENCE.
THIS INCLUDES DISCHARGES FROM SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS AND SEPTIC TANKS.
HOWEVER, DISCHARGES OF DOMESTIC SEWAGE INTO PUBLIC FOUL SEWERS AND UNPOLLUTED WATER ARE NOT UNDER CONTROL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO DISCHARGE ANY POLLUTING MATTER INTO THE WATERS OF HONG KONG IN A WATER CONTROL ZONE UNLESS THE DISCHARGE IS MADE UNDER, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH, A LICENCE GRANTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
AFTER OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR, ANY EFFLUENT DISCHARGE MADE WITHOUT A LICENCE, OR IN BREACH OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN THE LICENCE, IS ILLEGAL AND THE DISCHARGER IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
WHILE FAILURE TO OBTAIN A LICENCE IS NOT AN OFFENCE, IT IS STRONGLY ADVISABLE FOR THE DISCHARGER, OR THE OWNER OR OCCUPIER OF THE PREMISES FROM WHICH THE DISCHARGE IS MADE, TO OBTAIN A LICENCE TO AVOID THE RISK OF PROSECUTION.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR LICENCES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES AND THE TUEN MUN AND ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICES.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 417 4464.
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/2 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1992
2
FOREIGN WORKERS TO BE TOLD OF THEIR RIGHTS ft * ft ft »» ft
OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE BRIEFING FOREIGN WORKERS ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND STATUTORY RIGHTS OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS AS THEY BEGIN TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME.
DURING THESE BRIEFING SESSIONS, OFFICERS WILL EXPLAIN THE TERMS OF THE STANDARD CONTRACT, AND INFORM THE WORKERS OF THE GENERAL LABOUR-MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN HONG KONG.
"WE HAVE LINED UP 12 SUCH SESSIONS IN TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND TSIM SHA TSUI KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION TO ENSURE THAT THESE WORKERS ARE FULLY AWARE OF THEIR STATUTORY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE," SAID CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER MR JAMES YEUNG.
"COPIES OF A LEAFLET CONTAINING SIMILAR INFORMATION AND PRINTED IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE CHARACTERS ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO WORKERS AT THEIR POINTS OF ENTRY INTO HONG KONG, AND WHEN THEY APPLY FOR IDENTITY CARDS AT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
"WE WILL ALSO ASK THEM TO APPROACH US OR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT OR CONDITION OF STAY," MR YEUNG SAID, ADDING THAT A HANDY INFORMATION CARD WITH COMPLAINT HOTLINE NUMBERS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY AS WELL.
THE BRIEFING SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN BOTH CANTONESE AND PUTONGHUA. FOREIGN WORKERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE BRIEFING SESSION UPON THEIR ARRIVAL.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD MAKE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WORKERS TO ATTEND," HE STRESSED.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THESE SESSIONS CAN BE MADE ON 852 3506.
------0-------
DRY AND HOT IN AUGUST * » ft ft ft
A MONTHLY WEATHER OBSERVATORY SHOWED THAT AUGUSTS ON RECORD.
REPORT RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE ROYAL AUGUST WAS ONE OF THE DRIEST AND HOTTEST
THIS WAS IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THE WET ANOMALY THAT FROM JANUARY TO JULY.
PERSISTED
T V PROLONGED PRESENCE OF TWO TROPICAL CYCONES, NAMELY MARK AND T0 THE EAST 0F HONG KONG DURING THE LATTER HALF OF THE MONTH 5d^mCED SPELLS OF NORTHWESTERLY FLOW WHICH BROUGHT HOT AND DRY AIR FROM THE SUN-BAKED INLAND REGIONS TO THE COASTAL AREAS.
/AUGUST 30 .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1992
3
AUGUST 30 WAS ONE OF THE HOTTEST DAYS EVER EXPERIENCED IN HONG KONG. THE DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 32.0 DEGREES THAT DAY BEAT THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 31.9 DEGREES ON AUGUST 18 1990, BY 0.1 DEGREE.
THE DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 30.0 DEGREES WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST EVER FOR ALL MONTHS. THE DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 35.0 DEGREES ON AUGUST 30 AND THE MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE FOR THE MONTH OF 32.0 DEGREES WERE BOTH THE FIFTH HIGHEST FOR AUGUST.
BOTH THE MONTHLY MEAN OF 29.4 DEGREES AND MEAN DAILY MINIMUM FOR THE MONTH OF 27.3 DEGREES RANKED SECOND HIGHEST FOR AUGUST AND THIRD HIGHEST FOR ALL MONTHS.
THE MONTHLY RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF’ 77 PER CENT AND MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 97.7 MILLIMETRES WERE BOTH THE THIRD LOWEST EVER RECORDED IN AUGUST.
THE TOTAL MONTHLY RAINFALL WAS ONLY ABOUT ONE-QUARTER OF THE NORMAL OF 391.4 MILLIMETRES, MAKING IT THE DRIEST AUGUST SINCE 1962.
HOWEVER, WITH THE LARGE SURPLUS IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE TOTAL RAINFALL BETWEEN JANUARY AND AUGUST OF 2508.3 MILLIMETRES WAS 47 PER CENT ABOVE THE JANUARY-AUGUST NORMAL OF 1707.4 MILLIMETRES AND WAS THE FOURTH HIGHEST FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
THE FINE WEATHER AT THE END OF JULY CONTINUED INTO EARLY AUGUST. APART FROM SOME BRIEF SHOWERS ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 1, THE WEATHER FOR THE FIRST EIGHT DAYS WAS SUNNY AND HOT.
A MODERATE SOUTHWESTERLY AIRSTREAM BLEW FOR MOST PART OF THE PERIOD AND WINDS WERE OCCASIONALLY FRESH OFFSHORE FROM AUGUST 4 TO 7.
THE OCCURRENCE OF SOME THUNDERY SHOWERS ON THE LATTER PART OF AUGUST 8 WAS FOLLOWED BY A SHIFT IN WIND DIRECTION TO EAST TO SOUTHEASTERLY.
THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 25.6 DEGREES FOR THE MONTH OCCURRED IN RAIN ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 8 ALTHOUGH LONG PERIODS OF SUNSHINE PREVAILED DURING THE DAY.
THE WEATHER FOR THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS TURNED MORE SHOWERY AS SCATTERED RAIN CLOUDS FROM THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DRIFTED TOWARDS THE COAST OF GUANGDONG.
APART FROM FRESHENING OF THE EASTERLIES ON AUGUST 10, MODERATE SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS PREVAILED FOR MUCH OF THE PERIOD.
LOCAL WEATHER WAS INFLUENCED BY TROPICAL STORM MARK FROM AUGUST 16 TO 24.
/DURING THE .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1992
4
DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE PERIOD WHEN MARK DEVELOPED AND REMAINED OVER THE COASTAL WATERS OF EASTERN GUANGDONG, MODERATE NORTH TO NORTHWESTERLY WINDS BLEW OVER THE TERRITORY.
THE WEATHER WAS HOT AND MAINLY FINE. BUT AS MARK WEAKENED, ITS REMNANT DRIFTED WESTWARDS ALONG THE COASTAL WATERS OF GUANGDONG, SKIRTING JUST TO THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG.
THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY ON AUGUST 20. WINDS TURNED EASTERLY THAT EVENING AND FRESHENED ON AUGUST 21 WITH OCCASIONAL STRONG WINDS OFFSHORE AND PERIODS OF RAIN.
EVEN THOUGH WINDS SOON SUBSIDED THE FOLLOWING MORNING, CLOUDY AND SHOWERY CONDITIONS CONTINUED BEFORE FINE WEATHER RETURNED ON AUGUST 25.
AS TROPICAL DEPRESSION POLLY APPROACHED TAIWAN ON AUGUST 27, HONG KONG CAME UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ITS EXTENSIVE CIRCULATION. ANOTHER SPELL OF NORTHWESTERLY WINDS SET IN AND PERSISTED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH.
ALTHOUGH THE WEATHER REMAINED GENERALLY FINE IN THE DAY DURING THE PERIOD, THERE WERE INTENSE HEAT THUNDERSTORMS ON THE EVENINGS OF BOTH AUGUST 27 AND 28.
ON THE FORMER OCCASION, ACTIVE LIGHTNING AND THUNDER IN A HIGHLY CHARGED ATMOSPHERE CAUSED A DISRUPTION IN THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SERVICE IN THE EVENING RUSH HOURS.
BUT OVERALL, THE TWO THUNDERSTORM EPISODES PRODUCED NO MORE THAN 30 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
MEANWHILE, HEAT CONTINUED TO BUILD UP, CULMINATING IN THE EXTREMELY HOT TEMPERATURE OF 35.0 DEGREES ON AUGUST 30.
EIGHT TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED IN AUGUST OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. HOWEVER, ONLY MARK AFFECTED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND PROMPTED THE HOISTING OF TROPICAL CYCLONE STAND-BY SIGNAL NO. 1 ON AUGUST 16.
THERE WAS ONLY ONE AIRCRAFT DIVERSION OWING TO POOR WEATHER DURING THE MONTH.
/DETAILS OF .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1992
5
DETAILS OF THE ISSUE/HOISTING AND
VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS IN AUGUST ARE:
CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF
TYPE OF WARNING
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
FLOOD WARNINGS AUG 27 1730 - 2045 HOURS
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS AUG 1 1515 - 1815 HOURS
AUG 6 1345 - 1545 HOURS
AUG 8 1200 - 1400 HOURS
AUG 8 1535 - 1735 HOURS
AUG 8 1815 - 2215 HOURS
AUG 9 1235 - 1435 HOURS
AUG 10 2125 - 2325 HOURS
AUG 15 1805 - 1905 HOURS ‘
AUG 21 1550 - 1750 HOURS
AUG 22 0300 - 0630 HOURS
AUG 25 1805 - 2005 HOURS
AUG 27 1620 - 2130 HOURS
AUG 28 1900 - 2200 HOURS
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS
NAME OF TROPICAL CYCLONE SIGNAL NO.
T.S. MARK 1 AUG 16 — AUG 17
1015 HOURS 1130 HOURS
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL ARE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
217.3 HOURS; 10.3 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
17.06 MJ/M2; 0.55 MJ/M2 BELOW NORMAL
97.7 MM; 293.7 MM BELOW NORMAL 62%; 4% LESS THAN NORMAL 77%; 4% LOWER THAN NORMAL
32.0 DEGREES CELSIUS;
0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
29.4 DEGREES CELSIUS;
1.0 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
27.3 DEGREES CELSIUS;
1.0 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
24.7 DEGREES CELSIUS;
0.1 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
147.3 MM; 9.6 MM BELOW NORMAL
/6.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1992
PARENTS AND TEACHERS URGED TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED PARENTS, STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS TO COMMUNICATE AND CO-OPERATE WITH EACH OTHER TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD VIGOROUSLY PROMOTE THE WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE SO THAT THERE WOULD BE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ONE ANOTHER’S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE SERVICE IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL . TO MARK EDUCATION SUNDAY, HE SAID THE GOALS WOULD BE TO CREATE A BETTER, CARING AND POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
STRENGTHENED COMMUNICATION AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF STUDENTS’ PROBLEMS INTHE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE WOULD PREVENT RASH ACTION, MR WONG EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE IN THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR - A SCHEME WHICH WILL GIVE SCHOOLS FLEXIBILITY TO MANAGE THEIR OWN FINANCES AND AFFAIRS AND ALSO INCLUDE PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND ACTIVITIES.
SCHOOLS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS WOULD THEN BE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER NOT ONLY IN THE EDUCATION FOR THE STUDENTS BUT ALSO IN HELPING THEM SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME.
THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL PARTIES WOULD CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, HE SAID.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF MARKET ECONOMY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY .... 1
INITIATIVES TAKEN TO HIT DRUG TRAFFICKERS .......................... 2
HONG KONG TO ATTEND PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION MEETING ........... 3
PLASTICS INDUSTRY TAKES ON KEY ROLE ................................ 5
COMMITTEE CONSIDERS LEGISLATIVE CONTROL ON CHILD MINDERS ........... 6
CONTRACT FOR CHINA WATER ELECTRIC WORKS SIGNED ..................... 7
REPORT ON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RELEASED ........................ 7
THREE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION 9
MAIN TABLES ON POPULATION CENSUS PUBLISHED ......................... 9
NO MAIL SERVICE ON OCTOBER 5 ....................................... 10
AIRPORT PROJECTS RESOURCE CENTRE ON THE MOVE ....................... 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................... 11
WATER CUT IN WONG TAI SIN .......................................... 11
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
11
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992.
1
SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF MARKET ECONOMY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
*******
HONG KONG HAS NOT ONLY ESTABLISHED, CREATED A SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE OF A SUCCESSFUL MARKET ECONOMY BUT HAS ALSO SHOWN HOW A MARKET ECONOMY CAN BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND LOOK AFTER THE INEVITABLE CASUALTIES IN OUR SOCIETY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TONIGHT (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR PATTEN SAID THERE WAS AN ASSUMPTION THAT HONG KONG WAS PURELY INTERESTED IN MATERIALISTIC VALUES, AND THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG DIDN’T CARE MUCH ABOUT SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
"YOU IN THE COUNCIL IN YOUR 45 YEARS HAVE DONE MORE THAN ANYONE TO SHOW WHAT NONSENSE THAT IS, BECAUSE YOU REALLY DID BLAZE THE TRAIL . - YOU LED GOVERNMENT INTO TAKING IT’S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES MORE SERIOUSLY FROM THE TIME YOU WERE FOUNDED 45 YEARS AGO," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT MUCH OF THE PIONEERING WORK, MUCH OF THE MOST PROFESSIONAL WORK DONE IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD, HAD BEEN DONE OVER THE YEARS BY NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WHICH WERE ABLE VERY OFTEN TO TAKE RISKS IN A WAY WHICH WAS MORE DIFFICULT FOR GOVERNMENT.
"YOU WORK VERY CLOSELY WITH GOVERNMENT AND THAT HELPS TO MAKE THIS A MORE AGREEABLE COMMUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE IN THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE THE CASE. YOU HAVE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH GOVERNMENT FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE, AND AS WELL IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION SERVICES," MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7, HE WOULD SPEAK ABOUT THE TWO DOCUMENTS.
"I WILL BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE BEYOND CONTRADICTION, EXCEPT CONCEIVABLY IN ONE OR TWO PREDICTABLE QUARTERS, THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THIS COMMUNITY BOTH TO INVEST IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH MAKES IT’S FUTURE GROWTH POSSIBLE, AND AT THE SAME TIME TO MEET IT’S SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS, IT’S EDUCATIONAL OBLIGATIONS, IN FULL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SUCCESS OF THE COMMUNITY IN GENERATING RESOURCES," HE SAID.
- - 0---------
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
- 2 -
INITIATIVES TAKEN TO HIT DRUG TRAFFICKERS
*****
THERE HAD BEEN A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES IN RECENT TIMES TO HIT THE DRUG TRAFFICKERS HARD, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS MR JOHN WOOD, SAID IN OXFORD IN ENGLAND TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING A FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE ON INTERNATIONAL AND WHITi COLLAR CRIME, MR WOOD SAID NEARLY EVERY COUNTRY HAD IN PLACE OR WAS PUTTING INTO PLACE LEGISLATION TO SEIZE THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND TO MAKE MONEY LAUNDERING A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.
"THERE ARE NOW MANY BILATERAL TREATIES BETWEEN LIKE-MINDED
COUNTRIES DETERMINED TO EXTRACT AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE FRO 1 CRIMINALS AND TO PUT THE HANDLERS OF DRUGS MONEY AS WELL AS THE TRAFFICKERS THEMSELVES BEHIND PRISON BARS FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
"BUT THE DRUG TRADE, AS WE KNOW, IS INTERNATIONAL AND REQUIRES THE UTMOST CO-OPERATION BETWEEN INVESTIGATING AND PROSECUTING AUTHORITIES. MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IS VITAL," HE SAID.
TURNING TO ANOTHER SUBJECT, MR WOOD SAID ONE OF THE TRUISMS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS THAT ONE WOULD NEVER ELIMINATE CORRUPTION.
"IT IS A COVERT CRIME AND UNLESS ONE OF THE PARTIES TO THE BRIBERY DECIDES TO GO TO THE POLICE OR THERE IS DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IT IS EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT TO GET SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVE' AN OFFENCE."
MR WOOD ADDED: "HONG KONG DOES NOT SUFFER FROM AS MUCH CORRUPTION AS A FEW YEARS AGO DUE TO A STEELY DETERMINATION TO: ELIMINATE IT BY A MIXTURE OF EXHORTATION, EDUCATION AND AN INDEPENDENT, COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) WHICH HAS HAD MUCH SUCCESS IN IT! INVESTIGATIONS.
"BUT BECAUSE CORRUPTION IS A COVERT CRIME IT IS VERY DIFFICUL' TO INVESTIGATE BY TRADITIONAL POLICE METHODS EXERCISING TRADITIONA POLICE POWERS.
"FOR THIS REASON THE ICAC HAS BEEN GIVEN VERY SUBSTANTIA; POWERS OF INVESTIGATION, WELL BEYOND THOSE GIVEN TO THE POLICE.
"IT SEEMS TO ME," HE SAID, "IN THESE DAYS OF ECONOMK SOPHISTICATION IT IS NECESSARY THAT POWERS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO LA'. ENFORCEMENT BODIES, AT LEAST TO ENABLE INFORMATION TO BE GATHERED EVEN IF THE ANSWERS ARE NOT ADMISSIBLE IN EVIDENCE."
HE POINTED OUT THAT PERHAPS THE MOST NOTABLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION RECENTLY PASSED IN HONG KONG WAS THE BILL OF RIGHT! ORDINANCE, EFFECTIVE FROM JUNE 8, 1991.
ITS ADVENT HAD MEANT THAT FOUR MEMBERS OF HIS DIVISION AND HF SPENT MUCH OF THEIR TIME WRESTLING WITH ITS PROVISIONS AND THE EFFECr OF THOSE PROVISIONS BECAUSE THE ORDINANCE MADE IT CLEAR THAT AN’ STATUTORY PROVISION WHICH WAS INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHT! HAD TO BE TREATED AS REPEALED AND SUCH REPEAL COULD BE DECLARED Bv ANY COURT.
/"ONE OF .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
"ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING ASPECTS OF THIS WORK, ALTHOUGH IT ENTAILS A MOUNTAIN OF READING, IS TO COMPARE THE CASE IN CANADA UNDER CHARTER OF RIGHTS, THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE UNDER THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND DISTILL THF LEARNING IN ORDER TO ARGUE POINTS BEFORE HONG KONG COURTS.
"THERE IS NO DOUBT OUR JUDGES ARE GREATLY ASSISTED BY CASES IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS."
ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, HE SAID THE TERRITORY WAS ONLY ONE PART OF THE ORIENTAL WORLD THAT WAS INCREASING ITS PROSPERITY BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS WITH SINGAPORE, TAIWAN, THAILAND AND MALAYSIA PROGRESSING AT A GREAT PACE.
"IN SPITE OF THE INTENSE COMPETITION HONG KONG IS UP WITH THEM ALL AND THE SHADOW OF 1997 HAS NOT HAD MUCH OF AN EFFECT UPON HONG KONG’S TRADE AND ITS COMMITMENT TO NEW DEVELOPMENT.
"IT STILL EXUDES SUCCESS, ITS PROSPERITY IS OBVIOUS AND I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS WILL CHANGE," MR WOOD SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CRITICAL TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY IS ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA.
"HONG KONG IS OF VAST IMPORTANCE TO CHINA AS MANY OF ITS EXPORTS PASS THROUGH THE TERRITORY ON THEIR WAY OVERSEAS.
"IN ADDITION, THERE IS INCREASING INTEGRATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA’S SOUTHERN PROVINCES, PARTICULARLY OUR ADJOINING NEIGHBOUR GUANGDONG," HE SAID.
------0-------
HONG KONG TO ATTEND PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION MEETING ♦ * » * ♦
A HONG KONG DELEGATION COMPRISING BUSINESS LEADERS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND ACADEMICS WILL ATTEND THE NINTH GENERAL MEETING OF THE PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION COUNCIL (PECC IX) TO BE HELD THIS WEEK IN SAN FRANCISCO.
HEADING THE 14-MEMBER DELEGATION WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (HKCPEC) AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LAM SOON HONG KONG GROUP, DR RAYMOND CH’IEN.
HE WILL BE ATTENDING A STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE PECC TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO PECC IX, WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 23 TO 25.
"THIS IS THE SECOND PECC GENERAL MEETING ATTENDED BY HONG KONG," DR CH’IEN SAID.
/THE THEME .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
THE THEME OF THE MEETING IS "OPEN REGIONALISM - A PACIFIC MODEL FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION", HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE PLAYING AN ACTIVE PART IN THE MEETING, PROVIDING SPEAKERS AND DISCUSSANTS FOR VARIOUS SESSIONS.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO PECC IX COMPRISES BOTH HKCPEC MEMBERS AS WELL AS OBSERVERS.
APART FROM DR CH’IEN, PARTICIPANTS FROM THE BUSINESS SECTOR INCLUDE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE PROVISIONAL HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE CO. LTD, DR WINSTON LIANG; MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MILO’S MANUFACTURING CO. LTD, MR WILLY LIN; MANAGER (BUSINESS PLANNING) OF HONG KONG TELECOM, DR WILLIAM LO, AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SPENCER STUART & ASSOCIATES, MR MARTIN TANG.
PARTICIPANTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT SECTOR ARE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF HKCPEC, MISS DENISE YUE; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE AND SECRETARY-GENERAL OF HKCPEC, MR JOHN C TSANG; DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR PETER JOHNSON; GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR K Y TANG AND PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, MISS JOANNA CHOI.
PARTICIPANTS FROM THE ACADEMIC SECTOR ARE DEAN OF FACULTY OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, DR JOSEPH Y S CHENG; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR PACIFIC BASIN STUDIES, DOMINICAN COLLEGE IN CALIFORNIA, DR FRANCES LAI; CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR LIU PAK-WA1 AND DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ASIA-PACIFIC STUDIES, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR YEUNG YUE-MAN.
HKCPEC WAS SET UP ON MARCH 19, 1990 TO ADVISE ON MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE PECC AND TO CO-ORDINATE HONG KONG’S INPUT TO THE COUNCIL.
IT COMPRISES PROMINENT PERSONS FROM BUSINESS AND ACADEMIC SECTORS AND FROM THE GOVERNMENT, ALL PARTICIPATING IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITY.
PECC IS A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION SET UP IN 1980 TO DEVELOP CLOSE COOPERATION IN TRADE AND ECONOMIC POLICY ISSUES IN THE PACIFIC REGION. HONG KONG WAS ADMITTED INTO THE PECC IN MAY 1991.
PECC COMPRISES 20 MEMBER COMMITTEES REPRESENTING THE ECONOMIES OF AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, CHILE, CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, PERU, THE PHILIPPINES, RUSSIA, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND, THE UNITED STATES AND THE PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS, AND TWO INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS, THE PACIFIC BASIN ECONOMIC COUNCIL AND THE PACIFIC TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE.
--------0 - -
/5........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
5
PLASTICS INDUSTRY TAKES ON KEY ROLE
*****
THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IS PLAYING AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN HONG KONG AS THE TERRITORY’S INDUSTRIES BECOME MORE COMPLEX AND MORE INTRICATELY LINKED BOTH WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH INDUSTRIES ACROSS THE BORDER.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW PREMISES OF THE HONG KONG PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION LTD IN WAN CHAI.
HE SAID QUITE APART FROM BEING AN INDUSTRY IN ITS OWN RIGHT --PRODUCING TOYS, HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND UTENSILS, AND OTHER ITEMS -- THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WAS A VITAL ANCILLARY TO HONG KONG’S OTHER INDUSTRIES, WHICH GAINED MUCH OF THEIR COMPETITIVENESS FROM HAVING A FAST, RESPONSIVE AND FLEXIBLE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WITHIN HONG KONG.
"MOST OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RELY ON PLASTIC IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER: THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, FOR EXAMPLE, USES IT FOR CASINGS AND COMPONENTS; THE FOOD, BEVERAGE AND CHEMICALS INDUSTRIES USE IT FOR BOTTLES AND CONTAINERS; AND PRACTICALLY ALL INDUSTRIES USE IT FOR PACKAGING IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY AND ITS ABILITY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OTHER INDUSTRIES HAD IMPROVED DRAMATICALLY WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES, SUCH AS COMPUTER-ASSISTED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING, AND NEW MOULDING TECHNIQUES.
"THESE FACILITIES, COMBINED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING, QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION IN DESIGN, HAVE ENABLED THE INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE ITS VALUE ADDED AND PRODUCTIVITY," HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID THE CONSIDERABLE EXPERTISE IN PLASTICS THAT HAD ACCUMULATED WITHIN HONG KONG HAD MADE THE TERRITORY A CENTRE FOR THE LINKAGE INDUSTRIES NECESSARY TO THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
"HONG KONG IS NOW AN IMPORTANT BASE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MOULDS AND MACHINERY FOR THE REGION.
"INCREASINGLY, IT IS ATTRACTING MAJOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS IN TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND IN THE PRODUCTION OF RAW MATERIALS FOR THE INDUSTRY.
"COMPANIES ARE WELL PLACED TO BE ABLE TO BUILD ON THESE STRENGTHS THROUGH THEIR OWN EFFORTS, AND WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF SERVICES SUCH AS THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND THE FUTURE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND APPLIED R & D SCHEME," HE SAID.
------0--------
/6.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
- 6
COMMITTEE CONSIDERS LEGISLATIVE
* » * * *
CONTROL ON CHILD MINDERS
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE DISCUSSED AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY) A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A BILL TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN PERSONS FROM ACTING AS CHILD MINDERS IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF PLACING YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER THE CARE OF UNSUITABLE PERSONS.
UNSUITABLE PERSONS ARE THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF SUCH OFFENCES AS ILL-TREATING A CHILD AND INDECENT ASSAULT ON AND UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH A GIRL.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO INFORM THE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS WHO HAVE APPLIED TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER A PROSPECTIVE CHILD MINDER IS A PROHIBITED PERSON, SUBJECT TO THE CHILD MINDER’S CONSENT.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON DATA AND STATISTICS RELATED TO THE PROJECTION ON THE EMPLOYMENT POSITION OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATES THIS YEAR.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT MOST SOCIAL WORK GRADUATES SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIND EMPLOYMENT BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WERE 74 VACANCIES IN THE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AS REPORTED BY THE AGENCIES AND 75 NEW POSTS FOR WHICH MONEY HAD ALREADY BEEN EARMARKED.
THE ESTIMATED WASTAGE OF 165 WAS BASED ON LAST YEAR’S RATES - ABOUT 60 IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND 105 IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
ON THE SUPPLY SIDE, THERE WERE 260 GRADUATES FROM FULL-TIME DEGREE COURSES THIS SUMMER AND 164 FROM PART-TIME COURSES.
"SINCE MOST GRADUATES IN THE LATTER GROUP ARE ALREADY IN EMPLOYMENT IN SOCIAL WORK FIELD, THEIR NEED FOR JOBS IS NOT AS PRESSING AS FRESH GRADUATES FROM FULL-TIME COURSES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR A TOTAL OF ABOUT 310 SOCIAL WORK GRADUATES TO MEET THE DEMAND ARISING FROM NEW SERVICES AND TO REPLACE WASTAGE OF STAFF DURING THE YEAR 1992-93.
"THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ITSELF WILL NEED ABOUT 100 ADDITIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE SOCIAL WORK GRADE DURING THE YEAR 1992-93. AS AT EARLY SEPTEMBER 1992, THE DEPARTMENT HAS OFFERED APPOINTMENTS TO 58 DEGREE GRADUATES, 35 OF THEM HAVE NOW ASSUMED DUTY," HE NOTED,
"MORE DETAILED STATISTICS AND PROJECTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK MANPOWER FOR THE FUTURE YEARS WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE MANPOWER PLANNING SYSTEM NO. 5 REPORT IN OCTOBER," HE ADDED.
------0------------
/7........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
7
CONTRACT FOR CHINA WATER ELECTRIC WORKS SIGNED
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED A $29 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL FACILITIES FOR MUK WU ‘C’ PUMPING STATION IN TA KWU LING AND AU TAU ’B’ PUMPING STATION IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
MUK WU 'C' PUMPING STATION IS BEING CONSTRUCTED NEAR THE BORDER FOR RECEIVING AND DISTRIBUTING ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
AU TAU ’B’ PUMPING STATION WILL BE BUILT FOR TRANSFERRING WATER TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND.
THE NEW INSTALLATIONS ARE PART OF A $2.1 BILLION PROJECT TO EXPAND THE FACILITIES FOR TRANSFERRING CHINA WATER.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, POWER TRANSFORMERS, HIGH-VOLTAGE MOTOR STARTERS, LOW-VOLTAGE SWITCHBOARDS, CONTROL CONSOLES, INSTRUMENTATION EQUIPMENT, STATION AUXILIARIES AND CABLING WILL BE SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED AT THE TWO STATIONS.
WHEN THE WORKS ARE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1994, THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR RECEIVING WATER FROM CHINA WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES TO 1,100 MILLION CUBIC METRES A YEAR.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES/CHINA WATER, MR KO CHAN-GOCK, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF ASEA BROWN BOVERI LTD.
- - 0 - -
REPORT ON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES RELEASED *****
HONG KONG NOW HAS A SLIMMER YET MUCH FITTER INDUSTRIAL SECTOR CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGHER-VALUE PRODUCTS THAN IT DID IN THE PAST, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR T H BARMA, SAID.
MR BARMA WAS COMMENTING ON THE LATEST EDITION OF THE "HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES" REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT LAST YEAR, COMPARED TO A GROWTH RATE OF ONE PER CENT IN 1990.
THIS WAS DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DROPPED FROM 49,087 IN 1990 TO 46,276 IN 1991 .
THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ALSO DECREASED FROM 730,217 IN 1990 TO 654,662 IN 1991.
/MR BARMA
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
8
MI? BARNA SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAD REGISTERED AN INCREASE IN 1991 DESPITE A FALL IN THE NUMBERS OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AND THE PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE SAME PERIOD.
"AUTOMATION, BETTER ORGANISATION, INTEGRATION WITH MANUFACTURING IN SOUTHERN CHINA TO SAVE ON LABOUR AND LAND INTENSIVE PROCESSES - ALL THESE HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE RISE IN PRODUCTIVITY,” HE SAID.
HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES MAINLY CONSIST OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FACTORIES. THE AVERAGE SIZE OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS DROPPED FROM 18 PERSONS IN 1985 TO 14 PERSONS IN 1991.
OF THE 46,276 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN 1991, 39,868 ESTABLISHMENTS (86.2 PER CENT) EMPLOYED FEWER THAN 20 PERSONS, AND 43,886 (94.8 PER CENT) OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS EMPLOYED FEWER THAN 50 PERSONS.
ALTHOUGH MAKING UP THE VAST MAJORITY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, FACTORIES WITH FEWER THAN 50 PERSONS ONLY EMPLOYED 324,673 PERSONS IN TOTAL (49.6 PER CENT OF TOTAL MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT) IN 1991.
MORE THAN HALF OF HONG KONG'S TOTAL MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT (329,989 PERSONS, 50.4 PER CENT) WAS CONCENTRATED IN 2,390 LARGER ESTABLISHMENTS (5.2 PER CENT).
MR BARMA SAID MANY SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED OPERATIONS WERE CLOSELY LINKED WITH THE BIGGER FACTORIES THROUGH AN EFFICIENT NETWORK OF SUBCONTRACTING PROCESSING ARRANGEMENTS, PROVIDING HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR WITH A FLEXIBILITY WHICH ENABLED IT TO RESPOND SWIFTLY TO CHANGES IN EXTERNAL DEMANDS.
THE PUBLICATION ALSO CONTAINED THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT BETWEEN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT TO 2,850 SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS IN 14 SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. A TOTAL OF 1,589 VALID RETURNS WERE RECEIVED.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE FAVOURABILITY OF 12 GIVEN INVESTMENT FACTORS, MORE THAN HALF OF THE 1,589 RESPONDENTS CONSIDERED FIVE OF THE FACTORS TO BE FAVOURABLE.
THEY WERE HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE (74.6 PER CENT), BANKING AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES (72.5 PER CENT), REGIONAL LOCATION (56.3 PER CENT), LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY (55.1 PER CENT) AND AVAILABILITY OF PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SKILL (51 PER CENT).
THE UNFAVOURABLE FACTORS WERE LABOUR COST (55.4 PER CENT), COST OF OFFICE AND FACTORY SPACES (43.4 PER CENT) AND POLITICAL FUTURE (35.9 PER CENT).
--------0 - _
/9.........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
- 9
THREE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION ******
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF THREE NOMINATIONS FOR THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TAI HING CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION ON OCTOBER 11.
NO NOMINATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY (MONDAY) - THE LAST DAY OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD.
THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF THE THREE CANDIDATES ARE AS FOLLOWS :
NAME SEX AGE OCCUPATION CONTACT TEL. NO.
— — — — — _ _ _ —————————— —
HO HANG MUI F 35 TEACHER 463 0399
LAM TAK LEUNG M 39 COMPANY EXECUTIVE 462 3865
SO LAI WAH F 29 ASSISTANT STUDENT AMENITIES OFFICER 694 8525 766 5413
--------0-----------
MAIN TABLES ON POPULATION CENSUS PUBLISHED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A REPORT ON THE MAIN FINDINGS OF LAST YEAR’S POPULATION CENSUS IN THE FORM OF 108 STATISTICAL TABLES.
THE REPORT "HONG KONG 1991 POPULATION CENSUS: MAIN TABLES”, IN BILINGUAL FORM, IS NOW ON SALE AT $76 A COPY.
IT PRESENTS THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE 1991 POPULATION CENSUS IN THE FORM OF DETAILED CROSS-TABULATIONS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION, HOUSEHOLDS AND LIVING QUARTERS IN THE TERRITORY.
COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
IN ORDER TO MAKE AVAILABLE THE STATISTICS TO THE PUBLIC AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ISSUING VARIOUS REPORTS IN STAGES.
/THE SIMPLER .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
THE SIMPLER, SUMMARISED DATA WAS DISSEMINATED IN THE "SUMMARY RESULTS" AND SEVERAL OTHER PUBLICATIONS IN OCTOBER 1991. THE PUBLICATION "BASIC TABLES" CONTAINING DETAILED INFORMATION WAS RELEASED IN MAY 1992.
IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE CENSUS RESULTS WILL
BE AVAILABLE IN THE "MAIN REPORT" TO BE RELEASED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
NO MAIL SERVICE ON OCTOBER 5
* t » *
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MRS DORIS HO, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON OCTOBER 5 - THE DAY : FOLLOWING CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED THAT DAY.
- - 0 - -
AIRPORT PROJECTS RESOURCE CENTRE ON THE MOVE
*****
THE AIRPORT AND PORT PROJECTS RESOURCE CENTRE, WHICH CONTAINS REFERENCE MATERIAL ON MATTERS RELATED TO AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT, TODAY (MONDAY) MOVED INTO A NEW OFFICE IN ROOM 103, FIRST FLOOR, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL.
THE RESOURCE CENTRE, OPERATED BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, HAS MORE THAN 720 TECHNICAL PAPERS AND REPORTS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND ASSOCIATED CORE PROJECTS, AS WELL AS OTHER READING MATERIALS.
THE CENTRE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS. IT IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THERE IS ALSO A PHOTOCOPYING MACHINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE COPIES OF SOME OF THE REFERENCE MATERIAL, AT A BASIC FEE.
OWING TO THE LIMITED CAPACITY OF THE RESOURCE CENTRE, VISITORS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN GROUPS, ARE ADVISED TO MAKE BOOKINGS IN ADVANCE BY TELEPHONING 877 3829.
- - 0 - -
/Il
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
- 11 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 85.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 502.750 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 266.786 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 45.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
WATER CUT IN WONG TAI SIN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL GO OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 23) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK ON WATER MAINS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES AT CHOI HUNG ROAD, SHATIN PASS ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, SHEUNG TAK STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND TAI SHING STREET.
RESIDENTS OF LUNG FAI HOUSE, LUNG CHACK HOUSE, LUNG SHUN HOUSE, LUNG WAH HOUSE, LUNG HONG HOUSE, LUNG WING HOUSE, LUNG FUNG HOUSE AND LUNG TAT HOUSE OF LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, AS WELL AS THOSE OF TAK MING HOUSE AND KAI MING HOUSE OF KAI TAK ESTATE WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED BY THE WATER CUT.
------0--------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,480
REVERSAL OF LAF +20
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -130
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,370
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 110.8 *-0.1» 21.9.92
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
12
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.19 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.36 3.29
1 MONTH 2.90 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.79 3.48
3 MONTHS 2.61 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.84 3.75
6 MONTHS 2.70 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.93 3.90
12 MONTHS 3.13 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 13,118 MN CLOSED 21 SEPTEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO AIRPORT PROPOSALS IN GOOD FAITH ................ 1
NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO DISCARD CONSTRUCTION WASTES ....................... 2
CONVENTIONAL ECONOMICS A CAUSE OF WATER POLLUTION ..................... 3
MARICULTURISTS URGED TO COMPLY WITH LICENSING CONDITIONS .............. 4
CRITERIA ENDORSED FOR REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER RECOMMENDATIONS ... 5
PROPERTY TAX ENQUIRY FEE REVISED ...................................... 6
VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS UP FOR AUCTION ............................. 7
237 VIETNAMESE GO HOME ................................................ 8
UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED ................................... 8
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ..................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
1
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO AIRPORT PROPOSALS IN GOOD FAITH *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RESPONDED TO CHINESE PROPOSALS ON THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT WITH THE BEST OF INTENTIONS AND IN GOOD FAITH.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HAD BEEN A LITTLE SURPRISED BY THE REACTION ON THE AIRPORT PROJECT OF ONE OR TWO NEWSPAPERS THAT CUSTOMARILY SEEMED TO REFLECT THE VIEWS OF PEKING.
"AND I HAVE BEEN SURPRISED BY THE REPORTED REMARKS OF ANOTHER CHINESE SENIOR SOURCE TODAY, BECAUSE ALL THAT SUGGESTS TO ME THAT SOME ONE IS PERHAPS TUNING ON THE WRONG WAVELENGTH," HE SAID.
"WE’VE PUT FORWARD THESE PROPOSALS IN GOOD FAITH. WHAT THESE PROPOSALS ATTEMPTED TO DO IS WHAT WE UNDERSTOOD THE CHINESE SIDE WANTED. THAT IS TO INCREASE THE EQUITY IN THE PROJECT AND TO DO SO BY USING THE RESOURCES FROM LAND WHICH ARE PRODUCED BY THE PROJECT,” MR PATTEN SAID.
"WE ALL WANT A COST-EFFECTIVE SERIES OF PROJECTS, JUST AS WE WANTED A COST-EFFECTIVE TUNNEL ACROSS THE HARBOUR, JUST AS WE WANTED COST-EFFECTIVE PROJECTS ELSEWHERE IN HONG KONG, AND SO FAR, WE’VE BEEN SHOWING COST EFFECTIVENESS AT EVERY TURN ON THIS PROJECT.
"WHAT WE DON’T WANT IS A SECOND-HAND AIRPORT. WHAT WE DON’T WANT IS A SECOND-CLASS AIRPORT. WHAT WE WANT IS AN AIRPORT WHICH ENABLES US TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST IN ASIA. WE WANT AN AIRPORT WHICH HAS GOOD ROAD AND RAILWAY.
"SO WE WILL GO ON PRESSING FOR AS GOOD AN AIRPORT AS POSSIBLE, AS COST EFFECTIVE AN AIRPORT AS POSSIBLE. AND WE’LL POINT OUT THAT OUR NEW PROPOSALS REDUCE THE TOTAL COST OF THE AIRPORT BY ABOUT $10 BILLION. NOBODY DISPUTES THAT," HE SAID.
"OUR PROPOSALS ENSURE THAT WE CAN BOTH HAVE THE AIRPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED PROJECTS AND COMMIT THE RESOURCES THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANT TO OUR EDUCATION AND OUR SOCIAL SERVICES," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"WE’RE NOT TAKING MONEY AWAY FROM OTHER PROJECTS IN ORDER TO FUND THE AIRPORT."
THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WOULD NOT BE FAIR FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO MAKE ALL THE SACRIFICES IN TERMS OF REDUCED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES BEFORE 1997 AND THEN TO HAVE ALL THE GAINS MADE AFTER 1997.
"AND IT’S WHY I’M SURE THAT A CHINESE OFFICIAL IS RIGHT TO SAY THE OTHER DAY, THAT IT’S WHOLLY REASONABLE FOR THE LAND FUND TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION IF THE HONG KONG TAXPAYER TODAY IS MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROJECTS THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT," HE SAID.
/"I DON'T .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
2
"I DON’T THINK THAT IT’S FAIR TO EXPECT THE HONG KONG TAXPAYER TO MAKE ALL THE CONTRIBUTION TODAY WHILE ALL THE GAIN IS MADE BY THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION TOMORROW.
"IT WILL RECEIVE ENORMOUS RESOURCES IN THE EXCHANGE FUND. IT WILL RECEIVE ENORMOUS RESOURCES IN THE LAND FUND. IT WILL HAVE A PUBLIC ACCOUNT WHICH ARE IN SURPLUS.
"THAT IS A TRIBUTE TO THE ENERGY AND THE DEDICATION AND THE HARD WORK OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THEY COULDN’T GO OUT THERE AND TELL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT WE HAD TO CUT THEIR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS IN ORDER THAT ALL THE GAINS FROM THIS PROJECT SHOULD ACCRUE TO THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER THAT.
"THAT WOULDN’T BE FAIR TO PEOPLE. I DON’T THINK THAT ANYBODY COULD SERIOUSLY PUT IT FORWARD AS A PROPOSITION," MR PATTEN SAID.
- - 0 - -
NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO DISCARD CONSTRUCTION WASTES
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD), IN CONJUNCTION WITH CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, WILL INTRODUCE NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION WASTES DISPOSAL SO AS TO PRESERVE SCARCE AND VALUABLE LANDFILL CAPACITY.
WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, CONSTRUCTION WASTES CONTAINING MORE THAN 20 PER CENT INERT MATERIALS BY VOLUME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND SHUEN WAN LANDFILLS.
CONSTRUCTION WASTES COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN THE PUBLIC DUMPING LICENCE CAN BE DISPOSED OF AT PUBLIC DUMPS.
THE PILLAR POINT VALLEY LANDFILL WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT CONSTRUCTION WASTES OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR EPD SAID PRODUCERS OF CONSTRUCTION WASTES WERE ENCOURAGED TO SORT THEIR WASTES AT SOURCE SO THAT IT COULD BE DISPOSED OF CONVENIENTLY.
AS REQUESTED BY THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION, THE GOVERNMENT AGREED THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE RELAXED FOR A GRACE PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FOR ONE CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION WASTES.
MIXED SITE CLEARANCE WASTES, WHICH CONTAIN CEMENT PLASTER OR MORTAR MIXED WITH WOOD, PAPER, METAL, PLASTIC, BAMBOO AND INERT MATERIALS, WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR DISPOSAL AT TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND SHUEN WAN LANDFILLS FOR A PERIOD UP TO DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR IRRESPECTIVE OF THE LEVEL OF INERT MATERIALS.
/PRODUCERS OF
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
- 3 -
PRODUCERS OF THIS CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION WASTES SHOULD TRAIN THEIR STAFF TO SORT THE WASTES AT SOURCE SO THAT IT CAN BE DISPOSED OF AT LANDFILLS OR PUBLIC DUMPS AFTER DECEMBER 31.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE LANDFILL, LORRY DRIVERS SHOULD REMOVE ANY COVER TO THE CONSTRUCTION WASTES TO FACILITATE INSPECTION BY THE LANDFILL OPERATOR.
LORRIES FOUND TO BE CONCEALING LARGE AMOUNTS OF INERT MATERIALS BY OTHER WASTES WILL BE WARNED ON THE FIRST OCCASION, REPEATED OCCURRENCES WILL LEAD TO THEM BEING PERMANENTLY REFUSED ENTRY TO BOTH TSUENG KWAN 0 AND SHUEN WAN LANDFILLS.
LORRY OWNERS WOULD ALSO RISK PROSECUTION IF THE LOADS ARE DISPOSED OF AT LANDFILLS WITHOUT PERMISSION.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE LONG TERM AND WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY WHEN THE THREE NEW STRATEGIC LANDFILLS ARE AVAILABLE.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT DETAILS OF THE NEW DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE OF THE EPD ON 835 1212.
- - 0 - -
CONVENTIONAL ECONOMICS A CAUSE OF WATER POLLUTION
******
CONVENTIONAL ECONOMICS, WHICH REGARDS ECONOMIC CAPITAL SUCH AS FRESH AIR AND CLEAN WATER AS FREE GOODS, IS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS WHY THE WORLD IS FACED WITH A GENERAL DETERIORATION IN THE QUALITY OF RIVERS AND SEAS, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS ADDRESSING A GROUP OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYDRAULIC EXPERTS AT THE OPENING OF THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HYDRAULIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING OF COASTAL, ESTUARINE AND RIVER WATERS HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD IN THE UK.
DR REED SAID DESPITE THE AVAILABILITY OF SATISFACTORY TECHNIQUES AND ADEQUATE TECHNOLOGY FOR DEALING WITH WASTEWATERS, THE WATER QUALITY AROUND ALMOST ALL AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT POPULATION IN THE WORLD WAS DETERIORATING.
’’THE COST TO THE ENVIRONMENT IS NOT FULLY REFLECTED IN THE PRICE OF PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET. RATHER, THE COST IS BORNE BY EVERYONE THROUGH GENERAL TAXATION, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE NATURE OR LEVEL OF THEIR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION," HE POINTED OUT.
’’IN MANY CASES THIS GENERAL CHARGE WILL, UNFORTUNATELY, FALL ON FUTURE GENERATIONS."
/DR REED .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
DR REED ALSO CITED THE LACK OF CLEARLY DEFINED POLICY AND EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT, AND THE LOW PRIORITY ACCORDED BY COMMUNITIES TO ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AS OTHER MAJOR REASONS FOR THE FALLING WATER QUALITY WORLDWIDE.
"IT IS OFTEN REFLECTED IN THE POLITICS OF THE DAY AND THE NATURAL SYMPATHIES OF THOSE IN POSITIONS OF INFLUENCE AND POWER,” HE SAID.
"IN THE PAST THREE OR FOUR YEARS, ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN HONG KONG HAS NOTABLY IMPROVED, PARTLY DUE TO THE INEVITABLE EFFECT OF THE WORLD TREND TO STRIVE FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT, AND PARTLY DUE TO THE SUCCESS OF AN AWARENESS COMPA I GN WHICH MADE THE COMMUNITY WAKE UP TO THE EXTENT OF THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS WE FACE," DR REED SAID.
IN HIS KEYNOTE SPEECH AT THE CONFERENCE, DR REED SAID THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL STRATEGY BEING ADOPTED IN HONG KONG WAS "THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY ROBUST OPTION AND THE LOWEST COST OPTION."
IT INVOLVES A SERIES OF DEEP TUNNELS CONNECTING THE VARIOUS NODES IN THE EXISTING SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
WITH ITS FIRM COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENTING THE SEWAGE DISPOSAL STRATEGY, AND ITS READINESS TO DRAW ON INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE AND WELL ESTABLISHED TECHNOLOGY, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES OF WATER IN A SUSTAINABLE FASHION, DR REED SAID.
"WE CANNOT IGNORE THE FACT THAT WATER IS VITAL TO OUR ABILITY TO LIVE, AND HENCE AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF HUMAN EXISTENCE," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
MARICULTURISTS URGED TO COMPLY WITH LICENSING CONDITIONS
******
MARICULTURISTS WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED TO COMPLY WITH LICENSING CONDITIONS UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE AND TO RECTIFY ANY ILLEGAL OR OVERSIZED STRUCTURES ON THEIR LICENSED RAFT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE ERECTION OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON RAFTS, IN SOME CASES AMOUNTING TO FAMILY HOMES, WILL LEAD TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND IS A CAUSE OF COMPLAINT."
"THESE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WILL OFTEN RESULT IN THE DISCHARGE OF FAECAL WASTES FROM MAN AND ANIMALS AS WELL AS THE GENERATION OF HOUSEHOLD REFUSE FOR WHICH ADEQUATE DISPOSAL FACILITIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE.
"IN ADDITION, IT WILL CREATE SEVERE VISUAL IMPACT WHEN SUCH STRUCTURES ARE CLUSTERED TOGETHER."
/THE SPOKESMAN
5
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALL MARICULTURISTS OPERATING IN THE FISH CULTURE ZONES HAD BEEN INFORMED THAT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WOULD TIGHTEN ITS LICENSING CONTROL OVER THE TERRITORY’S MARICULTURE OPERATIONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
’’STARTING FROM OCTOBER 1 , LICENCES WILL BE RENEWED ONLY IF ALL LICENCE SPECIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS ARE COMPLIED WITH," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE PROBLEM OF SETTING UP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON RAFTS MAINLY OCCURRED IN SHAM WAN NEAR CHEK KEMG HAU, SAI KUNG AND IN YIM TIN TSAI.
HOWEVER, HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SOME MARICULTURISTS HAD ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION AFTER THEY WERE INFORMED OF THE NEW MEASURE TO BE TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT.
HE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL ON THE MARICULTURISTS WHO HAD NOT DONE SO TO TAKE APPROPRIATE AND URGENT ACTIONS TO RECTIFY ANY BREACH OF THE LICENSING CONDITIONS, TN PARTICULAR THE NUMBER, DIMENSIONS AND USAGE OF STRUCTURES ON THEIR LICENSED RAFT AND THE SIZE OF THE RAFT.
"FOR ANY CONTRAVENTION OF THE LICENCE IDENTIFIED, WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN AND A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME WILL BE ALLOWED FOR RECTIFICATION."
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT NO LICENCE WOULD BE RENEWED UNLESS ALL LICENCE SPECIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS WERE MET.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT IN THE PAST, CANCELLATION OR NON-RENEWAL OF LICENCES WOULD BE CONSIDERED ONLY AFTER TWO OR THREE SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS.
HOWEVER, THIS PRACTICE HAD BEEN USED BY SOME MARICULTURISTS AS AN EXCUSE FOR CONTINUING THE OFFENCE ON THE MISCONCEPTION THAT IT WAS TOLERATED BY THE LICENSING AUTHORITY.
"IMMEDIATE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS ARE THEREFORE CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
CRITERIA ENDORSED FOR REHABILITATION
GREEN PAPER RECOMMENDATIONS
*****
THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (RDCC) ENDORSED A SET OF CRITERIA IN SETTING PRIORITIES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE GREEN PAPER. ON REHABILITATION AT ITS MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RDCC, DR RAYMOND WU, SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE PRIORITIES FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS WITHOUT A SET OF OBJECTIVE CRITERIA FOR RATING THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE AND URGENCY OF EACH RECOMMENDATION.
/THE CRITERIA .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
6
THE CRITERIA ARE THE EXTENT OE SHORTFALL, DEGREE OF HARDSHIP AND DANGER THAT INDIVIDUALS OR THE COMMUNITY WOULD SUFFER IN CASE OF LACK OF SERVICES.
OTHER FACTORS IN DETERMINING THE PRIORITIES ARE:
(A) PREVENTION - SERVICES THAT PREVENT DISABILITY OR FURTHER DETERIORATION OF DISABLED PERSONS SHOULD RE ACCORDED PRIORITY;
(B) VALUE FOR MONEY - WHEN COMPARING SIMILAR SERVICES, THOSE WITH GREATER COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND COST-BENEFIT SHOULD BE ACCORDED PRIORITY;
(C) QUALITY OF LIFE - SERVICES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF DISABLED PERSONS TO A LEVEL COMPARABLE TO AN AVERAGE CITIZEN SHOULD BE ACCORDED PRIORITY; AND
(D) COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES - SERVICES THAT PROMOTE
COMMUNITY-RASED REHABILITATION SHOULD BE ACCORDED
PRIORITY.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE SPENDING ON REHABILITATION SERVICE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
---------0-----------
PROPERTY TAX ENQUIRY FEE REVISED t * * *
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY? THAT THE FEE FOE ANSWERING WRITTEA' ENQUIRIES ABOUT ANY OUTSTANDING AMOUNTS OF PROPERTY TAX WOULD BE REVISED FROM OCTOBER 1.
THE NEW FEE WILL BE INCREASED BY $135 TO $235 PER ENQUIRY PER PROPERTY.
THE REVISION WAS MADE FOLLOWING A RECENT REVIEW IN THE LIGHT OF RISING COSTS.
--------0-----------
/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS UP FOR AUCTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS THIS SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 26) AT 10 AM AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
EY7133 EY3329 EY388 EY738
EX380 ♦ FC10 ♦ 2647 XX83 3
EY149 EY328 EY3220 EY366
♦DW700 EJ189 CL831 ♦ FC73
EY9778 *8368 ♦ DM88 EY978
AA138G EY3380 EY845 EX108
EY7821 EY610 EY923 EY3268
*548 ♦ FC11 ♦ 304 ♦AD929
EY993 EY321 EY668 EY1128
EY448 EY968 EY221 EY2823
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT 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, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL HAVE BEEN THE 180TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
--------0-----------
/8 ........
I •
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
237 VIETNAMESE GO HOME *****
A GROUP OF 237 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 68 MEN, 79 WOMEN, 43 BOYS AND 47 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 124TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 8,541 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 22,420 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF 9-15 TUNG ON STREET IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 22 WAS POSTED ON THE AFFECTED PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WORKS WILL START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
- 9 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 22 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q239
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,730 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.61 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.61 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 94 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.69 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 28 SEPTEMBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 29 SEPT 92 29 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q240 H274
ISSUE DATE 30 SEPT 92 30 SEPT 92
MATURITY DATE 30 DEC 92 31 MAR 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160 MN HKD 300+60 MN
--------0------------
/10 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
10
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
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
$ MILLION
1 , 370
+ 130
1,500
NIL
NIL
1,500
TWI 110.7 *-0.1» 22.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 3.20 PCT 14 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.86 PCT 17 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.59 PCT 20 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 2.70 PCT 23 MONTHS
12 MONTHS 3.13 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 22 SEPTEMBER 1992
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
2311 6.25 103.34 3.29
2402 5.50 102.79 3.47
2405 5.50 102.82 3.76
2408 4.375 100.92 3.91
4,440MN
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
24TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP .................... 1
GOVERNOR INTRODUCES LEGCO QUESTION TIME ................................. 2
IMPORTANT FOR PUBLIC TO ASK GOVERNOR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY ................. 2
GOVERNOR POSTPONES PEKING VISIT ......................................... 3
GOVERNOR VISITS ISLANDS DISTRICT ........................................ 4
SYMPATHY FOR FAMILIES OF CONTAINER SHIP CREWMEN ......................... 4
SURVEY ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL ............................. 5
TUEN MUN SITE TO LET..................................................... 6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 6
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
24TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ******
FOLLOWING IS THE JOINT COMMUNIQUE OF THE 24TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP:
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING IN LONDON FROM 21 TO 23 SEPTEMBER 1992.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF LANDS WHICH ARE NOW IN USE FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES IN HONG KONG.
THE GROUP DISCUSSED MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS AND REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE CONTINUED APPLICATION TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997 OF 13 INTERNATIONAL TREATIES IN THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INTERNATIONAL CRIME, TRANSPORT (ROAD AND RAIL) AND PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW; AND AGREED SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN RESPECT OF TWO OTHER TREATIES IN THE FIELD OF PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997. EXPERTS MET IN THE MARGINS OF THE MEETING TO CONSIDER CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THIS QUESTION.
THE TWO SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND MADE PROGRESS.
THE GROUP HAD AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES.
THE GROUP HAD AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES AND MADE PROGRESS.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT MAJOR FRANCHISES EXTENDING BEYOND 1997 AND MADE PROGRESS.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF THE QUESTION OF MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CERTAIN COUNTRIES AND REACHED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON A DRAFT MODEL AGREEMENT.
THE GROUP HAD A DISCUSSION OF HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND AGREED TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG IN DECEMBER 1992.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
2
GOVERNOR INTRODUCES LEGCO QUESTION TIME
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WOULD BE PROPOSING TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT HIS FIRST LEGCO "QUESTION TIME” TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 8 -THE DAY AFTER HIS LEGCO ADDRESS.
"I THINK IT ESSENTIAL THAT LEGCO MEMBERS HAVE AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY TO PUT QUESTIONS TO ME ON MY ADDRESS," HE SAID.
MR PATTEN ALSO ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR A SERIES OF PUBLIC MEETINGS IN WHICH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE INVITED TO PUT QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR ON HIS LEGCO ADDRESS.
THESE MEETINGS WILL BE OPEN TO EVERYONE AND TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE URRTIX SYSTEM FROM OCTOBER 1.
THE TICKETS WILL BE FREE AND ANYONE ATTENDING WILL BE ABLE TO PUT THEIR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNOR.
MR PATTEN SAID: "ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT MEANS EXPLAINING POLICIES AND LISTENING CAREFULLY TO THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY. I CAN THINK OF NO BETTER WAY OF DOING THIS THAN ANSWERING, FACE TO FACE, QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN LEGCO."
THE FIRST PUBLIC MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CITY HALL, CENTRAL ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM.
THE SECOND MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH TELEVISION, RADIO AND NEWSPAPER ANNOUNCEMENTS NEXT WEEK.
PRESS FACILITIES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO COVER BOTH THE LEGCO "QUESTION TIME" AND THE PUBLIC MEETINGS.
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IMPORTANT FOR PUBLIC TO ASK GOVERNOR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, NOT JUST THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES OF ASKING HIM QUESTIONS DIRECT AFTER HE DELIVERED HIS POLICY SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING ISLANDS DISTRICT, MR PATTEN SAID: "WE’RE ORGANISING AFTER MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPEECH, A SERIES OF PUBLIC MEETINGS AT WHICH ANYONE WILL BE ABLE TO COME AND ASK ME QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT I’VE SAID IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPEECH OR ABOUT OTHER MATTERS."
/"I PROPOSE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
3
"I PROPOSE AFTER THAT, PROVIDED PEOPLE THINK THOSE ARE USEFUL SESSIONS, TO HOLD FURTHER MEETINGS NOT JUST THIS AUTUMN BUT SO LONG AS I’M THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG.
"IT IS OUR INTENTION TO ENSURE THAT ANYBODY CAN COME AND ANYBODY CAN ASK A QUESTION. THE ONL\ LIMITATION WILL BE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO CAN FIT INTO THE CITY HALL OR THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AND THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT WE’LL HAVE AVAILABLE BEFORE Till NORMAL EVENING FUNCTIONS," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT HIS VISITS TO THE DISTRICTS WERE ONE ASPECT OF BEING ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
ASKED IF THIS WOULD LESSEN THE REPRESENTATION OR STATUS OF ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR PATTEN SAID: "I DON’T IN ANY WAY SEE MYSELF \S COMPETING WITH THE MANDATE WHICH ELECTED MEMBERS THEMSELVES HAVE."
"BUT GIVEN THE FACT THAT I’M APPOINTED, IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT 1 DEMONSTRATE WHENEVER I CAN, THAT I ALSO WISH TO BE ACCOUNTABLE.
"WE WANT A STRONG GOVERNMENT TN HONG KONG AND THAT GOVERNMENT WILL BE ALL THE STRONGER IF IT’S ALSO ACCOUNTABLE. ACCOUNTABILITY DOESN’T UNDERMINE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, IT MAKES REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT STRONGER."
COMMENTING ON HIS FORTHCOMING VISIT TO CHINA, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "ORIGINALLY M^ CHINESE HOSTS SUGGESTED THAT I SHOULD VISIT PEKING, AS YOU KNOW, FROM OCTOBER 12 TO 14, BUI IT’S BEEN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE PARTY CONGRESS STARTS ON OCTOBER 12 AND UNDERSTANDABLE THAT DOES CREATE SOME ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES AS FAR AS VISITING PEKING AS GOVERNOR AT THE SAME TIME IS CONCERNED."
"I’M VERY HAPPY THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE DATES," MR PATTEN ADDED.
- - 0
GOVERNOR POSTPONES PEKING VISIT *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE HAD ACCEPTED A CHINESE PROPOSAL FOR A SHORT POSTPONEMENT OF HIS VISIT TO PEKING.
THE VISIT WILL NOW TAKE PLACE BETWEEN OCTOBER 21 AND 23 RATHER THAN BETWEEN OCTOBER 12 AND 14 AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED.
THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE EXPLAINED THAT THE START OF THE 14TH PARTY CONGRESS ON OCTOBER 12 WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO RECEIVE THE GOVERNOR PROPERLY AND THEY HAVE THEREFORE PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE DATES.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
4
GOVERNOR VISITS ISLANDS DISTRICT ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED THE ISLANDS DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON, TOURING TAI 0 XND THE SOUTH COAST OF LANTAU ISLAND, AS WELL AS SOK KWl WAN VILLAGE ON LAMMA ISLAND.
MR PATTEN WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR ALBERT LAM AND ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD.
IN TAI O, A TRADITIONAL FISHING COMMUNITY, HE WAS MET BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR DANIEL LAM AND OTHER RURAL COMMITTEE LEADERS.
HE THEN VISITED THE MARKET AREA, CROSSED THE TAI O CREEK ON THE OLD "ROPE FERRY", AND LOOKED IN ON THE CATHOLIC WING CHOR PRIMARY SCHOOL.
AT CHEUNG SHA HE MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FROM SOUTH LANTAU AND DISCUSSED LOCAL AFFAIRS WITH THEM.
HE THEN FLEW BY HELICOPTER TO LAMMA ISLAND, AND TOURED AROUND SOK KWU WAN WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND FISHERMEN. HE ALSO VISITED THE TIN HAU TEMPLE WHICH WAS ONLY RECENTLY RESTORED.
--------0------------
SYMPATHY FOR FAMILIES OF CONTAINER SHIP CREWMEN ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPRESSED HIS SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILIES OF EIGHT HONG KONG MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS SERVING ON BOARD THE PANAMANIAN-REGISTERED CONTAINER SHIP "OCEAN BLESSING".
THE 22,600-TONNE SHIP WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH A 52,700-TONNE LIBERIAN-REGISTERED TANKER IN THE MALACCA STRAIT ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 20) AND HER CREW OF 21 INCLUDING THE EIGHT HONG KONG OFFICERS ARE STILL ALL UNACCOUNTED FOR.
"I SHOULD LIKE TO ASSURE THE FAMILIES DURING THEIR ANXIOUS WAIT FOR NEWS THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE AND WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY ENDEAVOUR TO OBTAIN ACCURATE INFORMATION ON THE FATE OF THE HONG KONG CREW MEMBERS," MR MILLER SAID.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE JAKARTA RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION, RESCUE VESSELS AT THE SCENE AND THE HONG KONG AGENTS OF THE "OCEAN BLESSING", SEEKING THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THE INCIDENT.
TWENTY-ONE CREW MEMBERS OF THE OTHER SHIP INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT, THE LIBERIAN TANKER "NAGASAGI SPIRIT", ARE STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR. ONLY TWO SURVIVORS HAVE BEEN FOUND FROM THEIR SHIP.
------0----------
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
- 5 -
SURVEY ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY. THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THE CURRENT, SEPTEMBER ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 40,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS.
THEY INCLUDE THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON SEPTEMBER 30 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
A RANDOM SUB-SAMPLE OF ABOUT 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IS SELECTED FROM THE MAIN SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JULY-SEPTEMBER.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS. UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP ON 582 5076.
THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS NEWLY INCLUDED INTO THE REGISTER OF ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NATURE OF BUSINESS, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS STARTED, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FIELD VISITS MAY BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT ON 582 4782.
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/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
TUEN MUN SITE TO LET * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN TUEN MUN.
THE SITE IS IN AREA 38, TUEN MUN. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 13,400 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL OPEN STORAGE OF GOODS AND CONTAINERS, INCLUDING LOADING, UNLOADING AND REPAIRING OF CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 9.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN, SIXTH FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES; 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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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
-100
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT
1,400
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 110.8 *+0.1* 23.9.92
/HONG KONG
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1992
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.28 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.27 3.36
1 MONTH 2.98 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.68 3.55
3 MONTHS 2.66 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.73 3.81
6 MONTHS 2.74 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 100.80 3.97
12 MONTHS 3.17 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,784 MN
CLOSED 23 SEPTEMBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG COMMITTED TO BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE...................... 1
SURVEY RESULTS ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND HK DOLLAR INTERBANK MARKETS 4
PUBLIC ORDER LEGISLATION EXPLAINED ................................. 14
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM ........................ 15
WAN CHAI FESTIVAL '92 .............................................. 16
FIRE SERVICES FACE BIG CHALLENGE ................................... 18
NEW MINIBUS SERVICE IN KOWLOON ..................................... 19
YOUNG MUSICIANS TO PERFORM IN CANADA ............................... 19
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DISTRICT OFFICE ON MOVE .................. 20
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.......... 21
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
HONG KONG COMMITTED TO BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) IN NEW YORK THAT HONG KONG WAS DETERMINED TO MAINTAIN THE TERRITORY'S REMARKABLE RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT AND TO GIVE THE NEW HONG KONG IN 1997 AND ITS PEOPLE THE GREATEST POSSIBLE CHANCE OF SUCCESS.
"THIS IS WHY WE ARE INVESTING AND BUILDING VIGOROUSLY FOR THE FUTURE," HE SAID WHEN ADDRESSING THE ASIA SOCIETY ON THE CURRENT CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC.
"THAT IS WHY WE ARE MAKING GREAT EFFORTS TO EXPAND TERTIARY EDUCATION, TO FURTHER DEVELOP OUR PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, TO MAP OUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AND TO EVOLVE OUR POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS.
"THAT IS WHY WE ARE EMBARKING ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS TO UNDERPIN HONG KONG’S ROLE.
"THAT IS ALSO THE REASON WHY HONG KONG IS BEGINNING TO BUILD A NEW AIRPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS," HE EXPLAINED.
"THESE WILL COST US$21 BILLION IN MONEY OF THE DAY TERMS TO BUILD. BUT THIS IS A VERY WORTHWHILE AND NECESSARY LONG-TERM INVESTMENT," HE NOTED.
HE WAS OPTIMISTIC THAT AN AGREEMENT WOULD IN DUE COURSE BE REACHED WITH CHINA AS THE NEED FOR THESE PROJECTS WAS NOT IN DOUBT.
LOOKING MORE SPECIFICALLY AT THE CHALLENGES AHEAD, MR MACLEOD SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD BEEN FORECAST TO GROW AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS UP TO 1997.
"IT IS COMFORTING TO SAY THAT SOME ECONOMISTS BACK IN HONG KONG CRITICISED ME FOR A FORECAST THEY’ VIEW AS OVERLY CONSERVATIVE," HE SAID.
"THE OPTIMISM ABOUT THE TERRITORY’S UNDERLYING ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL STRENGTH HAD BEEN REINFORCED RY THE DISCLOSURE IN JULY THIS YEAR OF THE ASSETS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND."
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE LEVEL OF FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDINGS IN THE FUND, WHICH AMOUNTED TO US$29 BILLION, PLACED AS THE 12TH HIGHEST IN THE WORLD.
HE CONCEDED THAT INFLATION HAD REMAINED UNCOMFORTABLY HIGH, THOUGH SHOWING SIGNS OF MODERATING.
"A FIGURE OF 9.5 PER CENT FOR THE YEAR AS A WHOLE WAS EXPECTED," HE SAID, ADDING THAT HONG KONG HAD HOWEVER BEEN ABLE TO HAVE HIGH GROWTH AND LOW UNEMPLOYMENT.
/"THIS CREATION .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
2
’’THIS CREATION OF AN ASIAN CENTRE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IS, I BELIEVE, VERY POSITIVE FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD - WE ARE LESS DEPENDENT ON A EUROPEAN OR NORTH AMERICAN ENGINE OF WORLD GROWTH, IMPORTANT THOUGH THOSE TWO AREAS REMAIN IN WORLD TRADE,” HE SAID.
HONG KONG, AS THE WORLD’S 1OTH LARGEST TRADING ECONOMY, HAS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE GROWTH OF THIS TNTRA-ASIAN TRADE, HE SAID.
TO ILLUSTRATE THIS, HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S REGIONAL TRADE EXPANDED BY AN AVERAGE OF 18 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS DURING THE 1980S; AND THE REGION NOW IMPORTED OVER 10 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AS COMPARED TO A MERF 13 PER CENT IN 1978.
HONG KONG’S EFFICIENT CONTAINER PORT AND ITS CONTINUING GROWTH AS A CENTRE FOR REGIONAL AVIATION MADE IT AN IMPORTANT REGIONAL COMMUNICATION HUB, HE NOTED.
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE TERRITORY’S SUCCESS, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE IMPACT OF CHINA ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH, MR MACLEOD SAID THE OPENING OF CH I NA SINCE 1978 HAD HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ON HONG KONG. "OUR ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA HAS NEVER BEEN MORE EVIDENT," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG AND CHINA ARE NOW EACH OTHER’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER. DURING THE PERIOD 1978 TO 1991, TWO-WAY TRADE ROSE BY A STAGGERING 46 TIMES IN VALUE TERMS.
"HONG KONG IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ENTREPOT FOR TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD. SOME 40 PER CENT OF CHINA’S EXTERNAL TRADE PASSES THROUGH HONG KONG," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS CHINA’S LARGEST SOURCE OF DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT, ACCOUNTING FOR TWO-THIRDS OF THE NATIONAL TOTAL.
’’HONG KONG IS THUS A CENTRE FOR THE FINANCIAL, OPERATIONAL SERVICES NEEDED BY CHINA’S INDUSTRIES.
TECHNICAL AND
"THROUGH INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND OUTWARD PROCESSING, HONG KONG BUSINESSES INITIATE AND SHAPE MUCH OF THE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY IN SOUTHERN CHINA AND BEYOND," HE SAID.
"AND HONG KONG HAD ALSO BEEN THE MAIN CATALYST FOR THE GROWTH IN THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE - 80 PER CENT OF ALL FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE PROVINCE WAS FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG," HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT A REGIONAL DIVISION OF LABOUR WAS FAST DEVELOPING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG, TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH ECONOMIES.
"THE RELOCATION OF BOTH LAND-INTENSIVE AND LABOUR-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES FROM HONG KONG ACROSS ITS BORDER TO SOUTHERN CHINA IN RECENT YEARS HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
/"HONG KONG .......
(
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
3 -
"HONG KONG IS ABLE TO SATISFY THE DEMANDS OF ITS OWN PEOPLE FOR I BETTER PAID AND MORE STIMULATING WORK, AS BEFITS RISING EDUCATIONAL AND LIVING STANDARDS, WHILST \T THE SAME TIME MAINTAINING ITS EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS B\ SHIFTING THE MORE LABOUR-INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES INTO CHINA.
"CLEARLY, OUR FUTURE PROSPERITY HINGES, TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT, ON OUR ABILITY TO ACT AS AN EFFECTIVE LINK BETWEEN THE BURGEONING ECONOMY OF SOUTHERN CHINA ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE REST OF THE WORLD ON THE OTHER.
"HONG KONG IS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL PLACED AND ENDOWED TO PLAY THAT CRUCIAL ROLE," HE STRESSED.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT COME 1997, THE STRONG ECONOMIC LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW AND THE DYNAMIC GROWTH IN SOUTHERN CHINA WOULD CONTINUE TO FEED BACK INTO HONG KONG AND VICE VERSA.
"HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC VALUE TO CHINA WILL CONTINUE TO GROW, NOT DIMINISH. THE INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION OF CHINA’S COASTAL PROVINCES » 'WILL MEAN A CONTINUING AND INCREASING DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S SERVICES, CAPITAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS.
t "WHATEVER THE COURSE AND SPEED OF POLITICAL CHANGE IN CHINA, IT
IS CLEAR THAT THE MARKET-ORIENTED REFORMS BROUGHT IN BY THE CHINESE LEADERS IN THE LATE SEVENTIES HAVE TAKEN A FIRM HOLD IN MANY PARTS OF CHINA. THIS IS A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT," HE SAID.
APART FROM CHINA, THE GROWING PRESENCE OF AMERICAN INTERESTS IN HONG KONG WAS ANOTHER FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT U.S. INVESTMENTS IN THE TERRITORY AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN US$7 BILLION.
"A RECENT SURVEY BY THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG . KONG SHOWED THAT NEARLY NINE OUT OF 10 FOREIGN BUSINESSES VIEWED THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN HONG KONG AS FAVOURABLE TN THE RUN-UP TO 1997," HE SAID.
"BEYOND THAT, HONG KONG IS THE UNITED STATES’ GATEWAY TO THE GROWING EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES FOR U.S. FIRMS," HE ADDED.
HE BELIEVED THAT THE SURVEY RESULTS WERE POSITIVE BECAUSE MANY U.S. FIRNS RECOGNISED THE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC MARKET AND HUGE MARKET IN CHINA.
I
AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, HE SAID U.S. FIRMS WERE IN THE FOREFRONT IN RECOGNISING THE NEED TO RESOLVE TRADE TENSIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES, EITHER IN SECTION 301 NEGOTIATIONS OR WITH MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN).
"ANY WITHDRAWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS BY THE UNITED STATES WOULD HAVE SEVERE KNOCK-ON ECONOMIC EFFECTS ON HONG KONG.
/"NEEDLESS TO .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992 - 4 -
’’NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WOULD ALSO HURT THOSE PROMOTING ECONOMIC REFORM AND MARKET FORCES IN CHINA.
"WE THEREFORE FULLY SUPPORT THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION’S FIRM STANCE THAT CHINA’S MFN STATUS BE RENEWED WITHOUT CONDITIONS," HE SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS NATURALLY VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE CURRENT SECTION 301 TALKS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES AS THEY WERE THE TERRITORY’S TWO LARGEST TRADING PARTNERS.
"ANY TRADE RETALIATION BETWEEN THEM WOULD SERIOUSLY HURT OUR RE-EXPORT TRADE AS WELL AS SUCH SUPPORTING SERVICES AS TRANSPORTATION, BANKING AND INSURANCE.
"WE HAVE CONVEYED OUR CONCERNS TO BOTH PARTIES. WE HOPE THAT BOTH SIDES COULD AVERT ACTION BY REACHING AGREEMENT WHEN THE STATUTORY I DEADLINE RUNS OUT ON OCTOBER 10,’’ HE EMPHASISED.
MR MACLEOD HAS JUST ATTENDED THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND/WORLD BANK IN WASHINGTON AND IS NOW IN NEW :YORK TO UNDERTAKE A TWO-DAY PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMME FOR HONG KONG.
HE IS DUE TO RETURN ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 27).
--------0------------
SURVEY RESULTS ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND HK DOLLAR INTERBANK MARKETS *****
THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED FINDINGS OF TWO SURVEYS ON THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET AND THE HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK MARKET.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET SURVEY:
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY ON THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, THE MARKET SIZE, MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE FOREX BUSINESS CONTRACTED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, STOOD AT US$61 BILLION PER BUSINESS DAY IN APRIL 1992.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 24% WHEN COMPARED WITH A TURNOVER OF US$19 BILLION RECORDED IN APRIL 1989.
IN GROSS TERMS (THAT IS, WITHOUT ADJUSTING FOR DOUBLE REPORTING), THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS WAS US$73 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 22% OVER THE FIGURE OF US$60 BILLION RECORDED IN APRIL 1989.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SAID THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET WAS AN INTEGRAL AND IMPORTANT PART OF THE HONG KONG FINANCIAL SYSTEM.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
5
HE SAID THE BRANCH CONDUCTED THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY IN APRIL 1989 TO ANALYSE THE TRADING ACTIVITY IN THE MARKET.
THE SECOND SURVEY, CARRIED OUT IN APRIL THIS YEAR, WAS SIMILAR TO THE FIRST SURVEY AND WAS PART OF A GLOBAL SURVEY CO-ORDINATED BY THE BANK FOR INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS (BIS).
A TOTAI. OF 26 CENTRES, INCLUDING AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BAHRAIN, BELGIUM, CANADA, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HONG KONG, IRELAND, ITALY, JAPAN, LUXEMBOURG, NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY, PORTUGAL, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA, SPAIN, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM AND UNITED STATES, PARTICIPATED TN THIS ROUND.
MANY OF THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES WILL ALSO RELEASE THEIR SURVEY RESULTS TODAY.
THE SURVEY COVERED ALL MAJOR PARTICIPANTS IN HONG KONG’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, INCLUDING ALL LICENSED BANKS (164 IN TOTAL), RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS (52), DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (159) AND MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND DEPOSIT BROKERS’ ASSOCIATION (10).
EACH PARTICIPANT REPORTED ITS FOREIGN EXCHANGE ACTIVITY DURING APRIL 1992 IN A QUESTIONNAIRE PROVIDED BY THE BRANCH.
AMONG THE 375 REPORTING AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, 321 PARTICIPATED ALSO IN THE 1989 SURVEY.
OUT OF THEM, 136 (42%) REPORTED AN INCREASE IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE TURNOVER; FOUR (1%) REPORTED NO CHANGE IN TURNOVER; 104 (32%) REPORTED A DECLINE AND 77 (24%) HAD NO FOREIGN EXCHANGE BUSINESS IN BOTH SURVEY PERIODS.
THE GROSS DAILY TURNOVER OF THE BROKERAGE FIRMS WAS US$20 BILLION PER BUSINESS DAY, AN INCREASE OF 15% FROM THE LEVEL OF US$17 BILLION IN 1989.
OF THE 10 ACTIVE BROKERS, SEVEN REPORTED AN INCREASE IN TURNOVER COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS ROUND AND THREE REPORTED A DECLINE.
AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS
IN TERMS OF CURRENCY COMPOSITION, GROSS TRADING INVOLVING THE U.S. DOLLAR (OTHER THAN HK$/US$ TRADING) AVERAGED US$53.1 BILLION PER BUSINESS DAY.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 11.4% FROM 1989 AND ACCOUNTED FOR 72.7% OF TOTAL GROSS TURNOVER.
CURRENCIES ACTIVELY TRADED AGAINST U.S. DOLLAR INCLUDED DEUTSCHEMARK (26.8% OF TOTAL NET TURNOVER), YEN (25.7%), POUND STERLING (10.1%), SWISS FRANC (4.6%), CANADIAN DOLLAR (3.2%), AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR (2.4%) AND FRENCH FRANC (0.9%).
/COMPARED WITH .......
6
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
COMPARED WITH 1989, GROSS TRADING IN DM/US$ AND FF/US$ RECORDED NOTABLE INCREASES. TRADING IN YEN/US$ ROSE MODERATELY WHILE THOSE INVOLVING SF/US$, POUND/US$ AND A$/US$ REGISTERED SOME DECLINES.
CROSS CURRENCY TRADING ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 93.0% COMPARED WITH 1989, TO US$6.2 BILLION PER BUSINESS DAY AND ACCOUNTED FOR 8.4% OF THE TOTAL TURNOVER.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF TRANSACTIONS, SLIGHTLY MORE THAN HALF (52%) OF THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS WERE CONDUCTED ON A SPOT BASIS (THAT IS, FOR SETTLEMENT WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS AFTER DEALING). COMPARED WITH 1989, SPOT TRANSACTION GREW BY 5.5%.
TRADING IN FORWARD CONTRACTS CONSTITUTED 47% OF THE TOTAL TURNOVER. MOST OF THEM WERE OF SHORT-TERM NATURE WITH AN ORIGINAL MATURITY OF NOT MORE THAN ONE MONTH.
COMPARED WITH 1989, TOTAL FORWARD TRANSACTIONS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 51.3%.
TRADING IN OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONSTITUTED ONLY A MINOR SHARE (0.9%) OF THE TOTAL FOREIGN EXCHANGE TURNOVER.
NEVERTHELESS, COMPARED WITH 1989, THERE WAS A PROMINENT INCREASE OF 248%.
ANALYSED BY COUNTERPARTY, MOST FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS WERE INTERBANK TRANSACTIONS (88.0% OF TOTAL NET TURNOVER).
DEALS WITH BANKS ABROAD ACCOUNTED FOR 68.1% OF TOTAL TURNOVER WHILE DEALS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG ACCOUNTED FOR 19.9%.
INDIRECT DEALS DONE THROUGH BROKERS IN HONG KONG CONSTITUTED 30.9% OF THE TOTAL NET TURNOVER.
ON THE OTHER HAND, TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE NON-BANK SECTOR ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 11.1% OF TOTAL TURNOVER.
BROKERS
ABOUT 31% OF THE TOTAL FOREIGN EXCHANGE TURNOVER WERE ARRANGED THROUGH BROKERS IN HONG KONG, DOWN FROM 35% LN 1989.
THEIR TRADING PATTERN, IN TERMS OF THE COMPOSITION OF CURRENCIES, TYPE OF TRANSACTIONS AND COUNTERPARTY, WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS.
BY CURRENCY COMPOSITION, A RELATIVELY HIGHER PROPORTION OF TRADING IN YEN/DM AND US$/CAD$ WAS ARRANGED THROUGH LOCAL BROKERS.
COMPARED WITH 1989, BROKERS’ BUSINESS IN CROSS CURRENCY TRADING AND TRADING OF US$/CAF)$ AND US$/HK$ SHOWED NOTABLE INCREASES.
THE SHARE OF SPOT AND FORWARD TRANSACTIONS ARRANGED THROUGH LOCAL BROKERS WERE 35.2% AND 26.7% RESPECTIVELY.
/VIRTUALLY ALL .......
7
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
VIRTUALLY ALL TRANSACTIONS ARRANGED THROUGH BROKERS WERE INTERBANK, WITH DEALS BETWEEN AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG REPRESENTING 37.8% OE THEIR GROSS TURNOVER AND THOSE BETWEEN AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG AM) BANKS ABROAD ACCOUNTING FOR 57.5%.
HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK MARKET SURVEY:
THE SURVEY ON HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK MARKET SHOWED THAT AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK TRANSACTIONS IN NOVEMBER 1991 AMOUNTED TO HKS38 BILLION.
OF THIS, TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS AMOUNTED TO HK$29 BILLION, OR 75%. MOST TRANSACTIONS WERE OF SHORT-TERM NATURE.
OF THE TOTAL INTERBANK TRANSACTIONS, 70% WERE OVERNIGHT DEPOSITS, 13% WERE BETWEEN ONE TO SEVEN DAYS. LESS THAN 2% WERE OF A MATURITY MORE THAN THREE MONTHS.
BROKERS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE INTERBANK MARKET. ABOUT 53% OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK TRANSACTIONS WERE DONE THROUGH THEM. 68% OF THE INTERBANK TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER BY BROKERS DURING THE MONTH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INTERBANK MARKET WAS ACTIVELY USED BY BANKS FOR THEIR DAILY FUND MANAGEMENT BUT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TURNOVER OF THE MARKET WAS LACKING.
THE SURVEY WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND CONDUCTED BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTERBANK MARKET AND BROKERS’ INVOLVEMENT IN IT.
IT COVERED A TOTAL OF 370 AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE, INCLUDING 161 LICENSED BANKS, 51 RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS AND 158 DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, AND THE 10 ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND DEPOSIT BROKERS ASSOCIATION.
PARTICIPANTS WERE REQUESTED TO REPORT THEIR GROSS AMOUNTS OF HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK TRANSACTIONS Di RI NG NOVEMBER 1991 IN A QUESTIONNAIRE PROVIDED BY THE BRANCH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TABLES INSTITUTIONS,
1 TO 3 SET OUT THE NET TURNOVER FIGURES FOR AUTHORISED BROKEN DOWN BY CURRENCY, TRANSACTION AND COUNTERPARTY.
TABLES 4 TO 6 PROVIDE SIMILAR ANALYSES FOR BROKERS’ TURNOVER FIGURES.
TABLE 7 SHOWS THE AVERAGE DALLY TURNOVER OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK MARKET BY MATURITY BANDS.
TABLE 8 SHOWS THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER OF TRANSACTIONS DONE THROUGH BROKERS BY COUNTERPARTY.
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
8 -
Table 1 : Gross turnover in foreign exchange by authorized institutions — Currency composition
(USS equivalent, million)
Currencies Average daily gross(nct) turnover© % share
Apr 1989 Apr 1992 % change* Apr 1989 Apr 1992
Hong Kong dollar against: - US dollar 8,297 13,184 ( 8,241 ) 58.9 13.8 18.1 ( 135)
- Others 788 577 ( 569 ) -26.8 1.3 0.8 ( 0.9)
Sub-total 9,085 13,761 ( 8,810) 515 15.1 18.8 ( 145)
US dollar against: — Deutschemark 12,415 19,091 ( 16,325) 53.8 20.7 26.1 ( 26.8)
— Japanese yen 15,432 17,197 ( 15,665) 11.4 25.7 23.6 ( 25.7)
• - Swiss franc 6,768 3,076 ( 2,794) -54.6 113 4.2 ( 4.6 )
— Pound sterling 7,619 7,130 ( 6,164) -6.4 12.7 9.8 ( 10.1)
— Australian dollar 2,820 1,702 ( 1,488) -39.6 4.7 2.3 ( 2.4)
- Canadian dollar 1,088 2,257 ( 1,926 ) 107.4 1.8 3.1 ( 3.2)
- French franc 260 656 ( 575 ) 152.3 0.4 0.9 ( 0.9)
- ECU NA. 338 ( 316) NA. NA. 05 ( 0.5)
- Others 1,250 1,645 ( 1,468) 31.6 2.1 23 ( 2.4)
Sub-total 47,652 53,092 ( 46,721 ) 11.4 79.4 72.7 ( 76.7 )
Cross currencies* : - Japanese yen / Deutschemark NA. 1,581 ( 1,387) NA. NA. 2.2 ( 23)
- Pound sterling / Deutschemark NA. 2,451 ( 2,041 ) NA. NA. 3.4 ( 3.4)
- Others NA. 2,134 ( 1,949) NA. NA. 2.9 ( 3.2)
Sub-total 3,195 6,166 ( 5,377) 93.0 5.3 8.4 ( 8.8)
ECU denominated: 118 NA. ( NA.) NA. 0.2 NA.( NA.)
TOTAL 60,051 73,019 ( 60,906) 21.6 100.0 100.0 ( 100.0)
Note : Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.
@ 'Hie net turnover figure is obtained after adjusting for double reporting between authorized institutions.
* Increase in gross turnover, net turnover by currency composition was not available for 1989.
+ Direct trading between two currencies not involving the US dollar or the I long Kong dollar.
NA. Not available
/TABLE 2 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
9
Tabic 2 : Net turnover in foreign exchange transactions by authorized institutions —Transaction analysis
(USS equivalent, million)
Type of transaction Average daily net turnover® % share
Apr 1989 Apr 1992 % change* Apr 1989 Apr 1992
Spot 30,078 31,742 5.5 61.2 52.1
Forward 18.910 28,603 51.3 38.5 47.0
- Outright forward N.A. 1345 N.A. N.A. 3.0
— Swap N.A. 26,757 N.A. N.A. 43.9
Options and futures contracts 161 561 248.4 0.3 0.9
TOTAL 49,149 60,906 23.9 100.0 100.0
Note : Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.
@The net turnover figure is obtained after adjusting for double reporting between authorized institutions.
• Increase in net turnover.
N.A. Not available
Table 3 : Net turnover in foreign exchange transactions by authorized institutions — Counterparty analysis
(USS equivalent, million)
Counterparty Average daily net turnover® % share
Apr 1989 Apr 1992 % change* Apr 1989 Apr 1992
Interbank 43,730 53,612 22.6 89.0 88.0
- with authorized institutions 10,902 12,113 11.1 22.2 19.9
in I long Kong
- with banks and other foreign 32328 41,499 26.4 66.8 68.1
exchange market dealers abroad
Non-bank sector 5,418 6,733 24.3 11.0 11.1
— with oilier financial institutions 834 1307 80.7 1.7 2.5
- with customers 4384 5,226 14.0 93 8.6
Others# N.A. 561 N.A. 0.0 0.9
TOTAL 49.149 60,906 23.9 100.0 100.0
Note : Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.
@The net turnover figure is obtained after adjusting for double reporting between authorized institutions.
• Increase in net turnover.
# Tliis refers to options and futures contracts which are not classified by counterpary in the questionnaire. N.A. Not available
/TABLE 4 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
- 10 -
Foreign exchange transactions by brokers - Currency composition (April 1992)
Table 4 :
Currencies Average daily turnover@ (USS equivalent, million) % share % increase compared with April 1989
Hong Kong dollar against : 3,419 17.3 60.0
— US dollar 3,419 17.3 60.0
— Others 0 0.0 0.0
US dollar against: 15,141 76.7 1.8
— Deutechcmark 5,900 29.9 20.2
— Japanese yen 4,258 21.6 -13.0
- Swiss franc 787 4.0 -563
— Pound sterling 1,973 10.0 -10.0
— Australian dollar 463 2.3 -38.4
- Canadian dollar 1,520 7.7 856.0
— French franc 5 # 1257.1
- ECU 31 0.2 N.A.
- Others 204 1.0 N.A.
Cross currencies+ 1,181 6.0 541.8
- Japanese yen / Deutschemark 957 4.8 N.A.
- Pound sterling / Deutschemark 191 1.0 N.A.
— Others 33 0.2 N.A.
TOTAL 19,741 100.0 14.8
Note : Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.
@ There is no separation between gross turnover or net turnover for brokers.
+ Direct trading between two currencies not involving the US dollar or the Hong Kong dollar.
# Less than 0.05%.
N.A. Not available
/TABLE 5 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
- 11 -
Table 5 : Foreign exchange transactions by brokers
— Transaction analysis (April 1992)
Type of transaction Average daily turnover® (USS equivalent, million) % share % increase compared with April 1989
Spot 11,213 56.8 -3.9
Forward 8,528 43.2 55.5
- Outright forward 9 # N.A.
- Swap 8,519 43.2 N.A.
Options and futures contracts 0 0.0 ♦
TOTAL 19,741 100.0 14.8
Note : Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.
@ There is no separation between gross turnover or net turnover for brokers. # Less than 0.05%.
• Amount recorded in the previous survey was insignificant.
N.A. Not available
/TABLE 6 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
12
Foreign exchange transactions by brokers — Counterparty analysis (April 1992)
Table 6 :
Counterparty Average daily turnover@ (US$ equivalent, million) % share % increase compared with April 1989
Interbank 19,741 100.0 15.5
- Between authorized institutions 7,466 37.8 4.7
in I long Kong
- Between banks abroad 928 4.7 1446.7
— Between authorized institutions 11,347 57.5 14.6
in Hong Kong and banks abroad
Non — bank sector 0 0.0 •
- Involving other financial 0 0.0 N.A.
institutions
- Involving other customers 0 0.0 N.A.
TOTAL 19,741 100.0 14.8
Note : Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.
(a) There is no separation between gross turnover or net turnover for brokers.
♦ Amount recorded in the previous survey was insignificant.
N.A. Not available
/TABLE 7 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
13
Table 7
SURVEY OF HONG KONG DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET (NOVEMBER 1991) Average Daily Turnover of Authorized Institutions (HK$ Mn)
Transactions with Authorized Institutions in HK Transactions with Banks outside HK Total
Overnight 20,454 6,207 26,661
Over 1 day and up to 1 week 3,491 1,591 5,082
Over 1 week and up to 2 weeks 618 171 789
Over 2 weeks and up to 1 month 1,641 917 2,558
Over 1 month and up to 3 months 2,125 427 2^52
Over 3 months and up to 6 months 478 126 604
Over 6 months and up to 1 year 34 22 56
Over 1 year 5 2 7
TOTAL 28,846 9,463 38,309
Table 8
SURVEY OF HONG KONG DOLLAR TRANSACTIONS IN THE INTERBANK MARKET (NOVEMBER 1991) Average Daily Turnover of Transactions done through Brokers (HK$ Mn)
Transactions with Authorized Institutions in HK Transactions with Authorized Institutions in HK and B?nks outside HK Total
Overnight 12,340 244 12,584
Over 1 day and up to 1 week 3,430 64 3,494
Over 1 week and up to 2 weeks 437 3 440
Over 2 weeks and up to 1 month 1,109 61 1,170
Over 1 month and up to 3 months 1,841 126 1,967
Over 3 months and up to 6 months 448 14 462
Over 6 months and up to 1 year 3 4 7
Over 1 year 3 0 3
TOTAL 19,611 516 20,127
------o---------
/14 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
14
PUBLIC ORDER LEGISLATION EXPLAINED * * * * ♦
THE AIM OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE (POO) IS TO RECONCILE THE INHERENT CONFLICT BETWEEN THE FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS TO ATTEND PUBLIC GATHERINGS AND THE NEED TO PRESERVE FOR PEACE AND ORDER FOR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A FORUM ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISED THE RIGHT OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY UNDER ARTICLE 17 OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE.
’’HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS PUBLICLY THEIR VIEWS ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST," HE SAID.
BUT SUCH A RIGHT CARRIES THE CORRESPONDING RESPONSIBILITY OF DOING SO WITHOUT TRESPASSING ON THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS, WHO DO NOT WANT TO BE INCONVENIENCED BY UNRULY EXPRESSION OF VIEWS.
"THE KEY ISSUE IS TO GET THIS BALANCE RIGHT," HI- SAID.
THE LAW AIMS TO REGULATE PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PUBLIC PROCESS TONS.
"THE LAW DEFINES THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND CONDUCT FOR BETTER REGULATION OF SUCH EVENTS SO THAT PUBLIC ORDER AND PEACE CAN BE MAINTAINED," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT BEFORE 1967, THE LAWS DEALING WITH PUBLIC ORDER WERE SCATTERED TN VARIOUS ORDINANCES AND IN COMMON LAW. THESE WERE LATER CONSOLIDATED INTO THE 1967 PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE.
IN 1980, THE POO UNDERWENT A MAJOR REVIEW IN RELATION TO THE CONTROL OF PUBLIC MEETINGS \ND PROCESSIONS. IT WAS CONSIDERED A STEP TO SHIFT THE BALANCE TOWARDS MORE RECOGNITION OF INDIVIDUALS’ RIGHT.
"INSTEAD OF CONTINUING WITH THE RESTRICTIVE LICENSING SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS, A NOTIFICATION SYSTEM WAS PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE THAT THE POLICE COULD BE MADE AWARE OF MEETINGS WITH OVER 30 PARTICIPANTS IN PUBLIC PLACES OR OVER 200 PARTICIPANTS IN PRIVATE PREMISES SO THAT THEY HAD SUFFICIENT TIME TO DEPLOY MANPOWER AND MAKE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS," HE SAID.
CERTAIN RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL, CULTURAL, ACADEMIC, EDUCATIONAL, CHARITABLE, RECREATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL, BUSINESS OR COMMERCIAL PUBLIC EVENTS WERE EXEMPTED FROM THE NOTIFK AT ION REQUIREMENT.
PROCESSIONS INVOLVING MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE WERE STILL REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED IN VIEW OF THE CROWDED ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
"ALL THESE PROVISIONS ARE STILL TN THE POO AND FORM THE BACKBONE OF IT."
/MR STRACHAN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
15
MF? STRACHAN DISAGREED WITH THE ARGUMENT THAT PI BLTC ORDER LAWS WERE NO LONGER NECESSARY.
"THE WHOLE CONCEPT OE RULE OE LAW ENVISAGES THE ORDERLY RESOLUTION OF COMPETING RIGHTS AMONG CITIZENS. THE FRAMEWORK OF LAW DESIGNED TO HOLD A FAIR BALANCE BETWEEN THOSE COMPETING RIGHTS IS AIMED AT ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE," HE SAID.
HE ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE ADVANTAGES OF KEEPING PUBLIC ORDER LAWS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC.
"THE POO CONSOLIDATES AND STIPULATES CLEARLY PUBLIC ORDER RELATED OFFENCES WHICH EXIST IN COMMON LAW OR WERE PREVIOUSLY SCATTERED IN DIFFERENT ORDINANCES. THE PUBLIC ARE LEFT IN NO DOUBT WHAT WILL AND WHAT WILL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE," HE SAID.
ALSO, THE LAW PROVIDES IN UNEQUIVOC \l. TERMS THE PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE NECESSARY REGI I.ATORY MEI'HANI SMS SO THAT THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF HOW SERIOUS THESE OFFENCES ARE AND TO WHAT EXTENT THEA CAN EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS WITHOUT INFRINGING ON THOSE OF OTHERS LN THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THE POLICE HAD BEEN EXERCISING THE POWERS UNDER THE POO WITH TACT, RESTRAINT, AND FLEXIBILITY. THE POLICE HAD RARELY PROHIBITED ANA PUBLIC MEETINGS OR REFUSED ISSUING LICENCES.
HE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER’ OF PEOPLE PROSECUTED IN RELATION TO PUBLIC PROCESSIONS AND MEETINGS WAS 26 DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 167 IN 1991, 179 IN 1990 AND 182 IN 1989.
NO ONE HAD BEEN JAI LI D ON CONVICTION IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS A EAR. THE FIGURE WAS Foil.’ FOR THE WHOLE OF 1991, NINE FOR 1990 AND TWO FOR 1989, HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM I * * * t
THE DIRECTOR OI' HEALTH, DR S H LEE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND INTERSECTORAL COLLABORATION WERE ESSENTIAL FOR A SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM (DBS).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OE THE MFI' HEADQUARTERS FOR THE PILOT KWUN TONG DHS, DR LEE SAID DBS WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR. RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FEATURING THREE CHARACTERISTICS.
"IT PROVIDES \ TEAM APPROACH FOR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS SUI H AS DOCTORS AND NURSES TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A BETTER AND IMPROVED HEALTH CARE SERVICE," DR LEE SAID.
/"IT ALSO
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
16
"IT ALSO ENCOURAGES HEALTH PLANNING AT LOCAL LEVEL
THE NEEDS OE THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS PROVIDES NECESSARY AND TECHNIQUES IN HEALTH PROMOTION, \ND IMPROVEMENT OF LIFE HE ADDED.
BASED ON
KNOWLEDGE
QUALITY,"
DHS CONSISTS OF A NETWORK OF CLINICS LOCATED IN THE SAME DISTRICT PROVIDING A WHOLE RANGE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE HOSPITALS IN THE DISTRICT.
EXPLAINING WHY KWUN TONG WAS CHOSEN FOR THE PILOT PROJECT, DR LEE SAID KWUN TONG ALREADY POSSESSED THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT INTO A CO-ORDINATED NETWORK.
PREPARATORY WORK STARTED LAST YEAR AND THE NG\U TAU KOK JOCKEY CLUB ('LIN IC WAS ('HOSEN AS THE DISTRICT HEALTH CENTRE ---------- THE HEADQUARTERS FOR THE KWUN TONG DHS.
OTHER HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN KWUN TONG UNDER THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, LAM TIN POLYCLINIC, SHUN LEE GOVERNMENT CLINK , YAU TONG FAMILY HEALTH SFR\ICES CENTRE AND YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE.
AS DHS EMPHASISES COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION,
DISTRICT HEALTH COMMITTEE WAS SET UP TN MARCH WITH
THE DEPARTMENT.
"THE COMMITTEE IS WELL REPRESENTED BY VARIOUS DISTRICT WHO WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR Till: BETTER COMMUNITY," DR LEE SAID.
DR LEE SAID A
ASSISTANCE FROM
SE( TORS HEALTH
I N THE
OF THE
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO CO-ORDINATED PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS IN THE DISTRICT TO FORM A NETWORK TO PROMOTE HEALTH EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND TO FACILITATE INFORMATION EXCHANGE.
"THIS NOT ONIA ALLOWS BETTER CONTINUITY OF (ARE, BUT ALSO HELPS IN THE MAKING OF COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS," DR LEE SAID.
DR LEE HOPED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE PILOT KWUN TONG DHS WOULD FORM AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROJECT WHICH WOULD BE EXTENDED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
OTHER GUESTS JOINING DR LEE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-IIO: AND TUI CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAM HANG-FAI.
WAN ('HAI FESTIVAL ’92 ******
THE FOURTH WAN CHAI FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD FROM OCTOBER 9 TO NOVEMBER 14 WITH THE THEME "TO LIVE AND WORK BETTER IN WAN (HAI".
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH HELP FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TRIENNIAL FESTIVAL FEATURES MORE THAN 20 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING EVENTS AT A BUDGET OF OVER $1.5 MILLION.
/HIGHLIGHTS WILL .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
17
HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE A CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, A LARGE-SCALE LOCKHART ROAD CARNIVAL, MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG OLYMPICS REPRESENTATIVES AND BEIJING ACROBATS, A GET-TOGETHER GAMES DAY FOR BOTH THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY, AND THE CAUSEWAY BAY ARTS CARNIVAL.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETEK MANN, SAID THE FESTIVAL COULD HELP FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS WHILE KEEPING THEM ABREAST OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THE DISTRICT HAD EVOLVED FROM AN OLD RESIDENTIAL AREA INTO A BUSTLING METROPOLIS, ADDING THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TREE-PLANTING SCHEMES IN RECENT YEARS HAD TURNED IT INTO AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND GREEN PLACE AS WELL.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, SAID THE PROGRAMMES IN STORE HAD BEEN METICULOUSLY PLANNED TO CATER FOR PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGES, INTERESTS AND BACKGROUNDS.
SHE THANKED THE 4G-MEMBER ORGANISING COMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISES MEMBERS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE FIVE AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, FOR THEIR HARD WORK.
OUTLINING THE PROGRAMMES, CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR STEVEN LIU, SAID THE FESTIVAL WOULD BE KICKED OFF WITH A FIESTA-TYPE PARADE AND A STAR-STUDDED CONCERT EXTRAVAGANZA ON THE HAPPY VALLEY SPORTS GROUND ON OCTOBER 9.
STUDENTS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS AND EMPLOYEES FROM COMPANIES, HOTELS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL TAKE PART IN Till PROCESSION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE TEAMS PERFORMING DRAGON YND LION DANCES AND BAGPIPE MUSIC. ’’CHEUNG CHAU TYPE FLOATS" WILL BE ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SLEN, AND OMELCO MEMBER, MR ALLEN LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
MR LIU ADDED THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL, ST JAMES DISTRICT’S YIN NGAI SOCIETY AND TAI HANG TAM ASSOCIATION WILL BE STAGING MANY ACTIVITIES IN FESTIVAL.
SETTLEMENT, THE
KUNG ATHLETIC
SUPPORT OF THE
THESE INCLUDE AN EXCURSION TO TEMPLES, A DISCO NIGHT, FOOTBALL MATCHES, FAMILY CAMPS AND A PLAY BY THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS’ SCHOOL OF DRAMA.
THE FESTIVAL WAS FUNDED BY A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (CHARITIES) LTD, CORPORATE FIRMS AND INDIVIDUALS. THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD SPONSORED $300,000.
/COPIES OF .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
18
COPIES OF /X PAMPHLET DETAILING THE PROGRAMMES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (PESO) AT 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
MEANWHILE , SOME 10,000 FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE OPENING CONCERT CAN NOW BE COLLECTED FROM THF PESC; THE WAN CHAT DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION (MORETON TERRACE, UNDERNEATH TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER) AND TVB (77 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON).
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FIRE SERVICES FACE BIG CHALLENGE * * * * t
HONG KONG’S DENSE POPULATION \ND HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, PARTICULARLY HIGH-RISE INDUSTRIAL PREMISES WITH MULTIPLE OCCUPANCIES AND DIVERSE TRADES, BRING A BIG CHALLENGE TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TN TERMS OF FIRE AND LIFE RISKS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY' BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR PAUL CHAN HOI, AT \ LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF HONG KONG.
OUTLINING THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK, MR CHAN SAID OFFICERS ATTENDED 26,653 FIRE CALLS AND RESCUED 2,100 PEOPLE FROM FIRES LAST YEAR.
OFFICERS WERE ALSO CALLED UPON TO DEAL WITH 15,822 CASES OF SPECIAL SERVICES SUCH AS VEHICLE AND INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, PEOPLE TRAPPED IN LIFTS, \TTEMPTED SUICIDES, HOUSE COLLAPSES, LANDSLIDES, DROWNING, MOUNTAIN RESCUE WORK AND LEAKAGE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND GASES.
THERE WAS ALSO A GREAT DEMAND FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE LAST YEAR WITH A TOTAL OF 119,000 CALLS RECEIVED AND MORE THAN 526,000 PATIENTS CONVEYED.
"DESPITE CONTINUOUS REFINEMENT TO ITS IMPROVEMENT TO ITS SERVICE OVER THE PAST 124 YEARS, LIVES AND PROPERTY FROM FIRES AND OTHER DISASTERS IS CHALLENGE TO THE DEPARTMENT," MR CHAN SAID.
"ALL INCIDENTS REQUIRE TO BE HANDLED RESOURCEFULNESS AND COURAGE," HE SAID, ADDING THAT QUALITIES THAT HELPED FIREMEN TO PERFORM THEIR DUTIES
EQUIPMENT AND THE SAVING OF STILL A MAJOR
WITH SKILL,
THFSE WFRF THF EFFICIENTLY.
- - 0-----------
/19 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
- 19 -
NEW MINIBUS SERVICE IN KOWLOON
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A NEW GREEN MINIBUS CIRCULAR ROUTE NO. 46 Pl.YING BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET IN YAU NA TEI AND HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD WILL COME INTO SERVICE ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 26).
THE MINIBUS WILL TRAVEL VIA KWUN CHUNG MARKET, .SHANGHAI STREET, AUSTIN ROAD, CANTON ROAD, JORDAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, WYLIE ROAD, WYLIE PATH, KING’S PARK RISE AND HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD.
IT WILL RUN BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 7 PM DAILY AT 15-MINUTE INTERVALS.
THE FULL FARE IS $4 AND THE SECTION FARE FOR .A JOURNEY FROM WYLIE PATH TO HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD OR FROM KING’S PARK RISE TO SHANGHAI STREET IS $2.5.
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YOUNG MUSICIANS TO PERFORM IN CANADA ♦ ♦ t *
FIFTY-TWO OUTSTANDING YOl NG MUSICIANS FROM THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS \ND THE HONG KONG MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE HAVE FLOWN TO CANADA TODAY PARTICIPATE IN HONG KONG FESTIVAL ’92.
MUSIC OFFICE’S
YOUTH CHINESE (THURSDAY) TO
THE\ WILL GIVE A SERIES Oh PERFORMANCES IN TORONTO AND ( ALGARY AS PART OF THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES OF THE FESTIVAL.
"WF ARE ALL VERY HAPPY AND EXCITED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING CHINESE MUSIC AND FRIENDSHIP TO THE CANADIANS,” THE TOUR DIRECTOR, MR SAMSON CHEUNG SAID.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINES) MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE COMPRISES 12 MEMBERS SELECTED FROM THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
MANY OF THE MEMBERS ARE PRIZE WINNERS OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL AND HAVE EXTENSIVE PERFORMING EXPERIENCE.
THE ENSEMBLE WILL PERFORM IN MORE THAN 10 CONCERTS TN TORONTO AND CALGARY. WORKS IN THE REPERTOIRE \RE ESPECIALLY SELECTED TO BRING OUT THE MUSICAL QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS ERHU, PIPA, DIZI, SHENG, YANGQIN AND ZHENG.
THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS COMPRISES 40 SINGERS AGED BETWEEN NINE AND 15.
/THE CHORUS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
20 -
i j t <
THE CHORUS IS ESPECIALLY FORMED FOR FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 IN CANADA. ITS MEMBERS WERE SELECTED FROM OVER 1,300 APPLICANTS THROUGH OPEN AUDITIONS IN MARCH AND APRIL THIS YEAR. THEY HAVE UNDERGONE INTENSIVE TRAINING SINCE THEN.
THE CHORUS WILL PERFORM IN MORE THAN 10 CONCERTS IN TORONTO AND SING A WIDE REPERTOIRE, RANGING FROM 16TH-CENTURY RENAISSANCE CHORAL WORKS TO CONTEMPORARY CHORAL COMPOSITIONS, AND FROM SERIOUS MUSICAL WORKS TO ETHNIC FOLK SONGS, WITH CHINESE CHORAL WORKS FEATURING THE THEME OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE FESTIVALS.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE AND THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 5 AND 6 RESPECTIVELY.
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SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DISTRICT OFFICE ON MOVE ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S EASTERN AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND FIVE SERVICE UNITS WILL OPERATE FROM THEIR NEW OFFICES IN STANHOPE HOUSE IN NORTH POINT FROM NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 28).
THE FIVE SERVICE UNITS ARE CAUSEWAY BAY FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY FIELD UNIT, HONG KONG REGION STREET SLEEPER OUTREACHING TEAM, EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH OFFICE AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY UNIT OF HONG KONG REGION.
THE OFFICES WILL OCCUPY THE 1 1 TH FLOOR OF THE BUILDING AT 734, KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRY NUMBERS FOR THE FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE AND FIELD UNIT WILL BL ”>62 1783 AND 5G1 53 I I RESPECTIVELY.
- - 0 - -
/21 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1992
21
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,400
REVERSAL OF LAP +100
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 TW] 110.6 *-0.2* 24.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 3.45 PCT 14 MONTHS
1 MONTH 3.13 PCT 17 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.69 PCT 20 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 2.76 PCT 23 MONTHS
12 MONTHS 3.25 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
231 1 6.25 103.25 3.36
2402 5.50 102.69 3.54
2405 5.50 102.72 3.81
2408 4.375 100.80 3.97
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS
CLOSED 24 SEPTEMBER 1992
- 6,771 MN
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
U.S.-CHINA TRADE DISPUTE MAIN CONCERN OF HONG KONG ............. 1
ARTS CENTRE PLAYS PIONEERING ROLE IN HONG KONG CULTURE ......... 2
GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN OVER INCURSION .............. 2
NEW LAW TO CONTROL AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES ..................... 3
PROPOSALS INVITED FOR LOCAL FIXED TELECOM NETWORKS ............. 4
AFTERCARE SERVICE IMPORTANT FOR MENTAL PATIENTS ................ 5
HONG KONG - WORLD'S BUSIEST CONTAINER HANDLER .................. 6
WONG NAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED ..................... 7
MORE OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS COME UNDER CONTROL .............. 8
SEMINARS TO PROMOTE FILM INDUSTRY ABROAD ...................... 10
SECRETARY TO TAKE PART IN HONG KONG FESTIVAL IN CANADA ........ 11
OATH FOR EXCO MEMBERS TO BE AMENDED ........................... 12
NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE ......... 12
TENDERS INVITED FOR RECLAMATION AND DRAINAGE WORKS ............ 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO RIVER AND DRAINAGE WORKS ........... 14
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAI CHI KOK INTERCHANGE WORKS ............. 14
ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS PROPOSED FOR TSUEN WAN ................. 15
TENDERS INVITED FOR HOI PA VILLAGE RESITE PROJECT ............. 15
SHIP MASTERS TO GIVE WAY TO CHARITY WALK FERRIES .............. 16
TRIBUTE PAID TO RETIRING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ................ 16
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 17
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
U.S.-CHINA TRADE DISPUTE MAIN CONCERN OF HONG KONG
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD IN HIS FIRST FULL DAY IN NEW YORK ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 24) TO PROMOTE HONG KONG, WAS INTERVIEWED ON CNN’S "BUSINESS MORNING" PROGRAMME, ADDRESSED SOME 150 BUSINESS LEADERS, AND HELD MEETINGS WITH FOUR IMPORTANT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
DURING HIS LIVE INTERVIEW ON CNN, MR MACLEOD SAID IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION THAT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF CHINA REVERSING ITS ECONOMIC REFORMS.
"QUITE THE REVERSE," HE SAID: "WE HAVE A SITUATION IN WHICH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN CHINA IS GROWING VERY FAST IN THE SPECIAL ZONES NEAR HONG KONG."
MR MACLEOD ALSO SAID THAT THE FAILURE OF THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA TO RESOLVE THEIR TRADE DISPUTES WAS THE MAIN CONCERN OF HONG KONG AT THE MOMENT AND THAT THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION UNDERSTOOD THE POSSIBLE EFFECT ON HONG KONG IF THE ISSUES WERE NOT RESOLVED.
HE ALSO SAID THE OUTFLOW OF PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG WAS BEGINNING TO REVERSE.
DURING A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION FOLLOWING HIS LUNCHEON ADDRESS TO THE ASIA SOCIETY, MR MACLEOD SAID HONG KONG'S CURRENCY HAD NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY THE CURRENT UNCERTAINTY OF CURRENCIES IN EUROPE DUE TO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR’S LINK TO THE U.S. DOLLAR.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG’S CURRENCY HAS GONE UP AGAINST THE CURRENCIES OF ITS TRADING PARTNERS SINCE 1983, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE VOLATILITY OF EUROPEAN CURRENCIES AND THE UNCERTAINTY IN THE CURRENCY MARKETS AND EXCHANGE RATES WERE UNHELPFUL TO WORLD TRADE AND UNWELCOMED BY BUSINESS.
MR MACLEOD ALSO SAID TN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION THAT HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WOULD BE RUN ON COMMERCIAL LINES, BUT IT WOULD BE ENTIRELY OWNED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
WHILE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE AIRPORT’S OPERATION, SUCH AS CARGO HANDLING AND CATERING, WOULD BE PRIVATISED, HE SAID: "WE’RE NOT STAMPEDING INTO WHOLESALE PRIVATISATION."
IN ADDITION TO HIS LUNCHEON ADDRESS, WHICH WAS CO-SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, MR MACLEOD MET OFFICIALS OF TWO BOND RATING SERVICES, MOODY'S AND STANDARD & POOR’S, AND THE INVESTMENT BANKING FIRMS OF MORGAN STANLEY AND GOLDMAN SACHS.
/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
2
ARTS CENTRE PLAYS PIONEERING ROLE IN HONG KONG CULTURE ♦ * * * *
THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE HAS PLAYED A PIONEERING ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE IN THE TERRITORY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CEREMONY.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED, IT HAD MORE THAN FULFILLED ITS MISSION AS "A WORKSHOP, A MEETING PLACE, A PLACE OF WORK AND PRACTICE, A PLACE OF WHICH ARTISTS CAN LOOK FOR ADVICE, FACILITIES AND COMPANIONSHIP, AND WHERE THE PUBLIC TOO CAN SEE WHAT THE ARTS HAVE TO OFFER THEM”, AS MENTIONED BY THE THEN GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
"OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS, THE ARTS CENTRE HAS MORE THAN FULFILLED THESE AIMS, NURTURING THE TALENTS OF MANY HONG KONG ARTISTS AND WIDENING THE CAPACITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TO ENJOY AND APPRECIATE THEIR ARTISTIC WORK," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE ARTS CENTRE WAS STILL GOING STRONG ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAD COME A LONG WAY IN NURTURING AND DEVELOPING THE ARTS SINCE 1977.
"IT IS STILL TREASURED BY ART LOVERS AND PATRONS AS A PLACE THAT PROVIDES THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT, THE PROPER FACILITIES AND THE MOST CONGENIAL COMPANIONSHIP TO EXPLORE, DEVELOP AND NURTURE THE ARTS," HE ADDED.
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GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN OVER INCURSION
*****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR IAN STRACHAN, HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE POLITICAL ADVISER CALLED IN THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY TO EXPRESS OUR GRAVE CONCERN OVER AN INCURSION WHICH TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG WATERS EARLIER TODAY (FRIDAY) AND THE SUBSEQUENT DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR OF THE CHINESE OFFICERS INVOLVED.
AT 1323 HOURS TODAY THE POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT THAT A FISHING VESSEL INSIDE HONG KONG WATERS HAD BEEN BOARDED BY A NUMBER OF PRC OFFICIALS. THE CREW SAID THAT THEIR FISHING VESSEL HAD BEEN STOPPED BY CHINESE SECURITY FORCES’ VESSEL GUNG BIN 1207 FROM ZHU HOI, WHICH PUT A NUMBER OF OFFICERS ONTO THE VESSEL. THE SECURITY VESSEL LEFT THE SCENE BEFORE MARINE POLICE ARRIVED.
WHEN TWO POLICE VESSELS ARRIVED AT 1415 HOURS THEY DISCOVERED THREE ARMED PRC OFFICIALS ON BOARD THE FISHING VESSEL. POLICE OFFICERS TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS AT THE SCENE WERE THREATENED B^ THE PRC OFFICIALS AND FORCED TO HAND OVER THE CAMERA. THE FILM WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REMOVED AND THE CAMERA RETURNED TO THE POLICE.
/THE INCIDENT .......
4
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
- 3 -
THE INCIDENT WAS RESOLVED AT 1542 HOURS WHEN THE PRC OFFICIALS WERE RETURNED TO THEIR SPEED BOAT AND LEFT FOR CHINESE WATERS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES ARE BEING CONDUCTED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CREW OF THE FISHING VESSEL. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE BORDER LIAISON OFFICER CONTACTED HIS CHINESE COUNTERPART.
EARLY THIS EVENING, THE CHINESE BORDER LIAISON OFFICE STATED THAT ANY IMPROPER ACTION TAKEN BY THEIR OFFICERS WOULD BE APOLOGISED FOR.
WE ARE SEEKING FURTHER INFORMATION FROM ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.
------0--------
NEW LAW TO CONTROL AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES * * * * *
NEW LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THE AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES BILL WOULD BE GAZETTED ON OCTOBER 2 AND WAS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS FIRST READING ON OCTOBER 14.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL WAS INTENDED TO REMOVE THE PRESENT LEGAL LOOPHOLES AND TO PROVIDE BETTER CONTROL OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE CENTRES.
THE BILL WILL EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING ((’TEL) TO IMPOSE LICENCE CONDITIONS.
THESE WILL INCLUDE A PROVISION STATING THAT ENTRY TO ADULT CENTRES BE RESTRICTED TO PEOPLE AGED 16 AND ABOVE AND THAT ENTRY TO CHILDREN CENTRES BE RESTRICTED TO PERSONS UP TO THE AGE OF 16 ONLY.
TO ENSURE THAT OPERATORS OBSERVE THE LICENCE CONDITIONS, THE NEW BILL WILL ENABLE CTEL TO SUSPEND, REVOKE OR REFUSE TO RENEW A LICENCE UNDER SPECIFIED CIRCUMSTANCES IF LICENCE CONDITIONS ARE REPEATEDLY BREACHED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER INTEGRAL PART OF THE PROPOSED BILL WOULD BE THE SETTING UP OF AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL BOARD.
THE LICENSING UNIT IN THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY IS BEING STRENGTHENED BY THE CREATION OF AN INSPECTION TEAM WHICH WILL MONITOR AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLIC WOULD BE CONSULTED ON THE BILL, ADDING THAT THEY WOULD BE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
4
PROPOSALS INVITED FOR LOCAL
FIXED TELECOM NETWORKS
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) MADE PUBLIC ITS THINKING ON HOW IT INTENDS TO GO ABOUT LICENSING NEW FIXED TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS TO COMPETE WITH THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY (HKTC) IN THE PROVISION OF LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.
IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, INVITED INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE AND OPERATE ADDITIONAL LOCAL FIXED NETWORK SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
COMMENTING ON THE DEVELOPMENT, MR PAGLIARI SAID: ’’THIS MARKS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR POLICY TO LIBERALISE FURTHER THE PROVISION OF LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES."
"THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT CONSUMERS CAN OBTAIN THE BEST POSSIBLE RANGE OF SERVICES AT THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICES. WE BELIEVE THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPETITION IN LOCAL FIXED NETWORK SERVICES WILL STIMULATE THE PROVISION OF NEW AND INNOVATIVE SERVICES AT LOWER COSTS," HE SAID.
THE GUIDANCE NOTE ON HOW PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY AT SINCERE BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
REFERRING TO THE NOTE, MR PAGLIARI STRESSED THAT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT WERE INTENDED TO BE INDICATIVE AND TO HELP APPLICANTS IN THE FORMULATION OF PROPOSALS.
A FORM OF LICENCE WILL BE DRAWN UP OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
"WE ARE ADOPTING A MARKET-DRIVEN APPROACH, WITH NO RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP. IN DECIDING ON HOW MANY NEW LICENCES TO GRANT WE WILL HAVE REGARD TO MARKET, TECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
PUBLICATION OF THE GUIDANCE NOTE FOLLOWS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT LAST JUNE THAT THE HKTC FRANCHISE TO PROVIDE LOCAL VOICE TELEPHONE SERVICES WOULD NOT BE RENEWED IN 1995 BUT WOULD BE REPLACED BY A NON-EXCLlSIVE LICENCE, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PREPARED TO LICENSE ONE OR MORE COMPETING LOCAL FIXED NETWORK SERVICE PROVIDERS.
SUBMISSIONS MAY CONTAIN PROPOSALS TO OFFER ANY LOCAL FIXED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES, OTHER THAN THOSE WHICH ARE COVERED BY EXISTING EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE ARRANGEMENTS.
BEYOND JULY 1, 1995, LICENSEES ARE TO BE ALLOWED TO OFFER VOICE TELEPHONY SERVICES. LICENSEES WILL BE ABLE TO CONNECT DIRECTLY TO HONG KONG TELECOM INTERNATIONAL LTD’S INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY AND WILL RECEIVE A DELIVERY FEE OF ABOUT $1 PER MINUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC GENERATED BY OR DESTINED FOR THEIR NETWORKS.
PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY FEBRUARY 1, 1993. IT IS EXPECTED THAT LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED BEFORE MID-1993.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
- 5 -
AFTERCARE SERVICE IMPORTANT FOR MENTAL PATIENTS I I ♦ * *
AFTERCARE SERVICE SHOULD BE GIVEN SOME PRIORITY IN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WHEN FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR M I) CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR CARTLAND WAS ADDRESSING AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION.
”SO FAR, WE HAVE RELIED ON CASEWORK COUNSELLING IN THE MAINSTREAM FAMILY SERVICES AND ON THE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS TO PROVIDE AFTERCARE FOR DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT RESEARCH SUGGESTED THAT A HIGHER RATE OF SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY COULD BE ACHIEVED IF THERE WAS A DESIGNATED SOCIAL WORKER GIVING ACTIVE SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING TO DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS AFTER THEY LEAVE A HALF-WAY HOUSE.
"IN THE LONG RUN, THIS APPROACH WILL CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS REDUCING RELAPSES AND REHOSPITALTSATION OF DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS," MR CARTLAND SAID, ADDING THAT THE MOVE WOULD ALLEVIATE THE HEAVY DEMAND FOR BEDS IN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS.
HE SAID OVER THE YEARS, THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES HAD BENEFITED ENORMOUSLY FROM THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF TALENTED INDIVIDUALS IN THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
UNDER THEIR LEADERSHIP, A WIDE RANGE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR MENTAL PATIENTS HAD BEEN DEVELOPED, FROM FARMS TO SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, HALF-WAY HOUSES TO SUPPORTED HOSTELS; AND LONG-STAY CARE TO AFTERCARE SERVICES, HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, I\1\ THE MOST EFFECTIVE AGENCY COULD NOT OPERATE SATISFACTORILY WITHOUT THE COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT WHICH WERE INDISPENSABLE FOR THE REHABILITATION OF MENTAL PATIENTS, HE NOTED.
"I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT AS A RESULT OF MUCH EDUCATIONAL AND PROMOTIONAL EFFORT, THE PUBLIC’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS MENTAL PATIENTS IS GRADUALLY CHANGING," HE ADDED.
THERE WERE ENCOURAGING PATIENTS AND SOMEWHAT LESS REHABILITATION FACILITIES, MR
SIGNS OF GREATER ACCEPTANCE OF MENTAL RESISTANCE REGARDING THE LOCATION OF CARTLAND SAID.
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/6 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
6
HONG KONG - WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER HANDLER * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
HONG KONG HAS NOSED AHEAD OF SINGAPORE TO BECOME, AGAIN, THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT.
FIGURES JUST RELEASED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR HONG KONG HANDLED JUST OVER 4.3 MILLION TEUS (TWENTY-FOOT-EQUIVALENT UNITS, THE STANDARD MEASURE OF PORT THROUGHPUT).
THIS WAS A 27.2 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE THROUGHPUT IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF LAST YEAR. IT WAS SOME 78,000 "BOXES" (TEUS) MORE THAN SINGAPORE’S TOTAL FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
IN 1991 HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE BECAME THE WORLD’S FIRST CONTAINER PORTS TO HANDLE MORE 1’HAN SIX MILLION TEUS IN A SINGLE YEAR. SINGAPORE JUST EDGED OUT HONG KONG TO BECOME THE BUS I EST CONTAINER PORT.
JUDGING BY PRESENT TRENDS HONG KONG WILL THIS YEAR HANDLE SOME : 7.7 MILLION TEUS. PLACED END TO END THESE WOULD STRETCH FOR NEARLY 30,000 MILES, OR ONE-AND-A-QUARTER TIMES AROUND THE WORLD.
HONG KONG ALREADY HANDLES MORE CONTAINERS A YEAR THAN ANY COUNTRY IN EUROPE, INCLUDING BRITAIN. ONLY THE USA AND JAPAN HAVE A GREATER ANNUAL THROUGHPUT, BUT THAT IS VIA SEVERAL PORTS.
JUST TO KEEP UP WITH THE INCREASE, EACH YEAR, FROM NOW UNTIL 2011, HONG KONG WILL BUILD ADDITIONAL BERTHS WITH A THROUGHPUT EQUAL TO THAT OF OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, OR FEIIXSTOWE IN ENGLAND.
THIS MEANS BUILDING A COMPLETELY NEW PORI ON A GREEN-FIELD SITE ON NORTHEAST LANTAI ISLAND.
TO DO THIS THE TERRITORY WILL MOVE MILLIONS OF TONNES OF EARTH, ROCK AND SEABED AND RECLAIM 1,200 HECTARES OF LAND FROM THE SEA. THAT WILL \DD ANOTHER 1.2 PER < ENT TO THE PRESENT TOTAL LAND MASS OF THE TERRITORY.
IT HAS TO COMPLETE THIS MASSIVE TASK ON TIM1 OR RISK LOSING NEARLY US$4 BILLION WORTH OF TRANSHIPMENT TRAFFIC BETWEEN NOU AND THE YEAR 2006 ALONE.
IN JUST OVER A DECADE, HONG KONG’S PORT THROUGHPUT HAS INCREASED BY 300 PER ( ENT. THIS HAS STRETCHED THE CAPACITY OF THE CURRENT SEVEN TERMINALS \T KWAI (HUNG (ONTAI’ER PORT.
TERMINAL NUMBER EIGHT IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND, WHERE RECLAMATION WORK HAS \LREADY CONNECTED TO THE MAINLAND.
LIKE ALL HONG KONG’S CONTAINER FACILITIES, TERMINAL EIGHT IS BEING BUILT, AND WILL BE OPERATED, B\ PRIVATE ENTERPRISE.
/THE FIRST
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
7
THE FIRST BERTH AT TERMINAL EIGHT WILL COME ON STREAM IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR. BY MID-1995 THE TERMINAL WILL BE OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY. BY THEN THE FIRST BERTH AT TERMINAL NINE ON TSING YI ISLAND SHOULD BE IN OPERATION.
THE TSING YI TERMINAL WILL BE THE LAST IN THE KWAI CHUNG AREA. TERMINALS 10 ONWARDS WILL BE BUILT ON NORTHEAST LANTAU ISLAND, ABOUT FOUR KILOMETRES FROM KWAI CHUNG.
THE FIRST BERTH AT TERMINAL 10 SHOULD COME ON STREAM IN MID-1997 WHEN TERMINAL NINE WILL BE FULLY OCCUPIED.
THIS IS WHEN THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, A 1300-METRE SUSPENSION BRIDGE, WILL OPEN FOR TRAFFIC.
AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGES, IT WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS FOR HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT AND THE NEW PORT.
CURRENT PLANS ARE FOR 17 NEW CONTAINER BERTHS TO BE BUILT ON LANTAU UP TO THE YEAR 2011. THESE WILL BE BUILT IN PHASES AND THE PROJECT WILL BE DEMAND-LED SO THAT DEVELOPMENT CAN BE ACCELERATED OR DECREASED DEPENDING ON FLUCTUATIONS IN THROUGHPUT.
AS WITH THE KWAI CHUNG PORT, THE BERTHS WILL BE DEVELOPED AND OPERATED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES.
-----0-----
WONG NAI CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS MADE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT WONG NAI CHUNG OULINE ZONING PLAN TO REFLECT THE REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE SITES ADJOINING SPORTS ROAD.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE AMENDMENTS, THE NORTHERN BENI) OF THE HAPPY VALLEY RACE TRACK WILL BE EXTENDED INTO SPORTS ROAD, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT SITE AND THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB SITE.
A NEW SPORTS ROAD WILL BE REPROVISIONED TO THE NORTH OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB.
APART FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT SITE WHICH WILL BE MAINLY USED AS PUBLIC OPEN SPACF, MORE PUBLIC OPEN SPACE WILL BE PROVIDED ALONG THE SOUTHERN BEND OF THE RACE TRACK.
OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN INCLUDE THE DESIGNATION OF THE CEMETERIES AT WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND SHAN KWONG ROAD AS "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ZONE ANNOTATED "CEMETERY" USE AND THE UPDATING OF THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN.
/THE AMENDMENT .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
8
THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED DURING OFFICE HOURS UNTIL OCTOBER 16 AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG
* PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR,
2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 16.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALE OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
---------U-----------
MORE OZONE-DEPLETING CHEMICALS COME UNDER CONTROL
* * * t *
THE RETAINED IMPORTS OF METHYL CHLOROFORM (1,1,1,-TRICHLOROETHANE) AND 10 OTHER CHLOROFLUROCARBONS (CFCS) WILL BE SUBJECT TO QUOTA LIMITATIONS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THIS FOLLOWS THE AMENDMENT TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER PROPOSED IN THE LONDON MEETING OF THE PARTY COUNTRIES IN JUNE 1990.
THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED NOTICES INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR QUOTA ALLOCATIONS ON THE RETAINED IMPORTS OF SUCH SUBSTANCES FOR THE CONTROL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31 NEXT YEAR.
THE SUBSTANCES INCLUDE METHYL CHLOROFORM, CFC-13, CFC-111, CFC-112, CFC-211, CFC-212, CFC-213, CFC-214, (FC-215, CFC-216 ANDCFC-217.
QUOTA WILL ONLY BE ISSUED TO PERSONS WITH PROVEN RECORDS OF IMPORTING SUCH SUBSTANCES INTO HONG KONG.
/THE QUOTA .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
9
THE QUOTA SYSTEMS ARE SIMILAR TO THE ONES CURRENTLY \PPLIED TO CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114 AND CFC-115 AS WELL AS HALONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SAID 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE WAS A KIND OF SOLVENT WIDELY USED IN VARIOUS LOCAL INDUSTRIES WHEREAS THE 10 OTHER CFCS WERE RARELY IMPORTED TO HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE QUOTA SYSTEMS IS TO FULFILL THE OBLIGATION OF HONG KONG AS A PARTY TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL IN A GLOBAL EFFORT TO CONTROL THE CONSUMPTION OF CHEMICALS THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE QUOTA ALLOCATION SYSTEMS WERE PART OF A SERIES OF PROGRESSIVE MEASURES TO CONTROL THE LOCAL CONSUMPTIONS OF OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES.
IMPORTS FROM NON-PARTTES WILL BE PROHIBITED WITH RESPECT TO PRODUCTS CONTAINING CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, CFC-115 AND HALONS STARTING FROM MAY NEXT YEAR.
THE SAME KIND OF CONTROL WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE, CARBON TETRACHLORIDE AND 10 OTHER CFCS WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID STARTING FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, THE ANNUAL CONSUMPTIONS OF 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE AND THE 10 OTHER CFCS WOULD BE LIMITED AT 100 PER CENT AND BO PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF HONG KONG’S 1989 CONSUMPTION LEVELS.
ACCORDING TO THE CURRECT CONTROL SCHEDULE OF THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL, THE RETAINED IMPORT OF 1 , 1 ,1-TR1 CHLOROETHANE WILL BE FURTHER REDUCED BY 50 PER CENT IN 1995 AND TOTALLY PHASED OUT BY THE YEAR 2005.
THE RETAINED IMPORTS OF THE 10 OTHER CFCS WILL BE REDUCED TO 15 PER CENT OF THE 1989 LEVEL IN 1996 AND TOTALLY PHASED OUT BY THE YEAR 2000.
HOWEVER, THIS TIMETABLE WILL VERY LIKELY BE ACCELERATED SUBSEQUENT TO THE COMING MEETING OF THE PARTIES WHICH WILL BE HELD IN COPENHAGEN LATER THIS YEAR.
APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS REGARDING THESE QUOTA APPLICATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S AIR CONTROL GROUP ON 33RD FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER 111, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
APPLICATIONS NOT USING THE OFFICIAL FORM SPECIFIED BY THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN PERSON ON OR BEFORE 5 PM ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 THIS YEAR. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE AIR CONTROL GROUP OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 5946242 OR 594 6243 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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/10 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
- 10 -
SEMINARS TO PROMOTE FILM INDUSTRY ABROAD * * * * *
THREE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD TO TIE IN WITH THE HONG KONG FILM FESTIVAL WHICH IS PART OF THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 DUE TO BE LAUNCHED IN CANADA TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE SEMINARS, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, THE HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (MPIA), AND THE CANADIAN FILM INDUSTRY, WILL BE HELD IN TORONTO, MONTREAL AND VANCOUVER ON SEPTEMBER 30, OCTOBER 5 AND OCTOBER 6 RESPECTIVELY.
"THESE ARE PART OF OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S FILM INDUSTRY OVERSEAS," A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR ALAN WONG SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
LOCAL AND CANADIAN FILM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE.
MR WONG WILL LEAVE FOR CANADA ON SEPTEMBER 28 TOGETHER WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE MPIA, MR PETER TSI, TO HELP OUT IN THE SEMINARS.
HE WILL SPEAK ON FILM OPPORTUNITIES AND THE WIDE RANGE OF FILM PRODUCTION FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, HOPING TO ATTRACT FILM MAKERS IN NORTH AMERICA TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR LOCATION SHOOTING.
MR WONG WILL ALSO INTRODUCE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON FILM AND TELEVISION CO-PRODUCTION SIGNED IN JUNE 1991 BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA.
"WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE HONG KONG FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY' FOR THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE ORGANISATION OF THE FILM FESTIVAL AND SEMINARS IN CANADA,” HE SAID.
THE SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE EXPERIENCED FILM PRODUCERS AND DIRECTORS AS WELL AS SENIOR EXECUTIVES IN THE FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY.
THEY WILL TALK ABOUT A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS, INCLUDING FILM FINANCING, RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG, TAIWAN AND CHINA IN FILM AND TV PRODUCTION, EXPERIENCE IN CO-PRODUCTION AND LOCATION SHOOTING, AND THE ROLE OF HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY TO FILMING IN CHINA.
MR WONG SAID MR TSI AND HE WOULD TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM THE CANADIAN EXPERIENCE IN THE OPERATION OF FILM COMMISSIONS, WHICH WERE HIGHLY DEVELOPED.
THEY WILL VISIT THE TORONTO FILM COMMISSION, THE ONTARIO FILM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND THE BRITISH COLUMBIA MOTION PICTURE ASSOCIATION.
/"THE INFORMATION .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
11
"THE INFORMATION THAT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THESE VISITS WILL BE USED FOR REFERENCE IN OUR CONSIDERATION OF THE SUGGESTION FROM THE FILM INDUSTRY TO SET UP A FILM COMMISSION IN HONG KONG," MR WONG SAID.
THE EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE HONG KONG SPEAKERS IN THE THREE SEMINARS WILL BE MET BY A SPONSORSHIP FROM GOLDEN HARVEST I HK) LTD.
- - 0 -
SECRETARY TO TAKE PART IN HONG KONG FESTIVAL IN CANADA
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO WILL DEPARTED FOR CANADA THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 WHICH BEGINS IN CANADA ON SEPTEMBER 26.
FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS PROMOTION HONG KONG HAS EVER STAGED ABROAD.
TO PROMOTE ITS THEME "HONG KONG AND CANADA-BRIDGE ACROSS THE PACIFIC", OVER 150 EVENTS INCLUDING CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, SPORTS DEMONSTRATION AND BUSINESS PROMOTION WILL BE HELD IN TORONTO, MONTREAL, CALGARY, OTTAWA AND VANCOUVER DURING THE MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL PERIOD.
THE FESTIVAL AIMS TO STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG BY ENHANCING THE CULTURAL, BUSINESS AND FRIENDLY TIES BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES.
MR SO, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 STEERING COMMITTEE, WILL ATTEND THE FESTIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY IN TORONTO ON SEPTEMBER 26 WHICH WILL BEGIN WITH A DRAGON DANCE BY THE WORLD'S LONGEST DRAGON IN THE STREETS OF DOWNTOWN TORONTO.
HE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF SOCIETIES IN TRANSITION CONFERENCE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ON SEPTEMBER 27, ATTEND A LANTERN FESTIVAL IN SCARBOROUGH ON SEPTEMBER 29 AND OFFICIATE AT THE GALA DINNER IN THE METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE ON SEPTEMBER 30.
DURING HIS STAY IN CANADA, MR SO WILL ATTEND A SERIES OF FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS AND TRADE PROMOTION SEMINARS, IN FIVE MAJOR CITIES.
HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 24.
- - 0 - -
/12
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
12
OATH FOR EXCO MEMBERS TO BE AMENDED * * * *
THE WORDING OF THE OATH OF FIDELITY FOR NEWLY APPOINTED EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL BE AMENDED TO DO AWAY WITH THE REFERENCE TO ’’THIS COLONY” AND "HER MAJESTY’S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THIS COLONY".
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID SUCH WORDING WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE AFTER 1997 AND AMENDMENTS WERE THEREFORE NECESSARY.
UNDER THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE WORDS ’’HER MAJESTY’S" WILL BE REPEALED AND "THIS COLONY" REPLACED BY "HONG KONG”.
THIS CHANGE FOLLOWED SIMILAR AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT MONTH, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE * * ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED THREE NEW MEMBERS TO THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1.
THEY ARE MR LEO CHAN CHO-TAK, DR I-HSUN NT AND MR WONG YIU-CHU.
TWO INCUMBENT MEMBERS, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG AND MR HENRY SUN SHIU-TSANG, HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED FOR THE SAME TERM OF OFFICE.
GOVERNMENT MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED ARE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, WHO IS THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE WITH THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS) AS HIS ALTERNATE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE (SYSTEMS) AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS).
THE APPOINTMENTS, ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), WERE MADE UNDER SECTION 14 OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD FOUR OTHER MEMBERS WHOSE TWO-YEAR TERM OF OFFICE IS EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER. 30, 1993.
THEY ARE PROFESSOR BRIAN MORTON, PROFESSOR D A GRIFFITHS, MR LAU PUN-CHEUNG AND THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES OR HER REPRESENTATIVE.
THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE IS TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
------0-------
/13........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
13
TENDERS INVITED FOR RECLAMATION AND DRAINAGE WORKS ♦ * * ♦ ♦
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR RECLAMATION AND TRUNK SEWER LAYING WORKS IN STANLEY.
THE CONTRACT FORMS PART OF THE STANLEY AREA SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
IT INCLUDES THE RECLAMATION IN THE FORESHORE OF STANLEY BAY FOR THE LAYING OF A TRUNK SEWER CONNECTING MA HANG AND STANLEY MAIN PUMPING STATION AND STORM DRAINS.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
"WHEN THE WORKS ARE COMPLETED, ALL SEWAGE IN THE STANLEY, MA HANG, TAI FAM AND RED HILL AREAS WILL RECEIVE FULL SECONDARY TREATMENT IN THE FIRST UNDERGROUND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN HONG KONG BEFORE DISCHARGE INTO THE SEA," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THIS WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE SEA WATER IN STANLEY AREA," HE ADDED.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATSON HAWKSLEY (HK) LIMITED ON 15TH FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWER, PUMPING STATION AND RISING MAIN IN SHUM WAN ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE PROPOSED SHUM WAN LAUNDRY PROJECT AND WILL PROVIDE A FOUL SEWERAGE SYSTEM FOR THE AREA OF SHUM WAN ROAD.
WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AND LAYING OF GRAVITY AND PRESSURE SEWERS RANGING FROM 300 MM TO 450 MM IN DIAMETER WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF ABOUT 1,250 METRES.
THE CONTRACT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICI LARS MA> BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW WORKS DIVISION OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER III, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE FOR THE TWO PROJECTS IS OCTOBER 1G.
- - 0 - -
/14
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
14
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO RIVER AND DRAINAGE WORKS
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR RIVER TRAINING AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN TAI PO.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT COMPRISES RIVER TRAINING WORKS ON THE UPSTREAM SECTION OF TAI PO RIVER AND THE REMAINING PART OF THE ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORK.S IN AREA 3 7 IN THE DISTRICT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS’ TIME.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CONSULTANT ENGINEER OF THE PROJECT - THE MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED, AT 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN.
THE TENDER Cl OS ING PATE IS OCTOBER 16.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAI CHI KOK INTERCHANGE WORKS
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT LAI CHI KOK INTERCHANGE AND ITS ADJOINING ROADS.
THE WORKS MAINLY COMPRISE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN SECTIONS OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, KWAI CHUNG ROAD, LAI CHI KOK ROAD, MEI LAI ROAD, BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD, KOM TSUN STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND OTHER ADJOINING ROADS AT LAI CHI KOK INTERCHANGE.
MINOR WIDENING AND MODIFICATION OF THE ROAD AND JUNCTION AT THE INTERCHANGE AND ADJOINING AREAS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
OTHER WORKS WILL INCLUDE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES IN CHEUNG SHA WAN INDUSTRIAL AREA AND UPGRADING OF EXISTING DRAINAGE AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN LATE DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN MID-1995.
A NOTICE OF THE TENDER IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER (KOWLOON), HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, ANNEX BUILDING, FARM ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, FIRST FLOOR, 11 FARM ROAD, KOWLOON.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON OCTOBER 16 (FRIDAY).
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/15 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
- 15 -
ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS PROPOSED FOR TSUEN WAN
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE PROPOSES TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF THE VAN TRACK LEADING FROM ROUTE TWISK TO CHUEN LUNG TSUEN IN TSUEN WAN.
THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS COMPRISE THE WIDENING OF THE EXISTING TRACK, CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTPATH ADJACENT TO THE TRACK, AND RE-SURFACING OR RE-CONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF THE EXISTING PAVEMENT.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1993.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AND
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TII AND FIRST FLOOR RESPECTIVELY, TSUEN WAN MTR STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OPPOSITION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 24, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
--------0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR HOI PA VILLAGE RESITE PROJECT
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOI PA VILLAGE RESITE PHASE TWO, SAN TSUEN PAI SOUTH PLATFORM, TSUEN WAN.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF
FOUR VILLAGE RESITE
HOUSES IN TWO PAIRS, A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, A ’PAI COMMON AREAS, WHICH ARE ALL OF GOVERNMENT STANDARD DESIGN.
LAU* AND
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN EARLY DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON OCTOBER 16.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
/16 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
- 16 -
SHIP MASTERS TO GIVE WA} TO CHARITY WALK FERRIES ******
MASTERS OF ALL VESSELS ARE URGED TO TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN NAVIGATING OFF WAN CHAI AND KOWLOON POINT BETWEEN 8.30 AM AND 11 AM ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 27) TO FACILITATE FERRIES CARRYING CHARITY WALKERS ACROSS THE HARBOUR, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ADVISED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST, THE CHARITY WALKERS WILL BE FERRIED ACROSS THE HARBOUR FROM THE PIERS IN WAN CHAI TO Till- KOWLOON POINT PIERS IN TS1M SHA TSUI. THE FREQUENCY OF SAILING WILL RANGE FROM FIVE MINUTES TO 15 MINUTES.
------0--------
TRIBUTE PAID TO RETIRING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
♦ * * * *
TRIBUTE WAS PAID TO THE RETIRING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING, AT A FAREWELL DINNER LAST (THURSDAY) NIGHT ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 400 MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS.
THE NEW DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WING, PRAISED MR LI FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS IMPROVING THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION DURING HIS 32 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
"MR LT’S YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE SEEN A RAPID EXPANSION OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AT ALL LEVELS," MR WONG SAID.
"IN MORE RECENT YEARS HE HAS HELPED DEVELOP AND HAS ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTED A RANGE OF POLICIES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION TN OUR SCHOOLS".
IN THE 1970S, MR LI WAS CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL, FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN UP TO THE AGE OF 15.
HE WAS THE ARCHITECT OF THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME AND WAS INSTRUMENTAL TN:
* DEVELOPING THE SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME;
* THE STUDENT GUIDANCE SCHEME, AND
* THE VARIOUS ASSESSMENT AND ALLOCATION SYSTEMS FOR PUPILS.
HE HAS ENCOURAGED SCHOOLS TO MOVE TOWARDS CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND HAS ACCELERATED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHINESE-MEDIUM CURRICULUM WHICH MADE THIS POSSIBLE.
/MR LI ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1992
17
MR LI BEGAN HIS CAREER IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 32 YEARS AGO AS AN ASSISTANT EDUCATION OFFICER TEACHING ENGLISH AND CIVICS j CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL.
AFTER TEACHING FOR TWO YEARS, HE WAS POSTED TO THE *(.HnOL REGISTRATION SECTION AND WAS PROMOTED TO EDUCATION OFFICER IN 1964.
MR LI BECAME SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN DIRECTOR IN 1979, SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN 1983, IN 1984 AND DIRECTOR IN 1987.
1976, ASSISTANT DEPUTY DIRECTOR
--------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 +800
CLOSING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT 2,300
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 110.5 *-0.1* 25.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXC HANGE El ND
EE BILLS
TERMS YIELD TERM
1 WEEK 3.10 PCT 14 MONTHS
1 MONTH 2.80 PCT 17 MONTHS
3 MONTHS 2.62 PCT 20 MONTHS
6 MONTHS 2.70 PCT 23 MONTHS
12 MONTHS 3.17 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER. OF BILLS AND BONDS
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
23 11 6.25 103.35 3.26
24 02 5.50 102.80 3.44
24 05 5.50 102.85 3.73
2 1 08 4.375 100.95 3.88
- 15,585 MN
CLOSED 25 SEPTEMBER 1992
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANOTHER WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION CONTRACT AWARDED .................... 1
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SOLD BY AUCTION . ................... 2
ROAD CLOSURE FOR TIN SHUI WAI LRT LINK ............................... 3
WOMEN POLICE TASK FORCE TO HANDLE INTERNAL SECURITY .................. 3
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER ........................................... 4
WATER CHARGES COLLECTION OFFICE TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY ................. 5
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ........... 6
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1992
ANOTHER WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION CONTRACT AWARDED ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AWARDED AN $821 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE RECLAMATION OF THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AND REPROVISIONING OF WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES WHICH FORMS PART OF THE WORK ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT.
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED THE CONTRACT TO A HONG KONG, DUTCH AND ITALIAN CONSORTIUM AFTER CONSIDERING SIX BIDS WHICH RANGED FROM $588 MILLION TO $1,157 MILLION.
THE CONSORTIUM, UNIVERSAL DOCKYARD LTD/D. BLANKEVOORT INTERNATIONAL DREDGING COMPANY/DRAGOMAR S.P A. JOINT VENTURE, SUBMITTED THE SECOND LOWEST TENDER, WHICH WAS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S ESTIMATE.
THE LOWEST TENDER WAS NOT ACCEPTED BECAUSE IT DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE TENDERING PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS.
THE CONTRACT IS PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP). IT BRINGS THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT FUNDED CONTRACTS IN THE ACP LET SO FAR TO 16, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF $17.13 BILLION.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ALL 16 CONTRACTS WERE WITHIN PROJECT ESTIMATES.
"THIS DEMONSTRATES THAT ALL ACP PROJECTS ARE BEING BUILT IN A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY," MR HUI SAID.
"THIS IS ACHIEVED BY RIGOROUS EXAMINATION OF PROJECT DESIGNS, TIGHT CONTROL OVER CHANGES IN PROJECT SCOPE, CASH LIMITATION OF PROJECT COSTS, A REGIME OF FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS AND COMPETITIVE TENDERING," HE ADDED.
WORK ON THE YAU MA TEI CONTRACT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 32 MONTHS.
IT INVOLVES THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 68 HECTARES OF LAND, CONSTRUCTION OF 180 METRES OF SEAWALL AND REPROVISIONING OF WATERFRONT FACILITIES INCLUDING A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION, A PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND A MARINE OFFICE.
THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION IS ONE OF THE 10 KEY PROJECTS IN THE ACP. THE RECLAMATION ALONG THE WEST KOWLOON WATERFRONT FROM YAU MA TEI TO LAI CHI KOK WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 330 HECTARES OF LAND FOR TRANSPORT LINKS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
IN ADDITION, THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR VARIOUS COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USES AS WELL AS OPEN SPACE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.
/THE PROJECT .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1992
2
THE PROJECT INVOLVES TWO AREAS, NORTH AND SOUTH, EACH OF WHICH HAS BEEN SUB-DIVIDED FOR CONTRACT PURPOSES SO AS TO ALLOW THE THIRTY OR MORE EXISTING WATER-SIDE ACTIVITIES TO CONTINUE IN OPERATION, UNTIL NEW WATERFRONT IS AVAILABLE FOR THEIR RELOCATION.
WORK ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT IS PROCEEDING ON SCHEDULE AND ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF THE 330 HECTARES OF RECLAMATION HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.
------0-------
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SOLD BY AUCTION *****
FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $1,796,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK 8368 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $390,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK XX833 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $160,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $3,000 FOR EY3329.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
EY7133 WITHDRAWN EY3329 3,000 EY388 50 ,000 EY738 23,000
EX380 20,000 *FC10 55,000 *2647 38 ,000 XX833 160,000
EY149 6,000 EY328 78,000 EY3220 5 ,000 EY366 40,000
*DW700 60,000 EJ189 28,000 CL831 16 ,000 »FC73 55,000
EY9778 WITHDRAWN 8368 390,000 *DM88 140 ,000 EY978 16,000
AA1386 31,000 EY3380 12,000 EY845 6 ,000 EX108 35,000
EY7821 WITHDRAWN EY610 6,000 EY923 20 ,000 EY3268 23,000
*548 36,000 *FC11 78,000 *304 100 ,000 ♦AD929 30,000
EY993 15,000 EY321 20,000 EY668 80 ,000 EY1128 21,000
EY448 20,000 EY968 19,000 EY221 28 ,000 EY2823 30,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE
AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12
TODAY’S SALE, THE 180TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1992
ROAD CLOSURE FOR TIN SHUT WAI LRT LINK ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CLOSE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD A( ROSS JUNCTION T21 IN PING SHAN, YUEN LONG.
THE CLOSURE IS REQUIRED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION AND COMMISSIONING OF THE TIN SHUI WAI LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT LINK.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL HAVE BEEN GAZETTED YESTERDAY. A NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CAN BE SEEN ON THE NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR JUNCTION T21.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY INSPECT THE PLANS AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
♦ DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, NINTH FLOOR, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERITORIES; AND
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 24.
- - 0 - -
WOMEN POLICE TASK FORCE TO HANDLE INTERNAL SECURITY * * * * *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAVE RECENTLY FORMED A COMPANY OF WOMEN POLICE TO DEAL WITH INTERNAL SECURITY AND CROWD
CONTROL.
THE WOMEN’S INTERNAL SECURITY COMPANY OF 170 PERSONNEL IS PRESENTLY UNDERGOING TRAINING AT THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT IN FANLING.
THE COMPANY, HEADED BY A WOMAN SUPERINTENDENT, MRS KONG CHEUNG CHI-LAN, WHO IS ASSISTED BY A WOMAN CHIEF INSPECTOR AND WOMEN STATION SERGEANT, WAS FORMED IN JULY THIS YEAR.
/EACH OF
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1992
EACH OF THE FOUR PLATOONS IS COMMANDED BY TWO WOMEN INSPECTORS AND HAS 41 MEMBERS, THE PLATOONS ARE IDENTICALLY STRUCTURED AS THE REGULAR INTERNAL SECURITY PLATOONS AS THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS. THEY ARE DRAWN FROM THE FOUR POLICE LAND REGIONS.
THE ROLE OF WOMEN POLICE IN INTERNAL SECURITY AND CROWD CONTROL SITUATIONS HAS RECENTLY BEEN REVIEWED AND IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT WOMEN POLICE OFFICERS HAD AN ACTIVE ROLE TO PLAY IN POLICING DEMONSTRATIONS OR PROCESSIONS, HANDLING PASSIVE RESISTORS AND RESOLVING DISTURBANCES IN VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRES.
"THE FORCE IDENTIFIED THAT WOMEN POLICE SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR DEPLOYMENT WITH, AND IN SUPPORT OF, THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS PARTICULARLY TO ARREST AND SEARCH WOMEN AND JUVENILE PRISONERS," SAID A POLICE SPOKESMAN.
EACH MEMBER OF THE COMPANY IS ISSUED THE SAME PERSONAL EQUIPMENT AS THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS. THIS INCLUDES AN INTERNAL SECURITY UNIFORM, RIOT HELMET, RESPIRATORS, JUNGLE BOOTS AND HANDCUFFS.
THE COMPANY IS NOT ISSUED WITH ANY INTERNAL SECURITY WEAPONS, BUT IS TRAINED IN THE USE OF LONG BATONS AND CS GRENADES.
THE COMPANY’S TRAINING INCLUDES TACTICS FOR WOMEN OFFICERS TO DEAL WITH PASSIVE RESISTORS, CLEARING ROUTES THROUGH CROWDS AND USE OF THE ARMADILLO SHIELD. TACTICS FOR WORK INSIDE VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRES ARE ALSO PRACTISED.
"ALL MEMBERS HAVE NOW UNDERGONE A TWO-DAY INTRODUCTORY TRAINING IN INTERNAL SECURITY TACTICS AND THEY WILL RECEIVE FURTHER TRAINING EACH QUARTER. IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO DEPLOY THE WHOLE COMPANY DURING A MAJOR EXERCISE LATER THIS YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE WOMEN’S COMPANY WOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO TAKE ON A RIOT ON ITS OWN, BUT WOULD RATHER BE IN A POSITION TO BACK UP THEIR MALE COLLEAGUES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER *****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 23 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
/FOLLOWING ARE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1992
5
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE:
DATE TIME
OCTOBER 1 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 2 (FRIDAY 1 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 6 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - r PM
OCTOBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 8 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 9 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 13 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 14 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 9 PM
OCTOBER 15 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 16 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 9 PM
OCTOBER 17 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 19 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 20 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 21 (WEDNESDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 22 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 1 1 .59 PM
OCTOBER 23 (FRIDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 .59 PM
OCTOBER 26 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 1 1 .59 PM
OCTOBER 27 (TUESDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 28 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 29 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 30 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
--------0-----------
WATER CHARGES COLLECTION OFFICE TO CLOSE
*****
TEMPORARILY
SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S CLOSED FROM TUESDAY WORKS FOR THE
OF THE WATER CENTRE WILL BE
THE COLLECTION OFFICE
KWUN TONG CONSUMER ENQUIRY (SEPTEMBER 29) TO NOVEMBER 2 TO FACILITATE RENOVATION SETTING UP OF AN ADDITIONAL COLLECTION COUNTER.
AND THEIR
RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON EAST MAY PAY THEIR WATER CHARGES DEPOSITS AT OTHER COLLECTION OFFICES OR SUB-TREASURIES, OR MAKE PAYMENTS BY POST DURING THE PERIOD.
THE CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE ON THE SECOND FLOOR, 21 ON WAH
STREET WILL, HOWEVER, CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ENQUIRY SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
--------0-----------
/6 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1992
6
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * ★ ★ *
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,300
REVERSAL OF LAF NIL
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,300
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -560
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,740
* LAF TO BE REVERSED ON 28/9 -800 MN
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, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPLICATIONS FOR PRIMARY 1 PLACES CLOSE NEXT WEEK ...................... 1
HONG KONG DRAGON DAZZLES TORONTO CROWDS ................................ 2
49 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY ................................. 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER IMPROVEMENT WORKS ............................ 4
ORGAN DONATION MESSAGE REACHES 1.2M HOUSEHOLDS ......................... 5
WORKPLACE IN CATERING INDUSTRY MUST BE SAFE ............................ 6
NEW TRAINING CAMP FOR YOUTHS ........................................... 7
LANDS OFFICIALS VISIT GUANGZHOU ........................................ 7
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT................................................... 8
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
1 APPLICATIONS FOR PRIMARY 1 PLACES CLOSE NEXT WEEK * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED PARENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY 1 PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR TO RETURN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND FRIDAY (OCTOBER 2).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THOSE WHO WISHED TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN A PARTICULAR GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD RETURN THEIR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TO THE SCHOOL DIRECT DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
PARENTS WHO DO NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR SUCH DISCRETIONARY PLACES SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS DURING OFFICE HOURS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
* PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT,
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE,
269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, FIRST FLOOR, WAN CHAI.
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 703, 405 NATHAN ROAD, SEVENTH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI.
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, FIRST FLOOR, SHA TIN.
» TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO.
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICES CENTRE, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING,
1 TUEN HI ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN.
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG.
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, FANLING.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT PARENTS SHOULD SUBMIT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM FOR ANY ONE CHILD.
"IF ANY PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL BE REJECTED AND ANY DISCRETIONARY PLACE SO ALLOCATED WILL BE WITHDRAWN," HE SAID.
------0--------
/2 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27,
1992
2
HONG KONG DRAGON DAZZLES TORONTO CROWDS
*****
TORONTO’S CITY CENTRE STOPPED FOR 90 MINUTES ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON WHILE THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS WATCHED A 500-FOOT CHINESE DRAGON PRANCE ITS WAY THROUGH THE DOWNTOWN AREA TO OPEN FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92.
EARLIER, THE PREMIER OF ONTARIO, MR BOB RAE, HAD PERFORMED THE TRADITIONAL EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY, ACCOMPANIED BY A NUMBER OF HONG KONG AND CANADIAN OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO.
THE NOISY, COLOURFUL PARADE THAT FOLLOWED THE DRAGON’S AWAKENING CLEARLY DELIGHTED BOTH ONLOOKERS AND HUNDREDS OF ORGANISERS WITH ITS VITALITY AND FESTIVE SPIRIT.
BY THE TIME THE DRAGON REACHED NATHAN PHILIPS SQUARE FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY IN FRONT OF THE CITY HALL, THE EXCITED CROWD HAD SWELLED TO ABOUT 10,000.
IN DECLARING OPEN THE MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL, ENCOMPASSING SOME 150 EVENTS IN FIVE MAJOR CANADIAN CITIES AND EIGHT FRINGE CITIES, THE CHAIRMAN OF METROPOLITAL TORONTO, MR ALAN TONKS, DREW LOUD APPLAUSE IN FURTHER PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 26 TO OCTOBER 25 TO BE "HONG KONG DAYS" THROUGHOUT TORONTO.
"IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SAVOUR ASPECTS OF HONG KONG CULTURE SELDOM SEEN AND EXPERIENCED OUTSIDE HONG KONG," THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, TOLD AN ATTENTIVE CROWD THRONGING THE SQUARE.
HE SAID IT WAS SIGNIFICANT THAT HONG KONG WAS LAUNCHING THE FESTIVAL IN TORONTO. HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS ENJOYED A CLOSE AND FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIP WITH CANADA, BUT THAT RELATIONSHIP WAS MOST APPARENT IN TORONTO "WHERE THE LARGEST NUMBER OF HONG KONG EMIGRANTS HAD CHOSEN TO SETTLE, WHERE THE TRADE AND ECONOMIC TIES WERE STRONGEST, AND WHERE MOST HONG KONG STUDENTS CHOSE TO STUDY."
IN HER OPENING REMARKS, THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TORONTO, MRS JUNE ROWLANDS, PAID WARM TRIBUTE TO THE CHINESE COMMUNITY OF METRO TORONTO, WHICH NOW NUMBER SOME 350,000.
"OUR TIES WITH HONG KONG HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY CLOSE AND VERY STRONG, AND THIS FESTIVAL WILL STRENGTHEN THESE TIES," SHE SAID.
FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 WILL OFFER CANADIANS A WIDE AND VARIED GLIMPSE OF HONG KONG’S LIFESTYLE, RANGING FROM CULTURAL, BUSINESS, TRADE, SPORTING AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS TO EXHIBITIONS OF HONG KONG FASHIONS, FILMS AND FOOD.
AMONG THE CULTURAL GROUPS IN CANADA FOR THE FESTIVAL ARE THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA, HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY, CHUNG YING THEATRE AND THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS.
/IN ADDITION .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF HONG KONG DELEGATIONS WILL VISIT THE COUNTRY DURING THE MONTH TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN TIES WITH THEIR CANADIAN COUNTERPARTS. PROMINENT AMONG THESE IS THE SIX-MEMBER DELEGATION FROM THE HONG KONG-CANADA PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP, COMPRISING MESSRS ALLEN LEE, FRED LI WAH-MING, HUI YIN-FAT, ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP, VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN AND LAU CHIN-SHEK.
AT THE INVITATION OF THE CANADA-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP, THE DELEGATION FLEW TO OTTAWA ON SUNDAY TO VISIT THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT, CALL ON OFFICIALS AND PARTICIPATE IN FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 ACTIVITIES.
THE FESTIVAL CORE CITIES, IN ADDITION TO TORONTO, ARE VANCOUVER, OTTAWA, MONTREAL AND CALGARY.
STAGED IN RECIPROCATION TO THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CANADIAN-SPONSORED FESTIVAL HELD IN HONG KONG IN 1991, IT IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS FESTIVAL EVER MOUNTED BY HONG KONG OVERSEAS.
- - u - -
49 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY *****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 49 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JULY.
OF THESE, 26 WERE FOR HONG KONG, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 14 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 27 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, NINE FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND THREE FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 45 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 169,491 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 102,179 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMEST1C FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,210 MILLION.
USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 60,353 SQUARE METRES AND 49,099 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN JULY, THE OFFICE ISSUED 35 OCCUPATION PERMITS, 15 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 FOR KOWLOON, AND 10 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 30 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 44 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
/THE OFFICE'S
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
THE OFFICE’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 680 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,660 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 1,434 REMOVAL ORDERS.
ITS DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 708 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED 14 EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
-----0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER IMPROVEMENT WORKS
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN TSING YI ROAD WEST AND CHING HONG ROAD ON TSING YI ISLAND.
THE CONTRACT WILL COVER PART OF THE REMAINING WORKS IN THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TREATMENT AND TRANSFER FACILITIES AT YAU KAM TAU, TSUEN WAN. THE PROJECT AIMS TO IMPROVE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE ISLAND BY PROVIDING A LINK TO INTEGRATE THE SUPPLY ZONE OF YAU KAM TAU TREATMENT WORKS WITH THAT OF TSUEN WAN TREATMENT WORKS.
THE TOTAL LENGTH OF WATER MAINS TO BE LAID UNDER THE CONTRACT IS ABOUT 1,400 METRES AND THE SIZE OF THE MAINS IS 700 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER.
MEANWHILE, TENDERS ARE ALSO BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SALT WATER PUMPING STATIONS AND THE ASSOCIATED MAINLAYING WORKS IN SHA TIN.
ONE OF THE CONTRACTS IS TO BUILD A SALT WATER BOOSTER PUMPING STATION AND A TRANSFORMER HOUSE OFF YUEN WO ROAD.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE LAYING OF FRESH AND SALT WATER MAINS WITH DIAMETERS OF 450 MILLIMETRES AND 700 MILLIMETRES AND FOR LENGTHS OF 730 METRES AND 970 METRES RESPECTIVELY ALONG TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.
ANOTHER SALT WATER PUMPING STATION TO BE CONSTRUCTED IS LOCATED AT THE SEAFRONT OFF SHUI CHONG STREET.
WORKS ALSO INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A TRANSFER COMPOUND AND THE LAYING OF 380 METRES OF SALT WATER MAINS WITH A DIAMETER OF 1,000 MILLIMETRES.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE 12 TO 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER II, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 16.
/5.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
5
ORGAN DONATION MESSAGE REACHES 1,2M HOUSEHOLDS *****
SOME 1.2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS WILL SOON RECEIVE A LEAFLET AND A DETACHABLE CARD ON ORGAN DONATION TOGETHER WITH THEIR RATE DEMAND NOTICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE MASSIVE DISTRIBUTION MARKED THE SECOND PHASE OF THIS YEAR’S TERRITORY-WIDE ORGAN-DONATION CAMPAIGN.
WITH SUPPORT FROM THE TREASURY, THE MOVE WILL GIVE FURTHER IMPETUS TO THE CAMPAIGN AND AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO CARE FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE SIGNING OF THE ORGAN-DONATION CARDS INDICATED ONE’S WISH TO DONATE HIS OR HER ORGAN AFTER DEATH BUT NOT BEFORE DEATH.
"IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT DONORS SHOULD INFORM THEIR FAMILY OR RELATIVES SO THAT THEIR WISH IS KNOWN AND FOLLOWED PROMPTLY WHEN NECESSARY," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
HE NOTED THAT PUBLIC RESPONSE HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING SINCE THE CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED IN APRIL.
HE URGED RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE DEMONSTRATING THEIR CARING ATTITUDE BY SIGNING AN ORGAN-DONATION CARD.
THE CARDS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, AND MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES.
RESIDENTS CAN ALSO OBTAIN THE CARDS FROM DISTRICT OFFICES; LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT; DONOR CENTRES OF HONG KONG RED CROSS TRANSFUSION SERVICE AND HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S INSTITUTIONS.
"AFTER THEY HAVE SIGNED UP, THEY SHOULD CARRY THE CARD ALL THE TIME SO THAT THEIR WISH WOULD BE KNOWN AND FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY IF THE TIME COMES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/6........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
6
WORKPLACE IN CATERING INDUSTRY MUST BE SAFE ♦ *♦*#**
PROPRIETORS IN THE CATERING INDUSTRY MUST ENSURE THEIR EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK, LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR CHAN TAT-KING SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
’’UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK IN CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS, SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS AND CANTEENS, IS NOW SUBJECT TO CONTROL BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT,” MR CHAN SAID.
’’CATERING PROPRIETORS CAN NO LONGER TAKE IT FOR GRANTED THAT THEIR WORKPLACES ARE RELATIVELY SAFE WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER INDUSTRIES,” HE SAID.
"ON THE CONTRARY, SEVERAL HAZARDS MAY BE PRESENT AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE OF THE LIMITED SPACE IN A KITCHEN,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE 16,512 REPORTED ACCIDENTS IN THE CATERING TRADE LAST YEAR, REPRESENTING A NINE PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1990.
’’THE COMMON CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS ARE CUT BY KNIVES AND OTHER HAND TOOLS, BURN BY HOT WATER OR OIL, STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS, FALLING ON TO THE FLOOR AND BACK INJURY DUE TO LIFTING OF OBJECT,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN ASKED PROPRIETORS TO TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE THE WORKING CONDITIONS BY CONDUCTING THEIR OWN INSPECTIONS.
"IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE AND HEALTHY SYSTEM OF WORK WHILE PROVIDING ADEQUATE INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION TO THEIR EMPLOYEES," HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FAILURE IN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OFTEN LED TO SERIOUS ACCIDENTS.
"MANAGEMENT AT ALL LEVELS MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK WHICH IS AS MUCH A RESPONSIBILITY AS ANY OTHER FEATURE OF THEIR WORK," HE STRESSED.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT SIX CATERING PROPRIETORS HAD BEEN PROSECUTED FOR BREACHING THE SAFETY AND HEALTH LAWS SINCE ITS EXTENSION TO THE CATERING TRADE ON DECEMBER 1 LAST YEAR.
"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL SPARE NO EFFORTS TO PROSECUTE CATERING PROPRIETORS WHO FAIL TO MEET THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS," MR CHAN REITERATED.
n....
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
NEW TRAINING CAMP FOR YOUTHS
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE NOW HAVE A NEW VENUE TO ENGAGE IN A WIDE RANGE OF WATER ACTIVITIES AND OUTDOOR SPORTS WITH THE OPENING TODAY (SUNDAY) OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES TAI TAN TRAINING CAMP.
THE 12,000-SQUARE-METRE CAMP IS NEAR WONG SHEK PIER IN SAI KUNG NORTH. IT COMPRISES A CAMPING GROUND, A TRAINING SWIMMING POOL, AN ADMINISTRATION BLOCK, AN ABLUTION BLOCK, A COOKHOUSE AND A PARADE GROUND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AID SERVICES SAID THE CAMP WOULD SERVE AS A TRAINING BASE FOR YOUTHS AND ADULTS TO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS FORMS OF WATER ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CANOEING, SAILING, LIFE-SAVING, SKIN DIVING AND WINDSURFING.
THEY CAN ALSO PRACTISE LAND ACTIVITIES LIKE HILL TREKKING, ORIENTEERING AND COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION, HE SAID.
HE WELCOMED ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS TO USE THE CAMP TO CONDUCT TRAINING AND EXERCISES.
MOST OF THE ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRAINING FACILITIES WERE BUILT WITH A $7.11 MILLION DONATION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS OFFICIATED BY STEWARD OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR CHAU CHAM-SON.
---------0-----------
LANDS OFFICIALS VISIT GUANGZHOU *****
A DELEGATION FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT LEFT KONG THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A VISIT TO GUANGZHOU.
HONG
THE VISIT IS MADE AT THE INVITATION BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
THE VISITING PARTY IS LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR DARWIN CHEN, AND ITS MEMBERS ARE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR BOB POPE, AND CHIEF ESTATE SURVEYORS, MR LEUNG LOK-YIU AND MR NG HANG-KWONG.
DURING THE VISIT, THE GROUP WILL CALL ON THE LANDS DEPARTMENT OF THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE TO STUDY LAND ADMINISTRATION IN THE PROVINCE AND DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTERESTS.
THE PARTY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 30).
--------0-----------
/8.........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1992
- 8 -
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT
*****
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE WHO HOLD CASH ORDER BOOK COUPONS MAY RECEIVE THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAY-DAY FALLS ON THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS EARLY NEXT MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID PAYMENT SCHEDULED ON OCTOBER 4 AND 5 WOULD BE ADVANCED TO OCTOBER 2 AND 3 RESPECTIVELY.
ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR RECIPIENTS TO COLLECT THEIR WELFARE PAYMENT AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES AND TREASURY : SUB-OFFICES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
-----0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR AUGUST ....................................... 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST .................................... 7
ASPIRATIONS OF PEOPLE HELP WIN THROUGH CHANGES .......................... 9
AMENDMENT TO PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS LEGISLATION PROPOSED ................ 11
CHAIRMEN APPOINTED TO AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SUB-COMMITTEES .......... 12
FREE COACH SERVICE FOR CAREERS ACTIVITIES ............................... 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE..................................................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .............. 14
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
- 1 -CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR AUGUST *****
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION MODERATED FURTHER IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) (A) WAS 8.3% HIGHER IN AUGUST THIS YEAR THAN IN AUGUST 1991.
THIS WAS SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE FIGURE OF 8.8% IN THE PRECEDING MONTH AND THE PEAK FIGURE OF 13.9% IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. HAMISH MACLEOD, WELCOMED THE CONTINUED MODERATION IN CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION SO FAR THIS YEAR. HE DESCRIBED THIS DOWNWARD TREND AS ’ENCOURAGING’.
THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 9.1% AND 9.8% RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST 1992 THAN IN AUGUST LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN JULY 1992 WERE 9.3% AND 10.1%.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH WAS COMPILED AND BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.0% IN AUGUST 1992 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1991. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN JULY 1992 WAS 9.3%.
THE SLOWER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CPIS IN AUGUST 1992 WERE MAINLY DUE TO LOWER PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND MORE MODERATE INCREASES IN THE PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH AND PORK.
COMPARING AUGUST 1992 WITH AUGUST 1991, RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR DURABLE GOODS (2.0% IN THE CPI(A) AND 2.2% IN THE CPI(B)); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (2.1% AND 2.7%); TRANSPORT (6.2% AND 6.7%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (7.3% AND 7.0%); AND FUEL AND LIGHT (7.3% AND 7.1%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (9.9% IN THE CPI(A) AND 9.8% IN THE CPI(B)); MEALS AT RESTAURANTS (10.3% AND 10.2%); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (11.2% AND 11.0%); HOUSING (12.1% AND 13.6%); AND SERVICES (12.3% AND 11.0%).
COMPARING AUGUST 1992 WITH JULY 1992, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.1% WHILE THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI INCREASED BY 0.4% AND 0.3% RESPECTIVELY.
THIS COMPARISON WAS, HOWEVER, AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS. THE INCREASES IN THE INDICES WERE LARGELY DUE TO HIGHER RENT FOR SOME PRIVATE HOUSING UNITS AND AN INCREASE IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS. THE EFFECT OF SOME OF THESE PRICE INCREASES WAS PARTLY OFFSET BY LOWER PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH FRUIT AND OUTERCLOTHING.
/FOR THE ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
- 2 -
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1992, THE CPI(A) WAS, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.8% THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR THE CPI(B) WAS 9.4%.
FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO AUGUST 1992, THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.3% AND 9.5% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1991.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JULY 1992, THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 9.8% AND 9.9% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE INDICES. THE DESEASONALIZED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.4% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE 3 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1992.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR AUGUST 1992. IT IS AVAILABLE AT $9.0 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES CAN BE MADE TO 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 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
3
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for August 1992 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Component CPI(A) CPT(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
Index for Aug 92 % change over Aug 91 Index for Aug 92 % change over Aug 91 Index for Aug 92 % change over Aug 91 Index for Aug 92 % change over Aug 91
Food 124.1 +6.2 125.4 +7.1 124.5 +8.6 124.7 +7.0
Meals bought away from home 131.0 +10.3 131.0 +10.2 127.6 +11.6 130.2 +10.5
Food, excluding meals bought away from home 117.3 . +2.1 117.7 +2.7 119.1 +3.5 117.7 +2.5
Housing 132.7 +12.1 133.9 +13.6 134.7 +12.2 133.8 +12.7
Fuel and light 116.4 +7.3 115.9 +7.1 115.7 +6.6 116.1 +7.1
.Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 161.8 +11.2 154.2 +11.0 150.8 +11.0 157.6 +11.1
Clothing and footwear 117.8 +9.9 118.8 +9.8 120.8 +13.6 119.2 +11.1
Durable goods 106.4 +2.0 105.5 +2.2 109.4 +4.5 106.9 +2.8
Miscellaneous goods 115.8 +7.3 114.7 +7.0 113.9 +6.2 114.9 +6.9
Transport 125.9 +6.2 125.9 +6.7 127.1 +6.6 126.2 +6.5
Services 129.8 +12.3 127.8 +11 .0 123.5 +10.1 127.1 +11.2
All items 125.6 +8.3 125.9 +9.1 125.8 +9.8 125.8 +9.0
The 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on the expenditure patterns derived 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 CPI(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 817,500-837,499 in 1989/90.
Whereas the CPI (A), CPI(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 CPT(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 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
Table 2 Year/month Consumer Price Indices for October 1990 - August 1992
CPT(A) (Oct. 89 - Sep CPI(B) . 90 = 100) Hang Seng CPI 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
/Chart 1 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
- 5 -
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
/Chart 3 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
6
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
---------0-----------
/7........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
7
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST
*****
IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, RE-EXPORTS SURGED FURTHER, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS CONTINUED TO REVIVE. IMPORTS ALSO GREW SHARPLY.
ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY $13,738 MILLION OR 29.1% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $60,943 MILLION IN AUGUST 1992.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED, BY $470 MILLION OR 2.3% TO $20,834 MILLION. TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN AUGUST GREW BY $14,208 MILLION OR 21.0% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $81,777 MILLION.
MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $12,616 MILLION OR 18.9% TO $79,371 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $2,406 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN AUGUST 1992.
THIS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $814 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN AUGUST 1991.
IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1992, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY $102,132 MILLION OR 31.1% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $430,957 MILLION. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $149,155 MILLION, $2,688 MILLION OR 1.8% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1991.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $580,112 MILLION IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1992, WAS $104,820 MILLION OR 22.1% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $111,925 MILLION OR 22.6% TO $606,983 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $26,871 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1992.
THIS COMPARED WITH THE DEFICIT OF $19,766 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE AUGUST TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHILE RE-EXPORTS REMAINED ROBUST, THE CONTINUED REVIVAL OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN RECENT MONTHS WAS ENCOURAGING.
THE SUSTAINED INCREASE IN IMPORTS RETAINED FOR LOCAL USE, BY 11.9% IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1992 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ALSO HAS FAVOURABLE IMPLICATIONS FOR BOTH DOMESTIC DEMAND AND MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION IN THE COMING MONTHS.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
8
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS AUGUST 1992:
THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES
FOR
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $20,834 MILLION $60,943 MILLION $81,777 MILLION $79,371 MILLION $2,406 MILLION (IN SURPLUS)
RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE •
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
JUN 92 TO JUN 91 TO INCREASE
LATEST 3 MONTHS AUG 92 AUG 91
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 63,325 60,353 2,972 4.9
RE-EXPORTS 180,839 138,028 42,811 31.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 244, 164 198,381 45,783 23.1
IMPORTS 248,958 199,429 49,529 24.8
TRADE BALANCE -4,794 -1,048 -3,746
AUGUST AUGUST INCREASE
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1992 1991
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,834 20,364 470 2.3
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.5%) (30.1%)
RE-EXPORTS 60,943 47,205 13,738 29.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 81,777 67,569 14,208 21.0
IMPORTS 79,371 66,755 12,616 18.9
TRADE BALANCE 2,406 814 1,592
AUGUST JULY INCREASE
LAST MONTH 1992 1992
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,834 21,380 -546 -2.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.5%) (26.0%)
RE-EXPORTS 60,943 60,782 161 0.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 81,777 82 , 162 -385 -0.5
IMPORTS 79,371 84,966 -5,595 -6.6
TRADE BALANCE 2,406 -2,804 5,210
JAN-AUG JAN-AUG INCREASE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1992 1991
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 149,155 146,467 2,688 1.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (25.7%) (30.8%)
RE-EXPORTS 430,957 328,825 102,132 31 . 1
TOTAL EXPORTS 580,1 12 475,292 104,820 22.1
IMPORTS 606,983 495,058 111,925 22.6
TRADE BALANCE -26,871 -19,766 -7,105
/LAST 12 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
9
LAST 12 MONTHS SEP 91 TO AUG 92 HK$ MN. SEP 90 TO AUG 91 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 233,733 230,267 3,466 1.5
RE-EXPORTS 636,973 485,230 151 , 743 31.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 870,706 715,497 155,209 21.7
IMPORTS 890,907 735,572 155,335 21.1
TRADE BALANCE -20,201 -20,075 -126
----------------------0------- ASPIRATIONS OF PEOPLE HELP WIN THROUGH CHANGES *****
THE QUALITIES OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE AN IMPORTANT FACTOR THAT HAS ALLOWED HONG KONG TO WIN THROUGH CHANGES, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID YESTERDAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF ’’SOCIETIES IN TRANSITION” CONFERENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO IN CANADA, MR JAMES SO SAID: ’’WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH.”
"IT WAS TOO EASY FOR PEOPLE TO JUMP TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE HONG KONG VISION WAS BLINKERED AND BOUND TO MONEY-MAKING,” HE NOTED.
"IT IS TRUE THAT PROSPERITY IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMONPLACE HONG KONG ASPIRATIONS, BUT IT IS GENERALLY LINKED TO ANOTHER MORE PROFOUND ASPIRATION -- HOPES FOR THE FUTURE OF ONE’S FAMILY AND ONE’S COMMUNITY,” HE ADDED.
HE SAID OVER THE YEARS, UNDER THE MOST DREADFUL CIRCUMSTANCES OF WAR, PRIVATION AND POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD MANAGED TO PRESERVE THEIR HOPES AND WORK TOWARDS A BETTER TOMORROW.
”1 BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG HAS MATURED INTO A CIVILISED SOCIETY WHERE LIFE IS NOT UNREMITTING TOIL.
"INSTEAD, THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL TO ENJOY SPORTS AND THE ARTS AND WORTHWHILE LEISURE PURSUITS AND A BALANCE IS STRUCK BETWEEN THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE LEGITIMATE CURBS THAT ENSURE OTHER PEOPLE’S RIGHTS ARE NOT INFRINGED.’’
HE CITED SOME OF THE FACTORS WHICH HAD ENABLED HONG KONG TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF CHANGE AND TO EMERGE STRONGER AND MORE PROSPEROUS.
"FIRST, THERE MUST BE A STRONG AND STABLE GOVERNMENT, PROVIDING A FAIR AND RESPONSIVE ADMINISTRATION," HE SAID.
/"SECONDLY, THERE ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
- 10 -
’’SECONDLY, THERE MUST BE FIRMLY ESTABLISHED RULE OF LAW.
’’THIRDLY, THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD NOT BE UNDULY INTERFERING IN THE WAY SOCIETY DEVELOPS.
’’FOURTHLY, THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES WOULD NEED TO BE PSYCHOLOGICALLY PREPARED TO ACCEPT CHANGES.
"LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THERE HAS TO BE A DEDICATED, LOYAL AND CONSCIENTIOUS CIVIL SERVICE."
HE SAID HONG KONG, WHICH WAS BILLED AS ONE OF THE STAUNCH OUTPOST OF FREE TRADE AND CAPITALISM, WOULD SOON BE PLACED UNDER THE SOVEREIGNTY OF ONE OF THE LARGEST COMMUNIST NATION.
"MANY SKEPTICS FEAR THAT THIS TRANSITION MAY PROVE TOO MUCH EVEN FOR HONG KONG TO MANAGE," HE NOTED.
"BUT I AM CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE FIRM AND STABLE FOUNDATION PROVIDED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, WITH THE DETERMINATION AND THE RESOLVE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WITH THE RESILIENCE, INGENUITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AND ALSO WITH THE GOODWILL, UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT OF OUR FRIENDS OVERSEAS, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRANSITION A SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL ONE," HE STRESSED.
BEFORE ADDRESSING THE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, MR SO THIS MORNING ALSO ATTENDED THE "HONG KONG FESTIVAL FUN DAY" ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS. ASSISTING IN THE BUILDING OF THE "BRIDGE ACROSS THE PACIFIC", HE DISTRIBUTED POSTCARDS DRAWN BY HONG KONG STUDENTS TO THE CANADIAN YOUTHS DURING THE FUN DAY PROGRAMME.
HE WAS ALSO INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT TWO FESTIVAL HONG KONG CHARITY FUNCTIONS TODAY. HE KICKED OFF AN EXCITING EXHIBITION SOCCER GAME ORGANISED BY THE TORONTO CATHY LIONS CLUB IN THE AFTERNOON AND ATTENDED THE "DINNER OF THE CENTURY" IN THE EVENING.
VARIOUS FESTIVAL EVENTS ALSO TOOK PLACE ELSEWHERE IN METROPOLITAN TORONTO. THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PAUL LEUNG, AND THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG CO-ORDINATOR, MRS MAUREEN CHAN, WERE INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THESE PROGRAMMES.
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/Il ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
11 AMENDMENT TO PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS LEGISLATION PROPOSED ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS.
WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992 AND WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1992, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL UPDATE THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS AND ENFORCE A NUMBER OF MEASURES.
SUCH MEASURES WILL INCLUDE:
(A) THE EXISTING EXAMINATION SYSTEM FOR LICENSING PLUMBERS WILL BE ABANDONED IN ONE YEAR’S TINE AND BE REPLACED BY A QUALIFICATION SYSTEM WITH LICENSED PLUMBERS HAVING TO COLLECT THEIR LICENCE IN PERSON;
(B) WATER METERS IN BUILDING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS MAY BE INSTALLED BY LICENSED PLUMBERS ENGAGED BY DEVELOPERS;
(C) CONSUMERS NEED TO ARRANGE FOR RESITING OF WATER METERS AS REQUIRED BY THE WATER AUTHORITY WHERE ACCESS TO METERS IS OBSTRUCTED;
(D) THE WATER AUTHORITY IS ABLE TO ASSESS WATER CONSUMPTION IN ANY PERIOD WHEN A METER IS MISSING OR INACCESSIBLE;
(E) THE WATER AUTHORITY WILL DISCONNECT WATER SUPPLY IF THE CONSUMER FAILS TO MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR STAFF OF THE WATER AUTHORITY TO ENTER THE PREMISES TO CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS;
(F) PERSONS WHO TAKE WATER UNLAWFULLY WILL PAY FOR THE WATER SO CONSUMED IN ADDITION TO BEING SUBJECTED TO PROSECUTION FOR THE UNLAWFUL ACT; AND
(G) CONSUMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING ALL THE PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS INSIDE THEIR PREMISES AND THE AGENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING ALL PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS LOCATED IN COMMON AREAS OF BUILDINGS.
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/12 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
- 12 -
CHAIRMEN APPOINTED TO AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SUB-COMMITTEES ♦ * ♦ * *
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (ACAF) APPOINTED THE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF ITS FIVE SUB-COMMITTEES FOR THE TERM 1992-94 AT ITS 15TH MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).
THEY ARE:
CROP FARMING SUB-COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: MR CHAN KWOK-WAI VICE-CHAIRMAN: MR YUNG TIN-TACK
LIVESTOCK SUB-COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: DR STAN CHEUNG VICE-CHAIRMAN: MR LEUNG CHIK
AQUACULTURE SUB-COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: THE HON ANDREW WONG WANG-FAT VICE-CHAIRMAN: MR WONG YUNG-KAN
CAPTURE FISHERIES SUB-COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: PROFESSOR LEUNG TIN-PUI VICE-CHAIRMAN: MR HO TAK-YAU
MARKETING SUB-COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN: DR ZEE ZSE-YONG VICE-CHAIRMAN: MR YUNG TIN-TACK
A WIDE VARIETIES OF SUBJECTS CONCERNING THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SECTORS WERE DISCUSSED AT TODAY’S MEETING.
ON THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE PROPOSED LICENSING SYSTEM HAD BEEN DISCUSSED AT THE LIVESTOCK SUB-COMMITTEE AND VIEWS COLLECTED DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD HAD BEEN FORWARDED TO THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH.
AS REGARDS FISHERIES, MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE AREA OF FIVE FISH CULTURE ZONES - SOK KWU WAN, SHAM WAN, TAP MUN, KAU SAI AND CHEUNG SHA WAN HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO ALLOW THINNING OUT OF EXISTING RAFTS TO IMPROVE FISH CULTURE CONDITIONS. THE ARRANGEMENT WAS GAZETTED IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
ON THE CAPTURE FISHERIES SIDE, MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT JAPAN WOULD HOLD A MEETING IN OCTOBER WITH EIGHT ASIAN COUNTRIES TO DISCUSS REGIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS FOR FISHING VESSELS LESS THAN 24 METRES LONG AND THAT OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WOULD ATTEND THE MEETING.
THE MEETING ALSO LEARNT THAT THE REPORT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ON MIRS BAY HAD INDICATED THAT SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIRS BAY WOULD RESULT IF THE PROPOSAL TO DREDGE THERE WAS TO GO AHEAD.
/IN VIEW .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
13 -
IN VIEW OF THE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CAUSED BY DREDGING, THE FILL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAD DEGAZETTED THE MARINE BORROW AREAS IN MIRS BAY AND WEST OF CHING CHAU IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
AS REGARDS WHOLESALE MARKETING FACILITIES, MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE PROVISION AND CONTROL OF WHOLESALE FRESH FOOD MARKETING FACILITIES HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED. THE STUDY WAS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1993.
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FREE COACH SERVICE FOR CAREERS ACTIVITIES *****
THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE (CAS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED A FREE COACH SERVICE FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS TAKING PART IN ITS CAREERS ACTIVITIES.
"THE SERVICE WAS LAUNCHED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN CAREERS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE CAS," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS CLARE SIU, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THE AIR-CONDITIONED 40-SEATER IS MAINLY USED TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS PAYING FAMILIARISATION VISITS TO THE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES OF THE CAS IN WAN CHAT AND MONG KOK," MRS SIU SAID.
"IT ALSO CARRIES STUDENTS VISITING INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND CAREERS INFORMATION," SHE ADDED.
OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE CAS INCLUDE CAREERS EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS.
THE COACH IS EQUIPPED WITH AUDIO-VISUAL FACILITIES FOR SHOWING CAREERS INFORMATION MATERIALS.
IT WAS ACQUIRED RECENTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WITH A DONATION OF $740,000 FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
ENQUIRIES ON THE FREE COACH SERVICE AND CAREERS ACTIVITIES CAN BE MADE ON 399 2241.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 85.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 498.860 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 267.787 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 45.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/14 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
- 14 -
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,740
REVERASL OF LAF -240
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 110.2 *-0.2* 28.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.92 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.42 3.19
1 MONTH 2.77 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.96 3.32
3 MONTHS 2.56 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.99 3.63
6 MONTHS 2.68 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 101.05 3.83
12 MONTHS 3.12 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 12,995 MN
CLOSED 28 SEPTEMBER 1992
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INCURSION INCIDENT RESOLVED .......................................... 1
"QUESTION TIME WITH THE GOVERNOR" TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THURSDAY ... 1
STI COMMENT ON PRESIDENT BUSH'S VETO ................................. 2
INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE BUREAU TO NEGOTIATE EXTENSION OF THE MFA ....... 3
NEW BUS FRANCHISE AWARDED ............................................ 3
CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT .............................. 4
HK UNIVERSITIES ESTABLISH RESEARCH LINKS WITH TORONTO UNIVERSITY .... 5
IMPROVED ROAD LINKS FOR TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG........................ 6
MORE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS GO HOME ..................................... 7
FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER ............................................ 7
QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS ....................................................... 8
CLOSURE OF NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY .................................. 8
SUSPENSION OF CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICE ROUTE NO. 312 ................ 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS .................... 9
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
1
INCURSION INCIDENT RESOLVED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT LAST FRIDAY’S INCURSION INTO HONG KONG WATERS HAD BEEN RESOLVED.
A PRODUCTIVE MEETING BETWEEN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND THE BORDER DEFENCE BUREAU OF GUANGDONG’S PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU WAS HELD TODAY IN SHENZHEN.
THE CHINESE SIDE MADE CLEAR THEIR VIEW THAT THE CHINESE OFFICERS HAD BEEN INCORRECT IN INFRINGING HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL WATERS, AND IN DRAWING ARMS AND FORCING THE HONG KONG POLICE TO HAND OVER FILM.
THE CHINESE SIDE SAID THAT THE CHINESE OFFICERS INVOLVED WOULD BE SEVERELY DEALT WITH, AND OFFERED APOLOGIES FOR THE INCIDENT.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY SAID THAT HE WELCOMED THE RESULTS OF THIS PROMPT INVESTIGATION BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES. HONG KONG AND CHINA SHARED A COMMON INTEREST IN COMBATTING SMUGGLING WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF AUTHORITY.
HE WAS GLAD THAT WE COULD PUT THIS INCIDENT BEHIND US AND LOOKED FORWARD TO CLOSE COOPERATION IN FUTURE.
- - 0 - -
’’QUESTION TIME WITH THE GOVERNOR" TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THURSDAY
* * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE GOVERNOR’S TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS - "QUESTION TIME WITH THE GOVERNOR" CAN OBTAIN FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 1).
THE TICKETS WILL BE OBTAINABLE THROUGH THE FOLLOWING URBTIX OUTLETS:
* CITY HALL
* HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE
* SPACE MUSEUM
* HONG KONG COLISEUM
* HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
* HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE
* SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE
* NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* KO SHAN THEATRE
* TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL
* SHA TIN TOWN HALL
♦ TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE
* NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL
* LUT SAU HALL
* AND OTHERS
/THE TICKETS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
2
THE TICKETS WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO PER XPPLICANT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO PUT QUESTIONS DIRECT TO THE GOVERNOR ON HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO BE DELIVERED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7.
THE FIRST PUBLIC MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL, CENTRAL ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM.
THE SECOND MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL CONCERT HALL ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 9) FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM.
INTERPRETATION FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
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STI COMMENT ON PRESIDENT BUSH’S VETO * * * *
’’THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE , TODAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMES PRESIDENT BUSH’S VETO OF THE BILL WHICH SEEKS TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS ON THE RENEWAL OF MOST FAVOURED NATION TRADING STATUS FOR CHINA.
"WE ARE PLEASED TO NOTE THAT ONE OF THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE PRESIDENT FOR HIS VETO DECISION IS THAT HONG KONG WOULD OTHERWISE BE AMONG THE CASUALTIES OF THE MFN CONDITIONALITY BILL. THIS SHOWS THAT THE EFFECTS ON HONG KONG HAVE BEEN GIVEN WEIGHT IN THE PRESIDENT’S DECISION," MISS YUE SAID.
THE CONGRESS WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY SEEK TO OVERRIDE THE PRESIDENTIAL VETO. AS THE CONGRESS IS LIKELY TO ADJOURN ON OCTOBER 5,IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE VETO-OVERRIDE ATTEMPTS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE WOULD COME UP VERY SOON.
ON THE BASIS OF PREVIOUS VOTING PATTERNS, IT IS MOST LIKELY THAT A VETO OVERRIDE WOULD BE CARRIED IN THE HOUSE.
"IT IS IN THE SENATE THAT THE REAL BATTLE WILL TAKE PLACE. WE REMAIN CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC THAT THE PRESIDENT’S VETO WOULD BE SUSTAINED THERE," MISS YUE STATED.
"WE WILL OF COURSE CONTINUE TO DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S INTERESTS IN THIS MATTER ARE FULLY UNDERSTOOD AND ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," MISS YUE ADDED.
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/3 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
- 3 -
INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE BUREAU TO NEGOTIATE EXTENSION OE THE MFA
*****
THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (ITCB) ISSUED A STATEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) INDICATING ITS READINESS TO NEGOTIATE AN EXTENSION OF THE MULTI FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA).
THE STATEMENT WAS AGREED AMONG REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ITCB AT A MEETING IN GENEVA YESTERDAY.
"THIS IS A USEFUL, PRAGMATIC STATEMENT,” SAID MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE CURRENTLY IN GENEVA FOR THE TALKS.
"IT REFLECTS SOLIDARITY AMONG TEXTILES EXPORTERS IN DEALING WITH THE TRICKY QUESTION OF EXTENDING THE MFA. WE HAVE AGREED THAT THE EXTENSION SHOULD BE SHORT.
"THIS REFLECTS PARTICIPANTS’ ENTHUSIASM TO SEE THE DETAILS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND PACKAGE AGREED AND IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE." HE SAID.
MR JACKSON ADDED THAT THE WAY WAS NOW CLEAR TO START TALKING WITH THE IMPORTING COUNTRIES ON THE EXTENSION OF THE MFA; AND WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY WHICH EXPIRES AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE GENEVA-BASED ITCB COMPRISES 22 MAJOR TEXTILES-EXPORTING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES INCLUDING HONG KONG, AND HAS BEEN PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN THE URUGUAY ROUND TALKS ON TEXTILES.
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NEW BUS FRANCHISE AWARDED * * * *
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AWARDED TO CITYBUS LIMITED (CITYBUS) THE FRANCHISE FOR 26 BUS ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
TO PROMOTE HEALTHY COMPETITION, GOVERNMENT DECIDED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO REDUCE THE CHINA MOTOR BUS (CMB) NETWORK BY 26 ROUTES AND TO INVITE TENDERS FOR THE FRANCHISE TO OPERATE THESE ROUTES.
TWO TENDERERS SUBMITTED BIDS.
"IN EVALUATING THE BIDS, GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE QUALITY OF SERVICE AND FARE LEVELS PROPOSED BY THE TENDERERS, THEIR MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY, FINANCIAL CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING BUS SERVICES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE NEW SERVICE PROVIDED BY CITYBUS WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON SEPTEMBER 1 1993.
/FOR THE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
4
FOR THE TWO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTES IN THE PACKAGE, WHICH CITYBUS WILL OPERATE JOINTLY WITH THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB), THE FARES TO BE CHARGED BY THE TWO COMPANIES WILL BE THE SAME.
REGARDING THE REMAINING 24 ROUTES, PASSENGERS WILL BE GIVEN A CHOICE BETWEEN AIR-CONDITIONED XND NON-AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES ON SOME ROUTES.
THE FARES WHICH CITYBUS WILL BE CHARGING IN SEPTEMBER 1993 WILL BE BROADLY COMPARABLE TO THE CURRENT FARE LEVELS ON THE 24 ROUTES AFTER DUE ALLOWANCE IS MADE FOR FORECAST INFLATION OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. THERE WILL BE CONCESSIONARY FARES DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS FOR PASSENGERS AGED OVER 60.
AT THE PROPOSED FARE LEVELS, CITYBUS’ SERVICES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE GIVING PASSENGERS GOOD VALUE FOR MONEX, GIVEN THE NEWER BUS FLEET AND BETTER PEAK-HOUR FREQUENCIES AND PASSENGER FACILITIES.
DETAILS OF CITYBUS’ SERVICE PLANS, INCLUDING SERVICE FREQUENCY, FARES AND THE PROPORTION OF AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES ON INDIVIDUAL ROUTES, WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THE FRANCHISE FOR THE 26 ROUTES WILL RUN FOR THREE YEARS FROM SEPTEMBER 1 1993. THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME WILL NOT APPLY.
THE FRANCHISE CONDITIONS IMPOSED ON CITYBUS WILL INCLUDE THE SAME PROVISIONS NOW APPLICABLE TO OTHER EXISTING BUS FRANCHISEES, INCLUDING THE SUBMISSION OF FIVE YEAR PLANS FOR SCRUTINY BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE GOVERNMENT, APPROVAL OF FARES BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, STRINGENT SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, AND OTHER STATUTORY PROVISIONS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
"ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN INSERTED IN THE FRANCHISE TO STRENGTHEN THE MONITORING OF THE FRANCHISEE, INCLUDING, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PASSENGER LIAISON GROUPS AND ACCESS BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT VIA A COMPUTER TERMINAL TO UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON BUS OPERATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
*****
THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTE AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION (ISWA) WILL HOLD A REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 6 AND 7 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
TO PROMOTE THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND EXPERIENCE ON ALL ASPECTS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, ISWA ORGANISES A NUMBER OF CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS ALL OVER THE WORLD EACH YEAR.
/SPONSORED AND .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
5
SPONSORED AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE WILL FOCUS ON CHEMICAL WASTE ISSUES SUCH AS WASTE PRODUCTION, TREATMENT, DISPOSAL, LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS, INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS.
A SPECIAL TOUR TO THE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE UNDER CONSTRUCTION WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE CONFERENCE WHERE DEPARTMENTAL STAFF AND THE CONTRACTOR, ENVIROPACE LIMITED, WILL EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF PROCESS EQUIPMENT TO THE VISITORS.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND RESEARCHERS IN THE FIELD OF SOLID AND CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND ACADEMICS WILL HAVE AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND EXCHANGE IDEAS ON CHEMICAL WASTE ISSUES THROUGH THE CONFERENCE.
THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE CONFERENCE IS $1,200 PER PERSON.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR BOWEN LEUNG, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED AND PRESIDENT OF THE ISWA, DR JOHN SKINNER, WILL SPEAK IN THE OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE.
THOSE WHO WANT TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE CAN CONTACT MR FRANCIS WONG OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SOLID WASTE CONTROL GROUP, AT TOWER 1, 123 HOI BUN ROAD, KWUN TONG, OR BY TELEPHONING 755 2902 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION.
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HK UNIVERSITIES ESTABLISH RESEARCH LINKS WITH TORONTO UNIVERSITY
* * * * *
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG EACH SIGNED A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO IN CANADA YESTERDAY (MONDAY) TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES BETWEEN THEM.
THE AGREEMENTS RECOGNISE COLLABORATION IN RESEARCH, GRADUATE STUDIES AND FACULTY EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITIES AND FORMED PART OF THE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG '92 BEING HELD IN CANADA.
THEY WERE SIGNED IN TORONTO BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, PROFESSOR ROBERT PRICHARD, VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR WANG GUNGWU AND VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR CHARLES KAO.
SPEAKING AT THE AGREEMENT-SIGNING CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID HONG KONG AND CANADA HAD ALWAYS ENJOYED A VERY CLOSE AND COOPERATIVE. RELATIONSHIP IN THE EDUCATIONAL FIELD.
/"AT PRESENT
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
6
"AT PRESENT, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE SOME 16,000 HONG KONG STUDENTS STUDYING IN CANADA, THE LARGEST NUMBER IN ANY OVERSEAS COUNTRY," MR SO SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE FIRST CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL WAS OPENED IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO WISHED TO PURSUE A CANADIAN CURRICULUM OF STUDIES.
"WITH SUCH A CLOSE EDUCATIONAL TIE ALREADY EXISTING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA, IT IS MOST TIMELY AND SIGNIFICANT THAT THE LEADING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG SHOULD SIGN THIS AGREEMENT TODAY WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO," HE ADDED.
HE SAID HE WAS SURE THAT WITH THE EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES WHICH THE AGREEMENT WOULD HELP TO ENHANCE, A STRONG AND LASTING BRIDGE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA WOULD BE ESTABLISHED WHICH WOULD BENEFIT BOTH COMMUNITIES.
SPEAKING AFTER THE SIGNING CEREMONY, PROFESSOR WANG GUNGWU SAID THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WAS NOT MERELY A PIECE OF PAPER, BUT INDEED SYMBOLISED A FRESH START FOR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS.
PROFESSOR CHARLES KAO ALSO SAID THAT THROUGH CLOSER LINK WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, THE UNIVERSITIES COULD PROMOTE INTERCHANGES ON A MUCH BROADER BASIS.
INTERFLOW BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA WAS NOT ONLY CONFINED TO THE ACADEMIC FIELD, IT WAS ALSO HIGHLIGHTED IN THE FOOD PROMOTION PROGRAMMES OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG.
AWARD WINNING CHEFS FROM HONG KONG DEMONSTRATED THEIR TALENTS AND SKILLS AT THE GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE IN TORONTO THIS EVENING BY PRESENTING WESTERNISED CHINESE CUISINE FOR A SPECIAL DINNER GATHERING.
THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND THE PROCEEDS OF THE CHARITY DINNER WENT TO THE LOCAL CHINESE RESTAURANT WORKERS’ SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL FUND.
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IMPROVED ROAD LINKS FOR
TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG * *
* * *
TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR WITH THE COMPLETION OF TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG EAST CORRIDOR AND OTHER MAJOR ROADWORKS IN THE AREA, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR ALBERT LAM SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG EAST CORRIDOR, SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO ALLEVIATE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1993," MR LAM SAID.
/IN ADDITION .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
1
IN ADDITION, HE SAID THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WOULD BE FULLY OPEN IN THE SAME YEAR AND WOULD FORM PART OF THE NEW ROAD NETWORK FOR THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR LAM WAS SPEAKING AT THE FOURTH SPEECH DAY OF THE POK 01 HOSPITAL TANG PUI KING MEMORIAL COLLEGE.
TURNING TO DEVELOPMENTS IN YUEN LONG, HE SAID THAT THE TOWN HAD DEVELOPED FROM A RURAL VILLAGE INTO A LARGE TOWN WITH A POPULATION OF 260,000 OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO BEEN PROVIDING VARIOUS SOCIAL AND COMMUNAL FACILITIES ACCORDING TO THE RESIDENTS’ NEEDS.
’’TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN, AS AN EXAMPLE, IS A WELL-PLANNED LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT,” HE SAID.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED, WHICH INCLUDE BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, SCHOOLS, POLICE AND FIRE STATIONS AND CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTRES, WILL BE GRADUALLY TAKING SHAPE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRIORITY AND AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES,” HE ADDED.
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MORE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS GO HOME * * * * *
A GROUP OF 273 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE UNHCR’S VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
COMPRISING 91 MEN, 63 WOMEN, 60 BOYS AND 59 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 125TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 8,814 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 22,693 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER
*******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 4 (SUNDAY), IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR AN EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
/"IF THE
8
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
"IF THE EMPLOYEE’S REST DAY HAPPENS TO FALL ON SUNDAY, THEN THE EMPLOYER HAS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE THE FOLLOWING MONDAY OFF AS AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY," SAID A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN.
"IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT THE GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 717 1771.
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QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS *****
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR APRIL - JUNE 1992 IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $15.5 EACH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THE REPORT CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER.
IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASONS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED.
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CLOSURE OF NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY * * * *
THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF ODEON BUILDING, 28 SHU KUK STREET WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 1).
A NEW SUB-TREASURY WILL BE OPEN IN THE VICINITY IN THE LATER PART OF THE YEAR. THE EXACT DATE OF OPENING AND LOCATION OF THE NEW SUB-TREASURY WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
PAYMENTS OF ACCOUNTS TO GOVERNMENT MAY BE MADE AT OTHER COLLECTION CENTRES PRINTED ON DEMAND NOTES, OR BY POST ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, P 0 BOX 8000, G P 0, HONG KONG.
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/9 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
9
SUSPENSION OF CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICE ROUTE NO. 312 *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE MORNING-PEAK CROSS HARBOUR AIR-CONDITIONED BUS SERVICE ROUTE NUMBER 312 FROM CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL KOWLOON TOLL PLAZA TO NORTH POINT WOULD BE WITHDRAWN FROM THURSDAY (OCTOBER 1) DUE TO LOW DEMAND.
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HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 29 SEPT 92 29 SEPT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q240 H274
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 2,655 MN HKD 1,250 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 800 MN HKD 300 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.58 PCT 2.71 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.59 PCT 2.73 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 42 PCT ABOUT 10 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 2.62 PCT 2.75 PCT
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 5 OCTOBER 1992 -
TENDER DATE 6 OCT 92 6 OCT 92
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q241 Y295
ISSUE DATE 7 OCT 92 7 OCT 92
MATURITY DATE 6 JAN 93 6 OCT 93
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 800+160 MN HKD 200+60 MN
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/10 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1992
10
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 +500
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 110.0 *-0.2* 29.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.93 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.39 3.21
1 MONTH 2.72 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.94 3.33
3 MONTHS 2.58 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.99 3.63
6 MONTHS 2.69 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 101.04 3.83
12 ! MONTHS 3.11 PCT
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 4,475 MN
CLOSED 29 SEPTMEBER 1992
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG OFFERS UNRIVALLED OPPORTUNITIES TO TRADERS TO EXPLOIT THE CHINESE MARKET .......................................................... x
AIRPORT PROJECTS CONSULTANCY AWARDED FAIRLY ............................ 3
CHANGES MADE TO BANKING LICENCE CRITERIA ............................... 4
PROPOSAL FOR SUBSCRIPTION TV LICENCE RECEIVED .......................... 6
FREE TICKETS FOR GOVERNOR'S PUBLIC MEETINGS ............................ 7
COURSE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETS FOR FIRST TIME ...................... 8
PILOT SCHEME TO CARE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN ............................. 8
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY GETS UNDER WAY ................................ 9
SHA TIN SITE TO LET..................................................... 10
COMPLAINT HOTLINE ON REFUSE DUMPING AT SEA ............................. 10
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG TO BE CLOSED............................ 11
SAFEGUARDS AGAINST TAXI METER TAMPERING ................................ 11
LANTERNS LIGHT UP "BRIDGE ACROSS THE PACIFIC" .......................... 12
SOUTH AFRICA MINISTER TOURS WELFARE AND HEALTH FACILITIES .............. 13
SPECIAL POSTMARK TO COMMEMORATE PROJECT ORBIS .......................... 14
CLINICS TO BE CLOSED ON MONDAY ......................................... 14
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ............. 15
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
1
HONG KONG OFFERS UNRIVALLED OPPORTUNITIES TO TRADERS TO EXPLOIT THE CHINESE MARKET *****
HONG KONG, WITH ITS LONG EXPERIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND ITS KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE BUSINESS AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT IN CHINA, CAN OFFER UNRIVALLED OPPORTUNITIES TO TRADERS IN THE WEST WHO ARE KEEN TO EXPLOIT THE FAST GROWING CHINESE MARKET.
ADDRESSING A "FESTIVAL HONG KONG" SEMINAR IN MONTREAL, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR DONALD TSANG, TOLD MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG - CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION THAT THE GROWING ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA HAD PLACED HONG KONG IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHILE FURTHERING ITS OWN.
"THE OPENING OF CHINA AS A MARKET AND A SOURCE OF LABOUR AND LAND SUPPLY FACILITATES THE FURTHER UPGRADING AND TRANSFORMATION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY," MR TSANG SAID.
"THE FLOURISHING RE-EXPORT TRADE BRINGS BUSINESS NOT ONLY TO OUR IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADERS, BUT ALSO TO OUR SERVICING SECTOR SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION, FINANCE AND EVEN TOURISM. THIS ENHANCES HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE," HE ADDED.
MR TSANG BELIEVED THAT THE ECONOMIC SYNERGISM WE WERE SEEING IN HONG KONG WITH SOUTHERN CHINA WAS THE TIP OF AN ICEBERG WHICH WOULD SURFACE AT ACCELERATED PACE IN THE COMING DECADE, GIVEN GENERAL POLITICAL STABILITY IN CHINA AND IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
"THE ECONOMIC FLOODGATES AROUND CHINA HAVE BEEN LIFTED, AROUSING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL INSTINCT AND ENTERPRISING SPIRIT OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE. NO-ONE CAN STEM THIS GROWTH WITHOUT HIGHLY DRACONIAN MEASURES UNACCEPTABLE IN THIS DAY AND AGE.
"THIS DEVELOPMENT WILL GENERATE WEALTH NOT ONLY FOR PEOPLE IN SOUTHERN CHINA, BUT FOR ALL BUSINESSMEN IN THE REGION WHO APPRECIATE AND EXPLOIT THIS CHANGE.
"HONG KONG’S POSITION AS THE BEDROCK OF THIS ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION WILL NO DOUBT BOLSTER ITS LONG-TERM POLITICAL STABILITY. AND CANADA, WITH ITS LONG ESTABLISHED AND RAPIDLY GROWING TIES WITH HONG KONG, IS IDEALLY PLACED TO BENEFIT FROM THIS CHANGE," HE SAID.
MR TSANG REFUTED SAYING THAT THE CLOSE AND SYMBIOTIC ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WOULD LEAD TO A 'VANISHING BORDER’, AND THIS MAY UNDERMINE HONG KONG’S IMAGE AND POSITION AS AN INDEPENDENT ENTITY WITH ITS OWN ESTABLISHED RULES AND CONTROLS.
/HE EMPHASISED .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
2
HE EMPHASISED THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC STRENGTH, THE PROSPERITY OF SOUTERN CHINA, AND INDEED THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS OF CHINA’S OPEN DOOR POLICY DEPENDED ON HONG KONG CONTINUING TO BE WHAT IT WAS, AS A SPECIAL REGION PRACTISING MATURE CAPITALISM AND COMPLETE MARKET FREEDOM UNDER A WELL DEVELOPED LEGAL SYSTEM WHICH WAS SIMPLY UNATTAINABLE IN CHINA FOR A LONG WHILE.
"INDEED, TOO MUCH OF CHINA IS AT STAKE IN HONG KONG FOR ANYONE IN POWER OR INFLUENCE TO BLUR HONG KONG’S UNIQUE POSITION," HE SAID.
ELABORATING ON THIS POINT, HE CITED THE EXAMPLE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN GUANGDONG, WHICH WERE MOSTLY FINANCED OR ARRANGED BY HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN.
"ABOUT THREE MILLION WORKERS IN GUANGDONG ARE BEING EMPLOYED BY HONG KONG RELATED COMPANIES, EITHER THROUGH JOINT VENTURES AND WHOLLY HONG KONG-OWN ENTERPRISES OR IN PROJECTS COMMISSIONED BY HONG KONG COMPANIES IN THE FORM OF OUTWARD PROCESSING ARRANGEMENTS AND COMPENSATION TRADE.
"OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA 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.
STATISTICS SHOWED OUTWARD PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA HAD FUELLED THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE.
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS, HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE WORLD INCREASED BY AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH OF 34 PER CENT WHEREAS THOSE TO CHINA INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT.
IN 1991, ABOUT 85 PER CENT OF GOODS RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG WERE DESTINED FOR, OR ORIGINATED IN CHINA. THEY WERE VALUED AT C$67 BILLION AND REPRESENTED 29 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE.
MR TSANG TOLD THE SEMINAR THAT HONG KONG MAINTAINED ITS OWN WELL-ESTABLISHED AND PROPERLY-ENFORCED SET OF RULES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING PRODUCT ORIGIN, TEXTILE QUOTAS, TRADE STANDARDS, LABELLING AND ORIGIN MARKING.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTERED A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING ARRANGEMENTS AND THIS SPECIFIED CLEARLY THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND EXTENT WHEREBY LOCAL MANUFACTURERS COULD SUB-CONTRACT SUBSIDIARY MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
IF A COMPANY WISHED TO USE A HONG KONG ORIGIN LABEL OR TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN, IT MUST BE ABLE TO MEET OUR ORIGIN CONFERRING CRITERIA. ALL THESE WERE SUBJECT TO CLOSE SURVEILLANCE BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT.
MR TSANG FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE GROWING ECONOMIC INTEGRATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG WOULD NOT NECESSARILY GENERATE MORE MALPRACTICES.
/"ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
3
"ON THE CONTRARY, IT HARDENS OUR RESOLVE TO STAMP THEM OUT. THE BORDER BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA WILL REMAIN INTACT BEFORE AND AFTER 1997," HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S POSITION AFTER THE YEAR 1997, MR TSANG SAID: "UNDER THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THE BASIC LAW ENACTED BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS OF CHINA, HONG KONG AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA WILL CONTINUE TO FUNCTION AFTER 1997 AS A FREE PORT, A CAPITALISTIC ENTITY AND WILL ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY.
"IT WILL HAVE ITS OWN SYSTEM OF LAW. THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM AND FREE TRADE POLICY WILL CONTINUE, AS WILL INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOM. THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WILL REMAIN FULLY CONVERTIBLE," HE SAID.
"ALL THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR TRADING, MANUFACTURING AND FINANCIAL CENTRES ARE BEING PRESERVED.
"HONG KONG’S SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY STATUS IN THE GATT IS AMPLE DEMONSTRATION OF AUTONOMY WHICH HONG KONG ENJOYS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY, IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS," HE ADDED.
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AIRPORT PROJECTS CONSULTANCY AWARDED FAIRLY
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) ARE SELECTED ON THE BASIS OF SCRUPULOUSLY FAIR PROCEDURES, WITH A POINTS SYSTEM WHICH INVOLVES OBJECTIVE PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY AND PRICE.
"THAT MEANS THAT CONSULTANTS ARE SELECTED - AS THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN - ON THEIR ABILITY TO PRODUCE THE WORK THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES, TO GOVERNMENT STANDARDS, ON TIME, AND AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS THEREFORE INACCURATE AND DAMAGING TO ALLEGE, AS SOME REPORTS HAVE DONE, THAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS NEITHER THE BEST NOR THE CHEAPEST CONSULTANTS, OR TO SUGGEST THAT WE USE UNPROFESSIONAL STANDARDS."
THE SPOKESMAN WAS COMMENTING ON NEWSPAPER REPORTS CRITICISING THE APPOINTMENT OF MOTT MACDONALD AS THE CONSULTANT TO DESIGN THE TOLL PLAZA FOR THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
REBUTTING SUGGESTIONS THAT GUIDELINES ON CONSULTANT SELECTION-NEEDED CLARIFICATION, HE SAID THAT EXTENSIVE INFORMATION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE LEGCO AD HOC COMMITTEE AND THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE.
"THE EXACT........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
"THE EXACT PROCESS OF EVALUATION AND DECISION ON EACH CONSULTANCY AWARDED IS SET OUT IN TECHNICAL CIRCULARS TO ALL DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN SUCH WORK. COPIES OF THE CIRCULAR HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO LEGCO MEMBERS AS BACKGROUND TO THE CONSULTANCY SELECTION PROCESS.
"THE PROCEDURE, INCLUDING THE WORK OF THE ENGINEERING AND ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS SELECTION BOARD (EACSB), WHICH TAKES THE ULTIMATE DECISION ON THE AWARD OF ENGINEERING CONSULTANCIES, HAS BEEN CLOSELY VETTED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC).
"THE DETAILS OF THIS PROCEDURE ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY THE PUBLIC OR ANY SPECIFIC INTERESTED PARTIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
"HONG KONG HAS BUILT UP AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION OF OPERATING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD ON CONSULTANCIES AND OTHER CONTRACTS," HE SAID.
"STRINGENT AND SCRUPULOUSLY FAIR STANDARDS ARE BEING RGOROUSLY MAINTAINED ON ACP CONSULTANCY AND WORKS CONTRACTS. NO FAVOURITISM IS SHOWN AND NO COUNTRY OR FIRM IS GIVEN ANY PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT AT ALL."
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT BIDS FOR ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY WORK WERE CAREFULLY EVALUATED ACCORDING TO THE CONSULTANT’S RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, HIS RESPONSE TO THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE BRIEF, HIS APROACH TO THE NEED FOR COST EFFECTIVENESS, HIS PROPOSED METHOD AND PROGRAMME OF WORK, AND THE ABILITY AND EXPERIENCE OF THE STAFF HE WOULD PROVIDE TO FULFIL THE AGREEMENT.
THESE FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED TOGETHER WITH THE CONSULTANT’S FEE PROPOSAL UNDER AN AGREED WEIGHTING IN ORDER TO PRODUCE AN EVALUATION OF THE VARIOUS BIDS.
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CHANGES MADE TO BANKING LICENCE CRITERIA *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT CERTAIN CHANGES HAD BEEN MADE TO THE CRITERIA FOR BANKING LICENCE APPLICATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ONE OF THE CHANGES WAS DESIGNED TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO COMPLY FULLY WITH THE MINIMUM STANDARDS ON THE SUPERVISION OF INTERNATIONAL BANKING GROUPS AND CROSS-BORDER ESTABLISHMENTS PUBLISHED BY THE BASLE COMMITTEE OF SUPERVISORS IN JULY THIS YEAR.
THE CHANGE RELATES TO THF CRITERIA CONCERNING HOME SUPERVISION AND CONSENT BY THE HOME AUTHORITIES.
/"IN CONSIDERING ......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
- 5
"IN CONSIDERING THE ELIGIBILITY OF AN OVERSEAS APPLICANT, WE WOULD FROM NOW ON WISH TO BE SATISFIED THAT ITS HOME SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY HAS ESTABLISHED THE NECESSARY CAPABILITY TO MEET THE MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE SUPERVISION OF INTERNATIONAL BANKS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BASLE COMMITTEE, OR IF SUCH CAPABILITY HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED, WORK IS BEING DONE TO PUT IT IN PLACE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT EXISTING LICENSING CRITERIA HAD ALREADY RESTRICTED ELIGIBILITY TO FOREIGN BANKS WHICH WERE SUBJECT TO EFFECTIVE HOME SUPERVISION, AND WHERE THE HOME SUPERVISORS HAD NO OBJECTION TO THE APPLICATION.
TO BE FULLY IN LINE WITH THE NEW STANDARDS, HOWEVER, THESE CRITERIA HAD TO BE REVISED TO REFER SPECIFICALLY TO THE HOME SUPERVISORS’ CAPABILITY OF MEETING THE STANDARDS.
HE SAID WHILE FOREIGN BANKS WERE WELCOME, GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS THAT ONLY BANKS OF HIGH REPUTATION AND STANDING WOULD BE ADMITTED.
"WHERE BANKS HAVE CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS, THERE MUST BE THE ASSURANCE THAT THEY' ARE SUBJECT TO EFFECTIVE HOME SUPERVISION BEFORE THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO ENTER HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
A NUMBER OF OTHER CHANGES HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE.
"IN TERMS OF SIZE, OVERSEAS APPLICANTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE NOT LESS THAN US$16 BILLION IN ASSETS (LESS CONTRA ITEMS), WHILE LOCAL APPLICANTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE ASSETS (LESS CONTRA ITEMS) AND PUBLIC DEPOSITS OF HK$4 BILLION AND HK$3 BILLION RESPECTIVELY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE CURRENT SIZE REQUIREMENTS HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, AND IT WAS APPROPRIATE, TAKING ACCOUNT OF INFLATION, TO ADJUST THE FIGURES UPWARDS.
IN RESPECT OF THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR LOCAL APPLICANTS, TWO CHANGES HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO CATER FOR THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT.
THE FIRST OF THESE BROADENS THE CRITERION THAT THE APPLICANT MUST BE PREDOMINANTLY BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY HONG KONG INTERESTS TO ENABLE CLOSE ASSOCIATION AND IDENTIFICATION WITH HONG KONG TO BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
"GIVEN THE DIFFICULTY IN DEFINING ’PREDOMINANTLY BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY HONG KONG INTERESTS’, THE CHANGE WILL ENABLE A MORE FLEXIBLE INTERPRETATION OF THE CRITERION WITHOUT OPENING AN UNDESIRABLE BACKDOOR ROUTE FOR FOREIGN BANKS WHICH MAY FIND ATTRACTIVE THE SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER ASSET SIZE REQUIREMENT FOR LOCAL APPLICANTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"A SECOND .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
6
”A SECOND CRITERION WHICH STATED THAT A LOCAL APPLICANT SHOULD NOT BE A SUBSIDIARY OF A LICENSED BANK HAS BEEN REPLACED BY ONE WHICH CURRENTLY APPLIES TO APPLICANTS FOR A RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE - IF THE COMPANY IS A SUBSIDIARY OR AN ASSOCIATE OF A LICENSED BANK IN HONG KONG, IT MUST BE WIDELY RECOGNISED AS AN ENTITY IN ITS OWN RIGHT, AND HAVE A SEPARATE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AT EXECUTIVE LEVEL,” HE SAID.
"IT IS NOT UNUSUAL IN OTHER FINANCIAL CENTRES TO FIND THAT A BANKING GROUP CONTAINS MORE THAN ONE BANK, COVERING DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. THE CHANGE IS APPROPRIATE TO CATER FOR THE TREND OF BANKING GROUPS BECOMING MORE COMPLEX STRUCTURALLY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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PROPOSAL FOR SUBSCRIPTION TV LICENCE RECEIVED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RECEIVED A PROPOSAL FROM WHARF CABLE BIDDING FOR A LICENCE TO OPERATE SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SERVICES IN HONG KONG, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, SAID.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS INVITED THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER THE BID AND THEN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THE AUTHORITY WILL BE ASSISTED IN THE WORK BY A STEERING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE AND COMPRISED OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS POLICY BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS.
KPMG PEAT MARWICK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS LTD HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED TO HELP THE GROUP ANALYSE AND EVALUATE THE PROPOSAL.
”WE WILL BEGIN OUR WORKING SESSIONS WITH THE CONSULTANTS TOMORROW (THURSDAY). THE CONSULTANTS ARE EXPECTED TO PRESENT TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY THE RESULTS OF THEIR ASSESSMENTS IN NOVEMBER,” SHE SAID.
WHARF MAY BE INVITED TO PRESENT THEIR PROPOSAL TO THE AUTHORITY NEXT MONTH TO ENABLE IT TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE PROPOSAL AND TO PUT QUESTIONS TO THE BIDDER.
’’THROUGHOUT THE EXERCISE, WE SHALL OBSERVE STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY OVER THE DETAILS OF THE BID.
’’THE AUTHORITY IS EXPECTED TO SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN DECEMBER, WHICH IS WITHIN OUR PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED SCHEDULE," SHE SAID.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
- 7 -
FREE TICKETS FOR GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC MEETINGS ♦ * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO ATTEND THE GOVERNOR’S TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS - ’’QUESTION TIME WITH THE GOVERNOR” - CAN OBTAIN FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING URBTIX OUTLETS:
* CITY HALL
* HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE
* HONG KONG COLISEUM
» HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
* HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE
* QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
* SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE
♦ SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE
* NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL
♦ SHA TIN TOWN HALL
♦ TUEN MUN TOWN HALL
* TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY (CAMERON LANE BRANCH, MAN YEE BUILDING BRANCH, TAIKOO SHING BRANCH, CAUSEWAY BAY BRANCH, SHATIN BRANCH AND TSUEN WAN BRANCH)
TICKETS WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO PER PERSON. THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO PUT QUESTIONS DIRECT TO THE GOVERNOR ON HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO BE DELIVERED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7. INTERPRETATION FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
THE FIRST PUBLIC MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL, CENTRAL ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM.
THE SECOND MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL CONCERT HALL ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 9) FROM 5.45 PM TO 7.15 PM.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE MINOR CHANGES TO THE LIST OF URBTIX OUTLETS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY. THE TICKETS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT SPACE MUSEUM, KO SHAN THEATRE, TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE, NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL AND LUT SAU HALL.
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/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
- 8 -
COURSE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETS FOR FIRST TIME
*****
THE PROVISIONAL RETRAINING FUND BOARD HAS SET UP A COURSE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO IDENTIFY THE RETRAINING NEEDS OF LOCAL EMPLOYEES.
IT IS ALSO TASKED TO IDENTIFY THE MANPOWER DEMAND OF THE ECONOMY, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE VACANCY RATES AND THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF THE ECONOMY, AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD ON THE PROVISION OF SUITABLE RETRAINING COURSES.
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE WILL LOOK INTO CLASSES OF OCCUPATIONS IN RESPECT OF WHICH RETRAINED EMPLOYEES MAY SECURE EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS TO MONITOR THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE IS DR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI.
OTHER MEMBERS INCLUDE MISS LI FUNG-YING AND MR LEUNG FU-WAH REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES; MR HO SAI-CHU AND MR HENRY TANG REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS; MR AU-YEUNG MAN-TAK OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL; MR TONG YAT-CHU OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY; MR HERBERT CHENG OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY; DR JAMES .FOK OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL; MRS CARRIE YAU, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER; AND MR ALFRED CHAN, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
THE COMMITTEE WILL GRADUALLY CO-OPT PERSONS FROM VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES TO HELP IDENTIFY THE MANPOWER DEMAND OF THE ECONOMY AND HELP IN THE PLANNING OF RETRAINING COURSES.
AT ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MEMBERS DISCUSSED THE ACTION PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE AND REVIEWED THE EXISTING PILOT RETRAINING COURSES.
THEY ALSO NOTED THE STATISTICAL DATA FOR ASSESSING RETRAINING NEEDS.
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PILOT SCHEME TO CARE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL IMPLEMENT A YEAR-LONG PILOT SCHEME ON OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN STARTING FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
"THE SCHEME IS A SHORT-TERM DAY CARE SERVICE PROVIDED ON FULLDAY, HALF-DAY OR SESSIONAL BASIS IN THREE SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND ONE EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
9
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO PARENTS OR CARERS OF DISABLED CHILDREN TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE SERVICE WHEN THEY WERE AWAY FfiOM HOME OCCASIONALLY OWING TO VARIOUS COMMITMENTS OR SUDDEN ENGAGEMENTS.
"THE SERVICE IS AIMED AT ELIMINATING THE RISKS POSED TO YOUNG DISABLED CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME," HE ADDED.
CHARGES WILL BE $50 FOR FULL-DAY, $25 FOR HALF-DAY AND $15 FOR A TWO-HOUR SESSION.
"FAMILIES HAVING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES MAY APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE SERVICE MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE - 343 2255.
"PARENTS HAVING ANY CHILD-CARE PROBLEMS COULD ALSO APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT’S 30 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES FOR HELP," HE ADDED.
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY GETS UNDER WAY
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY BETWEEN OCTOBER AND DECEMBER TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
THE SURVEY HAS BEEN CONDUCTED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS SINCE AUGUST 1981.
QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, DOMESTIC HELPERS, LABOUR MOBILITY AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY.
DURING EACH QUARTER, ABOUT 11,800 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY FROM ALL DISTRICTS TO TAKE PART IN THE SURVEY.
TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION, THE SURVEY ADOPTS AN OVERLAPPING SAMPLE DESIGN SUCH THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS ENUMERATED IN A GIVEN QUARTER ARE THE SAME AS THOSE ENUMERATED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY.
CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE INFORMATION.
CARRYING A GOVERNMENT THE SURVEY, WILL VISIT
/THE GENERAL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART IIIA OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AS NOTIFIED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED ON JANUARY 19, 1990.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
- - 0 - -
SHA TIN SITE TO LET * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, AREA 1A, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, NEW TERRITORIES.
COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,930 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR A CAR PARK (WHICH CAN BE A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK) FOR PRIVATE CARS ONLY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS. THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 16.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN; 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.
- - 0 - -
COMPLAINT HOTLINE ON REFUSE DUMPING AT SEA
*****
A 24-HOUR HOTLINE FOR COMPLAINTS AGAINST REFUSE DUMPING IN THE SEA WILL COME INTO SERVICE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S MARINE OFFICER (POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT), MR CHUNG SIU-MAN, SAID: "THE HOTLINE - 815 0100 - WILL BE MANNED DURING OFFICE HOURS. AFTER OFFICE HOURS, MESSAGES WILL BE RECORDED AND CASES WILL BE HANDLED THE NEXT DAY.”
"A NEW STICKER HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO PROMOTE THE HOTLINE," HE
SAID.
MR CHUNG SAID PROSECUTION ACTION COULD BE INITIATED IF SOMEONE WITNESSED THE REGISTRATION NUMBER OF THE VESSEL FROM WHERE REFUSE WAS THROWN.
UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCE ORDINANCE, ANYONE CONVICTED FOR DUMPING REFUSE IN THE SEA WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
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/Il
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG TO BE CLOSED ♦ * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON A BUILDING IN KWUN TONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE ON THE ROOF OVER UNITS Q2 AND V2, 13TH FLOOR, BLOCK 2, KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL LOT 94.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON NOVEMBER 25 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
- - 0 - -
SAFEGUARDS AGAINST TAXI METER TAMPERING
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED TAXI OPERATORS AND DRIVERS THAT ALL TAXIS WOULD BE CHECKED ON ANTITAMPERING DEVICES DURING THE ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION STARTING FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TAXI METERS MUST BE INSTALLED WITH ANTI-TAMPERING DEVICES AND THE FARE GROUP MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED ON THE METERS.
FOR TAXIS STILL USING THE OLD-TYPE ELECTRONIC METERS WITHOUT ANTI-TAMPERING FUNCTIONS, THE CABLES MUST BE VISIBLE AND SHEATHED.
FOR THOSE FITTED WITH NEW ELECTRONIC METERS WITH ANTI-TAMPERING FUNCTIONS, THE CABLES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED IN A VISIBLE MANNER BUT MUST BE SHEATHED.
ALL TAXI METERS SHOULD HAVE THE "DOLLAR" AND "CENT" DISPLAYS CLEARLY SEPARATED AND EACH FARE GROUP CLEARLY MARKED.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS IMPLEMENTED A SERIES OF MEASURES AGAINST METER-TAMPERING SINCE JULY, INCLUDING THE USE OF NEW SERIALISED SECURITY SEALS.
IN ADDITION, ALL TAXIS UNDERGOING ANNUAL AND HALF-YEARLY INSPECTIONS HAVE TO EMPLOY BETTER SEALING WIRES.
"THESE MEASURES WOULD HELP PROTECT PASSENGERS’ INTEREST AND BUILD UP A GOOD IMAGE OF THE TAXI TRADE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/12
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
12
LANTERNS LIGHT UP "BRIDGE ACROSS THE PACIFIC"
*****
THE ANCIENT LEGEND OF MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CASTS ITS SPELL ON SCARBOROUGH, CANADA, ON TUESDAY EVENING AS CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT ETHNIC BACKGROUND LIGHT UP COLOURFUL PAPER LANTERNS FOR A SPECIAL PARADE AMID THE SIGHT AND SOUND OF LION DANCERS AND DRUMMERS.
THE SPECTACULAR SCARBOROUGH LANTERN FESTIVAL WAS ONE OF THE MAIN EVENTS OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG ’92 WHICH AIMED AT BRIDGING CULTURAL BOUNDARIES AND STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE MAYOR OF SCARBOROUGH CITY, MRS JOYCE TRIMMER, SAID THE EXCITING PROGRAMME WAS AN OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS AND VISITORS TO THE CITY TO EXPERIENCE AN EVENT THAT CELEBRATED SCARBOROUGH'S ETHNIC DIVERSITY.
SHE SAID THE LANTERN FESTIVAL TIED IN VERY WELL WITH THE THEME OF FESTIVAL HONG KONG - "BRIDGE ACROSS THE PACIFIC".
SHE NOTED THAT BY LIGHTING THE BRIDGE WITH LANTERNS AND THROUGH EXPERIENCE SHARING, IT WOULD BRING ABOUT DEEPER UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF DIFFERENT CULTURES.
TO UNDERLINE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LANTERN FESTIVAL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL, DR RONALD LEUNG, LED A 10-MEMBER DELEGATION TO VISIT CANADA.
SOON AFTER THE DELEGATION ARRIVED IN CANADA IN THE EVENING, THEY WENT TO SCARBOROUGH CIVIC CENTRE TO TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVAL.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, DR LEUNG SAID CHINESE LANTERN WAS A WORK OF ART AS WELL AS A SYMBOL OF JOY, CELEBRATION AND FESTIVITY.
"THE URBAN COUNCIL IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO PRESERVING CHINESE CULTURE AND HERITAGE. WE HAVE BEEN ORGANISING LANTERN FESTIVALS ANNUALLY IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME A LANTERN FESTIVAL ON SUCH A LARGE SCALE WAS BEING HELD OVERSEAS. HE HOPED THAT THE JOYFUL SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL WOULD REMAIN WITH ALL THE PARTICIPANTS.
APART FROM STAGING A LANTERN FESTIVAL, FESTIVAL HONG KONG ALSO FEATURED OTHER SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL PROGRAMMES ON TUESDAY.
ABOUT 2,000 AUDIENCE PACKED THE ROY THOMSON HALL IN TORONTO FOR A CONCERT BY CONDUCTOR MR SAMUEL WONG AND THE TORONTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
THE FESTIVAL HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE ALSO GAVE A PERFORMANCE AT THE CARDINAL CARTER ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS DURING THE DAY.
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/13........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
- 13 -
SOUTH AFRICA MINISTER TOURS WELFARE AND HEALTH FACILITIES ' * » * * *
THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
MINISTER B DOOKIE AND HIS CHIEF DIRECTOR DR J VAN RENSBURG WERE MET BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTORATE INCLUDING THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOCIAL SECURITY) MR ALEXANDER FUNG, . AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (YOUTH AND REHABILITATION), MR ANTHONY CHAN.
MRS ROSE GOODSTADT OUTLINED TO THEM THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES. THEN THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE TWO ASSISTANT DIRECTORS ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME AND THE REHABILITATION SERVICES.
AFTER THE MEETING, THE VISITORS TOURED FACILITIES AT THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT - A GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED WELFARE ORGANISATION. THEY SAW THE WORKINGS OF A SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND ITS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE UNIT.
THEY ALSO CALLED ON A WAN CHAI SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE MINISTER AND HIS CHIEF DIRECTOR VISITED THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S NGAU TAU KOK JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC - ONE OF THE SIX HEALTH INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM (DHS).
THEY TOURED THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC AND THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE.
THE PARTY THEN VISITED THE RECENTLY OPENED KWUN TONG DISTRICT HEALTH CENTRE TO SEE THE OPERATION OF THE PILOT DHS SCHEME.
THE SCHEME AIMS TO PROVIDE HEALTH-CARE SERVICES MOST RELEVANT TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY BY INVOLVING THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AS WELL AS COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES.
BEFORE STARTING THE DAY-LONG VISIT, MINISTER DOOKIE WENT TO THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH TO MEET THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG; THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR M D CARTLAND, AND THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR LEE SHIU-HUNG. THEY EXCHANGED VIEWS OF MUTUAL INTERESTS.
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/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
- 14 -
SPECIAL POSTMARK TO COMMEMORATE PROJECT ORBIS * * * * *
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR M PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A SPECIAL POSTMARK TO COMMEMORATE THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROJECT ORBIS - THE WORLD’S ONLY FLYING EYE HOSPITAL, WILL BE INTRODUCED ON OCTOBER 14 (WEDNESDAY).
A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON THAT DAY FOR THE SOUVENIR COVERS ISSUED BY PROJECT ORBIS OR PRIVATELY MADE BY PHILATELISTS BEARING INDICATION FOR THE OCCASION AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES:
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
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CLINICS TO BE CLOSED ON MONDAY
* * * *
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO HOLIDAY AND EVENING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICES ON OCTOBER 5 (MONDAY) WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
/15........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1992
- 15
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,000
REVERSAL OF LAF -500
BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 1,500
NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL
EFFECT OF LAF TODAY + 940
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,440
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 109.6 *-0.4* 30.9.92
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND
EF BILLS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.30 PCT 14 MONTHS 2311 6.25 103.45 3.15
1 MONTH 2.37 PCT 17 MONTHS 2402 5.50 102.97 3.31
3 MONTHS 2.43 PCT 20 MONTHS 2405 5.50 102.98 3.63
6 MONTHS 2.56 PCT 12 MONTHS 3.05 PCT 23 MONTHS 2408 4.375 101.06 3.82
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,449 MN
CLOSED 30 SEPTEMBER 1992
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