港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1994 - FEB

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

SENSIBLE FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR NEW AIRPORT: GOVERNOR ......... 1

GOVERNOR SPEAKS TO REPORTERS AFTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 2

HONG KONG INC AT DAVOS ......................................... 3

CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON INTERBANK PAYMENT SYSTEM ................. 5

TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT READY TO MEET CHALLENGES ... 6

MEASURES TO FURTHER IMPROVE AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY ........ 7

DANISH INVESTORS INVITED TO HK ................................ 10

STRUCTURE OF COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION FINALISED ................................................... 10

MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ............. 13

320 VMS RETURN HOME ........................................... 15

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............. 16

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 17

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

SENSIBLE FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR NEW AIRPORT: GOVERNOR t t t t *

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, BELIEVES THAT THE LATEST FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT, THE FOURTH SET THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT FORWARD, ADDRESSES ALL THE EXPRESSED CHINESE CONCERNS.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY), MR PATTEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PASSING THE PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, ADDING THAT HE WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO SEE AN EARLY MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE TO RESOLVE THOSE ISSUES ONCE AND FOR ALL.

"WE ARE PASSING THE PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE, OBVIOUSLY WE WOULDN’T WANT TO GO INTO DETAIL ABOUT THEM DESPITE SOME OF THE SPECULATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN IN THE NEWSPAPERS AND ELSEWHERE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS ON THE PRECISE DETAILS.

"WE WOULDN’T WANT TO GO INTO THOSE DETAILS UNTIL THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF STUDYING THEM," HE SAID.

DESCRIBING THE PROPOSALS AS SENSIBLE, MR PATTEN SAID HE VERY MUCH HOPED THAT THE CHINESE SIDE WOULD TAKE THAT VIEW AS WELL.

"I HOPE THAT IF CHINESE CONCERNS WERE WHAT THEY SAID THEY WERE, THE'. WOULD FIND THIS AN EXCELLENT LUNAR NEW YEAR PRESENT FOR HONG KONG, FOR CHINA, FOR EVERYONE.

"IT’S A VERY GOOD PACKAGE AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT WILL DO THE TRICK,” HE ADDED.

ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROCEED WITH THE AIRPORT RAILWAY ON ITS ORIGINAL SCHEDULE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE THOUGHT WHAT HONG KONG WANTED TO SEE WAS THE WHOLE PROJECT, AIRPORT RAILWAY AND AIRPORT, FINISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

/7 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

GOVERNOR SPEAKS TO REPORTERS AFTER EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING ♦ * * » ♦

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE AIRPORT PACKAGE THAT YOU ARE PROPOSING?

GOVERNOR: WE HAD A GOOD DISCUSSION OF THE FINANCING OF THE AIRPORT

AS WELL, OF COURSE, AS NOTING THE PROGRESS THAT’S BEEN MADE VERY

STEADILY IN BUILDING THE AIRPORT WHICH IS RISING OUT OF THE SEA IN A

VERY SPECTACULAR WAY. WE’VE AGREED ON NEW FINANCING PROPOSALS. IT’S

THE FOURTH SET WE’VE PUT FORWARD WHICH WE BELIEVE, ADDRESS ALL THE EXPRESSED CHINESE CONCERNS. WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT BECAUSE OF THE VERY HEALTHY STATE OF HONG KONG’S RESERVE WHICH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL BE SAYING MORE ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO HIS BUDGET STATEMENT IN MARCH. WE’LL BE PASSING THE PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND WE WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO SEE AN EARLY MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE SO THAT WE CAN RESOLVE THESE ISSUES FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL. AS I SAY, WE ARE PASSING THE PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE, OBVIOUSLY WE WOULDN’T WANT TO GO INTO DETAIL ABOUT THEM DESPITE SOME OF THE SPECULATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN IN THE NEWSPAPERS AND ELSEWHERE TN THE LAST FEW DAYS ON THE PRECISE DETAILS. WE WOULDN’T WANT TO GO INTO THOSE DETAILS UNTIL THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF STUDYING THEM. BUT I THINK THEY ARE SENSIBLE PROPOSALS AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE CHINESE SIDE WOULD TAKE THAT VIEW AS WELL.

QUESTION: WILL MR GORDON SIU HELP TO BRING ALONG THE MESSAGE OF THE NEW PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE?

GOVERNOR: NO, MR GORDON SIU WON’T BE DOING THAT.

QUESTION: DOES THE PROPOSAL MEAN AN INCREASE IN INJECTION OF EQUITY?

GOVERNOR: I LEAVE YOU TO SPECULATE GIVEN WHAT THE EXPRESSED CHINESE

CONCERNS HAVE BEEN. BUT IN EVERY STAGE, WE’VE TRIED TO ADDRESS THOSE CONCERNS. THIS TIME, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD HAVE DONE SO COMPREHENSIVELY.

QUESTION: COULD YOU COMMENT ON AN EXPERT’S CASH-INJECTION-ORIBNTED PROPOSAL?

GOVERNOR: I AM NOT SURE WHICH ONE YOU MEAN. DO YOU MEAN THE ONE ERIC

LI HAS BEEN SUGGESTING?

QUESTION: I MEAN THAT THE RATIO BETWEEN CASH INJECTION AND DEBT....?

GOVERNOR: I DON’T WANT TO TALK IN DETAIL ABOUT CASH INJECTIONS. I JINK YOU HAVE A PRETTY CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN CALLING FOR AND AS I’VE SAID A MOMENT OR TWO AGO, IT IS OUR ESTIMATE THAT THE NEW PROPOSALS THAT WE DISCUSSED TN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING AND THAT WE’VE AGREED TO MEET ALL THE CHINESE CONCERNS. ONE MORE QUESTION.

QUESTION: MANY PEOPLE URGE THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO SHELVE THE AIRPORT RAILWAY SO AS TO MAKE COMPROMISE WITH CHINA. SO, WILL THE GOVERNMENT PROCEED ON THE AIRPORT RAILWAY ON ITS ORIGINAL SCHEDULE?

/GOVERNOR .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

GOVERNOR: WE WANT TO PROCEED ON THE WHOLE PROJECT BUT I REALISE THAT THERE ARE SOME PARTICULAR CONCERNS NOT LEAST THOSE EXPRESSED BY THE RESIDENTS OF TSING YI ABOUT THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THEM AND CENTRAL. THEY POINT OUT THE EFFECT WHICH THEY BELIEVE THAT WOULD HAVE, NOT ONLY ON THEIR TRAVELLING TIME BUT ALSO IN RELIEVING CONGESTION IN THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR. THOSE ARE ARGUMENTS THAT I TOUCHED ON WHEN I SPOKE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. WE ARE ALWAYS PREPARED TO LOOK AT THOSE SORTS OF ISSUES CONSTRUCTIVELY BUT I THINK WHAT HONG KONG WANTS TO SEE IS THE WHOLE PROJECT, AIRPORT RAILWAY AND AIRPORT, FINISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU CONVINCE CHINA TO ACCEPT THIS PROPOSAL?

GOVERNOR: I HOPE THAT IF CHINESE CONCERNS WERE WHAT THEY SAID THEY WERE THAT THEY WOULD FIND THIS AN EXCELLENT LUNAR NEW YEAR PRESENT FOR HONG KONG, FOR CHINA, FOR EVERYONE. IT’S A VERY GOOD PACKAGE AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT WILL DO THE TRICK. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.

- - 0 - -

HONG KONG INC AT DAVOS *****

AS PART OF ITS PROGRAMME FOR PROMOTING HONG KONG AMONG THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ORGANISED A MIXED - BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT - PRESENCE AT THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM’S ANNUAL MEETING AT DAVOS, SWITZERLAND, DURING THE PAST WEEK.

FOR THE SEVENTH YEAR RUNNING, A STRONG "HK INC" TEAM TOOK FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS GATHERING OF GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND ACADEMIC LEADERS.

MORE THAN 600 PARTICIPANTS FOLLOWED A RICH PROGRAMME CONTAINING SOME 500 EVENTS OVER THE FIVE-DAY MEETING.

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR CHAU TAK-HAY, LEADER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY, UK TIME) THAT IT WAS BOTH ENCOURAGING AND REASSURING THAT HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE A POWERFUL MAGNET FOR BUSINESSMEN AT A TIME WHEN, IN THE WORDS OF ONE PARTICIPANT, "THE HERD IS STAMPEDING TOWARDS THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ASIA."

MR CHAU EVIDENCED THE RESPONSE HE HAD RECEIVED AT TWO DINNERS WHICH HE HOSTED IN THE MARGINS OF THE MEETING. "MORE THAN 100 LEADERS OF SOME OF THE MOST POWERFUL AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN COMPANIES ACCEPTED OUR INVITATION AND SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN HONG KONG,"

HE SAID

MR CHAU ALSO JOINED THE SELECT, CLOSED-DOOR, BRAINSTORMING SESSION OF WORLD ECONOMIC LEADERS WHICH IS AN ANNUAL FEATURE OF THE MEETING.

TWENTY PRESIDENTS AND PRIME MINISTERS AND MORE THAN 40 TRADE AND FINANCE MINISTERS WERE IN DAVOS OVER THE WEEKEND AND MR CHAU WAS WELL PLACED TO PUT HONG KONG’S VIEW ON SOME OF THE CURRENT ISSUES ON THE WORLD TRADE AGENDA.

/OTHER MEMBERS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994 /I

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HK INC TEAM ALSO PLAYED A PART IN THE PROGRAMME. SIR DAVID FORD, HONG KONG’S COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, SPOKE AT BOTH DINNERS HOSTED BY MR CHAU.

HIS WIDE-RANGING GRASP OF THE HONG KONG SCENE AND HIS FRANK AND INFORMAL PRESENTATIONS WERE WARMLY RECEIVED.

AS A ’’BUSINESS LUNCH WITH HONG KONG" ORGANISED BY THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM, EACH OF THE HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN HOSTED A TABLE AND RESPONDED TO THE QUESTIONS OF MORE THAN 40 PARTICIPANTS.

MR RICHARD TSAR-KAI LI, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE PACIFIC CENTURY GROUP, JOINED THE HK INC TEAM AND WAS A PANELIST AT TWO INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE SESSIONS, ONE DEALING WITH THE PROSPECTS FOR EAST ASIAN CO-OPERATION AND ANOTHER ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

AS ONE OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR, MR DAVID S Y WONG, CHAIRMAN OF DAH SING FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, PARTICIPATED IN A SERIES OF MEETINGS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS KEY ISSUES FACING THAT SECTOR.

MR CHAU PARTICIPATED IN A SIMILAR WAY IN THE ANNUAL TEXTILE INDUSTRY FORUM AND IN DISCUSSIONS DEALING WITH THE ORGANISATION OF THE EUROPE/EAST ASIA FORUM WHICH HAD BEEN HELD FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS IN HONG KONG AND WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR TN SINGAPORE.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HK INC TEAM INCLUDED: MR PO CHUNG, CHAIRMAN OF DHL INT, MR MICHAEL CLANCY, CHAIRMAN OF EXXON ENERGY LTD, MR RON CARSTAIRS, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DAH SING FINANCIAL HOLDINGS AND DR EDGAR CHENG, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WORLD-WIDE INVESTMENT CO LTD.

EACH YEAR OF THE FORUM IDENTIFIES A LIMITED NUMBER OF "GLOBAL LEADERS FOR TOMORROW" AND FIVE HONG KONG PERSONALITIES WERE CHOSEN. THEY ARE: MS ROSANNA WONG, MS CHRISTINE LOH, MR ERIC LI, MR ANTHONY LEUNG OF CITIBANK (HK) AND MR ALLAN WONG OF VTECH.

THEY WERE ALL ATTENDING A SEPARATE PROGRAMME IN PARALLEL WITH THE END OF THE ANNUAL MEETING AND MISS WONG AND MISS LOH ACTED AS MODERATORS IN A BRAINSTORMING SESSION ABOUT THE BROAD CULTURAL ISSUES THAT UNDERLIE SOCIETIES AROUND THE WORLD.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON INTERBANK PAYMENT SYSTEM

*****

THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) TODAY (TUESDAY) ISSUED A CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON HONG KONG’S INTERBANK PAYMENT SYSTEM TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB) AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.

THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER CONTAINS FINDINGS OF AN INITIAL STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SUBJECT BY A WORKING PARTY SET UP LAST YEAR BY THE HKMA.

THE WORKING PARTY, CHAIRED BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MONETARY MANAGEMENT) OF THE HKMA, MR NORMAN CHAN, COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE THREE CONTINUING MEMBERS OF HKAB - THE HONGKONG BANK, THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK AND THE BANK OF CHINA.

IT RECOMMENDED THAT THE INTERBANK PAYMENT SYSTEM SHOULD MOVE TOWARDS REAL TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT (RTGS) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THIS TECHNICAL SUBJECT, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA, MR JOSEPH YAM, SAID THE EXISTING INTERBANK PAYMENT SYSTEM HAD SERVED HONG KONG VERY WELL.

’’HOWEVER, IN ORDER THAT HONG KONG CONTINUES TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, WE SHOULD LOOK AHEAD AND FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE FURTHER THE EFFICIENCY AND ROBUSTNESS OF OUR INTERBANK PAYMENT SYSTEM TN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS,” HE SAID.

RTGS WILL ENABLE LARGE VALUE PAYMENTS TO BE SETTLED INSTANTANEOUSLY AND ONLY WHEN THE PAYING BANK HAS SUFFICIENT FUNDS. THIS WOULD MINIMISE WHAT IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO IN THE BANKING CIRCLE AS SETTLEMENT RISK.

CURRENTLY PAYMENTS MADE TODAY ARE ONLY FINALLY SETTLED TOMORROW AND THERE ARE RISKS TN THE MEANTIME.

"THE INTERBANK PAYMENT SYSTEM WOULD BE A LOT MORE ROBUST IF THIS RISK IS ELIMINATED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE,” MR YAM SAID.

FOR THE BANK CLIENTS, RTGS WOULD ENABLE FUNDS, AT LEAST THE LARGE AMOUNTS, TO BE AVAILABLE FOR USE VIRTUALLY MINUTES AFTER THEY ARE RECEIVED.

"IN OTHER WORDS, MONEY CAN BE USED MORE EFFICIENTLY, AND SAFELY, AND HEREIN LIES THE COMPETITIVE EDGE THAT WE MUST ACQUIRE FOR HONG KONG, IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE," MR YAM SAID.

"WITH A SUPERB TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM, HONG KONG HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME A FULLY ELECTRONIC BANKING CITY. RTGS HAS MERITS FOR THE BANKS, BUSINESS AND THE CONSUMER. THIS WOULD BE ,\ POSITIVE STEP FORWARD FOR HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PRACTICAL ISSUES SUCH AS COSTS AND CHANGES TO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM OF HKAB THAT NEED TO BE FURTHER STUDIED BEFORE RTGS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IN HONG KONG.

/THE CONSULTATIVE.......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER REVEALED THAT THE WORKING PARTY ALSO RECOMMENDED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NUMBER OF INTERIM MEASURES, PENDING CONSIDERATION OF RTGS.

THESE INCLUDE ADVANCING FINAL SETTLEMENT FOR LARGE VALUE CHEQUES AND INTERBANK TRANSFERS TO THE END OF THE SAME DAY.

NO DEADLINE IS SET FOR THE CONSULTATION. THE HKMA WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH HKAB AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO MAP OUT THE WAY FORWARD.

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

TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT READY TO MEET CHALLENGES

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (TDD) HAS COMPLETED A MAJOR REORGANISATION TO MEET RAPID DEVELOPMENT CHANGES AND CHALLENGES IN THE COMING YEARS.

ANNOUNCING THIS AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TODAY (TUESDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING, SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICES HAD BEEN REDUCED FROM SEVEN TO FIVE.

THE FIVE DEVELOPMENT OFFICES AND THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE AFTER THE REORGANISATION ARE:

* NEW TERRITORIES WEST - COVERING TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN;

» NEW TERRITORIES NORTH - COVERING YUEN LONG, NORTH DISTRICT (SHFUNG SHUT AND FANLING) AND TAT po:

* NEW TERRITORIES EAST - COVERING SAI KUNG (INCLUDING TSEUNG KWAN 0) AND SHA TIN;

* KOWLOON - COVERING KOWLOON PENINSULA; AND

♦ HONG KONG ISLAND AND ISLANDS - COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN AND RURAL TOWNSHIP TN ISLANDS DISTRICT.

EXPLAINING THE RESTRUCTURING, MR (’HOW SAID THE TERRITORY HAD ENTERED AN ERA OF RAPID CHANGES AND GREATER EXPECTATION, AND COULD ONLY MEET NEW CHALLENGES WITH CONTINUOUS QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE.

HE SAID THE REORGANISATION WOULD ENABLE HIS DEPARTMENT TO DEAL WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS MORE EFFICIENTLY WITH A MORE BALANCED ORGANISATION STRUCTURE.

’’UPON COMPLETION OF THE RESTRUCTURING, TDD NOW HAS \ MORE BALANCED ORGANISATION STRUCTURE READY TO MEET THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW CHALLENGES,” HE ADDED.

ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST YEAR, MR CHOW SAID SATISFACTORY PROGRESS HAD BEEN MAINTAINED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS.

/•'WHILE ALL..........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

’’WHILE ALL COMPLETED NEW TOWNS CONTINUE TO PROSPER, TIN SHUI WAI WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR IN MARCH.

”TUNG CHUNG IS GRADUALLY TAKING SHAPE. WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION HAS SEEN LARGE AREAS RISING ABOVE THE SEA, AND CENTRAL RECLAMATION HAS ALREADY STARTED,” HE SAID.

"IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, WE ALSO SEE THE COMPLETION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT AND THE TUNNEL/SUBMARINE OUTFALL SEWERAGE SCHEME," HE ADDED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT CONTINUATION OF MAJOR DRAINAGE SCHEMES WOULD ALLEVIATE FLOODING PROBLEMS.

MR CHOW NOTED THAT LAST YEAR WAS PARTICULARLY "MEMORABLE" FOR TDD AS IT CELEBRATED ITS 20 YEARS OF ESTABLISHMENT.

"WE HAVE DEVELOPED EIGHT NEW TOWNS AND STARTED THE NINTH ONE, AS WELL AS SOME MAJOR RECLAMATIONS AROUND THE HARBOUR.

"TWO AND A HALF MILLION PEOPLE ARE NOW LIVING IN A BETTER ENVIRONMENT.

"THIS IS NOT A SMALL ACHIEVEMENT, BUT SOMETHING HONG KONG CAN BE PROUD OF," HE NOTED.

MEANWHILE, MR CHOW STRESSED THAT HIS STAFF WOULD CONTINUE DOING THEIR BEST TO KEEP UP WITH THAT QUALITY CULTURE.

"WITH THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS, TDD LOOKS FORWARD TO THE CONTINUING SUCCESS IN THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS AHEAD WHICH ARE PROGRAMMED TO CONTINUE BEYOND THE END OF THE CENTURY," HE SAID.

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

MEASURES TO FURTHER IMPROVE AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING A SERIES OF MEASURES TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS WITH A VIEW TO ACHIEVING LOWER ACCIDENT RATES.

THIS WAS SAID BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, AT THE AWARD-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1993 ACP CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARD SCHEME TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR BLAKE SAID THE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT RATE AND FATAL ACCIDENT ATE FOR ACP CONTRACTS UP TO THE END OF DECEMBER LAST YEAR WAS 98 PER HOUSAND WORKERS A YEAR AND 0.8 PER THOUSAND WORKERS A YEAR RESPECTIVELY, MUCH LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING RATES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE OF .302 AND 0.8 IN 1992.

"FROM AUGUST 1993 ONWARDS, WE HAVE ALSO SEEN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN ACP’S INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT RATES, WITH THE LAST QUARTER OF 1993 BEING PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING; THE AVERAGE ACP INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT RATE WAS ABOUT 80 REPORTABLE ACC 1 DENTS PER THOUSAND WORKERS PER YEAR.

/•'DESPITE THE.........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

’’DESPITE THE IMPROVING TREND, THE ABOVE ACP ACCIDENT RATES ARE STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

’’THEY ARE STILL HIGHER THAN OUR TARGETS, AND IT IS CLEAR THAT THE VERY STRINGENT TARGETS THAT WE HAVE SET FOR ACP WILL ONLY BE ACHIEVED IF EVERYBODY INVOLVED INCREASES THEIR SAFETY ENDEAVOURS STILL FURTHER,” MR BLAKE ADDED.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS FURTHER STRENGTHENING SOME OF ITS EXISTING MEASURES. FOR INSTANCE:

♦ ENGINEERS WILL EXERCISE CONTRACTUAL POWER TO SUSPEND ANY WORKS THAT ARE NOT BEING CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONTRACTORS’ APPROVED SAFE MANNER OF WORKING.

* THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR VIOLATING CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE HAS BEEN INCREASED TO $200,000.

IN ADDITION, MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO TAKING A SERIES OF OTHER ACTIONS TO PROMULGATE SAFETY AS THE CULTURE OF EVERYONE ON SITES. FOR INSTANCE:

♦ POCKET-SIZED SAFETY HINT CARDS ARE BEING PRODUCED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO WORKERS AND SUPERVISORY STAFF, TO REMIND THEM AT ALL TIMES OF THE NEED FOR SAFETY AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE.

* MARINE DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING COURSES TO EDUCATE WORKERS ON SAFETY ON MARINE VESSELS.

* SAFETY CONSULTANTS ARE BEING SELECTED TO PROVIDE SAFETY TRAINING TO MANAGEMENT AND SITE SUPERVISORY STAFF TO UPGRADE THEIR SAFETY EXPERTISE.

* THE WORKS BRANCH SAFETY CO-ORDINATOR AND SAFETY UNITS IN THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS WILL PROVIDE SAFETY ADVICE AND CARRY OUT SAFETY AUDITS OF WORK IN PROGRESS.

* MORE STRINGENT REGULATORY ACTION WILL BE INTRODUCED FAIRLY SOON AGAINST CONTRACTORS WHO VIOLATE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS; THEY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM TENDERING, DOWNGRADED OR EVEN REMOVED FROM THE LISTS OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS AS APPROPRIATE.

MR BLAKE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE OVERALL ACP ACCIDENT RATES WERE STILL HIGHER THAN THE ACP SAFETY TARGETS, IT WAS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE ACP CONTRACTS HAD IN FACT ACHIEVED THE ACP SAFETY TARGETS OF ZERO FATALITIES AND LESS THAN 60 REPORTABLE ACCIDENTS PER THOUSAND WORKERS A YEAR.

’’THESE CONTRACTORS PROVE TO ALL OF US THAT THE ACP SAFETY TARGETS, ALTHOUGH MUCH MORE STRINGENT THAN THE NORM TN HONG KONG, CAN BE ACHIEVED GIVEN ADEQUATE PRIORITY AND THE EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED,” HE STRESSED.

/ALSO

ADDRESSING........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

ALSO ADDRESSING THE AWARD-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS, MR WONG PO-YAN, SAID THE ACP WAS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO THE SUCCESSFUL FUTURE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG, FOR WHICH EVERYONE WOULD BE UNDER GREAT PRESSURE TO COMPLETE IN THE LEAST POSSIBLE TIMES.

BUT MR WONG EMPHASISED THAT THIS MUST NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE TAKEN AS AN EXCUSE FOR CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TO BE COMPROMISED.

"THE SAFETY OF THE THOUSANDS OF WORKERS WHO WILL BUILD FOR OUR FUTURE MUST BE SAFEGUARDED AT ALL TIMES," HE SAID.

MR WONG SAID: "WE ARE GLAD THAT STRINGENT SAFETY REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN INTO THE ACP CONTRACTS.

"THESE REQUIREMENTS WITH MANY OTHER SAFETY MEASURES MUST BE OBSERVED BY EVERYBODY CONCERNED AT ALL TIMES, WITH THE AIM OF ACHIEVING A HIGH SAFETY STANDARD FOR THE ACP.

"SO FAR, THE ACP SAFETY RECORD IS THE BEST WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER CONSTRUCTION SECTORS IN HONG KONG.

"BUT THIS IS NO REASON FOR COMPLACENCY."

HE SAID HIS COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON MATTERS CONCERNING ACP SITE SAFETY AS THE PROJECTS PROGRESS.

THE ACP CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARD SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION, THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION, THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE MASS 'TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.

THE SCHEME CONSISTS OF TWO AWARD - THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE AWARD AND THE SAFETY RECORD AWARD, EACH OF WHICH HAS GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE PRIZES GIVEN TO THE WINNING CONTRACTORS, AS WELL AS THEIR SAFETY TEAM MEMBERS AND WORKERS. THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE AWARD ALSO HAS TWO EXCELLENCE PRIZES.

AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION, MR POON TO-CHUEN; THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION, MR PETER LAM; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH COUNCIL, PROFESSOR LEUNG PING-CHUNG; THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK; THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN; AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR BILLY LAM.

/10........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 19Q4

DANISH INVESTORS INVITED TO HK *****

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, TODAY (TUESDAY, DANISH TIME) INVITED DANISH ENTREPRENEURS TO INVEST IN HONG KONG AND BE A PART OF ITS SUCCESS.

ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL DINNER OF DENMARK-HONG KONG ASSOCIATION IN COPENHAGEN, MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG OFFERED MANY OPPORTUNITIES - AS A MARKET FOR DANISH PRODUCTS, AS A BASE FOR MANUFACTURING OR SERVICE OPERATIONS, AND AS A CENTRE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE REGION.

’’HONG KONG IS A MARKET OF INCREASINGLY AFFLUENT AND SOPHISTICATED CONSUMERS, WHO ENJOY THE GOOD THINGS OF LIFE AND CAN AFFORD TO PAY FOR THEM.

"IN FACT, BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND DENMARK HAS BEEN GROWING BY AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 15 PER CENT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, WITH THE TRADE BALANCE TN DENMARK’S FAVOUR," HE SAID.

IMPORTS FROM DENMARK IN 1992 INCREASED BY MORE THAN 25 PER CENT BY COMPARISON WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR, TO REACH 1.5 BILLION HONG KONG DOLLARS, HE ADDED.

MR CHAU SAID THE TERRITORY’S GROWING STRENGTH AS A SERVICE CENTRE, NOT JUST FOR HONG KONG, BUT ALSO FOR MUCH OF SOUTHERN CHINA, MADE IT THE IDEAL STARTING POINT FOR INVESTMENT IN THE REGION.

HE NOTED THAT CARLSBERG, THE FAMOUS DANISH BREWER WHICH ESTABLISHED A BREWERY IN ONE OF HONG KONG’S SPECIALLY FORMED INDUSTRIAL ESTATES IN 1981, HAD NOW EXPANDED INTO CHINA, THAILAND, MALAYSIA AND THE PHILIPPINES.

A NEW AGREEMENT TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT INVESTMENT BY DANISH INVESTORS IN HONG KONG AND VICE VERSA WOULD BE SIGNED TOMORROW BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND THE DANISH GOVERNMENTS, MR CHAU SAID.

"THE AGREEMENT WILL OFFER DANISH INVESTORS THE ASSURANCE THAT THEIR INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG WILL BE PROTECTED, NOT JUST DURING THE TRANSITION FROM BRITISH TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY, BUT MANY YEARS BEYOND THAT," HE SAID.

"THIS NEW AGREEMENT SYMBOLISES HONG KONG’S WELCOMING ATTITUDE TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT," MR CHAU ADDED.

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

STRUCTURE OF COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION FINALISED

******

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE FINALISED STRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION.

"SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN NOTIFIED, AND NOMINATIONS FOR CANDIDATES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL

MARCH 2.

/••I HOPE..............

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

"I HOPE THAT ELECTIONS WILL BE COMPLETED BY EARLY APRIL SO THAT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL CAN BE HELD BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH," MR WONG SAID.

IN DETERMINING THE STRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL, PUBLIC COMMENTS AND THE VIEWS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, HE ADDED.

THE NEW COUNCIL WILL HAVE 28 MEMBERS:

(A) ORGANISATION NOMINATED CATEGORIES

TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS 1 SEAT (3.6%)

ORGANISATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL 2 SEATS (7,1%)

SCHOOLS COUNCILS & ORGANISATIONS OF SPONSORING BODIES 2 SEATS (7.1%)

ORGANISATIONS OF SCHOOL HEADS 1 SEAT (3.6%)

SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS 2 SEATS (7.1%)

TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATIONS & UNIONS 2 SEATS (7.1%)

OTHER EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 1 SEAT (3.6%)

SUB-TOTAL: 1 1 SEATS (39.2%)

(B) TEACHER NOMINATED CATEGORIES

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

AIDED

GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

AIDED

GOVERNMENT

PRIVATE

3 SEATS (10.7%)

1 SEAT (3.6%)

3 SEATS (10.7%)

1 SEAT (3.6%)

/KINDERGARTENS .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

KINDERGARTENS

SPECIAL SCHOOLS

SUB-TOTAL:

2 SEATS (7.1%)

14 SEATS (50%)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION 1 SEAT (3.6%)

(SCHOOLS)

LAY MEMBERS 2 SEATS (7.1%)

SUB-TOTAL:

TOTAL:

3 SEATS (10.7%)

28 seats (100%)

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH A COUNCIL WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO.5: A NON-STATUTORY BODY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO BUILD ON THE WORK ALREADY DONE IN DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT, AND TO ENABLE PRACTISING EDUCATORS TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN RESOLVING CASES OF MISCONDUCT, AND TO MEDIATE OBJECTIVELY IN CONFLICTS AMONG TEACHERS OR BETWEEN TEACHERS AND OTHER SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.

A CONSULTATION PAPER OUTLINING STRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL AND METHOD SOME 2,300 SCHOOLS AND MORE THAN 100 LAST SUMMER.

THE PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE, OF SETTING IT UP WAS ISSUED TO EDUCATIONAL BODIES FOR COMMENT

NEARLY 480 RETURNS WERE RECEIVED AT THE END OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD.

MR WONG URGED ORGANISATIONS INTENDING TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES OR VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS TO REGISTER WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 23 UNLESS THEY ARE ALREADY REGISTERED WITH THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE. ORGANISATIONS MUST FULFIL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

(A) THEY MUST HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE REGISTRY OF TRADE UNIONS, SOCIETIES OFFICE OR COMPANIES REGISTRY UNLESS THEY

ARE EXEMPTED FROM REGISTRATION BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY; AND

/(P) AT LEAST ..

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

(B) AT LEAST 80% OF THEIR MEMBERS MUST BE SERVING FULL-TIME TEACHERS OR REGISTERED TEACHERS OR TEACHERS EXEMPTED FROM REGISTRATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.

ENQUIRIES ON THE COUNCIL, REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MRS YEUNG LEE WAI-CHUN ON TEL 892 6302. HER OFFICE IS IN ROOM 1153, 11TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST. WAN

CHAI.

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

MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY * t ♦ » »

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO ADOPT SPECIAL MARINE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VICTORIA HARBOUR DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON FEBRUARY 11 (FRIDAY).

THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY IS SCHEDULED TO START AT 8 PM AND WILL LAST FOR ABOUT 23 MINUTES.

SIMILAR TO THE ARRANGEMENTS ON THE PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, THE FIREWORKS WILL BE DISCHARGED FROM BARGES MOORED IN CENTRAL VICTORIA HARBOUR OFF THE WATERFRONT OF WAN CHAI.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE PRINCIPAL MARINE OFFICER (LOCAL SERVICES) OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SHUI-HOI, SAID FROM EXPERIENCE GAINED IN PREVIOUS YEARS, IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF VESSELS CARRYING PEOPLE TO WATCH THE DISPLAY WOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE HARBOUR IN THE EVENING.

"TO ENSURE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, MAINTAIN ORDERLY WATERBORNE TRAFFIC AND OFFER IMMEDIATE NECESSARY ASSISTANCE TO VESSELS, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS CO-ORDINATED EFFORTS OF CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND WILL ADOPT SAFETY MEASURES ON THE DAY OF THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY," MR CHAN SAID.

A CLOSED AREA WILL BE ESTABLISHED FROM 2 PM TO 9 PM ON THE DAY TO ENCOMPASS FIVE BARGES FOR DISCHARGING THE FIREWORKS MOORED AT HARBOUR MOORING BUOYS A50, A51 AND A TEMPORARY MOORING BUOY IN VICTORIA HARBOUR.

THE BOUNDARY OF THE CLOSED AREA IS ABOUT 400 METRES FROM THE MOORING BUOYS.

• • . . v *

MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, ONLY GOVERNMENT VESSELS AND A FEW SPECIFICALLY PERMITTED COMMERCIAL VESSELS COULD ENTER THE CLOSED AREA. MASTERS OF ALL OTHER VESSELS SHOULD NAVIGATE OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY OF THE CLOSED AREA.

HE ALSO REMINDED ALL VESSEL MASTERS TO TAKE NOTE OF MARINE WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION AS THERE WERE UNDERWATER AND ABOVEWATER OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN THE WORKS AREAS.

"AS A GENERAL GUIDANCE, VESSELS SHOULD NOT ENTER THE AREA FROM EDINBURGH PLACE STAR FERRY PIER TO MACAU FERRY TERMINAL, CLOSER THAN 400 METRES FROM THE SHORELINE," MR CHAN SAID.

/HE ADDED .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

HE ADDED THAT ALL THE PIERS IN THIS AREA WERE FOR SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICES AND GOVERNMENT VESSELS ONLY, AND THE PUBLIC WERE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THEM.

LANDING STEPS AT SIX LOCATIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO MARINE TRAFFIC TO HELP LANDWARD CROWD CONTROL. THESE STEPS ARE:

» QUEEN’S PIER

» LUNG KING STREET STEPS

» WAN CHAI WEST STEPS

t KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER WESTERN BERTHS SOUTHERN BERTHS

7.30 PM TO 9 PM

6 PM TO 8.30 PM

7 PM TO 9 PM

6 PM TO 9 PM

* EAST TSIM SHA TSUI

PROMENADE 6.30 PM TO 8.30 PM

» HUNG HOM EAST FERRY STEPS 7 PM TO 8.30 PM

AS IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL PUBLIC LANDINGS CLOSE TO CENTRAL VICTORIA HARBOUR WILL BE QUITE HEAVILY USED AND CONGESTION MAY OCCUR, MASTERS AND COXSWAINS ARE URGED TO USE LANDINGS IN AREAS AWAY FROM THE CENTRAL HARBOUR IF POSSIBLE.

BETWEEN 7.45 PM AND 8.45 PM, SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICES IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR WILL BE SUSPENDED WHILE SOME SERVICES WILL BE RESCHEDULED AS EARLY AS FROM 6 PM.

NOTING THAT SOME FERRY COMPANIES WOULD USE THEIR VESSELS TO PROVIDE SPECIAL SERVICE FOR VIEWING THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY, MR CHAN SAID THESE LARGER VESSELS WOULD BE POSITIONED WELL TO THE EAST OF THE CLOSED AREA, IN THE WATERS BETWEEN HUNG HOM AND CAUSEWAY BAY.

MARINE DEPARTMENT NOTICE NO. 5 OF 1994 PUBLISHED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT CONTAINS FULL DETAILS OF THE SPECIAL MARINE CONTROL MEASURES.

FREE COPIES OF THE NOTICE ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PORT FORMALITIES OFFICE AT ROOM 318, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

MR CHAN STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THOSE INTENDING TO SAIL THEIR VESSELS INTO THE CENTRAL HARBOUR ON THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY DAY SHOULD GET COPIES OF THE NOTICE AND READ THEM BEFORE STARTING THEIR VOYAGES.

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ALSO ADVISES MASTERS, OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF VESSELS TO OBSERVE SOME PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINES:

» SMALL VESSELS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITHOUT DECKING, OR SMALL VESSELS LESS THAN FIVE METRES LONG SHOULD NOT GO INTO OR REMAIN IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM BECAUSE SUCH VESSELS WILL BE VULNERABLE TO THE WASH FROM LARGER VESSELS IN THE ENVISAGED HIGH TRAFFIC DENSITY SEA AREA AND SMALL VESSELS ARE NOT EASILY DETECTED BY LARGER VESSELS.

/* BEFORE THE .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

* BEFORE THE VOYAGE, A MASTER SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT EVERY ONE KNOWS WHERE THE LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES ARE AND KNOWS HOW TO PUT ON A LIFEJACKET PROPERLY. ALSO, ALL CHILDREN SHOULD WEAR LIFEJACKETS AT ALL TIMES. A LIST OF NAMES OF ALL PERSONS ON BOARD IS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE USE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. THE MASTER SHOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE VESSEL HAS NOT OVERLOADED ITS LICENSED PASSENGER CAPACITY.

» IN THE HARBOUR, ALL VESSELS SHOULD GO AT A SAFE SPEED OF NOT EXCEEDING FIVE KNOTS AND MAINTAIN A PROPER LOOKOUT AT ALL TIMES. AS BRIGHT LIGHT INTERFERES WITH KEEPING OF A PROPER LOOKOUT, CABIN LIGHTS SHOULD BE SWITCHED OFF AND SEARCHLIGHTS SHOULD NOT BE USED.

FINALLY, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE A LARGE NUMBER OF MARINE DEPARTMENT, MARINE POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES VESSELS EITHER STATIONED OR PATROLLING IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA. THESE VESSELS COULD BE IDENTIFIED BY THEIR FLASHING RED OR BLUE LIGHTS.

HE APPEALED TO MASTERS TO FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTIONS ORIGINATED FROM THESE VESSELS.

MR CHAN STRESSED THAT IN EVENT THAT A VESSEL WAS IN DANGER AND REQUIRED HELP, THE MASTER COULD:

* CALL THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ON VHF RADIO TELEPHONE CHANNEL 16 USING MARDEP, OR ON TEL 545 0181;

* CALL THE MARINE POLICE ON TEL 366 5827 OR 368 8770;

* CALL 999; OR

* INDICATE THE NEED OF HELP USING DISTRESS SIGNALS.

ALSO ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (CENTRAL), MR LAI YU-WAH; THE DIVISION COMMANDER (HARBOUR DIVIS'ON) OF THE MARINE POLICE, MR LAURENCE KNOX; AND THE DIVISIONAL OFFICER (MARINE) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR FUNG KAM-WAH.

- - 0 - -

320 VMS RETURN HOME *****

TWO GROUPS OF 320 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.

COMPRISING 101 MEN, 86 WOMEN, 77 BOYS AND 56 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 2O1ST AND 202ND BATCHES TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THE TWO GROUPS BROUGHT TO 2,283 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAVE RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 40,896 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

- 0 - -

/16

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

- 16 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****

TENDER DATE 1 FEB 94 1 FEB 94

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q405 H457

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 4,050 MN HKD 1,570 MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1,200 MN HKD 500 MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 2.96 PCT 3.07 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 2.97 PCT 3.08 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 35 PCT ABOUT 100 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.08 PCT 3.12 PCT

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDER TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 7 FEBRUARY 1994 -

TENDER DATE 8 FEB 94

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q406

ISSUE DATE 9 FEB 94

MATURITY DATE 11 MAY 94

TENOR 91 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 1,300 + 260 MN

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

/17........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,605

REVERSAL OF LAF +395

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 4,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -50

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,950

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

TWI 126.5 «-0.3* 1.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.76 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.15 3.66

1 MONTH 2.85 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 101.21 3.85

3 MONTHS 2.97 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 100.26 4.04

6 MONTHS 3.12 33 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.31 4.52

12 MONTHS 3.44 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS CLOSED 1 FEBRUARY 1994 36 MONTHS AND BONDS - 3701 15,671 4.60 MN 100.13 4.61

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ACTION PLAN TO HELP DISABLED IN EMPLOYMENT ..................... 1

GOVERNOR SPEAKS TO PRESS AFTER SUMMIT MEETING ON OPEN EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PERSONS ............................... 2

SUMMIT MEETING TO PROMOTE OPEN EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED .......... 5

STATEMENT ON NEW AIRPORT PROPOSALS ............................. 6

PROPOSED INCREASES IN FIXED PENALTIES .......................... 7

HK AND DENMARK SIGN INVESTMENT PROTECTION AGREEMENT ............ 8

SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON MORTALITY TRENDS IN HK 1971 - 1992 8

TWO CAR PARK SITES TO LET ...................................... 9

LAND REGISTRY CUSTOMER GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING .............. 10

FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE FOR FLOATING POPULATION ............... 11

LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FOR WORKERS ........................... 11

STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN DRAWING CONTEST ...................... 12

SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY IN NEW YEAR HOLIDAY ..................... 13

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS ON FRIDAY ............................. 13

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 14

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

ACTION PLAN TO HELP DISABLED IN EMPLOYMENT

» » » » »

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY SETS OUT AN ACTION PROGRAMME WHICH THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PURSUE FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED OVER THE NEXT YEAR.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER CHAIRING THE SUMMIT MEETING ON OPEN EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PERSONS, MR PATTEN SAID THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED:

* PUTTING MORE RESOURCES INTO EDUCATION AND COUNSELING ABOUT DISABILITY AND HANDICAP;

* PRODUCING BOOKLETS TO HELP THE DISABLED AT INTERVIEWS AND THOSE WHO WILL WORK WITH THE DISABLED UNDERSTAND THEIR POTENTIALS; AND

* INCREASING THE NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVICE VACANCIES FOR THE DISABLED.

THESE ARE WAYS TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT TAKE A LEAD IN EMPLOYING DISABLED PERSONS, THE GOVERNOR SAID.

MR PATTEN SAID REPRESENTATIVES FOR EMPLOYERS AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS HAD AGREED IN THE MEETING TO LOOK AT HIS PROPOSALS.

HE ALSO HOPES THAT EMPLOYERS CAN, FOR EXAMPLE, SET OUT IN THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS A FULL STATEMENT ON THEIR POLICY AND APPROACH TO EMPLOYING THE DISABLED.

ANOTHER WAY IS FOR EMPLOYERS TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO VOLUNTARY TARGETS AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE TO INCREASE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED.

THE GOVERNMENT AIMS TO PUSH THE TARGET UP TO 4,000, THE GOVERNOR SAID.

TO SHARE THE EXPERIENCE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS OF COUNSELING AND REHABILITATION WORK, MR PATTEN INTENDS TO HOLD A SIMILAR MEETING NEXT YEAR TO REPORT ON PROGRESS.

"I THINK THESE ANNUAL SUMMITS WITH EMPLOYERS AND DISABILITY GROUPS ARE A VERY IMPORTANT WAY OF BROADENING OPPORTUNITY IN HONG KONG AND IN THAT WAY, WE ARE NOT ONLY GIVING PROPER JUSTICE TO THE DISABLED BUT WE ARE ALSO DOING OURSELVES A FAVOUR BY HELPING TO DEVELOP OUR ECONOMY," HE SAID.

MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG COULD NOT AFFORD TO THROW AWAY THE ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED WHOSE SKILL COULD HELP THE TERRITORY DEVELOP AT ITS FASTEST POSSIBLE SPEED.

- 0 - -

/2 ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

GOVERNOR SPEAKS TO PRESS AFTER SUMMIT MEETING ON OPEN EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PERSONS

* * » » »

GOVERNOR: GOOD MORNING. AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW JUST OVER A YEAR AGO, IN RESPONSE TO A SUGGESTION PUT UP AT ONE OF MY PUBLIC MEETINGS BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISABLED, WE HELD A SUMMIT BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THOSE WITH DISABILITIES AND TRANSPORT OPERATORS TO CONSIDER WHAT MORE COULD BE DONE TO MEET THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THOSE WITH HANDICAP OR DISABILITY. THAT WAS A CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS AND WE ARE HOLDING A FOLLOW-UP TO SEE THE PROGRESS THAT’S BEEN MADE IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME.

WELL, I HAD A SIMILAR REQUEST AT MY PUBLIC MEETING IN SHA TIN IN THE AUTUMN. AGAIN, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DISABLED, MR LEO LAM, ASKED ME IF I’D CALL A SIMILAR SUMMIT TO DISCUSS WITH THE EMPLOYERS AND THE ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING THOSE WITH DISABILITY, IF I DISCUSS WITH THEM WAYS IN WHICH WE COULD IMPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITY. WE ALL KNOW IT’S BOTH A PROBLEM AND A HUGE OPPORTUNITY, A PROBLEM FOR ALL SORTS OF REASONS, SOMETIMES IGNORANCE ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTIONS WHICH THOSE WITH DISABILITY CAN MAKE, SOMETIMES PREJUDICE, SOMETIMES THE FACT THAT WE ARE A FAST CHANGING ECONOMY AND SONE OF THE JOBS WHICH HAVE SOMETIMES IN THE PAST BEEN DONE BY THOSE WITH DISABILITIES DISAPPEAR. A JOB WHICH MANY BLIND PEOPLE HAVE DONE IS TO WORK AS TELEPHONE OPERATORS BUT MODERN TECHNOLOGY IS REDUCING THOSE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. WE HAVE TO FIND OTHERS.

SO, FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS, THE DISABLED HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN GETTING THE JOBS WHICH THEY DESERVE. BUT THERE IS ANOTHER POINT WHICH ALL OF US SHOULD RECOGNISE IS THE COMMUNITY. WE CAN’T AFFORD, QUITE APART FROM THE REASONS OF HUMANITY, WE CAN’T AFFORD SIMPLY TO THROW AWAY THE ABILITIES, THE POTENTIAL OF THOSE WITH HANDICAP WHEN WE NEED EVERY SKILL WE CAN POSSIBLY GET IN HONG KONG TO DEVELOP AS FAR AND AS FAST AS WE’D LIKE. WE HAVE A VERY LOW UNEMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG .

WE HAVE A VERA TIGHT LABOUR MARKET. WE HAVE SHORTAGES, SKILL SHORTAGES IN A NUMBER OF AREAS. SO WE NEED TO MAKE THE MAXIMUM USE OF ALL OUR TALENTS AND WE'VE BEEN FOCUSSING THIS MORNING ON THE REAL AND SUBSTANTIAL TALENTS OF THOSE WITH DISABILITY. WHAT’S BEEN VERY IMPRESSIVE IS TO HEAR STORIES AFTER STORIES FROM EMPLOYERS ABOUT THEIR SUCCESSES IN EMPLOYING SOME WITH DISABILITY. WE KNOW IN THE CIVIL SERVICE THAT THERE IS, FOR EXAMPLE, A LOWER TURNOVER, LFSS WASTAGE WITH OUR DISABLED, OUR HANDICAPPED CO],LEAGUES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. WE’VE HEARD EXPRESSIONS FROM EMPLOYERS ABOUT THE LOYALTY, ABOUT THE COMMITMENT, ABOUT THE HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY WHICH THEY VERY OFTEN ACHIEVE WITH WORKERS WITH DISABILITY.

UPSTAIRS WE HAD A USEFUL EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE GROUPS REPRESENTING THE DISABLED AND EMPLOYERS AND I SET OUT AN ACTION PROGRAMME WHICH GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO PURSUE OVER THE NEXT YEAR. WE ARE GOING TO PUT MORE RESOURCES INTO EDUCATION ABOUT DISABILITY AND HANDICAP. WE ARE GOING TO PUT MORE RESOURCES INTO COUNSELLING. WE ARE GOING TO PRODUCE BOOKLETS TO HELP THE DISABLED AT INTERVIEWS AND TO HELP THOSE WHO WILL WORK WITH THE DISABLED UNDERSTAND THEIR POTENTIALS. WE ARE GOING TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO INCREASING THE NUMBER OF THOSE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WHO ARE DISABLED AND OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS. IN THOSE WAYS AND OTHERS WHICH I ELABORATED UPSTAIRS, WE ARE GOING TO, I HOPE , TAKE A LEAD.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN ALSO SEE EMPLOYERS AND VOLUNTARY GROUPS CONTRIBUTING AND THEY’VE AGREED TO LOOK AT THE PROPOSALS I’VE PUT FORWARD. I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THOSE GROUPS REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS WOULD ADVISE THEIR MEMBERS TO SET OUT, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS, A FULL STATEMENT ON THEIR POLICY AND APPROACH TO EMPLOYING THE DISABLED. AND THERE IS ALSO A CASE, I THINK, FOR EMPLOYERS COMMITTING THEMSELVES TO VOLUNTARY TARGETS AS GOVERNMENT HAS DONE, NOT QUOTAS, NOTHING LAID DOWN CENTRALLY, NOTHING STATUTORY BUT A VOLUNTARY APPROACH TO INCREASE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED WHICH I THINK WOULD GIVE PERSONNEL MANAGERS IN ALL OUR FIRMS A REAL AND SUBSTANTIAL STEERING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. WE NEED FROM NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS THEIR HELP IN SHARING WITH US SOME OF THEIR EXPERIENCE OF COUNSELLING AND THEIR REHABILITATION WORK.

SO THOSE WERE A FEW OF THE PROPOSALS THAT WE DISCUSSED UPSTAIRS AND WHAT WE ARE INTENDING TO DO IS TO HOLD A SIMILAR MEETING NEXT YEAR SO WE CAN REPORT ON PROGRESS. I THINK THESE ANNUAL SUMMITS WITH EMPLOYERS AND DISABILITY GROUPS ARE A VERY IMPORTANT WAY OF BROADENING OPPORTUNITY IN HONG KONG AND IN THAT WAY, WE ARE NOT ONLY GIVING PROPER JUSTICE TO THE DISABLED BUT WE ARE ALSO DOING OURSELVES A FAVOUR BY HELPING TO DEVELOP OUR ECONOMY.

QUESTION: MR PATTEN, MANY PEOPLE ARE WORRIED THAT YOU WILL CUT THE BUDGET IN SOCIAL WELFARE IN ORDER TO MEET CHINA’S CONCERN ON AIRPORT WHICH YOU REFUSED TO DISCLOSE?

GOVERNOR: I PREFER THIS MORNING, IF I MAY, TO TALK ABOUT DISABILITY. BUT THERE ARE GOING TO BE NO CUTS IN OTHER PROGRAMMES IN ORDER TO PAY FOR THE AIRPORT. THAT’S NO WITH A CAPITAL N AND A CAPITAL 0. NO CUTS IN ORDER TO MEET WHAT WE WANT TO DO ON THE AIRPORT. FORTUNATELY, WE ARE IN A STRONG ENOUGH POSITION FINANCIALLY IN THIS COMMUNITY, NOT THANKS TO THE GOVERNMENT, EXCEPT THAT WE’VE MANAGED THINGS I HOPE PRUDENTLY, BUT THANKS TO THE HARD WORK OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. WE ARE IN A STRONG ENOUGH POSITION AND MANAGE TO INCREASE OUR SPENDING ON SOCIAL PROGRAMMES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PUTTING MORE INTO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. THAT IS SOMETHING WE DETERMINE TO DO.

QUESTION: WHY DO YOU STEER AWAY FROM QUOTA ON VACANCIES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE ......?

GOVERNOR: WELL, I THINK IT WAS INTERESTING UPSTAIRS OF IT. IT WAS MENTIONED BY A COUPLE OF PEOPLE. BUT I THINK THE GENERAL FEELING WAS THAT IT WAS MORE IN LINE WITH THE HONG KONG APPROACH TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE VOLUNTARY EFFORT AND TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE COMMITMENT BY EMPLOYERS RATHER THAN TO DRIVE THEM INTO DOING SOMETHING STATUTORY. THAT WAS CERTAINLY THE FEELING IN THE MEETING UPSTAIRS. BUT I GUESS THAT IF WE DON’T MAKE A SUCCESS OF IT WITH VOLUNTARY TARGETS, THE ARGUMENTS FOR CENTRAL QUOTAS WOULD INCREASE IN STRENGTH AND VOLUME. THAT’S AN ARGUMENT FOR TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT THE VOLUNTARY APPROACH WORKS. !

QUESTION: MR PATTEN, HOW COME THE MEETING WAS HELD BEHIND CLOSED

DOOR”

/GOVERNOR .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

GOVERNOR: I THINK IT’S SOMETIMES EASIER TO HAVE THAT SORT OF DISCUSSION WITHOUT NECESSARILY DOING IT WITH ALL THE CAMERAS. BUT WE ARE REPORTING TO YOU WHAT HAPPENED AND I’M SURE THAT MANY OF THOSE WHO TOOK PART IN THE MEETING WILL WANT TO LET YOU KNOW AS WELL EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. AND I’LL BE REPORTING BACK TO THOSE WHO WEREN’T AT THE MEETING WHAT HAPPENED.

QUESTION: ON YOUR FOURTH PROPOSAL FOR THE AIRPORT FINANCIAL PROJECT, WILL THAT BE MAKING MAJOR CONCESSIONS TO THE CHINESE SIDE AND .... ?

GOVERNOR: I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD TO WHAT I’D SAID YESTERDAY.

QUESTION: AND THAT WILL BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TAXPAYERS?

GOVERNOR: I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD TO WHAT I SAID YESTERDAY AND I REPEAT WHAT I SAID EARLIER, THAT WE THANKS TO THE STRONG POSITION OF OUR FINANCIAL RESERVES IN HONG KONG, WE CAN AFFORD TO DO WHAT WE ARE SUGGESTING TO THE CHINESE.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE VOLUNTARY TARGET IN THE CIVIL SERVICE?

GOVERNOR: WE HAVE AT PRESENT GOT ABOUT 3,000. WHEN I SAY ABOUT, THERE IS SOME ARGUMENT ABOUT THE DEFINITIONS USED. BUT THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH BELIEVE THAT WE ARE EMPLOYING 3,778 HANDICAPPED PEOPLE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND WE ARE AIMING TO PUSH THAT UP TO 4,000, AND CERTAINLY BY THE SUMMIT AFTER NEXT, WE WILL DO BETTER IF WE CAN.

QUESTION: THAT’S ...

GOVERNOR: THAT’S OVER 200. AND THAT WAS REGARDED

QUESTION: BUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THEM...

GOVERNOR: SORRY?

( QUESTION: THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THEM .......... IN HONG KONG ?

GOVERNOR: THERE ARE THOUSANDS BUT THE NUMBER WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED IS NOT KNOWN AND WE COMMITTED OURSELVES TO TRYING TO GET A MORE ACCURATE FIGURE, A MORE ACCURATE STATISTIC ON THOSE WHO ARE WITHOUT WORK IN THE DISABLED COMMUNITY. IT COULD WORK IF THE CHANCES WERE THERE. ANY MORE.

QUESTION: IS THERE ANY MEASURE TO ENCOURAGE THE EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOY THE DISABLED, FOR EXAMPLE, TAX EXEMPTION?

/GOVERNOR .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

GOVERNOR: I’VE MENTIONED EARLIER THAT WE HAVE SUGGESTED THAT

EMPLOYERS, THOUGH IT’S FINALLY A MATTER FOR THEM, WE’VE SUGGESTED THAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD ALL SET OUT IN THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS WHAT THEIR POLICY IS ON RECRUITING AND EMPLOYING THE DISABLED. I THINK THAT WILL BE A VERY GOOD STEP FORWARD. IT’S CERTAINLY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE A LEAD. I HOPED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FIGURE ISN’T AS GREAT AS YOU WOULD LIKE, THAT YOU WOULD RECOGNISE THAT IT’S CONSIDERABLY GREATER THAN IN ALMOST ANY OTHER SECTOR OF SOCIETY AND IT MAY BE YOU THINK THAT’S IN THE NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY OR IN THE MEDIA IN GENERAL, MORE OPPORTUNITIES COULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE DISABLED. AND IF YOU GOT UP TO THE PERCENTAGE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE YOU’LL BE DOING RATHER BETTER THAN AT THE MOMENT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.

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

SUMMIT MEETING TO PROMOTE OPEN EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED *******

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, SAID WHILE MANY EMPLOYERS COMPLAINED ABOUT MANPOWER SHORTAGE, NOT MANY OF THEM THOUGHT ABOUT TAPPING A VERY VALUABLE SOURCE OF MANPOWER READILY AVAILABLE TO THEM.

HE WAS REFERRING TO THE DISABLED IN THE COMMUNITY.

SPEAKING AT THE SUMMIT MEETING ON OPEN EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING, MR LAM NOTED THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 600 EMPLOYERS ON THE "WILLING" LIST OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION.

THOUGH IT IS ENCOURAGING, IT IS STILL FAR FROM SATISFACTORY.

"WE HAVE A MUCH LARGER POOL OF NEARLY 250,000 EMPLOYERS," HE SAID. "IF MORE OF THEM ARE WILLING TO TAKE ON THE DISABLED, WE CAN DO MUCH BETTER IN ENHANCING THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED AND AT THE SAME TIME IN ALLEVIATING THE MANPOWER SHORTAGE PROBLEM THAT WE FACE."

THE TWO-HOUR MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN. ALSO ATTENDING WERE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG; THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE; AND REPRESENTATIVES OF DISABLED GROUPS AND EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS.

ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, MRS WONG SAID OPEN EMPLOYMENT WAS ONE OF THE KEYS TO THE TRUE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PERSONS INTO THE COMMUNITY.

IT BRINGS ABOUT SELF-RESPECT AND FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE, THE HELPING DISABLED PERSONS TO BECOME CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.

BETWEEN NOW AND 1996/97, THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND ABOUT $33 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC EDUCATION ON REHABILITATION. ABOUT $2 MILLION WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE TALENTS AND WORKING ABILITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS.

/MRS WONG ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

MRS WONG SAID FUNDS HAD ALSO BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO DOUBLE THE SIZE OF THE MOBILE CREW FROM 30 TO 60 IN 1994/95 TO PROVIDE SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED.

SOME NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE RECENTLY COME UP WITH A NUMBER OF NEW INITIATIVES ON SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT.

’’THESE HAVE PROVED TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE IN ENHANCING THE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PERSONS,” SHE SAID.

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO RENDER THE NECESSARY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE IN THE PROCESS."

MR SZE, ON HIS SECOND DAY AS SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, SAID THE GOVERNMENT, BEING THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG, AIMED TO PLACE DISABLED PERSONS IN APPROPRIATE JOBS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

HE SAID THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE LAST 10 YEARS HAD GROWN FROM 1,432 TO 3,778, AN INCREASE OF 164 PER CENT.

"AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL CIVIL SERVICE, IT HAS ALSO INCREASED FROM 0.86 PER CENT TO 2.07 PER CENT," MR SZE SAID.

"HOWEVER, I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT WE SHOULD FEEL COMPLACENT. WE ARE ALWAYS PREPARED TO REVIEW WHAT WE ARE DOING TO SEE IF ANY IMPROVEMENT COULD BE MADE."

MR SZE ALSO REVEALED THAT A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

THESE INCLUDE A WIDE CIRCULATION OF VACANCY ADVERTISEMENTS TO DISABLED PERSONS THROUGH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH’S ATTENDANCE AT SELECTION INTERVIEWS AND REGULAR PROMOTIONAL VISITS BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS.

--------0 - -

STATEMENT ON NEW AIRPORT PROPOSALS

*****

IN ANSWER TO MEDIA QUESTIONS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY):

"WE HAVE THIS AFTERNOON PASSED DETAILS OF OUR NEW FINANCING PROPOSALS FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY TO THE CHINESE SIDE. WE REPEATED OUR HOPE THAT THERE COULD BE AN EARLY MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE. WE ARE AWAITING THEIR RESPONSE."

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

PROPOSED INCREASES IN FIXED PENALTIES

*******

APPROVAL WILL BE SOUGHT FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO INCREASE FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR TRAFFIC OFFENCES, IN LINE WITH INFLATION.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE OBJECTIVE OF THE INCREASE WAS TO RESTORE THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF FIXED PENALTIES WHICH WERE LAST REVISED IN JULY 1989.

THE PRESENT AND PROPOSED FIXED PENALTIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

PARKING OFFENCES

MOVING OFFENCES

PRESENT PENALTY PROPOSED PENALTY

$200 $320

$140 $230

$200 $320

$280 $450

THE SPOKESMAN SAID ILLEGAL PARKING HAD BECOME MUCH MORE SERIOUS RECENTLY. THIS WAS REFLECTED IN THE 41 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PARKING TICKETS ISSUED LAST YEAR COMPARED WITH 1992.

THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF FIXED PENALTY FINES HAS BEEN ERODED BY INFLATION, RESULTING IN THE POLICE HAVING TO SPEND MUCH MORE RESOURCES TO CONTAIN THE SITUATION.

HE DISPELLED THE SUGGESTION THAT THE INCREASE IN PARKING OFFENCES IS DUE TO A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE.

"SURVEYS UNDERTAKEN BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT THE OVERALL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES HAS INCREASED ROUGHLY IN LINE WITH THE RATE OF VEHICLE GROWTH."

APPROVAL WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL OFFENCE IN THE FIXED PENALTY SCHEDULE.

THE EFFECT WOULD BE TO MAKE A TAXI DRIVER WHO FAILS TO SIT IN OR STAND BESIDE THE FIRST OR SECOND TAXI AT A TAXI STAND PUNISHABLE BY A FIXED PENALTY OF $320 WHICH IS THE SAME AS FIXED PENALTIES FOR OTHER TAXI-RELATED OFFENCES.

THE PROPOSALS TO INCREASE THE FIXED PENALTIES AND TO EXPAND THE FIXED PENALTY SCHEDULE HAVE RECEIVED THE SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COUNCIL.

--------0 - -

/8 ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

HK AND DENMARK SIGN INVESTMENT PROTECTION AGREEMENT *******

HONG KONG AND DENMARK TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS.

THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED IN COPENHAGEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND THE MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY AND CO-OPERATION, MS MIMI JAKOBSEN, FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF DENMARK.

THIS IS THE THIRD AGREEMENT HONG KONG HAS SIGNED IN THE IMPORTANT AREA OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION. OTHER AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE NETHERLANDS AND AUSTRALIA.

SUCH AGREEMENTS ARE BILATERAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS BINDING UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW, AIMING TO ENCOURAGE AND PROTECT, ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS, INVESTMENTS OF ONE CONTRACTING PARTY IN THE OTHER’S AREA.

SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MR CHAU SAID HONG KONG WELCOMED OVERSEAS AND LOCAL INVESTMENT ON EQUAL TERMS.

"THE AGREEMENT GUARANTEES FAIR TREATMENT FOR DANISH INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG AND VICE VERSA, PROPER COMPENSATION IF INVESTMENTS ARE EXPROPRIATED, AND THE FREE TRANSFER OF INVESTMENTS AND RETURNS ON INVESTMENT."

"IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR INVESTMENT DISPUTES TO BE SETTLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAID DOWN PROCEDURES," MR CHAU SAID.

THE AGREEMENT HAS BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE CHINESE SIDE TN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

THE AGREEMENT WILL ENTER INTO FORCE 30 DAYS AFTER SIGNATURE, AND WILL REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF 15 YEARS. THEREAFTER, IT WILL REMAIN IN FORCE INDEFINITELY, UNLESS EITHER PARTY GIVES ONE YEAR’S NOTICE.

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

SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON MORTALITY TRENDS IN HK 1971 - 1992

*****

HONG KONG EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT MORTALITY IMPROVEMENT BETWEEN 1971 AND 1992 AS INDICATED BY THE INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE POPULATION.

THE INFANT AND MATERNAL MORTALITY RATES ALSO DROPPED TO VERY LOW LEVELS, AGAIN POINTING TO SUBSTANTIAL MORTALITY DECLINE.

THESE FINDINGS WERE CONTAINED IN A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED "MORTALITY TRENDS IN HONG KONG 1971 - 1992" IN THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.

/ALTHOUGH THE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

ALTHOUGH THE PATTERN OF THE CAUSES OF DEATH HAD CHANGED CONSIDERABLY DURING THE PERIOD, NEOPLASMS, DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM AND DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM STILL ACCOUNTED FOR THE MAJORITY OF DEATHS.

THIS ARTICLE SUMMARISES MORTALITY TRENDS BY AGE AND SEX AND ALSO BY CAUSE OF DEATH.

THE TRENDS OF THE THREE MOST COMMONLY USED HEALTH INDICATORS, VIZ LIFE EXPECTANCY, INFANT MORTALITY RATE AND MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE, ARE ALSO DISCUSSED.

THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $48 A COPY.

PURCHASES CAN BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

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

TWO CAR PARK SITES TO LET * ♦ » * t

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE LOT IN WESTERN PARK ROAD, WESTERN RECLAMATION, COVERING ABOUT 3,400 SQUARE METRES, MAY BE USED AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES, EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.

THE TENANCY IS FOR SIX MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY.

THE OTHER LOT AT MA ON SHAN ROAD, AREA 103, MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,500 SQUARE METRES, IS ALSO DESIGNATED AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS, LIGHT VANS, LORRIES, BUSES AND TRACTORS, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS AND TRAILERS.

IT CARRIES A TENANCY OF THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 18.

FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES AT HONG KONG WEST AND SHA TIN, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.

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

/JO........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

LAND REGISTRY CUSTOMER GROUP HOLDS FIRST MEETING

******

THE LAND REGISTRY HAS WELCOMED SUGGESTIONS FROM ITS CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP AT ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ONE SUGGESTION RELATES TO THE PROPOSED SERVICE TIME OF DIRECT ACCESS TO THE COMPUTERISED LAND REGISTER FROM TERMINALS AT CLIENTS’ OFFICES. THIS SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID-1994.

THE LAND REGISTRY WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUGGESTION TO ACCOMMODATE CLIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS.

THE LAND REGISTRAR, MR KENNETH PANG TSAN-WING, SAID: ’’THE CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP IS A USEFUL FORUM FOR A DIRECT EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN CUSTOMERS AND THE LAND REGISTRY ON THE SERVICES PROVIDED.”

"IT WILL IMPROVE THE REGISTRY’S UNDERSTANDING OF CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS SO THAT SERVICES CAN BE ENHANCED TO MEET THEIR EXPECTATIONS. I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT ITS FIRST MEETING HAS PROVED TO BE SO CONSTRUCTIVE."

THE MEETING, CHAIRED BY THE REGISTRY MANAGER, MR P Y CHOY, WAS ATTENDED BY 12 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE REGULAR USERS OF THE LAND REGISTRY’S SERVICES.

THEY INCLUDE THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, HONG KONG REAL ESTATE AGENCIES ASSOCIATION LTD AND SOCIETY OF HONG KONG REAL ESTATE AGENTS LTD.

AT THE MEETING, LAND REGISTRY REPRESENTATIVES BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE REGISTRY’S SERVICES AND PERFORMANCE PLEDGES.

MR CHOY SAID SINCE LAUNCHING ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ON AUGUST 2 LAST YEAR, THE LAND REGISTRY HAD BEEN ABLE TO MEET ITS PERFORMANCE TARGETS AND HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINT ABOUT NON-FULFILMENT OF A PLEDGE.

"THE REGISTRATION OF LAND DOCUMENTS CAN NOW BE COMPLETED WITHIN FIVE WEEKS; A COMPUTER PRINTOUT OR A DIAZO/PHOTOCOPY OF A LAND DOCUMENT PRODUCED WITHIN 30 MINUTES; AND A CERTIFIED COPY OF SUCH DOCUMENTS WITHIN ONE-AND-A-HALF WEEKS," HE NOTED.

MR CHOY SAID AT PEAK TIMES IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE REGISTRY TO EMPLOY TEMPORARY STAFF OR FOR PERMANENT STAFF TO WORK OVERTIME TO DELIVER THE SERVICES ACCORDING TO THE PLEDGES.

"LAND REGISTRY STAFF ARE ALWAYS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO WORK TO THE PLEDGES, AND THEIR DAILY PERFORMANCE IS CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE MANAGEMENT," HE NOTED.

/LIAISON GROUP ......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

LIAISON GROUP MEMBERS WERE OF MAJOR NEW SERVICES COMING ON

ALSO BRIEFED ON THE LATEST PROGRESS

STREAM, INCLUDING THE WILL ENABLE USERS TO

COMPUTERISED

MAKE

ON-LINE

AT THEIR

DIRECT SEARCH FACILITIES WHICH

SEARCH OF THE LAND REGISTER THROUGH COMPUTER TERMINALS

OFFICES, COMPUTERISATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTER, AND

MICROFILMING/IMAGING OF LAND RECORDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. . ,

AFTER THE MEETING, THE MEMBERS VISITED THE LAND REGISTRY OFFICES AND PUBLIC SEARCH AREAS ON THE 17TH AND 18TH FLOORS OF QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

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

FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE FOR FLOATING POPULATION *****

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS, SINCE MONDAY, IMPLEMENTED A SERIES OF MEASURES IN TYPHOON SHELTERS TO PROMOTE GREATER AWARENESS OF FIRE PREVENTION AMONG FISHERMEN AND BOAT PEOPLE WITH THE APPROACH OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

FIRE OFFICERS OF THE MARINE DIVISION HAVE BEEN VISITING TYPHOON SHELTERS IN ABERDEEN, SHAU KEI WAN, YAU MA TEI, CAUSEWAY BAY, CHEUNG CHAU, CHAI WAN AND TUEN MUN ON BOARD FIREBOATS TO CONVEY THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE THROUGH BROADCAST AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLICITY BOOKLETS.

DURING THE PATROLS, THE OFFICERS ALSO ADVISE THE PEOPLE TO ENSURE THAT THE FAIRWAYS AND FIRE LANES IN THE TYPHOON SHELTERS ARE ADEQUATELY MAINTAINED AND CLEAR FOR OBSTRUCTION.

"WE THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME TO STEP UP THE FIRE PREVENTION PUBLICITY BECAUSE MOST FISHERMEN ARE RETURNING TO HONG KONG TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR AND THAT THE NUMBER OF FISHING BOATS IN TYPHOON SHELTERS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE SEVERAL TIMES MORE THAN THE NORMAL DAYS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.

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

LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FOR WORKERS

*******

EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY AND THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS OF THE YEAR OF THE DOG ON FEBRUARY 10, 11 AND 12 RESPECTIVELY ARE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR WORKERS.

ALL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAYS AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAYS OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR LONGER IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.

DAILY 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.......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH SHOULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAYS.

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 THE HOLIDAY.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS CAN BE MADE ON 717 1771.

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

STUDENTS INVITED TO JOIN DRAWING CONTEST * * * * *

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO JOIN THE HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW 1994 DRAWING COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK ON MARCH 19.

• * • i

THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DRAW ANY EXHIBITS FROM LIVE WITH PENCILS, BRUSHES, WATER COLOUR AND PASTELS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE COMPETITION IS AIMED TO PROMOTE STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN LIVE DRAWING AND HELP THEM APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF A WIDE RANGE OF FLOWERS AND FLORAL DISPLAYS."

LAST YEAR ABOUT 3,000 STUDENTS - 1,000 PRIMARY AND 2,000

SECONDARY STUDENTS - TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION.

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW 1994 ORGANISING COMMITTEE.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL GROUPS.

THE FIRST 10 WINNERS IN EACH DIVISION WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF MERITS AND BOOK COUPONS WORTH FROM $150 TO $300. THEIR DRAWINGS WILL BE DISPLAYED DURING THE FLOWER SHOW.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH SCHOOLS TO THE ART AND CRAFT SECTION, CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, BEFORE MARCH 2.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ART AND CRAFT SECTION, CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE, ON 563 6756 OR 562

1967. -----------------------------------0-------

/13 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

- 13 -

SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY IN NEW YEAR HOLIDAY

*****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A SPECIAL MAIL DELIVERY WOULD BE PROVIDED ON FEBRUARY 12 (THIRD DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR).

NO DELIVERY WOULD BE MADE ON FEBRUARY 10, 11 AND 13.

ALL POST OFFICES WOULD BE CLOSED DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

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

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS ON FRIDAY *****

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM THIS FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 4) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

ADVANCE COPIES OF THE PAPERS FOR THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE PAPERS ARE NOT FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING IS OVER.

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

/14 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

- 14 -

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 A TWI 126. . :4 5 »+0.5» $ MILLION 3,950 + 50 4,000 NIL -1,234 2,766 2.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE 1 WEEK 2.71 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.07 1 MONTH 2.90 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 101.11 3 MONTHS 3.01 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 100.16 6 MONTHS 3.15 33 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.19 12 MONTHS 3.48 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 100.02 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 16,060 MN CLOSED 2 FEBRUARY 1994 YIELD 3.73 3.91 4.10 4.57 4.65

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUPPLEMENT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY IN MOTION DEBATE ON FREEDOM OF TRAVEL IN LEGCO ............................................ 1

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN MOTION DEBATE ON COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE IN LEGCO .......... 3

BANK FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION ................................... 7

SUITABLE PROFESSIONAL OFFICER TO BE IDENTIFIED FOR DIRECTOR POST .......................................................... 7

GOVT INTENDS TO COMPLETE AIRPORT RAILWAY BY MID-1997 ............ 8

AIRPORT FACILITIES UNDERGO IMPROVEMENT .......................... 9

NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL WELCOMES DISABLED ......................... 10

GOVT IMPLEMENTS UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS POLICY ... 11

GOVT RESOURCES USED EFFECTIVELY FOR SLOPE MAINTENANCE .......... 12

PUBLIC HOUSING SECURITY MEASURES BEING STUDIED ................. 12

MANDATORY SAVING SCHEMES NOT RECOMMENDED ....................... 13

TWO WAYS TO TACKLE STUDENT DRUG ABUSE .......................... 14

COMPLAINTS INFORMATION HELPS SERVICE IMPROVEMENT ............... 14

/AIR TRAFFIC .......

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AGREEMENT PROMOTES CO-OPERATION ............ 15

REFURBISHMENT WORK AT VICTORIA HOUSE NECESSARY ................. 16

CONSUMER COUNCIL HANDLES COMPLAINTS ON MEDICAL SERVICES ........ 16

AG EXPLAINS BEST WAYS TO PROMOTE USE OF CHINESE IN LAW ......... 17

EVIDENCE ON TIN TIN DAILY NEWS CASE ADMISSIBLE, SUBSTANTIAL AND RELIABLE ................................................. 18

OVERSEAS DEGREES ARE ASSESSED INDIVIDUALLY ..................... 18

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AUTOTOLL SYSTEM WORKING WELL .............. 19

SITE IDENTIFIED FOR RELOCATION OF VEGETABLE MARKET ............. 19

CONVICTIONS ON ONLY TWO CATEGORIES OF CASES QUASHED LAST YEAR: AG ..................................................... 20

POWERS AND PRIVILEGES BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO ................. 23

INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT OF WAR GRAVES ........................... 23

BILL TO MERGE SPORTS BODIES PASSED ............................. 24

LEGCO PASSES TWO MOTIONS ....................................... 25

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY IN MOTION DEBATE ON FREEDOM OF TRAVEL IN LEGCO * * » ♦ »

MR PRESIDENT,

IT IS CLEAR FROM THE SPEECHES THIS EVENING THAT THFS IS A SUBJECT ON WHICH THERE IS A LARGE MEASURE OF AGREEMENT AMONG MEMBERS. THE ADMINISTRATION SHARES THE VIEW THAT FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE, FREEDOM OF TRAVEL IS BOTH A NORM AND A NECESSITY. THEREFORE, WE SUPPORT THE MOTION THAT EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT HOLDERS OF HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS CONTINUE TO ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF FREEDOM OF TRAVEL. FREEDOM OF TRAVEL AS I POINTED OUT IN A PREVIOUS DEBATE IN THIS COUNCIL IS A RIGHT GUARANTEED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN THE BASIC LAW. BUT IN ORDER TO GIVE PRACTICAL EFFECT TO FREEDOM OF TRAVEL AND TO ENSURE EASE OF TRAVEL, PARTICULARLY OVER THE 1997 TRANSITION, IT IS NECESSARY ALSO, FIRST TO ESTABLISH CLEARLY IN HONG KONG LEGISLATION WHO WOULD HAVE RIGHT OF ABODE HERE AFTER 30 JUNE 1997. AS A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAVE POINTED OUT THE EASE OF TRAVEL ACCORDED TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS BY OTHER COUNTRIES DEPENDS CRUCIALLY ON ASSURANCES THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT OF RETURN TO HONG KONG. RETURNABILITY IN TURN DEPENDS UPON RIGHT OF ABODE. SECONDLY, TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO HIATUS IN ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ISSUE OF HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE RECOGNISED AND ACCEPTED INTERNATIONALLY. AND THIRDLY, TO OBTAIN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE VISA-FREE ACCESS TO OTHER COUNTRIES FOR HOLDERS OF HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. MEMBERS HAVE RIGHTLY EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF ALL THREE ISSUES AND I SHALL DEAL WITH EACH IN TURN.

FIRST, RIGHT OF ABODE. THIS IS A COMPLEX AND TECHNICAL SUBJECT, NOT LEAST BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENCES IN THIS RESPECT BETWEEN THE PRESENT IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AND THE FUTURE BASIC LAW. I DO NOT INTEND TO TRY TO EXPLAIN THE DETAILS OF THIS SUBJECT TODAY. BUT I SHOULD LIKE TO REITERATE THAT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND REMAINS OUR INTENTION TO AMEND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO GIVE EFFECT FROM 1 JULY 1997 TO ARTICLE 24 OF THE BASIC LAW CONCERNING THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. TO THIS END, WE HAVE PUT COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL STEP BECAUSE APART FROM EVERYTHING ELSE, RIGHT OF ABODE FROM 1 JULY 1997 CAN BE DETERMINED ONLY BY REFERENCE TO A PERSON’S NATIONALITY, AND ONLY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT CAN CLARIFY CHINESE NATIONALITY LAW. THE AIMS OF THE PROPOSALS WE HAVE PUT FORWARD ARE FIRST, TO ENABLE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE PERSONS WHO NOW HAVE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY THAT RIGHT AFTER 30 JUNE 1997. SECONDLY, TO ENABLE THOSE WHO WILL LOSE THEIR RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG ON 1 JULY 1997 TO REGAIN IT IN AS SIMPLY A WAY AS POSSIBLE. I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE BOUND TO BE SOME IN THIS CATEGORY, ALTHOUGH I WOULD CAUTION AGAINST ESTIMATES OF THEIR NUMBERS. WE SIMPLY ARE NOT ABLE AT PRESENT TO QUANTIFY THOSE AFFECTED WITH ANY ACCURACY. THIRDLY, TO ENABLE FOREIGN NATIONALS WHO HAVE LONG BEEN SETTLED IN HONG KONG TO ACQUIRE THE RIGHT OF ABODE HERE IF THEY SO WISH THROUGH A SIMPLE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD PROCEDURE. WE HAVE ALREADY HELD INFORMAL TALKS WITH THE CHINESE ON THESE SUBJECTS AND FURTHER TALKS WOULD BE HELD IN HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH. I LOOK FORWARD TO PROGRESS BEING MADE ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT.

/SECOND, TRAVEL .........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

SECOND, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. HERE AGAIN WE HAVE PUT PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE BEFORE 1997 OVER THE TRANSITION IN 1997 AND AFTER 1997. THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN CO-OPERATION AND PROGRESS ON THIS SUBJECT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE BNO PASSPORT HAS ACHIEVED FULL INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1987. NOT ONLY IS IT RECOGNISED BY ALL OF THE COUNTRIES, BUT ALSO OFFERS REASONABLE EASE AND CONVENIENCE OF TRAVEL. 70 COUNTRIES ALLOW BNO PASSPORT HOLDERS VISA-FREE ACCESS. CRUCIAL TO THIS HAS BEEN THE ASSURANCE THAT FOREIGN IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES OF THE RETURNABILITY OF BNO PASSPORT HOLDERS THROUGH THE INCLUSION IN EACH BNO PASSPORT OF A STATEMENT THAT THE HOLDER HAS RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS WERE AGREED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. SECONDLY, OTHER RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG WHO HOLD CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY HAVE ALSO HAD THEIR RETURNABILITY GUARANTEED IN THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS SINCE 1987 BY THE INCLUSION OF THE SAME STATEMENT ON THE HOLDER’S RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. WE HAVE AGREED WITH THE CHINESE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THAT CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY ISSUED BEFORE 1 JULY 1997 WILL HAVE A 10-YEAR VALIDITY AND MAY CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER THAT DATE UNTIL THEY ARE EXPIRING. THE SAME ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR DOCUMENTS OF IDENTITY. THESE ARRANGEMENTS ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR A BROAD CHANGE ON 1 JULY 1997. HOLDERS OF THESE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS NEED NOT RUSH TO OBTAIN NEW SAR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS UPON THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY. BUT AS MEMBERS HAVE POINTED OUT WE ALSO NEED TO MAKE TIMELY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BY THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT. TO THIS END, WE HAVE DRAWN UP PROPOSALS ON THE TYPES OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS THAT THE SAR GOVERNMENT WILL NEED TO ISSUE AND ELIGIBILITY FOR THEM. WE HANDED THIS PROPOSAL TO THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE JLG IN THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR. WE HOPE TO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE ON THIS IMPORTANT MATTERS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG WILL BE BEST SERVED BY BOTH SIDES WORKING IN CO-OPERATION ON THIS IMPORTANT TRANSITIONAL MATTER. I WOULD NOT AT THIS STAGE WISH TO GO INTO GREATER DETAIL ON WHAT ARRANGEMENTS MIGHT BE MADE FOR THE ISSUE OF THESE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. THAT WILL DEPEND UPON OUR DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE. BUT THERE ARE CLEAR ADVANTAGES FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS CONTINUING TO BE ISSUED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THEY HAVE THE EXPERIENCE, THE EXPERTISE AND THE RECORDS NECESSARY FOR THIS TASK.

/THIRD, VISA ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

THIRD, VISA-FREE TRAVEL. SOME MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN AT THE INCONVENIENCE OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY HOLDERS EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY NEED TO TRAVEL. WE HAVE WORKED AND IMPROVED THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, BUT IT IS INEVITABLE THAT MANY COUNTRIES WOULD REQUIRE VISAS FOR HOLDERS OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS NOT CONFERRING A NATIONAL STATUS. NEVERTHELESS, SOME COUNTRIES HAVE AGREED VISA-FREE ACCESS FOR HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY WHICH AS I HAVE MENTIONED CONFIRM THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. FOR THE FUTURE, THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THE HOLDERS OF BNO PASSPORTS AND OTHER HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS INCLUDING THE HONG KONG SAR PASSPORTS WOULD ENJOY VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO A LARGE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES AFTER 1997. IT IS OUR AIM TO MAINTAIN AND EXTEND THE VISA-FREE TRAVEL NOW ENJOYED BY BNO PASSPORT HOLDERS AND TO MAKE SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF OTHER HONG KONG TRAVEL DOCUMENTS INCLUDING FUTURE SAR PASSPORT HOLDERS. WE HAVE PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE JLG ON HOW THIS MIGHT BE DONE AND LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSIONS ON THIS SUBJECT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. IT IS I BELIEVE A SUBJECT WHERE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS IS ESSENTIAL IF THERE IS TO BE ANY SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENT. BOTH BRITISH AND SAR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE INVOLVED. AND IN ANY DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS ON POSSIBLE VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS, THE QUESTION OF RECIPROCITY AND RETURNABILITY WILL BE IMPORTANT FACTORS. THESE AFTER 1997 ARE MATTERS FOR THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENT.

MR PRESIDENT, THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTS THE MOTION. FREEDOM OF TRAVEL IS ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUING SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE. AND WE MUST MAKE CONCRETE ARRANGEMENTS TO GIVE EFFECT TO IT. WE HAVE LONG RECOGNISED ITS IMPORTANCE AND AS I HAVE EXPLAINED PUT FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSALS TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT IT REMAINS A REALITY IN THE FUTURE. AGREEMENT ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES HAS ALREADY BEEN REACHED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE BUT I AM ENCOURAGED THAT THERE IS TO BE EARLY DISCUSSIONS ON THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES. I HOPE TO SEE PROGRESS ON THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

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SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN MOTION DEBATE ON COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE IN LEGCO

* » * » »

MR PRESIDENT,

I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEBUNK A FEW MYTHS SURROUNDING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

FIRST, THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF SOCIAL SECURITY IN HONG KONG IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE BASIC AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL ASSISTANCE. THIS IS ENSHRINED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990S AND BEYOND, WHICH WAS WELL-GROUNDED ON EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND SUPPORT.

/COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME

THE EXISTING COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME (CSSA) PROVIDES A STRONG SAFETY NET FOR INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES SUFFERING FROM FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR REASONS SUCH AS OLD AGE, DISABILITY, ILLNESS, UNEMPLOYMENT AND LOW EARNINGS.

HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE ASKED FOR PEGGING OF THE STANDARD RATE FOR A SINGLE PERSON TO 30% OF THE MEDIAN WAGE. THE CURRENT MEDIAN WAGE IS $7,421 PER MONTH AND 30% OF THAT WILL MEAN $2,226 A MONTH. HONOURABLE MEMBERS WILL WISH TO KNOW THAT BECAUSE OUR CSSA SCHEME MEETS INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, THE STANDARD RATE FOR A SINGLE PERSON REQUIRING CONSTANT ATTENDANCE IS ALREADY $3,055 A MONTH. PLEASE CONSIDER WHETHER IT IS RIGHT FOR SUCH SINGLE PERSON TO GET A REDUCED AMOUNT. I ASK YOU HONOURABLE MEMBERS, IS THIS RIGHT?

SECONDLY, IT IS ALSO A MYTH THAT THE STANDARD RATE IS ALL THAT A CSSA CLIENT CAN GET: A CSSA CLIENT COULD GET MUCH MUCH MORE. THIS IS A FACT. INDEED, THIS FACT IS BORNE OUT BY A RECENT PRESS RELEASE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE NO LESS. THE PRESS RELEASE INDICATED THAT A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,808 PER MONTH COULD BE RECEIVED BY A SINGLE ELDERLY PERSON ’’INCLUDING STANDARD RATE OF $1,550, RENT ALLOWANCE OF $1,118, A LONG TERM SUPPLEMENT OF $95 AND SPECIAL ALLOWANCES OF $45 UNDER THE CSSA SCHEME”. THIS IS SO BECAUSE OUR CSSA SCHEME IS TAILORED TO THE INDIVIDUAL CLIENT’S PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

IT IS CONVENIENT TO FORGET THAT WE NOW PAY OUT BROADLY 24 TYPES OF SPECIAL GRANTS COVERING, FOR EXAMPLE, EXPENSES ON RENT; EXPENSES ON EDUCATION INCLUDING SCHOOL FEES, SCHOOL UNIFORMS, TEXTBOOKS, REFERENCE

BOOKS, STATIONERY, MEALS IN SCHOOLS, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME; FAMILY RELATED EXPENSES INCLUDING BABY-SITTING CHARGES, FEES FOR NURSERIES AND DAY CRECHES, CHARGES FOR OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE; EXPENSES ON TRAVELLING AND SPECIAL AIDS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES; AND OTHER EXPENSES INCLUDING SPECIAL SURGICAL APPLICANCES, MEDICAL EXPENSES, SPECIAL DIETS, NOT FORGETTING FOR ONE MOMENT, THE TELEPHONE EXPENSES AND IN THE CASE OF PEOPLE WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT, EXPENSES ON FAX MACHINES. WITH SPECIAL GRANTS, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY CSSA PAYMENT TO AN ELDERLY PERSON IS SOME $2,000 PER MONTH, WHICH REPRESENTS 32% OF AN AVERAGE MANUFACTURING WORKER’S WAGE OR 27% OF THE MEDIAN WAGE. LET US NOT FORGET THAT THOSE WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS ARE GETTING MORE THAN THE AVERAGE. ALSO, A FAMILY OF FOUR IS GETTING SOME $5,900 PER MONTH ON AVERAGE, WHICH IS 93% OF AN AVERAGE MANUFACTURING WORKER’S WAGE, OR 80% OF THE MEDIAN WAGE.

OUR SAFETY NET IS DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THOSE WHO NEED MORE DUE TO SOCIAL OR PERSONAL FACTORS CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF; WHILE THOSE WHO NEED LESS WILL NOT BE GIVEN MORE THAN WHAT THEY REQUIRE. THE STRENGTH OF OUR SAFETY NET IS THAT IT IS SENSITIVE TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND EQUITABLE TO INDIVIDUALS.

/DISREGARDED EARNINGS .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

DISREGARDED EARNINGS

I SHALL TRY TO DEBUNK ANOTHER MYTH. LET US NOT FORGET THAT IN DETERMINING THE ASSISTANCE PAYABLE TO INDIVIDUAL CSSA CLIENTS, THE EARNINGS OF THOSE IN EMPLOYMENT ARE DISREGARDED UP TO $775 PER MONTH PER PERSON. TO TAKE THE EXAMPLE OF A WORKING ADULT IN RECEIPT OF CSSA, HIS MONTHLY INCOME COULD AMOUNT TO $2,260, MADE UP OF $1,035 AS THE STANDARD RATE AND S45O AS SPECIAL GRANTS PAYABLE UNDER THE CSSA SCHEME, PLUS $775 RETAINED AS DISREGARDED EARNINGS. THIS INCOME IS ALREADY IN EXCESS OF 30% OF THE MEDIAN WAGE WHICH HONOURABLE MEMBERS IN THIS DEBATE APPEAR TO BE ADVOCATING.

FOR A SAFETY NET SCHEME WHICH IS DESIGNED TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, IT IS INAPPROPRIATE AND ARBITRARY TO SAY THE LEAST, TO STANDARDISE THE RATES BY PEGGING THEM TO THE MEDIAN WAGE. PEGGING WOULD MEAN CLIENTS WITH DIFFERENT NEEDS WOULD RECEIVE THE SAME LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE. THOSE WITH MORE THAN THE AVERAGE NEEDS WOULD LOSE OUT. MOREOVER, AS WAGES MAY FLUCTUATE ACCORDING TO THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, A CLIENT’S NEEDS MIGHT NOT BE FULLY SATISFIED IN THE EVENT OF AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN AFFECTING THE LEVEL OF WAGES.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SCHEME

SOCIAL SECURITY IS A PERENNIAL PRESSURE POINT IN EVERY COUNTRY. HONG KONG IS NO EXCEPTION. THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN POPULAR CALLS FOR HIGHER LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE PARTICULARLY IN A SOCIETY WITH ECONOMIC PROSPERITY. THIS IS RIGHT. FIRST, WHILE THE MAJORITY WHO ARE IN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT CAN ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY, THERE ARE ALWAYS SOME PEOPLE WHO, DUE TO SOCIAL OR PERSONAL FACTORS, ARE UNABLE TO SHARE THE INCREASE IN SOCIETY’S WEALTH. SECONDLY, AS THE LIVING STANDARD OF A SOCIETY RISES, THE DEFINITION OF WHAT CONSTITUTES A BASIC AND AN ACCEPTABLE LIVING STANDARD WILL CHANGE.

INDEED, IT IS RECOGNISED THAT THE LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE SHOULD MAKE REFERENCE TO THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF A SOCIETY. OVER THE YEARS, OUR SAFETY NET HAS EVOLVED FROM ONE CATERING FOR BASIC SUBSISTENCE TO NOW, ONE WHICH IS CAPABLE OF MEETING NOT ONLY BASIC NEEDS BUT ALSO SPECIAL NEEDS. ADDITIONALLY, PAYMENT RATES ARE ADJUSTED AS REQUIRED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION AND SOCIAL CHANGES.

INFLATION

HERE, I WOULD LIKE TO DEBUNK YET ANOTHER MYTH. I WOULD LIKE TO LAY TO REST ONCE AND FOR ALL, THE NOTION THAT SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS HAVE FAILED TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION. ONCE MORE, USING THE EXAMPLE OF A SINGLE PERSON, THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THE STANDARD RATE HAS INCREASED BY 14 TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES WHEREAS INFLATION AS MEASURED BY THE CPI(A) INDEX HAS INCREASED BY A MERE SIX TIMES OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

OUR TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS NOW AMOUNTS TO ABOUT $6 BILLION ANNUALLY, REPRESENTING A GROWTH OF OVER 3.5 TIMES OVER THE LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE 10 YEARS AGO. THIS RATE OF INCREASE IS ABOUT 1.5 TIMES HIGHER THAN THAT OF INFLATION DURING THE SAME PERIOD.

/THE WELFARE .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

THE WELFARE STATE

A STANDARD PEGGING TO THE MEDIAN WAGE AT 30% WILL MEAN A FUNDAMENTAL DEPARTURE FROM OUR CSSA SCHEME BY REMOVING THE ELEMENT TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS. AND SOME OF THE INDIVIDUALS COULD GET MUCH MUCH LESS. IF, ON THE OTHER HAND, THE ARGUMENT IS NOT ONLY TO PEG THE STANDARD RATES AT 30% BUT ALSO TO RETAIN THE SPECIAL GRANTS, A FAMILY OF FOUR COULD GET AN AVERAGE OF $11,000 A MONTH. WHERE THEN IS THE INCENTIVE TO WORK? INDEED, WHY BOTHER TO WORK AT ALL WHEN OTHERS PAY YOUR WAY! AND AN AVERAGE WORKER GETS MUCH MUCH LESS! THIS THEN IS WELFARE STATE. THIS THEN IS DEPENDENCY CULTURE.

MR PRESIDENT, I SHOULD PERHAPS REPORT AT THIS JUNCTURE THAT ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES HAS JUST ATTENDED AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON "THE FUTURE OF THE WELFARE STATE". WELFARE STATES HAVE NO FUTURE. THIS IS THE FEEDBACK. WELFARE STATES ARE NOW FACING FISCAL CRISES. THEY CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE WELFARE BENEFITS. IF THE CSSA, BEING THE PIVOTAL CENTRE OF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY, SHOULD BE CHANGED TO ONE PEGGED TO EARNINGS AND NOT NEEDS, HONG KONG WILL BE PROPELLED DOWN THE ROAD OF THE WELFARE STATE. THIS ROAD HAS BEEN TAKEN BY MANY POST-WAR WESTERN SOCIETIES WHERE THE WELFARE STATE WAS ONCE HERALDED AS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE CENTURY. THESE SAME SOCIETIES ARE NOW UNDERGOING A VERY PAINFUL PROCESS OF CHANGE. THE NEW WISDOM "IS THAT THE STATE SHOULD BE THE REGULATOR AND ENABLER RATHER THAN THE SOLE PROVIDER." THIS IS A SOBERING THOUGHT.

OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME

HONOURABLE MEMBERS WHO PLEA SO PASSIONATELY FOR MORE SUPPORT TO THOSE IN NEED ARE WELL ADVISED ALSO TO SUPPORT THE CONTRIBUTORY AND DEFINABLE PENSION SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY, IN ADDITION TO THE CURRENT CSSA SCHEME. LET US NOT CONFUSE THESE TWO SCHEMES WHICH ARE NOT ONLY COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER, BUT WOULD BE IN LINE WITH THE NEW WISDOM, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HELPING THE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN OUR SOCIETY.

PUBLIC FINANCE

IN RECENT YEARS OUR PUBLIC FINANCES HAVE BEEN IN A VERY HEALTHY STATE THANKS TO THE STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMY. BUT WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WE ARE VULNERABLE TO EXTERNAL EVENTS. A BUDGET SURPLUS IN ONE YEAR, RESULTING IN PART FROM VOLATILE REVENUE SOURCES SUCH AS STAMP DUTY, CAN EASILY DISAPPEAR AND MAY EVEN BECOME A BUDGET DEFICIT IN THE NEXT. IT WOULD BE FOOLHARDY TO TRY TO USE ONE-OFF SURPLUSES TO FINANCE PERMANENT AND SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN OUR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE. IF WE WISH TO CONTINUE LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS, GOVERNMENT SPENDING MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO GROW AT A FASTER RATE THAN THE ECONOMY.

/CONCLUSION .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

CONCLUSION

IN CONCLUSION, I QUOTE FROM THE GOVERNOR’S 1992 POLICY ADDRESS: THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG LIES IN THE FACT THAT "HONG KONG IS NOT A WELFARE STATE BUT WE ARE A SOCIETY THAT CARES DEEPLY ABOUT THE STATE OF WELFARE". WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO BE CONSTANTLY VIGILANT AND ENSURE THAT THOSE IN NEED WILL BE LOOKED AFTER BY OUR SOCIETY.

MR PRESIDENT, I REST ON THAT STATEMENT.

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BANK FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION ♦ ♦ * ♦ »

A SPECIAL INVESTIGATION TEAM SET UI’ UY I’llK DIRECTOR OF FINK SERVICES IS LOOKING INTO THE CAUSE OF THE RECENT FIRE AT THE SHEKKIPME1 BRANCH OF THE HONGKONG BANK AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE CASUALTIES.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE TEAM WILL CONSIDER AND RECOMMEND WHETHER ANY IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES IN SIMILAR COMMERCIAL PREMISES.

MR ASPREY SAID A REVIEW NOW UNDER WAY WOULD COVER NOT ONLY BANK PREMISES, BUT ALSO COMMERCIAL PREMISES OF A SIMILAR DESIGN AND LAYOUT, SUCH AS OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES, PAWNSHOPS AND JEWELLERY SHOPS.

"ONCE THE REVIEW IS COMPLETED, WE WILL BE ABLE TO DECIDE WHAT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN," HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES HAS BEEN LIAISING CLOSELY WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND HAS BEEN PROVIDING ADVICE TO THE BANKING INDUSTRY ON IMMEDIATE MEASURES TO ENHANCE FIRE SAFETY IN BANK PREMISES.

THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE FORMULATION OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, TRAINING OF STAFF IN BASIC EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS, PROVISION OF PORTABLE AND CHEMICAL-BASED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND INSTALLATION OF MANUAL FIRE ALARMS AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS WITHIN THE PREMISES.

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SUITABLE PROFESSIONAL OFFICER TO BE IDENTIFIED FOR DIRECTOR POST *****

ALL ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES IN THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED FOR THE DIRECTOR POST IN THE NEW BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT.

HOWEVER, AS NO ONE WAS CONSIDERED FULLY READY TO TAKE UP THE Post at this stage, it was decided to appoint an experienced ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO HEAD THE DEPARTMENT AS AN INTERIM SOLUTION.

/THIS WAS .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD HO SING-TIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR SZE STRESSED THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS OF THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT.

”AS HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO SENIOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT, THESE ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE NECESSARY ONLY UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A SUITABLE PROFESSIONAL OFFICER CAN BE IDENTIFIED AND GROOMED TO TAKE OVER,” HE SAID.

MR SZE NOTED THAT THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THE JOB WOULD NEED TO POSSESS ALL-ROUND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, WELL-DEVELOPED MANAGEMENT SKILLS, AND CONSIDERABLE POLITICAL ACUMEN.

IT WOULD ALSO BE DESIRABLE FOR THE PERSON SELECTED TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND, HE ADDED.

THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS IS A NEW POST RESULTING FROM THE REORGANISATION OF THE FORMER BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WHOSE LAST TWO SUBSTANTIVE DIRECTORS WERE BOTH ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS.

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GOVT INTENDS TO COMPLETE AIRPORT RAILWAY BY MTD-1997

*****

IT REMAINS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION TO COMPLETE THE AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY MID-1997 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT.

MR BARMA SAID: ’’THE DELAY IN THE AWARD OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION CONTRACT MEANS THAT IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE HONG KONG CENTRAL STATION BEFORE MID-1998.”

BUT IT REMAINS THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO HAVE THE SECTION FROM KOWLOON TO CHEK LAP KOK AND TUNG CHUNG OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY COMPLETED AND IN OPERATION BY MTD-1997.

ON THE QUESTION WHETHER DELAY WOULD INCREASE COST, MR BARMA SAID: ’’THE DELAY IN THE AWARD OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION CONTRACT HAS RESULTED IN AN INCREASE IN THE MONEY-OF-THE-DAY (MOD) COST ESTIMATE FOR THE RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION FROM $33.5 BILLION TO $34 BILLION.

”INDICATIONS ARE THAT EVERY SIX MONTHS’ DELAY IN REACHING AGREEMENT WOULD RESULT IN AN EXTRA $2 BILLION IN CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.”

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING EVERY POSSIBLE STEP IN KEEPING WITH THE MOU TO ENSURE THAT WORKS CONTINUED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

/’’PAPERS HAVE..........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

’’PAPERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED SEEKING FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL THIS FRIDAY FOR A FURTHER $328 MILLION (MOD) FOR ADVANCE WORKS TO PROTECT THE RAILWAY ALIGNMENT, SO AS TO MINIMISE INCREASE IN COSTS FOR THE PROJECT AND AVOID DISRUPTION TO ACP WORKS ALONG THE RAILWAY ROUTE. ’’

THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WILL PROVIDE TWO SERVICES: A FAST DIRECT SERVICE TO THE AIRPORT; AND A DOMESTIC SERVICE FROM HONG KONG CENTRAL TO TUNG CHUNG VIA TSING YI.

MR BARMA SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONSIDERED THE OPTION OF CONSTRUCTING THE CENTRAL-TSING YI SECTION FIRST, BUT THE FACT REMAINS THAT THIS SECTION ALONE WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE RATE OF RETURN SINCE THE BULK OF PASSENGERS WOULD BE DRAWN FROM THE EXISTING TSUEN WAN LINE.

"AS SUCH THE MTRC WOULD FACE TREMENDOUS DIFFICULTY IN RAISING LOANS WITHOUT AGREEMENT FROM THE CHINESE FOR THE ENTIRE FINANCIAL PACKAGE."

"WE, THEREFORE, BELIEVE THAT THE BEST WAY FORWARD AT THIS STAGE IS STILL TO REACH AN EARLY AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AS A WHOLE.'’

MR BARMA SAID: "THERE ARE GOOD PROSPECTS, PROVIDED AGREEMENT IS REACHED SOON, FOR THE KOWLOON TO CHEP LAP KOK SECTION TO BE COMPLETED WHEN THE AIRPORT ITSELF IS READY FOR OPERATION.

"HOWEVER, SHOULD A DELAY OCCUR, ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD INCLUDE THE ENHANCEMENT OF BUS AND FERRY SERVICES, AND OTHER TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES, SO AS TO MEET PASSENGER DEMAND."

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AIRPORT FACILITIES UNDERGO IMPROVEMENT * * * * *

A MAJOR PROGRAMME OF EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT TO FACILITIES AT KAI TAK HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN AS THE AIRPORT REACHES ITS DESIGN CAPACITY OF 24 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIMOTHY HA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SINCE 1988, NEARLY $3 BILLION HAS BEEN SPENT ON REFURBISHMENT OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL, EXTENSIONS TO THE APRON AND AIRCRAFT PARKING BAYS, AND OTHER TRANSPORT FACILITIES, SHE ADDED.

THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TERMINAL APPROACH ROADS AND ROAD TRAFFIC CIRCULATION. THE AI RS I DE DEPARTURE LOUNGES WILL ALSO BE SUBSTANTIALLY EXPANDED.

"EVERY ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO MAXIMISE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRIVATISATION OF AIRPORT SERVICES," SHE SAID.

EXAMPLES ARE CARGO AND BAGGAGE HANDLING SERVICES, AIRPORT CAR PARKS, CLEANING, CATERING AND RETAIL BUSINESSES.

/THE AIRPORT .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER IS HELPED IN THE DAY TO DAY MANAGEMENT OF SERVICES BY THE AIRPORT FACILITATION COMMITTEE WHICH INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES FROM AIRLINES, COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING SERVICES IN THE TERMINAL, HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, THE CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS.

THE COMMITTEE ACTS PROMPTLY ON SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICE STANDARDS AND FACILITIES ARE IMPLEMENTED, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, SHE SAID.

THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD, CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION AND COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE AVIATION AND TOURISM INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ALSO TAKES A CLOSE INTEREST IN THE FACILITIES AND STANDARDS OF SERVICE.

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

NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL WELCOMES DISABLED ♦ * * * »

THE NEW AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL WILL BE USER-FRIENDLY TO THE DISABLED WHO WOULD FIND IT SIMPLE TO USE.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE DESIGN OF THE TERMINAL OBJECTIVES OUTLINED IN THE 1992 GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES.

THE NEED TO COMPLY WITH RECOGNISED INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES CONCERNING FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED IS ALSO CONSIDERED.

MRS BOSHER, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, SAID THE PAA’S POLICY HAD BEEN TO ESTABLISH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DISABLED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW AIRPORT.

ALL CATEGORIES OF DISABILITY ARE BEING CONSIDERED IN THE PLANNING PROCESS, SHE SAID.

THESE INCLUDE PROVISION FOR THOSE WITH WALKING DIFFICULTIES, THE WHEELCHAIR-BOUND, THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED, AND THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING.

MRS BOSHER ALSO OUTLINED A WIDE RANGE OF FEATURES WHICH HAD BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE DESIGN OF THE TERMINAL TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED.

MORE, THE PAA IS MAKING SIMILAR PROVISIONS FOR THE DISABLED IN THE DESIGN OF PUBLIC AREAS OUTSIDE THE TERMINAL, INCLUDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ACCESS TO TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO AND FROM THE NEW AIRPORT.

TO ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED CAN BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN PLANNING THE TERMINAL FACILITIES, THE PAA HAS IN RECENT MONTHS HELD A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH SEVERAL SOCIETIES REPRESENTING THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG.

/THESE SOCIETIES .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

THESE SOCIETIES INCLUDED THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF AND REHABAID.

‘ ' ■ . • . b'

MRS BOSHER SAID THE PAA WAS ALSO LIAISING WITH THE ACCESS AND TRANSPORT SUBCOMMITTEE UNDER THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT C07 ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

’’THESE VARIOUS MEETINGS HAVE PROVED VERY HELPFUL TO THE PAA IN PLANNING THE DESIGN OF THE TERMINAL AND LIAISON WILL CONTINUE AS THE PLANNING PROCESS GOES FORWARD," SHE SAID.

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

GOVT IMPLEMENTS UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS POLICY

♦ * * * »

>■ ' I ' r’ i : ■

THE CURRENT POLICY TO PROVIDE UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY (UPS) SYSTEMS FOR ALL COMPUTER HARDWARE INSTALLATIONS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS WHICH CARRY, OR ARE EXPECTED TO CARRY, CRITICAL SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS IS FULLY IMPLEMENTED.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROGER LUK KOON-HOO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID:

"THE ASSESSMENT OF THE CRITICALITY OF THE APPLICATIONS TO BE RUN ON THE HARDWARE IS MADE BY THE USER DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED DURING THE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT STAGE OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM.

"GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR ALL SYSTEM DESIGNERS TO FOLLOW."

THE POLICY IS FULLY IMPLEMENTED IN THE GOVERNMENT, EXCEPT IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHICH RECENTLY EXPANDED ITS PRODUCTION BUREAU IN WANCHAI TOWER GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

CERTAIN CRITICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE EXPANDED BUREAU ARE YET TO BE SUPPORTED BY UPS, SAID MR TSANG.

"HOWEVER, THE NECESSARY UPS EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN ORDERED AND IS EXPECTED TO BE DELIVERED AND INSTALLED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS,HE ADDED.

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY NOW DEPENDS ON EMERGENCY GENERATOR POWER IN CASE OF POWER FAILURE. THIS PROVIDES FOR RESTORATION OF POWER WITHIN A FEW MINUTES. p

"HOWEVER, AS THE AUTHORITY IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING AN ON-LINE SYSTEM TO HOUSING ESTATES, IT IS ASSESSING THE CRITICALITY OF THE SYSTEM AND THE NEED FOR UPS," HE SAID.

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

/12 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

GOVT RESOURCES USED EFFECTIVELY FOR SLOPE MAINTENANCE

» * ♦ * »

THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SLOPE MAINTENANCE IS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S RESOURCES ARE DEPLOYED IN THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER POSSIBLE, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TSO SHIU-WAI, MR BLAKE SAID UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTSj SLOPES FORMED BY THE GOVERNMENT FALLING WITHIN LAND ALLOCATED TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE MAINTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.

SLOPES WHICH ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PRIVATE LOT OWNERS WILL BE MAINTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS FOR THE SALE OF THE LOT.

THERE IS NO REGULAR MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME FOR OTHER SLOPES, BUT URGENT REPAIRS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT IF NECESSARY.

SUCH ARRANGEMENT IS REVIEWED EVERY FEW YEARS AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE GAINED.

CONCERNING THE CUT SLOPES BEHIND ALPINE GARDEN IN TUEN MUN, MR BLAKE SAID THEY WERE INSPECTED AND THEIR DESIGN REVIEWED AFTER THE FLOODING INCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 5 LAST YEAR.

THE INVESTIGATION CONFIRMED THAT THEIR OVERALL STABILITY IS SATISFACTORY AND IT DOES NOT POSE A RISK TO LIFE OR PROPERTY.

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

PUBLIC HOUSING SECURITY MEASURES BEING STUDIED

*******

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE PROVISION OF SECURITY MEASURES IN EXISTING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, INCLUDING LINEAR BLOCKS.

THE STUDY WILL BE COMPLETED THIS SUMMER.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LI WAH-MING.

ON THE PRESENT SECURITY MEASURES IN THE LINEAR BLOCKS, MR EASON SAID ALL THE WINDOWS OF FLATS IN SUCH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES BUILT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WERE PROVIDED WITH ANTI-BURGLARY BARS.

A MOVABLE ANTI-BURGLARY GRILLE CUM DRYING RACK, WHICH CAN BE PADLOCKED, IS INSTALLED ON EACH BALCONY TO PROVIDE A FIRE ESCAPE OR RESCUE POINT AS REQUIRED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

/'•IT TS...........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY" 2, 1994

"IT IS FOR THE TENANTS TO ENSURE THAT THE WINDOWS ARE SHUT AND GRILLES LOCKED WHEN THEIR FLATS ARE UNATTENDED.

AS FURTHER MEASURES TO PREVENT BURGLARS FROM CLIMBING OVER EXTERNAL WALLS TO GAIN ACCESS TO ADJACENT FLAT, HOUSING DEPARTMENF ANTI-BURGLARY GRILLES ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND ADDITIONAL WALLS IN THE LIFT LOBBY AREAS OF LINEAR BLOCKS, HE SAID.

HAS ERECTED

GRILLE BLOCK

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

MANDATORY SAVING SCHEMES NOT RECOMMENDED

*»**»*

HONG KONG IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS WHICH DIFFER CONSIDERABLY FROM THE LONG-TERM EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE, FOR EXAMPLE THAT OF THE UNITED STATES.

SHOULD SUCH ECONOMIC CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, THAT IS, ASSUMING THAT PRICE INFLATION WOULD REMAIN AT NINE PER CENT AND SALARY INCREASE AT 11 PER CENT, THE ESTIMATE IS THAT A LOW-RISK INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO COULD YIELD A PENSION AS LOW AS 12.7 PER CENT OF MONTHLY SALARY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

EXPLAINING THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION NOT TO PROCEED WITH MANDATORY SAVING SCHEMES, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID THAT GIVEN THE PREVAILING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG, IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT LOW-RISK INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS WOULD YIELD MEANINGFUL RETURNS.

"SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO HIGH-YIELD INVESTMENTS SUCH AS EQUITIES WOULD, ON THE OTHER HAND, LEAD TO VOLATILITY AND HIGHER RISK OF INVESTMENT LOSSES, FOR WHICH THERE IS NO VIABLE INSURANCE COVER," SAID MR LAM.

BESIDES, AS MANDATORY SAVING SCHEMES TOOK THREE TO FOUR DECADES TO MATURE, THE BULK OF THE POPULATION WOULD NOT HAVE ANY MEANINGFUL BENEFIT UNDER SUCH SHEMES FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.

HE SAID EVEN AFTER A FEW DECADES, LOW-INCOME CONTRIBUTORS WOULD STILL BE WORSE OFF UNDER MANDATORY SAVING SCHEMES THAN UNDER OLD-AGE PENSION SCHEME, AND THAT HALF OF THE POPULATION WOULD REMAIN UNPROTECTED AS THEY WERE OUTSIDE THE WORKFORCE.

MANDATORY SAVING SCHEMES IMPOSE A HEAVY ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN ON EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, WITHOUT THE GUARANTEE OF COMMENSURATE BENEFITS.

/14 ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

TWO WAYS TO TACKLE STUDENT DRUG ABUSE * ♦ » ♦ *

THE GOVERNMENT IS USING TWO WAYS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF STUDENTS INVOLVING IN DRUG ABUSE CASES ON SCHOOL PREMISES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

PREVENTIVE EDUCATION IS OFFERED TO INFORM STUDENTS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND HELP THEM REFUSE DRUGS.

AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ARE HELPED TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY TO DRUG CASES ON SCHOOL PREMISES.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID: "DRUG EDUCATION IS INTEGRATED INTO THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN SEVERAL PLACES."

TEACHERS ARE ADVISED NOT JUST TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ITS EFFECTS, BUT ALSO TO GIVE EMPHASIS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY AND POSITIVE ATTITUDES AND THE LEARNING OF LIFE SKILLS SUCH AS HANDLING OF PEER PRESSURE.

THE NARCOTICS DIVISION HOLDS REGULAR TALKS IN ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND PRIMARY 6 CLASSES TO REINFORCE THESE MESSAGES.

TO ASSIST THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES, MR ASPREY SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS DRAFTING A SET OF GUIDELINES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THE HANDLING OF DRUG ABUSE CASES.

THE GUIDELINES COVER SIGNS THAT INDICATE DRUG ADDICTION, PREVENTIVE AND OTHER MEASURES TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL, AND THE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS, HE ADDED.

"THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ENCOURAGES STUDENTS CONFRONTED WITH DRUG PROBLEMS TO APPROACH SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS FOR COUNSELLING AND ASSISTANCE," HE SAID.

LAST YEAR, THERE WAS ONE PROSECUTION OF SIX STUDENTS FOR SUPPLYING DANGEROUS DRUGS ON SCHOOL PREMISES. IN 1992 AND 1991, THERE WERE THREE AND TWO PROSECUTIONS RESPECTIVELY.

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

COMPLAINTS INFORMATION HELPS SERVICE IMPROVEMENT « t * t »

TEN OF THE 36 DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE PUBLISHED PERFORMANCE PLEDGES RECEIVED 62 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING MAINLY ABOUT WAITING AND RESPONSE TIMES TO CORRESPONDENCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

DEPARTMENTS ALSO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS, FROM STAFF ATTITUDES TO WORK PROCESSES.

MRS CHAN SAID INFORMATION ON COMPLAINTS WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO USERS COMMITTEES MONITORING MATTERS COVERED BY A PLEDGE.

/"ANY TREND .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

"ANY TREND OF COMPLAINTS PROVIDES DEPARTMENTS WITH VALUABLE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AS A GUIDE TO WHERE SERVICES NEED TO BE IMPROVED AS THEY REVIEW PERFORMANCE AGAINST THEIR PLEDGES EACH YEAR," SHE SAID.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS CHAN SAID: "ACTION IS TAKEN WHERE POSSIBLE TO IMPROVE THE DELIVERY OF SERVICE WHERE COMPLAINTS REVEAL SHORTCOMINGS."

EXAMPLES ARE TRAINING SCHEMES FOR FRONT-LINE STAFF, AND PROVISION OF EASIER PAYMENT METHODS LIKE AUTOPAY AND PAYMENT BY TELEPHONE.

UNDER THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME, A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC IS ENTITLED TO A FULL AND PROMPT EXPLANATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNED IF HE FINDS THE STANDARD OF SERVICE DOES NOT MEET THE SET TARGET.

HE MAY ALSO WRITE TO THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT IF HE THINKS THAT HIS CASE HAS NOT BEEN HANDLED ADEQUATELY.

CASES MAY ALSO BE REFERRED TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THERE HAS BEEN ANY MALADMINISTRATION.

- - 0 - -

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AGREEMENT PROMOTES CO-OPERATION ♦ ♦ » * ♦

AN AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EXCHANGE TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO PROMOTING FURTHER CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STAFF AND AVIATION AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG AND CHINA.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OF CHINA YESTERDAY.

SHE SAID PROXIMITY OF A NUMBER OF EXISTING AND PLANNED AIRPORTS IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION WOULD NECESSITATE INCREASINGLY CAREFUL CO-ORDINATION OF AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT.

"A JOINT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE IS ONE OF SEVERAL OPTIONS WHICH WILL BE EXPLORED."

SHE SAID AGREED PROCEDURES HAD ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR KAI TAK AND SHENZHEN AIRPORTS AND THERE WAS DIRECT COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TWO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRES.

"REGULAR MEETINGS ARE ALSO HELD BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGZHOU AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL MANAGERS TO ENHANCE CO-ORDINATION," SHE ADDED.

/MRS BOSHER

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

- 16 -

MRS BOSHER REITERATED THE COMMITMENT TO MAINTAINING THE

HIGHEST STANDARDS OF SAFETY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG’S AIRSPACE.

THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION IS ADOPTING A NUMBER OF MEASURES, INCLUDING REGULAR REVIEW AND UPDATING OF OPERATIONAL

PROCEDURES AND UPGRADING OF AIR NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT.

MRS BOSHER SAID FROM 1993 TO 1995, SOME $245 MILLION HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT.

ALSO, STAFFING STANDARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ARE BEING ENHANCED.

ADDITIONAL FUNDS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN ADDITIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STAFF BOTH TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS AT KAI TAK AND TO PREPARE FOR THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

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

REFURBISHMENT WORK AT VICTORIA HOUSE NECESSARY » * t * *

THE REFURBISHMENT WORK AT THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICIAL RESIDENCE, VICTORIA HOUSE, IS BOTH NECESSARY AND REASONABLE.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE WORK WAS $3.1 MILLION.

THIS WORK IS PRINCIPALLY REQUIRED FOR NECESSARY MAINTENANCE WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT EARLIER, BUT WHICH FOR THE SAKE OF CONVENIENCE WAS DEFERRED UNTIL THERE WAS A CHANGE OF RESIDENT, MR TSANG SAID.

THIS INVOLVES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT AND DUCTING, UPGRADING AND REPLACEMENT OF ELECTRICAL WORKS, THE REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE FLOOR TILES AND PAVING, THE REPLACEMENT OF CEILINGS AND DEFECTIVE WOOD PANELLING, THE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL REDECORATION, AS WELL AS OTHER MINOR WORKS.

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

CONSUMER COUNCIL HANDLES COMPLAINTS ON MEDICAL SERVICES

* t t t »

THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WOULD FOLLOW UP ON COMPLAINTS ABOUT SERVICES PROVIDED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IF IT CONSIDERS SUCH COMPLAINTS TO BE JUSTIFIED.

THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HANDLES COMPLAINTS IN RESPECT OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY DOCTORS, DENTISTS, PRACTITIONERS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, CHIROPRACTORS AND VETERINARIANS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MRS REGINA IP, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO MUN-KA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

/MRS IP .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

MRS IP SAID FOR COMPLAINTS INVOLVING PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF DOCTORS OR DENTISTS, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WOULD NORMALLY REFER THE COMPLAINT TO THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE MEDICAL COUNCIL AND THE DENTAL COUNCIL.

FOR CASES NOT INVOLVING COMPLAINTS ABOUT PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT BUT ON WHICH EXPERT OPINION IS REQUIRED, THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSULT THE RELEVANT BODIES SUCH AS THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, THE DENTAL ASSOCIATION AND OTHER CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINAL ASSOCIATIONS, SHE SAID.

GENERALLY SPEAKING, MRS IP SAID, IN HANDLING THESE COMPLAINTS, THE COUNCIL WOULD FIRST REQUEST THE PARTY UNDER COMPLAINT TO PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION.

”IF IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPLANATION THE CONSUMER COUNCIL CONSIDERS THE COMPLAINT TO BE JUSTIFIED, THE COUNCIL WOULD TAKE FOLLOW-UP ACTION ON BEHALF OF THE COMPLAINANT WITH A VIEW TO SECURING APPROPRIATE REMEDIES,” SHE SAID.

THE COUNCIL HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 158 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THESE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS. IT HAD DEALT WITH ALL THOSE COMPLAINTS (INCLUDING REFERRAL CASES) WHICH FELL WITHIN ITS PURVIEW, SHE ADDED.

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

AG EXPLAINS BEST WAYS TO PROMOTE USE OF CHINESE IN LAW *****

THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERS THAT THE BEST WAY IT CAN PROMOTE THE GREATER USE OF CHINESE IN THE TEACHING AND PRACTICE OF LAW IS BY COMPLETING ITS BILINGUAL LAWS PROGRAMME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND BY SUPPORTING STUDIES BY TWO WORKING PARTIES ESTABLISHED BY THE JUDICIARY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP, MR MATHEWS SAID THOSE WORKING PARTIES WERE CONSIDERING NOT ONLY THE PROMOTION OF BILINGUALISM IN THE COURTS BUT ALSO THE PROMOTION OF THE GREATER USE OF CHINESE IN THE LAW GENERALLY.

HE SAID BOTH THE BILINGUAL LAWS PROGRAMME AND THE STUDIES OF THE WORKING PARTIES WOULD HAVE SIGNIFICANT RAMIFICATIONS.

"AS MORE AND MORE OF OUR LEGISLATION BECOMES BILINGUAL, AUTHENTIC CHINESE EQUIVALENTS OF ENGLISH LEGAL EXPRESSIONS WILL EMERGE, AND THIS WILL FACILITATE THE GREATER USE OF CHINESE IN THE TEACHING AND PRACTICE OF LAW," MR MATHEWS SAID.

"SIMILARLY, THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TWO WORKING PARTIES ARE LIKELY TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS FOR THOSE WHO TEACH AND PRACTISE LAW," HE SAID.

- - - - 0-----

/18 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

EVIDENCE ON TIN TIN DAILY NEWS CASE ADMISSIBLE, SUBSTANTIAL AND RELIABLE

* t ♦ t t

ON THE MATERIAL THAT WAS AVAILABLE TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THERE WAS SUFFICIENT ADMISSIBLE, SUBSTANTIAL AND RELIABLE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE CHARGES IN A CASE IN WHICH THE DEFENDANTS WERE CHARGED FOR CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD TIN TIN DAILY NEWS (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED, ITS SHAREHOLDERS AND CREDITORS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). • 1 । * •.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG, MR MATHEWS SAID FOLLOWING A POLICE INVESTIGATION, A DECISION TO PROSECUTE WAS MADE WITHIN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES SET OUT IN THE BOOKLET "PROSECUTION POLICY: GUIDANCE FOR CROWN COUNSEL" PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

HE SAID: "THE CHARGES WERE LAID BY A DEPUTY CROWN PROSECUTOR, FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AND MB.

"THE FACT THAT THE CASE RESULTED IN ACQUITTALS DOES NOT MEAN THAT MISTAKES WERE MADE EITHER IN THE DECISION TO PROSECUTE OR IN THE CONDUCT OF THE PROSECUTION."

MR MATHEWS SAID THE PROSECUTION OF THIS CASE WAS CONDUCTED BY A SENIOR AND EXPERIENCED COUNSEL WHO WAS PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE TRIAL.

"I SEE NO REASON TO CARRY OUT A REVIEW OF THE CASE."

HE SAID THE COST OF THE PROSECUTION, IN TERMS OF THE STAFF COST OF PROSECUTING COUNSEL DURING THE TRIAL, WAS ABOUT $565,000.

THE DEFENCE COSTS, WHICH THE CROWN WAS ORDERED TO PAY, HAD NOT YET BEEN AGREED, MR MATHEWS NOTED.

OVERSEAS DEGREES ARE ASSESSED INDIVIDUALLY

* t ♦ * »

FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPOINTMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE POSTS THAT REQUIRE A LOCAL DEGREE FOR ENTRY, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS DEGREES FROM OVERSEAS TERTIARY INSTITUTES IF THEIR STANDARD IS COMPARABLE TO THAT AWARDED BY LOCAL INSTITUTES.

HOWEVER, ASSESSMENT ARE MADE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS HAVING REGARD TO THE STANDING OF THE INSTITUTE, THE CONTENT OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME, AS WELL AS ADVICE OF THE ACCREDITATION AUTHORITY IN THE COUNTRY OF THE INSTITUTE IN QUESTION.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

/MR SZE ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

MR SZE ALSO SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY FORMAL ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION EXERCISES UNDERTAKEN BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS IN RESPECT OF DEGREE COURSES IN CHINA AND TAIWAN.

"EVEN IF SUCH ARRANGEMENTS EXIST, IT WOULD STILL BE NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS THESE DEGREES INDIVIDUALLY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR STANDARD IS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF LOCAL DEGREES," HE ADDED.

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

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AUTOTOLL SYSTEM WORKING WELL

REGULAR CHECKS CARRIED OUT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAVE REVEALED THAT TRAFFIC QUEUES IN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL’S NON AUTOTOLL LANES ARE NO WORSE THAN BEFORE AUTOTOLL WAS INTRODUCED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, TOLD THE LEGISLATION COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING, MR BARMA SAID: "THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS ARE WORKING WELL."

HE SAID THE AUTOTOLL SYSTEM HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL CO LTD ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE AS A COST-EFFECTIVE MEANS OF COLLECTING TUNNEL TOLLS, AND IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SCHEME.

"INDEED THE LATTER IS BUT ONE OF THE MANY PROPOSALS THAT WILL BE STUDIED IN DECIDING HOW TO TACKLE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEM," HE SAID.

THERE IS AN AVERAGE OF 21,600 VEHICLES USING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AUTOTOLL LANES DAILY WHILE 104,400 VEHICLES ARE USING THE OTHER LANES. SEVEN TOLL LANES ARE PROVIDED IN EACH DIRECTION.

"FOR HONG KONG-BOUND TRAFFIC, ONLY THE LANE AT THE EXTREME LEFT OF THE TOLL PLAZA IS DESIGNATED FOR AUTOTOLL USE WHILE THERE ARE TWO SUCH LANES, ONE AT EITHER END OF THE TOLL PLAZA, FOR KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC.

"TWO AUTOTOLL LANES ARE NECESSARY FOR THE KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THE CONFIGURATION OF THE ROAD SYSTEM AT THAT END OF THE TUNNEL, AND THE NEED TO AVOID EXTENSIVE LANE CHANGING BY VEHICLES, HE SAID. . , r .

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

SITE IDENTIFIED FOR RELOCATION OF VEGETABLE MARKET

»*♦*»*»

A TEMPORARY SITE HAS RECENTLY BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SUITABLE FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE TIN KWONG HUI, A VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET IN YUEN LONG WHICH HAS BEEN CAUSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.

THE SITE IS IN TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WHICH IS CURRENTLY A PLAYGROUND MANAGED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

/CONSULTATIONS WITH .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

CONSULTATIONS WITH THE VEGETABLE TRADERS AND NEARBY RESIDENTS ON THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE RELOCATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT SOON.

THE APPROVAL OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO USE THE SITE TEMPORARILY WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR EASON SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO CONFIRM THE EXACT TIMING OF THE RELOCATION BECAUSE IT WAS SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT BEING REACHED WITH THE VEGETABLE TRADERS ON THE LATEST SITE, THERE BEING NO SERIOUS OBJECTIONS FROM RESIDENTS IN THE VICINITY AND THE APPROVAL OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

MR EASON SAID A PERMANENT SITE NEAR THE YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TERMINUS IS RESERVED IN THE YUEN LONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR A PERMANENT VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAYOUT PLAN WOULD REQUIRE THE RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE LOTS, AND THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE COMPLETION DATE OF THE PERMANENT MARKET WAS THE YEAR 2000.

MR EASON NOTED THAT THE EXISTING MARKET HAD BEEN IN OPERATION FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS.

WITH RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN THE VICINITY IN RECENT YEARS, THE MARKET’S OPERATIONS HAVE CAUSED ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.

AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER (YUEN LONG) AND COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1987 TO IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS AND CONSIDER THE RELOCATION OF THE MARKET.

A POSSIBLE SITE IN MA TIN ROAD WAS IDENTIFIED IN 1992 FOR THE TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF THE MARKET BUT THIS PROPOSAL WAS DROPPED LAST YEAR ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE MARKET WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF A CIVIC CENTRE TO BE BUILT ADJACENT TO THE SITE.

------0------- .

CONVICTIONS ON ONLY TWO CATEGORIES OF CASES QUASHED LAST YEAR: AG *****

CONVICTIONS WERE QUASHED AS A RESULT OF LEGAL ERRORS IN TWO CATEGORIES OF CASES LAST YEAR, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THESE WERE AMONG THE 2,211 CRIMINAL TRIALS IN THE HIGH COURT AND DISTRICT COURT, AND 445,623 SUMMONSES ISSUED AND 129,363 CASES LISTED IN THE MAGISTRACY, MR MATHEWS SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG.

MR MATHEWS SAID AMONG THE TWO CATEGORIES OF CASES, ONE CONVICTION FOR A FORGERY OFFENCE WAS QUASHED BECAUSE THE CHARGE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UNDER A LEGISLATIVE PROVISION THAT HAD BEEN REPEALED AND REPLACED.

/"I WOULD........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

"I WOULD ADD, FOR THE SAKE OF COMPLETENESS THAT A TOTAL OF 18 CONVICTIONS FOR FORGERY OFFENCES, ALL RECORDED IN 1992,. WERE THE SUBJECT OF PARDONS BY THE GOVERNOR FOR THE SAME REASON," HE SAID.

IN THE OTHER CATEGORY OF CASES, 142 CONVICTIONS, MAINLY FOR IMMIGRATION OFFENCES, WERE QUASHED BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR’S CONSENT TO PROSECUTE HAD NOT BEEN OBTAINED, MR MATHEWS SAID.

APART FROM THESE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID HE WAS UNAWARE OF ANY OTHER CASES WHERE DEFENDANTS WERE ACQUITTED OR CONVICTIONS QUASHED THROUGH ERRORS OF LAW OR LEGAL PROCEDURES ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT SUCH AS A FAILURE TO OBTAIN A NECESSARY CONSENT TO PROSECUTE, OR THROUGH A DEFECTIVE INDICTMENT OR CHARGE.

AS REGARDS CIVIL CASES, MR MATHEWS SAID 400 JUDGMENTS INVOLVING THE GOVERNMENT WERE DELIVERED LAST YEAR, OF WHICH ALL BUT 42 WERE IN FAVOUR OF THE GOVERNMENT.

"WE HAVE REVIEWED ALL 42 CASES. NONE OF THEM INVOLVED LEGAL ERROR ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES," HE NOTED.

MR MATHEWS SAID REMEDIAL ACTIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO AVOID RECURRENCE OF SIMILAR CASES.

IN RELATION TO THE FORGERY CASES, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS ISSUED CIRCULARS TO ALL STAFF ABOUT RELEVANT LEGISLATIVE CHANGES WHENEVER THEY OCCUR, HE SAID.

HE ADDED: "IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN THE GOVERNOR’S CONSENT TO CERTAIN PROSECUTIONS, ALL PROSECUTORS AND RELEVANT OFFICERS IN THE POLICE, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENTS WERE INFORMED IN MARCH 1993 OF THE NEED TO OBTAIN THIS CONSENT."

IN ADDITION, ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR THE GOVERNOR TO DELEGATE TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS, THE DEPUTY CROWN PROSECUTOR AND THE SENIOR ASSISTANT CROWN PROSECUTOR IN CHARGE OF IMMIGRATION MATTERS THE POWER TO GIVE THE NECESSARY CONSENT.

ON COURT COSTS, MR MATHEWS SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY CASES IN WHICH COSTS WERE AWARDED AGAINST THE CROWN AS A RESULT OF COUNSEL FOR THE CROWN NOT ATTENDING COURT AT THE APPOINTED TIME.

ALSO, NO ORDERS FOR COSTS WERE MADE AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT IN THE CASES CONCERNING THE TWO CATEGORIES OF CASES IN WHICH CONVICTIONS WERE QUASHED, HE SAID.

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

/22 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

*****

A BILL THAT SEEKS TO PROVIDE COPYRIGHT PROTECTION FOR THE WHARF CABLE’S SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION SERVICE PENDING THE ENACTMENT OF AN OMNIBUS COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE SECOND READING OF THE COPYRIGHT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WAS MOVED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PAUL S W LEUNG.

HE SAID THE BILL WAS INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A REGIME FOLLOWING CLOSELY WHAT WAS INTRODUCED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY THE CABLE AND BROADCASTING ACT 1984, MAKING NECESSARY AMENDMENTS ONLY WHERE THEY WERE REQUIRED TO SUIT THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG.

’’THE BILL WOULD ACHIEVE LARGELY THE SAME PURPOSE AS WOULD HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED IF THE 1984 ACT WERE TO BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG BY AN ORDER IN THE PRIVY COUNCIL AS ORIGINALLY ENVISAGED,” HE SAID.

HOWEVER, MR LEUNG EMPHASISED THAT THE BILL WOULD NOT AFFECT THE FINAL SHAPE OF THE OMNIBUS LOCALISED COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION INTENDED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN DUE COURSE.

THE PROPOSED BILL INCORPORATES INTO HONG KONG COPYRIGHT LAW PROVISIONS OF THE 1984 ACT CONCERNING COPYRIGHT IN CABLE PROGRAMMES; INCLUSION OF COPYRIGHT WORKS IN CABLE PROGRAMMES; THE RIGHT OF CABLE OPERATORS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY RE-TRANSMIT COPYRIGHT WORKS, INCLUDING BROADCASTS, IN THEIR SERVICES; AND MINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE.

THE INTERESTS OF TELEVISION VIEWERS WILL ALSO BE PROTECTED IN THAT THE EXISTING RIGHTS OF NON-SUBSCRIBERS TO WHARF CABLE’S SERVICE WILL BE PRESERVED.

THESE NON-SUBSCRIBERS MAY CONTINUE TO RECEIVE TVB, ATV AND SATELLITE BROADCASTS THROUGH COMMUNAL AERIAL BROADCAST DISTRIBUTION. OR SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION SYSTEMS, OR BROADCAST RELAY SERVICES CURRENTLY OPERATED BY REDIFFUSION (HONG KONG) LTD.

IN ADDITION, THE BILL PROVIDES CONSUMER CONVENIENCE TO WHARF CABLE’S SUBSCRIBERS SO THAT THEY MAY SELECT TVB/ATV AND WHARF CABLE PROGRAMMES FROM A SINGLE DECODER AND THEREFORE THERE IS NO NEED FOR DUPLICATE ENTRY CABLES INTO THEIR HOMES.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

/23........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

- 23 -

POWERS AND PRIVILEGES BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO t * t * *

A BILL SEEKING TO EXTEND THE IMMUNITIES AND PRIVILEGES ENJOYED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO THE GOVERNOR AND DESIGNATED PUBLIC OFFICERS WHEN THEY ATTEND SITTINGS OF THE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES WAS INTRODUCED TO THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID LEGCO MEMBERS WERE GIVEN IMMUNITIES AND PRIVILEGES TO HELP THEM CARRY OUT THEIR PARLIAMENTARY DUTIES.

THESE INCLUDE THE IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL OR CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS FOR WORDS SPOKEN BEFORE, OR WRITTEN IN A REPORT TO, THE COUNCIL OR A COMMITTEE; IMMUNITY FROM ARREST FOR ANY CIVIL DEBT WHILST GOING TO, ATTENDING OR RETURNING FROM A SITTING OF THE COUNCIL OR A COMMITTEE AND FOR ANY CRIMINAL OFFENCE WHILST ATTENDING A SITTING OF THE COUNCIL OR A COMMITTEE.

THE GOVERNOR AND BRANCH SECRETARIES USED TO ENJOY SUCH IMMUNITIES WHEN THEY WERE LEGCO MEMBERS.

ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGCO MEMBERS, THEY STILL NEED TO ATTEND SITTINGS OF THE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES TO TRANSACT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS.

’’THEREFORE, WE CONSIDER IT APPROPRIATE TO EXTEND THE ABOVE IMMUNITIES AND PRIVILEGES TO THEM WHEN THEY ATTEND THE SITTINGS OF THE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES,” SHE SAID.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO COVER PROCEEDINGS OF LEGCO PANELS AND SUB-COMMITTEES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT OF WAR GRAVES * ♦ t t t

A BILL TO ENABLE THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION TO CONTINUE ITS INDEPENDENT OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ITS CEMETERIES IN HONG KONG WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THE COMMISSION MAINTAINED TWO WAR CEMETERIES IN THE TERRITORY.

THEY ARE THE SAI WAN CEMETERY AND THE STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY.

SINCE 1954, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES HAS ACTED AS THE COMMISSION’S AGENT IN RESPECT OF THE DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS OF THE TWO CEMETERIES.

/MR SUEN .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT ALL CEMETERIES IN HONG KONG, WHETHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, WERE REGULATED BY AND CONTROLLED UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.

LITTLE DISTINCTION IS MADE BETWEEN THE POWERS OF THE AUTHORITIES IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC CEMETERIES AND THOSE OF THE COMMISSION IN RESPECT OF ITS CEMETERIES.

"HOWEVER, IN PRACTICE, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY INTERFERENCE WITH THE COMMISSION’S INDEPENDENT OPERATION.

"ALL ESSENTIAL OPERATIONAL AND MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS RELATING TO THE RUNNING OF THE TWO CEMETERIES IN QUESTION ARE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION," MR SUEN SAID.

THE AMENDMENT BILL, THEREFORE, IS INTENDED TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THIS ESTABLISHED PRACTICE, HE ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

BILL TO MERGE SPORTS BODIES PASSED ♦ * * * *

THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 WHICH SEEKS TO MERGE THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (SDB) AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE (HKSI), WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE ACTING SECRETARY EOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PAUL LEUNG, SAID THE MERGE PROVIDED FOR AN EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE MACHINERY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG.

THE SEPARATE IMAGE AND IDENTITY OF THE HKSI WOULD ALSO BE PRESERVED, HE SAID.

THE HKSI WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE SDB THROUGH A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHOSE CHAIRMAN WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. ITS MEMBERS CAN BE DRAWN FROM BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE SDB.

"THE INSTITUTE WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITHIN THE OVERALL POLICY PARAMETERS LAID DOWN BY THE SDB,” MR LEUNG SAID.

"IT WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG (ASF&OC) AS WELL AS THE NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS (NSAS) IN THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TN SPORTS."

DESPITE THE MERGER, MR LEUNG CONTINUED, THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF ASF&OC AND NSAS AS THE SOLE REPRESENTATIVES OF HONG KONG SPORTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA WOULD BE UPHELD AND THEIR INDEPENDENCE WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.

TURNING TO THE SDB’S INTERFACE WlTH IHE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, MR LEUNG SAID THE WORK OF THE SDB WOULD COMPLEMENT RATHER THAN INFRINGE OR DUPLICATE THE COUNCILS’ FUNCTIONS.

/THE MUNICIPAL .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1994

THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND RECREATION AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL AND FOR THE PROVISION AND MANAGEMENT OF FACILITIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONS.

ON THE SDB MEMBERSHIP, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO HAVE A GOOD MIX OF PEOPLE REPRESENTING A WIDE CROSS-SECTTON OF THE SPORTS COMMUNITY.

"A BALANCED MEMBERSHIP IS INDEED WHAT WE HAVE AT PRESENT,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS POLICY WOULD BE FOLLOWED WHEN CONSIDERING FUTURE APPOINTMENTS.

MR LEUNG ALSO NOTED THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS OVER THE DEVELOPMENT AND DISPOSAL OF ITS LAND BY THE SDB.

HE SAID THERE WERE ALREADY ADEQUATE MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT ANY LAND DEVELOPMENT WAS UNDERTAKEN WITH PRUDENCE.

TO FURTHER ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS, HE PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE TO REQUIRE THE SDB TO SEEK THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IF IT WISHED TO DEVELOP OR DISPOSE OF ANY LAND IT HELD, AND IF THE DEVELOPMENT INVOLVED THE SALE OR DISPOSAL OF ANY IMMOVABLE PROPERTY.

ANOTHER AMENDMENT PROPOSED WAS TO EXPAND THE SIZE OF THE COMMITTEE OF TRUSTEES TO INCLUDE TWO NON-SDB MEMBERS SO AS TO ALLOW FOR GREATER IMPARTIALITY IN THE INVESTMENT AND APPLICATION OF THE HKSI TRUST FUND WHICH WAS SET UP WITH A GENEROUS ENDOWMENT BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

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

LEGCO PASSES TWO MOTIONS ♦ ♦ * * t

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) PASSED TWO MOTIONS ON COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND FREEDOM OF TRAVEL.

THIRTEEN MEMBERS DEBATE FOR MORE THAN ONE HOUR IN THE FIRST MOTION WHICH WAS MOVED BY THE HON WONG WAI-YIN. THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.

THE SECOND MOTION WAS PROPOSED BY THE HON. HOWARD YOUNG. A TOTAL OF 16 MEMBERS TOOK PART IN THE DEBATE. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, RESPONDED TO THE POINTS RAISED.

THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.

THREE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED. THEY WERE: LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND COPYRIGHT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR'S GREEN MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY .................. 1

GOVT TO EXPAND PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLUNTARY SECTOR ........... 1

CONFIDENCE IN HK'S PROSPERITY REMAINS HIGH ................. 2

CHIEF SECRETARY SPEAKS TO PRESS AFTER VISITING PAMELA YOUDE NETHERSOLE EASTERN HOSPITAL ............................... 3

CS VISITS HOSPITAL ......................................... 4

WSD TO SPEND $2 BILLION ON WATERWORKS IN 1994 .............. 5

WASTE REDUCTION STUDY COMMISSIONED ......................... 6

GENEVA MEETING TO DISCUSS REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE ..... 7

GOVT DETERMINED TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ................. 8

RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1993 RELEASED ............ 9

LUCKY CAR NUMBERS FOR SALE BEFORE LUNAR NEW YEAR ........ 12

USA DOG YEAR STAMP ON SALE IN HK .......................... 12

SPRING SCROLLS SPREAD CHILD CARE MESSAGE .................. 13

AMBULANCEMEN PRAISED FOR SAVING LIFE ...................... 14

PUBLIC FORUM ON PERFORMING ARTS ........................... 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

GOVERNOR’S GREEN MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) URGES EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY TO BE AWARE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND TO PARTICIPATE IN KEEPING HONG KONG A HEALTHIER AND MORE PLEASANT PLACE TO LIVE.

MR PATTEN SAID: "EVERYONE IN HONG KONG - BE THEY THE GOVERNOR OR A HAWKER, A JOURNALIST, A PHOTOGRAPHER OR A HOUSEWIFE, AN OIL EXECUTIVE OR A STUDENT - BY USING RESOURCES MAKES DEMANDS ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

"WHETHER THOSE DEMANDS CAN BE SUSTAINED, OR WHETHER THEY WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT DEPENDS ON WHETHER WE BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY OR CARELESSLY."

SPEAKING AT THE SCMP/CALTEX GREEN PROJECTS AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR NOTED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE AWARDS IN BOOSTING THE AWARENESS OF CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

THE AWARDS ALSO ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS TO TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS, HE ADDED.

MR PATTEN SAID THE LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST AWARDS WAS A PROMISING START AND IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO SUSTAIN IT.

TO HELP SPREAD THE GREEN MESSAGE, HE REITERATED THE INTENTION ANNOUNCED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS LAST OCTOBER TO SET UP AN ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND.

"LEGISLATION TO SET UP THE FUND IS BEING PREPARED AND IT WILL BE PUT FORWARD SOON," HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

GOVT TO EXPAND PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLUNTARY SECTOR

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXPAND ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN THE SEARCH FOR MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

ADDRESSING THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS GREATLY VALUED THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND HAD THE FULLEST CONFIDENCE IN THEIR PROFESSIONALISM.

OF THE $9 BILLION SOCIAL WELFARE BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR, ALMOST 30 PER CENT IS BEING DEVOTED TO SUBVENTIONS TO SUPPORT THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.

/"THIS TRUST

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

"THIS TRUST IN NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IS THE BASIS OF A VIGOROUS WORKING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR," SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN URGED THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR COMMITMENT TO OVERCOMING PREJUDICE AGAINST THE DISABLED, CHILDREN AT RISK AND ALL THE VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

SHE GAVE ASSURANCES THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO VALUE AND PROTECT THE EFFORTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE FAMILY TO SHAPE THEIR OWN LIVES.

SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

IT WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE INDIVIDUAL, THE FAMILY AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS THROUGH RESPONDING TO THE COMMUNITY’S DESIRE FOR IMPROVED SOCIAL SERVICES, SHE ADDED.

CITING A POLL CONDUCTED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION EARLIER THIS MONTH, SHE NOTED THAT A MAJORITY OF LOCAL RESIDENTS FOUND HONG KONG A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK, WITH A GOVERNMENT PROVIDING GOOD STANDARDS OF SERVICE.

BUT THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE COMPLACENT ABOUT ITS RECORD, SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES WERE SHAPED BY THE COMMUNITY’S OPINIONS.

"AS CHIEF SECRETARY, IT WILL BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT LISTENS CAREFULLY TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM AND CONSTANTLY REVIEWS ITS OPERATIONS AND GOALS IN THE LIGHT OF THIS FEEDBACK, ESPECIALLY IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE," SHE SAID.

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

CONFIDENCE IN HK’S PROSPERITY REMAINS HIGH ♦ * » » »

A RECENT OPINION POLL CONDUCTED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH FOUND THAT 61 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS WERE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROSPEROUS AND STABLE.

THE FIGURE IS SIMILAR TO THE 60 PER CENT RECORDED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO SAID THEY HAD PLANS OR HAD TAKEN ACTION WITH RESPECT TO EMIGRATION DROPPED TO NINE PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS FIGURE OF 12 PER CENT.

RELEASING THE FINDINGS OF THE JANUARY 1994 TELEPHONE OPINION SURVEY TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION OF CIVIL SERVANTS' WORKING ATTITUDES ALSO SHOWED A MARKED IMPROVEMENT.

/FIFTY-SEVEN PER .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

FIFTY-SEVEN PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS FELT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS’ WORKING ATTITUDE WAS GOOD, COMPARED WITH 25 PER CENT WHO THOUGHT OTHERWISE.

THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR WERE 52 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT.

THE THREE MOST-MENTIONED PROBLEMS WERE "HONG KONG FUTURE" (42 PER CENT), "HOUSING-RELATED PROBLEMS" (30 PER CENT) AND "ECONOMY-RELATED PROBLEMS" (26 PER CENT).

THE PERCENTAGE OF THOSE WHO MENTIONED THE "HONG KONG FUTURE" IS LOWER THAN THE FIGURE OF 47 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

AS TO THE PUBLIC’S SATISFACTION WITH THE PRESENT SITUATION, THE FIGURE WAS MORE OR LESS THE SAME AS THE ONE RECORDED LAST TIME. 74 PER CENT WERE SATISFIED WITH THE PRESENT SITUATION IN THE JANUARY POLL, COMPARED WITH 76 PER CENT LAST NOVEMBER.

SIXTY-THREE PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS EXPECTED THE SITUATION TO EITHER IMPROVE IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS OR STAY ABOUT THE SAME, SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE 67 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE LAST SURVEY.

THE SURVEY WAS THE 50TH IN A SERIES OF BIMONTHLY POLLS DESIGNED TO GAUGE THE TREND OF PUBLIC OPINION IN RESPECT OF PERCEIVED PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL PERFORMANCE AND THE COMMUNITY’S EXPECTATION OF THE GENERAL SITUATION.

FOR THIS SURVEY, A TOTAL OF 1,514 RESPONDENTS WERE SUCCESSFULLY CONTACTED BY TELEPHONE FROM JANUARY 10 TO 14.

WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD OF A SELECTED TELEPHONE NUMBER, A RESPONDENT AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 64 WAS RANDOMLY CHOSEN FOR INTERVIEW.

- 0 - -

CHIEF SECRETARY SPEAKS TO PRESS AFTER VISITING PAMELA YOL'DE NETHERSOLE EASTERN HOSPITAL

* * t * ♦

QUESTION: MRS CHAN, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IT’D VERY LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS TO GO UP TO BEIJING TO SIGN AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TRAINING ACCORD, TO WITNESS RATHER. WHY IS IT THAT MR GORDON SIU HAD TO GO UP IN HIS PRIVATE CAPACITY AND OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET. WHAT IS THE MYSTERY? WHAT IS THE REAL MOTIVE OF THE TRIP?

CS: THERE IS, IN FACT, NO MYSTERY. AS YOU QUITE RIGHTLY POINT OUT, THE TRAINING AND CROSS POSTING OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS IS A MATTER THAT BOTH SIDES ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT. IT IS AN AREA IN WHICH WE HAVE EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION AND REGULAR CONTACTS WITH CAAC AND OBVIOUSLY BOTH SIDES WOULD WISH TO SEE THOSE CONTACTS CONTINUING. MR SIU WENT UP OBVIOUSLY IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES. BUT I UNDERSTOOD THAT AT THE VERY LAST MINUTE, THERE WAS A REQUEST FROM THE CAAC THAT HE SHOULD GO IN HIS PERSONAL CAPACITY. SO RATHER THAN MAKE A FUSS, HE SIMPLY ACCEDED TO THAT REQUEST. BUT AS FAR AS WE ARE CONCERNED, HE WENT UP IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY AND THERE IS NO QUESTION OF MR SIU PAYING FOR THE EXPENSES OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET.

/QUESTION:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

QUESTION: MR SIU HAD SAID PREVIOUSLY THAT HE WOULD NOT GO. WHY DID HE CHANGE HIS MIND? (TRANSLATION)

CS: NO, MR SIU NEVER SAID HE WOULD NOT GO. HE SIMPLY, AT THE TIME WHEN THERE WAS A STATEMENT FROM THE OTHER SIDE, MR SIU SIMPLY SAID THAT HE HAD NOT YET RECEIVED AN INVITATION NOR, INDEED, HAD A DATE BEEN FIXED FOR THE SIGNING OF THIS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION AND THE CAAC. IN THE EVENT, A DATE WAS FIXED AND MR SIU RECEIVED AN INVITATION AND ACCEPTED THE INVITATION AND AS I STRESS AGAIN, WE DO WISH TO CONTINUE THE VERY GOOD CO-OPERATION THAT WE HAVE WITH CAAC IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA.

QUESTION: MRS CHIEF SECRETARY, DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS AN EFFORT THAT ACTUALLY SORT OF DOWNGRADES HIS VISIT BECAUSE OF THE REFUSAL TO GIVE A BRIEFING TO PWC MEMBERS?

CS: I THINK I WOULD STRESS AGAIN THAT WE HAVE EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION FROM THE CAAC. BOTH SIDES WISH TO SEE THIS CO-OPERATION CONTINUE AND I SEE NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD NOT CONTINUE.

QUESTION: REGARDING THE PROPOSALS FOR THE \IRPORT FUNDING ABOUT WHICH YOU’VE SAID YOU MIGHT SAY A FEW WORDS, COULD VOL. FIRST OF ALL, SPECIFY EXACTLY WHAT THIS OFFER IS IN AS MUCH AS IT’S HONG KONG PEOPLE’S MONEY, THEY MAY LIKE TO KNOW?

CS: I WOULD SAY THIS. WE HAVE PUT A FURTHER FUNDING PROPOSAL TO THE CHINESE. THIS IS THE FOURTH FUNDING PROPOSAL THAT WE HAVE PUT TO THE CHINESE. WE BELIEVE THAT THESE PROPOSALS FULLY MEET THE CONCERNS THAT THE CHINESE HAVE EXPRESSED TO US SO FAR. I DO NOT THINK THAT IT WOULD ASSIST US IN GETTING EARLY AGREEMENT FROM THE CHINESE ON FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS IF I CHOSE TO DISCLOSE THE DETAILS NOW. BUT, UNDOUBTEDLY, AT SONE LATER STAGE, WE WILL COME CLEAN WITH THE DETAILED PROPOSALS. YOU HAVE RIGHTLY SAID THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS A RIGHT TO EXPECT TO KNOW BUT AT THIS STAGE, WE WOULD VERY Ml CH WISH THE CHINESE TO RESPOND WITH AN EARLY MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE AT WHICH WE CAN SENSIBLY DISCUSS THESE PROPOSALS AND HOPEFI LLY REACH EARLY AGREEMENT ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT.

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

CS VISITS HOSPITAL

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID SHE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE PLEASANT AND SPACIOUS ENVIRONMENT ' OF THE PAMELA YOUDE NETHERSOLE EASTERN HOSPITAL (PYNEH) AND THE TEAM SPIRIT OF THE STAFF FOLLOWING A VISIT TO THE HOSPITAL THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

MRS CHAN WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SIR S Y CHUNG; THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DR E K YEOH; THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, DR KATHLEEN SO; THE HOSPITAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF PYNEH, DR PAMELA LEUNG; AND OTHER SENIOR STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL.

/BEFORE THE .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

BEFORE THE TOUR, DR PAMELA LEUNG BRIEFED MRS CHAN ON THE SERVICE PROVISION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOSPITAL, AND ILLUSTRATED HOW THE MISSION OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAD BEEN EMBODIED IN THE HOSPITAL’S DAILY OPERATION IN TERMS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE, CUSTOMER SERVICE, COST-EFFICIENCY, AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY.

AFTER THE BRIEFING, MRS CHAN VISITED THE HOSPITAL KITCHEN, THE PAEDIATRIC WARD, THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, THE PHARMACY, THE PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT, AND THE DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT TO SEE FOR HERSELF THE OPERATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS.

PYNEH STARTED OPERATION ON OCTOBER 15 LAST YEAR. ITS SERVICES WILL BE DEVELOPED AND EXPANDED IN PHASES.

INITIALLY, 450 BEDS WILL BE OPENED TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING THE SPECIALTIES OF MEDICINE, SURGERY, ORTHOPAEDICS, OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, AND PAEDIATRICS.

THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO BEEN BROUGHT INTO OPERATION TO INITIALLY PROVIDE A 16-HOUR SERVICE EVERY DAY.

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

WSD TO SPEND $2 BILLION ON WATERWORKS IN 1994

*****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL SPEND ABOUT $1.93 BILLION ON WATERWORKS PROJECTS THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU, SAID AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR HU SAID THE LARGEST PROJECT TO START THIS YEAR WAS THE CONSTRUCTION OF MA ON SHAN TREATMENT WORKS AND THE ASSOCIATED WATER TRANSFER FACILITIES.

"WITH AN ULTIMATE OUTPUT CAPACITY OF 227,000 CUBIC METRES A DAY, THE PLANT WILL SERVE THE WHOLE OF MA ON SHAN NEW TOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS, PART OF SHA TIN AND THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AT ’PAK SHEK KOK IN TAI PO.”

HE SAID THE POPULATION IN SAI KUNG NORTH WOULD ALSO BENEFIT INDIRECTLY BECAUSE THE MA ON SHAN PROJECT WOULD RELIEVE PRESSURE ON THE PAK KONG TREATMENT WORKS WHICH SUPPLIED WATER TO THE AREA.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL COST OF THIS PROJECT WAS AROUND $1.1 BILLION AND WORKS WERE SCHEDULED TO START IN APRIL FOR COMPLETION AT THE END OF 1996.

OTHER IMPORTANT PROJECTS STARTING THIS YEAR ARE RELATED TO THE NEW AIRPORT AND NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ON NORTH LANTAU.

ON CHINA WATER SUPPLY, MR HU NOTED THAT ALL CONTRACTS UNDER STAGE I OF THE WORKS TO EXPAND THE CAPACITY OF CHINA WATER RECEPTION AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES HAD BEEN AWARDED.

THE STAGE I WORKS, WHICH ARE ESTIMATED TO COST A TOTAL OF $2.1 BILLION, ARE EXPECTED TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

/"BY THEN, ........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

"BY THEN, COUPLED WITH OUR LONG-TERM AGREEMENT WITH GUANGDONG, HONG KONG WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO FACE THE THREAT OF WATER RESTRICTION FOR MANY YEARS TO COME,” MR HU NOTED.

ON PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT WATER QUALITY, THE DIRECTOR REITERATED THAT ALL RAW WATER FROM CHINA WAS TREATED AND PURIFIED IN THE VARIOUS TREATMENT WORKS IN HONG KONG.

THE QUALITY OF TREATED WATER SUPPLY IN THE TERRITORY CONFORMED TO THE GUIDELINES FOR DRINKING WATER QUALITY RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.

HE ADDED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CLOSELY MONITORING THE QUALITY OF TREATED WATER IN ITS SUPPLY SYSTEM TO ENSURE THE WHOLESOMENESS OF WATER SUPPLIED TO CONSUMERS.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PROBLEM OF DISCOLOURED TAP WATER WAS BASICALLY DUE TO CORROSION OF THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE GALVANISED IRON PIPES COMMONLY USED AS THE ’’INSIDE SERVICE" WITHIN CONSUMERS’ PREMISES.

"REGULAR MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES WILL ENSURE THAT STORAGE TANKS AND WATER SYSTEMS ARE KEPT CLEAN. IF EXISTING PIPES NEED TO BE REPLACED, NON-FERROUS PIPES SHOULD BE USED."

MR HU ADDED THAT THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN REVIEWING THE WATERWORKS REGULATIONS WITH A VIEW TO DISCOURAGING OR EVENTUALLY PROHIBITING THE USE OF GALVANISED IRON PIPES AS THE ’’INSIDE SERVICE".

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

WASTE REDUCTION STUDY COMMISSIONED *******

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO EXAMINE POTENTIAL MEASURES FOR PROMOTING THE REDUCTION OF SOLID WASTE IN THE TERRITORY.

THE STUDY WILL EXPLORE POSSIBLE WAYS FOR PREVENTION, MINIMISATION AND REUSE OF WASTE, AS WELL AS SOURCE SEPARATION, RECOVERY AND RECYCLING OPTIONS.

APPROPRIATE APPLICATION OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE THE BULK OF MUNICIPAL WASTE REQUIRING DISPOSAL WILL ALSO BE EXAMINED.

THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BETWEEN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR MIKE STOKOE, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT HONG KONG, MR CHANDRAN NAIR.

MR STOKOE SAID: ’’THE GOVERNMENT, HAVING DEVELOPED THE THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS AND A NETWORK OF REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS, IS COMMITTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LONG-TERM STRATEGY ON WASTE REDUCTION. ’’

/THE AMOUNT .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

THE AMOUNT OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, COMPRISING DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE, IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE FROM THE CURRENT LEVEL OF 7,900 TONNES A DAY TO OVER 12,000 TONNES A DAY IN 2006.

HE SAID THEREFORE THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED TO CHECK THIS EVER-INCREASING WASTE GROWTH AND CREATE FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES.

THE INITIAL STAGE OF THE WASTE REDUCTION STUDY WILL INVOLVE COMPREHENSIVE SURVEYS TO COLLECT DATA ON CURRENT WASTE DISPOSAL, RECOVERY AND RECYCLING ACTIVITIES.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC PROPOSALS WHICH WILL IDENTIFY SUITABLE INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS, LEGISLATIVE MEASURES, ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS AND WASTE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR TERRITORY-WIDE APPLICATION.

THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $8.6 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN 14 MONTHS AND INITIAL FINDINGS ARE EXPECTED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

0----------

GENEVA MEETING TO DISCUSS REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE *****

COMMENTING ON PRESS REPORTS OF POSSIBLE PLANS TO REVIVE THE NON-OBJECTOR REPATRIATION SCHEME FOR VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS, THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THERE WAS NOTHING NEW TN THIS CONCEPT.

"IT WAS EXAMINED IN THE PAST AND THERE WAS A NON-OBJECTOR FLIGHT IN 1990," HE SAID.

MR BRESNIHAN SAID REPATRIATION WAS ONE OF THE ISSUES ON THE AGENDA FOR THE FORTHCOMING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING IN GENEVA.

"IN THAT CONTEXT, DIFFERENT MODES OF REPATRIATION ARE LIKELY TO BE DISCUSSED," HE ADDED.

ASKED WHETHER HONG KONG WOULD INTRODUCE A NON-OBJECTOR REPATRIATION SCHEME, MR BRESNIHAN SAID THIS QUESTION WAS PREMATURE AND THE ANSWER WOULD CLEARLY DEPEND ON THE OUTCOME OF DISCUSSIONS IN GENEVA.

"IN GENEVA, WE SHALL BE EXPLORING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HOW BEST TO REPATRIATE THE REMAINING SCREENED-OUT VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.

"IN THE MEANTIME, REPORTS THAT THOUSANDS OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN OUR CAMPS WOULD BE SENT HOME AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SOME POSSIBLE NEW INITIATIVE ARE COMPLETELY SPECULATIVE," HE SAID.

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

/8 .....

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

_ 8 -

GOVT DETERMINED TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO TAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BOTH IN CONSTRUCTION SITES ON LAND AND ON MARINE VESSELS ENGAGED IN CONSTRUCTION WORK, TO PROTECT WORKERS.

IN A NEW MOVE TOWARDS THIS END, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAVE SET UP A JOINT TASK FORCE TO STEP UP INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS ON MARINE CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE LIGHT OF THE INCREASE IN SUCH CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES UNDER THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE COVERAGE BY THE JOINT TASK FORCE WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION-ACTIVITIES ALONG THE SHORELINE OR IN THE HARBOUR WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MARINE VESSELS, SUCH AS EXCAVATIONS, DREDGING, RECLAMATION PILING, BUILDING OF SEA-WALLS, CONSTRUCTION OF SUB-STRUCTURES OR SUPERSTRUCTURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

DURING INSPECTIONS AND OPERATIONS, OFFICERS OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS WOULD ENFORCE THE RELEVANT SAFETY LAWS UNDER THEIR ADMINISTRATION TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE WORKMEN ENGAGED IN CONSTRUCTION WORK AND THE CREW OF THE VESSELS ENGAGED IN THESE PROJECTS.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS CONSTRICTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS BEING ENFORCED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE CONTRACTORS WERE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK, INFORMATION ON POTENTIAL HAZARDS, INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION TO WORKERS.

"THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT, TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM INJURIES," HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE SAFETY OF NAVIGATION, SAFETY OF ALL VESSELS, THEIR CREW AND PASSENGERS (IF ANY) AND MATTERS RELATING TO SHIP REPAIRING AND CARGO HANDLING ON BOARD VESSELS AFLOAT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG WATERS.

AS REGARDS ACCIDENTS INVOLVING A MARINE BACKGROUND, OFFICERS FROM THE TWO DEPARTMENTS WOULD CONDUCT JOINT INVESTIGATIONS IF THE CASES SO WARRANTED.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID JOINT INSPECTIONS TO MARINE VESSELS ENGAGED IN CONSTRUCTION WORK HAVE ALREADY BEEN STARTED.

"WE HAVE FOUND IT TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE FOR INSPECTING OFFICERS OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS TO GIVE SAFETY ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO THE QUESTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PERSON-IN-CHARGE ON BOARD THE VESSEL," HE SAID.

"IN ADDITION, INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS MIGHT BE FURTHER ENHANCED DUE TO BETTER UTILISATION OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS," HE ADDED.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

9 -

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED CONTRACTORS AND PERSON-IN-CHARGE OF VESSELS WHO ARE ENGAGED IN MARINE CONSTRUCTION WORK TO OBSERVE THE RELEVANT SAFETY LEGISLATION TO ENSURE WORKERS’ AND CREW MEMBERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH.

WORKERS AND CREW MEMBERS ARE ALSO URGED TO ASSUME A COOPERATIVE ROLE IN TAKING NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM INJURIES.

ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATING TO SAFETY AND HEALTH OR REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS ON BOARD VESSELS ENGAGED IN CONSTRUCTION WORK CAN BE MADE EITHER TO THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION (FID) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 417 6207, 417 6210 OR FID HOTLINE 815 0678 OR TO THE MARINE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SECTION OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 852 4472-3 DURING OFFICE HOURS OR VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE ON TEL 858 2107 AFTER OFFICE HOURS, OR BY FAX THROUGH 541 7194.

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

RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1993 RELEASED *****

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES LAST NOVEMBER, ESTIMATED AT $15 BILLION, INCREASED BY 13% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1992, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 6% IN VOLUME TERMS.

THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A STRONG GROWTH IN SPENDING ON CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR AND CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES.

SALES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR REGISTERED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN NOVEMBER 1993 COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO, 31% IN VALUE AND 21% IN VOLUME.

SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES WENT UP CONSIDERABLY BY 22% IN VALUE AND 18% IN VOLUME.

, •_ ri

SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 16% IN VALUE ’ AND 7% IN VOLUME; AND SALES IN SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 13% IN VALUE AND 6% IN VOLUME.

MODERATE GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES, 10% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME; SALES OF FUELS, 8% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME; AND SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES, 8% IN VALUE AND 1% IN VOLUME.

ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF OTHER FOODSTUFFS DROPPED BY 2% IN VOLUME, DESPITE AN INCREASE OF 4% IN VALUE.

/COMPARING THE .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

10 -

COMPARING THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 13% IN VALUE AND 7% IN VOLUME.

COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1993, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN NOVEMBER 1993 DECREASED BY 2% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME.

THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES IS DERIVED FROM THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES AFTER ADJUSTING FOR PRICE CHANGES. THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS DEFLATORS.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE NOVEMBER 1993 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR OCTOBER 1993 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR NOVEMBER 1993.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 1993 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 THE NOVEMBER 1993 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR OCTOBER 1993 AND WITH THOSE FOR NOVEMBER 1992, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER OF 1993 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

/TABLE 1 : .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Sales for November 1993 (Provisional Figure) ■ H<115,009.7 million for October 1993 (Revised Figure) = H<S15,322.7 million

TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR OCTOBER 1993 AND-NOVEMBER 1993

(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)

Type of outlet Index of Retail Sales October 1993 November 1993 November 1993 November 1993 compared with November 1992 Jan-Nov. 1993 compared with

compare* October d with 1993

Jan-Nov. 1992

(Revised (Provisional Points % Points % Points X

figures) figures)

(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS Value 163.2 159.8 -3.3 -2.0 ♦18.1 ♦12.8 ♦17.6 ♦12.6

Volume 133.9 129.0 -4.9 -3.6 ♦7.2 ♦5.9 ♦8.6 ♦7.0

(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET

Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 132.1 130.3 -1.8 -1.3 ♦5.0 ♦4.0 ♦7.5 ♦6.4

drinks and tobacco Volume 100.5 104.7 ♦4.2 ♦4.1 -2.6 -2.4 ♦1.2 ♦1.3

(other than

supermarkets)

Supermarkets 0 Value Volune 139.4 104.3 132.9 99.6 -6.5 -4.7 -4.7 -4.5 ♦ 15.4 ♦5.8 ♦13.1 ♦6.1 ♦12.6 ♦2.8 ♦9.9 ♦2.7

Value 168.0 150.5 -17.6 -10.4 ♦ 11.2 ♦8.1 ♦11.9 ♦8.7

Vo lune 122.8 110.1 -12.7 -10.3 ♦5.0 ♦4.8 ♦3.9 ♦3.7

Clothing, footwear and allied products Value Volume 201.9 153.4 221.0 158.2 ♦19.1 ♦4.8 ♦9.5 ♦3.1 ♦52.2 ♦27.0 ♦30.9 ♦20.6 ♦47.5 ♦27.1 ♦31.4 ♦21.4

Consumer durable goods Value Volume 175.2 147.8 185.4 155.2 ♦ 10.2 ♦7.4 ♦5.8 ♦5.0 ♦29.6 ♦ 17.2 ♦ 19.0 ♦ 12.5 ♦14.2 ♦6.8 ♦8.8 ♦4.7

Motor vehicles Value 206.9 225.3 ♦ 18.4 ♦8.9 ♦31.1 ♦16.0 ♦2.2 ♦1.1

and parts Volume 157.6 171.8 ♦ 14.3 ♦9.1 ♦ 10.8 ♦6.7 -10.6 -6.5

- Consumer durable Value 152.3 156.6 ♦4.4 ♦2.9 ♦28.5 ♦22.2 ♦23.0 ♦ 16.4

goods other than motor vehicles Volume 140.7 143.2 ♦2.4 ♦ 1.7 ♦21.8 ♦ 18.0 ♦ 19.3 ♦14.5

and parts

Department stores Value Volume 131.2 102.0 144.6 107.5 ♦13.4 ♦5.5 ♦10.2 ♦5.4 ♦ 10.7 ♦0.8 ♦8.0 ♦0.7 ♦ 11.6 ♦2.1 ♦9.0 ♦ 1.9

Jewellery, watches Value 159.7 142.7 -17.0 -10.7 ♦13.1 ♦ 10.1 ♦14.4 ♦10.6

and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 160.3 141.1 -19.2 -12.0 ♦4.9 ♦5.6 ♦ 11.5 +8.3

Other consumer goods not elsewhere Value Volume 200.2 162.6 162.2 131.5 -37.9 -31.1 -18.9 -19.1 ♦4.8 -2.0 ♦3.1 -1.5 ♦23.5 ♦13.0 ♦16.1 ♦10.3

classified

NOTES : 0 Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.

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

/12........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

- 12 -

LUCKY CAR NUMBERS FOR SALE BEFORE LUNAR NEW YEAR * * * * *

A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ARE PUT UP FOR SALE AT A LUNAR NEW YEAR "LUCKY" CAR NUMBER AUCTION ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 5).

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE THEATRE, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX AT 345 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG AT 9.30 AM.

CAR OWNERS WHO WANT TO GRACE THEIR CARS WITH SPECIAL LUCKY NUMBERS TO GREET THE YEAR OF THE DOG SHOULD NOT MISS THIS LUNAR NEW YEAR AUCTION TO BE ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

THE NUMBERS AVAILABLE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1368 FS3333 92 AS 3

XX10 71 HK7 336

230 HK17 79 HK500

HK22 148 FV1 420

187 933 109 XXI 1

FL1 XX99 AA10 74

110 812 116 FF2

DD8888 CP2 HK15 938

700 181 127 BB2222

1380 HK222 AW88 FAS

THE NUMBERS AVAILABLE ARE NOT TRANSFERRABLE.

PREVIOUS LUNAR NEW YEAR AUCTIONS SAW THE AUSPICIOUS NUMBER "8" FETCHED A RECORD HIGH OF $5 MILLION IN 1988 AND "7" WAS SOLD FOR S4.8 MILLION THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

SINCE MAY 1973, A TOTAL OF 212 AUCTIONS HAVE BEEN HELD BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, RAISING ABOUT S237 MILLION FOR THE LOTTERIES FUND.

--------0 - -

USA DOG YEAR STAMP ON SALE IN HK ******

THE YEAR OF THE DOG STAMP ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE (USPS) WILL BE AVAILABLE AT SIX POST OFFICES FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 7).

THE SIX POST OFFICES ARE AT TSIM SHA TSUI, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, GRANVILLE ROAD, SHA TIN CENTRAL, THE PEAK AND THE GENERAL POST OFFICE.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID THIS WAS THE SECOND RELEASE OF LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMP BY THE USPS.

/IN LINE .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

- 13 -

IN LINE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE LAST ISSUE, THE YEAR OF THE DOG STAMP FEATURES A CHINESE PAPER CUT OF A PEKINESE DOG.

THE FACE VALUE OF THE STAMP IS U.S. 29 CENTS. IT IS AVAILABLE IN SHEETS OF 20 STAMPS AT $45.50 A SHEET.

ON FEBRUARY 7, EACH CUSTOMER CAN BUY ONLY FIVE SHEETS.

MR PAGLIARI SAID THE FIRST USPS RELEASE OF LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMP FOR THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER WAS HIGHLY POPULAR BOTH IN HONG KONG AND WORLDWIDE.

"THIS ISSUE OF THE YEAR OF THE DOG STAMP NO DOUBT ENRICHES THE MUCH FAVOURED THEMATIC COLLECTION OF LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMPS,” HE SAID.

A SMALL QUANTITY OF THE USPS "YEAR OF THE ROOSTER" PRODUCTS IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SIX POST OFFICES.

SPRING SCROLLS SPREAD CHILD CARE MESSAGE

******

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED 250,000 COPIES OF FIVE SETS OF SPRING SCROLLS OR "FAI CHUNS" TO PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE OF HOME SAFETY.

COPIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OFFICES OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO PARENTS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE, INSTEAD OF LEAVING YOUNG CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.

"FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN, THEY SHOULD NOT BE LEFT "ALONE AT HOME, EVEN FOR A SHORT WHILE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE DEPARTMENT IS PROVIDING OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE IN 75 CHILD CARE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

THE NURSERIES OFFER SHORT-TERM TEMPORARY CARE AT TWO-HOUR QUARTER-DAY BASIS, CHARGING FEES IN THE RANGE OF $10 TO $15 PER ADMISSION.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE SERVICE MAY CALL THE HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON 836 3114.

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

/14 .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

AMBULANCEMEN PRAISED FOR SAVING LIFE

*****

THREE AMBULANCEMEN WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) COMMENDED BY THEIR CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR MAK KWAI-PUI, FOR SAVING THE LIFE OF AN ELDERLY MAN LAST AUGUST.

IN A CEREMONY HELD IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AMBULANCE DEPOT, MR MAK PRESENTED HIS COMMENDATION TO SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN HUNG HOK-LIN AND FAVOURABLE ENTRIES TO AMBULANCEMEN LAW TAK-CHEUNG AND CHEUNG KWOK-FAI.

THE TRIO RESPONDED TO A CALL ON AUGUST 9 AT CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET WHERE A 62-YEAR-OLD WAS SUFFERING FROM HEART DISEASE.

HAVING FOUND THAT THE PATIENT WAS UNCONSCIOUS, SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN HUNG IMMEDIATELY APPLIED DEFIBRILLATION ON HIM WITH THE HELP OF HIS COLLEAGUES LAW AND CHEUNG UNTIL THE MAN RESTORED HEARTBEAT AND BREATH.

THE MAN WAS LATER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AND WAS DISCHARGED ON NOVEMBER 8.

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

PUBLIC FORUM ON PERFORMING ARTS

*****

THE FOURTH OF A SERIES OF FIVE PUBLIC FORUMS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WORKING GROUP WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 5) FROM 9 AM UNTIL NOON AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBER, 3 EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

THIS FORUM WILL COVER THE PERFORMING ARTS. THE MODERATOR OF THIS FORUM IS MR LEE KIN-CHUN. THE PROGRAMME OF THE FORUM AND LIST OF SPEAKERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

SPEECHES BY SPEAKERS

9 AM - 11 AM MR LO KING MAN

PROF DAVID GWILT

MR LAI KIN

MR TSENG SUN-MAN

MR MATHIAS WOO

MR MAN SAI-CHEONG

MR WONG PO-MING

/Il AM - NOON .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1994

- 15 -

11 AM - NOON RESPONSES FROM FLOOR

MEMBERS OF THE PANEL WILL ANSWER

QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE THEME OF THIS FORUM.

THE WORKING GROUP INVITES AND ENCOURAGES PERFORMING ARTS COMMUNITY AND INTERESTED MEMBERS PUBLIC TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THIS FORUM.

MEMBERS OF THE OF THE GENERAL

OBTAIN FORWARD

THE HONG KONG

FURTHER THE

IN THE 90S AND

THE WORKING GROUP IS ORGANISING THE FORUM TO LOOKING IDEAS AND ON THE SORT OF NEW INITIATIVES THAT ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SHOULD TAKE TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG

BEYOND.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ » * » *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

REVERSAL OF LAF

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

2,766

+1,234

4,000

NIL

-190

3,810

TWI 126.5 »+0.0* 3.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.60 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 100.05 3.74

1 MONTH 2.86 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 101.11 3.91

3 MONTHS 3.00 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 100.15 4 . 10

6 MONTHS 3.14 33 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.20 4.56

12 MONTHS 3.47 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 100.04 4.64

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,516 MN

CLOSED 3 FEBRUARY 1994

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ACCEPTS BEC REPORT .......................... 1

SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS READY FOR APPLICATIONS ..................... 2

ESTATE AGENTS WORKING GROUP DISCUSSES LICENSING SYSTEMS ......... 3

BA TO CONDUCT MID-TERM REVIEW OF ATV AND TVB LICENCES ........... 4

SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION OF URUGUAY ROUND PACKAGE URGED ............ 5

HELICOPTER ACCIDENT REPORT PUBLISHED ............................ 6

U.S. BANK GRANTED LICENCE ....................................... 7

SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 ............ 8

BETTER HOSPITAL SERVICE AHEAD: FS .............................. 12

IMPROVEMENT TO TUEN MUN ROAD ................................... 13

FARE INCREASE FOR TRAM SERVICES ................................ 14

NEW HK OFFICE PREMISES IN BRUSSELS OPEN ........................ 14

THREE GOVT LOTS FOR AUCTION .................................... 15

GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR GOVT APPRENTICES ........................ 16

PARK FACILITIES FOR NT RESIDENTS ............................... 17

SIU SAI WAN TO GET NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL ........................ 18

EXTENSION OF WAI MAN ROAD PROPOSED ............................. 18

PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR SEWAGE TUNNEL WORKS 19

TWO KOWLOON MINIBUS ROUTES RAISE FARES ........................ 20

IMMIGRATION STAFF COMMENDED .................................... 20

328 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME ..................................... 21

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE .............................. 21

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 1 -GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ACCEPTS BEC REPORT *****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) ON THE DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES, THE NUMBER AND THE NAMES OF THE CONSTITUENCIES.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID WITH THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE BEC’S PROPOSALS, THE NUMBER OF DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES WOULD BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 210 TO 346 FOR THE NEXT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER 1994.

THE DECLARATION OF DISTRICTS ORDER 1994 UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE AND THE DECLARATION OF CONSTITUENCIES (DISTRICTS) ORDER 1994 UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE WILL BE GAZETTED ON FEBRUARY 18. THEY WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 23.

"THE BEC HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB AND HAS FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ALL THE VIEWS IT HAS RECEIVED DURING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"IN APPLYING THE STATUTORY CRITERIA IN DEMARCATING CONSTITUENCIES, THE BEC HAS ALSO CONSIDERED THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND LOCAL TIES, AND THE NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE WIDE GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD AND SPECIFIC TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF A DISTRICT OR AN AREA," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ONLY MINOR TECHNICAL CHANGES HAD BEEN MADE TO THE BEC’S FINAL RECOMMENDATION. THESE AMENDMENTS ARE:

* THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARY BETWEEN DI 4 "WONG CHUK HANG" AND D15 "BAYS AREA" IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT IS RE-ADJUSTED SO THAT PART OF ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER AND CERTAIN FACILITIES SUCH AS SHIPYARDS AND MARINA PROVIDING SERVICE TO THE FLOATING COMMUNITY IN ABERDEEN WOULD COME UNDER D14. NO POPULATION IS AFFECTED BY THIS SLIGHT CHANGE.

* AS A RESULT OF THE MINOR ADJUSTMENT TO THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES BETWEEN YAU TSIM MONG AND SHAM SHUI PO; AND SHAM SHUI PO AND KWAI TSING, SOME MINOR CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES BETWEEN E8 "TAI KOK TSUI" AND E9 "SYCAMORE" IN YAU TSIM MONG; BETWEEN F7 "NAM CHEONG WEST", F8 "LAI KOK", F10 "LAI CHI KOK”, Fil "MEI FOO" AND F12 "LAI WAN" IN SHAM SHUI PO; AND BETWEEN S15 "LAI KING" AND S20 "TSING YI SOUTH" IN KWAI TSING ARE NECESSARY. ALL OF THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE ON RECLAIMED LAND WITH NO POPULATION IMPLICATIONS.

* THE NAMES OF CONSTITUENCIES P3 AND P15 IN TAI PO DISTRICT ARE REVISED TO "CHUNG TING" AND "OLD MARKET &

SERENITY" RESPECTIVELY TO REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE GEOGRAPHICAL IDENTITY OF THE AREAS CONCERNED.

/* CONSTITUENCY J17 ........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

♦ CONSTITUENCY J17 IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT IS RENAMED ’’KWONG TAK” .

* A TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR ON THE MAP DB/94/R IN THE NAME FOR CONSTITUENCY R27 ”KENG HAU” IN SHA TIN DISTRICT IS RECTIFIED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID COPIES OF THE STATUTORY MAPS SHOWING THE DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1994 ELECTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AFTER GAZETTING THE TWO ORDERS ON FEBRUARY 18.

COPIES WILL BE PLACED AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES; CNTA HEADQUARTERS AT SOUTHORN CENTRE, 30TH FLOOR; THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR; AND THE MARKETING DIVISION OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, CENTRAL.

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

SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS READY FOR APPLICATIONS *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS LAUNCHING THE SENIOR CITIZEN CARD SCHEME AS FROM APRIL THIS YEAR, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS JACQUELINE WILLIS, SAID.

THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME IS TO FACILITATE ACCESS BY ELDERLY PEOPLE TO CONCESSIONARY FARES, PRIORITY TREATMENT AND DISCOUNTS OFFERED BY LOCAL COMPANIES AND ESTABLISHMENTS, AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE SUCH COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME.

SPEAKING AT THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH LUNCHEON TODAY (FRIDAY), MISS WILLIS SAID THE CARDS WOULD BE ISSUED FREE OF CHARGE TO ALL ELDERLY PERSONS AGED 65 AND ABOVE UPON APPLICATION.

THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR THE CARD IS SIMPLE.

ALL THE APPLICANT HAS TO DO IS TO FILL IN A SIMPLE FORM AND SEND IT TO THE SENIOR CITIZEN CARD OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH A PHOTOGRAPH AND A PHOTOCOPY OF HIS OR HER HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD.

APPLICATION BY MAIL IS ALSO ACCEPTABLE.

ABOUT 400,000 ELDERLY PERSONS ARE EXPECTED TO APPLY FOR THE CARD IN THE FIRST YEAR AND ABOUT 130,000 ELDERLY PERSONS WILL APPLY IN EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR.

THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE HAS PERSONALLY WRITTEN TO ABOUT 600 COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING DEPARTMENT STORES, BANKS, CINEMAS, RESTAURANTS, TRAVEL AGENTS, AIRLINES, HOTELS, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES COMPANIES, TRANSPORT COMPANIES, SPORTS COMPANIES, SUPERMARKETS, CLINICS AND SO ON. SOME OF THEM HAVE ALREADY INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT.

/PARTICIPATING COMPANIES .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 3 -

PARTICIPATING COMPANIES OR ORGANISATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH COPIES OF A LOGO TO STICK ON THEIR SHOW WINDOWS FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSE. A HANDBOOK WILL ALSO BE ISSUED LISTING OUT ALL THEIR NAMES AND OFFERS.

MISS WILLIS APPEALED TO ALL BUSINESSMEN, MANAGERS, PROFESSIONALS, DIRECTORS OF COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME.

ON THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, MISS WILLIS SAID THE PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION AGED 60 AND ABOVE WAS EXPECTED TO RISE FROM 716,901 (13 PER CENT) IN 1991 TO 1,172,400 (18.1 PER CENT) IN 2011 DUE TO THE GOOD HEALTH STATUS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

A MAN AGED 60 IN 1991 CAN EXPECT TO LIVE ANOTHER 19.2 YEARS AND LIFE EXPECTANCY IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER IN THE YEAR 2011 TO ANOTHER 20.8 YEARS.

FOR A WOMAN, THE LIFE EXPECTANCY AT 60 IS EVEN LONGER; IN 1991 ANOTHER 23.4 YEARS AND IN 2011 ANOTHER 24.8 YEARS.

TO MEET THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE, THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY TO CARRY OUT AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF ALL THE SERVICES PROVIDED AND TO FORMULATE A STRATEGY FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES.

THE REVIEW WILL COVER COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES, SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, MEDICAL SERVICES, HOUSING NEEDS AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

THE WORKING GROUP WILL REPORT BACK TO THE GOVERNOR IN AUGUST, MISS WILLIS SAID.

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

ESTATE AGENTS WORKING GROUP DISCUSSES LICENSING SYSTEMS * ♦ * ♦ *

THE WORKING GROUP ON REGULATION OF ESTATE AGENTS HAS AGREED THAT THE OPTION OF ESTABLISHING A REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR THE TRADE SHOULD BE EXPLORED FURTHER AFTER DISCUSSING THE PROS AND CONS OF VARIOUS OPTIONS.

AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS DISCUSSED THE FEASIBILITY OF FORMING A REGULATORY AUTHORITY WITH LEGISLATIVE BACKING AND AGREED TO CONTINUE THEIR DISCUSSIONS AT THE NEXT MEETING.

THE WORKING GROUP NOTED THAT THE LICENSING OPTION WILL SERVE THE PURPOSES OF SANCTIONING DISHONEST AND INCOMPETENT AGENTS ON ONE HAND AND RAISING THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD OF THE TRADE ON THE OTHER HAND.

PUBLIC INTEREST WILL BE SAFEGUARDED WITH AN ASSURANCE THAT THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE TRADE WILL MEET A REQUIRED STANDARD. SIMILAR LICENSING SYSTEMS ARE IN USE IN CANADA, USA AND AUSTRALIA.

/AT THE .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

AT THE MEETING, MR LEO KWAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, BRIEFED MEMBERS ABOUT HIS RECENT DUTY VISIT TO SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPERATION OF REGULATORY SYSTEMS FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS THERE.

HE DESCRIBED THE TRIP AS VERY FRUITFUL AND REWARDING.

DURING THE VISIT, HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF THE REGULATORY BODIES AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRADE THERE.

HE FELT THAT THE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE COULD BECOME A USEFUL POINT OF REFERENCE FOR SETTING UP A REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR ESTATE AGENTS HERE.

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

BA TO CONDUCT MID-TERM REVIEW OF ATV AND TVB LICENCES

******

THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS WORK PLAN FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE ATV AND TVB LICENCES THIS YEAR.

THE CHAIRMAN OF BA, SIR ROGER LOBO, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE: ’’THE LICENCES OF ATV AND TVB WERE RENEWED IN DECEMBER 1988 FOR A TERM OF 12 YEARS EXPIRING IN DECEMBER 2000.

"BOTH LICENCES CARRY A CONDITION STATING THAT THEY ARE SUBJECT TO RENEWAL BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ON A DATE TO BE DETERMINED BUT NOT BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1994."

BA IS THE STATUTORY BODY THAT REGULATES THE TELEVISION BROADCASTERS.

IT WILL BE CONCENTRATING ON EVALUATING THE LICENSEES’ PERFORMANCE VIS-A-VIS THE VARIOUS STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND LICENSING CONDITIONS AND WILL CONSIDER WHETHER ANY CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE TO THESE CONDITIONS.

TO ACHIEVE THIS, BA WILL SOLICIT PUBLIC OPINION, ANALYSE INFORMATION AND STATISTICS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND REGULATORY BODIES INVOLVED IN MONITORING THE LICENSEES, AND INVITE SUBMISSIONS FROM THE LICENSEES THEMSELVES.

"AS TELEVISION VIEWING IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST POPULAR LEISURE ACTIVITIES, WE WARMLY WELCOME PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCESS," SIR ROGER SAID.

BA WILL BE HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS AROUND THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.

THE NUMBER OF SESSIONS HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED, BUT A MINIMUM OF THREE WILL BE HELD COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO ALLOW AS MANY PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE AS POSSIBLE. MORE DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED NEARER THE TIME.

/A MEMBER .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 5 -

A MEMBER OF BA, DR KENNETH LEUNG, IS STEERING A TELEVISION BROADCASTING SURVEY.

DR LEUNG SAID: ’’THE SURVEY IS AIMED AT COLLECTING PUBLIC OPINION ON BROAD AND GENERAL ISSUES RELATING TO WIRELESS TELEVISION PROGRAMME AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS, AND THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF SUCH BROADCASTING IN HONG KONG.”

THESE SURVEYS ARE CONDUCTED REGULARLY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO BA AND THE ADMINISTRATION AS TO THE CHANGING NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF VIEWERS.

THE SURVEY IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH COMPANY, USING A SAMPLE OF 2,000 HOUSEHOLDS.

WHILE THE FIELDWORK HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED, THE FINAL REPORT WOULD BE READY BY THE END OF MARCH AND THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED AT A LATER DATE.

"THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY PLUS THE ISSUES BROUGHT UP IN THE PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER WITH THE STATISTICS AND INFORMATION COLLECTED FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW, PRIOR TO DETERMINING WHETHER AMENDMENTS, IF ANY, ARE NEEDED TO THE CURRENT LICENSING CONDITIONS AND BA’S PROGRAMME AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS," SIR ROGER SAID.

THE WHOLE PROCESS WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

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

SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION *

OF URUGUAY ROUND PACKAGE URGED » ♦ * » *

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, HAS CALLED FOR A SPEEDY AND EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND PACKAGE.

SPEAKING AT THE LUNCH MEETING OF THE CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN POLICY STUDIES ON THURSDAY {BRUSSELS TIME), MR CHAU SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO CONSOLIDATE AND BUILD ON THE SUCCESS OF THE URUGUAY ROUND IN A DETERMINED WAY.

"IF WE DO NOT MOVE QUICKLY ON THIS SUCCESS TO FOSTER A POLITICAL CLIMATE FOR CHANGE, IN SUPPORT OF CONTINUING TO ROLL BACK BARRIERS AND SUBSIDIES, WE WILL LOSE MOMENTUM,’’ HE SAID.

MR CHAU SAID A CRUCIAL PART OF THIS WAS THE SETTING UP OF A WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO) WHICH WAS BOTH STRONG AND EFFECTIVE.

"IF THE WTO IS TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY, IT MUST HAVE THE STATURE THAT COMES WITH A RESPECT FOR ITS RULES AND A WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT ITS DECISIONS AND RULINGS BY ALL OF ITS MEMBERS, LARGE AND SMALL," HE NOTED.

/ON THE .......

FRIDAY, FEBDRUARY 4, 1994

ON THE ARGUMENTS OVER CHINA'S MOST FAVOURED NATION TRADING STATUS IN THE UNITED STATES, MR CHAU STRESSED THAT TRADE ISSUES SHOULD NOT BE POLITICISED.

TRADE POLICY INSTRUMENTS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ACHIEVE NONTRADE OBJECTIVES, AND NON-TRADE MEASURES SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO IMPEDE FREE TRADE, HE SAID.

’’FREEING UP TRADE PRODUCES BENEFITS TO ALL. IMPROVEMENTS TO SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ARE DESIRABLE. THEY CAN BE ACHIEVED IN PART THROUGH IMPROVEMENTS TO LIVING STANDARDS WHICH. .FLOW FROM PROSPERITY, BUT THEY SHOULD BE DEALT WITH ON THEIR OWN MERITS AND CO-ORDINATED INTERNALLY ON THEIR OWN MERITS.

”AS IT HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED IN COMMUNITY AFTER COMMUNITY IN EAST ASIA, IT IS POSSIBLE TO BELIEVE IN FREE TRADE AND OPEN MARKETS, AND ON THE BACK OF THAT, TO INCREASE NOT ONLY THE INDIVIDUAL PROSPERITY OF ORDINARY PEOPLE, BUT ALSO THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE AS WELL.

"IF THERE IS A LESSON TO BE DRAWN FROM THE ECONOMIC SUCCESS OF EAST ASIA, IT IS THAT FREE TRADE AND OPEN MARKET ENGENDER FREE, OPEN AND PLURAL SOCIETIES," MR CHAU SAID.

- - 0 - -

HELICOPTER ACCIDENT REPORT PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ * * »

A REPORT ON A HELICOPTER ACCIDENT NEAR SIU LANG SHUI, CASTLE PEAK, ON MAY 21, 1992 WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF ACCIDENTS.

THE PILOT WAS KILLED AND A PASSENGER WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER THE HELICOPTER, OWNED AND OPERATED BY HELISERVICES (HONG KONG) LTD, CRASHED ONTO A HILLSLOPE.

AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE HELICOPTER WAS TRANSPORTING A PIECE OF HEAVY DRILLING EQUIPMENT WEIGHING 962 KILOGRAMS SLUNG ON AN 18-METRE CABLE AND CHAIN.

THE REPORT CONCLUDED THAT THE HELICOPTER WAS BEING OPERATED VERY CLOSE TO OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE MAXIMUM TOTAL WEIGHT AUTHORISED AND WAS TRANSITIONED FROM THE HOVER POSITION TO FORWARD FLIGHT IN A DOWNWIND DIRECTION,

’’DURING THIS MANOEUVRE THE UNDERSLUNG LOAD SNAGGED ON A BUSH AND ON BREAKING FREE WAS SET IN PENDULUM MOTION," THE REPORT STATED.

"THE MOTION GENERATED A VARYING CENTRIFUGAL FORCE ON’THE CARGO CHAIN RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT AND DRASTIC CHANGES IN THE FORCES ACTING ON THE HELICOPTER."

THESE FACTORS GAVE RISE TO CONTROL PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSED THE HEAVILY LOADED HELICOPTER TO GO OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASH.

/FOUR SAFETY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

FOUR SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE REPORT ALL RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF OPERATORS TO ENSURE ADHERENCE TO SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

IN ADDITION, THE REPORT REVEALED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THE HELICOPTER HAVING ANY PRE-EXISTING DEFECT WHICH COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.

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

U.S. BANK GRANTED LICENCE ♦ * * * *

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY (SSBTC) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

SSBTC IS THE 40TH LARGEST BANK IN THE USA AND 272ND IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.

IT IS A SPECIALIST BANK WHICH CONCENTRATES ON GLOBAL CUSTODY, MUTUAL FUND, ASSET MANAGEMENT AND TRUSTEE BUSINESS.

THE INSTITUTION’S PRESENCE IN HONG KONG BEGAN AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY IN SEPTEMBER 1981 THROUGH STATE STREET ASIA LTD (SSAL).

IN SEPTEMBER 1988, SSAL BECAME A RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK.

THE RESTRICTED BANKING LICENCE OF SSAL WAS TRANSFERRED IN AUGUST 1990 TO ITS PARENT BANK, SSBTC, TO ENABLE THE RESTRICTED LICENCE BANK TO BE OPERATED IN BRANCH FORM.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

THE LICENCE FOR SSBTC IS THE FIRST BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.

THERE ARE NOW 173 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 141 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.

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

/8........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 8 -

SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 ******

IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993, 8,491 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 39.4 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARRIVED AT HONG KONG.

THIS INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT, JULY - SEPTEMBER 1993" PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE FIGURES REFLECT AN INCREASE OF 16% IN NUMBER OF VESSELS AND 18% IN CAPACITY OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992.

I •; $?. ■

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 8,656 OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 39.6 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 15% IN NUMBER AND 18% IN CAPACITY OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992. ’

IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 17.6 MILLION TONNES, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 15% OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT', WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 7.5 MILLION TONNES, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 16%.

OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, 86% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE SEABORNE IMPORTS AND 14% WERE SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, AND 45% JN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE CONTAINERISED CARGO.

OF THOSE LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, 68% IN TERMS' OF TONNAGE WERE SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) AND 32% WERE SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, AND 85% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE CONTAINERISED CARGO.

THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.

IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993, THE TOP FIVE COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS (INCLUDING SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT) WERE SINGAPORE (WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 16% IN TONNAGE TERMS), JAPAN (13%), CHINA (11%), TAIWAN (11%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA (10%). ‘ >

THE TOP FIVE COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS (INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT) WERE THE USA (22%), CHINA (18%), TAIWAN (9%), SINGAPORE (4%) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (4%).

THE TOP FIVE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS IN TONNAGE INCLUDE PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 19%); COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (17%); IRON AND STEEL (9%); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (7%); AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (5%).

/THE TOP .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

THE TOP FIVE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEANGOING VESSELS INCLUDE MACHINERY (10%); OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (10%); OTHER MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (8%); TOYS (8%); AND ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (7%) .

CHANGES IN THE TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED AND LOADED ANALYSED BY THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF LOADING AND DISCHARGE BETWEEN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 ARE SHOWN RESPECTIVELY IN TABLE 2 AND TABLE 3.

SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR CARGO DISCHARGED AND LOADED ANALYSED BY THE TOP 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES ARE SHOWN RESPECTIVELY IN TABLE 4 AND TABLE 5.

STARTING FROM 1993, OCEAN-GOING VESSELS HAVE BEEN REDEFINED AS ALL VESSELS OPERATING BEYOND THE RIVER TRADE LIMITS.

IN CALCULATING THE YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGES, SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR 1992 HAVE BEEN RE-COMPILED BASED ON THE NEW DEFINITION.

SHIPPING STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIP MASTERS OR AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS AND COVER ALL OCEANGOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT.

CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ARE COMPILED FROM A SAMPLE OF CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE SAMPLING METHOD IS DESCRIBED IN THE EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE REPORT.

MORE DETAILS OF SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 ARE CONTAINED IN THE ’HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT, JULY - SEPTEMBER 1993'.

THIS REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT $44.50 A COPY.

ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4887.

/TABLE 1: .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS

% 3RD QUARTER 1993 CHANGE OVER 3RD QUARTER 1992

INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSEL

NUMBER 8,491 + 16

CAPACITY (MN NRT) 39.4 + 18

CARGO DISCHARGED (MN TONNE) 17.6 (45) + 15

SEABORNE IMPORTS (MN TONNE) 15.1 (38) + 14

SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT (MN TONNE) 2.5 (88) + 22

OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSEL

NUMBER 8,656 + 15

CAPACITY (MN NRT) 39.6 + 18

CARGO LOADED (MN TONNE) 7.5 (85) + 16

SEABORNE EXPORTS (MN TONNE) 5.2 (80) + 20

(INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS)

SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT (MN TONNE) 2.4 (96) + 8

NOTES: (I) FIGURES IN BRACKETS DENOTE THE EXTENT OF CONTAINERISATION IN PERCENTAGE.

(II) STARTING FROM 1993, OCEAN-GOING VESSELS HAVE BEEN REDEFINED AS ALL VESSELS OPERATING BEYOND THE RIVER TRADE LIMITS. IN CALCULATING THE YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGES, STATISTICS FOR 1992 HAVE BEEN RECOMPILED BASED ON THE NEW DEFINITION.

TABLE 2: CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS

BY THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF LOADING

COUNTRY OF LOADING 3RD QUARTER 1993 % CHANGE OVER 3RD QUARTER 1992

('000 TONNE)

SINGAPORE 2,775 + 52

JAPAN 2,252 + 12

CHINA 2,000 + 2

TAIWAN 1,900 + 31

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 1,745 + 15

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,202 -7

USA 1,178 + 4

AUSTRALIA 923 + 9

THAILAND 392 + 40

INDONESIA 386 -57

NOTES: (I) CARGO DISCHARGED INCLUDES SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT.

/TABLE 3: .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

TABLE 3: CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS BY THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE

COUNTRY OF DISCHARGE 3RD QUARTER 1993 % CHANGE OVER 3RD QUARTER 1992

('000 TONNE)

USA 1,683 + 11

CHINA 1,385 + 54

TAIWAN 700 + 12

SINGAPORE 315 +1

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY 308 + 8

JAPAN 306 -4

NETHERLANDS 295 + 29

UNITED KINGDOM 225 + 13

PHILIPPINES 202 + 9

SPAIN 149 + 32

NOTES: (I) CARGO LOADED INCLUDES SEABORNE EXPORTS AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT.

TABLE 4: CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS

BY THE TOP 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES

COMMODITY GROUP 3RD QUARTER 1993 % CHANGE OVER 3RD QUARTER 1992

(’000 TONNE)

PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 3,285 + 23

COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES 3,013 -1 2

IRON AND STEEL 1 ,583 + 74

ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS 1 , 280 + 25

PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS 874 + 23 + 14

MACHINERY 845

OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL 838 + 57

CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER 694 + 11

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 4 57 + 9

STONE, SAND AND GRAVEL 441 + 16

(I) CARGO DISCHARGED INCLUDES SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT.

/TABLE 5: .

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 12 -

TABLE 5: CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS BY THE TOP 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES

3RD QUARTER % CHANGE OVER

COMMODITY GROUP 1993 3RD QUARTER 1992

( *000 TONNE)

MACHINERY 785 + 8

OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED 739 + 22

CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL

OTHER MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 620 + 20

TOYS 602 + 10

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING 510 + 12

ACCESSORIES

PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 409 + 175

AND RELATED MATERIALS

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP 396 + 32

ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS

FOOTWEAR 288 + 32

CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS 268 + 26

OTHER CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 227 -1

NOTES: (I) CARGO LOADED INCLUDES SEABORNE EXPORTS AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT.

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

BETTER HOSPITAL SERVICE AHEAD: FS

THE QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE FOR RESIDENTS OF NEW TERRITORIES NORTH AND THOSE NEARBY WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED WHEN THE NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN FANLING IS COMPLETED BY MID-1997, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT Till' NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY, SIR HAMISH SAID UPON FULL COMM ISSION I NG, THE $1.7 BILLION HOSPITAL WOULD HAVE 6 18 BEDS OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL FACILITIES.

THESE INCLUDE ACCIDENT \NI) EMERGENCY UNITS, A SPECIALIST OUTPATIENT CLINIC, A DAY PROCEDURE CENTRE AND TWO DAY HOSPITALS FOR PSYCHIATRIC AND GERIATRIC PATIENTS.

/SIR HAMISH .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 13 -

SIR HAMISH SAID HONG KONG WAS UNDERGOING RAPID DEVELOPMENT WITH MANY OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

’’THE POPULATION IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE BY 31 PER CENT BETWEEN NOW AND 2000.

”OUR DECISION TO BUILD THE NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL RECOGNISES THE GROWING DEMAND FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES IN THIS REGION,” HE SAID.

SIR HAMISH SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CAREFULLY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT.

”A STEERING COMMITTEE UNDER THE JOINT CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO OVERSEE PROGRESS O THE PROJECT AND TO EXPEDITE ANY DECISIONS REQUIRED,” HE SAID.

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

IMPROVEMENT TO TUEN MUN ROAD

*****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED A PROJECT TO IMPROVE TUEN MUN ROAD.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES WIDENING THE ROAD AT FOUR UPHILL SECTIONS OF THE TSUEN WAN-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY TO PROVIDE ONE ADDITIONAL LANE FOR SLOW MOVING HEAVY VEHICLES.

A FULL LANE-WIDTH HARD SHOULDER AND A VERGE FOR STREET LIGHTING, TRAFFIC' SIGNS AND EMERGENCY TELEPHONES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.

THE FOUR SECTIONS ARE AT SAM SHING HUT, SO KWUN WAT, TAT LAM AND TING KAU. TRAFFIC CONGESTION WAS ALREADY BEING EXPERIENCED IN THE MORNING RUSH HOURS AT THESE SECTIONS OF THE TSUEN WAN-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY.

THE SITUATION WOULD CONTINUE TO WORSEN UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE COUNTRI PARK SECTION Ol ROUTE 3 IN LATE 1998. AS SUCH, THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO IMPROVE TUEN MUN ROAD.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CLIMBING LANES WILL BRING THE CAPACITY OF THE UPHILL SECTIONS UP TO THE SAME CAPACITY AS THE LEVEL SECTIONS THUS INCREASING THE OVERALL CAPACITY OF THE ROAD BY 15 PER CENT.

THE PROJECT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER \ ’’DESIGN AND BUILD” CONTRACT SO THAT WORKS CAN START AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START TN LATE MAY AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1996.

A NOTICE ABOUT THE AUTHORISATION OF THE PROJECT RY THE GOVERNOR TN COUNCIL WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

/14 ........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 14 -

FARE INCREASE FOR TRAM SERVICES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FARE FOR TRAM SERVICES WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1 TO $1.20 PER SINGLE JOURNEY STARTING THIS SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 6).

CONCESSIONARY HALF FARE WILL BE GIVEN TO PERSONS OF 65 YEARS OR MORE.

MONTHLY TICKETS WILL BE CHARGED AT $100.

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

NEW HK OFFICE PREMISES IN BRUSSELS OPEN

THE NEW PREMISES OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN BRUSSELS WERE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON FEBRUARY 3 (THURSDAY, BRUSSELS TIME).

THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF THE OFFICE OVER THE YEARS HAD GIVEN RISE TO THE NEED FOR MORE SPACIOUS OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.

THE COST OF ACQUIRING THE PREMISES WAS ABOUT HK$9.9 MILLION.

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T II CHAU, OFFICIATED AT ITS OPENING CEREMONY.

HE SAID THE PURCHASE OF THE NEW PREMISES WAS A CLEAR MANIFESTATION OF THE IMPORTANCE HONG KONG ATTACHED TO ITS ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN BRUSSELS, THE CAPITAL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, AND TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ITS ECONOMIC AND TRADE LINKS WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION.

HONG KONG WAS ALSO OF GROWING IMPORTANCE TO THE EUROPEAN UNION AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA, HF SAID.

"I AM SURE I HA I AS EUROPE JOINS THE REST Ol THE DEVELOPED WORLD TO TAP THE RICH OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT PRESENTED BY CHINA, OUR IMPORTANCE TO THE EUROPEAN UNION AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA, AS A SOURCE OF EXPERTISE FOR DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA AND AS A BUSINESS SERVICES CENTRE FOR TRADING AND INVESTING IN CHINA, WILL BECOME EVEN MORI PROMINENT/' HE ‘AID.

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

/15 .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 15 -

THREE GOVT LOTS FOR AUCTION * * * * *

THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ON MARCH 1 (TUESDAY).

THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE FIRST LOT LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF FARM ROAD AND MA TAU WAI ROAD, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,059 SQUARE METRES.

IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE AND DAY NURSERY USE.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 22,500 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1998.

THE SECOND LOT, SITUATED AT AREA 4C, TUEN MUN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,877 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 15,600 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31. 1998.

THE THIRD LOT, AT AREA 7, TAI PO, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 18,490 SQUARE METRES, ALSO FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.

THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 26,626 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1998.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THF LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD: AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAH MA TEI '’ARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

SALE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE OFFICES.

CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUFN LONG, TSUF.N WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

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

/16........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 16 -

GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR GOVT APPRENTICES * * * » *

WITH MANY MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS EITHER UNDER WAY OR STARTING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THERE ARE A LOT OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECHNICAL STAFF IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

OFFICIATING AT A GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR GOVERNMENT CRAFT APPRENTICES, MR HU SAID HONG KONG’S RAPID INTEGRATION INTO THE ECONOMY OF CHINA HAD ALSO CREATED A STRONG DEMAND FOR TRAINED TECHNICAL PERSONNEL.

GRADUATING TODAY ARE 47 CRAFT APPRENTICES WHO HAVE ACQUIRED A PARTICULAR SKILL AND ARE PROFICIENT IN THEIR OWN TRADE.

MR HU SAID THEY WOULD FORMALLY BECOME PART OF HONG KONG’S MOST VALUABLE ASSET - AN INDUSTRIOUS, INTELLIGENT AND INNOVATIVE WORK FORCE - AND WOULD HELP TO BUILD A BETTER HONG KONG.

HE ENCOURAGED THEM TO CONTINUE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BROADEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND TO KEEP UP WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES IN THEIR FIELDS.

"YOU WILL FIND IT REWARDING IN YOUR FUTURE CAREER," MR HU SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT A NUMBER OF PAST GRADUATES HAD PROGRESSED TO HIGH POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

"THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTION TO ALL OF YOU HERE AS LONG AS KEENNESS AND UNFAILING EFFORT ARE MAINTAINED," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT CRAFT APPRENTICES TRAINING SCHEME IS RUN BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

IT HAS A HISTORY OF MORE THAN 20 YEARS WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING TRAINED CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS WELL AS TO MEET THE EVER-INCREASING DEMAND OF THE INDUSTRIES AT LARGE IN HONG KONG.

SELECTED CANDIDATES UNDERGO A FOUR-YEAR TRAINING COURSE WHICH COMBINES AN APPROPRIATE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC LEARNING WITH PRACTICAL TRAINING.

THE PRESENT ANNUAL RECRUITMENT FIGURE FOR CRAFT APPRENTICES IS 100 THROUGH TWO INTAKES AT A SIX-MONTH INTERVAL. AT PRESENT, 308 CRAFT APPRENTICES ARE RECEIVING TRAINING UNDER THE SCHEME.

"SINCE THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED IN 1969, MORE THAN 2,000 CRAFTSMEN HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING AND ARE MAKING A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE DIVERSIFIED ENGINEERING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG," MR HU SAID.

-----0 - -

/17........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 17 -

PARK FACILITIES FOR NT RESIDENTS

******

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES NORTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE FACILITIES IN THE TIN SHUI WAI PARK.

SEVEN TENNIS COURTS, TWO BASKETBALL CUM VOLLEY BALL COURTS, PERGOLAS AND SITTING AREAS WILL BE BUILT AT THE EASTERN PORTION OF THE PARK.

THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT 13 MONTHS.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROJECT’S SUPERVISOR, EBC HASSELL LIMITED, 18TH FLOOR, PHOENIX TOWER, 8 CANAL ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.

THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON MARCH 4.

MEANWHILE, THE OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR OPEN SPACES IN AREA 7 OF SHEUNG SHUI/FANLING NEW TOWN.

THE OPEN SPACES WILL BE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

* A 0.54-HECTARE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF LUNG SUM AVENUE AND JOCKEY CLUB ROAD;

» AN L-SHAPED AREA OF 0.25 HECTARE FRONTING ROAD 7/2 AND JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, AND ADJOINING A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ESTATE;

* TWO SITES OF 0.14 HECTARE AND 0.68 HECTARE NEXT TO THE FUTURE REGIONAL COUNCIL COMPLEX.

EACH OPEN SPACE WILL EMBODY OPEN SQUARE, SITTING-OUT AREAS, WATER CASCADE, ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPING AREAS.

THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN APRIL FOR COMPLETION IN 12 MONTHS.

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM URBIS TRAVERS MORGAN LIMITED, FIRST FLOOR, LOK MOON COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 29 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.

THE TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON FEBRUARY' 25.

ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I GROUP B OR C FOR BUILDING WORKS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT TENDERS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS.

NOTICES OF THE TENDER INVITATIONS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

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

Z18........

ERJDAY, FEBRUARY I, 1994

- 18 -

SIU SAI WAN TO GET NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL ♦ * * * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SIU SAI WAN.

THE NEW SCHOOL WILL BE USED FOR THE PARTIAL REPROVISIONING OF LINGNAN SECONDARY SCHOOL.

ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT STANDARD DESIGN, THE SCHOOL WILL HAVE A MAIN TEACHING BLOCK, A BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS, AN ASSEMBLY HALL, SEPARATE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND STAFF QUARTERS.

THE MAIN TEACHING BLOCK WILL CONTAIN 26 CLASSROOMS, A LIBRARY, A COMPUTER ROOM, STAFF ROOMS, ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS.

THE BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS WILL HOUSE FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS.

THE SCHOOL WILL ALSO HAVE A BASKETBALL COURT, A COVERED PLAY AREA, A CAR PARK AND A PLANTING AREA.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL FOR COMPLETION TN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MARCH 4.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THE 34TH FLOOR OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

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

EXTENSION OF WAI MAN ROAD PROPOSED

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO EXTEND WAI MAN ROAD IN SAI KUNG TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO A PROPOSED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 220-METRE-LONG, 7.3-METRE-WIDE ACCESS ROAD AND A 2.75-METRE-WIDE FOOTPATH.

IT ALSO INCLUDES BUILDING A 150-METRE-LONG, 2.75-METRE-WIDE FOOTPATH LINKING WAI MAN ROAD AND THE PROMENADE.

THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER. FOR COMPLETION IN EIGHT MONTHS.

A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

/THE PLAN .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 19 -

THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:

* THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; AND

♦ THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG

GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG; AND

* SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, SAI KUNG

GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG.

ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN APRIL 5, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.

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

PREQUALIFTCATION SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR SEWAGE TUNNEL WORKS *****

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FOR TWO WORKS CONTRACTS UNDER THE STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.

THE FIRST CONTRACT COMPRISES CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SEWAGE TUNNELS, TWO DEEP DROP SHAFTS, AND COMPLETION OF THREE DEEP PRODUCTION SHAFTS IN CHAI WAN, SHAU KEI WAN, TSKUNG KWAN O AND KWUN TONG.

THE SECOND CONTRACT COMPRISES CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR SEWAGE TUNNELS, THREE DEEP DROP SHAFTS, A PUMPING STATION INTERNAL STRUCTURE AND COMPLETION OF FOUR DEEP PRODUCTION DRAFTS IN KWAI CHUNG, TSING YI, STONECUTTERS ISLAND, KOWLOON AND KWUN TONG.

THE TOTAL LENGTH OF THE TUNNELS UNDER THE FIRST CONTRACT IS ABOUT 10,335 METRES WHILE THAT OF THE SECOND CONTRACT TUNNELS IS 13,425 METRES.

A NOTICE INVITING PREQUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

ONLY CONTRACTORS WITH EXPERIENCE OF TBM TUNNELLING IN HARD ROCK AND CONSTRUCTING SHAFTS DEEPER THAN 100 METRES ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM THE PROJECT’S CONSULTANT, MONTGOMERY WATSON HONG KONG LIMITED, 1911 WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS IS NOON ON MARCH 18.

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

/20 .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

20 -

TWO KOWLOON MINIBUS ROUTES RAISE FARES

******

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 6), THE FARES OF KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 3 AND 8 WILL BE INCREASED AS FOLLOWS:

ROUTE 3 (TSIM SHA TSUI (HANKOW ROAD) TO TAI TUNG SUN CHUEN)

NEW FARE OLD FARE

TSIM SHA TSUI (HANKOW ROAD) TO TAI TUNG SUN CHUEN

RECLAMATION STREET/WATERLOO ROAD TO

TAI TUNG SUN CHUEN/TSIM SHA TSUI (HANKOW ROAD)

$3 $2.80

(FULL FARE)

$2 $1.70

(SECTION FARE)

ROUTE 8 (TSIM SHA TSUI (MIDDLE ROAD) TO HO MAN TIN ESTATE)

NEW FARE OLD FARE

TSIM SHA TSUI (MIDDLE ROAD) ESTATE/CHUNG HAU STREET

TO ^HO MAN TIN

MA TAU WAI ROAD TO TSIM SHA TSUI (MIDDLE ROAD)/ HO MAN TIN ESTATE/CHUNG HAU STREET

$3.50 $3.20

(FULL FARE)

$2.30 $2

(SECTION FARE)

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

IMMIGRATION STAFF COMMENDED * * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR LAURENCE LEUNG MTNG-YIN, PRESENTED COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES TO 62 STAFF MEMBERS AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

MR LEUNG SAID THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAD EXPERIENCED AGAIN A VERY BUSY TIME IN THE PAST YEAR.

’’THE DRAMATIC UPSURGE IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT CONTROL POINTS AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) CONVERSSON EXERCISE HAVE ADDED FURTHER STRAIN TO OUR ALREADY OVERSTRETCHED RESOURCES.

’’DESPITE THE VERY HEAVY WORKLOAD, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN A HIGH VIGILANCE OVER THE USE OF FORGED DOCUMENTS."

/LAST YEAR, .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

- 21 -

LAST YEAR, 2,347 FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WERE DETECTED.

MR LEUNG CONGRATULATED THE RECIPIENTS, STATING THAT DESPITE THE EVER-INCREASING WORKLOAD, THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED A HIGH DEGREE OF PROFESSIONALISM AND EXEMPLARY DEVOTION TO THE SERVICE.

THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE HAS NOT ONLY ENHANCED THE TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SERVICE, BUT ALSO HELPED PROJECT A GOOD IMAGE OF THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.

THE INCREASING NUMBER OF ILLEGAL WORKERS HAD BEEN A MATTER OF CONCERN LAST YEAR.

AMONG THE STAFF RECEIVING COMMENDATION, MR HUEN SHU-SUM, ACTING CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER, AND 13 OTHER OFFICERS OF THE OTHER INVESTIGATIONS SECTION WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE TN AN OPERATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF 111 ILLEGAL WORKERS.

APART FROM STEPPING UP CONTROL AT THE ENTRY POINT, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SEND INVESTIGATION TEAMS TO CONDUCT RAIDS ON SUSPECTED BLACKSPOTS.

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

328 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME

*****

A GROUP OF 328 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER A VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.

COMPRISING 96 MEN, 87 WOMEN, 78 BOYS AND 67 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 2O3RD BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 2,611 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 41,224 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

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

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN KOWLOON CITY SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IS A METAL CAGE ON FLAT C, SECOND FLOOR OF LUEN HOP BUILDING IN 22 TSING ON STREET, KOWLOON CITY.

A NOTICE OF INTENTION APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON MARCH 21, 1994 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (I-RI DAY).

DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.

/22........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1994

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

* ♦ * ♦ *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,810

REVERSAL OF LAF +190

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 4,000

NET INJECTTON/WTTHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -100

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,900

LAF RATE 2 .00 BTD/4.00 OFFER TWI 126.6 »+0.1» 4.2.94

EF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND BILLS EF NOTES/ HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.74 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.98 3.80

1 MONTH 2.88 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 101.00 3.99

3 MONTHS 3.08 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 100.02 4.18

6 MONTHS 3.20 33 MONTHS 3610 1.20 99.05 4.62

12 MONTHS 3.55 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.88 4.70

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,732 MN

CLOSED 1 FEBRUARY 199 1

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY ................................... 1

EXCHANGE FUND'S HKB ACCOUNT BALANCE REDUCED .................. 1

LANTAU TAXI FARE CONVERSION TABLES AVAILABLE ................. 2

LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ....................... 2

EARLY WELFARE PAYMENTS ....................................... 3

WINNERS OF CAREERS QUIZ ANNOUNCED ............................ 3

FORUM TO GET PERFORMING ARTS IDEAS .............. d

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 5, 1994

CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY * * * * *

FORTY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $29,780,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE LECTURE HALL OF THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK 71 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $4 MILLION.

ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK 92 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $2.7 MILLION WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $200,000 FOR 420.

FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AUCTION:

$ $ $ $

1368 480,000 FS3333 340,000 92 2 ,700,000 AS 3 400,000

XX10 320,000 71 4,000,000 HK7 1 ,400,000 336 1 , 500,000

230 420,000 HK17 650,000 79 1 ,200,000 HK500 400,000

HK22 750,000 148 600,000 FV1 560,000 420 200,000

187 380,000 933 550,000 109 500,000 XX I 1 600,000

FL1 520,000 XX99 550,000 AA10 400,000 74 320,000

110 400,000 812 450,000 116 680,000 FF2 650,000

DD8888 600,000 CP2 450,000 HK15 700,000 938 820,000

700 600,000 181 1,600,000 127 400,000 BB2222 420,000

1380 360,000 HK222 950,000 AW88 620,000 FA8 340,000

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

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 213RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $266,327,905.

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

EXCHANGE FUND’S HKB ACCOUNT BALANCE REDUCED

*****

IN VIEW OF THE PREVAILING LOCAL MONEY MARKET CONDITIONS, THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THE REDUCTION OF THE BALANCE OF HONGKONGBANK’S ACCOUNT MAINTAINED WITH THE EXCHANGE FUND BY $1 BILLION TO $3 BILLION.

THIS REVERSED AN EARLIER INJECTION OF $1 BILLION MADE ON DECEMBER 7 LAST YEAR.

/A SPOKESMAN .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1994

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY SAID THIS MONETARY MEASURE WAS TAKEN IN THE LIGHT OF DOMESTIC MONEY MARKET CONDITIONS.

CLEARLY MOVEMENTS IN USS MONEY MARKET RATES HAVE AN IMPORTANT INFLUENCE ON HK$ RATES, BUT THESE WERE ONLY ONE OF THE FACTORS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION, HE SAID.

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

LANTAU TAXI FARE CONVERSION TABLES AVAILABLE

******

THE LANTAU TAXI FARE CONVERSION TABLES SHOWING THE EXISTING FARE SCALES AS AGAINST THE NEW SCALES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY TAXI OWNERS FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 7) AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

t ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, MUI WO SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MUI WO GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 NGAN KWONG WAN ROAD, MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.

♦ PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, ROOM 27, MEZZANINE FLOOR, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG.

TAXI OWNERS SHOULD PRODUCE THEIR TAXI REGISTRATION DOCUMENT WHEN COLLECTING THE CONVERSION TABLES.

THE TABLES SHOULD BE DISPLAYED AT A PROMINENT POSITION INSIDE THE TAXIS BEFORE METFRS ARE RE-CALIBRATED AND SEALED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

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

LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES

*****

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS OF GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES FOR THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

THERE WILL BE NO CLINIC SERVICE ON FEBRUARY 10 (LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY) AND FEBRUARY 11.

HOWEVER, EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM AND 1 PM ON FEBRUARY 12 (SATURDAY) AND 13 (SUNDAY).

/THE CLINICS ......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1994

THE CLINICS ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE EVENING CLINIC SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 9 (THE DAY PRECEDING LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY) AND 13.

- - 0 - -

EARLY WELFARE PAYMENTS * » » * *

RECIPIENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER COUPONS MAY RECEIVE PAYMENTS EARLIER IF THEIR PAYDAY FALLS ON THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID PAYMENTS SCHEDULED ON FEBRUARY 10, 11, 12, AND 13 WOULD BE ADVANCED TO FEBRUARY 7, 7, 8 AND 9 RESPECTIVELY.

ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THEM TO COLLECT PAYMENTS AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES, HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

WINNERS OF CAREERS QUIZ ANNOUNCED *****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THE WINNERS OF THE CAREERS QUIZ ’94 WHICH ATTRACTED A RECORD NUMBER OF 136,500 STUDENTS FROM 283 SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THE THREE WINNING SCHOOLS IN FORMS 3, 4 AND 5 SECTIONS ARE YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE; ST MARGARET’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE, HONG KONG; AND KOWLOON TRUE LIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL RESPECTIVELY.

THEY AND THE TWO RUNNERS-UP OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED A TROPHY AT A CEREMONY IN EARLY MARCH.

THE HIGHEST SCORING STUDENTS IN THE THREE SECTIONS ARE: LEE HOI-LAN OF KOWLOON TRUE LIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL IN THE FORM 3 SECTION, LAU MAN-CHUN OF YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE IN THE FORM 1 SECTION, AND NG CHI-MAN OF CARITAS ST GODFREY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE FORM 5 SECTION.

TOGETHER WITH THE THREE RUNNERS-UP OF EACH SECTION, THEY WILL EACH BE AWARDED A PENTAX CAMERA.

OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS.

ALL PRIZES ARE SPONSORED BY PENTAX CAMERA.

/SENIOR LABOUR

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1.994

SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS CLARE SIU, SAID THE QUIZ, ORGANISED BY THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WAS AIMED TO AROUSE STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING A SUITABLE CAREER AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO LOOK FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON CAREERS AND FURTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

IT IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE FOURTH EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXPO WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM FEBRUARY 24 TO 27, MRS SIU SAID.

THE EXPOSITION, ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WILL FEATURE SOME 170. EXHIBITORS FROM A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES, INDUSTRIES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, PROFESSIONAL BODIES AS WELL AS LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTES.

DURING THE EXPOSITION, THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE WILL ARRANGE A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE CAREERS SEMINARS BY PROFESSIONALS, VIDEO SHOWS AND STUDENT GROUP VISITS.

ANSWERS TO ALL THE QUIZ QUESTIONS WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO FIND OUT THE CORRECT ANSWERS, SHE SAID.

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

FORUM TO GET PERFORMING ARTS IDEAS

*****

THE FOURTH IN A SERIES OF FIVE PUBLIC FORUMS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WORKING GROUP WAS HELD TODAY (SATURDAY) IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBER.

THE PURPOSES OF THE FORUMS ARE TO EXPLAIN THE PROGRESS BEING MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP SINCE IT WAS APPOINTED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AND TO GATHER OPINIONS FROM BOTH THE ARTS COMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC ON HOW THE ARTS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN THE 1990'S AND BEYOND.

TODAY’S FORUM WAS AIMED MAINLY AT GATHERING OPINIONS AND FORWARD-LOOKING IDEAS FROM BOTH THE ARTS COMMUNITY AND THE PUBLIC ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS.

THE SPEAKERS INCLUDED MR LO KING-MAN, PROF DAVID GWILT, MR LAI KIN, MR TSENG SUN-MAN, MR MATHIAS WOO, MR MAN SAI CHEONG AND MR WONG PO-MING.

THEY TALKED ABOUT A RANGE OF TOPICS RELATING TO PERFORMING ARTS, INCLUDING PEER GROUP ASSESSMENT AND GRANT APPLICATIONS AND CRITERIA.

THE FINAL FORUM WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 19 (SATURDAY) FROM 9 AM UNTIL NOON IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 3 EDINBURGH PLACE.

IT WILL COVER FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, REPRESENTATION OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY ON THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

THE FIRST SUCH FORUM WAS HELD IN MID-JANUARY.

--------0-----------•

/5 .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1994

- 5 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,900

REVERSAL OF LAF +20

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,920

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY -1,000

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY “755

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,165

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWJ 126.9 »+0.3» 5.2.94

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TRAFFIC MEASURES AT CONTAINER TERMINAL AREA EFFECTIVE ....... 1

SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING OWNERS REMINDED OF SAFETY ........ 2

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO CUT TREES ............................ 3

SOUVENIR COVER MARKS STAMP EXHIBITION ....................... 3

POSTER DESIGN CONTEST PROMOTES GREEN MESSAGE ................ 4

PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS FOR MUSIC OFFICE ...................... 5

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1994

TRAFFIC MEASURES AT CONTAINER TERMINAL AREA EFFECTIVE * » ♦ ♦ * *

THE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES IMPLEMENTED IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS AT THE CONTAINER PORT AREA HAVE PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN PROMOTING TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE MEASURES WERE FORMULATED BY A WORKING GROUP SET UP UNDER THE CONTAINER TERMINAL (OPERATION LIAISON) GROUP.

’’THE TASK OF THE WORKING GROUP IS TO REVIEW THE RELATIVE LOCATIONS, USE AND THE NUMBER OF ACCESS POINTS TO THE VARIOUS TERMINALS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW AND MINIMISING DESTRUCTION OF ACCESS POINTS BY TRAFFIC|QUEUES,” HE SAID.

THE MEASURES WERE:

* 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ALONG BOTH SIDES OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD - THIS SCHEME WAS IMPLEMENTED ON AUGUST 6 LAST YEAR ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD;

* NEW EMERGENCY EXIT CONNECTING CONTAINER PORT ROAD NEAR TERMINAL NO. 8 WITH PO LUN STREET IN LAI CHI KOK - THIS PROVIDED AN ADDITIONAL OUTLET FOR THE CONTAINER PORT TRAFFIC DURING EMERGENCY AND THE WORK WAS COMPLETED ON SEPTEMBER 9 LAST YEAR.

* U-TURN LANE AT THE NORTH OF THE ROUNDABOUT OPPOSITE TERMINAL NO. 4 - THIS SCHEME PROVIDED A SEPARATE EXIT LANE TO KWAI CHUNG ROAD, THEREBY REDUCING THE BURDEN AT THE BUSY ROUNDABOUT AND THE WORK WAS COMPLETED ON SEPTEMBER 17 LAST YEAR;

* OPENINGS AT THE CENTRAL DIVIDER IN CONTAINER PORT ROAD FOR EMERGENCY USE - THREE SECTIONS OF CENTRAL DIVIDER, EACH OF 20 METRES WIDE IN FRONT OF TERMINALS NO. 4, 7, AND 8 WERE REMOVED WITH DROP-GATE PROVISION.

THE WORK WAS COMPLETED IN ?ARLY NOVEMBER LAST YEAR. THE OPENINGS WILL BE MANAGED BY THE POLICE UNDER EMERGENCIES TO RELEASE THE EXIT TRAFFIC FROM THE TERMINALS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE;

* ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE NORTH-BOUND SLIP ROAD OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD AND THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL FLYOVER TO LAI KING HILL ROAD - THIS SCHEME WILL SEPARATE THE LAI KING TRAFFIC FROM THAT OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD AND WAS COMPLETED EARLY LAST MONTH.

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATORS, FLEET OPERATORS AND CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE TRAFFIC SITUATION, PARTICULARLY IN PREPARING FOR THE COMING OF THE NEXT TYPHOON SEASON, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/2.........

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1994

- 2 -

SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING OWNERS REMINDED OF SAFETY * » ♦ » ♦

OWNERS IN THE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING INDUSTRY HAVE BEEN REMINDED OF THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS TO SAFEGUARD WORKERS FROM INJURIES DURING THE RECENTLY COMPLETED SPECIAL INSPECTION CAMPAIGN V CONDUCTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE TWO-WEEK CAMPAIGN, WHICH WAS MOUNTED IN NOVEMBER 1993 IN ADDITION TO NORMAL ROUTINE INSPECTIONS, AIMED AT ENHANCING SAFETY TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AT WORKPLACES.

’’DURING THE CAMPAIGN, FACTORY INSPECTORS VISITED 135 SHIP AND BOAT YARDS ALL OVER THE TERRITORY,” CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

A TOTAL OF 12 SUMMONSES WERE TAKEN OUT AGAINST NINE OWNERS OF SHIP AND BOAT YARDS WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS, HE SAID.

AMONG THEM, FIVE WERE CHARGED FOR FAILING TO ADOPT MEASURES TO PREVENT THE FALL OF PERSONS FROM HEIGHT.

FOUR RELATED TO FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUITABLE FENCING FOR CIRCULAR SAW.

ONE FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEES WITH SUITABLE APPROVED EYE PROTECTORS, SHIELDS OR FIXED SHIELDS TO PREVENT EMPLOYEES FROM GETTING EYE INJURIES.

ANOTHER FOR NOT ENSURING EMPLOYEES MAKE FULL AND PROPER USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

THE REMAINING SUMMONS WAS ON FAILURE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE PLANT WHICH WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE.

APART FROM PROSECUTIONS, FACTORY INSPECTORS ALSO ISSUED WARNINGS TO 110' OWNERS AND 80 CONTRACTORS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS REMINDING THEM TO IMPROVE WORK SAFETY.

THESE GENERALLY REFERRED TO LESS SERIOUS SITUATIONS NOT

WARRANTING IMMEDIATE AND DRASTIC LEGAL ACTIONS.

"THE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIRING INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE INDUSTRIES INVOLVING VARIOUS KINDS OF HIGH-RISK WORK PROCESSES SUCH AS THE USE OF LIFTING APPLIANCES, MACHINERY AND DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES, WORKING AT HEIGHT AND IN CONFINED SPACES,” MR CHAN POINTED OUT.

"OWNERS AND EMPLOYEES MUST, THEREFORE, UPKEEP THE SAFETY STANDARD OF THEIR WORKPLACES BY COMPLYING WITH THE PROVISIONS IN THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND RELEVANT SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.

"PROVIDING AND CARRYING OUT BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN MOST CASES IS A RELATIVELY SIMPLE JOB WHICH COULD BE ACHIEVABLE IN A SHORT TIME, BUT IT WILL PROTECT WORKERS FROM INJURIES OR EVEN DEATHS," HE ADDED. • • xjP

/MR CHAN .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1994 - 3 -

MR CHAN REITERATED THAT FACTORY INSPECTORS WOULD CONTINUE ;TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY LAWS WERE BEING OBSERVED.

"WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO PROSECUTE ANY OWNERS OR EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE BLATANTLY TURNED A BLIND EYE TO THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.

"AN OWNER WHO BREACHES THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS WHILE AN EMPLOYEE WILL FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND AN IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS," HE ADDED.

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

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO CUT TREES ♦ * * ♦ »

THE PUBLIC WAS TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED NOT TO CUT TREES OR PLANTS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR DECORATIONS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.

ACTING SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN PING-KWONG, SAID CUTTING TREES OR PLANTS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE.

THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE IS $25,000.

"ALTHOUGH THE PUBLIC IS NOW MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING THE COUNTRYSIDE, THERE ARE SOME REPORTS OF PEOPLE PICKING FLOWERS OR CUTTING PLANTS," HE SAID.

HE REMINDED VISITORS TO COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD NOT TO DAMAGE ANY PLANTS THERE.

WILD FLOWERS AND TREES ARE BEST APPRECIATED IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT, HE SAID.

MR CHAN ALSO CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT TO THE NEAREST COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IF THEY SPOTTED SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES.

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

SOUVENIR COVER MARKS STAMP EXHIBITION

******

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE OFFICIAL SOUVENIR COVER COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG ’94 STAMP EXHIBITION WOULD BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES (EXCEPT AIRPORT POST OFFICE) FROM TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 8).

THIS COVER MAY BE USED TO COMPLEMENT THE "VISIT HONG KONG '94 STAMP EXHIBITION" $10 DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET ISSUED ON AUGUST 12 LAST YEAR AND THE $5 DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET - "A STAMP IS BORN".

THE $5 DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET WILL BE ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 18 TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION.

/IT WILL .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1994

IT WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES (EXCEPT AIRPORT POST OFFICE) AND AT THE POST OFFICE SALES COUNTERS AT THE EXHIBITION VENUE, SEVENTH FLOOR, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, ON FEBRUARY 18.

"USING THE TWO DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLETS SPECIALLY PRINTED FOR 'HONG KONG ’94’ WILL FORM A NICE SET OF COMMEMORATIVE COVERS," MR PAGLIARI SAID.

CUSTOMERS WHO WISH TO BUY THE $10 DEFINITIVE SHEETLET MAY, FROM FEBRUARY 8, VISIT ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES:

GENERAL POST OFFICE

TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE SHATIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE

J ------o--------

POSTER DESIGN CONTEST PROMOTES GREEN MESSAGE ♦ * ♦ * »

' ' ' ' . . 'u

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ENTER A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION UNDER THE 1993/94 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE COMPETITION, ENTITLED ’’THINK AND PAINT”, WAS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED UNDER THE SCHEME THIS YEAR.

NOW IN ITS 11TH YEAR, THE SCHEME IS AIMED TO MAKE THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY YOUTHS, AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.

ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE IN COLOUR AND OF Al SIZE (594 MILLIMETRES BY 891 MILLIMETRES). THEY SHOULD CARRY SOME GENERAL MESSAGES OF KEEPING COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN. A SMALL SPACE SHOULD BE RESERVED IN THE DESIGN FOR THE SCHEME’S LOGO.

•' . i” •/. ?

THERE IS NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY PARTICIPANTS.

THE OVERALL CHAMPION WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE WORTH $10,000, WHILE THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES VALUED AT $5,000 AND $3,000 RESPECTIVELY. THERE ARE ALSO SEVEN CONSOLATION PRIZES VALUED AT $300 EACH.

ENTRIES MAY BE SENT IN PERSON TO THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT, ROOM 321, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, OR ANY OF THE SIX COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES OR THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN SAI KUNG BY MARCH 31.

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY MAY. WINNERS WILL BE :TOLD SEPARATELYv • f i ■ '

/THE WINNING .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1994

THE WINNING ENTRIES MAY BE USED FOR EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PURPOSES BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY IN THE FUTURE.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE COMPETITION CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE UNIT ON 733 2121.

- - 0 - -

PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS FOR MUSIC OFFICE

*****

LOCAL MUSICIANS ARE NOW INVITED TO JOIN THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS, AND PERFORMERS FOR BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS.

APPLICANTS FOR PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS OF WESTERN MUSIC SHOULD EITHER BE GRADUATES OF THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR HAVE A DIPLOMA IN MUSIC FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, OR POSSESS LRSM, LRAM, ARCM, LGSM, LTCL, FTCL, DRSAM, GRSM, GRNCM, GTCL, GGSM OR EQUIVALENT, OR A DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY.

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS OF CHINESE MUSIC (GEHU, SHENG, XIAO, DI-ZI, SUO-NA, BAN-HU, GAO-HU, ER-HU, ZHONG-HU, DA-GE-HU, DI-YIN-GE-HU, LIU-YE-QIN, PI-PA, SAN-XIAN, RUAN, ZHENG, YANG-QIN, PERCUSSION) SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED MUSICAL TRAINING IN A RELEVANT INSTRUMENT IN AN ACCEPTABLE INSTITUTION OR HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP OR ACADEMY.

FOR THE POST OF PART-TIME PERFORMER, ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ PERFORMING EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP.

APPLICATION FORMS (G.F. 340) ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND DIPLOMAS SHOULD REACH THE MUSIC OFFICE ON 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI BY FEBRUARY 28.

CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT "INVITED FOR AN AUDITION OR AN INTERVIEW WITHIN FOUR WEEKS FROM THE CLOSING DATE MAY ASSUME THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL.

INTERESTED PERSONS MAY CONTACT THE MUSIC OFFICE ON TEL 582 5340 FOR DETAILS CONCERNING DUTIES AND REMUNERATION OF THE POSTS.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, .1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

EMPLOYERS ENCOURAGED TO SET UP RETIREMENT SCHEMES ...... 1

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 1993........ 2

TENDER FOR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES ISSUE ................... 6

FOUR MEMBERS APPOINTED TO DISASTER RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE ... 6

HEAVY TRAFFIC AT CONTAINER PORT AREA EASES ............. 7

COMPETITION HELPS GROWTH OF TELECOMS INDUSTRY .......... 7

CHE KUNG TEMPLE EXPANDS FOR WORSHIPPERS ................ 8

DROP WASTEFUL HABITS, GREEN FAMILY URGES ............... 8

POST OFFICE RELEASES HOLOGRAM POSTCARDS ................ 9

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT UPHOLDS SPIRIT TO SERVE ........... 10

ENVIRONMENT GUIDE FOR MANUFACTURERS .................... 11

10 PASS LICENTIATE MEDICAL EXAM ........................ 11

CLOSURE OF QUARRY BAY ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT ......... 12

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................... 12

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7,

1994

EMPLOYERS ENCOURAGED TO SET UP RETIREMENT SCHEMES * » * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE VOLUNTARY ESTABLISHMENT OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES BY EMPLOYERS, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT A MEDIA SESSION TO REVIEW THE WORK AND ACTIVITIES OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH DURING THE PAST YEAR.

MR CARTLAND SAID TO GIVE BETTER PROTECTION TO THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEES, THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE WAS BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AND THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES WAS ESTABLISHED.

’’THE ORDINANCE SETS OUT, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG, A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO PROVIDE GREATER CERTAINTY THAT RETIREMENT BENEFITS PROMISED TO EMPLOYEES UNDER REGISTERED SCHEMES WILL BE PAID WHEN DUE."

HE SAID EXISTING RETIREMENT SCHEMES WOULD HAVE A GRACE PERIOD OF TWO YEARS TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES UNTIL OCTOBER 15, 1995.

MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT 1993 WAS A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR THE STOCK AND FUTURES MARKET, WITH THE HANG SENG INDEX ENDING THE YEAR AT 11,888.39, UP 115.7 PER CENT FROM THE YEAR BEFORE.

"THIS MADE HONG KONG THE BEST PERFORMING OF THE MAJOR MARKETS IN THE WORLD. DAILY TURNOVER ALSO INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, AVERAGING $4.91 BILLION, 75 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN 1992.

"WE NOW HAVE THE SIXTH LARGEST STOCK MARKET IN THE WORLD WITH A CAPITALISATION OF $2,975 BILLION AS AT THE END OF 1993, 123 PER CENT HIGHER THAN A YEAR BEFORE. OUR MARKET RANKED ONLY 15TH IN THE WORLD FIVE YEARS AGO (1988)."

MR CARTLAND SAID AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT DURING THE PAST YEAR WAS THE LISTING OF CHINESE STATE ENTERPRISES. SIX LISTINGS TOOK PLACE IN 1993 AND RECEIVED A FAVOURABLE RESPONSE FROM INVESTORS.

HE ADDED THAT THREE MORE WERE IN THE PIPELINE FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994.

"THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A SECOND BATCH OF 22 COMPANIES FOR LISTING OUTSIDE CHINA AND IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT MOST IF NOT ALL WOULD BE LISTED IN HONG KONG.

"THESE LISTINGS DEMONSTRATE HONG KONG’S UNIQUE ROLE AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR CHINA TO THE REST OF THE WORLD AND AS A CATALYST FOR COMPANIES AND SECURITIES REGULATORY DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA," HE SAID.

ON THE LEGISLATIVE FRONT, MR CARTLAND SAID THE LEVERAGED FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JULY TO REGULATE AN AREA SUBJECT TO FREQUENT COMPLAINTS BY INVESTORS.

/"THE BILL .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

"THE BILL IS CURRENTLY BEING SCRUTINISED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILLS COMMITTEE AND WE HOPE IT WILL BE ENACTED AND IMPLEMENTED WITHIN THIS SESSION," HE SAID.

MORE RECENTLY, HE ADDED, AMENDMENTS TO THE SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) ORDINANCE WERE INTRODUCED INTOTHE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH *"*'’**"””” THIRD-PARTY-1SSUKV

SOUGHT TO ENSURE THAT DERIVATIVE PRODUCTS.

THE ORDINANCE

COVERED

-----0-----

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 1993

*****

HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF LAST YEAR GREW BY 5.6% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992, ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

AMONG THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE GDP ESTIMATES, GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION GREW BY 5.8% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992.

WITHIN THIS COMPONENT, CONSTRUCTION RECORDED A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH OF 16.6%. UNDERLYING THIS GROWTH WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE GREW BY 5.7% IN REAL TERMS. GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE (DEFINED IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS) GREW BY 2.6% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992.

EXTERNAL TRADE CONTINUED TO SHOW NOTABLE GROWTH IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993.

TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS REGISTERED A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF 14.2% IN REAL TERMS.

OF THESE, RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 21.4%, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED BY 5.0%. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR IMPORTS OF GOODS WAS 15.2%.

AS REGARDS EXPORTS OF SERVICES, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS WAS 8.6% OVER A YEAR EARLIER. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR IMPORTS OF SERVICES WAS 6.9%.

CONSISTENT WITH THE MODERATION IN CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION, THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OF GDP SLOWED DOWN FROM 9.4% IN THE FIRST QUARTER TO 9.0% IN THE SECOND QUARTER, AND FURTHER TO 7.4% IN THE THIRD QUARTER.

FOR THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS TAKEN TOGETHER, THE RATE OF INCREASE AVERAGED 8.5%.

THE RATE OF CHANGE IN THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OF GDP IS A BROAD MEASURE OF INFLATION IN THE WHOLE ECONOMY.

/ACCORDING TO .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

ACCORDING TO THE REVISED (FEBRUARY 94) ESTIMATES, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES OF GDP IN REAL TERMS FOR THE FIRST TWO QUARTERS OF 1993 WERE REVISED SLIGHTLY UPWARDS, FROM 5.4% TO 5.5% AND FROM 5.1% TO 5.3% RESPECTIVELY.

THE UPWARD REVISION RESULTS FROM THE INCORPORATION OF VARIOUS TYPES OF DATA, INCLUDING LATEST RESULTS OF QUARTERLY SURVEYS.

BASED ON THE LATEST GDP ESTIMATES, GDP GREW BY 5.5% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1993 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992.

THE LATEST QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GDP FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991 TO THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ENTITLED "QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 3RD QUARTER 1993".

THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $4.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, HONG KONG; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 582 5077.

/TABLE 1 .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

Table 1

Expenditure-based GDP Estimates

first quarter of 1991 to third quarter of 1993

GDP at Current Market Prices GDP at Constant (1980) Market Prices *

% change over % change over

same period of same period of

Year/quarter HK$ Mn the preceding year HK$ Mn the preceding year

1991 642,930 15.0 273,434 4.1

1992 745,407 15.9 288,053 5.3

1991 QI 139,714 13.7 61,563 4.0

Q2 151,980 14.7 64,345 3.7

Q3 172,549 15.2 73,343 3.9

Q4 178,687 16.3 74,183 4.7

1992 QI 163,615 17.1 64,814 5.3

Q2 176,570 16.2 67,681 5.2

Q3 198,919 15.3 77,590 5.8

Q4 206,303 15.5 77,968 5.1

1993 QI 188,778 15.4 68,372 5.5

Q2 202,618 14.8 71,262 5.3

Q3 225,739 13.5 81,931 5.6

/TABLE 2 .......

Table 2 Expenditure*-based GDP Estimates

Quarterly Year-on-year Growth Kates, first quarter of 1992 to third quarter of 1993

Expenditure % change over same period of the preceding year

Components of GDP At current market prices At constant (1980) market prices

1992 1993 1992 1993

21 22 21 QI Annual 01 22 21 01 Q2 21 QI Annua 1 01 22 21

Private consumption expenditure 17.1 15.3 17.1 13.9 15.8 14.4 14.9 11.6 9.1 8.0 9.4 6.7 8.3 7.4 8.0 5.7

Government consumption expenditure 16.0 17.9 20.0 17.4 17.8 10.1 13.2 12.8 6.3 7.7 9.2 6.5 7.4 -0.4 3.4 2.6

Gross domestic fixed capital formation 13.8 18.9 18.9 12.6 16.0 10.3 10.0 10.9 7.5 10.7 11.6 8.4 9.6 6.4 6.3 5.8

of which : Construction 3.3 -2.6 -1.1 9.0 2.3 10.0 14.5 19.1 0.9 -5.7 -3.0 7.1 7.8 13.5 16.6

। Machinery ( and equipment 11.6 24.8 32.8 26.3 24.6 19.5 16.1 7.5 11.2 22.3 28.2 24.1 22.1 16.9 11.2 3.8

1 Total exports of goods o 23.2 23.0 20.0 17.9 20.8 18.4 12.4 14.3 20.8 21.5 18.3 16.8 19.2 18.8 11.5 14.2

i Imports of goods i 21.6 24.4 21.9 22.2 22.6 17.7 11.8 14.7 21.9 23.9 20.7 22.9 22.3 19.5 12.0 15.2

i Exports of services 15.3 21.9 15.2 19.0 18.0 17.2 14.4 13.8 10.9 14.5 8.1 10.8 11.0 9.9 6.8 8.6

Imports of services 10.3 10.9 16.3 9.3 11.7 6.3 7.7 5.2 8.2 6.2 8.9 4.8 7.0 8.2 6.5 6.9

Gross Domestic Product 17.1 16.2 15.3 15.5 15.9 15.4 14.8 13.5 5.3 5.2 5.8 5.1 5.3 5.5 5.3 5.6

Less than 0.05

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, .1994

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

- 6 -

TENDER FOR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES ISSUE

*****

THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES THAT THE TENDER FOR THE FOURTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (FEBRUARY 14) FOR SETTLEMENT ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 15).

SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ISSUE, AN AMOUNT OF $500 MILLION TWO-YEAR NOTES WILL BE ON OFFER.

IN ADDITION, ANOTHER $100 MILLION WILL BE HELD AS RESERVE BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS IN THE SECONDARY MARKET.

THE NOTES WILL MATURE ON FEBRUARY 15, 1996 AND WILL CARRY INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 4.40 PER CENT PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE NOTES MAY DO SO THROUGH ANY OF THE MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ON 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (OR TELEPHONE 878 8150).

EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF $50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF.

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

FOUR MEMBERS APPOINTED TO DISASTER RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE

*****

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MS ROSANNA WONG, DR RAYMOND CH’IEN, MRS ELSIE TU AND MR HUI YIN-FAT MEMBERS OF THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE UNTIL JULY 31, 1995, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).

THE COMMITTEE WILL ADVISE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND.

IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND WILL COMPRISE THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR NON-OFF1CIAL MEMBERS APPOINTED.

THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND WAS ESTABLISHED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON DECEMBER 1 LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM TO ENABLE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO RESPOND SWIFTLY TO INTERNATIONAL APPEALS FOR HUMANITARIAN AID.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS SINCE APPROVED AN INITIAL APPROPRIATION OF $50 MILLION TO THE FUND.

"THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL START WORK VERY SOON. ONE OF ITS FIRST TASKS WILL BE TO ADVISE ON THE GUIDELINES FOR DISBURSEMENTS FROM THE FUND," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO MAKE DONATIONS TO THE FUND. THOSE WHO WISH TO DO SO SHOULD CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE IN ROOM 553, EAST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES," HE SAID.

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

/7........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7,

1994

HEAVY TRAFFIC AT CONTAINER PORT AREA EASES

* » » » *

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS REPORTS IN THE PAST FEW DAYS ON HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT AREA, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE SITUATION HAD EASED.

HOWEVER, CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS ARE KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON THE SITUATION, HE STRESSED.

THE HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE PAST FEW DAYS WAS DUE TO FREIGHT OPERATORS HURRYING TO COMPLETE DELIVERY AND COLLECTION TASKS AT THE FREIGHT STATIONS AND THE CONTAINER TERMINALS BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

HOWEVER, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS DURING LAST WEEKEND WERE NOT AS SERIOUS AS THAT AFTER TYPHOONS, AND CONGESTIONS WERE MAINLY LOCAL.

HAVING APPRAISED THE SITUATION, THE CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS DID NOT CONSIDER THE ACTIVATION OF THE EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTRE NECESSARY, THOUGH CLOSE LIAISON WAS MAINTAINED.

WITH ADEQUATE DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE OFFICERS ON-SITE TO DIRECT TRAFFIC, IMPACT OF HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WAS KEPT TO A MINIMUM.

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

COMPETITION HELPS GROWTH OF TELECOMS INDUSTRY

*****

TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET IN HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AS A MAJOR COMMUNICATIONS HUB IN THE WORLD WITH THE GOVERNMENT'S UNABATED EFFORT IN PROMOTING COMPETITION AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY.

DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MR ALEX ARENA, MADE THE REMARK TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF TELECOM SERVICE LIMITED’S NEW OFFICE.

HE SAID RADIO PAGING INDUSTRY IN PARTICULAR HAD BEST PROVEN THE EFFECTIVENESS AND DESIRABILITY OF THE PRO-COMPETITION POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT.

THE PAST DECADE HAS SEEN THE SEVEN-FOLD GROWTH OF THE PAGING MARKET AND ITS SUCCESS IN ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST PAGING PENETRATIVE RATE IN THE WORLD.

"IT IS BASED ON SUCH PROVEN RECORD IN PAGING AS WELL AS OTHER MOBILE SERVICES THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY DECIDED TO EXTEND THE BENEFITS OF COMPETITION TO ANOTHER MAJOR SECTOR OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, THE LOCAL FIXED TELEPHONE SERVICES," MR ARENA SAID.

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

/8.........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7,

1994

- 8 -

CHE KUNG TEMPLE EXPANDS FOR WORSHIPPERS » » t » *

THE CHE KUNG TEMPLE IN SHA TIN HAS BEEN REDEVELOPED INTO A MORE SPACIOUS ATTRACTION TO COPE WITH THE GROWING NUMBER OF WORSHIPPERS AND VISITORS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUBN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT ITS CONSECRATION CEREMONY, MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW TEMPLE COVERED AN AREA OF 5,000 SQUARE METRES, EIGHT TIMES THAT OF THE OLD TEMPLE.

THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE SUCCEEDED IN APPLYING FOR LAND ALLOCATION TO LAUNCH THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN 1991.

THE PROJECT WAS IMPLEMENTED IN THREE PHASES - THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY TEMPLE TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF WORSHIPPERS, RENOVATION OF THE OLD TEMPLE, AND BUILDING OF THE NEW CHE KUNG TEMPLE.

THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WAS STARTED IN NOVEMBER 1991 AND WAS COMPLETED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

MR SUEN SAID THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT AMOUNTED TO ABOUT $48 MILLION, OF WHICH $12 MILLION CAME FROM PUBLIC CONTRIBUTIONS. THE REMAINDER WILL BE MET BY THE CHINESE TEMPLES FUND.

THE ORIGINAL TEMPLE WAS BUILT ABOUT 300 YEARS AGO AT THE END OF THE MING DYNASTY TO COMMEMORATE CHE KUNG - A FAMOUS GENERAL OF THE SUNG DYNASTY.

MR SUEN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN MAKING THE PROJECT A SUCCESS.

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

DROP WASTEFUL HABITS| GREEN FAMILY URGES

«»»«»»»

A ’’GREEN FAMILY” URGING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT BY BREAKING HABITS THAT WASTE ENERGY AND RESOURCES WILL MAKE THEIR DEBUT ON TELEVISION TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING.

THE FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE FEATURED IN A SERIES OF FOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST (API’S) AS PART OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF WASTE MINIMISATION AND ENERGY-SAVING.

"THE COMMUNITY’S ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IS GROWING AND THERE IS INCREASING EMPHASIS ON ’ACTIONS TO TAKE’ IN COMBATING POLLUTION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SAID.

"THEREFORE, THE TIME IS OPPORTUNE TO EDUCATE THE MAN IN THE STREET HOW HE CAN HELP PREVENT POLLUTION BY REDUCING WASTE AND USING RESOURCES ECONOMICALLY AND EFFICIENTLY," HE SAID.

/THE LAUNCH .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

THE LAUNCH OF THE FIRST OF THE API’S, WHICH WILL ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO DROP HABITS THAT WASTE ENERGY, COMES RIGHT BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WHEN PEOPLE ARE URGED TO GIVE UP BAD HABITS FOR GOOD ONES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "AS ENERGY SUPPLY FROM FOSSIL FUELS IS NOT UNLIMITED, WE SHOULD ALL DO OUR BEST TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF ENERGY WE CONSUME IN OUR DAILY LIVES."

"APART FROM THIS, BURNING FOSSIL FUELS CREATES POLLUTION, AND THIS IN TURN WILL HAVE ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT."

THE OTHER THREE API’S WILL DEMONSTRATE HOW EVERY FAMILY CAN HELP BY CUTTING DOWN WASTE AT HOME AND BY MAKING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONS WHEN SHOPPING IN WET MARKETS AND RETAIL STORES.

NOTING THAT SOME 7,900 TONNES OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE, OF WHICH SOME 600 TONNES ARE PLASTIC BAGS, ARE DISPOSED OF EVERY DAY, THE SPOKESMAN URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO DROP WASTEFUL HABITS AND MAKE GOOD USE OF RESOURCES.

THE FOUR API’S, TO BE LAUNCHED SUCCESSIVELY IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THE DISPLAY OF POSTERS IN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS AND BUS STOPS, THE PAINTING OF MESSAGES ON FOUR "GREEN BUSES", AND THE PRODUCTION OF RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES FEATURING CELEBRITIES’ APPEAL.

- - 0 - -

POST OFFICE RELEASES HOLOGRAM POSTCARDS

*****

TWO HOLOGRAM POSTCARDS, NUMBERED AS HONG KONG POST OFFICE HOLOGRAM POSTCARD SERIES NO. I \ND 2, kil l, BE RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 15 TO COMMEMORATE THE HONG KONG ’94 STAMP EXHIBITION.

THE TWO POSTCARDS WILL GO ON SALE IN A SET AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT AIRPORT POST OFFICE. THE SELLING PRICE IS $6 PER SET. THERE WILL BE NO RESTRICTION ON THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SETS TO BE PURCHASED.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID THE DESIGN OF SERIES NO. 1 SHOWED A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HONG KONG CENTRAL WATERFRONT TAKEN IN THE 1920’S.

IN THE MIDDLE IS A HOLOGRAM SHOWING A REPRODUCTION OF THE FAMOUS 1865 QUEEN VICTORIA OLIVE-BISTRE 96 CENTS DEFINITIVE STAMP.

HE SAID THE DESIGN OF SERIES NO. 2 SHOWED A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HONG KONG WATERFRONT TAKEN IN 1993 WITH A HOLOGRAM IN THE MIDDLE SHOWING A REPRODUCTION OF THE CURRENT QUEEN ELIZABETH $1 DEFINITIVE STAMP.

THE POSTCARDS ALSO BEAR \ POSTAGE-PAID INSIGNIA - THE

EXHIBITION'S LOGO - ON THE ADDRESS SIDE INDICATING THE LOCAL POSTAGE OF $1 HAS BEEN PAID.

/THE PRICE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

THE PRICE OF THE TWO POSTCARDS INCLUDES SUFFICIENT POSTAGE FOR SENDING THEM TO LOCAL ADDRESSES AND NO ADDITIONAL POSTAGE IS REQUIRED.

HOWEVER, IF THEY ARE POSTED OVERSEAS, THE DIFFERENCE IN POSTAGE BETWEEN THE OVERSEAS RATE AND THE LOCAL RATE HAS TO BE PAID.

A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT AIRPORT POST OFFICE ON FEBRUARY 15 FOR THE HOLOGRAM POSTCARDS AND PRIVATELY-MADE MAIL ITEMS BEARING ’FIRST DAY’ INDICATION.

HOWEVER, MR PAGLIARI REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE POSTAGE-PAID INSIGNIA COULD NOT BE CUT OUT FOR USE AS A POSTAGE STAMP.

"IT IS NOT VALID FOR PREPAYMENT OF POSTAGE ON OTHER MAIL ITEMS," HE SAID.

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

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT UPHOLDS SPIRIT TO SERVE

*******

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S MOTTO "WE SERVE YOU", ADOPTED SINCE IT PUBLISHED ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ON AUGUST 27 LAST YEAR, HAS BORNE FRUIT WITH A SENIOR EDUCATION ASSISTANT AND TWO OFFICE ASSISTANTS WINNING AWARDS FOR EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE.

AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, PRESENTED STAFF INCENTIVE AWARDS TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION ASSISTANT OF THE PRIMARY ONE ALLOCATION UNIT, MRS YU CHEUNG MEI-KUEN, AND OFFICE ASSISTANTS, MR SHUM YING-HOO (SHA TIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL) AND MS LAU SIU-CHI (TIN SHUI WAI GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL).

THE AWARDS COMPRISED A MERITORIOUS CERTIFICATE AND A WATCH EMBOSSED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S LOGO.

THE STAFF INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME PROMOTES THE GOVERNOR’S CALL FOR A CLIENT-BASED CULTURE IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY.

NOMINATIONS ARE CALLED AND WINNERS ARE SELECTED EVERY THREE MONTHS TO ENHANCE AWARENESS OF GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE, GIVE RECOGNITION TO MERITORIOUS SERVICE AND ESTABLISH ROLE MODELS OF HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.

IN PRESENTING THE AWARDS, MR WONG COMPLIMENTED THEM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGE OF WORK, COMPETENCE, COURTESY, APPEARANCE, AND EXTRA EFFORT TO HELP CUSTOMERS.

ALL THREE WINNERS AGREED THAT ENHANCING CUSTOMER SERVICE COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH BETTER COMMUNICATION, PATIENCE AND COURTESY.

"BUT THERE ARE ALSO INTERNAL ASPECTS SUCH AS IMPROVING THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND THE RECEPTION AREAS WHERE FRONT-LINE STAFF MEET THEIR CUSTOMERS," THEY SAID.

MRS YU HAS BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR 32 YEARS. SHE WAS NOMINATED FOR HER PATIENCE AND COURTESY IN HANDLING ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC.

/MR SHUM .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

MR SHUM WAS NOMINATED BY THE PRINCIPALS OF THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON SESSIONS OF THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.

BETTER KNOWN AS UNCLE HOO, MR SHUM JOINED THE GOVERNMENT 36 YEARS AGO AND WILL RETIRE IN MAY THIS YEAR.

MS LAU, WITH FOUR YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HAS BEEN HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS TO TEACHERS, COLLEAGUES, STUDENTS AND THE PUBLIC WHEN THE TIN SHUI WAI GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL BEGAN OPERATION IN THE NEWLY DEVELOPED AREA.

- - 0 - -

ENVIRONMENT GUIDE FOR MANUFACTURERS

******

THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED THE 1994 EDITION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL BOOKLET, ’’A GUIDE TO POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION AFFECTING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES”.

THE GUIDE, FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1992, IS AIMED TO PROVIDE TO MANUFACTURERS BASIC INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES THAT MAY AFFECT THEM AS WELL AS TECHNICAL ADVICE.

"IT IS A HANDY POINT OF FIRST REFERENCE FOR MANUFACTURERS WISHING TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE GUIDE PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF MAJOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND INCLUDES REFERENCES TO MAJOR INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES THAT MAY AFFECT LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

"THE 1994 EDITION HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE INFORMATION ON OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES AND ON ECO-AUDITING, AN EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ADOPTED BY MANUFACTURERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS IN COMPLYING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION, THE BOOKLET ALSO CONTAINS A LIST OF ORGANISATIONS THAT PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVICE AND TRAINING ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES," HE ADDED.

COPIES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND THOSE MANUFACTURERS MOST LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES.

- - 0 - -

10 PASS LICENTIATE MEDICAL EXAM

* * * * *

THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT 10 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED PART I OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS.

A TOTAL OF 197 CANDIDATES SAT FOR THE EXAMINATION ON JANUARY 5. PART I IS A MULTIPLE-CHOICE-QUESTION PAPER ON PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS.

/PART II

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

PART II OF THE EXAMINATION, DESIGNED TO TEST THE CANDIDATES’ ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES, WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 2 AND MAY 3 THIS YEAR.

CANDIDATES MAY CHOOSE TO TAKE THE PART II LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ON EITHER DATE.

- - 0 - -

CLOSURE OF QUARRY BAY ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN QUARRY BAY SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE SINGLE-STOREY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE IS LOCATED AT A FLAT IN CHUNG HING MANSION AT THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND PAN HOI STREET.

A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON MAY 3 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).

DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.

- - 0 - -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 66.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 389.967 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 313.336 MILLION CCUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 53.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- - 0 - -

/13

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7,

1994

HONG KONO GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

MONEY MARKET

» t «

OPERATIONS * ♦

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

2,165

REVERSAL OF LAF

+ 835

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF

3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY

NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

+ 110

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

3,110

LAF RATE

2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

TWI 126.8 »-0.1«

7.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.80 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.77 3.97

1 MONTH 2.91 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 100.74 4.16

3 MONTHS 3.19 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.74 4.35

6 MONTHS 3.36 33 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.68 4.78

12 MONTHS 3.67 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.47 4.85

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,725 MN

CLOSED 7 FEBRUARY 1994

---------0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MANY TARGETS ACHIEVED IN LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORK ......... 1

APPLICATIONS TO IMPORT WORKERS INVITED ....................... 3

TV AND RADIO CODES OF PRACTICE REVISED ....................... 4

PRELIMINARY DERAILMENT REPORT RECEIVED ....................... 5

SPECIAL TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ......... 6

VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN NOVEMBER 1993 9

GOVERNOR TO BROADCAST NEW YEAR MESSAGE ....................... 14

EFFORTS MADE TO PROTECT FISHERIES RESOURCES .................. 14

SAI KUNG TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL ........................... 15

PART OF TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD TO BE CLOSED ....................... 16

SAI KUNG IMMIGRATION OFFICE TO SUSPEND SERVICE ............... 16

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES ........... 17

TWO NT SITES TO LET .......................................... I8

FIREMEN THANKED FOR FIGHTING BUILDING FIRE ................... 18

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............ 19

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 20

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

MANY TARGETS ACHIEVED IN LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORK

*******

THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID 1993 WAS A VERY PRODUCTIVE YEAR FOR HIS BRANCH; WITH MAJOR TARGETS ACHIEVED IN THE LAND AND HOUSING FIELDS AND IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

SPEAKING AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TODAY (TUESDAY), MR EASON SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SEE THAT GOOD QUANTITIES OF LAND WERE MADE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT DURING THE YEAR.

HE SAID IN 1993 SALE OF NEW LAND AMOUNTED TO 25 HECTARES. ANOTHER 174 HECTARES WERE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH LAND EXCHANGES AND LEASE MODIFICATIONS.

OF THE COMBINED TOTAL, ABOUT 55 PER CENT WERE FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.

TOGETHER WITH OTHER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THIS WILL BE ABLE TO MEET THE PRODUCTION TARGET OF 35,000 UNITS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN 1994. THE FIGURE SHOULD RISE FURTHER TO 37,600 IN 1995.

MR EASON SAID A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE LAND EXCHANGE AND LEASE MODIFICATION CASES INVOLVED REDEVELOPMENT BY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS.

BETWEEN 1989 AND 1992, MORE THAN 50,000 NEW FLATS WERE PRODUCED FROM THIS SOURCE, WHICH IS SIX TIMES MORE THAN THE 8,000 OLD UNITS DEMOLISHED.

MR EASON SAID URBAN REDEVELOPMENT HAD ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT BY TRANSFORMING OLD AND DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS INTO NEW ONES AND BY MAKING MORE SPACE AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. THESE GAINS SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED.

"THERE HAVE BEEN SOME SUGGESTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ASSIST PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OF MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP OF BUILDINGS AND FRAGMENTED LAND TITLE TO ALLOW LAND TO BE ASSEMBLED FOR COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT.

"THIS IS A VERY COMPLEX ISSUE WITH SIGNIFICANT LEGAL, POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS. THE MAIN QUESTIONS WE HAVE TO RESOLVE ARE AT WHAT LEVEL SHOULD THE ORIGINAL OWNERS BE COMPENSATED AND HOW BEST CAN THE INTERESTS OF THE DISPLACED TENANTS BE SAFEGUARDED. SHOULD THEY BE OFFERED ALTERNATE ACCOMMODATION BY THE DEVELOPERS OR OTHER OPTIONS SUCH AS CASH OR HOUSING ELSEWHERE?

"WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING THE EXISTING PROCESS AND MECHANISM OF URBAN RENEWAL. WE INTEND TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC ONCE WE HAVE FORMULATED PROPOSALS TO TAKE THE MATTER FORWARD," MR EASON SAID.

ON SUBSIDISED HOUSING, MR EASON SAID APPLICATIONS FOR PHASE II OF THE INTERIM SANDWICH CLASS SCHEME WOULD BE INVITED IN APRIL UPON COMPLETION OF A REVIEW OF THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR PHASE I.

/HE SAID .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

HE SAID IN PHASE I, APPROVAL HAD BEEN GIVEN TO MORE THAN 300 APPLICANTS TO BUY THEIR FLATS.

THE REMAINING PRE-QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, SELECTED FROM AMONG THE 3,500 APPLICANTS, ARE BEING PROCESSED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT APPROVAL WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL FULLY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS TO BUY THEIR FLATS BEFORE THE END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

MR EASON SAID WORK WAS ALSO PROGRESSING WELL ON THE LONG-TERM SCHEME TO BUILD FLATS FOR SALE BELOW THE MARKET RATE TO THE SANDWICH CLASS.

IT IS EXPECTED FIVE SITES (ON TSING YI, AT MA ON SHAN AND TSEUNG KWAN O) WILL BE ALLOCATED TO HOUSING SOCIETY NEXT MONTH FOR PRODUCTION OF ABOUT 5,000 FLATS.

PRESALE OF THESE FLATS IS PLANNED TO BEGIN IN EARLY 1995.

THE FIRST UNITS ON TSING YI WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION TOWARDS THE END OF 1995.

MORE SITES ARE BEING IDENTIFIED FOR PRODUCTION OF 5,000 MORE FLATS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO COME ON STREAM BY 1997.

ON PUBLIC HOUSING, MR EASON SAID AN ADDITIONAL 49 HECTARES OF LAND WERE ALLOCATED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN MID-1993 TO MEET SHORTFALLS IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO IDENTIFIED TWO MORE HECTARES OF LAND IN THE URBAN AREA FOR ALLOCATION TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME OF ELDERLY SINGLE PERSONS.

MR EASON SAID WORK WAS ALSO PROGRESSING WELL IN SETTING UP A TASK FORCE TO DEAL WITH DEGRADATION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE CAUSED BY CONVERSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND INTO OPEN STORAGE YARDS FOR CONTAINER BOXES, CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND CAR STRIPPING.

PREPARATORY WORK IS ALREADY BEING UNDERTAKEN BY A CORE GROUP. POSTS WILL BE CREATED FOR THE FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TASK FORCE IN APRIL.

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN BY THE TASK FORCE TO SURVEYING PROBLEMATIC AREAS IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND TO DRAWING UP ACTION PLANS TO CLEAR OR RELOCATE ACTIVITIES FROM THEM.

WORK IS ALSO IN HAND TO ESTABLISH A SPECIAL COMMITTEE CONSISTING MAINLY OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THE TASK FORCE.

ON GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMMES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR EASON SAID 1993 HAD BEEN A VERY FRUITFUL AND REWARDING YEAR.

"OUR NEW INITIATIVES ARE OUTLINED IN THE SECOND REVIEW OF THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON THE ENVIRONMENT WHICH ALSO GIVES A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT.

"IN GENERAL, THE REPORT HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC INCLUDING GREEN GROUPS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND INDUSTRIALISTS. THOUGH, NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE ARE THOSE WHO WISH TO DO MORE AND GO FASTER.

/"WE HAVE .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

"WE HAVE ALSO MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN TIGHTENING CONTROL ON WATER POLLUTION. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S $6.8 BILLION FUNDING APPROVAL LAST WEEK HERALDED THE START OF A PROGRAMME TO CONSTRUCT A SYSTEM TO COLLECT AND TREAT SEWAGE UNDER THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME THAT WILL CLEAN UP THE POLLUTION IN THE HARBOUR BY 70 PER CENT.

"WE WILL PROCEED TO DECLARE IN STAGES VICTORIA HARBOUR AS THE LAST OF THE 10 WATER CONTROL ZONES AFTER TWO MORE WATER CONTROL ZONES (EASTERN AND WESTERN BUFFER WATER CONTROL ZONES) WERE DESIGNATED LAST YEAR," HE SAID.

ON AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL, MR EASON SAID DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A STRATEGY TO CONTROL VEHICLE EMISSIONS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT LATER THIS YEAR FOLLOWING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S BROAD ENDORSEMENT OF THE STRATEGY LAST YEAR.

LEGISLATION WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED IN 1994 TO BAN OPEN BURNING, TO CONTROL CONSTRUCTION DUST AND PERCUSSIVE PILING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION NOISE AS WELL AS MANAGEMENT OF ASBESTOS.

"IN THE YEAR AHEAD, WE ALSO AIM TO ACHIEVE MORE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS BY ESTABLISHING AN AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE AND MANAGE MARINE PARKS AND RESERVES FOR PUBLIC ENJOYMENT, BY SETTING UP THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND TO SUPPORT ACTIVITIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION, AND BY EXTENDING THE BOUNDARIES OF SOME OF OUR COUNTRY PARKS," MR EASON SAID.

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

APPLICATIONS TO IMPORT WORKERS INVITED

******

ABOUT 11,000 QUOTAS FOR IMPORTED WORKERS UNDER THE GENERAL IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR REUSE THIS YEAR, AND PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS FOR ALLOCATION WILL BE INVITED FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 14).

THESE WORKERS ARE TO REPLACE THOSE WHO WERE IMPORTED IN 1992 AND WHO ARE DUE TO LEAVE HONG KONG IN BATCHES UPON THE EXPIRY OF THEIR CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT LATER THIS YEAR.

THE OVERALL LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED WORKERS WHO MAY BE BROUGHT IN UNDER THE GENERAL SCHEME AT ANY ONE TIME REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 25,000, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

EMPLOYERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE SCHEME MAY APPROACH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT OR DISTRICT OFFICES WHERE APPLICATION FORMS, INFORMATION PAMPHLETS, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND A LIST OF PRINCIPAL JOB TITLES IN EACH INDUSTRY (WITH ALLOWABLE MONTHLY WAGE LEVELS) ARE AVAILABLE.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 25 THIS YEAR.

"INTERESTED EMPLOYERS MUST REGISTER THEIR VACANCIES WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BY COMPLETING A VACANCY REGISTRATION FORM (LD 295) IN DUPLICATE.

/"THE COMPLETED .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

’’THE COMPLETED FORM SHOULD THEN BE SUBMITTED, TOGETHER WITH THE PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FORM FOR ALLOCATION OF QUOTA, TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER PROCESSING,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

EMPLOYERS ARE ADVISED THAT IN THE REGISTRATION OF JOB VACANCIES, THEY MUST NOT IMPOSE UNREASONABLE REQUIREMENTS ON THE APPLICANTS, AND PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO LOCAL WORKERS.

JOB SEEKERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SEEKING EMPLOYMENT ARE ADVISED TO APPROACH THE LES OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE. THE LES WILL REFER THEM TO SUITABLE JOBS FOR INTERVIEW BY THE RELEVANT EMPLOYERS.

ENQUIRIES ON IMMIGRATION-RELATED MATTERS MAY BE MADE OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 829 3220 AND 829 3225 AND THAT ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT MAY BE MADE ON TEL 852 4158.

------------------0-------- TV AND RADIO CODES OF PRACTICE REVISED *****

THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) HAS REVISED ITS TELEVISION AND RADIO CODES OF PRACTICE ON PROGRAMME STANDARDS TO REGULATE THE PORTRAYAL OF CRIMINALS AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR BA SAID IT HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY APPARENT THAT THE EXISTING STANDARDS WHICH WERE DRAWN UP SOME YEARS AGO FELL SHORT OF ADDRESSING CURRENT CONCERN OVER THE GLAMORISATION OF THE LIFESTYLES OF TRIADS AND OTHER CRIMINALS.

"WE HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS IN RECENT YEARS ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH CRIMINALS WERE BEING DEPICTED, PARTICULARLY ON TELEVISION, AND THE ADVERSE INFLUENCE THIS MIGHT HAVE ON YOUNG PEOPLE.

"UNFORTUNATELY OUR EXISTING CODES WERE INADEQUATE TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, AND SO THE AUTHORITY HAS DRAWN UP NEW CODES WHICH, IT IS HOPED, WILL LEAD TO A MORE RESPONSIBLE AND REALISTIC DEPICTION OF CRIME AND CRIMINALS," HE SAID.

THE NEW STANDARDS SEEK TO PREVENT THE GRATUITOUS AND UNNECESSARY DEPICTION OF CRIME AND THE GLORIFICATION OF THE LIFESTYLES OF CRIMINALS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID BA DID NOT INTEND TO RESTRICT THE CREATIVITY AND EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE OF THE BROADCASTERS, BUT DID BELIEVE THAT SOME RESTRICTIONS WERE APPROPRIATE.

BA HAS ALSO IMPOSED FINANCIAL PENALTIES ON THE TWO COMMERCIAL TELEVISION LICENCEES, IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS.

A PENALTY OF $100,000 AND TWO SERIOUS WARNINGS WERE IMPOSED ON TVB AFTER THE AUTHORITY CONSIDERED VARIOUS PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT LANGUAGE USED IN THE PROGRAMME "THE EDGE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" WHICH WAS BROADCAST ON TVB JADE DURING FAMILY VIEWING HOURS.

BA CONSIDERED THAT THE LANGUAGE USED IN THE DRAMA SERIAL AS A WHOLE, WHICH INCLUDED MANY CRUDE EXPRESSIONS AND INNUENDOES, WAS UNSUITABLE FOR BROADCAST DURING FAMILY VIEWING HOURS.

/IT CONSIDERED .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

IT CONSIDERED THAT THE GRATUITOUS USE OF SUCH LANGUAGE HAD GONE BEYOND THAT NECESSARY FOR DRAMATIC CONTENT AND CHARACTERISATION.

THE AUTHORITY ALSO IMPOSED A FINANCIAL PENALTY OF $10,000 ON ATV FOR THE INCLUSION OF A CIGARETTE LOGO IN AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR A SPORTS EVENT.

MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT A LOGO "SALEM WORLD OF TENNIS", SUPERIMPOSED ON THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE PROGRAMME "SALEM ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS", RESEMBLED THE LOGO OF SALEM CIGARETTES.

THEREFORE, IT WAS A SERIOUS BREACH OF THE TELEVISION CODE OF PRACTICE ON ADVERTISING STANDARDS GOVERNING THE ADVERTISING OF EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH TOBACCO SPONSORS.

THE AUTHORITY ALSO CONSIDERED SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT A PROGRAMME BROADCAST ON THE CABLE ENTERTAINMENT CHANNEL OF WHARF CABLE.

MEMBERS AGREED WITH THE COMPLAINANTS THAT SOME VIOLENT SCENES WITHIN THE PROGRAMME "ANGEL OF VENGEANCE" WERE UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN’S VIEWING AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADVERTISED AS SUCH.

BEARING IN MIND THIS WAS WHARF’S FIRST BREACH OF ITS PROGRAMMING CODE, MEMBERS STRONGLY ADVISED THE LICENSEE TO OBSERVE MORE CLOSELY THE CODES OF PRACTICE.

- - 0 - -

PRELIMINARY DERAILMENT REPORT RECEIVED *****

THE GOVERNMENT CONFIRMED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) HAD SUBMITTED ITS PRELIMINARY ENQUIRY REPORT ON THE DERAILMENT INCIDENT TO THE HK RAILWAY INSPECTORATE AND THAT A COPY HAD BEEN HANDED TO THE TRANSPORT BRANCH.

THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID HE HAD HAD A DISCUSSION WITH THE CHIEF INSPECTING OFFICER OF RAILWAYS (CIO(R)) WHO HAD CONFIRMED THAT BASED ON FACTS AVAILABLE AND HIS OWN INDEPENDENT STUDY, HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS IN THE REPORT AND THE PROMPT ACTION TAKEN BY THE MTRC TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF ITS ROLLING STOCK.

MR BARMA REMARKED THAT ’’THE MTRC HAS ACTED VERY RESPONSIBLY BY INCLUDING THE CHECKS ON THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM IN THEIR DAILY INSPECTION OF ALL TRAIN CARS BEFORE THEY ARE PUT INTO SERVICE AND BY SWIFTLY COMMENCING A PROCESS TO MODIFY THE EMERGENCY SPRING SYSTEM, WHICH IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE INCIDENT, IN ALL TRAILER CARS.”

"I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT THE CORPORATION HAS INVOLVED THE GERMAN SUPPLIER OF THE TRAIN BOGIE, THE BRITISH RAIL RESEARCH AND OTHER INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST AGENCIES IN THEIR INVESTIGATION.

’’THEY HAVE ALSO DEMONSTRATED THAT THEY ARE ACCOUNTABLE BY GIVING PROMPT BRIEFINGS TO THE LEGCO TRANSPORT PANEL, THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE PRESS.

’’THIS CLEARLY INDICATES THAT AS A PUBLIC CORPORATION, THEY HAVE RESPONDED RESPONSIBLY.

/•'I HAD

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

"I HAD EARLIER INDICATED THAT THE FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATION WILL BE MADE PUBLIC. I HAVE THEREFORE AUTHORISED THE RELEASE OF THE SYNOPSIS OF THE PRELIMINARY REPORT. THIS SUMMARISES THE MAIN FACTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. THE PRELIMINARY REPORT ITSELF IS A HIGHLY TECHNICAL DOCUMENT. BOTH THE INDEPENDENT HK RAILWAY INSPECTORATE AND THE MTRC ARE CONTINUING WITH THEIR DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS,” MR BARMA SAID.

AS REGARDS THE OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE PRELIMINARY REPORT, THESE ARE OF A SECONDARY NATURE AND DEAL WITH ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE REVIEW OF TECHNICAL AND PROCEDURAL MATTERS, DETECTION DEVICES AND ALSO COMMENDATIONS FOR STAFF OF THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT. THESE ARE BEING FURTHER EXAMINED BY THE MTRC AND THE CTO(R).

THE CIO(R) HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE EXISTING SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE MTRC ARE FULLY SATISFACTORY AND THEY MEET THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

---------------------------0------- SPECIAL TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ♦ * t * ♦

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED SPECIAL TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON IN CONNECTION WITH THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 11).

THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) WILL RUN NORMAL HOLIDAY TRAIN SERVICES DURING THE DAY WITH EXTENDED THREE-MINUTE HEADWAY BETWEEN 3.30 PM AND 11.30 PM AS NECESSARY DEPENDING ON PASSENGER DEMAND.

PASSENGERS ARE REQUESTED TO OBSERVE THE ADVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS THAT MAY BE GIVEN BY THE POLICE AND THE MTRC STAFF ON SITE ABOUT RE-ARRANGEMENTS AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI, JORDAN AND WAN CHAI STATIONS.

KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED WITH LAST TRAINS FROM KOWLOON AND SHEUNG SHUI STATIONS AT 1.30 AM AND 1 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING RESPECTIVELY. FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS FOR SHEUNG SHUI FROM KOWLOON WILL ALSO BE OPERATED BETWEEN 8.30 PM AND 10 PM.

NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED BY LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT, WITH ADDITIONAL VEHICLES FOR ALL ROUTES. FEEDER BUS ROUTES 521 AND 670 WILL BF STRENGTHENED.

HONG KONG TRAMWAYS WILL PROVIDE NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES WITH AN ADDITIONAL SERVICE TO WHITTY STREET AND A SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO SHAU KEI WAN.

PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED AS NECESSARY DEPENDING ON PASSENGER DEMAND.

ON FERRY SERVICES, STAR FERRY WIL! OPERATE ADDITIONAL SAILINGS BETWEEN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI TO CATER FOR EXTRA DEMAND.

ITS SERVICES FROM TSIM SHA TSUI TO CENTRAL AND TO WAN CHAI WILL RE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM.

/THE CENTRAL.......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

THE CENTRAL TO HUNG HOM SERVICE WILL BE CURTAILED THE LAST SAILING FROM BOTH POINTS DEPARTING AT 7 PM.

EARLY WITH

FOUR SERVICES BY THE HONG KONG FOLLOWS:

FERRY WILL BE CURTAILED AS

CENTRAL - TSIM SHA TSUI EAST

LAST SAILING FROM CENTRAL

LAST SAILING FROM TSIM SHA TSUI EAST

CENTRAL - TUEN MUN

LAST SAILING FROM TUEN MUN

LAST SAILING FROM CENTRAL

TSIM SHA TSUI - MUI WO

LAST SAILING FROM MUI WO

LAST SAILING FROM TSIM SHA TSUI

GOLDCOAST - TSIM SHA TSUI EAST

LAST SAILING FROM GOLDCOAST

LAST SAILING FROM TSIM SHA TSUI EAST

6 PM

6.10 PM

6.50 PM

7.30 PM

5 PM

6 PM

4.40 PM

6 PM

THE FOUR INNER HARBOUR HONG KONG FERRY SERVICES WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9.15 PM. THEY ARE SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD; NORTH POINT AND HUNG HOM; NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON CITY; AND BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND KWUN TONG.

ON OUTLYING ISLAND SERVICES, THE SAILING DEPARTING TAI O AT 5.30 PM WILL TERMINATE AT TUEN MUN FERRY PIER AND WILL NOT PROCEED TO CENTRAL. SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND SOK KWU WAN; CENTRAL AND YUNG SHUE WAN; CENTRAL AND MUI WO; CENTRAL AND PENG CHAU AND CENTRAL AND CHEUNG CHAU WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED.

FERRY SERVICES FROM DISCOVERY BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 7.20 PM AND 8.30 PM AND NO SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED FROM CENTRAL TO DISCOVERY BAY BETWEEN 8 PM AND 9 PM.

REGARDING BUS SERVICES, CITYBUS WILL STRENGTHEN ITS ROUTES 70, 72, 75, 90, 92, 96 AND 97 AS NECESSARY BEFORE AND AFTER THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY, DEPENDING ON PASSENGER DEMAND.

CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTES 8, 15, 38, 40, 40M, '590, 592 AND ALL CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTES WILL BE STRENGTHENED SUBJECT TO PASSENGER DEMAND.

SPECIAL EMPTY BUSES WILL BE OPERATED AT THE FOLLOWING BUS TERMINI AFTER THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY:

* NORTH POINT FERRY BUS TERMINUS

* TIN HAU MTR STATION BUS TERMINUS

* ADMIRALTY MTR EAST STATION BUS TERMINUS

/* CENTRAL ......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

* CENTRAL (EXCHANGE SQUARE) BUS TERMINUS

* THE PEAK PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE

THE FOLLOWING CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED AND BUS STOPS ON THE ROADS AFFECTED WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6.30 PM AND WILL RESUME WHEN CLOSED ROADS ARE REOPENED:

ROUTES 8, 11A, 13, 15, 20, 21, 40, 80, 81M, 260, 590 AND 780.

ROUTE 780 WILL BE SUSPENDED WITH EFFECT FP.OM 6 PM.

ON KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (KMB) SERVICES, ROUTES 5A AND 208 WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6 PM AND 5.30 PM RESPECTIVELY.

THE FOLLOWING KMB ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED FROM ABOUT 7 PM:

Al., A2, 1, 1A, 2, 2C, 5, 5C, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 26,

81C, 87D, 98D, 203, 234X, 241S, 271, 281S.

28 69X,

THE FOLLOWING KMB ROUTES WILL TEMPORARILY TERMINATE AT THE LOCATIONS SPECIFIED:

ROUTE TERMINATED AT

5, 5C AND 8 GRANVILLE ROAD

26 STAR FERRY BUS TERMINUS

28 CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH (NORTH OF GRANVILLE

ROAD )

69X AND 271

234X

JORDAN ROAD BUS TERMINUS

STAR FERRY BUS TERMINUS

AS FOR CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS SERVICES, ROUTES 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 110, 114 AND 601 WILL BE DIVERTED AND ROUTE 110 WILL BE TEMPORARILY TERMINATED AT GRANVILLE ROAD.

ON GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, ROUTES 1, 1A, 3, 8, 9, 11, 22, 24A, 24M, 25 AND 25A WILL BE DIVERTED.

KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 1 WILL BE SUSPENDED DURING THE PERIOD OF ROAD CLOSURE AND ROUTES 3, 6, 7, 8 AND 31M WILL BE DIVERTED.

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

/9........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN NOVEMBER 1993 *****

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF LAST YEAR DECREASED BY 5.0% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 20%, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 14%. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 13% IN VOLUME.

THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.

AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORT INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.3% WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORT DECREASED BY 0.5%. IMPORTS PRICES DECREASED BY 0.6%.

PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDICES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.

THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.3% IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1993 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992.

TAKING NOVEMBER 1993 ALONE AND COMPARING WITH NOVEMBER 1992, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 5.8% WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS INCREASED BY 15%. THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10%. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 8.6%.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS DECREASED BY 0.8%. THE PRICE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS BOTH REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1993 WITH NOVEMBER 1992, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR METAL MANUFACTURES (+10%); AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+7.6%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-57%); AND FOOTWEAR (-47%).

AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, THE PRICES OF FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 8.3%.

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-11%); TEXTILE FABRICS (-7.5%); AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-4.4%).

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 SLIGHTLY BY 0.4% IN NOVEMBER 1993 AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1992.

/CONSIDERABLE INCREASES .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

CONSIDERABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS; LIVE POULTRY; AND VEGETABLES. ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE; TEA AND COFFEE; SUGAR; AND WHEAT AND FLOUR.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 9.4%.

COMMODITY ITEMS WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; AND FOOTWEAR. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 10% IN NOVEMBER 1993 AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1992.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS; CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS; IRON AND STEEL; AND PLASTIC MATERIALS.

HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMALS HAIR; SILK FABRICS; AND YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.

IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 32% IN VOLUME TN NOVEMBER 1993 AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1992.

AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 4.3%. NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS; AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; AND TEXTILE MACHINERY DECLINED.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1993 WITH NOVEMBER 1992, THE IMPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS; AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 3.0% AND 0.4% RESPECTIVELY. THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS; FOODSTUFFS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 6.5%, 1.8%, AND 1.3% RESPECTIVELY.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1993 WITH NOVEMBER 1992, THE VOLUME OF REEXPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES; CONSUMER GOODS; AND CAPITAL GOODS REGISTERED INCREASES OF 21%, 16% AND 7.9% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS; AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 1.9% AND 1.6% RESPECTIVELY.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS; FOODSTUFFS; AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 0.9%, 0.6% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS; AND RAW MATERTALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 16% AND 4.6% RESPECTIVELY.

DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE NOVEMBER 1993 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".

/THE REPORT .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE AROUND FEBRUARY 14 AT $8.5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 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 INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4918).

/TABLE 1 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

Table 1 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group

Comparing NOV 1993 Comparing JAN-NOV 1993 with NOV 1992 with JAN-NOV 1992

Commodity group Value % Unit Value % Volume % Value % Unit Value % Volume %

Clothing -6.1 -1.3 -4.9 -7.3 1.3 -8.5

Textile fabrics -8.7 -7.5 -1.3 -3.9 -4.6 0.8

Textile yarn and thread -4.3 -11.0 7.6 -13.4 -6.7 -7.2

Textile made-ups and related articles -13.7 -1.3 -12.7 -26.6 -1.1 -25.8

Radios of all kinds -58.8 -4.4 -56.9 -47.6 -6.5 -43.9

Electronic components -14.2 3.7 -17.3 3.4 -0.1 3.5

Footwear -42.6 8.3 -47.1 -46.0 6.6 -49.4

Metal manufactures 10.2 0.1 10.0 1.5 -1.9 3.5

Metal ores and scrap 2.1 1.6 0.7 -2.7 -1.5 -1.2

Watches and clocks -4.7 0.3 -5.0 -14.0 0.4 -14.6

Travel goods, handbags and similar articles -19.2 -1.5 -17.9 -21.6 -2.3 -19.8

Domestic electrical appliances -12.3 0.6 -12.9 -23.0 -2.3 -21.2

ALL COMMODITIES -5.8 0.1 -5.8 -4.7 0.3 -5.0

/TABLE 2 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

Table 2 : Changes in imports by end-use category

End-use category • Comparing NOV 1993 with NOV 1992 Comparing JAN-NOV 1993 with JAN-NOV 1992

Value % Unit Value Volume Value % Unit Value Volume

% % % %

Foodstuffs -1.5 -1.8 0.4 -0.8 -0.9 *

Consumer goods 9.8 0.4 9.4 16.2 -0.3 16.5

Raw materials and semi-manufactures 8.6 -1.3 10.1 7.8 -2.6 10.7

Fuels 23.6 -6.5 32.4 7.3 -1.9 9.3

Capital goods 7.4 3.0 4.3 19.5 3.2 15.8

ALL COMMODITIES 8.7 0.1 8.6 12.9 -0.6 13.5

less than 0.05%

Table 3 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category

End-use category Comparing NOV 1993 with NOV 1992 Comparing JAN-NOV 1993 with JAN-NOV 1992

Value % Unit Value Volume Value % Unit Value Volume

% % % %

Foodstuffs -1.1 0.6 -1.6 -2.7 -0.5 -2.2

Consumer goods 16.6 0.6 16.0 18.9 0.3 18.6

Raw materials and semi-manufactures 15.6 -4.6 21.0 15.3 -3.4 19.3

Fuels -17.3 -15.8 -1.9 49.5 -7.4 61.6

Capital goods 8.8 0.9 7.9 31.6 1.9 29.0

ALL COMMODITIES 14.3 -0.8 15.3 19.6 -0.5 20.3

/14 ........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

- 14 -

GOVERNOR TO BROADCAST NEW YEAR MESSAGE

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL DELIVER HIS NEW YEAR MESSAGE ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE TIMETABLE FOR THE BROADCASTS IS:

DATE AND TIME

TELEVISION WEDNESDAY (FEB 9) THURSDAY (REPEAT) (FEB 10)

TVB (JADE) ABOUT 6.10 PM ABOUT 12.50 PM

ATV (HOME) ABOUT 6.55 PM ABOUT 4 PM

TVB (PEARL) ABOUT 8.30 PM ABOUT 11.25 AM

ATV (WORLD) ABOUT 6.50 PM ABOUT 11 AM

WHARF CABLE 6.10 PM

RADIO

RTHK 1, 2, 5 (CHINESE) ABOUT 7.03 PM ABOUT 1.05 PM

RTHK 3 (ENGLISH) — ABOUT 7.52 AM

COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 (CHINESE) ABOUT 6.30 PM ABOUT 12.15 PM

COMMERCIAL RADIO 2 (CHINESE) ABOUT 6.05 PM -

COMMERCIAL RADIO (ENGLISH) ABOUT 7 PM -

METRO NEWS ABOUT 6 PM -

FM SELECT ABOUT 6 PM —

HIT RADIO ABOUT 6 PM —

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

EFFORTS MADE TO PROTECT FISHERIES RESOURCES ♦ ♦ ♦ t *

EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TO PROTECT FISHERIES RESOURCES IN THE TERRITORY, ACTING DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR MICHAEL LEE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE SAID IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE FIRST EXPERIMENTAL ARTIFICIAL REEF WAS SUCCESSFULLY DEPLOYED LAST YEAR AT HOI HA WAN, ONE OF HONG KONG’S FIRST PROPOSED SITES FOR MARINE PARKS.

’’THE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF LARGER SCALE DEPLOYMENT OF ARTIFICIAL REEF TECHNOLOGY IN OTHER LOCAL TERRITORIAL WATERS SO AS TO REHABILITATE THE DAMAGED MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND TO REVIVE THE FISHERIES RESOURCES,” HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION’S (FMO) ANNUAL PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR LEE SAID THE NEW CHEUNG SHA WAN FISH WHOLESALE MARKET, WHICH BEGAN OPERATION LAST OCTOBER, HAD GREATLY IMPROVED THE WHOLESALING SERVICES FOR FISH TRADERS AND FISHERMEN.

SITUATED ON

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

SITUATED ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, THE NEW MARKET IS ONE OF THE BEST OF ITS KIND IN THE REGION IN TERMS OF FACILITIES AND MANAGEMENT.

ITS PROXIMITY TO THE NEW CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FOOD MARKET IS ALSO AN ASSET.

LAST YEAR, FMO AND AFD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLICE, CONTINUED TO MOUNT OPERATIONS TO TACKLE ILLEGAL MARINE FISH WHOLESALING ACTIVITIES, RESULTING IN 110 PROSECUTIONS, HE SAID.

MR LEE SAID A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES WERE PROVIDED TO THE LOCAL FISHERIES SECTOR BY FMO AND AFD.

APART FROM ARRANGING A STUDY TOUR TO MEXICO FOR THE FISHERY EXPO '93, LOANS OF MORE THAN $17 MILLION WERE MADE OUT TO FISHERMEN. VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SCHOLARSHIPS WERE ALSO PROVIDED TO THEM AND THEIR CHILDREN.

AT THE CEREMONY, MR LEE PRESENTED SILVER SHIELDS TO THREE FISHERMEN WHO HAD SAVED LIVES AT SEA LAST YEAR.

HE AWARDED LONG-SERVICE MEDALS TO 20 FMO STAFF MEMBERS AND CERTIFICATES TO FOUR GRADUATES OF SEA FISHING COXSWAIN ENDORSEMENT COURSE.

THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR YIP SHUI-MING, ALSO PRESENTED PRIZES TO 54 FISHERMEN WHO HAD EMERGED AS CHAMPIONS OF FISH CATCH IN THE TERRITORY'S FISHING PORTS LAST YEAR.

------------------0------- SAI KUNG TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL t ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

LIVELY ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES WILL BE THE MAIN FARE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL FROM FEBRUARY 13 TO 27.

A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 14) ON THE MAN YI PLAYGROUND AT YI CHUN STREET IN SAI KUNG TOWN CENTRE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL.

CHINESE OPERA AND CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED IN 13 DIFFERENT VENUES IN VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES IN TSEUNG KWAN O AND THE SAI KUNG TOWN CENTRE.

THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE TVB' S LIVE ’’ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT” PROGRAMME ON FEBRUARY 25. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE EVENT.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LING MAN-HOI, SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS HELD EVERY TWO YEARS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY INTEGRITY AND HARMONY IN THE DISTRICT.

THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE 1994 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE SAI KUNG CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

/SPONSORS INCLUDE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

SPONSORS INCLUDE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.

MR LING PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL BODIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN MAKING THE FESTIVAL A SUCCESS.

TICKETS FOR THE VARIETY SHOWS AND CARNIVALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE’S TSEUNG KWAN O SUB-OFFICE AT PO LAM ESTATE.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 792 9512.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, MR PARRISH NG AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY ON MAN YI BASKETBALL PLAYGOUND, YI CHUN STREET, SAI KUNG.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER.

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

PART OF TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD TO BE CLOSED

*****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE CLOSURE OF PART OF TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD BETWEEN KAM HONG STREET AND TIN CHIU STREET.

THE CLOSURE WILL FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS DEPOT INTO A COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX AS APPROVED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.

AS PART OF THE REDEVELOPMENT, THE ADJACENT TANNER ROAD WILL BE WIDENED TO A TWO-WAY CARRIAGEWAY WITH FOOTPATHS. THE CLOSURE OF TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ONCE THESE WORKS ARE COMPLETED.

TRAFFIC STUDIES HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ABLE TO CATER FOR THE PROJECTED VOLUME OF TRAFFIC IN THE AREA.

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

SAI KUNG IMMIGRATION OFFICE TO SUSPEND SERVICE

*****

THE IMMIGRATION MOBILE OFFICE AT SAI KUNG WILL SUSPEND THE SERVICES OF BIRTH AND MARRIAGE REGISTRATIONS AND IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS FOR ONE DAY ON FEBRUARY 14.

"THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF SERVICE IS DUE TO THE HOLDING OF A CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR GENERAL GATHERING BY THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE SERVICE WILL RESUME ON FEBRUARY 15.

FOR ENQUIRIES, THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.

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

/17......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY B, 1994

- 17 -

PUBLIC REMINDED NOT TO BRING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES * t » » »

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING CHINA AND OVERSEAS COUNTRIES DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ARE REMINDED NOT TO BRING BACK ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES OR MEDICINE CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER OR RHINO INGREDIENTS ON THEIR RETURN TO HONG KONG.

"THE PROHIBITION ON THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF MEDICINE CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS HAS ALREADY COME INTO EFFECT AT THE END OF LAST MONTH," THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR CHAN JEE-KEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE NEW CONTROL ALSO COVERS ALL SPECIES OF BEARS, THEIR GALL BLADDERS, BILE, AND BILE POWDER.

TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE RESTRICTIONS UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN DISPLAYING LARGE NUMBER OF POSTERS AT KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY POSTER SITES AND TUBE CARDS INSIDE THE TRAINS SINCE EARLY THIS MONTH.

THESE ARE SUPPLEMENTED BY GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST ON TELEVISION AND RADIO.

ON THE ENFORCEMENT SIDE, MR CHAN SAID BOTH THE CUSTOMS AND HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD STEP UP CONTROL MEASURES AT ALL ENTRY POINTS TO CHECK TRAVELLERS AND GOODS VEHICLES DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

"ANYONE WHO TRIES TO BRING IN WITHOUT A LICENCE ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES, INCLUDING LIVE AND STUFFED SPECIMENS AS WELL AS PARTS AND DERIVATIVES, WILL BE PROSECUTED."

MR CHAN SAID THERE HAD BEEN 426 SEIZURES IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL IMPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES LAST YEAR.

THE SEIZED ITEMS WERE MAINLY MEDICINE CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINO INGREDIENTS, CLAIMED TIGER PARTS, CROCODILE MEAT, PANGOLIN SCALE, STUFFED SEA TURTLES, LIVE SLOW LORIS, FUR SKINS, SNAKES AND THEIR SKINS AS WELL AS WILD ORCHIDS.

BECAUSE THE LEGISLATION COVERS A GREAT VARIETY OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS, MR CHAN ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO CHECK CAREFULLY WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 733 2282 WHEN IN DOUBT.

HE REITERATED THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESS ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE, MR CHAN SAID.

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

/18........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

- 18 -

TWO NT SITES TO LET

*****

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE LOT IN ON YIU STREET, AREA 11, SHA TIN NEW TOWN HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,900 SQUARE METRES. IT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A CONTAINER VEHICLE PARK, BUT EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS.

ITS TENANCY IS THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.

THE OTHER LOT, AT AH KUNG WAN, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, SAI KUNG, COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,440 SQUARE METRES. IT IS EARMARKED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK, EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES.

IT CARRIES A TENANCY OF THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 25.

FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICES.

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

• > r:z .

FIREMEN THANKED FOR FIGHTING BUILDING FIRE

*******

THE EFFICIENCY OF FIRE SERVICES MEMBERS IN FIGHTING A FIRE IN A CENTRAL BUILDING LAST MONTH HAS WON PRAISES FROM BOTH THE BUILDING MANAGER AND A OWNER OF SOME AFFECTED UNITS.

A OWNER REPRESENTATIVE, MR HO KAI-CHAI AND THE DIRECTOR OF JONES LANG WOOTTEN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD, MR GERRY KIPLING, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE SHEUNG WAN FIRE STATION TO THANK THEM.

THEY PRESENTED A PENNANT AND A PLAQUE TO THE SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER, MR VICTOR HSU, IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR EFFORTS IN SUPPRESSING THE FIRE AND RESCUING LIVES.

THE BLAZE BROKE OUT ON THE 19TH FLOOR OF WING SHAN TOWER AT 84-86 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AROUND 7 PM ON JANUARY 10. IT WAS UPGRADED TO NO. 4 ALARM MORE THAN AN HOUR LATER.

'■•‘S w; H • r J •

FIREMEN RESCUED SEVEN PEOPLE FROM THE ROOF OF THE 25-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING. THE FIRE, DAMAGING A NUMBER OF OFFICE UNITS ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WAS PUT OUT AFTER ABOUT FIVE HOURS.

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

/19........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

- 19 -

.iQz'-i-* Ji »• *’ -.Ak.

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****

TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER 8 FEB 94 EF BILLS ' d

ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED AMOUNT ALLOTTED AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED PRO RATA RATIO AVERAGE TENDER YIELD Q406 HKD 3,330 MN HKD 1,300 MN 3.26 PCT 3.28 PCT ABOUT 6 PCT 3.28 PCT . K - • ' • 1 i -i

HONG KONG TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE TENDER DATE 14 FEB 94 PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES ISSUE NUMBER 2602 ISSUE DATE 15 FEB 94 MATURITY DATE 15 FEB 96 TENOR 2 YEARS AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD500 + COUPON 4.40 PCT GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND WEEK BEGINNING 14 FEB 1994 15 FEB 94 EF BILLS Q407 16 FEB 94 18 MAY 94 91 DAYS 100MN HKD 1,300 + 260 MN 15 FEB 94 EF BILLS H458 16 FEB 94 17 AUG 94 182 DAYS 1 HKD 500 + 100 MN

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

/20........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1994

- 20 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,110

REVERSAL OF LAF -110

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -380

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,620

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 126.5 »-0.3» 8.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.91 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.70 4.03

1 MONTH 3.04 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 100.67 4.21

3 MONTHS 3.26 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.66 4.39

6 MONTHS 3.44 33 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.50 4.85

12 MONTHS 3.78 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.27 4.93

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 30,222 MN

CLOSED 8 FEBRUARY 1994

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR'S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE ............................ 1

BILL ENABLES COURT TO TRY PERSONS FOR CERTAIN CRIMES ABROAD . 3

FINES FOR TELECOMS OFFENCES SET FOR REVISION ................. 4

TAIWAN BANK GRANTED LICENCE .................................. 5

PIER PLANNED FOR MA WAN ...................................... 5

SUNG CHI STREET TO BE REBUILT ................................ 6

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

GOVERNOR’S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE

******

THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY IS AN IMPORTANT TIME FOR ALL OF US. IT IS A TIME TO PAUSE AND TO CATCH OUR BREATH BEFORE WE PLUNGE INTO ANOTHER YEAR.

THE NEW YEAR IS ONE OF THOSE ALL TOO RARE OPPORTUNITIES TO STAND BACK FROM OUR CAREERS, FROM SCHOOL, COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY WORK OR FROM THE DEMANDS, AND THEY ARE SUBSTANTIAL, OF RUNNING A HOME. A TIME TO PUT EVERYDAY CONCERNS IN PERSPECTIVE. A TIME TO THINK ABOUT THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST IN LIFE - THE HEALTH, THE WELFARE AND THE HAPPINESS OF OUR FAMILY AND OF OUR FRIENDS.

THE START OF A NEW YEAR IS ABOVE ALL A TIME FOR FAMILIES. FROM THE MANY FRIENDS LAVENDER, ALICE AND I HAVE MADE SINCE COMING TO LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY, I KNOW THAT THE FAMILY SPIRIT IS NOWHERE STRONGER THAN IN HONG KONG. PEOPLE COME TOGETHER TO RENEW TIES AND TO DRAW STRENGTH FROM EACH OTHER AND FROM THE TRADITIONS AND VALUES WHICH ARE THE BEDROCK OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SUCCESS.

THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN A YEAR OF STEADY, SOLID ACHIEVEMENT FOR HONG KONG. THE ECONOMY HAS EXPANDED BY ABOUT 5.5%, THE NINETEENTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR OF ECONOMIC GROWTH. AND BEHIND THE DRY STATISTICS OF ECONOMIC SUCCESS ARE THE REALITIES OF RISING LIVING STANDARDS AND GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. FAMILY INCOMES HAVE RISEN. AND OUR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY HAVE ALSO BEEN IMPROVED AS ECONOMIC PROGRESS HAS MADE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT.

LET ME GIVE YOU A FEW EXAMPLES OF WHAT THIS MEANS IN PRACTICE. DURING THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO:

BUILD AN ADDITIONAL 66,000 NEW HOMES FOR FAMILIES ON THE HOUSING WAITING LISTS:

WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO COMMISSION AN ADDITIONAL 3,350 BEDS IN OUR HOSPITALS AND INFIRMARIES; AND

WE HAVE RECRUITED AN ADDITIONAL 4,000 TEACHERS TO WORK IN OUR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE WAYS IN WHICH WE ARE IMPROVING OUR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC. THESE ARE REAL ACHIEVEMENTS. THEY CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG’S FAMILIES. NO WONDER ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS MAGAZINES RECENTLY VOTED HONG KONG ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD, NOT JUST TO DO BUSINESS BUT TO LIVE AND BRING UP A FAMILY.

/IN HONG .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

- 2 -

IN HONG KONG, WE BELIEVE VERY FIRMLY THAT THE QUALITY OF LIFE CAN AND SHOULD GO ON GETTING BETTER FOR EVERYONE. THE COMMUNITY INSISTS THAT PROBLEMS SHOULD BE FACED SQUARELY AND OVERCOME THROUGH ENTERPRISE AND HARD WORK. HONG KONG HAS A FAITH IN PROGRESS AND AN OPTIMISM ABOUT THE FUTURE WHICH MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES HAVE QUITE SIMPLY LOST.

THIS OPTIMISM, THIS CONFIDENCE GO BEYOND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING. THEY HAVE AN IMPACT ON EVERY ASPECT OF OUR WAY OF LIFE. I THINK THE BEST EXAMPLE IN THE PAST YEAR OF THIS DETERMINATION TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS HAS BEEN IN THE FIELD OF LAW AND ORDER, AN ISSUE WHICH I KNOW IS HIGH ON EVERYONE’S LIST OF PRIORITIES.

I KNOW OF NO OTHER MAJOR CITY IN THE WORLD IN WHICH THE CRIME FIGURES ARE FALLING AND THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IMPROVING. I THINK THE EXPLANATION FOR THIS REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT, BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG, LIES IN THE COMMUNITY’S RESPECT FOR TRADITIONAL VALUES, ITS EMPHASIS ON THE FAMILY AND THE PROPER EDUCATION OF ITS CHILDREN. WE RIGHTLY ATTACH A HIGH VALUE TO MAKING OUR CITY SAFE AND OUR SOCIETY LAW-ABIDING. WE RELY HEAVILY ON OUR EXCELLENT POLICE FORCE TO DO SO. BUT WE ALL OF US HAVE A PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN ONE OF THE WORLD’S SAFEST AND MOST LAW-ABIDING CITIES.

HONG KONG IS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE. THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE LIVED HERE ALL YOUR LIVES KNOW THIS BETTER THAN I DO. IT IS A GOOD PLACE TO WORK AND A GOOD PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY. WE ARE WORKING HARD TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S SPECIAL QUALITIES ARE PRESERVED. THAT OUR WAY OF LIFE IS SECURED FOR THE FUTURE.

AS PARENTS WE SPEND A GOOD DEAL OF OUR TIME THINKING ABOUT HOW TO SECURE THE BEST POSSIBLE FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN. WE WORRY ABOUT THEIR EDUCATION AND THEIR PROSPECTS FOR FINDING WORTHWHILE AND REWARDING CAREERS. WE CAN BE PROUD OF THE WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG IS ABLE TO OFFER ITS YOUNG REWARDING CAREERS, IN FACT A WIDER CHOICE OF CAREERS THAN MOST CITIES IN THE WORLD’S ADVANCED ECONOMIES CAN OFFER.

HONG KONG OFFERS ITS YOUNG PEOPLE A BRIGHT FUTURE BECAUSE WE ARE AT THE CENTRE OF THE ASTONISHING ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF ASIA. I AM CONFIDENT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT TRADING AND SERVICE CENTRES NOT ONLY IN THE YEAR OF THE DOG BUT WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

MANY OF YOU WILL BE LISTENING TO ME FROM THE WARMTH OF FAMILY GATHERINGS. LAVENDER, KATE, LAURA, ALICE AND I WISH ALL OF YOU A SUCCESSFUL, A PROSPEROUS AND ABOVE ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY.

0 - -

/3 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

BILL ENABLES COURT TO TRY PERSONS FOR

CERTAIN CRIMES ABROAD

*****

THE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION BILL, PROPOSED TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES IN PROSECUTING PERSONS IN HONG KONG FOR CERTAIN CROSS-BORDER FRAUD AND DISHONESTY OFFENCES, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID AT PRESENT, HONG KONG COURTS OFTEN COULD NOT TRY THOSE OFFENCES BECAUSE THEY WERE OFTEN REGARDED AS COMMITTED ABROAD, NOTWITHSTANDING A REAL CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG.

"IT IS POSSIBLE, THEREFORE, TO PLAN AND ORGANISE IN HONG KONG THE COMMISSION OF OFFENCES, SUCH AS CERTAIN CREDIT CARD FRAUD, ELSEWHERE, SAFE FROM PROSECUTION IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESENT RULES ON JURISDICTION HAD NOT ADAPTED ADEQUATELY TO INTERNATIONAL FRAUD.

"WHERE TRANSACTIONS AND EVENTS TAKE PLACE IN MORE THAN ONE COUNTRY THE PRESENT RULES REQUIRE DETAILED INVESTIGATION OF FACTUAL ISSUES AND MUCH TECHNICAL LEGAL ARGUMENT, TO DETERMINE WHERE THE CRIME WAS COMMITTED," HE SAID.

"THE RULES TEND TO FACILITATE FRAUD, AND ARE INEFFICIENT AND COSTLY. MUCH TIME CAN BE SPENT BY POLICE, BY PROSECUTORS, AND BY THE COURTS ON THE CONSIDERATION OF COMPLEX AND DIFFICULT QUESTIONS, JUST TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PERSON COULD BE TRIED BY A COURT IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL WOULD MAKE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE.

"IT WILL ENABLE HONG KONG COURTS TO TRY CERTAIN FRAUD AND DISHONESTY OFFENCES WHICH ARE COMMITTED OVERSEAS BUT HAVE A CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG."

FOR EXAMPLE, A PERSON ADVERTISES IN HONG KONG AND INVITES PEOPLE TO INVEST IN A NONEXISTENT PROPERTY IN ANOTHER COUNTRY BY PAYING MONEY INTO A BANK ACCOUNT IN THAT COUNTRY. THERE WILL BE NO OFFENCE COMMITTED IN HONG KONG IF THE CRIMINAL WITHDRAWS THE MONEY IN THAT COUNTRY AND BRINGS THE ILL-GOTTEN GAINS BACK TO HONG KONG.

THIS IS BECAUSE THE LAST ACT, THE OBTAINING, TOOK PLACE ABROAD.

UNDER THE BILL, THE CRIMINAL COULD BE PROSECUTED IN HONG KONG WHERE THE DECEPTION OCCURRED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL WOULD ALSO APPLY TO CONSPIRACIES, ATTEMPTS OR INCITEMENTS IN HONG KONG TO COMMIT IN ANOTHER COUNTRY A FRAUD SPECIFIED IN THE BILL.

AT PRESENT, THERE IS NO POWER TO TRY A PERSON IN HONG KONG FOR A CHARGE OF CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD WHERE THE FRAUD IS TO TAKE EFFECT IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.

/THE BILL .

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

THE BILL APPLIES TO OFFENCES THAT CORRESPOND TO THOSE INCLUDED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT 1993 (UK).

THEY ARE THE OFFENCES OF THEFT, OBTAINING BY DECEPTION, FALSE ACCOUNTING, FALSE STATEMENTS BY CORPORATE OFFICERS, PROCURING THE EXECUTION OF A VALUABLE SECURITY BY DECEPTION, HANDLING STOLEN GOODS AND BLACKMAIL UNDER THE THEFT ORDINANCE, THE OFFENCES OF FORGERY SET OUT IN PART IX OF THE CRIMES ORDINANCE, AND THE COMMON LAW OFFENCE OF CHEATING THE PUBLIC REVENUE.

IN ADDITION, THE BILL APPLIES TO THE OFFENCE IN SECTION 18D OF THE THEFT ORDINANCE, WHICH IS AN OFFENCE PECULIAR TO HONG KONG.

IT RELATES TO THE PROCURING BY DECEPTION OF THE MAKING, OMISSION, ALTERING, ABSTRACTING, CONCEALING OR DESTRUCTION OF AN ENTRY IN A RECORD OF A BANK OR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY.

THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 23.

- - 0 - -

FINES FOR TELECOMS OFFENCES SET FOR REVISION * * ♦ * ♦

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO REVISE THE FINES FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO RESTORE THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE CONTAINED IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 23.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROPOSED LEVELS OF FINES WERE, FOR THE MOST PART, ABOUT 10 TIMES HIGHER THAN THE EXISTING LEVELS.

’’THIS IS BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE INFLATION RATE SINCE THE FINES WERE LAST SET, AND REFLECTS THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF THE DEGREE OF SERIOUSNESS OF INDIVIDUAL OFFENCES IN RELATION TO OTHER OFFENCES IN THF ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION,” HF SAID.

FROM 1986 TO 1992, THE NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY MORE THAN THREE TIMES.

MOST OF THEM WERE RELATED TO UNLICENSED USE OR UNAUTHORISED MODIFICATION OF RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT OPERATING IN VEHICLES SUCH AS TAXIS AND TRUCKS.

"WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN FINES WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT DETERRENT EFFECT TN REGARD TO THIS TYPE OF OFFENCE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO SEEK TO REVISE THE FINES UNDER RELATED SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AFTER THE BILL HAS BEEN PASSED INTO LAW.

- 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

TAIWAN BANK GRANTED LICENCE

******

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK (FCB) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

IT IS THE FIFTH LARGEST BANK IN TAIWAN AND RANKS 184TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF ASSETS. IT HAS 125 BRANCHES AND 27 SUB-BRANCHES WITHIN TAIWAN.

OVERSEAS, IT HAS BRANCHES IN GUAM, SINGAPORE, FRANKFURT, LONDON AND LOS ANGELES. IT ALSO MAINTAINS AN AGENCY IN NEW YORK AND A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN TOKYO.

TN HONG KONG, FCB HAS BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE DECEMBER 1991.

IT WISHES TO UPGRADE THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TO A BRANCH TO PROVIDE A WIDER RANGE OF BANKING SERVICES TO ITS CUSTOMERS IN TAIWAN WHO HAVE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS WITH HONG KONG, CHINA AND OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.

THE PROPOSED BRANCH WILL CONCENTRATE ON TRADE FINANCING, LOAN SYNDICATION, INVESTMENT IN SECURITIES AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND MONEY MARKET TRANSACTIONS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

THE LICENCE FOR FCB IS THE SECOND BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR.

THERE ARE NOW 174 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 142 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.

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

PIER PLANNED FOR MA WAN *****

RECLAMATION AND ASSOCIATED WORKS RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER AT PAK WAN, MA WAN ARE EXPECTED TO START IN A FEW MONTHS.

THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT 2.12 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED, THE EXTENT OF WHICH IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

/ANY PERSON ......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE APRIL 9 THIS YEAR.

THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

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

SUNG CHI STREET TO BE REBUILT * ♦ * ♦ t

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RECONSTRUCT SUNG CHI STREET IN HUNG HOM.

ITS EXISTING CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTWAY WILL BE REBUILT. A FOOTWAY WILL BE BUILT AT THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE STREET AND THE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE/UNDERGROUND SERVICES WILL BE IMPROVED.

AT PRESENT, PORTIONS OF THE STREET ARE NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND MANAGED BECAUSE THEY ARE UNDER MULTIPLE SUB-DIVIDED OWNERSHIP.

THEY ARE GENERALLY IN POOR CONDITIONS, GIVING RISE TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND ACCESS PROBLEMS. THEREFORE, IT IS NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO RESUME THE PRIVATE PORTIONS OF THE STREET TO ENSURE THEIR PROPER MAINTENANCE AND USE.

THE IMPROVEMENT WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JUNE 1995 AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

A NOTICE ABOUT THE PROPOSED PROJECT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION WORK CAN BE SEEN AT:

♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND

* KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, KOWLOON.

ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NO LATER THAN APRIL 10, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE AI,LEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS OR THE USE.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1994

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

MONEY MARKET * * *

OPERATIONS * *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

2,620

REVERSAL OF LAF

+ 380

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF

3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY

NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY

-718

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT

2,282

LAF RATE

2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

TWI 126.5 *+0.0*

9.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.73 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.68 4.05

1 MONTH 2.92 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 100.61 4.25

3 MONTHS 3.23 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.64 4.41

6 MONTHS 3.40 33 MONTHS 3610 1.20 98.50 4.85

12 MONTHS 3.78 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.29 4.92

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,304 MN

CLOSED 9 FEBRUARY 1994

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

AIR-CONDITIONED COACH SERVES HOLIDAY-MAKERS .................. 1

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

STATEMENT ON NEW AIRPORT ..................................... 2

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR BEGINS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA ............ 3

LEIGHTON STRIKES GOLD ON AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME SITES ........ 4

NEW YORKERS FALL IN LOVE WITH HK CHILDREN’S ART .............. 6

PGC MEMBERS VISIT UK TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS .......... 7

COUNTRY PARK OUTING PROGRAMME DESIGN CONTEST ................. 8

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1994

AIR-CONDITIONED COACH SERVES HOLIDAY-MAKERS * * * * *

THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL INTRODUCE A SPECIAL AIR-CONDITIONED COACH ROUTE A8 ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 13) TO CATER FOR THE LARGE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS RETURNING FROM OVERSEAS AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE COACH WOULD PLY BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND PRINCE EDWARD MTR STATION.

IT WILL RUN FROM 11 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY AT 10-MINUTE INTERVALS UNTIL FEBRUARY 20.

THE FARE IS $5 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.

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/2.........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1994

- 2 -

STATEMENT ON NEW AIRPORT

*****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE NEW AIRPORT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:

"WE AGREE WITH AMBASSADOR GUO’S STATEMENT THAT A MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE SHOULD TAKE PLACE, AND WE HOPE THAT THIS CAN BE ARRANGED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO RESOLVE OUTSTANDING ISSUES ON AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING. IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE OF COURSE WILLING TO HOLD EXPERT TALKS TO HELP PAVE THE WAY FOR WHAT WE HOPE WILL BE AN EARLY AGREEMENT.”

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

/3 ........

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1994

- 3 -

GOVERNOR BEGINS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA *****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, BEGAN HIS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE INVITATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT.

THE VISIT WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FEBRUARY 19 TAKING IN SYDNEY, CANBERRA AND MELBOURNE. HE WILL MEET BUSINESS LEADERS, POLITICIANS INCLUDING THE PRIME MINISTER MR KEATING AND THE FOREIGN MINISTER, SENATOR EVANS. TOUR HIGH-TECH ENTERPRISES AND DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESSES TO THE AUSTRALIA-ASIA INSTITUTE AND THE COMMITTEE FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIA (CEDA).

HE WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IN CANBERRA AND BE THE GUEST SPEAKER AT A MAJOR LUNCHEON IN SYDNEY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY AUSTRADE, THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG/AUSTRALIA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.

SPEAKING AT A BRIEFING FOR HONG KONG JOURNALISTS IN SYDNEY THIS AFTERNOON, MR PATTEN SAID THERE WERE TWO PARTICULAR REASONS FOR HIS VISIT - THE PART AUSTRALIA HAS PLAYED IN THE ECONOMIC AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, AND THE GROWING AND VERY SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC AND TRADING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND HONG KONG.

"THE MAIN THRUST OF MY MEETINGS AND PROGRAMME THIS WEEK WILL BE TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THAT ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP AND THE WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN FURTHER STRENGTHEN IT," HE SAID.

BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND AUSTRALIA WAS NOW WORTH OVER A$4 BILLION (WELL OVER HK$20 BILLION) A YEAR AND THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG (AUSTCHAM) WAS AT PREGENT NOW THE SECOND LARGEST INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE TERRITORY WITH OVER 1,000 MEMBERS.

ASKED IF HE WAS SEEKING SUPPORT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER FOR HONG KONG’S DEMOCRATIC PROPOSALS, MR PATTEN SAID: "THE PURPOSE OF THIS VISIT AS IN OTHER VISITS IS NOT TO TRY TO WIN SUPPORT FOR OUR EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION IN HONG KONG. OUR FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD KNOW WE ARE TRYING TO DO THAT, THE PURPOSE IS TO STRENGTHEN AND DEVELOP OUR BILATERAL ECONOMIC AND TRADING RELATIONSHIPS."

HE ADDED: "IT IS TRUE THAT AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS, PARTICULARLY THE FOREIGN MINISTER HAVE GONE OUT OF THEIR WAY TO EXPRESS UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FOR THE APPROACH THAT WE HAVE TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION, BUT I THINK THAT ALL AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS AND THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RECOGNISE THAT THE DEBATE ABOUT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IS PRIMARILY ONE FOR THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER AND THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER, AND I THINK THEIR INTEREST IN IT HAS NEVER GONE BEYOND THE PROPER DIPLOMATIC BOUNDARIES," THE GOVERNOR SAID.

/IN RESPONSE .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1994

IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE LATEST AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS AND THE COMMENTS BY MR GUO FENGMIN, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE SOONER THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES COULD BE RESOLVED THE BETTER IT WOULD BE FOR HONG KONG.

"IF CHINESE OFFICIALS BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN BY A MEETING OF THE EXPERTS GROUP, THEN SO BE IT, I THINK WHAT EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS AN EARLY RESOLUTION TO THESE PROBLEMS.

"THAT’S WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT FORWARD NEW PROPOSALS WHICH IN OUR VIEW MEET ALL THE CONCERNS THE CHINESE SIDE PUT FORWARD A FEW MONTHS AGO," MR PATTEN SAID.

TOMORROW’S (MONDAY) PROGRAMME INCLUDES MEETINGS WITH THE NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNOR, HIS EXCELLENCY REAR ADMIRAL PETER SINCLAIR, THE PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES, THE HONOURABLE JOHN FAHEY, LEADING SYDNEY BUSINESSMEN, AND DELIVERING THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO THE AUSTRALIA-ASIA INSTITUTE.

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

LEIGHTON STRIKES GOLD ON AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME SITES

*****

LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (ASIA) LTD STRUCK GOLD RECENTLY ON HONG KONG’S AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) SITES WHEN IT WON TWO GOLD AWARDS FOR ITS SAFETY RECORD AND PERFORMANCE.

THE CONTRACTOR THAT BEAT CONTRACTORS OF THE 17 OTHER SITES IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARDS FOR 1993 TO CLAIM THE TWO TOP PRIZES AND TWO OTHER BRONZE PRIZES SAID IT OWED ITS SUCCESS TO A COMPANY POLICY THAT PLACED TOP PRIORITY ON SAFETY.

THE AWARD SCHEME WAS ORGANISED BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) TO PROMOTE SAFETY AMONG ACP CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS BY RECOGNISING GOOD SITE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR NAPCO POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH MORE WORK HAD TO BE DONE TO MEET THE ACP SAFETY TARGETS, IT WAS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE ACP CONTRACTS HAD IN FACT ACHIEVED THE ACP SAFETY TARGETS OF ZERO FATALITIES AND LESS THAN 60 REPORTABLE ACCIDENTS PER THOUSAND WORKERS A YEAR.

"THESE CONTRACTORS PROVE TO ALL OF US THAT THE ACP SAFETY TARGETS, ALTHOUGH MUCH MORE STRINGENT THAN THE NORM IN HONG KONG, CAN BE ACHIEVED GIVEN ADEQUATE PRIORITY AND THE EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED," HE ADDED.

A SAFE WORKS SITE IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS, ACCORDING TO LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (ASIA) LTD. THE ARITHMETIC IS SIMPLE ACCORDING TO MR WILLIAM WILD, DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER OF LEIGHTON’S.

/WITH ITS .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1994

- 5 -

WITH ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING SAFETY ON THEIR WORK SITES, THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BRING THE AVERAGE ACCIDENT RATE OF ALL THEIR SITES DOWN TO ABOUT ONE-THIRD THAT OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S RATE OF 302 ACCIDENTS PER THOUSAND WORKERS IN 1992.

"A GOOD SAFETY RECORD TRANSLATES INTO FEWER CLAIMS FOR EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND THIS IN TURN MEANS THAT OUR COMPANY PAYS A LOWER PREMIUM FOR EMPLOYEE INSURANCE. IN ADDITION, LESS TIME IS LOST FROM JOBS THAT ARE HELD UP BECAUSE OF ACCIDENTS. SO ON THE COST SIDE WE ARE MORE COMPETITIVE.

"FURTHERMORE, WE HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF BEING AWARDED TENDERS FOR JOBS BECAUSE SOME CLIENTS NOWADAYS INSIST ON HAVING GOOD CONTRACTORS WITH GOOD SAFETY TRACK RECORDS," MR WILD SAID.

ACHIEVING A GOOD SAFETY RECORD CALLS FOR SERIOUS COMMITMENT FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND A CONTINUAL EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT WORKERS ARE PROPERLY TRAINED AND MOTIVATED.

APART FROM GIVING WORKERS ONGOING AND INTENSIVE INDUCTION AND ON-SITE TRAINING COURSES, THE COMPANY ALSO SETS SAFETY TARGETS FOR THEIR SITES AND EVERY WORKER EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY RECEIVES A MONTHLY CASH BONUS IF THE SITE ACHIEVES THESE NOMINATED SAFETY TARGETS DURING THE MONTH.

ACHIEVEMENT OF LONGER-TERM TARGETS BRING GREATER REWARDS SUCH AS BANQUETS FOR THE WHOLE WORKFORCE AND OTHER PRIZES. EACH YEAR THE COMPANY ORGANISES A "BEST SITE" COMPETITION AND WHEN A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY MILESTONE IS ACHIEVED, WORKERS ON THE SITE ARE PRESENTED WITH A TROPHY AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY THAT IS FOLLOWED BY A BARBECUE.

ALL THIS EFFORT PAID OFF FOR LEIGHTON WHEN THEY WON TWO GOLD AWARDS AT THE RECENT (FEBRUARY 1) ACP CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARDS CEREMONY FOR BEST SAFETY PERFORMANCE AND BEST SAFETY RECORD IN THE ADVANCE EARTHWORKS CONTRACT IN NORTH WEST TSING YI.

THERE WAS NO FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE TSING YI SITE. IT HAD THE LOWEST ACCIDENT RATE AMONG THE ACP CONTRACTS, AND IT HAD A GOOD QUALITY OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT.

IN ADDITION, LEIGHTON AND ITS JOINT VENTURE PARTNERS, CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION, VAN OORD ACZ AND LAU CHEONG KEE, ALSO PICKED UP THE BRONZE AWARDS IN THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY RECORD CATEGORIES FOR THEIR WORK ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION NORTHERN AREA PHASE II SITE.

THE SAFETY AWARDS SCHEME IS ONLY PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SAFETY ON ACP WORKS.

THE NAPCO SPOKESMAN SAID BESIDES THE VARIOUS MEASURES THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE ACP SAFETY PROGRAMME, OTHER EFFORTS WERE BEING PLANNED OR BEING IMPLEMENTED.

"THEY INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION OF POCKET-SIZED SAFETY HINT CARDS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO WORKERS AND SUPERVISORY STAFF TO REMIND THEM OF THE HAZARDS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN, AND THE LAUNCHING OF SAFETY BRIEFINGS BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TO EDUCATE WORKERS ON SAFETY ON BOARD MARINE VESSELS.

/•'FURTHERMORE, SAFETY..........

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1994

’’FURTHERMORE, SAFETY TRAINING CONSULTANTS ARE BEING APPOINTED TO PROVIDE SAFETY TRAINING TO GOVERNMENT’S MANAGEMENT AND SITE SUPERVISORY STAFF TO UPGRADE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON CONSTRUCTION SAFETY, WHILE SAFETY UNITS ARE BEING SET UP IN WORKS DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE SAFETY ADVICE AND CARRY OUT SAFETY AUDIT OF WORKS IN PROGRESS.

’’MORE STRINGENT REGULATORY ACTION WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE WORKS BRANCH FAIRLY SOON AGAINST THOSE CONTRACTORS WHO VIOLATE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS; THEY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM TENDERING, DOWNGRADED OR EVEN REMOVED FROM THE LISTS OF APPROVED CONTRACTORS AS APPROPRIATE,” HE SAID.

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

NEW YORKERS FALL IN LOVE WITH HK CHILDREN'S ART

♦ * * ♦ »

THE BIG APPLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL-KNOWN TO ACCEPT AND APPRECIATE ART - BUT IN THE CASE OF CHILDREN’S ART, ESPECIALLY FROM HONG KONG, IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ART AND CRAFT SECTION - AT THE INVITATION OF THE NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS - CHOSE 34 DRAWINGS PAINTED BY HONG KONG STUDENTS FOR DISPLAY AT THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK.

THE CITIZENS OF NEW YORK FELL IN LOVE WITH HONG KONG’S COLOURFUL CULTURE AND FESTIVALS, AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF THE TERRITORY’S YOUNG ARTISTS.

THE VENUE WAS THE WINTER GARDEN IN THE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRE WHERE, FROM AUGUST 12 TO 15, MORE THAN 100,000 NEW YORKERS AND TOURISTS ADMIRED THE 34 DRAWINGS OF THE DRAGON BOAT AND MID-AUTUMN FESTIVALS, TEMPLES AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY.

THE OCCASION - NEW YORK CITY’S HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL AND ’’HONG KONG NOW" EXHIBITION.

AND THE 34 DRAWINGS WERE PAINTED NOT BY 34 YOUNG ARTISTS BUT BY ABOUT 100.

SOME OF THE DRAWINGS WERE THE COLLECTIVE WORK OF GROUPS OF KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, SUCH AS THE PAINTING OF DRAGON BOATS WHICH WERE INDIVIDUALLY DRAWN BY STUDENTS OF TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS KO HO NING MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL.

ONE PAINTER WAS MR LEE HONG-CHEONG, A 22-YEAR-OLD YOUTH AT THE CHESHIRE HOME, WHO HAD THREE DRAWINGS DISPLAYED AT THE EXHIBITION.

A PARTY WAS HELD RECENTLY AT THE CHESHIRE HOME TO COMMEMORATE THEIR NEW YORK EXPOSITION, WITH A GROUP OF CHILDREN FROM THE DARLING CHILD KINDERGARTEN WHO HAD 15 DRAWINGS DISPLAYED AT THE FESTIVAL.

THE CHILDREN AND SCHOOLS WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION AND BOOKMARKS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION AT THE FESTIVAL.

/IN A

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1994

IN A RECENT VISIT TO HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS, MR ALEX FONG, SAID THE FESTIVAL AND EXHIBITION HAD BEEN WIDELY PUBLICISED BY THE MEDIA, INCLUDING A SPECIAL TELEVISION PRESENTATION WHICH WAS SCREENED THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

MR FONG SAID ONE OF THE REASONS FOR HIS VISIT TO HONG KONG THIS TIME WAS TO ORGANISE THE NEW HONG KONG PUBLICITY DRIVE WHICH WILL AGAIN INCLUDE CHILDREN’S ART.

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

PGC MEMBERS VISIT UK TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS *****

A DELEGATION OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL (PGC) OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED) IS TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING TO VISIT A NUMBER OF UNIVERSITIES AND TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS THERE.

THE PARTY COMPRISES PROFESSOR C K LEUNG, DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE) OF THE HKIED; PROFESSOR LEE NGOK, DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; MR JOHN DOCKERILL, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, CITY POLYTECHNIC; AND MR K M LAU, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL.

PROFESSOR LEE NGOK IS A MEMBER OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL; AND MR DOCKERILL, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL’S CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP.

DURING THE SIX-DAY VISIT FROM FEBRUARY 14 TO 19, MEMBERS WILL STUDY THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY TEACHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND THE LATEST CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COUNTRY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.

"IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PGC/HKIED TO BUILD UP INSTITUTIONAL LINKS WITH THE EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED," HE ADDED.

THE DELEGATION WILL VISIT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM, THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER, THE OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY, THE LONDON INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF TEACHER EDUCATION.

THEY WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET HONG KONG TEACHERS WHO ARE ON THE FULL-TIME IN-SERVICE B ED COURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM.

THE STUDY TOUR IS SPONSORED BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL.

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

/8 .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1994

COUNTRY PARK OUTING PROGRAMME DESIGN CONTEST

*****

FREQUENT COUNTRY PARK VISITORS WHO HAVE INNOVATIVE IDEAS ARE WELCOME TO ENTER A SPECIAL ’’OUTING PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION” NOW BEING HELD TO MARK THIS YEAR’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.

THE COMPETITION, ONE OF THE FOUR MAJOR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR, IS AIMED AT ENHANCING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF KEEPING THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.

APART FROM COUNTRY PARK VISITORS, ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE CAPABLE TO PLAN OUTDOOR PROGRAMMES ARE ALSO WELCOME TO TAKE PART, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

"ENTRANTS SHOULD DESIGN A SIX-HOUR OUTING PROGRAMME FOR A GROUP OF 30 TO 40 PARTICIPANTS IN ANY COUNTRY PARK.

"THE PROGRAMME SHOULD HAVE A THEME AND EMBODY ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO KEEPING THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN," HE SAID.

EACH PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT BE LONGER THAN 2,000 WORDS, PREFERABLY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS SUCH AS DRAWINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND CHARTS.

EACH ENTRANT MAY SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE PROPOSAL.

PRIZES WORTH $5,000, $2,000 AND $1,000 RESPECTIVELY WILL BE GIVEN TO THE TOP THREE WINNERS. THERE WILL ALSO BE SEVEN CONSOLATION PRIZES VALUED AT $300 EACH.

ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT IN PERSON TO THE DEPARTMENT’S .. CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT, ROOM 321, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, ANY OF THE SIX COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES, OR THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE IN SAI KUNG, BY MARCH 31.

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY MAY AND WINNERS WILL BE INFORMED SEPARATELY.

•I < £ •> A- • , I .

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE COMPETITION CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE UNIT ON 733 2121.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER AND WHOLE YEAR OF 1993 .......................................................... 1

QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1993 ... 8

JANUARY 1994 AIR QUALITY REPORT ................................ 11

LANTAU TAXI FARE RISE .......................................... 13

”HK ’94" STAMP EXHIBITION PRESS PREVIEW ........................ 14

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ........................................... 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY TENDER RESULTS ........ 15

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

HK’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER

AND WHOLE YEAR OF 1993

*****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1993.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN DECEMBER 1993, AT $73,774 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 15% OVER DECEMBER 1992, WHEREAS THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $20,582 MILLION DECREASED BY 5%.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR DESTINATIONS: THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+27%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+27%), THE UNITED STATES (+23%), JAPAN (+21%), GERMANY (+21%), CHINA (+17%), FRANCE (+13%), SINGAPORE (+7.3%) AND CANADA (+7.1%).

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED BY 16%.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1993 WAS $823,224 MILLION, BEING 19% HIGHER THAN THAT IN 1992.

COMPARING THE YEAR 1993 WITH THE YEAR 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR DESTINATIONS: CHINA (+29%), SINGAPORE (+24%), GERMANY (+23%), THE UNITED STATES (+21%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+19%), JAPAN (+18%), FRANCE (+17%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+14%) AND CANADA (+14%).

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED BY 16%.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING THE YEAR 1993 WITH THE YEAR 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $18,320 MILLION OR 33%); ROAD VEHICLES (BY $15,560 MILLION OR 91%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $15,395 MILLION OR 29%); AND CLOTHING (BY $12,479 MILLION OR 16%).

MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED FOR FOOTWEAR (BY $11,899 MILLION OR 34%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $10,719 MILLION OR 11%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $6,847 MILLION OR 23%) .

/THE VALUE .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 2 -

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN DECEMBER 1993, AT $20,582 MILLION, FELL BY 5% OVER DECEMBER 1992.

DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY (-28%), FRANCE (-24%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-18%), JAPAN (-12%), CHINA (-7.3%), TAIWAN (-5.3%) AND THE NETHERLANDS (-4.8%).

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, SINGAPORE AND CANADA INCREASED BY 13%, 4.6% AND 3.8% RESPECTIVELY.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

COMPARING THE YEAR 1993 WITH THE YEAR 1992, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE (-14%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-14%), GERMANY (-12%), JAPAN (-12%), THE NETHERLANDS (-7.3%), THE UNITED STATES (-6.7%), CANADA (-5.7%) AND TAIWAN (-3.7%).

HOWEVER, INCREASES OF 9.5% AND 2.3% IN VALUE WERE RECORDED FOR THOSE TO SINGAPORE AND CHINA RESPECTIVELY.

TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE YEAR 1993, AT $223,027 MILLION, DECREASED BY 4.7% OVER THE YEAR 1992.

TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING THE YEAR 1993 WITH THE YEAR 1992, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2,530 MILLION OR 13%); MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $363 MILLION OR 11%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $295 MILLION OR 2.3%); AND PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS (BY $75 MILLION OR 2.2%).

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING (BY $5,299 MILLION OR 6.9%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $3,283 MILLION OR 16%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $2,826 MILLION OR 15%).

DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $1,584 MILLION OR 7.2%); TEXTILES (BY $1,046 MILLION OR 6.1%); AND MANUFACTURES OF METALS (BY $149 MILLION OR 3.1%).

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN DECEMBER 1993 WAS $96,058 MILLION, INCREASING BY 6.5% OVER THAT IN DECEMBER 1992.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

COMPARING DECEMBER 1993 WITH DECEMBER 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MALAYSIA (+37%), SINGAPORE (+19%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+16%), CHINA (+14%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+11%), ITALY (+8.4%), GERMANY (+2.5%) AND THE UNITED STATES (+2.3%).

/HOWEVER, THE ........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14,1.1994

HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM JAPAN DECREASED BY 10%.

COMPARING THE YEAR 1993 WITH THE YEAR 1992, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED: MALAYSIA (+24%), SINGAPORE (+22%), ITALY (+21%), GERMANY (+14%), CHINA (+13%), THE UNITED STATES (+13%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+12%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+9.2%), TAIWAN (+8.0%) AND JAPAN (+7.1%).

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE YEAR 1993 WAS $1,072,597 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 12% OVER THE YEAR 1992.

TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

COMPARING THE YEAR 1993 WITH THE YEAR 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF MOST MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $20,922 MILLION OR 22%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $17,717 MILLION OR 23%).

MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $16,813 MILLION OR 50%); CLOTHING (BY $11,247 MILLION OR 14%); FOOTWEAR (BY $9,978 MILLION OR 31%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $7,536 MILLION OR 10%).

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR TEXTILES (BY $2,427 MILLION OR 2.4%).

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 VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR DECEMBER 1993 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY MARCH 1994.

DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

THE DECEMBER 1993 ISSUE OF THE ’’HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE” WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN DECEMBER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1993 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $68.50 A COPY AROUND FEBRUARY 22.

THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED 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, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915) .

/TABLE 1 : .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS

DEC DEC 93 JAN-DEC JAN -DEC 93

DESTINATION 1993 OVER 1993 OVER

DEC 92 JAN -DEC 92

HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE) (HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE)

CHINA 26,316 + 17.3 274,561 + 29.4

UNITED STATES 14,512 + 22.9 180,349 + 21.4

JAPAN 3,781 + 21.1 44,156 + 17.9

GERMANY 4,156 + 20.7 40,798 + 23.2

UNITED KINGDOM 2,365 + 27.2 24,536 + 19.2

TAIWAN 1,836 - 15.7 21,910 — 16.2

SINGAPORE 1,568 + 7.3 17,143 + 23.6

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,469 4- 27.2 15,538 + 14.3

FRANCE 1,186 + 12.6 12,864 + 16.5

CANADA 964 + 7.1 12,656 + 14.0

TABLE 2: RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION DEC 1993 (HKD Mn.) DEC 93 OVER DEC 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-DEC 1993 (HKD Mn.) JAN-DEC 93 OVER JAN-DEC 92 (% CHANGE)

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 7,742 - 0.4 108,036 + 11.0

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,353 + 24.6 90,574 + 16.0

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,648 + 51.1 74,082 + 32.9

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,300 + 2.9 70,556 + 4.2

/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 5

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,761 + 34.7 69,141 + 28.6

FOOTWEAR 4,019 + 20.9 47,226 + 33.7

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,125 + ' 8.8 36,498 + 23.1

ROAD VEHICLES 3,168 + 29.1 32,747 + 90.5

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,208 + 37.5 28,756 + 30.7

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,332 + 8.9 26,752 + 12.3

TABLE 3: DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS

DESTINATION DEC 1993 (HKD Mn.) DEC 93 OVER DEC 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-DEC 1993 (HKD Mn.) JAN-DEC 93 OVER JAN-DEC 92 (% CHANGE)

CHINA 5,450 - 7.3 63,367 + 2.3

UNITED STATES 6,023 + 12.6 60,292 - 6.7

GERMANY 1,421 - 28.3 13,969 - 12.5

SINGAPORE 1,046 + 4.6 11,344 + 9.5

UNITED KINGDOM 1,098 - 17.6 10,771 - 14.1

JAPAN 751 - 11.7 9,677 - 12.0

TAIWAN 571 - 5.3 6,261 - 3.7

CANADA 453 + 3.8 4,734 - 5.7

NETHERLANDS 523 - 4.8 4,520 - 7.3

FRANCE 256 - 24.4 2,707 - 14.4

/TABLE 4: .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 6 -

. *,» f ..' »»■

TABLE 4: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION (F DEC 1993 1KD Mn. ) DEC 93 OVER DEC 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-DEC 1993 (HKD Mn.) JAN-DEC 93 OVER JAN-DEC 92 (% CHANGE)

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,640 - 2.5 71,857 - 6.9

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,286 + 25.9 22,668 + 12.6

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1 ,-714 — 0.8 20,568 n 7.2

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,612 - 17.3 17,247 ,..-e 16.0

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,288 i • 14.4 16,180 - 6.1

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,250 — 24.3 16,053 — 15.0

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,064 5.4 13,278 + 2.3

MANUFACTURES OF METALS 403 + 1.2 4,639 — 3.1

MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 297 - 3.4 3,588 + . i -j • 11.3

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 278 + 1.4 3,441 + ■. । 2.2

/TABLE 5: .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

TABLE 5: IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS

DEC DEC 93 JAN-DEC JAN-DEC 93

SUPPLIER 1993 OVER DEC 92 1993 OVER JAN-DEC 92

(HKD Mn. ) (% CHANGE) (HKD ,Mn.) (% CHANGE)

CHINA 36,101 + 13.6 402,161 + 13.5

JAPAN 15,028 - 10.4 178,034 + 7.1

TAIWAN 8,114 + 0.1 93,968 + 8.0

UNITED STATES 7,773 + 2.3 79,419 + 12.5

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 4,299 + 11.3 48,220 + 9.2

SINGAPORE 4,650 + 19.2 47,835 + 22.4

GERMANY 2,141 + 2.5 24,918 + 13.7

UNITED KINGDOM 2,101 + 16.4 21,438 + 11.5

ITALY 1,645 + 8.4 17,880 + 20.6

MALAYSIA 1,629 + 36.7 15,855 + 23.6

TABLE 6: IMPORTS OF THE 10 MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION DEC 1993 (HKD Mn.) DEC 93 OVER DEC 92 (% CHANGE) JAN-DEC 1993 (HKD Mn.) JAN-DEC 93 OVER JAN-DEC 92 (% CHANGE)

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 11,380 + 27.4 116,357 + 21.9

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,318 - 2.6 98,895 - 2.4

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 9,401 + 30.8 93,346 .. • —< + 23.4

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,418 + 20.7 91,325 + 14.0

/MTSCFf .r.AMPmiQ MA MT It? Ar*r»r

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,098 + 1.0 79,460 + 10.5

ROAD VEHICLES 2,802 41.0 50,466 + 50.0

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,464 — 1.8 48,661 + / .•• 6.1

FOOTWEAR 3,615 + 15.6 41,668 + 31.5

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES t 3,977 + 23.1 36,915 + 8.8

NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 2,874 + 16.0 33,431 + 14.0

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

QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS FOR FOURTH QUARTER 1993 *****

IN LINE WITH PREVIOUS EXPECTATION, MANUFACTURERS REPORTED THAT BOTH THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.

LOOKING AHEAD, SEASONAL DETERIORATION IS EXPECTED IN BOTH ASPECTS IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.

THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. KEEN PRICE COMPETITION, SHORTAGE OF STAFF GENERALLY AND HIGH STAFF COSTS CONTINUED TO BE THE MAJOR BUSINESS PROBLEMS IN THE INDUSTRY.

LOOKING AHEAD, THE MAJORITY OF BANKS EXPECT BROADLY THE SAME BUSINESS SITUATION.

G’z

THESE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

FIRMS FROM THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES REPORTED THAT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. THE PROBLEMS OF SHORTAGE OF STAFF GENERALLY AND HIGH STAFF COSTS WERE WIDELY REPORTED.

C-V ’ • ’■

LOOKING AHEAD, THE MAJORITY OF FIRMS EXPECT BROADLY THE SAME BUSINESS SITUATION.

/FOR INDIVIDUAL .......

MONDAY, FBERUARY 14, 1994

9 -

FOR INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, MANUFACTURERS FROM THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY REPORTED THAT BOTH THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.

THE PROBLEMS OF KEEN PRICE COMPETITION, SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR AND HIGH WAGE RATES REMAINED DOMINANT IN THE INDUSTRY.

LOOKING AHEAD, SEASONAL DETERIORATION IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION OF THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. THE PROBLEMS OF KEEN PRICE COMPETITION AND INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS CONTINUED TO BOTHER THE INDUSTRY WHILE THE PROBLEM OF HIGH WAGE RATES ALLEVIATED A BIT.

LOOKING AHEAD, SEASONAL DETERIORATION IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.

THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, THOUGH THE IMPROVEMENT WAS BELOW PREVIOUS EXPECTATION. THE PROBLEMS OF KEEN PRICE COMPETITION AND SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR ALLEVIATED SIGNIFICANTLY WHILE THE PROBLEM OF HIGH WAGE RATES BECAME DOMINANT IN THE QUARTER.

LOOKING AHEAD, FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

MANUFACTURERS FROM THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED THAT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION REMAINED BROADLY THE SAME IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS WAS WIDELY REPORTED. THE PROBLEM OF HIGH WAGE RATES ALSO INTENSIFIED IN THE QUARTER.

LOOKING AHEAD, DETERIORATION IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY REMAINED BROADLY THE SAME IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. KEEN PRICE COMPETITION FROM OVERSEAS FIRMS, HIGH MATERIAL PRICES AND INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS REMAINED THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS MOST CITED.

LOOKING AHEAD, IMPROVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

MANUFACTURERS FROM THE ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES INDUSTRY REPORTED AN UNEXPECTED DETERIORATION IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. THE PROBLEM OF HIGH WAGE RATES WAS WIDELY REPORTED.

PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL FIRMS WAS ALSO KEEN IN THE QUARTER. LOOKING AHEAD, BROADLY THE SAME BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

MANUFACTURERS FROM THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY REPORTED SEASONAL DETERIORATION IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL FIRMS REMAINED KEEN IN THE QUARTER WHILE THE PROBLEM OF HIGH WAGE RATES ALLEVIATED SOMEWHAT.

/LOOKING AHEAD.........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 10 -

LOOKING AHEAD, FURTHER DETERIORATION IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, BOTH THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. KEEN PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL FIRMS, HIGH WAGE RATES AND SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR CONTINUED TO BE THE MAJOR BUSINESS PROBLEMS IN THE SECTOR.

LOOKING AHEAD, FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED IN THE FOLLOWING QUARTER.

FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, BOTH THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. PRICE COMPETITION REMAINED KEEN IN THE QUARTER.

LOOKING AHEAD, FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

ALTHOUGH BELOW KHAT HAD BEEN EXPECTED PREVIOUSLY, RESTAURANT OPERATORS REPORTED THAT BOTH THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. KEEN PRICE COMPETITION AND HIGH STAFF COSTS CONTINUED TO BE THE MAJOR BUSINESS PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THEM.

LOOKING AHEAD, THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN BROADLY THE SAME.

A LARGE MAJORITY OF THE HOTEL OPERATORS REPORTED THAT BOTH THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION IMPROVED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993. THE PROBLEMS OF KEEN PRICE COMPETITION, HIGH STAFF COSTS AND SHORTAGE OF STAFF GENERALLY WERE WIDELY REPORTED.

LOOKING AHEAD, SEASONAL DETERIORATION IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

FIRMS IN THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES REPORTED BETTER IMPROVEMENT THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND CAPACITY UTILISATION TN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.

KEEN PRICE COMPETITION REMAINED THE BUSINESS PROBLEM MOST CITED. LOOKING AHEAD, SEASONAL DETERIORATION IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED.

ABOUT 500 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND TRADES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY. THEY WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS AS WELL AS THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS THEY FACED.

THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TINE LAG, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG FROM A SHORT-TERM PERSPECTIVE.

/IN THE .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 11 -

IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND THE LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD 'IMPROVED’, 'REMAINED THE SAME’ OR •DETERIORATED’ IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.

THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO 'IMPROVE’, 'REMAIN THE SAME’ OR 'DETERIORATE’ IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994.

THE OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE THEN ANALYSED AND THE SUMMARY FINDINGS PUBLISHED IN THE "REPORT ON QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY, FOURTH QUARTER 1993".

MOREOVER, THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN THE DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS.

THE DEPARTMENT REMARKED THAT, IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ RECOLLECTION OF THE PAST AND PERCEPTION OF THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.

STARTING FROM 1994, THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY WILL BE REPLACED BY A SIMILAR ENQUIRY ENTITLED "HALF-YEARLY BUSINESS PROSPECTS SURVEY".

THIS SURVEY, TO BE HELD AT HALF-YEARLY INTERVALS RATHER THAN QUARTERLY, WILL CONTINUE TO COLLECT VIEWS OF FIRMS ON THE SHORT-TERM PROSPECTS OF THE RESPECTIVE MAJOR BUSINESS SECTORS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PURCHASE COPIES OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY REPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $12.50 A COPY.

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3223.

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

JANUARY 1994 AIR QUALITY REPORT

*****

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR JANUARY 1994.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THE AIR QUALITY LEVELS IN THE TERRITORY AND TO EXPLAIN THE MEASUREMENTS.

/THE ANNOUNCEMENT .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 12 -

THE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS FROM MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG. THESE LOCATIONS ARE TYPICAL OF THREE OF THE IMPORTANT LAND USE TYPES FOUND IN THE TERRITORY:

* LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS;

* COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND

* DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.

THE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY MONITORS AIR QUALITY CONTINUOUSLY AT EIGHT STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED. SHORT-TERM MEASUREMENT CAMPAIGNS ARE ALSO UNDERTAKEN AS AND WHERE THE NEED ARISES.

THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) WHICH COMPRISE ALL SIZES OF DUST PARTICLES, AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE THE RESPIRABLE FRACTION OF THE DUST.

ALL THESE POLLUTANTS CAN AFFECT RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN SUFFICIENT CONCENTRATION.

IN JANUARY, POLLUTION CONCENTRATIONS FOLLOWED SIMILAR TRENDS AT ALL THREE REPORTED SITES SHOWING THAT METEOROLOGY WAS THE OVERRIDING FACTOR AFFECTING POLLUTANT LEVELS THIS MONTH.

AT THE STREET LEVEL SITE IN MONG KOK ON JANUARY 6 AND 26, THE 24-HOUR AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE FOR NO2 WAS EXCEEDED.

DURING THOSE PERIODS THERE WERE BOTH LOW WINDSPEEDS AND HIGH SUNSHINE LEVELS.

THE LOW WINDSPEEDS MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR LOCALLY EMITTED POLLUTANTS TO DISPERSE.

APART FROM THOSE TWO DAYS, LEVELS OF NO2 WERE HIGH AT MONG KOK FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH.

THE MINIMAL RAINFALL IN JANUARY AND RESULTING DRY CONDITIONS MEANT THAT DUST LEVELS WERE HIGH, UP TO 40 PER CENT MORE THAN IN JANUARY 1993.

AT THE ROOFTOP SITES, MOST OF THE DUST WAS IN THE RESPIRABLE RANGE BECAUSE THE LARGER, HEAVIER PARTICLES HAD SETTLED OUT.

THE GASES AND PARTICLES DESCRIBED ORIGINATE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. SO2 IS MOSTLY PRODUCED WHEN FUELS THAT CONTAIN SULPHUR ARE BURNED. NO2 IS FORMED DURING COMBUSTION BY THE COMBINATION OF NITROGEN AND OXYGEN.

HOWEVER, THE MAJORITY OF IT IS FORMED IN THE ATMOSPHERE BY THE OXIDATION OF NITRIC OXIDE (NO), ALSO A PRODUCT OF COMBUSTION.

VEHICLE EXHAUSTS ARE IMPORTANT SOURCES OF NO AND NO2 IN TERMS OF IMPACT ON LOCAL AIR QUALITY.

/THESE EXHAUSTS .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 13 -

THESE EXHAUSTS ARE ALSO A MAJOR SOURCE OF AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER, ESPECIALLY THE SMALLER RESPIRABLE PARTICLES.

OTHER SOURCES OF PARTICLES INCLUDE INDUSTRY, FURNACES AND BOILERS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, THE SEA AND THE SOIL.

IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT WHILST THE WEATHER AND CLIMATE ALWAYS AFFECT THE CONCENTRATIONS OF POLLUTANTS IN THE AIR, THE ONLY SURE WAY OF REDUCING THE LEVELS IS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM THE MAN-MADE SOURCES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS AIR QUALITY REPORT AND OTHER AIR QUALITY ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR S W PANG ON TEL 594 6401.

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

LANTAU TAXI FARE RISE

* * * » »

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 16), FARES FOR LANTAU TAXIS WILL BE REVISED AS FOLLOWS:

LANTAU TAXIS

FLAGFALL FOR THE FIRST 2 KM $9.00

FOR EVERY 0.2 KM AFTER THE FIRST 2 KM $0.90

ADDITIONAL FARE FOR EACH ARTICLE $4.00

OF BAGGAGE, ANIMAL OR BIRD

FOR EVERY HIRING ARRANGED THROUGH $5.00

TELEPHONE BOOKING

TAXI OWNERS ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THE TAXI FARE TABLES AT THE INTERIOR NFARSIDE REAR DOOR AND THE FRONT DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OR THE FRONT NEARSIDE DOOR AS STIPULATED IN THE GAZETTE NOTICE SHOULD SHOW THE NEW FARE SCALE STARTING FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FARE INCREASE.

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

/14 .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 14 -

"HK '94” STAMP EXHIBITION PRESS PREVIEW *****

THE "HONG KONG ’94", THE FIRST-EVER REGIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION IN HONG KONG, WILL BE HELD FROM FEBRUARY 18 TO 21 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.

THERE WILL BE 140 SALES BOOTHS RENTED TO LOCAL AND OVERSEAS STAMP DEALERS, POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS AND THEIR AGENTS. OVER 400 FRAMES OF INVITED AND COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS WILL BE ON DISPLAY.

AT THE COURT OF HONOUR, THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF SOME EXTREMELY RARE AND VALUABLE COLLECTIONS WHICH INCLUDE THE FIRST USED PENNY BLACK, EXTRACTS FROM THE ROYAL COLLECTION CONSISTING OF SOME VERY RARE EARLY HONG KONG POSTAGE STAMPS AND EXHIBITS FROM THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY ON THE WAR-TIME POSTAL HISTORY OF HONG KONG.

TWO SECURITY PRINTERS FROM NETHERLANDS AND AUSTRALIA WILL ALSO PROVIDE DEMONSTRATION AND DISPLAY OF STAMP PRINTING PROCESS.

TO ENABLE THE PRESS TO HAVE AN EARLY SIGHT OF THESE EXHIBITS, A PRESS PREVIEW WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 17) AT THE UPPER EXHIBITION HALL, SEVENTH FLOOR, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, WAN CHAI.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, WILL BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE EXHIBITION.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PREVIEW. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE HALL AT 2.45 PM. THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE EXHIBITION AREA.

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

WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 67.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 394.168 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 312.518 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 53.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

/15........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

HONG KONG

TENDER DATE

GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS

* * * *

♦

14 FEBRUARY 1994

PAPER ON OFFER

EF NOTES

ISSUE NUMBER

2602

AMOUNT APPLIED

HK$2,255 MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED

HKS500 MN

AVERAGE PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED

99.81

(4.55 PCT)

LOWEST PRICE (YIELD)

ACCEPTED

99.80

(4.56PCT)

PRO RATA RATIO

ABOUT

97.30

PCT

AVERAGE TENDER

PRICE

(YIELD)

99.75

(4.5R

PCT)

- - 0 - -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * » * »

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,282

REVERSAL OF LAF +718

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -640

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,360

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 126.1 4-0.4* 14.2.94

/HONG KONG .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

- 16 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.75 16 MONTHS 2505 3.75 99.70 4.03

1 MONTH 2.88 19 MONTHS 2508 4.265 100.63 4.23

3 MONTHS 3.21 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.62 4.42

6 MONTHS 3.42 33 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.4 4 4.88

12 MONTHS 3.76 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.21 4.95

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 8,221 MN

CLOSED 14 FEBRUARY 1991

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

GOVERNOR MEETS AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ........................ 1

CPA STEERING COMMITTEE’S DECISION WELCOMED ...................... 2

EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER ........................ 3

HK TO HOLD TALKS ON TEXTILES WITH U.S............................ 3

ANALYSIS OF HK'S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN 1993 ........................ 3

AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ___________________... 7

HK HOLDS REGIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION .............................. 8

WIND INSTRUMENT TRAINING FOR STUDENTS ........................... 9

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............. 9

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

GOVERNOR MEETS AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (TUESDAY) WOUND UP THE FIRST LEG OF HIS AUSTRALIAN VISIT WITH WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS "AN EXCELLENT AND INTERESTING" MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, MR PAUL KEATING.

THE MEETING WAS HELD AT KIRRIBILLI HOUSE, THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICIAL SYDNEY RESIDENCE, AND LASTED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND A QUARTER.

AT A PRESS BRIEFING AFTERWARDS, MR PATTEN SAID THE MEETING HAD MAINLY COVERED THREE SUBJECTS:

* THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND HONG KONG, IN WHICH HE ARGUED VERY STRONGLY THAT AUSTRALIAN FIRMS SHOULD CONTINUE TO SEE HONG KONG AS THE BEST JUMPING OFF POINT FOR DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA;

» REGIONAL ISSUES, PARTICULARLY RELATED TO ECONOMIC MATTERS, AND AUSTRALIA’S AND HONG KONG'S RESPECTIVE ROLES IN APEC; AND

» THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, IN WHICH MR PATTEN STRESSED HONG KONG’S DETERMINATION TO ENSURE THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS FULLY IMPLEMENTED AND THAT HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE A SPECIAL PLACE WITH ITS OWN WAY OF LIFE AND SYSTEM OF DOING BUSINESS AFTER 1997.

MR PATTEN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAD INVITED MR KEATING TO VISIT HONG KONG IN VIEW OF THE VERY CLOSE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES AND HIS OWN VISIT TO AUSTRALIA WHICH WAS BEING MADE AT THE INVITATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT.

THE GOVERNOR SAID MR KEATING HAD INDICATED HE HOPED TO TAKE UP THE INVITATION.

IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS, MR PATTEN STRESSED THAT HE WANTED TO USE HIS VISIT TO BROADEN AND DEEPEN MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE POSITION IN HONG KONG AND ITS ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE REGION.

HE SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT AT THE MEETING WITH MR KEATING.

MR PATTEN ADDED: "I HAVE HAD, FROM MY OWN POSITION AND FROM THE POSITION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL VISIT."

IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT REPORTS THAT SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD SEEK A DEFERRAL OF THE PARTIAL ELECTORAL REFORM BILL, MR PATTEN SAID: "IF WE DON’T GET LEGISLATIVE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE SHORTLY IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT TO HOLD THE ELECTIONS.

"I’M SURE EVERY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR UNDERSTANDS THAT WE'VE GOT TO START DRAWING UP THE VOTING REGISTER IN APRIL AND THAT REQUIRES US TO GET THIS FIRST BILL ONTO THE STATUTE BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE."

MR PATTEN ADDED THAT HE EXPECTED THE BILL WOULD BE PASSED.

TOMORROW THE GOVERNOR WILL FLY TO CANBERRA WHERE HE WILL MEET THE FOREIGN MINISTER, SENATOR GARETH EVANS, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL, MR BILL HAYDEN, AND NATIONAL POLITICAL LEADERS. HE WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB.

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

/2......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

2 -

CPA STEERING COMMITTEE’S DECISION WELCOMED *****

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, TODAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMED THE DECISION BY THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION (CPA) STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING IN GENEVA ON THE REPATRIATION OF THOSE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VMS) WHO, WHILE NOT WILLING TO GO THROUGH THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROCEDURE, DO NOT OBJECT TO BEING REPATRIATED (THAT IS THE NON-OBJECTORS SCHEME).

MR WOODHOUSE SAID:

"WHILE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION REMAINS OUR PREFERRED OPTION FOR SECURING THE RETURN OF THE VMS TO VIETNAM, THERE IS A NEED TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF REPATRIATION TO MEET THE INTERNATIONALLY AGREED TWO-YEAR TIMETABLE.

"WE THEREFORE WELCOME ANY DECISIONS BY THE CPA STEERING COMMITTEE WHICH WOULD HELP ACCELERATE THE PACE OF REPATRIATION OF THE SCREENED-OUT VMS FROM OUR CAMPS."

"THE VM PROBLEM HAS BEEN A HEAVY BURDEN FOR HONG KONG FOR ABOUT 18 YEARS AND THE RECENT DECISION BY THE CPA STEERING COMMITTEE WILL SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE TO THE CAMP POPULATION. THEIR FUTURE LIES IN VIETNAM NOT CAMPS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT AN END TO THIS PROBLEM WAS AT PRESENT IN SIGHT AND THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ALSO RECOGNISED THAT THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE SOLVED BY THE END OF 1995.

"WE WILL BEGIN TO WORK OUT THE DETAILS FOR THE NON-OBJECTORS SCHEME WITH THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE," HE SAID.

THE OVERALL ATMOSPHERE IN THE CAMPS HAS BEEN CALM AND PEACEFUL ALTHOUGH A NUMBER OF PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATIONS IN VARIOUS DETENTION CENTRES HAVE TAKEN PLACE TO COINCIDE WITH THE CPA STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING.

"WE ARE PLEASED THAT THE DEMONSTRATIONS HAVE BEEN PEACEFUL AND ORDERLY AND WE HOPE THAT THE VMS WILL CONTINUE TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT AND RESPONSIBILITY IN EXPRESSING THEIR OPINIONS.

"WE DO UNDERSTAND THE CONCERN OF THE VMS BUT THEY MUST REALISE THAT THEIR FUTURE AND THAT OF THEIR FAMILIES, LIES IN VIETNAM," MR WOODHOUSE SAID.

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

/3........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER

*****

A FOURTEENTH ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN EXPERTS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM 22 TO 25 FEBRUARY. THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE MR ALAN PAUL. THE CHINESE TEAM WILL BE LED BY CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE MR LUO JIAHUAN. THEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY EXPERTS FROM

THE TWO SIDES

- - 0 - -

HK TO HOLD TALKS ON TEXTILES WITH U.S. ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦

HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES ARE TO HOLD TALKS ABOUT TEXTILES ISSUES ON FEBRUARY 16 AND 17 IN WASHINGTON DC.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR CHRISTOPHER JACKSON, ACCOMPANIED BY A SMALL DELEGATION FROM THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AND SENIOR PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR Y Y LEUNG, WILL MEET WITH OFFICIALS FROM THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVES OFFICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS BEGUN DURING BILATERAL TALKS HELD IN HONG KONG LAST SEPTEMBER.

ON THAT EARLIER OCCASION THE U.S. CHIEF TEXTILE NEGOTIATOR, AMBASSADOR JENNIFER HILLMAN LED A U.S. TEAM ON A VISIT TO HONG KONG WHICH INCLUDED A DETAILED BRIEFING ON HONG KONG’S TEXTILES CONTROL SYSTEM AND A VISIT TO THE BORDER.

A STATEMENT WAS ISSUED FOLLOWING THESE TALKS IN WHICH THE UNITED STATES EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR HONG KONG’S EFFORTS TOWARDS COMBATTING TRANSHIPMENT.

THE MEETING IN WASHINGTON WILL REVIEW THE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE TO CONTINUE THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE TEXTILES CONTROL SYSTEM UNDER THE TERMS OF THE HONG KONG/U.S. TEXTILES AGREEMENT.

- - 0 - -

ANALYSIS OF HK’S RE-EXPORT TRADE IN 1993 ♦ * * * *

RE-EXPORTS ACCOUNTED FOR 79% OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS AND 39% OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE OF HONG KONG IN 1993.

IN 1992, THE CORRESPONDING SHARES WERE 75% AND 37% RESPECTIVELY.

/THESE FIGURES ..

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

THESE FIGURES, AFFIRMING THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF RE-EXPORT TRADE, ARE AMONGST THE DETAILED RE-EXPORT STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).

CHINA REMAINED THE LARGEST PARTNER FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE. OF THE TOTAL $823 BILLION OF RE-EXPORTS GOING THROUGH HONG KONG IN 1993, 88% OR $727 BILLION INVOLVED CHINA IN EITHER DIRECTION.

. . ’ I - . ’• . . • - : •

RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN CHINA ACCOUNTED FOR 58% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT VALUE IN 1993. AS A DESTINATION, CHINA’S SHARE WAS 33X-

IT IS NOTED THAT MUCH OF THE RE-EXPORT TRADE INVOLVING CHINA IS RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING, AS RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURED GOODS ARE EXPORTED TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING AND THE FINAL PRODUCTS SUBSEQUENTLY RETURNED TO HONG KONG.

OTHER MAJOR ORIGINS FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1993 INCLUDED JAPAN (ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 13%), TAIWAN (7.9%), THE UNITED STATES (4.5%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (2.6%).

THE MAJOR DESTINATIONS IN 1993, BESIDES CHINA, INCLUDED THE UNITED STATES (ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 22%), JAPAN ( 5.4%),, GERMANY (5%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (3%).

TABLE 1 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR ORIGINS IN 1993 COMPARED WITH 1992.

COMPARING 1993 WITH 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR ORIGINS: GERMANY (+56%), SINGAPORE (+43%), MALAYSIA (+31%), JAPAN (+29%), TAIWAN (+19%), CHINA (+17%), THE UNITED STATES (+17%), FRANCE (+15%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+14%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+12%).

OF THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN CHINA IN 1993, 36% WENT TO THE UNITED STATES, 8.2% TO GERMANY AND 7.5% TO JAPAN.

• * • '? '■ .•!

FOR GOODS OF JAPAN ORIGIN, 71% OF THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS THROUGH HONG KONG IN 1993 WENT TO CHINA, 4.4% TO THE UNITED STATES AND 3% TO TAIWAN.

•••••" ' ’ ' :• ri

FOR RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN TAIWAN, AN OVERWHELMING PROPORTION (92% OF THE VALUE IN 1993) WENT TO CHINA.

AS REGARDS RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE UNITED STATES, 66% OF THE VALUE IN 1993 WERE SHIPPED TO CHINA, 5.6% TO TAIWAN AND 4.5% TO SINGAPORE.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS.

COMPARING 1993 WITH 1992, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR DESTINATIONS: CHINA (+29%), SINGAPORE (+24%), GERMANY (+23%), THE UNITED STATES (+21%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+19%), JAPAN (+18%), FRANCE (+17%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+14%) AND CANADA (+14%). HOWEVER, A DECREASE OF 16% WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN.

/ANALYSED BY .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $14,303 MILLION OR 115%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $8,326 MILLION OR 83%); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS (BY $4,507 MILLION OR 30%).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTE (BY $318 MILLION OR 13%); AND NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $255 MILLION OR 4.4%).

AS REGARDS RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN VALUE WERE RECORDED FOR FOOTWEAR (BY $7,057 MILLION OR 34%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $4,657 MILLION OR 11%) AND CLOTHING (BY $4,513 MILLION OR 21%).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES WERE RECORDED FOR FISH, CRUSTACEANS, MOLLUSCS AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $218 MILLION OR 36%); AND CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $77 MILLION OR 19%).

DETAILED STATISTICS OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE ARE PUBLISHED IN THE DECEMBER 1993 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" REPORT WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $68.50 A COPY AROUND FEBRUARY 22.

THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED 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, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915).

/TABLE 1 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR ORIGINS

ORIGIN JAN-DEC 1993 (HKD MN.) JAN-DEC 1992 (HKD MN.) YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

(HKD MN.) (% CHANGE)

CHINA 474,007 403,782 4 70,225 4 17i4

JAPAN 109,949 84,966 4 24,983 4 29.4

TAIWAN 64,649 54,442 + 10,206 + 18.7

UNITED STATES 37,424 32,113 + 5,311 4 16.5

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 21,685 19,391 + 2,294 4 11.8

GERMANY 14,256 9,134 + 5,122 + 56.1

SINGAPORE 11,836 8,269 4 3,567 • 4 43.1

UNITED KINGDOM 8,426 7,404 4 1,023 4 13.8

FRANCE 7,419 6,448 4 971 4-15.1

MALAYSIA 6,660 5,096 + 1,564 + 30.7

TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR DESTINATIONS

JAN-DEC JAN-DEC YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

DESTINATION 1993 1992

(HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (HKD MN.) (% CHANGE)

CHINA 274,561 212,105 + 62,456 + 29.4

UNITED STATES 180,349 148,500 4 31,848 + 21.4

JAPAN 44,156 37,465 4 6,691 + 17.9

GERMANY 40,798 33,103 + 7,695 + 23.2

UNITED KINGDOM 24,536 20,591 4 3,945 4 19.2

TAIWAN 21,910 26,156 - 4,246 - 16.2

SINGAPORE 17,143 13,866 + 3,277 4 23.6

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 15,538 13,588 4 1,949 4 14.3

FRANCE 12,864 11,039 + 1,825 4 16.5

CANADA 12,656 11,101 + 1,555 4 14.0

_ — _ - 0

/7........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15,, 1994

AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT Wil CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY RECITAL HALL. ,L HOLD ANOTHER (FEBRUARY 19) AUCTION AT THE < OF CITY LUCKY HALL

A TOTAL OF 50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE

FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE:

FR668 FP2232 FR188 FN938

FP1983 FN6686 XX192 FP338

♦CY50 *540 ♦ AS28 ♦ 1881

FP1008 FP147 FP8183 FP3080

AL722 FP3238 FR861 CL1216

FP3998 BB190 AW360 FP8885

FR330 FP8268 FP821 FR8088

♦ AS9 *DK22 ♦ FL6 ♦ DD95

FR9788 FR185 FP842 FP541

FP902 FP34OO FR512 FN7898

FP459 CT216 ♦ FK15 AC8689

FP8421 DB1227 BY256 ♦BC1212

FP7835 DJ3408

IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION 50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ARE:

WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER

WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY

FR348 FM4898 FR168 FR8163

FS8382 FR130 AH370 CL802

1959 ♦ FK17 ♦FM393 ♦ 803

FR339 FS336 FR1230 FR318

FP328 EC715 DL180 AW1386

AW361 FR3368 FP108 FR2300

FR6663 DD8138 FS2382 FR365

DL222 ♦ 9680 ♦ AS88 ♦FA141

FR8182 FS283 FR468 FR216

FS220 FR3987 FR1498 FR235

FR91 3 HK4418 ♦DD7007 FR8161

AL1428 FN8885 . CY1650 ♦FU2626

FR8256 EE3413

* SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE CAR REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A CAR 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 CAR REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.

/PROCEEDS OF .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

- 8 -

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED, WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 214TH & 215TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

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

HK HOLDS REGIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION

*****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, REMINDED THE PUBLIC TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ’’HONG KONG ’94", THE FIRST-EVER REGIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG, WILL OPEN ON FEBRUARY 18 ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.

THE EXHIBITION WILL RUN UNTIL FEBRUARY 21. ADMISSION IS FREE.

THE OPENING HOURS ARE:

DATE OPENING HOUR

FEBRUARY 18 NOON - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 19 10 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 20 10 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 21 10 AM - 4 PM

TO COMMEMORATE THIS IMPORTANT EVENT, A $5 DEFINITIVE STAMP SHEETLET, THE FIRST DEFINITIVE SHEETLET OF $5 DENOMINATION EVER ISSUED, WILL BE ON SALE ON FEBRUARY 18 AT ALL POST OFFICES (EXCEPT AIRPORT POST OFFICE).

A SPECIAL HONG KONG ’94 STAMP EXHIBITION SOUVENIR PROGRAMME PACK COMPRISING TWO LIMITED-EDITION GOLD-BLOCKED COVERS AND AN OFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAMME WILL BE ISSUED AND SOLD EXCLUSIVELY AT THE EXHIBITION AT A PRICE OF $150. ON THIS OCCASION, A RESTRICTION OF ONE SOUVENIR PROGRAMME PACK PER CUSTOMER WILL BE IMPOSED.

MR PAGLIARI ADDED THAT THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION SOUVENIR PROGRAMME PACK WAS A PRESTIGIOUS PRODUCT ISSUED SPECIALLY FOR HONG KONG ’94. IT IS THE FIRST PRODUCT OF ITS KIND PRODUCED BY THE POST OFFICE.

AN EXHIBITION CATALOGUE, CONTAINING FULL DETAILS OF EXHIBITS AND STALLS, AS WELL AS A DAILY PROGRAMME OF EVENTS, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF CHARGE TO ALL VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15,. 1994

- 9 -

WIND .INSTRUMENT TRAINING FOR STUDENTS

*****

WIND INSTRUMENT MUSIC LOVERS ARE INVITED TO ENROL ON THE WIND INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING SCHEME BEFORE MARCH 1.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY FOUR TO FORM ONE WHO WISHED TO LEARN TO PLAY WIND INSTRUMENTS WERE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR ENROLMENT.

WEEKLY ONE-HOUR TRAINING SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.

SINCE PLAYING IN ORCHESTRAS OR BANDS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF INSTRUMENT TRAINING, TRAINEES WITH 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 INCLUDING A MUSIC CAMP, A BAND FESTIVAL, AND AN ANNUAL GALA EVERY YEAR TO BROADEN TRAINEES’ EXPERIENCE.

MONTHLY TRAINING FEE AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL IS $100.

APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO ATTEND A HANDS AND MOUTH INSPECTION AND SIMPLE VOICE TEST AT THE MUSIC CENTRES IN MARCH. THE FIRST TRAINING SESSION WILL START IN APRIL.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS MARCH 2.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 582 5314.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****

TENDER DATE 15 FEB 94 15 FEB 94

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q407 H458

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 5,380 MN HKD 1,760 MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1 , 300 MN HKD 500 MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.11 PCT 3.37 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.12 PCT 3.38 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 42 PCT ABOUT 65 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.15 PCT 3.40 PCT

/HONG KONG .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 21 FEBRUARY 1994 -

TENDER DATE 22 FEB 94 22 FEB 94

PAPER ON OFFER . EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q408 Y486

ISSUE DATE 23 FEB 94 23 FEB 94

MATURITY DATE 25 MAY 94 22 FEB 95

TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS

AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 1,300 + 260 MN HKD 400+ 120MN

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

I « » » »

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,360

REVERSAL OF LAF +640

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -1,140

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,860

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.4 +-0.7+ 15.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.51 19 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.63 4.23

1 MONTH 2.76 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.64 4.41

3 MONTHS 3.14 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.76 4.58

6 MONTHS 3.35 33 MONTHS 3610 4 . 20 98.43 4 .88

12 MONTHS 3.75 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.23 4.94

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,980 MN

CLOSED 15 FEBRUARY, 1994

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSULTATION PAPER ON REGULATION OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES ........................................................ 1

HUGE GROWTH PREDICTED FOR HK’S PORT ............................. 3

"HK ’94” STAMP EXHIBITION OPENING CEREMONY ...................... 4

SUBVENTION FOR ADULT EDUCATION COURSES .......................... 5

PARTY FOR 1,900 ELDERLY IN TAI PO ............................... 5

GOVT LOT TO LET BY TENDER ....................................... 6

1993 ANNUAL STAMP PACK ON SALE .................................. 6

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 7

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

CONSULTATION PAPER ON REGULATION OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES *****

THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA) HAS ISSUED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) A CONSULTATION PAPER ENTITLED ’’THE REGULATION OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES - THE WAY FORWARD”.

THE PAPER IS INTENDED TO SEEK VIEWS AND COMMENTS FROM THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY AND ANY INTERESTED PARTIES ON THE FUTURE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ON THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

’’THE CONSULTATION PAPER IS A CONTINUATION OF OUR EFFORTS TO FULLY CONSULT INDUSTRY AND THE PUBLIC ON MAJOR REGULATORY ISSUES,” SAID THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MR ALEX ARENA.

”IT IS INTENDED TO COVER A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES IN THE FUTURE REGULATION OF MOBILE SERVICES IN HONG KONG, IN PARTICULAR HOW NEW TECHNOLOGIES AT HIGHER FREQUENCY BANDS CAN BE INTRODUCED INTO HONG KONG’S VIBRANT MOBILE SERVICES MARKET."

THESE TECHNOLOGIES KNOWN UNDER VARIOUS NAMES, SUCH AS PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK (PCN) SERVICES OR PERSONAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES (PCS), ARE AN EVOLUTION OK THE ADVANCED DIGITAL CELLULAR SERVICES ALREADY IN HONG KONG AND ARISE A NUMBER OF ISSUES SUCH AS HOW MANY OPERATORS SHOULD PROVIDE THESE SERVICES AND WHAT MIGHT BE THE TERMS OF THEIR LICENCES, MR ARENA ADDED.

THE PAPER SEI'S OUT THE PRELIMINARY VIEWS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (TA) ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES:

(1) MOBILE SERVICES SHOULD LN FUTURE BE LICENSED ON A TECHNOLOGY NEUTRAL BASIS.

(2) CURRENT REGULATORY ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC RADIO

PAGING SERVICES SHOULD CONTINUE. CONSIDERATIONS WOULD BE GIVEN TO CONVERTING THE EXISTING RADIO PAGING SYSTEM

LICENCES INTO PUBLIC RADIOCOMMUNICATION SERVICE LICENCES TO STREAMLINE LICENCE ADMINISTRATION.

(3) CT-2 TELEPOINT SERVICES SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO UPGRADE THE TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYED, FOR EXAMPLE, TO ALLOW INCOMING CALLS TO BE MADE. CONSIDERATIONS WOULD BE GIVEN TO ASSIGNMENT OF MORE SPECTRUM AT THE CURRENT GUARD BANDS FOR TELEPOINT USE.

(4) A TOTAL OF 2 X 60 MHZ AT THE 1.8 GHZ BAND WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR USE BA PCN/PCS TYPE OF SERVICES BY THE END OF 1994. THE TA INTENDS TO SPLIT THE SPECTRUM INTO 2 X 10 MHZ PORTIONS FOR GRANT TO SIX OPERATORS IN EARLY 1995. THIS WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER 1.2 MILLION USERS BY 199R (A PENETRATION RATE OF 20% OF POPULATION).

(5) THE FOUR

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

(5) THE FOUR EXISTING PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES (PMRS) OPERATORS SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO UPGRADE THEIR EXISTING TECHNOLOGY TO EMPLOY PCN/PCS TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY. ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM OF 2 X 10 MHZ WOULD BE GRANTED TO EACH PMRS OPERATOR TO FACILITATE SUCH UPGRADING, IF THE OPERATORS WISH TO TAKE UP THE OFFER AND HAVE SATISFIED THE TA WITH A CONVINCING BUSINESS PLAN AND COMMITMENTS.

(6) TWO NEW LICENCES WOULD BE GRANTED TO NEW ENTRANTS WITH SPECTRUM ALLOCATION OF 2 X 10 MHZ EACH AT 1.8 GHZ. FIXED TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK SERVICES (FTNS) LICENSEES AND CT-2 TELEPOINT OPERATORS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTLY OR

INDIRECTLY IN CONTROL OF A PMRS LICENCE WOULD BE

PERMITTED TO APPLY AS WELL AS ANY OTHER PARTIES NOT IN CONTROL OF A PMRS LICENCE IN HONG KONG. THE NEW OPERATORS WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO SIMPLY COMPETE WITH EXISTING PMRS OPERATORS USING CURRENT ANALOGUE CELLULAR TECHNOLOGIES.

(7) MORE SPECTRUM COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE 2 GHZ OR HIGHER FREQUENCY BANDS IN THE LONGER TERM IF FURTHER DEMAND ARISES. THIS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER CONSULTATIONS.

(8) OFTA WILL CLOSELY MONITOR DEVELOPMENTS IN FUTURE MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES, INCLUDING SATELLITE MOBILE SERVICES, AND CONSIDER INTRODUCING THEM TO HONG KONG TN A TIMELY MANNER.

AFTER CONSIDERING ALL THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS RECEIVED, OFTA WILL ISSUE A DRAFT REPORT BY THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR TO ENABLE ANY INTERESTED PARTIES TO MAKE FINAL COMMENTS, BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THE NEW REGULATORY POLICIES.

’’THAT TIMETABLE WOULD ALLOW FOR A CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ANY NEW LICENCES IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1994 AND IT COULD PROVE POSSIBLE TO ANNOUNCE AND ISSUE THESE LICENCES TN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1995,” MR ARENA SAID.

ALL VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON THE CONSULTATION PAPER SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO OFTA BEFORE APRIL 30. COPIES OF THE CONSULTATION PAPER ARE AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION TO OFTA IN PERSON OR IN WRITING TO :

OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY 29TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WAN CHAI HONG KONG.

[ATTENTION: SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (REGULATORY))

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

, ? i . 4-z :

HUGE GROWTH PREDICTED FOR UK’S PORT

* ♦ » * *

A MASSIVE 300 PER CENT INCREASE IN CARGO THROUGHPUT PREDICTED BY 2011 UNDERLINES HONG KONG’S URGENT NEED FOR A NEW PORT.

THAT WAS THE CONCLUSION OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD (PDB) WHEN IT ACCEPTED PORT CARGO FORECASTS PRESENTED TO A FULL BOARD MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE FORECASTS SHOW THAT THE DEMAND FOR CONTAINER HANDLING FACILITES IN HONG KONG WILL INCREASE MORE THAN THREEFOLD IN THE PERIOD TO 2011.

IN TERMS OF NUMBERS CONTAINER THROUGHPUT CAN BE EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM NINE MILLION TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS LAST YEAR TO NEARLY 32 MILLION BY 2011.

OVERALL CARGO HANDLED BY THE PORT WILL INCREASE FROM 116 MILLION TONNES IN 1993 TO NEARLY 350 MILLION TONNES BY 2011.

TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE, UP TO 25 NEW CONTAINER BERTHS WILL NEED TO BE BUILT AT LANTAU PORT. THESE WILL BE SITED AT A NEW PORT EXTENDING SOUTH FROM PENNY’S BAY ON LANTAU.

THE BOARD PROJECTS THE NEED FOR THE FIRST BERTH OF LANTAU PORT TO BEGIN OPERATIONS IN MID-1997 WHEN THE TSING MA BRIDGE WILL OPEN. THE BRIDGE WILL PROVIDE ROAD ACCESS TO THE NEW PORT AND CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT.

THE PORT CARGO FORECASTS PRESENTED TO THE BOARD ARE THE RESULT OF A BIANNUAL EXERCISE CARRIED OUT BY THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD SECRETARIAT WITH THE HELP OF CONSULTANTS.

THE FORECASTS SHOW THE EFFECT THE TREMENDOUS GROWTH IN SOUTHERN CHINA’S ECONOMY HAS HAD ON HONG KONG’S PORT, HELPING IT RETAIN THE TITLE OF WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT.

WITH HONG KONG’S ECONOMY SWITCHING FROM MANUFACTURING TO SERVICE INDUSTRIES, THE PORT IS PLAYING AN INCREASING PART IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. EACH CONTAINER HANDLED ADDS SIGNIFICANT VALUE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY.

BETWEEN 1983 AND 1992 TOTAL PORT TRAFFIC GREW BY 11.9 PER CENT A YEAR. THE FORECASTS PREDICT A 6.7 PER CENT ANNUAL GROWTH FROM 1992 TO 2011. AN INCREASED TREND TOWARDS CONTAINERISATION WILL SEE CONTAINER THROUGHPUT GROW BY 7.6 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD.

IN PREPARING THE FORECASTS THE PDB TEAM TOOK NOTE OF:

t POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA AND HONG KONG;

* REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRENDS;

» HONG KONG’S FUTURE ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT AND TRANSHIPMENT HUB;

* POTENTIAL COMPETITION FROM PORT FACILITIES IN THE REGION, ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTHERN CHINA HINTERLAND;

» TRENDS IN CONTAINERISATION;

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

* THE IMPACT OF CHARGES ON PORT ACTIVITY LEVELS AND MIX;

* PORT USER’S VIEWS ON THE PROBLEMS AFFECTING HONG KONG’S PORT; AND

* THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PORT DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.

THE STUDY FOUND THAT THE RELOCATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY TO SOUTHERN CHINA HAS CREATED NEW CARGO MOVEMENT PATTERNS. HONG KONG IMPORTS GOODS AND RE-EXPORTS THEM TO SOUTHERN CHINA FOR PROCESSING OR CONSUMPTION.

MANUFACTURED GOODS FROM GUANGDONG ARE EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG, MAINLY TO NORTH AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN MARKETS. THE STUDY FOUND THAT MOST OUTWARD CONTAINERISED CARGO GOING THROUGH HONG KONG ORIGINATES IN GUANGDONG.

THE REVIEW CONCLUDED THAT HONG KONG WOULD MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS THE PREMIER HUB PORT IN SOUTHERN CHINA IN THE SHORT TO MEDIUM TERM. A SURVEY OF SHIPPING LINES SHOWED THAT NONE WAS PLANNING A MAJOR SHIFT OF SERVICES AWAY FROM HONG KONG.

SURVEYING PORT DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHERN CHINA, THE FORECASTS SAID OVER THE NEXT FIVE TO 10 YEARS THESE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD BE COMPLEMENTARY TO HONG KONG.

THEY ARE UNLIKELY TO HAVE ADEQUATE MARITIME SUPPORT SERVICES NOR OTHER ANCILLARY SERVICES AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.

THE REPORT SAID ADDITIONAL SHIPPING IN THE AREA GENERATED BY SOUTHERN CHINA PORT DEVELOPMENT WOULD HELP THE DEVELOPMENT OF FEEDER SERVICES TO AND FROM HONG KONG.

AS CHINESE PORT INCREASE, IMPROVE AND EXPAND MORE INTERNATIONAL LINES WILL USE THEM. RATHER THAN TAKING TRADE FROM HONG KONG THE PORT WOULD DEAL WITH THE OVERSPILL AS CHINA’S TRADE INCREASES MASSIVELY.

HONG KONG’S PORT CARGO THROUGHPUT WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW BUT AT A DECREASING RATE.

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

"HK ’94" STAMP EXHIBITION OPENING CEREMONY

*****

THE "HONG KONG ’94" STAMP EXHIBITION OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CONCOURSE, SEVENTH FLOOR, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 18). FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND PATRON OF THE HONG KONG '94 STAMP EXHIBITION, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT ROOM 609, SIXTH FLOOR, CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE BEFORE 9.45 AM. SPECIAL PERMITS WILL BE ISSUED.

A PROGRAMME FOR THE CEREMONY WILL BE FAXED.

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

/5 .....

WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 16, 1994

SUBVENTION FOR ADULT EDUCATION COURSES ♦ * » ♦ ♦

VOLUNTARY BODIES ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION TO RUN ADULT EDUCATION COURSES FOR THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE COURSES WOULD COMPLEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTIVITIES IN THIS FIELD.

AREAS ELIGIBLE FOR SUBVENTION INCLUDE PREVOCATIONAL TRAINING, LABOUR EDUCATION, PRE-RETIREMENT AND RETIREMENT TRAINING, JOB-ORIENTED COURSES, SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS, SOCIAL AND MORAL EDUCATION, BASIC CHINESE LITERACY COURSES, AND GENERAL EDUCATION FOR PARTICULAR GROUPS SUCH AS FACTORY WORKERS.

THE SUBVENTION WILL COVER MAINLY COST OF STAFFING, BASIC TEACHING AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, CHARGES AND RENT.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, WU CHUNG HOUSE, RM 1106, 11TH FLOOR, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI. FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY APRIL 30.

APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE RESULTS IN JULY.

FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON TEL 892 6671 OR 892 6674.

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

PARTY FOR 1,900 ELDERLY IN TAI PO ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

ABOUT 1,900 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN TAT PO WERE TREATED TO A ”YAN YAT" (EVERYONE’S BIRTHDAY) PARTY IN HIE DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.

IT IS A MAJOR ACTIVITY ORGANISED BY THE 1994 TAI PO DISTRICT CHINESE NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE. TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE CO-ORGANISED THE PARTY.

MAJOR SPONSORS INCLUDE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, LOCAL CELEBRITIES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.

ALL OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS RECEIVED "LAI-SEES” FROM A LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADER, MR TANG YEUK-FAN.

THE FIVE ELDEST WERE PRESENTED WITH GOLD MEDALS BY TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG.

THEY WERE MADAMS LAW NGOR, AGED 102; LAI CHECK, 101; KAN CHO-KJU, 99; CHAN WAN-KTU, 98, AND LI LOK, 98. MADAM LAW WAS ALSO AWARDED A GOLD PEACH.

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

/6.........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

GOVT LOT TO LET BY TENDER * * * * *

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LOT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE LOT, LOCATED AT YUEN LONG TOWN PARK ROAD SOUTH, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,734 SQUARE METRES FOR USE AS A PLANT NURSERY.

THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 4, 1994.

FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAI MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.

--------0 - -

1993 ANNUAL STAMP PACK ON SALK *****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE 1993 ANNUAL STAMP PACK WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT THE FOLLOWING POST OFFICES AS FROM FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 18):

GENERAL POST OFFICE

TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE

GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE

SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE

PEAK POST OFFICE

THE PACK CONTAINS A SET OF THE SII-'IAI STAMPS ISSUED IN 1993:

YEAR OF THE COCK

CHINESE STRING MUSICAI INSTRUMENTS

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONATION

OF HM QUEEN ELIZABETH 11

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HONG KONG GOLDFISH

/AN ATTRACTIVELY .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1994

AN ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE STAMPS, DESCRIPTIONS OF THE ISSUE AND THEIR PRINTING DETAILS WILL ALSO ACCOMPANY THE STAMP PACK.

THIS PACK WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG *94 STAMP EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 18) TO NEXT MONDAY (FEBRUARY 21).

PACKS PLACED ON SALE AT THE EXHIBITION VENUE ARE SPECIALLY PRINTED WITH THE LOGO OF THE EXHIBITION AND AN ANNOTATION STATING THAT THEY ARE SPECIAL STAMP PRODUCTS OF THE HONG KONG ’94 STAMP EXHIBITION.

THE PACK, AVAILABLE AT $98, IS IDEAL BOTH FOR A GIFT AND FOR PERSONAL COLLECTION, MR PAGLIARI SAID.

A RESTRICTION OF NOT MORE THAN TWO PACKS PER CUSTOMER QUEUEING WILL BE IMPOSED ON FRIDAY.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,860

REVERSAL OF LAF +1,140

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -220

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,780

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

TWI 125.6 *+0.2* 16.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.40 19 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.59 4.26

1 MONTH 2.81 22 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.57 4.45

3 MONTHS 3.20 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.71 4.61

6 MONTHS 3.44 33 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.39 4.90

12 MONTHS 3.79 36 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.16 4.97

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,257 MN

CLOSED 16 FEBRUARY 1994

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR BEGINS FINAL LEG OF AUSTRALIAN VISIT ................... 1

DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR VISITS SWD ................................... 1

DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR SPEAKS TO PRESS AFTER HER VISIT TO BUDDHIST LI KA SHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY ................................................... 2

BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) REGULATION ...................... 3

LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR JANUARY ........................... 4

1993 DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ........................................................ 7

STATISTICS ON TRADE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, THIRD QUARTER 1993 ...................................... 10

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT MEETS TAXI OPERATORS ..................... 14

SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO VIETNAM ........................... 14

RADIO PROGRAMME FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION STARTS ............... 15

EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUP LAUNCHES LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SURVEY ........................................... 15

LAST FORUM ON ARTS DEVELOPMENT ................................. 16

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

GOVERNOR BEGINS FINAL LEG OF AUSTRALIAN VISIT

♦ » * * *

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON BEGAN THE FINAL STAGE OF HIS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA WHEN HE FLEW TO MELBOURNE FOR A FURTHER ROUND OF ENGAGEMENTS.

EARLIER IN THE DAY IN AN INTERVIEW ON MORNING TELEVISION, HE SAID THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE LINKS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND HONG KONG WERE VERY CONSIDERABLE.

MR PATTEN ADDED THAT THE BUSINESS TIES TOGETHER WITH OTHER LINKS SUCH AS STUDENTS AND TOURISM HAD LED TO A GREATER UNDERSTANDING IN AUSTRALIA THAN PERHAPS IN SOME OTHER COUNTRIES OF WHAT HONG KONG WAS ALL ABOUT AND WHAT IT REQUIRED IN ORDER TO GO ON SURVIVING AS A PROSPEROUS AND FREE SOCIETY.

IN WINDING UP THE CANBERRA LEG, MR PATTEN MET THE GOVERNORGENERAL OF AUSTRALIA, MR BILL HAYDEN. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A MEETING WITH THE PARLIAMENTARY JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE AND SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND TRADE.

DURING THIS SESSION, THE GOVERNOR DISCUSSED A WIDE RANGE OF ECONOMIC AND TRADE ISSUES AND OTHER TRANSITIONAL MATTERS.

HE SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE COMMITTEE'S CONTINUED INTEREST IN HONG KONG AND ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.

MR PATTEN ALSO HAD A MEETING AND WORKING LUNCH WITH SENIOR ACADEMICS OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY BEFORE FLYING TO MELBOURNE.

TONIGHT HE IS GUEST OF HONOUR AT A DINNER HOSTED BY THE VICTORIAN STATE MINISTER FOR INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYMENT, MR PHILLIP GUDE. AND ATTENDED BY A CROSS SECTION OF MELBOURNE’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

TOMORROW MR PATTEN WILL VISIT SEVERAL PROMINENT COMPANIES TRADING IN HONG KONG AND THE ASIAN REGION, AS WELL AS DELIVERING A KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO CEDA, THE COMMITTEE FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIA.

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

DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR VISITS SWD ♦ * * * ♦

DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) AND A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN WAN CHAI.

MRS CHAN WAS GREETED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, UPON ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS.

SHE WAS BRIEFED BY SOCIAL SECURITY, MANPOWER, SERVICE QUALITY.

STAFF ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS SERVICE EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT

/MRS CHAN ........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

MRS CHAN WAS IMPRESSED BY THE PROGRESS MADE IN A NUMBER OF AREAS SINCE FEBRUARY 1987 WHEN SHE WAS THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.

LATER, SHE WENT TO THE BUDDHIST LI KA SHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME AT TAI HANG ROAD.

MRS CHAN WATCHED A GROUP OF ELDERLY PEOPLE PRACTISING TAI CHI ON THE FIRST-FLOOR PODIUM AND CHATTED WITH SOME OF THE PARTICIPANTS.

SHE THEN TOURED THE DORMITORIES AND DISTRIBUTED RED PACKETS TO THE RESIDENTS THERE. IN RETURN SHE WAS PRESENTED WITH A SCROLL OF CALLIGRAPHY.

MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO HELP THOSE ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO WERE IN NEED OF RESIDENTIAL CARE.

IN THREE YEARS’ TIME, THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL CARE PLACES WILL BE INCREASED BY 5,200 PLACES. THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES WILL BE 11,000 AND 8,200 IN HOMES FOR THE AGED.

DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKS TO PRESS AFTER HER VISIT TO BUDDHIST LI KA SHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY *****

QUESTION: MRS CHAN, WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO BEIJING’S LESS THAN ENTHUSIASTIC COMMENTS ON BRITAIN’S LATEST FUNDING PROPOSALS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT?

MRS CHAN: I AM NOT SURE THAT IT IS LESS THAN ENTHUSIASTIC. I THINK WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE FACT THAT THE CHINESE HAVE SAID THEY ARE CONSIDERING THE FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL WHICH WE HAVE PUT FORWARD TO THE CHINESE. WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSALS IN THIS FOURTH PACKAGE ADDRESS ALL THE CONCERNS THAT’VE BEEN PUT TO US BY THE CHINESE SIDE. OBVIOUSLY, WE WOULD WELCOME AN EARLY MEETING EITHER. OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE OR OF THE EXPERT GROUP SO THAT WE CAN SIT DOWN TO DISCUSS THE DETAILS IN THIS FINANCING PROPOSAL AND IF THERE ARE FURTHER CONCERNS BY THE CHINESE, THE EARLIER WE HEAR ABOUT THEM THE BETTER.

QUESTION: MRS CHAN, WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THE PRIVATE LAW SUIT FILED AGAINST THE GOVERNOR ...... THE REFORM PROPOSALS?

MRS CHAN: THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS APPLIED TO THE HIGH COURT FOR THE WRIT TO BE STRUCK OUT BECAUSE WE DO NOT BELIEVE THERE IS A REASONABLE CAUSE FOR SUCH ACTION TO BE TAKEN. INDEED, WE FEEL THAT THIS IS AN ABUSE OF THE PROCESS OF COURT.

/3.........

BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) REGULATION » ♦ * * ♦

A NEW REGULATION WHICH SETS OUT THE PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS IN GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS, WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) REGULATION SETS OUT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PROCEDURE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION IN THE PROVISIONAL AND THE FINAL REGISTER; AND THE POWER AND OBLIGATION OF THE REGISTRATION OFFICER.

THE REGULATION ALSO ENABLES A PERSON TO LODGE A NOTICE OF OBJECTION OR A NOTICE OF CLAIM WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICER REGARDING ANY DECISION MADE BY THE REGISTRATION OFFICER IN RELATION TO AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION.

IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION OF THE PROVISIONAL AND THE FINAL REGISTER.

THE REGULATION WAS MADE BY THE THREE-MEMBER BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN JULY LAST YEAR TO TAKE CHARGE OF ELECTORAL MATTERS INCLUDING THE REVIEW OF EXISTING REGULATIONS ON VOTER REGISTRATION.

THE COMMISSION IS CHAIRED BY MR JUSTICE WOO, THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS ARE PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG AND MR NORMAN LEUNG NAI-PANG.

THE REGULATION WAS MADE ON THE ADVICE OF THE WORKING GROUP ON SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW EXISTING REGULATIONS ON VOTER REGISTRATION AND TO RECOMMEND TO THE COMMISSION THE NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING PROVISIONS.

THE WORKING GROUP IS HEADED BY MR JUSTICE WOO AS CONVENOR AND IT COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH AND THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER.

THE REGULATION WILL BE TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 23).

/4.........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17,

1994

4 -

LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR JANUARY * * * » »

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, MAINLY FLATS, RECEIVED BY THE LAND REGISTRY LAST MONTH DECREASED BY 1.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BUT INCREASED BY 152.9 PER CENT COMPARED WITH JANUARY LAST YEAR.

IN ALL, 10,749 AGREEMENTS INVOLVING A TOTAL OF $40.53 BILLION WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION LAST MONTH.

THE FIGURES ARE INCLUDED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE LAND REGISTRAR ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION AT THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES.

A TABLE SHOWING THE RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1993 AND JANUARY 1993 WAS ALSO RELEASED.

SIX BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 9,013 OTHER MORTGAGES WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION LAST MONTH, COMPARED WITH 17 AND 10,001 RESPECTIVELY’ IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES IN THE MONTH WAS $0.45 BILLION COMPARED WITH $0.61 BILLION IN JANUARY LAST YEAR .

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES DECREASED BY 7.3 PER CENT FROM $8.78 BILLION IN JANUARY LAST YEAR TO $8.14 BILLION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, INCREASED BY 14.7 PER CENT FROM $3.68 BILLION IN JANUARY LAST YEAR TO $4.22 BILLION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

/THE LAND ........

THE LAND REGISTRY

Consolidated Monthly Statistics in respect of deeds received for registration in the Urban and New Territories District Land Registries

/THE LAND

Month : January 1994

Item Nature of Deeds Number of Deeds received for registration Consideration ($)

Urban New Territories Total Urban New Territories Total

1. Agreements for Sale and 7,048 3,701 10,749

Purchase of Building Uaits ( 7,452 ) ( 3,825 ) ( 11,277 ) 32,826,863,884.40 7,702,260,600.25 40,529,124,484.65

2. Agreements for Sale and 39 282 321 5,619,250,000.00 1,074,604,225.30 6,693,854,225.30

Purchase of Land

Sub-total (1) ♦ (2) 7,087 3,963 11,070 38,446,113,884.40 8,776,864,825.55 47,222,978,709.95

3. Assignments of Building units 6,158 3,423 9,581

( 6,487 ) ( 3,464 ) ( 9,951 ) 22,537,517,067.18 5,583,448,062.80 28,120,965,129.98

4. Assignments of Land 31 606 637 3,966,080,000.00 1,793,347,739.74 5,759,427,739.74

Sub-total (3) + (4) 6,189 4,029 10,218 26,503,597,067.18 7,376,795,802.54 33,880,392,869.72

5. Building Mortgages/Duilding 4 2 6 403,773,000.00 43,000,000.00 446,773,000.00

• Legal Charges

6. Other btortgages/Legal Charges 5,537 3,476 9,013 6,977,560,458.04 1.160,297,647.75 8,137,858,105.79

Sub-total (5) + (6) 5,541 3,478 9,019 7,381,333,458.04 1,203,297,647.75 8,584,631,105.79

7. Receipts/Discharges/Releases 4,289 2,515 6,804 3,638,323,921.71 584,289,128.79 4,222,613,050.50

8. Leases/Tenancy Agreements 438 185 623

9. Exclusion Orders 0 3 3

10. Others 3,003 2,211 5,214

Total 26,547 16,404 42,951 75,969,368,331.33 17,941,247,404.63 93,910,615,735.96

Note : Figures in brackets denote number of units involved

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

THE LAND REGISTRY

Compaiiam of MgatfUy Satirtk*

Month : January 1994

Item 1994 January 1993 December 1993 January January 1994 Increase (+) or Decrease (-) as compared with

December 1993 January 1993

No. or Consideration Percentage No. or Consideration Percentage

1. Agreements for Sales and Purchase of Building Units (a) No. 10,749 10,911 4,250 162 1.5 ♦ 6,499 * 152.9

(b) Consideration $40,529.124,484.65 $31,965,073,435.22 $11,941,811,142.16 ♦ $8,564,051,049.43 ♦ 26.8 + $28,587,313,342.49 + 239.4

2. Agreement* for Salo and Purchase of Land (a) No. 321 353 230 32 9.1 * 91 ♦ 39.6

(b) Consideration $6,693,854,225.30 $7,572,090,359.36 $3,159,653,249.63 - $878,236,134.06 - 11.6 ♦ $3,534,200,975.67 ♦ 111.9

Sub-total of (I) + (2) (a) No. 11,070 11,264 4,480 — 194 L. 1.7 ♦ 6,590 ♦ 147.1

(b) Consideration $47,222,978,709.95 $39,537,163,794.58 $15,101,464,391.79 + $7,685,814,915.37 + 19.4 $32,121,514,318.16 ♦ 212.7

3. Assignments of Building Units (a) No. 9.581 8,971 9,270 + 610 + 6.8 + 311 + 3.4

(b) Consideration $28,120,965,129.98 $23,218,241,275.31 $20,432,110,684.77 + $4,902,723,854.67 ♦ 21.1 + $7,688,854,445.21 ♦ 37.6

4. Assignments of Land (a) No. 637 724 586 87 12.0 51 + 8.7

(b) Consideration $5,759,427,739.74 $4,289,916,485.96 $5,217,403,572.40 ♦ $1,469,511,253.78 + 34.3 4- $542,024,167.34 + 10.4

Sub-total of (3)->(4) (a) No. 10,218 9,695 9.856 + 523 ♦ 5.4 + 362 + 3.7

(b) Consideration $33,880,392,869.72 $27,508,157,761.27 $25,649,514,257.17 + $6,372,235,108.45 ♦ 23.2 + $8,230,878,612.55 ♦ 32.1

5. Building Mortgages/Building Legal Charges (a) No. 6 11 17 — 5 45.5 • 11 64.7

(b) Consideration $446,773,000.00 $665,404,960.00 $613,321,000.00 - $218,631,960.00 - 32.9 - $166,548,000.00 - 27.2

6. Other Mortgages/Legal Charges (a) No. 9,013 9,031 10.001 18 0.2 988 9.9

(b) Consideration $8,137,858,105.79 $5,750,007,938.41 $8,779,048,803.33 ♦ $2,387,850,167.38 ♦ 41.5 - $641,190,697.54 - 7.3

Sub-total of (5) ♦ (6) (a) No. 9,019 9.042 10.018 — 23 - 0.3 999 10.0

(b) Consideration $8,584,631,105.79 $6,415,412,898.41 $9,392,369,803.33 + $2,169,218,207.38 ♦ 33.8 - $807,738,697.54 - 8.6

7. Receipts/Di scharges/Rclcases (a) No. 6,804 6,769 6,462 ♦ 35 + 0.5 + 342 ♦ 5.3

(b) Consideration $4,222,613,050.50 $2,952,783,329.05 $3,681,503,420.46 + $1,269,829,721.45 + 43.0 + $541,109,630.04 ♦ 14.7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

1993 DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN » » ♦ » *

IN 1993, THE THREE MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS OF TEXTILES, WEARING APPAREL AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 56% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANUFACTURED GOODS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS DECREASED BOTH BY 10% IN 1993 AS COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER TO $46.6 BILLION AND $34.5 BILLION RESPECTIVELY. FOR WEARING APPAREL, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO DROPPED BY 3% TO $41.5 BILLION.

AS FOR OTHER INDUSTRY GROUPS, MORE SIGNIFICANT ABSOLUTE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE FOUND IN THE GROUPS OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+$3,809 MILLION OR +15%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (+$250 MILLION OR +54%); AND CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+$196 MILLION OR +3%).

FOR THE BEVERAGES INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF THE CHANGE WAS NOT AS LARGE, A FAIRLY LARGE PERCENTAGE INCREASE (+21%) WAS REGISTERED.

ON THE OTHER HAND, INDUSTRY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED MORE NOTABLE ABSOLUTE DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$2,807 MILLION OR -15%); PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$1,200 MILLION OR -18%); AND BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (-$199 MILLION OR -2%).

FOR THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH THE ABSOLUTE VALUE OF THE CHANGE WAS NOT AS LARGE, A MARKED PERCENTAGE DECLINE OF 40% WAS REGISTERED.

THE ABOVE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING THE MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS ORIGINALLY GROUPED 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.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID 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 .....

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

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 STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY PRODUCED ABOVE MAY INCLUDE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE PRODUCED AS SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS BELONGING TO OTHER INDUSTRIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE FOUND IN A TABLE TO BE FAXED LATER. THIS TABLE IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 839 3223).

A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1993”.

/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

Domestic exports of manufactured goods classified fry industrial origin for the whole year of 1993

(Value in HK$ million)

Merchandise domestic exports

Industrial origin of the commodities exported 1993 whole year 1992 whole year Value change % change

Food Beverages Tobacco manufactures Textiles (including knitting) Wearing apparel, except footweai Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures Paper and paper products, printing and publishing Chemicals and chemical products Products of petroleum and coal Rubber products Plastic products Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal Basic metals and fabricated metal products Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components Consumer electrical and electronic products Transport equipment Professional and optical equipment Other manufacturing industries 2,117 529 2,423 46,625 41,535 1,675 241 434 7,723 6,748 14 98 5,660 714 9,315 29,682 34,487 217 15,739 14,478 2,278 437 2,610 51,777 42,831 1,718 402 488 7,673 6,552 14 120 6,860 465 9,513 25,873 38,224 204 18,546 14,823 -161 +91 -187 -5,152 -1,295 -43 -161 -54 +50 +196 ♦ -22 -1,200 +250 -199 +3,809 -3,738 +13 -2,807 -344 -7.1 +20.9 -7.2 -10.0 r -3.0 -2.5 -40.1 -11.1 +0.7 +3.0 + 1.1 -18.1 -17.5 +53.7 -2.1 + 14.7 -9.8 +6.6 -15.1 -2.3

Total 220,454 231,406 -10,953 -4.7

♦ Value change within ±$0.5 million

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. The above statistics may not be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.

Industrial Research Section, Census & Statistics Department, Hong Kong.

Tel. : 839 3223 February 1994

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

/10..........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

- 10 -

STATISTICS ON TRADE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, ' THIRD QUARTER 1993 *****

IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993, 47% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 73% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 41% FOR RE-EXPORTS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, 73% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.

THESE ARE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 81% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.

THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992 WERE 54% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 76% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 48% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 71% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 81% FOR REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.

IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1993, 48% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 73% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 42% FOR RE-EXPORTS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, 73% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 81% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.

THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1992 WERE 54% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 75% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 48% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 71% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 79% FOR REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.

THE DECREASES IN THE PROPORTION OF EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AS RECORDED IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1993 REFLECT THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS FOR MEETING DOMESTIC DEMAND IN CHINA, VIZ. EXPORTS TO CHINA NOT DESTINED FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, INCREASED AT A FASTER PACE THAN OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE DURING THE PERIOD.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WAS IN LINE WITH THE SUSTAINED INCREASE IN DOMESTIC DEMAND IN CHINA FOR IMPORTED GOODS.

TO PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA INITIATED BY HONG KONG FIRMS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY AS FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 TO DISTINGUISH HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.

THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS BEEN EXTENDED AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.

/STARTING FROM .....

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

STARTING FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS FURTHER BEEN EXTENDED SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WHICH ARE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.

THE RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER AND JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1993 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.

IN VALUE TERMS, $41,117 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 10% OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1992.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING DECREASED BY 3% TO $11,678 MILLION WHILST THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 15% TO $29,439 MILLION.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 20% TO $81,053 MILLION.

ON THE OTHER HAND, $104,150 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTftER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 20%.

IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1993, $116,605 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 13% OVER JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1992.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 3% TO $33,241 MILLION AND 17% TO $83,363 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 17% TO $211,726 MILLION.

ON THE OTHER HAND, $265,158 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 22%.

THE ESTIMATES FOK THE THIRD QUARTER AND JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1993 AND THE CORRESPONDING CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992 ARE SUMMARISED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:

/ESTIMATED VALUE .....

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

FSTIMATED VALUE AND PROPORTION OF TRADE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING TN CHINA, 3RD QUARTER AND JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 1993

PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE

3RD CHANGE JAN- CHANGE OVER

QTR OVER 3RD SEPT JAN-SEPT

1993 QTR 1992 1993 1992

(HKD MN) (%) (HKD MN) (%)

TOTAL TRADE VALUE ♦ !

TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 87,203 + 25.7 245,380 + 28.2

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 16,085 + 2.2 45,527 + 5.5

RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 71,118 + 32.6 199,852 + 34.8

IMPORTS FROM CHINA 111 ,396 + 17.0 290,878 + 13.8

RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 128,806 + 19.7 327,732 + 18.9

TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA

ESTIMATED VALUE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA :

TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 41,117 + 9.5 116,605 + 12.8

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 1 1 ,678 - 2.5 33,241 + 2.9

RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 29,439 + 15.2 83,363 + 17.3

IMPORTS FROM CHINA 81,053 + 19.7 211,726 + 16.9

RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 104,150 + 19.5 265,158 + 22.3

TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER

THAN CHINA

ESTIMATED PROPORTION INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA :

3RD QTR 1993 (%) 3RD QTR 1992 (%) JAN-SEPT 1993 (%) JAN-SEPT 1992 (%)

TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 47.2 54.1 47.5 54.0

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 72.G 76. 1 73.0 74.9

RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 41.7 47.6 4 1.7 47.9

IMPORTS FROM CHINA 72.8 7 1.1 72.8 70.9

RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA 80.9 81 .0 80.9 78.7

♦ THE VALUE EXCLUDES COMMODITIES AND ACCORDING TO KIND.

TRANSACTIONS NOT

CLASSIFIED

FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS OR SEM1-MANUFACTURES FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT REIMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.

/IMPORTS FROM .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

1*3

IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE IMPORTATION OF PROCESSED GOODS FROM CHINA OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN UNDER CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING.

RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA REFER TO THOSE RE-EXPORTS OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT RE-IMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.

IN INTERPRETING THE STATISTICS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE VALUE AND PROPORTION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA REFER TO THOSE OF THE ENTIRE GOODS INSTEAD OF JUST THE VALUE ADDED CONTRIBUTED BY OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.

A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, AND IMPORTS FROM CHINA) AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA IS SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FLOWS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, WERE RECORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE.

THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.

THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, HOWEVER, FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE.

IN THIS RESPECT. THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT TO

THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.

THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DECEMBER 1993 ISSUE OF THE ’’HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE”.

THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE BY THE END OF THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT $68.5 A COPY.

ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE SURVEYS AND RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 5037.

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

/14 ........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT MEETS TAXI OPERATORS

*****

IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE ISSUE OF NEW TAXI LICENCES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE DEPARTMENT HELD MEETINGS WITH TWO TAXI OPERATOR GROUPS TODAY (THURSDAY) TO LISTEN TO THEIR OPPOSITE VIEWS.

AS REGARDS THE POLICY ON ISSUE OF TAXI LICENCES, HE SAID THE ISSUE WAS ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL TOPICS EXAMINED UNDER THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW WHICH WAS DISCUSSED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON JANUARY 25 THIS YEAR.

THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A VIEW ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW SOON.

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

SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO VIETNAM

*****

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WITH EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 28 RECIPROCAL SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO VIETNAM.

THIS WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS SERVED BY SPEEDPOST TO 62.

SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE FOLLOWING 16 CITIES IN VIETNAM:

HANOI CAPITAL, HO CHI MINH CITY, VUNG TAU TOWN, CAN THO CITY, HAI PHONG CITY, BA DONG TOWN, HAI DUONG TOWN, HON GAI TOWN, DA NANG CITY, HUE CITY, TRA \INK TOWN, THU DAU MOT TOWN, BIEN HOA TOWN, TAN AN TOWN, VI NH LONG TOWN AND NAM DINH CITY.

SPEEDPOST ITEMS ADDRESSED TO HANOI CAPITAL AND HO CH] MINH CITY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING.

ITEMS ADDRESSED TO THE OTHER 14 CITIES WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING.

THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERY ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

BUSINESS PAPERS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE ADMISSIBLE. BOTH ’CONTRACT’ AND ’ON DEMAND’ SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.

THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR AN INDIVIDUAL ITEM IS 20 KG, AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

V1FTANM

ITEMS WEIGHING NOT OVER 250G $100

ITEMS WEIGHING NOT OVER 5OOG Si 10

EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500G $ 30

KILOPAK SPECIAL RATE $130

/SPEEDPOST IS .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

SPEEDPOST IS A FAST AND RELIABLE SERVICE FOR FORWARDING DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS.

CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO VIETNAM AND SPEEDPOST SERVICE IN GENERAL MAY CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON TEL 9221 2277.

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

RADIO PROGRAMME FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION STARTS

* * » » *

A NEW RADIO PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) WILL BE ON AIR ON RADIO 5 OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK), STARTING FROM SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 19).

THE ONE-HOUR PROGRAMME, ENTITLED "HARMONIOUS LIFE", WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE THROUGH AM 783 AT 11 AM.

THE LATEST WEEKLY SERIES IS JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE COMMITTEE ON FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AND RTHK, IN VIEW OF HIGH LEVEL OF PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF THE LAST TWO SERIES.

A VETERAN FLE WORKER WILL ATTEND THE SHOW AND TELL THE KEYS TO BETTER THE TIES OF MARRIAGE. PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO CALL IN TO EXPRESS VIEWS.

THIS SERIES IS TARGETED AT MARRIED COUPLES AND THOSE ABOUT TO GET MARRIED. PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE AND HAPPY MARRIAGE WILL BE THE FOCUSES OF THE PROGRAMME.

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

EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUP

LAUNCHES LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SURVEY

»»»»»»

A $1.5 MILLION SURVEY OF VIEWS ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY A TEAM OF EXPERTS FROM THF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THF CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY MS ANGELA CHEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION'S WORKING GROUT ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.

"WE BELIEVE THIS IS THE FIRST SUCH SURVEY EVER CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG," SAID MS CHEUNG.

"IT HAS TWO AIMS: FIRST, WE WANT TO IDENTIFY THE VIEWS OF EDUCATORS, EMPLOYERS, PARENTS, AND STUDENTS ABOUT CURRENT LEVELS OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN CANTONESE, WRITTEN CHINESE, PUTONGHUA, AND ENGLISH.

"SECONDLY, WE WANT TO IDENTIFY THOSE FACTORS WHICH HELP, AND THOSE FACTORS WHICH HINDER, THE ACQUISITION BY STUDENTS OF DESIRED LEVELS OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY' DURING THEIR FORMAL EDUCATION."

SHE SAID THE WORKING GROUP INVITED A LARGE NUMBER OF LOCAL ACADEMIC EXPERTS AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES LAST DECEMBER TO EXPRESS INTEREST IN THE SURVEY.

/ONLY ONE .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

ONLY ONE FORMAL WRITTEN PROPOSAL, FROM A TEAM LED BY MR YU FONG-YING AND MR P K LUI OF THE HONG HONG POLYTECHNIC, WAS RECEIVED.

MR YU IS A UNIVERSITY SENIOR LECTURER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHINESE, TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION. MR LUI IS A PRINCIPAL LECTURER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SOCIAL STUDIES.

THE SURVEY WILL COVER MORE THAN 8,000 INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS, TEACHERS, PARENTS, PRINCIPALS AND EMPLOYERS. THE SAMPLES WILL BE DRAWN FROM 60 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, 60 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ALL SEVEN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

AS WELL AS ADMINISTERING MORE THAN 8,000 QUESTIONNAIRES, THE SURVEY TEAM WILL CONDUCT IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS WITH MORE THAN 500 STUDENTS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.

THE WORK OF SAMPLE SELECTION AND QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN .HAS ALREADY STARTED, AND FIELD WORK WILL BEGIN IN EARLY MARCH, AND CONTINUE THROUGH INTO APRIL.

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WORKING GROUP BY THE MIDDLE OF MAY, AND MORE DETAILED RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS BY THE END OF JUNE.

"I AM WRITING TO ALL THE SCHOOLS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS INVOLVED IN THE SURVEY, SEEKING THEIR FULL CO-OPERATION IN THIS IMPORTANT EXERCISE,” SAID MS CHEUNG.

"WE ALL KNOW HOW IMPORTANT LANGUAGE SKILLS ARE TO THE COMMUNITY. WE ALSO KNOW HOW DIFFICULT AND FRUSTRATING IT CAN BE FOR STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE THOSE SKILLS, IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT KIND OF SUPPORT AND STIMULATION.

"THE WORKING GROUP IS LOOKING FOR PRACTICABLE WAYS TO MAXIMISE THE SUPPORTING FACTORS, AND MINIMISE THE FRUSTRATIONS INVOLVED IN ACQUIRING, OR HELPING STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE, GOOD LANGUAGE SKILLS..

"THIS SURVEY WILL BE AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE WORKING GROUP.

"THE SURVEY FINDINGS WILL ALSO BE A USEFUL REFERENCE FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS STUDYING PARTICULAR ASPECTS OF LANGUAGE IN HONG KONG,” SHE ADDED.

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

LAST FORUM ON \RTS DEVELOPMENT

*****

THE FINAL IN A SERIES OF FIVE PUBLIC FORUMS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WORKING GROUP WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 19) FROM 9 AM UNTIL NOON AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBER, 3 EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONO.

THIS FORUM WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

* FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE ARTS;

* REPRESENTATION OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY ON THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL;

/* MASS MEDIA’S ......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994

* MASS MEDIA’S ROLE IN ARTS; AND

» ANY OTHER ISSUES NOT PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED IN THIS SERIES OF FORUMS. .

THE MODERATOR OF THIS FORUM IS THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MISS CHRISTINE LOH. THE SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

* SIR JOSEPH HOTUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP

» DR LO CHI-KIN

* DR STEPHEN SZE MAN-HUNG

* DR MATHEW TURNER

» MR JASON YUEN

* MR WONG LUEN-KIN

THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE FORUM AND ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE BRANCH.

THE WORKING GROUP ALSO INVITES MEMBERS OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY AND INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FORUM.

THE FORUM IS ORGANISED TO OBTAIN CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS AND NEW INITIATIVES FOR THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO FURTHER

DEVELOPING THE ARTS IN HONG EONG IN THE 1990'S AND 0 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ **44 OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAKAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.6 4+0.0* BEYOND. S MILLION 2,780 + 220 3,000 NIL -980 2,020 17.2.94 /HONG KONG

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1994.

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.56 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.22 4.29

1 MONTH 2.90 21 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.55 4.46

3 MONTHS 3.22 24 MONTHS 2602 4 . 40 99.65 4.64

6 MONTHS 3.47 32 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.30 4.94

12 MONTHS 3.81 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 99.07 5.00

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,572 MN

CLOSED 17 FEBRUARY 1994

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR CONCLUDES AUSTRALIAN VISIT ............................ 1

U.S. BUSINESS MISSION TO HK AND CHINA .......................... 2

DB CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARY MAPS NOW AVAILABLE .................... 3

ISLAND FOR CONVENTION CENTRE EXTENSION ......................... 4

CONTROL OF LIFT SAFETY STRENGTHENED ............................ 4

COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OF AMUSEMENT RIDES PROPOSED .............. 5

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR OCTOBER -DECEMBER 1993 ................................................ 6

ORDERS-ON-HAND OF MANUFACTURERS IN DECEMBER .................... 7

TENDERS INVITED FOR TSEUNG KWAN O DEVELOPMENT PROJECT .......... 8

ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (EXEMPTION) (AMENDMENT) ORDER ................................ 9

TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADING WORKS .. 9

TENDERS INVITED FOR SPORTSGROUND IMPROVEMENT ................... 9

AIR CREWMEN WIN QUEEN'S AWARDS ................................ 10

103 CAUGHT IN OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ............ 10

TWO OFFICES SUSPEND RE-ENTRY PERMIT SERVICES .................. 11

FIGHT CRIME CONCERT IN KOWLOON CITY ........................... 12

LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES TO 208 WELFARE STAFF ................ 12

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 13

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

1 GOVERNOR CONCLUDES AUSTRALIAN VISIT *****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) CONCLUDED WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS A ’’VERY SUCCESSFUL" FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA.

SPEAKING AT THE END OF THE SIX-DAY VISIT, DURING WHICH HE WAS THE GUEST OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT, MR PATTEN SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT IT HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN BROADENING AND DEEPENING THE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABOUT HONG KONG AND ITS FUTURE AT ALL LEVELS OF AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THERE WERE TWO OBJECTIVES TO THE VISIT.

THE FIRST WAS TO ENCOURAGE MORE AUSTRALIAN FIRMS TO USE HONG KONG AS A JUMPING-OFF BASE FOR CHINA AND THE REGION. THE SECOND WAS TO REASSURE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO ENSURE THE RULE OF LAW IN HONG KONG.

"I WAS DELIGHTED BY THE ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO AND UNDERSTANDING OF THESE MESSAGES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK," MR PATTEN SAID.

"THERE WAS TREMENDOUS INTEREST AND THIS WAS REFLECTED IN THE PACKED HOUSES AT EACH OF THE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND FROM THE WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE WITH WHOM I DISCUSSED THE ISSUES AT MY OTHER MEETINGS," HE ADDED.

DURING THE VISIT, MR PATTEN MADE FOUR MAJOR SPEECHES - TO THE ASIA-AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE AND THE HONG KONG AUSTRALIA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IN SYDNEY, THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IN CANBERRA, AND THE COMMITTEE FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIA IN MELBOURNE.

HE VISITED A NUMBER OF HIGH-TECH FIRMS WITH SIGNIFICANT HONG KONG INTERESTS AND GAVE A SERIES OF MEDIA INTERVIEWS.

HE ALSO HAD MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, MR PAUL KEATING, THE FOREIGN MINISTER, SENATOR GARETH EVANS, OPPOSITION LEADERS AND STATE GOVERNMENT LEADERS IN NEW SOUTH WALES AND VICTORIA.

IN CANBERRA THE GOVERNOR ALSO HAD A MEETING WITH THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND TRADE.

MR PATTEN SAID WHILE HE HAD NOT COME TO AUSTRALIA TO "WIN SUPPORT" FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S POLITICAL REFORM PROPOSALS, HE WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE UNDERSTANDING SHOWN BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND ALL POLITICAL PARTIES.

HE NOTED THAT EVERY AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER THAT HAD CARRIED EDITORIALS ON HONG KONG HAD BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT POSITION.

IN MELBOURNE THIS MORNING, MR PATTEN VISITED DATACRAFT LTD, A LEADING SUPPLIER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT WHICH USES HONG KONG AS THE BASE FOR ITS SIGNIFICANT OPERATIONS IN THE REGION.

/AFTER TOURING ......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

AFTER TOURING THE PREMISES, MR PATTEN WARMLY WELCOMED THE STATEMENT BY THE FIRM’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR WAYNE FITZSIMMONS, THAT THE COMPANY WAS IN HONG KONG ’’FOR THE LONG-HAUL”.

AFTER GIVING HIS LUNCH TIME SPEECH TO THE COMMITTEE FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIA, WHICH ATTRACTED AN AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 400, THE GOVERNOR WENT TO THE COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES WHICH WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE RED CROSS IN HONG KONG IN THE SOPHISTICATED PROCESSING OF BLOOD PRODUCTS.

MR PATTEN WAS IMPRESSED BY THE NEW TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYED BY THE COMPANY WHICH, HE SAID, WAS AN INDICATION OF THE QUALITY OF THE MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED IN HONG KONG.

THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY MRS PATTEN, THE DEPUTY INFORMATION CO-ORDINATOR, MR KERRY MCGLYNN, HIS DEPUTY PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR KIM SALKELD, AND HIS PERSONAL ADVISER, MR EDWARD LLEWELLYN.

MR PATTEN AND HIS PARTY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATRUDAY).

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

U.S. BUSINESS MISSION TO HK AND CHINA * * t t »

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, MR RODERICK RICHARDS, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BOYDEN METRO NEW YORK, MR PETER R SCHMIDT, WILL LEAD A DELEGATION OF SENIOR BUSINESS EXECUTIVES TO HONG KONG, SHENZHEN AND SHANGHAI IN MARCH.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER TO THE UNITED STATES, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, AT A CHINESE NEW YEAR RECEPTION AT THE ASIA SOCIETY IN NEW YORK ON THURSDAY (NY TIME).

THE RECEPTION WAS HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE TO WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE DOG.

ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INC, THE 11-DAY MISSION WILL HIGHLIGHT BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG AND IN CHINA.

THE ASSOCIATION IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION SET UP TO PROMOTE BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC TIES AND FOSTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND HONG KONG.

ENTITLED ’’DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA THROUGH HONG KONG”, THE MISSION, FROM MARCH 24 TO APRIL 3, IS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE, AMERICAN EXPRESS, BOYDEN METRO NEW YORK, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRLINES, DELOITTE AND TOUCHE, THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.

’’WITH THE DAWNING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC CENTURY, WELL ILLUSTRATED RECENTLY IN SEATTLE,” MR WIGGHAM TOLD SOME 400 BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERS ATTENDING THE ANNUAL RECEPTION, ’’HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES STAND AS TWO GATEWAYS IN THE FUTURE.”

/"I AM ........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

”1 AM GLAD THAT THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION IN NEW YORK SHARES A SIMILAR INSIGHT AND HAS ORGANISED ITS FIRST-EVER MISSION TO HONG KONG AND CHINA THIS MARCH, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY INTO CHINA.

”1 WISH THE MISSION EVERY SUCCESS AND WISH THE ASSOCIATION WELL ALSO IN CONTINUING ITS GOOD WORK IN PROMOTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG IN THE UNITED STATES,” HE SAID.

MR SCHMIDT SAID THIS WAS A HANDS-ON TRIP, NOT JUST ANOTHER FACT-FINDING TOUR. HE IS A BOARD MEMBER OF BOYDEN WORLD CORP, AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM.

THE DELEGATION IS MADE UP OF SENIOR U.S. BUSINESS EXECUTIVES, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES FROM THE NEW YORK OFFICES OF HONG KONG CORPORATIONS.

IT WILL MEET AND DISCUSS ISSUES OF INTEREST WITH GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY, POLITICAL AND BUSINESS LEADERS.

THE DELEGATION WILL ALSO VISIT PROMINENT CORPORATIONS, FACTORIES AND KEY FINANCIAL AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.

MR SCHMIDT ADDED THAT PARTICIPANTS WOULD RECEIVE BRIEFINGS ON POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REGION.

’’MANY OF THE PARTICIPANTS ALREADY HAVE A GOOD KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG. THIS VISIT WILL GIVE THEM AN IN-DEPTH, UP-TO-DATE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR INTERACT IN THESE CITIES TO FACILITATE BUSINESS."

MR WIGGHAM ALSO PRESENTED A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION TO MR RICHARDS AND MR SCHMIDT.

THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK, MR ALEX FONG, SAID CHINESE NEW YEAR WAS THE TIME TO TALK ABOUT FORTUNE. HE WISHED MEMBERS OF THE UPCOMING MISSION "GOOD FORTUNE".

MR FONG NOTED THAT THE MISSION WAS THE FIRST OF MANY EVENTS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING THIS YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES.

OTHERS INCLUDE THE FOURTH ANNUAL HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER AND A MULTI-CITY HONG KONG PROMOTION TO BE HELD IN AUTUMN.

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

DB CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARY MAPS NOW AVAILABLE * ♦ * * ♦

STATUTORY MAPS SHOWING THE DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1994 ELECTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

COPIES HAVE BEEN PLACED AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES; HEADQUARTERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AT SOUTHORN CENTRE, 30TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI; THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI; AND THE MARKETING DIVISION OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, CENTRAL.

/THE DECLARATION .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

THE DECLARATION OF DISTRICTS ORDER 1994 MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE AND THE DECLARATION OF CONSTITUENCIES (DISTRICTS) ORDER 1994 UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE WERE GAZETTED TODAY.

THEY WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY.

_____0--------

ISLAND FOR CONVENTION CENTRE EXTENSION

*****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE GOVERNMENT TO RECLAIM 6.5 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED FOR THE FORMATION OF AN ISLAND TO BE LINKED BY TWO BRIDGES TO THE EXISTING SEAFRONT OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.

THE ISLAND IS REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXTENSION TO THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE. THE EXTENSION IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1997.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS MAY WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO CLAIM COMPENSATION WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM NOW.

HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY THAT HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SUBMIT THE PARTICULARS TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.

THE NOTICE AND THE RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

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

CONTROL OF LIFT SAFETY STRENGTHENED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO STRENGTHEN AND RATIONALISE CONTROL ON THE SAFETY OF LIFTS AND ESCALATORS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AND THE BUILDING (PLANNING) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) SET OUT THE BUILDING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF LIFTS AND ESCALATORS IN BUILDINGS.

THIS FOLLOWED THE ENACTMENT ON JUNE 9 LAST YEAR OF THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993 AND THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY)(AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993 WHICH MADE THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES THE SOLE AUTHORITY FOR ALL STATUTORY CONTROLS ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF LIFTS AND ESCALATORS.

/A CODE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

A CODE OF PRACTICE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO EXPLAIN THE DETAILED STANDARDS OF BUILDING REQUIREMENTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUILDING REGULATIONS.

ANOTHER CODE OF PRACTICE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO SPECIFY THE DETAILED TECHNICAL STANDARDS ON THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF LIFTS AND ESCALATORS.

THE PUBLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE AMENDED REGULATIONS WILL TAKE EFFECT ON MARCH 18 THIS YEAR.

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

COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OF AMUSEMENT RIDES PROPOSED

*******

THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) BILL PROPOSING TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OVER THE DESIGN, INSTALLATION, EXAMINATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF AMUSEMENT RIDES WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 9.

SUCH POWER-DRIVEN DEVICES RANGE FROM LARGE AND SOPHISTICATED RIDES IN OCEAN PARK TO SMALL AND LOW-POWERED KIDDIE RIDES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR CHILDREN.

AT PRESENT, THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES (DEMS) ENFORCED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OVER THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF AMUSEMENT RIDES THROUGH CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO THE PERMIT ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING (CTRL) UNDER THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT ORDINANCE (PPEO).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID THIS ARRANGEMENT WAS CONSIDERED OUTDATED AND INAPPROPRIATE AS THE PERMIT ISSUED BY CTEL WAS INTENDED FOR THE REGULATION OF THE CONTENT OF ENTERTAINMENT.

IN ADDITION, THERE IS A SEPARATE PROPOSAL TO ABOLISH COMPLETELY THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT PERMIT SYSTEM, HE SAID.

THUS THE BILL IS NEEDED TO PUT IN PLACE PROPER LEGAL CONTROL OVER THE SAFETY OF AMUSEMENT RIDES, HE ADDED.

UNDER THE BILL, AMUSEMENT RIDES OWNERS WILL NEED TO OBTAIN PRIOR APPROVAL FROM DEMS COVERING THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF AMUSEMENT RIDES AND THE QUALIFICATION OF PERSONS IN CHARGE OF THE RIDES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND ALTERATION OF AMUSEMENT RIDES.

"DEMS OR A PUBLIC OFFICER AUTHORISED BY HIM IS EMPOWERED TO ENTER PLACES TO INSPECT THE INSTALLATION AND IN GENERAL TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF AMUSEMENT RIDES. DEMS, OR ANY POLICE OFFICER, CAN ALSO REQUIRE THE CLOSURE OF A RIDE FOR SAFETY REASONS.

"THE OWNERS OF SUCH RIDES ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AMUSEMENT RIDES IN A SAFE CONDITION AND TO CARRY OUT REPAIRS OR ALTERATIONS SPECIFIED BY DEMS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

REGARDING APPEALS .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

REGARDING APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS OF DEMS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL PROVIDED THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE WITH POWERS TO APPOINT AN APPEAL BOARD TO HEAR APPEALS.

DEMS WOULD ISSUE CODES OF PRACTICE TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL GUIDANCE TO OPERATORS OF AMUSEMENT RIDES.

THE PPEO WILL BE AMENDED CONSEQUENTIALLY TO EXEMPT OWNERS OF AMUSEMENT RIDES FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN A PERMIT UNDER THE PPEO, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

UPON ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) (FEES) REGULATION SPECIFYING THE FERS PAYABLE UNDER THE BILL WOULD BE MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHILE THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) (OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE) REGULATION WOULD BE MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE.

- - 0 - -

UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1993 » * » * *

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER DECEMBER LAST YEAR WAS 2.0%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1993 - JANUARY 1994 WAS 2.0%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.6%.

THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED TIGHT IN RECENT MONTHS.

DURING THE PERIOD OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1993, THE NUMBER OF

UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRSTTIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 57,200, WHILE THE NUMBER OF

UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 43,600.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SURVEY FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1993 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 11,900 HOUSEHOLDS OR 40,800 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.

RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.

IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.

/DETAILED ANALYSTS ..

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

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 DECEMBER 1993 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE END OF NEXT MONTH AT $23.50 A COPY.

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

ORDERS-ON-HAND OF MANUFACTURERS IN DECEMBER

******

THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 2% IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS THAT MANUFACTURERS WILL REQUIRE TO COMPLETE THE ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.

COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1992, THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 12%. A DECREASE OF 1% WAS ALSO RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.

ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE. THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REGISTERED AN INCREASE OF 1%.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, ORDERS FOR ALL THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED.

ORDERS POSITION INCREASED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (9%), THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY (3%) AND THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY (2%) .

ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 3% AND 2% RESPECTIVELY.

THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURERS CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT AS THE SURVEY SAMPLE COVERED ONLY THE LARGE COMPANIES, THE SURVEY RESULTS MIGHT NOT BE FULLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

NEVERTHELESS, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF SHORT-TERM DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS SECTOR, HE SAID.

/THE SURVEY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1993, AT $5.50 A COPY, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 805 6441.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND:

ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

AS AT THE END OF INDUSTRY DECEMBER 1993 CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH

NOVEMBER 1993 DECEMBER 1992

(MONTHS) (%) (%)

ALL MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED 4.40 ♦ -2

WEARING APPAREL 4.75 + 2 *

TEXTILES 2.18 + 3 *

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.R7 + 9 + 1

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.10 -3 -12

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC 5.69 -2 -1

PRODUCTS OTHERS 3.82 * -3

» CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%

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

TENDERS INVITED FOR TSEUNG KWAN O DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT'S NEW TERRITORIES EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR RECLAMATION, DRAINAGE AND SEAWALL WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN O.

THE WORKS FORM PART OF THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE NEW TOWN.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LTD, 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN.

THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 30 MONTHS.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MARCH 18.

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

/9 ........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (EXEMPTION) (AMENDMENT) ORDER ♦ ♦ » ♦ »

THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (EXEMPTION) ORDER IS AMENDED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO INCLUDE ON THE EXEMPTION LIST SOME PLANTS FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENT FOR POSSESSION.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’THE AMENDMENT ORDER PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY EXEMPTS THE POSSESSION OF AIR PLANTS, VENUS FLYTRAP, AFRICAN TEAK AND MEXICAN MAHOGANY FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

’’HOWEVER, LICENCE IS STILL REQUIRED FOR THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF THESE PLANTS.”

FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE CONSERVATION SECTION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON TEL 733 2282.

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

TENDERS INVITED FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADING WORKS * * * * *

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PHASE I UPGRADING WORKS OF THE SAI KUNG SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES MODIFICATION OF THE EXISTING AERATION TANKS, AND OTHER MINOR WORKS.

THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN MAY FOR COMPLETION IN 13 MONTHS.

A NOTICE OF THE TENDER INVITATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER, NEW WORKS DIVISION, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.

THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON MARCH I I .

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

TENDERS INVITED FOR SPORTSGROUND IMPROVEMENT *****

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR IMPROVEMENT TO THE 2.34-HECTARE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTSGROUND IN TUEN MUN.

WORKS INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING A ( O\ERED SPECTATOR STAND WITH A CAPACITY OF 1,250 PERSONS, RELAYING THE RUNNING TRACK AND ATHLETIC GROUND, IMPROVING THE LIGHTING AND PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS, CONSTRUCTING SWITCH ROOMS AND STORES AS WELL AS OTHER MINOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS.

THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED I’O START IN NAY FOR COMPLETION IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.

/FORMS OF .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MARCH 11.

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

AIR CREWMEN WIN QUEEN’S AWARDS *****

FIVE MEMBERS OF THE

HONOURED WITH THE AWARDS OF

GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION

HAVE BEEN FOR THEIR

BRAVERY IN A RESCUE OPERATION INVOLVING A ('ARGO VESSEL OFF HONG KONG

LAST JUNE.

THEY ARE ACTING SENIOR PILOT MICHAEL El.LIS, SENIOR AIR CREWMAN GERMAN TSOI, AIR CREWMAN OFFICER JIMMY CHOI, AND AIR CREWMEN RAYMOND CHANG AND MASON NG, ALL BASED AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THE AWARDS OF THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE IN THE AIR WERE ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE SEA DISASTER OCCURRED SHORTLY BEFORE NOON ON JUNE 27 LAST YEAR.

A MESSAGE ABOUT A SINGAPOREAN VESSEL ’’LIAN GANG’’ SINKING IN ROARING SEAS NEAR THE EYE OF TYPHOON KORYN, 70 NAUTICAL MILES OFF HONG KONG WAS RELAYED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE.

THE DISTRESS CALL NOTED THAT THERE WERE 26 PEOPLE ON BOARD WHO NEEDED URGENT HELP.

UNDER BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS, HELICOPTERS FROM THE GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE AND ROYAL AIR FORCE IMMEDIATELY FLEW TO THE SCENE.

BRAVING STRONG WINDS AND (HOPPY SEAS, THE AIR CREWMEN MANAGED TO WINCH FIVE SURVIVORS TO SAFETY. THE REMAINDER WERE RESCUED BY NEARBY SHIPS AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE.

IN THE OPERATION, 22 OF THOSE ON BOARD WERE RESCUED. TWO BODIES WERE RECOVERED AND TWO POSTED MISSING.

- ’---0-------

103 CAUGHT IN OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

*****

A 24-HOUR OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION JOINTLY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE TERRITORY HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 103 PERSONS.

THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

THE 88 PERSONS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.

/THE OTHER .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

THE OTHER 15 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.

"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.

DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AND ENDED AT 5 AM THIS MORNING, THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS.

AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 17,930 PERSONS, 2,428 VEHICLES AND 402 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 2,171 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

A TOTAL OF 2,802 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY CHECKED DURING THE OPERATION.

TEN ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A RECORD OF EMPLOYEES FOR INSPECTION.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $250,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO THREE YEARS IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

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

TWO OFFICES SUSPEND RE-ENTRY PERMIT SERVICES

*****

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT ITS WEST KOWLOON OFFICE AND FANLING OFFICE WOULD SUSPEND RE-ENTRY PERMIT SERVICES FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 21).

OTHER TYPES OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE TWO OFFICES REMAIN UNCHANGED.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY VISIT THE FOLLOWING IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES FOR RE-ENTRY PERMIT SERVICES:

* HONG KONG ISLAND RE-ENTRY PERMIT AND PASSPORT ISSUING OFFICE

* EAST KOWLOON OFFICE

/SHA TIN ........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

♦ SHA TIN OFFICE

* TAI PO OFFICE

♦ TSUEN WAN OFFICE

* TUEN MUN OFFICE

* YUEN LONG OFFICE

FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CALL 824 6111,

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

FIGHT CRIME CONCERT IN KOWLOON CITY

*****

RESIDENTS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND A FIGHT CRIME CONCERT AT THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN, WHAMPOA GARDEN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

POP SINGERS WILL PERFORM SONGS WITH CRIME PREVENTION THEMES. ADMISSION IS FREE.

ELEVEN LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL BE COMMENDED FOR HELPING THE POLICE CRACK DOWN ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CONCERT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN, HONG KONG PLAZA, WHAMPOA GARDEN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP; THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR K G WALLIS; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR TAM WING-KUN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE EVENT.

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

LONG SERVICE CERTIFICATES TO 208 WELFARE STAFF

*****

A TOTAL OF 208 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) RECEIVED FROM THEIR DIRECTOR, MR IAN STRACHAN, LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES.

THE RECIPIENTS HAVE BEEN IN THE SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS.

SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE CERTIFICATES, MR STRACHAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD ORGANISED GROUP PRESENTATION SINCE 1989 IN APPRECIATION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF ITS STAFF.

/“IT IS .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1994

"IT IS VALUABLE TO WORK IN A DEPARTMENT OF THIS SIZE, WITH DEDICATED STAFF, ESPECIALLY THE PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND OFFICERS FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD, DOING THEIR JOBS SO EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY,” MR STRACHAN NOTED.

HE STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT AIMED TO PROVIDE A QUALITY AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO CLIENTS.

LATER THIS YEAR SWD WOULD COME UP WITH ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TO SET OUT THE STANDARDS OF SERVICE, HE ADDED.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS t * * * *

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,020

REVERSAL OF LAF 4980

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY “74°

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,260

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.7 *+0.1* 18.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.85 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.44 4.37

1 MONTH 3.00 21 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.42 4.54

3 MONTHS 3.23 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.53 4.70

6 MONTHS 3.52 32 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.15 5.00

12 MONTHS 3.94 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 98.94 5.05

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 33,773 MN

CLOSED 18 FEBRUARY 1994

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM AUSTRALIA .............................. 1

COMPREHENSIVE CAREERS INFORMATION FOR VISITORS ............... 3

METRIC SCALE COUNTERS SET UP IN FIVE SHOPPING CENTRES ........ 4

CAR MARK AUCTION FETCHES $3M.................................. 5

APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PROBATIONERS ................... 6

EDUCATION CHIEF COMMENDS STAFF FOR DEDICATED SERVICE ......... 7

WEATHER OF JANUARY ........................................... 8

FORUM ON ARTS DEVELOPMENT CLOSES ............................. 10

WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT ..................................... 11

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 11

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ASKED NOT TO BREACH SAFETY LAWS ....... 12

GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS OPEN TO PUBLIC ...................... 13

PAMPHLET ON EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT .................... 14

LABOUR DEPARTMENT PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ............... 14

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

1 GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM AUSTRALIA *****

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AT THE KAI TAK AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM AUSTRALIA TODAY (SATURDAY):-

GOVERNOR: I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A VERY HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR. I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE HOME AFTER AN EXTREMELY GOOD VISIT TO AUSTRALIA AT THE INVITATION, AS YOU KNOW, OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT. I HAD VERY GOOD MEETINGS WITH PRIME MINISTER KEATING, WITH FOREIGN MINISTER, SENATOR EVANS, WITH OPPOSITION LEADERS, WITH MEMBERS OF BOTH HOUSES OF THE LEGISLATURE AND WITH STATE LEADERS AS WELL. I HAD SOME SEMINARS AT

UNIVERSITIES AND I ADDRESSED FOUR VERY LARGE MEETINGS, THE LAST ONE

YESTERDAY, MOSTLY OF BUSINESS GROUPS AND THOSE WHO WERE INTERESTED IN

OR TAKING A PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR STRONG AND HEALTHY TRADE

RELATIONSHIP WITH AUSTRALIA. I ALSO VISITED A NUMBER OF FIRMS WHICH ARE EITHER ALREADY BASED HERE IN HONG KONG AND REGARDING HONG KONG AS A VERY GOOD JUMPING OFF POINT FOR THE REGION OR FIRMS WHICH ARE THINKING OF COMING HERE AND IT WAS, OBVIOUSLY, MY JOB TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO DO SO. BEFORE 1 LEFT HONG KONG, I WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHICH IS THE SECOND LARGEST INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER IN HONG KONG, TO TELL AUSTRALIAN FIRMS THAT THEY SHOULD FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER AND COME TO HONG KONG AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THERE ARE HERE. I KNOW THAT THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN AUSTRALIA ABOUT HONG KONG AND THAT WAS CERTAINLY EXPRESSED DURING MY VISIT. BUT I ALSO WANTED TO REASSURE FIRMS WHO ALREADY HAVE A FOOT IN HONG KONG THAT WE ARE GOING TO HOLD FAST TO ALL THOSE INGREDIENTS THAT’VE MADE HONG KONG SO SUCCESSFUL. I WANTED TO ASSURE THEM THAT WE’LL BE WORKING FLAT OUT TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG STILL HAS A WELL-MANAGED ECONOMY, THE RULE OF LAW AND ALL THE FREEDOMS AND VALUES THAT HAVE HELPED TO MAKE IT SO SUCCESSFUL. SO, I WAS PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO GIVE THOSE REASSURANCES TO THE BUSINESS LEADERS THAT I MET. THAT’S A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN AUSTRALIA ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HONG KONG, A GREAT DEAL OF FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING FOR OUR POSITION AND I KNOW THAT BEFORE AND AFTER 1997, AUSTRALIA IS GOING TO BE ONE OF OUR BEST AND CLOSEST FRIENDS NOT ONLY IN THE REGION BUT THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHEN DO WE SEE THE CONTENTS OF THE 17 ROUNDS OF

TALKS...PUBLIC?

/GOVERNOR: .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

- 2 -

GOVERNOR: I SAID TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE WHEN I ADDRESSED THEM IN LONDON THAT WE WANTED, OF COURSE, TO SEE CHINA COME BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. BUT, IF CHINA DECLINED TO DO SO AND WE WERE OBLIGED TO GO AHEAD WITH THE LAST STAGE OF LEGISLATION FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS, THEN WE WILL OBVIOUSLY BE UNDER AN OBLIGATION TO TELL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO TELL THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT WHY IT HADN’T BEEN POSSIBLE TO REACH AN AGREEMENT, WHY WE HAD TO GO AHEAD WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OUR OWN WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT. AND THAT IS STILL OUR POSITION. I IMAGINE IT’S A POSITION WHICH IS WELCOMED BY CHINESE OFFICIALS BECAUSE SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS IN DECEMBER PRESSED US TO DO THAT, DARED US TO DO THAT, CHALLENGED US TO DO THAT ON TELEVISION, I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING. SO, WE HAVE ALL SEEN THIS PRESSURE FROM CHINESE OFFICIALS FOR US TO TAKE THIS ACTION AND, OF COURSE, IT IS ALSO THE CASE THAT THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN PUTTING OUT THEIR OWN VERSION OF EVENTS, FOR EXAMPLE, A LONG ARTICLE IN PEOPLE’S DAILY. SO, I IMAGINE THAT IF WE WERE TO TAKE THIS COURSE OF ACTION IN THE EVENT OF IT NOT BEING POSSIBLE TO RESUME TALKS, WE’LL GET THE WARM APPROVAL OF CHINESE OFFICIALS.

QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THERE WILL BE DIFFERENT INTERPRETATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES ON THE DETAILS OF THE TALKS?

GOVERNOR: IT’S CONCEIVABLE THAT THERE MAY BE SOME DIFFERENCES IN EMPHASIS. RUT IT WILL BE A MATTER WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL WANT TO MAKE THEIR MINDS UP ABOUT AND I GUESS THAT THAT IS AN ARGUMENT FOR THE RECORD BEING SET OUT IN AN AS OBJECTIVE AND BALANCED WAY AS POSSIBLE IF THAT 13 IT NEEDS TO BE SET OUT. BUT IT REMAINS MY POSITION AND I KNOW, REMAINS THE POSITION OF THE WHOLE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT STILL, EVEN THOUGH TIME IS VERY SHORT, THE BEST WAY FORWARD WOULD RE FOR RESUMED NEGOTIATIONS. ONE MORE QUESTION.

QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DO YOU MEAN THAT THE FORMAL DECLARATION OF THE RELEASE OF THE DETAILS OF THE TALKS MEANS THE FORMAL END TO THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES IN HONG KONG’S POLITICAL FUTURE?

GOVERNOR: NO. I DON’T THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANY QUESTION OF ENDING CO-OPERATION ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE, NOT EVEN HONG KONG’S POLITICAL FUTURE. WE HAVE AN OPEN DOOR. WE WANT TO CO-OPERATE. THAT’S WHY WE PRESS FOR TALKS FROM OCTOBER 1992 ONWARDS. I AM SORRY THAT IT TOOK UNTIL APRIL 1993 FOR THE CHINESE SIDE TO AGREE TO TALKS. MAYBE IF WE STARTED TALKING IN OCTOBER, WE WOULD HAVE MORE TIME THAN WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO ARRIVE AT A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION. NICE TO SEE YOU ALL.

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

/3 ........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

COMPREHENSIVE CAREERS INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE AND WORKING ADULTS WILL BE ABLE TO COLLECT THE MOST UP-TO-DATE AND COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON CAREERS, EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE FOURTH EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXPO TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK.

“HONG KONG IS A DYNAMIC SOCIETY WHICH IS HIGHLY RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGING DEMANDS OF THE WORLD MARKET AND PROVIDES LOTS OF CHOICES AND CHALLENGES TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS CLARE SIU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

WITH SOME 170 EXHIBITORS FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF TRADES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTES, SHE HOPES THAT THE EXPOSITION COULD GIVE VISITORS AN OVERVIEW OF THE VARIOUS EDUCATION AND CAREERS OPTIONS OPEN TO THEM BEFORE THEY MAP OUT THEIR FUTURE.

"THIS WILL RE DONE THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS, SUCH AS THE DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, CHARTS, GRAPHS AND MODELS, THE USE OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS AND MICRO-COMPUTERS, DISTRIBUTION OF LEAFLETS AND THE PROVISION OF ON-THE-SPOT ENQUIRY SERVICE," SHE ADDED.

MRS SIU NOTED THAT THE EXPOSITION WAS MADE UP OF A CAREERS EXHIBITION STAGED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND AN EDUCATION EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.

IN THE CAREERS SECTION, THERE WILL BE 64 EXHIBITORS PRESENTING A LARGE VARIETY OF JOB INFORMATION ON THE NATURE OF WORK, ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, RECRUITMENT CHANNELS, APPLICATION PROCEDURES, TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT PROSPECTS.

A SERIES OF CAREERS VIDEO SHOWS, INTRODUCING A WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS AND THE WORK OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES, WILL BE PRESENTED THROUGHOUT THE FOUR-DAY EVENT TO FURTHER ENHANCE VISITORS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD OF WORK.

"TO ENCOURAGE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO VISIT THE EXPOSITION AND COLLECT CAREERS INFORMATION ACTIVELY, WE HAVE ARRANGED A SERIES OF GROUP VISITS FOR MORE THAN 10,000 STUDENTS FROM 97 SCHOOLS."

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE IS ALSO RECEIVED ON THE 16 CAREERS SEMINARS TO BE CONDUCTED BY EXPERTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS, MRS SIU ADDED.

THE FOURTH EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXPO WILL BE HELD ON LEVEL 5 OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN FEBRUARY 24 AND 27.

/ADMISSION IS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

- 4

ADMISSION IS FREE.

THE OPENING HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

FEBRUARY 24 (THURSDAY) 10.30 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 25 (FRIDAY) 10 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 26 (SATURDAY) 10 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 27 (SUNDAY) 10 AM - 6 PM

METRIC SCALE COUNTERS SET UP IN FIVE SHOPPING CENTRES *****

SHOPPERS, IN PARTICULAR, YOUNG FAMILIES WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED TO USE METRIC UNITS AT A DEMONSTRATION COUNTER SET UP BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE IN LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE PHASE I, WANG TAU HOM.

THEY WERE INVITED TO USE THE METRIC WEIGHING SCALES, AND WERE GIVEN CONVERSION TABLES, FACT SHEETS AND MAGNETIC MEMO HOLDERS WITH THE "GO METRIC, IT IS EASIER" MESSAGE.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MR K Y TONGSON, TODAY JOINED MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL WHO ACTED AS METRICATION AMBASSADORS AND MANNED THE COUNTER.

FOUR METRIC SCALE DEMONSTRATION COUNTERS WILL BE SET UP ON THE SPECIFIED DATES FROM 11 AM TO 4.30 PM IN THE FOLLOWING SHOPPING CENTRES MANAGED BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY:

DATE VENUE

FEBRUARY 20 (SUNDAY) OI MAN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, HO MAN TIN

FEBRUARY 27 (SUNDAY) WO CHE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, SHA TIN

MARCH 5 (SATURDAY) TSUI LAM SHOPPING CENTRE, TSEUNG KWAN 0

MARCH 6 (SUNDAY) BUTTERFLY SHOPPING CENTRE, TUEN MUN

THE DEMONSTRATION COUNTER SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN 1983, HAS DRAWN FAVOURABLE RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC, MR TONGSON SAID.

THE METRICATION COMMITTEE AIMS TO EXTEND THE COUNTER SCHEME TO PRIVATE SHOPPING ARCADES AND LARGE-SCALE FAIRS OR EXHIBITIONS TO FURTHER PROMOTE METRICATION AMONG ALL WALKS OF LIFE IN THE TERRITORY.

/"AS YOUNGSTERS .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

5 -

”AS YOUNGSTERS ARE ALSO OUR TARGET AUDIENCE, WE ARE MAKING CONTACTS WITH SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUPS TO SOLICIT THEIR SUPPORT IN PARTICIPATING IN THE METRICATION AMBASSADORS SCHEME," HE ADDED.

AMONG THE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE THIS YEAR IS A CHINESE CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS MARCH 25, AND THE RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY MAY.

ENQUIRIES ON DETAILS OF THE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES CAN BE MADE TO THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT ON TEL 810 3013.

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

CAR MARK AUCTION FETCHES S3M *****

ONE HUNDRED VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $3,492,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK 1881 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $550,000.

ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK 803 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $320,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FP459, FP8421, DJ3408 AND CY1650.

FOLLOWING ARE RESULTS OF THE MORNING SESSION AUCTION:

$ $ $ $

FR668 72,000 FP2232 4,000 FR188 46,000 FN938 24,000

FP1983 8,000 FN6686 6,000 XX192 56,000 FP338 62,000

♦ CY50 30,000 ♦ 540 85,000 ♦ AS28 90,000 ♦ 1881 550,000

FP1008 11,000 FP147 2,000 FP8183 4,000 FP3080 4,000

AL722 26,000 FP3238 10,000 FR861 10,000 CL1216 2,000

FP3998 8,000 BB190 30,000 AW360 22,000 FP8885 4,000

FR330 14,000 FP8268 4,000 FP821 12,000 FR8088 12,000

♦ AS9 60,000 ♦ DK22 110,000 ♦ FL6 80,000 ♦ DD95 90,000

FR9788 4,000 FR185 7,000 FP842 6,000 FP541 W/D

FP902 2,000 FP3400 2,000 FR512 160,000 FN7898 3,000

FP4 59 1,000 CT216 4,000 ♦ FK15 30,000 AC8689 16,000

FP8421 1,000 DB1227 5,000 BY256 11,000 ♦BC1212 45,000

FP7835 W/D DJ3408 1,000

/FOLLOWING ARE .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

- 6 -

FOLLOWING ARE RESULTS OF THE AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:

$ $ $ $

FR348 41,000 FM4898 2,000 FR168 90,000 FR8163 3,000

FS8382 17,000 FR130 22,000 AH370 13,000 CL802 18,000

*1959 105,000 ♦ FK17 42,000 *FM393 29,000 *803 320,000

FR339 25,000 FS336 24,000 FR1230 10,000 FR318 30,000

FP328 62,000 EC715 7,000 DL180 35,000 AW1386 10,000

AW361 6,000 FR3368 9,000 FP108 28,000 FR2300 7,000

FR6663 15,000 DD8138 14,000 FS2382 10,000 FR365 7,000

»DL222 95,000 *9680 92,000 ♦ AS88 257,000 ♦FA141 8,000

FR8182 9,000 FS283 19,000 FR468 4,000 FR216 7,000

FS220 41,000 FR3987 W/D FR1498 3,000 FR235 2,000

FR913 7,000 HK4418 22,000 ♦DD7007 20,000 FR8161 2,000

AL1428 15,000 2,000 FN8885 16,000 CY1650 1,000 ♦FU2626 19,000

FR8256 EE3413 W/D

♦ SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE) W/D WITHDRAWN

THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOR FP541, FP7835, FR3987 AND EE3413. THESE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.

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

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 214TH AND 215TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $269,819,905.

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

APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PROBATIONERS ♦ * ♦ ♦ »

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS (VSP).

SPEAKING AT THE CERTIFICATE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE VSP, MR CHAN SAID THE SCHEME WAS A COMPLEMENTARY SERVICE TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC IN HELPING OFFENDERS.

’’MORE THAN 540 VOLUNTEERS HAD TAKEN PART IN THE SCHEME SINCE IT WAS LAUNCHED IN 1976.

’’IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE CONTINUOUSLY IN THE MEANS OF RECRUITMENT, SCOPE OF SERVICE AND ANNUAL VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES WITH AN AIM TO GAIN WIDER SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY."

/THE VOLUNTEERS .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

THE VOLUNTEERS HELP PROBATIONERS WITH THEIR SCHOOLWORK, GUIDE THEM IN THE PROPER USE OF LEISURE TIME, HELP THEM DEVELOP INTERESTS, PROVIDE SUPPORT AND OFFER PRACTICAL ADVICE IF NECESSARY.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHIEF MAGISTRATE, MR GERARD PAUL MUTTRIE, SAID THE ASSISTANCE OF SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS VOLUNTEERS WAS NOT ONLY OF BENEFIT TO PROBATIONERS.

"IT MAY BE OF BENEFIT TO THE VOLUNTEERS THEMSELVES WHO CAN FEEL SOME SATISFACTION IF THEY ASSIST WRONG-DOERS TO REFORM."

ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS IN REHABILITATION LIES IN CONVINCING SOCIETY THAT AN OFFENDER MAY BE REHABILITATED, HE ADDED.

AS THE VOLUNTEERS KNOW MORE ABOUT THE OFFENDERS, THEY COULD HELP OTHERS UNDERSTAND THAT OFFENDERS MIGHT BECOME ASSETS RATHER THAN LIABILITIES TO SOCIETY, HE SAID.

MR MUTTRIE AND MR CHAN TODAY PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 58 VOLUNTEERS IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS.

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

EDUCATION CHIEF COMMENDS STAFF FOR DEDICATED SERVICE ♦ * ♦ * ♦

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) PRESENTED LONG SERVICE AWARDS TO 361 MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THE RECIPIENTS RANGED FROM WORKMAN II TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR.

MOST OF THEM ARE TEACHING STAFF AT GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, SOME OF THEM BEGAN THEIR CAREER IN 1956.

AMONG THEM, 234 WERE IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE FOR 30 YEARS AND 127 FOR 20 YEARS.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (BUILDING AND SYSTEMS), MR HSU SHOW-HOO, AND CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MR HO CHE-LEUNG, WERE AMONG THE RECIPIENTS RECEIVING THE 30-YEAR-OLI) LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICES CERTIFICATES.

SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR WONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE RECIPIENTS WHO HAD MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN PROMOTING EDUCATION.

- - 0 - -

/8 ........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

8 WEATHER OF JANUARY * * * *

WITH RELATIVELY FEW OUTBREAKS OF COLD CONTINENTAL AIR TOWARDS THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS, JANUARY THIS YEAR WAS UNUSUALLY WARM AND HUMID IN HONG KONG.

A SPELL OF MILD AND MISTY WEATHER PREVAILED IN THE FIRST 13 DAYS OF THE MONTH.

DESPITE THE HIGH HUMIDITY, RAIN WAS NONETHELESS SCARCE.

ONLY TRACES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, BARELY FRACTIONS OF THE JANUARY NORMAL OF 23.4 MILLIMETRES. THIS MADE JANUARY ONE OF THE SIX SECOND-DRIEST MONTHS OF JANUARY ON RECORD.

A MODERATE EASTERLY AIRSTREAM PREVAILED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY.

THE WEATHER WAS MAINLY FINE BUT HUMID WITH POOR VISIBILITY. IT WAS SUNNY OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS BUT REDUCED VISIBILITY OCCURRED AGAIN ON JANUARY 4.

WITH INCREASING RELATIVE HUMIDITY, MIST FORMED EARLY IN THE MORNING ON JANUARY 5. A SPELL OF MILD WEATHER WITH OCCASIONAL MIST AND HAZE CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT SIX DAYS.

ON JANUARY 6, TEMPERATURES REACHED THE MONTH’S HIGHEST OF 24.3 DEGREES.

AFTER A FINE DAY ON JANUARY 12, IT WAS CLOUDY FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS WITH A MINOR SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVING THE COASTAL AREAS OF GUANGDONG ON JANUARY 13.

THE MIXING OF A COOLER AIR MASS FROM THE NORTH WITH THE EXISTING MOIST AIR LED TO THE FORMATION OF MIST THAT MORNING.

AS THE NORTHERLIES FRESHENED THE NEXT DAY, LIGHT RAIN BECAME FREQUENT AND LASTED ALMOST THE WHOLE DAY. FRESH EASTERLY WINDS SET IN EARLY ON JANUARY 15 AND PERSISTENT LIGHT RAIN RETURNED IN THE LATE AFTERNOON.

AS RAIN CEASED IN THE EARLY HOURS AND WINDS MODERATED, THE SKIES BRIGHTENED UP DURING THE DAY ON JANUARY 16.

WITH TEMPERATURES ON THE RISE, CONDITIONS WERE RATHER WARM BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF A COLD FRONT EARLY IN THE AFTERNOON ON JANUARY 18.

THE PASSAGE OF THE FRONT WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MIST AND DRIZZLE. CONDITIONS REMAINED CLOUDY OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AS A REPLENISHMENT OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED. NORTHERLY WINDS BECAME OCCASIONALLY STRONG OFFSHORE ON JANUARY 20 AND TEMPERATURES CONTINUED TO FALL.

/THE mWEST......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

- 9 -

THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE IN THE MONTH, 7.9 DEGREES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, WAS RECORDED IN THE EARLY MORNING ON JANUARY 21, A FALL OF ABOUT 16 DEGREES IN THREE DAYS.

ON HIGH GROUNDS, TEMPERATURES WERE DOWN TO ABOUT 1 DEGREE AT TATE’S CAIRN AND -3 DEGREES AT TAI MO SHAN.

THE ARRIVAL OF A CONTINENTAL AIR MASS BROUGHT A CLEAR AND DRY DAY ON JANUARY 21. IT WAS CLOUDY ON JANUARY 22 AS MOISTURE INCREASED IN THE MID-LEVELS OF THE ATMOSPHERE. THIS PROVED TO BE SHORT-LIVED AS FINE WEATHER SOON RETURNED THE NEXT DAY.

WINDS MODERATED ON JANUARY 25 AND FINE AND MILD CONDITIONS SET IN. THIS FINE SPELL WAS ONLY BROKEN BY A STRONG EASTERLY AIRSTREAM WHICH GAVE RISE TO A COOL AND CLOUDY DAY ON JANUARY 30 WITH OCCASIONAL DRIZZLE IN THE AFTERNOON.

FINE AND MILD CONDITIONS WERE SOON RESTORED THE NEXT DAY AS THE EASTERLIES WEAKENED.

THERE WAS ONLY ONE TROPICAL CYCLONE OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN JANUARY.

,ui'

DURING THE MONTH, NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.

DETAILS ON THE ISSUANCE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL FOR JANUARY ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.

TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN JANUARY 1994

EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME

WARNINGS / SIGNALS

STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS JAN JAN 20 29 • • 1730 2230 - JAN - JAN 21 : 30 : : 1100 : 1330

FIRE DANGER WARNINGS

YELLOW JAN 1 • 0615 - JAN 3 : : 0600

JAN 29 • 0930 - JAN 30 : : 2305

RED JAN 21 • 0600 - JAN 24 : : 1800

JAN 25 1200 - JAN 29 : : 0930 r

GAS HEATER ALERTS JAN 14 • 1630 - JAN 15 ; : 1600

JAN 20 • 1630 - JAN 24 : : 1630

/TABLE 1.2 .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

- 10 -

TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - JANUARY 1994

TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE

MEAN DAILY GLOBAL

SOLAR RADIATION

TOTAL RAINFALL

MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT

MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY

MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM

TEMPERATURE

MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE

MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE

MEAN DEW POINT

TOTAL EVAPORATION

154.1 HOURS ; 2.1 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL

10.17 MJ/SQM; 1.46 MJ/SQM BELOW NORMAL

TRACE ; 23.4 MM BELOW NORMAL

52 PER CENT; 6 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL

72 PER CENT; 1 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL

19.3 DEGREES CELSIUS;

0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

17.0 DEGREES CELSIUS;

1.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

15.1 DEGREES CELSIUS;

1.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

11.8 DEGREES CELSIUS;

1.6 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

61.8 MM; 35.7 MM BELOW NORMAL

■ • c?

REMARKS: ALL MEASUREMENTS WERE MADE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY EXCEPT SUNSHINE, SOLAR RADIATION AND EVAPORATION WHICH WERE RECORDED AT KING'S PARK.

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

FORUM ON ARTS DEVELOPMENT ♦ * * * »

CLOSES

THE LAST IN A SERIES OF FIVE PUBLIC FORUMS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WORKING GROUP WAS HELD TODAY (SATURDAY) IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBER.

TODAY’S FORUM WAS AIMED MAINLY TO GAUGE VIEWS ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE ARTS, REPRESENTATION OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY ON THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND MASS MEDIA’S ROLE IN ARTS.

/THE SPEAKERS .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1994

THE SPEAKERS INCLUDED SIR JOSEPH HOTUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, DR LO CHI-KIN, DR STEPHEN SZE MAN-HUNG, DR MATHEW TURNER, MR JASON YUEN AND MR WONG LUEN-K1N.

PARTICIPANTS ALSO GAVE THEIR RESPONSES TO RELEVANT TOPICS.

THE WORKING GROUP WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF VIEWS GIVEN TO MAP OUT THE FUTURE PLANS FOR DEVELOPING ARTS IN HONG KONG.

- - - - 0-----

WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 21) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE DETECTION OF WATER MAINS LEAKAGE.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES BETWEEN 662-888 KING’S ROAD, BETWEEN 180-208 AND 187-227 TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD, 15 PAK FUK ROAD, 12-14 AND 21-29 HEALTHY STREET EAST, 15-39 MANSION STREET AS WELL AS MODEL LANE.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,260

REVERSAL OF LAF +700

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,960

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -580

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,380

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.7 »+0.0» 19.2.94

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

/12 .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1994

- 12 -

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ASKED NOT TO BREACH SAFETY LAWS *****

NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO CARRY OUT SIMPLE SAFETY PRECAUTION MIGHT RESULT IN LOSS OF LIFE OF THE WORKER AND MIGHT RECEIVE SEVERE PUNISHMENT UNDER EXISTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS.

THIS REMINDER IS ISSUED BY THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING TODAY (SUNDAY).

A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HAS RECENTLY BEEN FINED BY THE COURT A TOTAL OF $100,000 FOR TWO SUMMONSES ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY REGULATIONS.

IT WAS A SECOND COURT CASE IN FIVE WEEKS IN WHICH THE OFFENDER WAS GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR VIOLATING SAFETY LAWS.

IN THE FIRST CASE HEARD ON JANUARY 11, A MAGISTRATE IMPOSED A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AFTER A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WAS CONVICTED OF FAILING TO PROVIDE SUITABLE GUARD-RAILS TO A TWIN LIFT SHAFT OPENINGS.

THE LATEST PROSECUTION RESULTED FROM AN INSPECTION BY FACTORY INSPECTOR (I) MR TSANG HIN-CHEUNG OF THE BUILDING ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH AND TAI PO REGION TO A WORK SITE AT FANLING AREA 39A ON SEPTEMBER 16 LAST YEAR.

MR TSANG FOUND ONE FLOOR EDGE AND ONE FLOOR OPENING ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION HAD NO SUITABLE GUARD-RAILS.

FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATIONS RESULTED IN THE PROSECUTION OF SUNG FOO KEE LIMITED UNDER SECTION 38P(1) OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

UPON CONVICTION AT THE FANLING MAGISTRACY ON FEBRUARY 15, THE COMPANY WAS FINED THE MAXIMUM OF $50,000 FOR EACH SUMMONS, MAKING A TOTAL FINE OF $100,000. • . . z

THE LAW STATES THAT THE CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR A CONSTRUCTION SITE SHALL ENSURE THAT EVERY OPENING, EDGE OR OTHER DANGEROUS PLACE THROUGH OR FROM WHICH ANY PERSON ON THE SITE IS LIABLE TO FALL A DISTANCE OF MORE THAN TWO METRES IS PROVIDED WITH EITHER SUITABLE STRONG GUARD-RAILS OR COVERINGS SO CONSTRUCTED AS TO PREVENT THE FALL OF PERSONS, MATERIALS AND ARTICLES.

"RECENT SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS SHOW THAT THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY REGULATIONS ARE HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO IGNORE THEIR LAWFUL DUTIES TO PROTECT WORKERS’ SAFETY," MR CHAN SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT PUTTING UP GUARD-RAILS TO DANGEROUS OPENINGS WAS SIMPLE.

/"IT IS .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1994

- 13 -

”IT IS A FAIRLY SIMPLE JOB AND SHOULD BE ACHIEVABLE WITHIN A SHORT TIME IN MOST CASES, BUT IT WILL SERVE TO PREVENT WORKERS FROM FALLING FROM HEIGHT. THE PRESENT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ARE VERY EXPLICIT ON THIS."

CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS INVOLVING FALLING FROM HEIGHT USUALLY RESULT IN DEATHS OR SERIOUS INJURIES, HE ADDED.

HE ALSO URGED THOSE CONTRACTORS WHO HAD NOT BEEN TAKING SAFETY IN THEIR HAND SHOULD DO IT AS SOON AS THEY CAN.

OTHERWISE, THEY WILL RECEIVE EVEN HARSHER PUNISHMENT AS THE INCREASE IN MAXIMUM FINE UNDER THE PRESENT LAW HAD ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

CONTRACTORS MAY FACE A FINE UP TO $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS IF THEY FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS, HE SAID.

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

GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS OPEN TO PUBLIC *****

RESIDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENTER GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON FEBRUARY 27 (SUNDAY) TO ENJOY THE AZALEAS IN FULL BLOOM IN THE GARDENS.

ALSO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON THAT DAY ARE THE DINING ROOM AND THE DRAWING ROOM IN THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE.

THOSE WISHING TO VISIT GOVERNMENT HOUSE DURING THE OPENING HOURS SHOULD ENTER BY THE EAST GATE, WHICH IS LOCATED ON UPPER ALBERT ROAD FACING THE AMERICAN CONSULATE.

THEY CAN LEAVE BY THE MAIN GATE ON UPPER ALBERT ROAD OR THE WEST GATE ON ALBERT PATH.

AS A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TURN UP ON THAT DAY, RESIDENTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO TRAVEL TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE BY PRIVATE CAR OR TAXI.

IF THEY DO COME BY CAR OR TAXI, THEY ARE ADVISED NOT TO ALIGHT ON UPPER ALBERT ROAD.

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

/14 .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1994

PAMPHLET ON EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT

*****

A PAMPHLET ON HOW TO FORM AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.

THE PAMPHLET, PUBLISHED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, SERVES AS A GUIDE TO THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK FOR OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND MANAGERS TO OPERATE.

IT COVERS TOPICS LIKE THE PROCEDURES FOR FORMING AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION, THE APPOINTMENT OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF SUPPLIES, GOODS AND SERVICES BY THE MANAGER AND OWNERS’ CORPORATION.

THE PAMPHLET ALSO CONTAINS THE SECOND, THIRD, FIFTH, SIXTH AND SEVENTH SCHEDULES OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE ON THE COMPOSITION AND PROCEDURE OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, MEETINGS AND PROCEDURE OF CORPORATIONS, ANNUAL BUDGETS, ACCOUNTS AND MANDATORY TERMS IN DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANTS (DMCS).

CHINESE AND ENGLISH COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE, AFTER AMENDMENTS LAST YEAR, HAS CHANGED ITS TITLE TO THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE TO REFLECT ITS PURPOSES AND APPLICATIONS.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ORDINANCE INCLUDE FACILITATING THE CREATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATION, INCREASING CONTROLS OVER THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND INTRODUCING MEASURES RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS, SUBJECT TO DMCS.

- - 0 - -

LABOUR DEPARTMENT PROMOTES EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

*****

THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISIONS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL FOR THE FIRST TIME JOINTLY TAKE PART IN THE FOURTH EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXPO ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 24).

THE THEME IS "TOGETHER WE DEVELOP OUR ABILITIES".

THE AIM OF THEIR PARTICIPATION IS TO CONVEY TO THE PUBLIC THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES THEY ARE PROVIDING TO BOTH THE ABLE-BODIED AND THE DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

/"THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHIC

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1994

"THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CARTOON DISPLAYS, AND VIDEO PRESENTATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT CASES, WE HOPE VISITORS COULD HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE JOB-SEEKERS, WHETHER ABLED OR DISABLED.

"WE ALSO HOPE TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO WORK WITH US IN INTEGRATING DISABLED PERSONS INTO THE COMMUNITY, SO THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE THE GOAL ’TOGETHER WE DEVELOP OUR ABILITIES’," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

INFORMATION MATERIALS AS WELL AS ON-THE-SPOT ENQUIRY SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE EXHIBITION BOOTH TO REMIND JOB-SEEKERS, ESPECIALLY SUMMER JOB STUDENTS, OF EMPLOYMENT TRAPS AND WORK SAFETY.

TO AROUSE THE INTERESTS OF VISITORS IN THE FREE EMPLOYMENT AND RECRUITMENT SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT, A QUIZ WILL BE ARRANGED DURING THE EXHIBITION AND THE WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH SOUVENIRS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM FEBRUARY 24 TO 27 ON LEVEL 5 OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LBAC DISCUSSES PROPERTY MARKET REPORT ........................... 1

DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO JOIN LAND COMMISSION ....................... 2

HONG KONG POPULATION REACHES 6M ................................. 2

$230M SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL KOWLOON .... 2

PROPERTY TAX ENQUIRY FEE REVISED ................................ 4

VIEWS SOUGHT ON TOC RECOMMENDATIONS ............................. 4

LEGCO TO DEBATE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL ....................... 5

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................ 5

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

LBAC DISCUSSES PROPERTY MARKET REPORT * * * * *

THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (LBAC) DISCUSSED TODAY (MONDAY) THE HALF-YEARLY REPORT ON THE PROPERTY MARKET FOR THE PERIOD FROM JULY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1993.

THE LBAC, CHAIRED BY MR CHENG HON-KWAN, NOTED THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1993 CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE A PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION INITIALLY, PARTICULARLY FOR THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET.

THE CONSOLIDATION WAS PROMPTED BY A NUMBER OF EVENTS, INCLUDING THE ADOPTION OF FURTHER ANTI-SPECULATIVE MEASURES BY LEADING BANKS TO TIGHTEN UP MORTGAGE LENDING IN AUGUST 1993 AND THE INTRODUCTION OF AUSTERITY MEASURES BY CHINA.

HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE RESIDENTIAL MARKET SHOWED A STRONG RECOVERY AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WITH PRICES AND TRANSACTIONS PICKING UP IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, AND RENTALS GOING UPWARDS, PARTICULARLY FOR THE LUXURY SECTOR.

FOR THE OFFICE SECTOR, THE CONTINUING STRONG DEMAND, PARTICULARLY FOR QUALITY OFFICE SPACE IN PRIME LOCATIONS, COUPLED WITH THE LACK OF IMMEDIATE SUPPLY COMING ON STREAM, LED TO A MARKED DECLINE IN THE VACANCY RATE.

WHILE UPWARD PRESSURE ON THE RENTAL LEVELS WAS EXPERIENCED, PRICES HAD ALSO INCREASED TO RECORD LEVELS IN THE SALES MARKET OF PRIME OFFICE SPACE.

LBAC NOTED THAT HIGH RENTAL LEVELS IN PRIME OFFICE LOCATIONS HAD DRIVEN SOME BUSINESSES TO SECONDARY LOCATIONS SUCH AS WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY, THUS PUTTING PRESSURE ON RENTALS IN THESE AREAS.

THE RETAIL PROPERTY SALES AND RENTAL MARKET REMAINED STEADY OVER THE PAST MONTHS, WITH THE SALE OF SMALL UNITS WHICH HAD BEEN CREATED THROUGH "BREAKING-UP" OF LARGE COMMERCIAL SPACE BEING A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THE RETAIL PROPERTY MARKET.

AFFECTED BY THE TIGHTENING OF THE MORTGAGE LENDING POLICY OF BANKS, THE SALES MARKET OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR REMAINED STEADY WHEREAS THE RENTAL MARKET HAD BEEN MORE ACTIVE.

THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET FOR 1993 AS A WHOLE HAD SEEN INCREASES IN PROPERTY PRICES IN ALMOST ALL SECTORS.

AS AN OUTLOOK, THE COMMITTEE WAS INFORMED THAT THE GENERAL OPTIMISM WHICH PREVAILED IN THE PROPERTY MARKET WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO 1994 AS THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC MOMENTUM WAS EXPECTED TO SUSTAIN.

UNLESS THERE WERE DRAMATIC CHANGES TO FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS SUCH AS TO THE LEVEL OF INTEREST RATES, PROPERTY PRICES WERE EXPECTED TO HOLD FIRM AND INCREASE GRADUALLY.

WHILE ACTIVITY IN THE RESIDENTIAL MARKET TN GENERAL WOULD CONTINUE TO BE RESTRAINED BY THE RESTRICTIONS ON MORTGAGE LENDING, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE LUXURY END OF THE MARKET WAS ANTICIPATED TO REMAIN BUOYANT OWING TO LIMITED SUPPLY AND SUSTAINED DEMAND.

/VACANCIES TN .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

VACANCIES IN THE PRIME OFFICE SECTOR WERE EXPECTED TO DECLINE AS PRICES AND RENTALS ROSE WHILE THE RETAIL SECTOR OF THE MARKET WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY GOOD GROWTH IN 1994.

THE INDUSTRIAL MARKET WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO BE ROBUST AND THE MODERN HI-TECH OFFICE/INDUSTRI AL PREMISES WOULD BE THE PRIMARY AREA OF ACTIVITY.

THE MEETING ALSO DISCUSSED THE IMPACT OF THE GROWTH OF THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION ON THE TERRITORY’S STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT AND HOW THIS WOULD BE ADDRESSED IN THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEW.

THE COMMITTEE ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO BAN THE USE OF HAND DUG CAISSONS EXCEPT IN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES TO SAFEGUARD CONSTRUCTION SAFETY.

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

DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO JOIN LAND COMMISSION

DIRECTOR OE LANDS, MR BOB POPE, HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE LAND COMMISSION WITH EFFECT FROM MARCH 1 THIS YEAR.

HE WILL REPLACE MR NOEL GLEESON ON THE LATTER’S RETIREMENT FROM GOVERNMENT.

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

HONG KONG POPULATION REACHES 6M ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦ t

THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF HONG KONG AT THE END OF LAST DECEMBER WAS 6,019,900, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 117,800 PERSONS OR 2 PER CENT OVER END-1992. IN END-1992, THE ESTIMATED POPULATION WAS 5,902,100.

THERE WERE 71,600 BIRTHS AND 30,300 DEATHS LAST YEAR. NATURAL INCREASE - THE SURPLUS OF BIRTHS OVER DEATHS IN THIS PERIOD - AMOUNTED TO 41,300, ACCOUNTING FOR 35 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION GROWTH.

THE BALANCE OF TOTAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES SHOWED A NET INFLOW OF 76,500 PERSONS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.

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

$230M SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL KOWLOON

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT W|LI SPEND $230 MILLION TO IMPROVE THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL KOWLOON.

THE WORKS FORM STAGE I OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH KOWLOON SEWERAGE PROJECT.

/ON COMPLETION .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

ON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE UNTREATED SEWAGE CURRENTLY BEING DISCHARGED INTO VICTORIA HARBOUR WILL BE INTERCEPTED, THUS REDUCING WATER POLLUTION IN THE HARBOUR.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL KOWLOON, ENCOMPASSING TSIM SHA TSUI, HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MA TAU WAI, KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN, HOUSES ABOUT 600,000 RESIDENTS AND CONTAINS A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE TERRITORY’S COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY COMPLETED IN MID-1993 HAS SHOWN THAT ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE SEWAGE GENERATED IN THE AREA IS BEING DISCHARGED THROUGH IMPROPER CONNECTIONS IN STORM DRAINS TO VICTORIA HARBOUR WITHOUT TREATMENT.

BESIDES, PART OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM FOR THE AREA IS BELOW THE REQUIRED DESIGN CAPACITY, IN PARTICULAR THE SOUTH KOWLOON SCREENING PLANT WHICH SERVES TSIM SHA TSUI AND HUNG HOM AREA.

THIS SCREENING PLANT, SITUATED NEXT TO THE NEW WORLD CENTRE, DOES NOT HAVE SPACE FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.

TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND TO MEET FUTURE DEMANDS, THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL IMPLEMENT IN TWO STAGES THE SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS RECOMMENDED IN THE STUDY.

STAGE I WORKS WILL BE MAINLY IN SOUTH AND CENTRAL KOWLOON, INVOLVING EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING TO KWA WAN SCREENING PLANT, CONSTRUCTION OF TRUNK SEWERS AND A PUMPING STATION IN HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION.

UPON COMPLETION OF THESE WORKS IN 1997, THE SEWAGE FLOW IN SOUTH KOWLOON WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE EXPANDED PLANT AT TO KWA WAN FOR CENTRALISED TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL THROUGH THE DEEP TUNNEL SYSTEM TO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME STAGE I.

THE EXISTING SOUTH KOWLOON SCREENING PLANT WILL THEN BE DECOMMISSIONED.

STAGE II WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN CENTRAL AND NORTH KOWLOON AREA, INVOLVING LOCAL SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS, CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR THE PROPOSED KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AND REDEVELOPMENT OF KAI TAK AIRPORT AFTER ITS RELOCATION.

THE NORTH AND SOUTH KOWLOON SEWERAGE PROJECT TOOK THE FIRST STEP FORWARD THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON WITH THE ENGAGEMENT OF A CONSULTANCY FIRM FOR THE STAGE I WORKS BY DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE FIRM, RUST JRP LIMITED, WILL CARRY OUT DETAILED DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE I WORKS.

THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START TN PHASES TN LATE 1994 FOR COMPLETION IN 1997.

THE CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR STAGE I WORKS WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT) OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR TSE HON-SUM, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF RUST JRP LIMITED.

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

/4 ........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

PROPERTY TAX ENQUIRY FEE REVISED * » ♦ ♦ ♦

THE FEE CHARGED FOR ANSWERING WRITTEN ENQUIRIES ABOUT OUTSTANDING AMOUNTS OF PROPERTY TAX WILL BE REVISED TO $260 PER ENQUIRY PER PROPERTY FROM MARCH 1.

THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT MADE THE REVISION IN THE LIGHT OF RISING COSTS.

THE PRESENT FEE IS $235.

- - 0 - -

VIEWS SOUGHT ON TOC RECOMMENDATIONS *****

COPIES OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM (TOC) HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO EDUCATIONAL BODIES, INCLUDING PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID: ’’VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE ON THE TOC ARE BEING SOUGHT, AND THAT MARCH 31 WAS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION FOR COMMENTS.

’’THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE FEEDBACK RECEIVED BEFORE MAKING A FINAL DECISION ON THE TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE TOC.”

HE SAID THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF TOC HAD SPENT EIGHT MONTHS TO STUDY AND CONSIDER THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE INCLUDE:

SCHEDULE 1

IMPLEMENTATION OF TOC TO COVER PRIMARY 1 TO PRIMARY 6 FROM 1995/96 ONWARDS WILL TAKE SEVEN YEARS TO COMPLETE, ‘ AND EXTENSION TO COVER SECONDARY 1 TO SECONDARY 3 WILL NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL 2004/2005, THAT IS, 10 YEARS AFTER ITS STARTING DATE.

SCHEDULE 2

IMPLEMENTATION OF TOC IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAN BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS, AND IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS THREE YEARS LATER. TEACHERS WILL START TO IMPLEMENT TOC SOON AFTER THEY HAVE RECEIVED THE NECESSARY TRAINING.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

- 5 -

LEGCO TO DEBATE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL »»»»»»»

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL RESUME DEBATE ON ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 AT ITS MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 23) k «'

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL ASK 19 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER TWO OTHER BILLS - CRIMINAL JURISDICTION BILL AND TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994. »,

THE TWO BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM ARE DUE TO BE ADJOURNED.

IN ADDITION, THE HON MRS ELSIE TU WILL MOVE A MOTION TO AMEND THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WILL ALSO MOVE TWO MOTIONS UNDER FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE AND FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) ORDINANCE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

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

WATER STORAGE FIGURE « » » » t

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 398.889 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 311.488 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 53.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

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

2,380

+ 620

3,000

NIL

-580

2,420

TWI 125.8 »+0.1» 21.2.94

/HONG KONG .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1994

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.86 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.45 4.36

1 MONTH 3.00 21 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.38 4.57

3 MONTHS 3.24 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.45 4.75

6 MONTHS 3.51 32 MONTHS' 3610 4.20 98.08 5.03

12 MONTHS 3.92 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 98.81 5.10

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,015 MN

CLOSED 21 FEBRUARY 1994

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR JANUARY 1994 ........................ 1

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF PROPERTY REVIEW 1994 RELEASED .......... 7

TAC ENDORSES 12.9% FARE RISE FOR KMB .......................... 16

WORKSHOP ON TROPICAL HARDWOODS ................................ 17

GOVERNOR ATTENDS COMMUNITY SPRING RECEPTION ................... 18

OFFICIALS VISIT BRIDGE ASSEMBLY YARD IN CHINA ................. 19

POLLUTION CASES RELEASED ...................................... 20

MACAU GOVERNOR VISITS ACP SITES ............................... 20

FIRST NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR KWUN TONG ............ 21

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS ............. 21

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR JANUARY 1994

*****

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN JANUARY THIS YEAR WAS 6.2% HIGHER THAN IN JANUARY LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THIS WAS SIGNIFIf ANTLY LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.6% IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR AND WAS THE LOWEST SINCE NOVEMBER 1987.

A GOVERNMENT SPOEESMAN, HOWEVER, POINTED OUT THAT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY IS DISTORTED BY THE DIFFERENCE IN TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH OCCURRED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR BUT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.

HENCE, NOTWITHSTANDING THE MODERATION RECORDED IN JANUARY, THE CPI WILL VERY LIKELY SHOW A FASTER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN FEBRUARY.

"AS THE PRICES OF FRESH FOOD ITEMS IN JANUARY THIS YEAR WERE RELATIVELY LOW AND AS, BY CONTRAST, THEY WERE RELATIVELY HIGH NEAR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD IN JANUARY LAST YEAR, THE FOOD COMPONENT INDEX OF THE CPI EXCLUDING EATING OUT SHOWED A DECLINE WHEN COMPARED BETWEEN THE TWO MONTHS, AND THIS HELPED TO DAMPEN THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI," HE EXPLAINED.

THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 6.9% AND 9.0% RESPECTIVELY IN JANUARY 1994 THAN IN JANUARY 1993. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN DECEMBER 1993 WERE 8.5% AND 10.2%.

THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPI'S, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 7.2% IN JANUARY 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. THIS WAS ALSO LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 9.0% IN DECEMBER 1993.

COMPARING JANUARY 1994 WITH JANUARY 1993, THE PRICES OF FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) REGISTERED DECREASES (-1.6% IN THE CPI(A) AND -0.9% IN THE CPI(B)).

AMONG THE VARIOUS COMPONENT INDICES, RELATIVELY SLOWER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR FUEL AND LIGHT (2.2% IN THE CPI(A) AND 2.3% IN THECPI(B)); DURABLE GOODS (2.3% AND 2.4%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (6.9% AND 6.1%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (6.9% AND 6.8%).

ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER INCREASES IN PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR TRANSPORT (9.9% IN THE CPI(A) AND 9.6% IN THE CPI(B)); HOUSING (9.8% AND 10.3%); AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (9.1% AND 8.3%).

AS FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS AND ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO, THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 7.6% AND 8.9% IN THE CPI(A) AND 7.5% AND 8.3% IN THE CPI(B).

/COMPARING JANUARY

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

COMPARING JANUARY 1994 WITH DECEMBER 1993, THE CPI(A) AND CPl(B) DECREASED BY 0.3% AND 0.1% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 7.8% AND 8.0% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1993.

FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.2% AND 8.4% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE CPI’S. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.1% AND 0.3% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1994.

HOWEVER, THESE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FIGURES MAY NOT HAVE TAKEN ADEQUATE ACCOUNT OF THE DIFFERENCE IN TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT

MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR JANUARY 1994, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $16.5 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG: OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6403.

DETAILS OF 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 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for January 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)

Component CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Ccmoosite CPT

Index for Jan 94 % change over Jan 93 Index for Jan 94 % change over Jan 93 Index for Jan 94 % change over Jan 93 Index for Jan 94 % change over Jan 93

Food 134.4 +3.1 136.7 ’ ' +4.1 139.7 +7.1 136.3 +4.3

Meals bought away fran bane 145.0 +7.6 144.9 +7.5 147.0 +11.3 145.4 +8.4

Food, excluding meals bought away fran heme 124.0 -1.6 125.4 -O.9 127.2 -0.4 125.0 -1.1

Housing 156.3 +9.8 157.9 +10.3 161.7 +13.3 158.6 +11.1

Fuel and light 122.1 +2.2 121.5 +2.3 122.0 +2.5 121.9 +2.3

Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 181.1 +8.9 170.3 +8.3 165.1 +8.3 175.1 48.6

Clothing and footwear 127.8 46.9 128.2 46.8 137.0 +10.7 131.1 +8.2

Durable goods 109.9 +2.3 109.2 +2.4 114.1 +2.6 110.9 +2.4

Miscellaneous goods 128.5 46.9 125.4 +6.1 123.4 +5.6 126.0 46.3

Transport 140.7 +9.9 140.7 +9.6 140.5 +8.2 140.7 +9.3

Miscellaneous services 151.2 +9.1 146.7 +8.3 138.9 46.6 145.7 +8.1

All items 140.0 46.2 140.7 46.9 143.4 +9.0 141.1 +7.2

The 1989/90-based consuner price indices are based on the expenditure patterns derived fran the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of abcut 50% of urban households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-$9,999 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 $17,500-$37,499 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 carpi led based cn the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consuner price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consuner price changes on the household sector generally.

/TABLE 2 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1991 - January 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)

Year/month CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Cocnposite CPI

1991 January 108.3 108.4 108.6 108.4

February 110.3 110.1 110.2 110.2

March 111.9 111.1 110.7 111.3

April 113.9 113.0 112.0 113.1

May 114.0 113.6 113.4 113.7

June 114.6 114.1 113.9 114.2

July 115.4 114.8 113.9 114.8

August 116.0 115.3 114.6 115.4

September 116.8 116.1 115.8 116.3

October 117.2 116.8 117.4 117.1

November 117.7 117.6 118.7 117.9

December 118.1 118.3 118.5 118.3

1992 January 119.7 119.3 119.4 119.5

February 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4

March 122.5 121.9 121.8 122.1

April 124.0 123.4 122.9 123.5

May 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0

June 125.3 125.1 125.2 125.2

July . 125.5 125.4 125.4 125.4

August 125.6 125.9 125.8 125.8

September 128.3 127.9 127.5 128.0

October 128.4 128.4 128.6 128.5

November 128.5 129.0 129.9 129.0

December 129.3 129.8 130.0 129.7

1993 January 131.8 131.6 131.5 131.7

February 132.4 132.2 132.0 132.2

March 132.0 132.2 133.1 132.4

April 133.5 133.9 134.5 133.9

May 134.5 134.8 136.3 135.1

June 136.0 135.9 137.1 136.3

July 135.8 136.1 136.9 136.2

August 136.3 136.6 137.4 136.7

September 138.4 138.3 139.2 138.6

October 140.0 139.6 140.7 140.0

November 139.4 139.9 142.2 140.3

December 140.4 140.9 143.3 141.3

1994 January 140.0 140.7 143.4 141.1

/CHART 1 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)

Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)

/CHART 3 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

6 -

Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI

Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI

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

/7........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF PROPERTY REVIEW 1994 RELEASED

*****

THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RELEASED THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE PROPERTY REVIEW 1994.

THE EXERCISE TO REVIEW PRODUCTION AND ACTIVITY IN THE PROPERTY MARKET LAST YEAR AND TO FORECAST SUPPLY FOR 1994 AND 1995 IS NEARING COMPLETION.

THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS ON SUPPLY, FORECAST, TAKE-UP AND VACANCY FOR PRIVATE DOMESTIC, OFFICES, COMMERCIAL AND FLATTED FACTORIES ARE:

PRIVATE DOMESTIC - SMALL/MEDIUM UNITS (SALEABLE AREA LESS THAN 100 SQUARE METRES)

THERE WERE SOME 26,700 UNITS COMPLETED IN 1993, WHICH IS ABOUT 6 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1992.

ALTHOUGH THIS IS WELL SHORT OF THE 35,600 FORECAST IN LAST YEAR’S REVIEW, SOME 6,000 UNITS ORIGINALLY INCLUDED IN THE 1993 FORECAST WERE VIRTUALLY COMPLETED AT THE YEAR END AND 5,100 OF THESE HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED OCCUPATION PERMITS AS AT TODAY’S DATE.

YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, NORTH AND SHA TIN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ACCOUNT FOR 55 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL YEAR’S SUPPLY.

TAKE-UP WAS HIGHER THAN IN 1992 BUT WAS MATCHED BY THE SUPPLY. THE VACANCY RATE AT THE YEAR END DROPPED SLIGHTLY TO 3.9 PER CENT OF STOCK.

THE NUMBER OF UNITS FORECAST TO BE COMPLETED IN 1994 IS AROUND 32,000. AGAIN, MUCH OF THE FORECAST WILL BE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. A FURTHER 29,000 UNITS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1995.

PRIVATE DOMESTIC - LARGE UNITS (SALEABLE AREA 100 SQUARE METRES AND OVER)

THE SUPPLY OF LARGE DOMESTIC FLATS IN 1993 DROPPED FURTHER FROM 1,080 UNITS IN 1992 TO 980 UNITS. THIS IS THE LOWEST SINCE 1976. FORTY-THREE PER CENT OF THE NEW UNITS ARE IN MID-LEVELS. THE OTHERS ARE MAINLY IN THE DISTRICTS OF HAPPY VALLEY, SHA TIN AND SAT KUNG.

ALTHOUGH THE SUPPLY FIGURE MATCHES THAT FOR TAKE-UP, VACANCY AS A PERCENTAGE OF STOCK DROPPED SLIGHTLY FROM 4.5 PER CENT TO 3.9 PER CENT AT THE END OF 1993. THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO DEMOLITION OF ABOUT 360 UNITS DURING THE YEAR.

SUPPLY IN 1994 AND 1995 IS FORECAST TO INCREASE TO 1,450 AND 3,100 RESPECTIVELY. A VERY SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION WILL BE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - 60 PER CENT IN 1994 AND 75 PER CENT IN 1995. THESE ARE MAINLY IN DISCOVERY BAY AND IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT.

/OFFICES .......

TUESDAY, FEBRAURY 22, 1994

OFFICES

THE OVERALL SUPPLY IN 1993 DROPPED TO 413,000 SQUARE METRES, WHICH IS 27 PER CENT LESS THAN THE 1992 SUPPLY AND ABOUT 12 PER CENT LESS THAN THE 472,000 SQUARE METRES FORECAST IN LAST YEAR’S REVIEW.

TAKE-UP EXCEEDS SUPPLY BY 30 PER CENT AND HENCE CAUSED THE VACANCY RATE TO DROP FROM 9.7 PER CENT AT THE END OF 1992 TO 6.7 PER CENT.

A SIMILAR AMOUNT OF SPACE, AT ABOUT 420,000 SQUARE METRES, IS FORECAST TO BE COMPLETED IN 1994, WITH 27 PER CENT MORE (535,000 SQUARE METRES) COMING ON STREAM IN 1995.

WHILST THE NEW FLOOR SPACE WILL MOSTLY BE FOUND IN SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, NORTH POINT AND TSIM SHA TSUI, ABOUT 185,000 SQUARE METRES IS EXPECTED IN THE NON-TRADIT1ONAL OFFICE AREAS OF HUNG HOM, KWUN TONG AND SHA TIN.

GRADE A

THE SUPPLY OF GRADE A SPACE IN 1993 FELL TO 190,000 SQUARE METRES, A 44 PER CENT DROP FROM THE PRECEDING YEAR. WITH AN INCREASED TAKE-UP OF 367,000 SQUARE METRES, VACANCY AT THE END OF THE YEAR DROPPED TO 4.8 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL STOCK.

SUPPLY IN 1994 IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN LOW AT 208,000 SQUARE METRES WITH NEARLY HALF OF THE SPACE TO BE IN TSIM SHA TSUI. THE REMAINDER WILL BE IN HUNG HOM, KWUN TONG AND SHA TIN.

WHILST FORECASTS FOR 1995 SHOW A SLIGHTLY HIGHER FIGURE OF 254,000 SQUARE METRES, ONLY 27 PER CENT OF THE SPACE WILL BE IN CORE OFFICE DISTRICTS.

FOR CENTRAL, SUPPLY WILL BE VERY TIGHT WITH ONLY 1,000 SQUARE METRES FORECAST TO BE COMPLETED TN THE COMING TWO YEARS.

GRADE B

GRADE B SUPPLY IN 1993 WAS 145,000 SQUARE METRES, BEING AT A SIMILAR LEVEL TO THE PRECEDING YEAR.

TAKE-UP WAS LESS THAN SUPPLY PROBABLY OWING TO THE FACT THAT A NUMBER OF LARGE DEVELOPMENTS WERE COMPLETED NEAR THE END OF THE YEAR. VACANCY AS A RESULT INCREASED SLIGHTLY TO 10.3 PER CENT OF STOCK.

SUPPLY IN 1994 IS EXPECTED TO DROP BY ABOUT 7 PER CENT TO 135,000 SQUARE METRES BUT THE POSITION SHOULD IMPROVE IN 1995 WITH COMPLETIONS OF 205,000 SQUARE METRES.

MUCH OF THE SPACE COMING ON STREAM IN 1994 WILL BE IN SHEUNG WAN AND WAN CHAI WHILST IN 1995, A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT WILL BE FOUND IN ABERDEEN AND IN NORTH DISTRICT TN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/GRADE C .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

GRADE C

THE SUPPLY OF GRADE C IN 1993 AT 78,000 SQUARE METRES AND THE TAKE-UP OF 65,000 SQUARE METRES WERE SIMILAR TO THE LEVELS IN THE PRECEDING YEAR. VACANCY AT THE YEAR END ALSO REMAINED AT AROUND 7 PER CENT.

A SIMILAR LEVEL OF COMPLETIONS AT 77,000 SQUARE METRES AND 76,000 SQUARE METRES IS EXPECTED FOR 1994 AND 1995 RESPECTIVELY. MUCH OF THE SUPPLY WILL BE IN SHEUNG WAN, CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI.

COMMERCIAL

SUPPLY OF COMMERCIAL SPACE IN 1993 WAS 273,000 SQUARE METRES, ABOUT 65 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1992. HOWEVER, TAKE-UP WAS WELL DOWN RESULTING IN A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN VACANCY AT THE YEAR END TO 6.1 PER CENT OF STOCK.

SUPPLY IN 1994 IS FORECAST TO BE SIMILAR TO 1993 AT 270,000 SQUARE METRES ALTHOUGH IT WILL DROP TO 232,000 SQUARE METRES IN 1995.

FLATTED FACTORIES

SUPPLY OF FLATTED FACTORY SPACE IN 1993 WAS 311,000 SQUARE

METRES SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN IN THE PRECEDING YEAR. NEARLY 80 PER CENT OF THE SPACE IS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

TAKE-UP WAS LOW AT 226,000 SQUARE METRES AS A RESULT OF A LARGE AMOUNT OF SPACE (149,000 SQUARE METRES) BEING DEMOLISHED DURING THE YEAR. VACANCY AT THE YEAR END DROPPED SLIGHTLY TO 6.0 PER CENT OF TOTAL STOCK.

COMPLETIONS IN 1994 ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 351,000 SQUARE METRES AND TO RISE FURTHER TO 583,000 SQUARE METRES IN 1995. AGAIN AROUND HALF OF THE SPACE WILL BE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID READERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TERMS AND DEFINITIONS, OR THE BASIS OF COMPILATION OF THE STATISTICAL DATA, SHOULD REFER TO THE TECHNICAL NOTES IN "PROPERTY REVIEW 1993", THE PREVIOUS ISSUE OF THE PUBLICATION.

THEY MAY ALSO CONTACT THE TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER HELP.

/PRIVATE DOMESTIC ......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

Private Domestic

SbebIy Hq, of units Take-up* Vacancy %**

All uni.ts

1991 33 380 23 350 33 000 4.2

1992 26 220 22 680 34 070 4.2

1993 27 670 27 320 32 240 3.9

1994 [33 370]

1995 (31 82QJ

Small/Medium Units (Saleable Area less than 100m3)

1991 31 650 21 900 29 450 4.1

1992 25 140 21 300 31 330 4.2

1993 26 690 26 360 29 850 3.9

1994 (31 920)

1995 [28 730]

Large Units (saleable Area 100m2 and over)-

1991 1 730 1 450 3 550 5.9

1992 1 080 1 380 2 740 4.5

1993 980 960 2 390 3.9

1994 [1 450]

1995 (3 090]

'Private domestic' excludes flats built under the Home Ownership, Private Sector Participation, Urban Improvement & Flat-For-Sale Schemes.

* Take-up figures represent the net increase in the number of units occupied in the year under review and are arrived at by adding to the vacancy figures at the beginning of the year, the supply in that year, then subtracting the year demolitions and the year-end vacancy figures.

*♦ Vacancy at the end of the year as a percentage of stock.

[forecast figures]

/OFFICES .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

Offices

(Internal Floor Area ' 000 a2)

SsasBly TOea-uc* Vacancy

All. Unit,a

1991 459 239 505 9.2

1992 565 474 589 9.7

1993 413 537 429 6.7

1994 (420)

1995 (535)

Grade A

1991 279 14 9 280 9.2

1992 340 272 347 10.2

1993 190 367 170 4.8

1994 (208)

1995 (254)

Grade B

1991 133 51 151 11.2

1992 142 137 153 10.1

1993 145 105 167 10.3

1994 (135)

1995 (205)

1991 47 39 74 6.6

1992 83 65 89 7.4

1993 78 65 92 7.2

1994 (77)

1995 [76]

* Take-up figures represent the net increase in occupied floor space in the year under review and are arrived at by adding to the vacancy figures at the beginning of the year, the supply in that year, then subtracting the year demolitions and the year-end vacancy figures.

♦♦ Vacancy at the end of the year as a percentage of stock.

(forecast figures)

N.B. Office grades are determined in accordance with criteria which principally reflect the qualities of construction, finishes, facilities and management. The location of property however is not a criterion.

/COMMERCIAL .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

. Coanaarcial

(Internal Floor Area *000 m2) $**

Supply Taketup* Vacancy

1991 205 177 351 4.6

1992 165 124 336 4.4

1993 273 71 481 6.1

1994 [270]

1995 [232]

Flatted Factories

(Internal Floor Area • 000 ) ***

Supply Take-up* vacancy

1991 521 265 1 054 6.2

1992 546 417 1 134 6.4

1993 311 226 1 070 6.0

1994 [351]

1995 [583]

*♦ Vacancy at the end of the year as a percentage of stock.

[forecast figures]

/AVERAGE PRICE .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

- 13 -

Average Price, and Reptai Movements in. J-jJgJ. based on Indices compiled by RVD

Types of Private Properties Average Increase Percentage

Price Rent

Domestic Premises: Small & Medium Flats (Saleable Area less than 100m2) 18 10

Large Flats (Saleable Area 100m2 and over) 2S* 14

Offices: Grade A & B 20* 10

Grade C 8 8

Retail Premises: 17 8

Flatted Factories: 16 10

* In certain popular districts and developments, much higher increases were noted.

/UPDATES TO .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

UPDATES TO PRICE INDICES (1989 - 100)

(Note : These figures are provisional pending further data and analysis work and may be amended when the Property Review is published.)

Types of Private Properties 1992 40 IQ 1993 2Q* 3Q* 4Q*

Domestic Premises;

Class A (Up co 39.9m’) 211 208 223 236 239

Class B (40.0 to 69.9m’) 219 220 239 260 265

Class C (70.0 to 99.9m’) 235 233 255 284 291

Class D & E (Over 99.9m2) 217 216 245 273 278

Overall 217 216 234 253 258

Offices:

Grade A 138 146 149 156 167

Grade B 153 168 169 179 (182)

Grade C 159 159 162 170 172

Overall 144 151 154 163 171

Retail Premises: 218 232 240 252 254

Flatted Factories: 157 163 169 177 182

* Provisional Indices

( ) Indicates fewer than 20 transactions.

/UPDATES TO

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

UPDATES TO RENTAL INDICES (1989 = 100)

(Note : These figures are provisional pending further data and analysis work and may be amended when the Property Review is published.)

Types of Private Properties 1992 4Q IQ 20 1993 30* 4Q*

Domestic Premises:

Class A (Up CO 39.9m’) 137 137 138 140 147

Class B (40.0 to 69.9m2) 134 132 135 143 149

Class C (70.0 co 99.9m’) 142 143 145 150 (151)

Class D (100.0 CO 159.9m’) 133 134 139 145 147

Class E (Over 159.9ma) 121 125 129 135 144

Overall 134 134 137 142 148

Offices;

Grade A 100 102 105 108 110

Grade B 102 104 108 110 113

Grade C 111 115 116 118 121

Overall 103 106 103 ill 113

Retail Premises: 156 162 164 165 170

Flatted Factories: 121 125 130 131 133

* Provisional Indices

( ) Indicates fewer than 20 transactions.

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

/16 .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

TAG ENDORSES 12.9% FARE RISE FOR KMB *****

THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AFTER LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS, TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED THE ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION THAT KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (KMB) FARES BE RAISED BY A WEIGHTED 12.9% FROM APRIL 1, A REDUCTION OF 6.7% ON THE 19.6% INCREASE SOUGHT BY THE COMPANY.

IN THEIR DELIBERATIONS, MEMBERS CONSIDERED CAREFULLY THE NEED TO MAKE THE FARE INCREASE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON ONE HAND AND ON THE OTHER HAND TO ENSURE THAT AN EFFICIENT AND ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF SERVICE WILL BE MAINTAINED.

THE RECOMMENDED RATE OF INCREASE, IF APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, WILL GIVE KMB A 11.5% RATE OF RETURN ON ITS AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS, WHICH IS 4.5 PERCENTAGE POINTS LOWER THAN THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED RETURN OF 16% UNDER THE SCHEME OF CONTROL.

IN ENDORSING THE RECOMMENDED RATE OF INCREASE, MEMBERS NOTED THAT KMB’S OPERATING COSTS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 18.1% IN 1994, ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO INCREASES IN WAGES, PRICES, AND MAINTENANCE COSTS TO MEET SAFETY AND ROAD WORTHINESS STANDARDS.

MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT KMB’S PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE 17 NEW ROUTES MAINLY TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TIN SHUI WAI, TSEUNG KWAN O AND EAST KOWLOON IN 1994/95 AND TO IMPROVE BUS FREQUENCY ON 104 ROUTES WILL ALSO HAVE A BEARING ON THE INCREASE IN OPERATING COSTS.

HAVING CONSIDERED THESE FACTORS AND THE EFFORTS MADE BY KMB TO REDUCE COSTS AND INCREASE NON-FAREBOX REVENUES FROM SOURCES SUCH AS ADVERTISING, AS WELL AS PUBLIC AFFORDABILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY, MEMBERS AGREED AN AVERAGE 12.9% FARE INCREASE TO BE FAIR AND REASONABLE.

MEMBERS NOTED THAT IN PUTTING FORWARD THE RECOMMENDATION, THE ADMINISTRATION IS MINDFUL OF THE IMPACT OF THE INCREASE ON INFLATION AND PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD. THE RECOMMENDED RATE OF FARE RISE WOULD ONLY INCREASE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX A BY A NOMINAL 0.18%.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON KMB’S FIVE-YEAR FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME FOR 1994-1998.

UNDER THE PROGRAMME, KMB PROPOSED TO INCREASE ITS FLEET SIZE BY 324 BUSES TO 3,505 AT THE END OF 1998, TO MEET GROWING DEMAND FOR BUS SERVICES.

ON OTHER AGENDA ITEMS, MEMBERS NOTED THE DECISION BY KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION NOT TO INCREASE PASSENGER FARE THIS YEAR.

THE! WERE ALSO BRIEFED Bl MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ON THEIR FARE STRATEGIES.

THE BRIEFINGS BY THE CHAIRMEN OF THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS TODAY MARKED THE START OF A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH THE TAC.

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

/17........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

- 17 -

WORKSHOP ON TROPICAL HARDWOODS * * * » »

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP AND CONFERENCE ON TROPICAL HARDWOODS WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), STARTING AT 9.30 AM.

ENTITLED "TROPICAL HARDWOODS; A TIME TO ACT", THE WORKSHOP HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED BY THE ARCH ITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ORGANISED BY ITS INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (ERM) HONG KONG.

THE WORKSHOP SERVES AS A FORUM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND TO DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S ROLE IN DETERMINING THE FUTURE OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD FORESTS, AND HOW HONG KONG CAN IMPROVE MATTERS ECOLOGICALLY WHILE ALSO GROWING ECONOMICALLY.

"THE WORKSHOP REPRESENTS THE CULMINATION OF A THREE-MONTH STUDY INTO THE SOURCES, USES, AND METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD TIMBER IN THE TERRITORY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

"THE STUDY IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE A DEFINITIVE STRATEGY OR MASTERPLAN FOR HONG KONG WITH REGARD TO THE ISSUE, BUT MERELY TO CLARIFY THE FACTS AND SUGGEST POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES.

"THE GOAL IS NOT TO STOP LOGGING, BUT RATHER TO ENCOURAGE THE BEST POSSIBLE PRACTICES IN PRODUCING AND USING TIMBER, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL THE COSTS AND BENEFITS TO LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL SOCIETIES WITH RESPECT TO BOTH THE LONG AND SHORT-TERM ISSUES.

"IN ACHIEVING THIS, WE MUST CONSIDER HONG KONG’S ROLE IN THE USE OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD TIMBER, AND WHAT WF. MIGHT ACHIEVE THROUGH CAREFUL AND DETERMINED ACTION."

SIMILARLY, THE WORKSHOP IS NOT INTENDED TO CREATE ONE SINGLE SOLUTION, NOR IS IT MEANT TO LAY BLAME OR CREATE HOSTILITY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

RATHER ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE A CONSTRUCTIVE FORUM WHERE IDEAS CAN BE EXCHANGED AND SOLUTIONS DEVELOPED, HE ADDED.

THE WORKSHOP WOULD BRING TOGETHER KEY PLAYERS FROM BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY, WHO USE HARDWOOD TIMBER, TO BEGIN A DIALOGUE.

THE OUTCOME OF THE DIALOGUE WOULD DETERMINE THE FORM AND EXTENT OF FUTURE ACTIONS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF TIMBER EXTRACTION ON THE FAST DEPLETING TROPICAL RAINFORESTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE WORKSHOP WILL BE CHAIRED BY DR JUSTIN STEAD, AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT WITH MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

BEFORE BECOMING A CONSULTANT, HE WORKED FOR THE OXFORD FORESTRY INSTITUTE, SHELL INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM AND SIAR BOSSARD.

DR STEAD ALSO HAS WORK EXPERIENCE IN MORE THAN 30 COUNTRIES, SPECIALISING IN THE TROPICAL FOREST AREAS OF LATIN AND SOUTH AMERICA, AFRICA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA.

/AS A ........

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

AS A CONSULTANT HE HAS LED TEAMS IN THE FIELD AND HAS TAKEN A LEADING ROLE IN STUDYING AND DEVELOPING PLANS FOR SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY.

THE KEY SPEAKER TO THE WORKSHOP WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, WHO WILL DELIVER A SPEECH ON "THE ISSUE OF TROPICAL HARDWOODS: HONG KONG’S ROLE WITHIN A GLOBAL STUDY".

OTHER SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE DR THOMAS TANG OF ERM, AND MR DAVID MELVILLE OF THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE HONG KONG.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, INCLUDING THOSE FROM SWIRE PROPERTIES, HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION, AND HONG KONG TIMBER IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION, WILL ALSO SPEAK AT THE WORKSHOP.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN ROOM 601 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.

THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM WITH A WELCOMING SPEECH BY DR STEAD, TO BE FOLLOWED BY MR BLAKE’S SPEECH AT 9.45 AM.

STAFF OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE STUDY ON THE USE OF HARDWOOD IN HONG KONG.

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

GOVERNOR ATTENDS COMMUNITY SPRING RECEPTION

♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AND MRS PATTEN, THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING JOINED ABOUT 1,300 COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A SPRING RECEPTION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

SPEAKING AT THE RECEPTION, MR PATTEN SAID THE DOG, WHOSE YEAR THIS WAS, SYMBOLISED SAGACITY, LOYALTY, LIVELINESS AND TRUSTWORTHINESS.

"THESE ARE VIRTUES MUCH IN EVIDENCE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.

"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT YOUR LOYALTY TOWARDS HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE AND YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE GOOD JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS WILL MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE FOR YEARS TO COME," HE TOLD THE GATHERING.

HE SAID HONG KONG COULD TAKE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE STRONG PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY, THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.

/THIS YEAR .......

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

THIS YEAR WILL SEE ARRANGEMENTS BEING PUT IN PLACE FOR AN OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME; FURTHER STRENGTHENING OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND IMPROVEMENTS IN HOUSING PROGRAMMES.

"IN SEPTEMBER WE WILL SEE THE FIRST OF THE THREE ELECTIONS FOR WHICH LEGISLATION IS NOW BEING PUT IN PLACE," MR PATTEN SAID.

- - 0 - -

OFFICIALS VISIT BRIDGE ASSEMBLY YARD IN CHINA * * » » »

A TEAM OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, HAVE PAID A VISIT TO CHINA TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE ASSEMBLING OF THE DECK UNITS FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE WHICH IS TAKING PLACE IN SHATIAN, DONG GUAN.

THE WORK IS BEING DONE AT A 400,000 SQAURE METRE ASSEMBLY YARD WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED ESPECIALLY FOR THIS CONTRACT. MORE THAN 1,000 WORKERS IN CHINA ARE EMPLOYED ON THIS CONTRACT, INCLUDING SPECIALLY SKILLED WELDERS.

MR BLAKE SAID THIS CONTRACT WAS A FURTHER ILLUSTRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL NATURE OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP), INVOLVING CONTRACTORS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS FROM MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD.

THE DECK UNITS ARE BEING MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN, USING MATERIALS FROM THESE COUNTRIES AS WELL AS FROM AUSTRALIA, KOREA AND GERMANY.

THE MORE THAN 35,000 FABRICATED STEEL ELEMENTS FORMING THE SUSPENDED SPANS OF THE BRIDGE ARE BEING SHIPPED VIA HONG KONG TO CHINA IN BATCHES.

IN ADDITION TO ASSEMBLY, THE WORK THERE INVOLVES THE APPLICATION OF THE FULL PROTECTIVE TREATMENT TO THE STEEL SECTIONS AND TESTING OF THE COMPLETED UNITS, INCLUDING ULTRASONIC AND X-RAY EXAMINATION.

THE FIRST OF THE 97 DECK UNITS WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO HONG KONG IN MID-1995 WHEN THEY WILL BE HOISTED INTO PLACE FROM BARGES FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE SUSPENSION CABLES OF THE BRIDGE.

WHEN COMPLETED IN 1997, THE TSING MA BRIDGE WILL BE THE LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN THE WORLD CARRYING BOTH RAIL AND ROAD TRAFFIC.

IT WILL FORM PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING - ONE OF THE 10 PROJECTS IN THE ACP - AND IS BEING BUILT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.

- - 0 - -

/20

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

POLLUTION CASES RELEASED

*****

A TOTAL OF 40 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS LAST MONTH FOR BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.

AMONG THEM, 15 WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), 15 UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO), NINE UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO), ONE UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE (WDO), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE FINES IMPOSED RANGED FROM $1,000 TO $50,000. EIGHT DYEING FACTORIES WERE PROSECUTED FOR EMITTING EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE AND THE FINES RANGED FROM $4,000 TO $13,000.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE LIST OF CONVICTED CASES AND THE ASSOCIATED FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS IN JANUARY WILL BE FAXED.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT SPECIFIC CASES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICERS:

APCO: MR FRANKLIN CHUNG TEL: 594 6200

NCO: MR STEVEN HO TEL: 594 6500

WDO: MR PATRICK LEI TEL: 685 1133

WPCO :

CASES 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 24, 27, 28:

MR MURRAY LUO TEL: 415 9211

CASES 5, 7, 11, 15, 17, 23:

MR PATRICK LEI TEL: 685 1133

HOWEVER, ENQUIRIES ON GENERAL ISSUES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S MEDIA RELATIONS UNIT.

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

MACAU GOVERNOR VISITS ACP SITES

» ♦ » ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNOR OF MACAU, GENERAL VASCO J ROCHA VIEIRA, WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) GIVEN AN UPDATE ON THE LATEST PROGRESS OF HONG KONG’S AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP).

HE FIRST CALLED AT THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NAPCO, MR BILLY LAM, ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF THE 10 ACP PROJECTS.

/HE THEN

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

'• ” • •' ■■ ■ ' I

HE THEN TOOK A HELICOPTER TOUR TO SEE THE PHYSICAL PROGRESS AT VARIOUS WORKS SITE. • j

AT THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK, THE MACAU GOVERNOR WAS SHOWN AROUND BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PROVl'SfONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, DR HENRY TOWNSEND, WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE PROGRESS OF THE WORKS THERE.

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

FIRST NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR KWUN TONG

*****

THE SAI TSO WAN NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS OF VARIOUS AGE GROUP, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER MR WONG HON-HO SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A MEDIA SESSION ON THE FACILITIES OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRE WHICH WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC SOON, MR WONG SAID THE FOUR-STOREY COMPLEX WOULD BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT.

THE CENTRE WILL HOUSE A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, A DAY NURSERY, A READING ROOM, A GROUP ACTIVITIES ROOM, A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL AND AN ACTIVITY CENTRE FOR DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS.

IT COVERS A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 2,000 SQUARE METRES. THE CONSTRUCTION COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE $17 MILLION.

THE NEW ADDITION BRINGS TO NINE THE NUMBER OF COMMUNITY CENTRES AND HALLS IN KWUN TONG.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****

TENDER DATE 22 FEB 94 22 FEB 94

PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS

ISSUE NUMBER Q408 Y486

AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 5,250MN HKD l,750MN

AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1.300MN HKD 400MN

AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.24 PCT 3.91 PCT

HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.24 PCT 3.93 PCT

PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 81 PCT ABOUT 10 PCT

AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.27 PCT 3.95 PCT

/HONG KONG .......

I’

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1994

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 28 FEB 1994 -

TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENOR AMOUNT ON OFFER 1 MARCH 94 EF BILLS Q409 2 MARCH 94 1 JUNE 94 91 DAYS HKD 1,300 + 260MN 1 MARCH 94 EF BILLS H459 2 MARCH 94 31 AUG 94 182 DAYS HKD 500 + 100MN • •. -,v

0 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ***** $ MILLION OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,420 REVERSAL OF LAF +580 BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000 NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -1,700 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,300 LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 126.0 *+0.2» 22.2.94 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE 1 WEEK 2.86 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.52 1 MONTH 3.02 21 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.43 3 MONTHS 3.23 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.54 6 MONTHS 3.45 32 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.11 12 MONTHS 3.91 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 98.81 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,180 MN YIELD 4.31 4.54 4.70 5.02 5.10

CLOSED 22 FEBRUARY 1994 ----------------------------------0-------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ENOUGH QUALIFIED OFFICERS TO LEAD THE CIVIL SERVICE UP TO AND BEYOND 1997 ............................................. 1

APPEAL TO USE LESS HARDWOOD ................................. 2

STRIDES MADE IN ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS ... 3

EX-CHINA VIET ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SENT BACK .................. 4

NEW OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEME LOGO FOR USE IN JOB ADVERTISING ................................................. 5

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT .................... 6

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS ON FRIDAY ........................... 6

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 1

ENOUGH QUALIFIED OFFICERS TO LEAD THE CIVIL SERVICE

UP TO AND BEYOND 1997 ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ('IV IL SERVICE BRANCH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE UNDUE CONCERN OVER THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY RESEARCH ON THE ”BUREAUCRAT-POL IT I (' I AN RELATIONSHIP IN HONG KONG” CONDUCTED BY THE CITY POLYTECHNIC.

THE SPOKESMAN WAS COMMENTING ON THE SURVEY WHICH CLAIMED TO STUDY THE PERCEPTION AND EVALUATION OF THE DIRECTORATE GRADE OFFICERS IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OF THE CHANGING POLITICAL SYSTEM AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LEGISLATORS IN THE PERIOD AFTER THE 1991 DIRECT ELECTIONS.

ON CIVIL SERVANTS’ FUTURE CAREERS, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT 37 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS WERE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR CAREER AFTER 1997.

HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT THE SURVEY ALSO FOUND THAT 59 PER CENT WERE NOT WORRIED.

"BEING PARI’ OF OUR COMMUNITY, IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE FOR SOME CIVIL SERVANTS TO BE WORRIED ABOUT POLITICAL CHANGE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

”IT IS INDEED MORE NATURAL FOR SOME OF THEM TO BE WORRIED BECAUSE THEY ARE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY.

’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE A LOT AND WILL DO MORE TO ALLAY WORRY AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS. THE SETTING UP OF A CIVIL SERVICE PENSION RESERVE FUND IS ONE EXAMPLE.

"WE HAVE ALSO STEPPED UP TRAINING AND DIRECTORATE SUCCESSION PLANNING EXERCISE TO ENSURE WE HAVE QUALIFIED PEOPLE IN PLACE TO LEAD THE CIVIL SERVICE UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND.

’’COMMUNICATION WITH ('J VI L SERVANTS WILL BE IMPROVED TO ENSURE WE UNDERSTAND THEIR FEELINGS AND CONCERNS."

ON THE PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS WHO INDICATED THEIR INTENTION TO LEAVE, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT 70 PER (ENT OF THEM WERE WITHIN 51 TO 60 AGE BRACKET, CLOSE TO RETIREMENT AGE.

OF THE 36 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS WHO WOULD STAY, «0 PER CENT FALL WITHIN THE VIBRANT 31 TO 50 AGE BRACKET WHICH IS THE MAINSTAY OF THE SERVICE.

"ONE SHOULD ALSO NOT FORGET THAT 29 PER ('ENT OF THE RESPONDENTS SAID THEY WERE UNDECIDED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"IF WE WORK HARD AT A SMOOTH TRANSITION, AND THE ECONOMY STAYS STRONG, THE5 MAY VERY WELL BE PERSUADED TO STAY."

AT PRESENT, THE VACANCY RATE OF THE CIVII SERVICE IS THREE PER CENT, AND THE WASTAGE RATE FIVE PEE (ENI’.

"THESE ARE VERY LOW RATES. WE HAVE NO PROBLEM OF RECRUITING QUALIFIED PEOPLE INTO THE SERVICE, NOR WITH PROMOTING QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO HIGHER POSITIONS,” HE SAID.

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

/2 ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

APPEAL TO USE LESS HARDWOOD ******

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS URGED TO CUT THE CONSUMPTION OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD BY USING OTHER KINDS OF TIMBER FOR TEMPORARY WORKS AND BY REQUIRING THE SUPPLIER TO CERTIFY THAT THE TIMBER COMES FROM SUSTAINABLE SOURCES.

THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE ADDRESSED A SEMINAR ENTITLED ’TROPICAL HARDWOOD - A TIME TO ACT’ ORGANISED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

MR BLAKE SAID: "THERE IS GROWING GLOBAL PRESSURE TO REQUIRE SUPPLIERS AT EVERY STAGE TO ENSURE THAT TIMBER COMES FROM SUSTAINABLE MANAGED FORESTS. THIS SUGGESTS THE NEED FOR CREDIBLE TIMBER CERTIFICATION OR LABELLING AT SOURCE.

"TIMBER CERTIFICATION HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A SYSTEM OF FOREST MONITORING, TIMBER TRACING AND WOODEN PRODUCE LABELLING WHICH AIMS TO FORM A BRIDGE BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL PRODUCERS AND CONSUMERS SO THAT CONSUMERS CAN BE REASSURED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PEDIGREE OF PARTICULAR PRODUCTS AND PRODUCERS CAN MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THEIR MARKET SHARE.

MR BLAKE SAID HONG KONG STILL HAD NOT ACHIEVED THE FULL TRANSITION FROM HARDWOOD USE IN TEMPORARY WORKS TO AN ALTERNATIVE BECAUSE MANY INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION DID NOT RECOGNISE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIMBERS FROM TROPICAL, TEMPERATE AND BOREAL FORESTS.

"WITH INDEPENDENT CERTIFICATION COMPANIES IN PLACE AND TIMBER LABELLED AT SOURCE, SPECIFICATIONS CAN BE EXACTING AND ’NON-CONFORMING’ TIMBERS CAN BE REJECTED," HE SAID.

MR BLAKE SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO EDUCATE SMALLER BUILDERS AND SUB-CONTRACTORS TO PROMOTE THE USE OF ALTERNATIVES IN RENOVATION AND REFURBISHMENT OF EXISTING PROPERTY.

"IT IS BECAUSE SHORT-LEASE RETAIL OUTLETS ARE FREQUENTLY REFITTED USING HARDWOOD TIMBER FRAMING AT INTERVALS OF THREE YEARS OR SO.

"IT SEEMS TO ME THAT PUTTING IN PLACE CERTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN OUR FUTURE USE OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, AND IN THE INTERIM, A REDUCTION IN THE USE OF HARDWOOD FOR TEMPORARY WORKS, FOCUSING IN THE REFURBISHMENT AND RENOVATION AREA, WILL BRING ABOUT A REDUCTION IN THE QUANTITY OF HARDWOOD CONSUMED IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

STRIDES MADE IN ACTION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS * * * * *

THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN MAKING SUBSTANTIAL EFFORTS IN ACTIONS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SINCE ENACTMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE IN 1991, THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN, SAID AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

AND SINCE LAST NOVEMBER, THE PLANNING AUTHORITY, USING SECTION 21 OF THE ORDINANCE, HAD BEEN PROSECUTING OFFENDERS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, HE ADDED.

SO FAR, SEVEN DEFENDANTS IN RESPECT OF SEVEN CASES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO COURT UNDER SECTION 21. ONE DEFENDANT IN RESPECT OF ONE CASE HAD BEEN CONVICTED AND WAS FINED $30,000.

COURT HEARINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR THE OTHER SIX DEFENDANTS, DR PUN SAID.

UP TO MID-FEBRUARY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS INVESTIGATED 137 CASES OF SUSPECTED UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS. THEY MAINLY COVER STORAGE OF CONTAINERS AND IRA ILERS, DUMPING AND SITE FORMATION, STORAGE OF BUILDING AND OTHER MATERIALS, CAR PARKING, STRIPPING YARDS AND WORKSHOPS.

AFTER INVESTIGATIONS, 629 ENFORCEMENT NOTICES IN RESPECT OF 94 CASES, 22 STOP NOTICES IN RESPECT OF FOUR CASES AND FOUR REINSTATEMENT NOTICES IN RESPECT OF ONE CASE HAD BEEN SERVED, HE SAID.

DR PUN ALSO SAID A TOTAL OF ISO PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN RESPEC T OF 128 CASES OF UNAUTHOR ISFD DEVELOPMENTS HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION.

OF THESE, 36 HAD BEEN APPROVED, 105 REJECTED, 32 WITHDRAWN AND SEVEN BEING PROCESSED.

"THE LARGE NUMBER OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN RESPECT OF UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS SHOWS THAT PEOPLE ARE BECOMING MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE PLANNING PROCESS," HE NOTED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER SECTION 23 OF THE ORDINANCE, 71 DEFENDANTS IN RESPECT OF 19 CASES HAD BEEN PROSECUTED. AMONG THEM, 15 DEFENDANTS IN RESPECT OF NJNF ('ASES HAD BEEN CONVICTED AND FINED $7,500 TO $81,500.

"AS OPEN STORAGE HAS ECONOMIC ROLES TO PLAY, THE DEPARTMENT IS ENDEAVOURING TO IDENTIFY PERMANENT SITES FOR SUCH PURPOSE ON THE TOWN PLANS.

"A STUDY ON PORT BACK-UP LAND AND OPEN STORAGE REQUIREMENTS WAS COMM1SS1ONED IN JUNE 1993 TO ASSESS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, OPEN STORAGE REQUIREMENTS AND IDENTIFY SUITABLE SITES TO MEET THE DEMAND.

"THE STUDY FINDINGS, WHICH WILL BE READY BY MID-1994, WILL SERVE AS INPUTS TO THE RESERVATION OF OPEN STORAGE SITES," DR PUN EXPLAINED.

/ON OTHER .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

ON OTHER MAJOR PLANNING STUDIES COMMISSIONED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE DIRECTOR DISCLOSED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY LAUNCHED A JOINT STUDY WITH THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION TO REVIEW THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE NEEDS FOR VARIOUS TOURIST SERVICES AND FACILITIES WITHIN A REGIONAL CONTEXT.

’’MEANWHILE, WE HAVE ALSO CO-OPERATED WITH THE HONG KONG AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING CO LTD AND CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS TO INVESTIGATE THE NEED FOR AND FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN AVIATION ACADEMY AND MUSEUM FOLLOWING THE RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT FROM KAI TAK TO CHEK LAP KOK.

"THIS STUD\ FOLLOWS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SOUTHEAST KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT," THE DIRECTOR ADDED.

REVIEWING THE MAJOR WORK OF HIS DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR, DR PUN POINTED OUT THAT A SECOND REVIEW OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PDS) HAD ALREADY BEGUN WITH A VIEW TO PROPOSING A REVISED PORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROGRAMME BY MID-1994.

"WITH THE PORT CARGO FORECASTS UPDATED, IT IS PROJECTED THAT THE OVERALL PORT TRAFFIC WILL INCREASE FROM 101 MILLION TONNES IN 1992 TO 349 MILLION TONNES IN 2011, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 6.7 PER CENT A YEAR .

"WE ARE NOW TRANSLATING THE PORT ('ARGO FORECASTS INTO REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF PORT FACILITIES," HE SAID.

DR PUN ADDED THAT OTHER RELEVANT STUDIES ARE ALSO CARRIED OUT TO LOOK INTO INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS OF THE PDS.

THESE INCLUDE A STUD\ TO IDENTIFY LONG-TERM SITES FOR MIDSTREAM OPERATIONS AND AN INTERIM STUDY TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL CONTAINER BACK-UP SITES.

DR PUN ALSO GAVE A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S WORK ON TERRITORIAL PLANNING.

HE DISCLOSED THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WOULD VISIT THE PLANNING AUTHORITIES IN THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE, GUANGZHOU, SHENZHEN AND ZHUHAI NEXT MONTH TO DISCUSS WITH THEM THE STRATEGIC PLANNING ISSUES RELATED TO THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.

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

EX-CHINA VIET ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SENT BACK ♦ » * » *

TWENTY-THREE EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVII’S) -14 MEN, SIX WOMEN, TWO BOYS AND ONE GIRL - WERE RETURNED TO XIAMEN, FUJIAN THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING ON A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT.

ALSO, ANOTHER GROUP OF ABOUT 190 ECVII’S WILL BE RETURNED TO NANNING, GUANGXI ON CHARTERED FLIGHTS ON TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS STARTING FROM TOMORROW.

DISCUSSIONS ARE CONTINUING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON THE REPATRIATION OF THE REMAINING 750 ECVII’S IN HONG KONG.

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

/5 .....

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

NEW OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEME LOGO FOR USE IN JOB ADVERTISING *****

THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) LAUNCHED A NEW INITIATIVE IN PROMOTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES.

EMPLOYERS WHO OPERATE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES WILL BE ABLE TO HIGHLIGHT THIS FACILITY IN THEIR RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING VIA THE USE OF A NEW LOGO.

THE UMBRELLA-SHAPED LOGO WILL QUICKLY INDICATE THAT A RETIREMENT SCHEME IS OFFERED BY AN EMPLOYER AND WILL ACT AS AN INCENTIVE FOR JOB SEEKERS. THE UMBRELLA LOGO HAS BEEN ADOPTED AS IT SIGNIFIES FINANCIAL PROTECTION FOR THE FUTURE.

THE LOGO WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE TO ALL HONG KONG PUBLICATIONS WHO CARRY RECRUITMENT ADVERTISING. EMPLOYERS WHO OFFER EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT BENEFITS WILL BE ABLE TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE FACT BY USING THE UMBRELLA LOGO IN EVERY JOB ADVERTISEMENT.

ANY PUBLICATIONS OR ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE LOGO SHOULD CALL THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES HOTLINE ON 867 4642.

REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES, MR STEPHEN IP, SAID: "WE BELIEVE THAT THIS INITIATIVE WILL BE WELCOMED BY EMPLOYERS AND THE MEDIA ALIKE.

’’EMPLOYERS WILL BENEFIT AS THOSE WHO OFFER RETIREMENT SCHEMES WILL BE AT AN ADVANTAGE OVER THOSE WHO DO NOT AND THEIR VACANCIES SHOULD ACCORDINGLY BE MORE ATTRACTIVE TO JOB SEEKERS.

"NEWSPAPERS WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER THEIR ADVERTISING CLIENTS AND READERS A VALUE-ADDED SERVICE, MAKING EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS CLEARER IN ADVERTISING."

THIS INITIATIVE IS ALSO DESIGNED TO BRING PEOPLE’S ATTENTION TO THE BROADER ISSUE OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES.

"WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING AN OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME FOR ALL HONG KONG PEOPLE, WE WANT TO BRING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES TO EVERYONE’S ATTENTION. THE TWO ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE."

THE GOVERNMENT SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE VERY BASIC NEEDS OF THOSE OVER THE AGE OF 65. ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYERS’ SCHEMES ARE USUALLY DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MORE SUBSTANTIAL RETURNS AND TO MEET THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

ADDITIONALLY, THE NEW OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE WHICH HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE OCTOBER 15, 1993 REQUIRES ALL PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES TO BE REGISTERED AND THERE ARE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS PROVIDED TO SCHEME MEMBERS WILL BE PAID WHEN THEY FALL DUE.

"THIS PROVIDES FOR LONG-TERM SECURITY FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO SCHEMES," MR IP SAID.

/6.........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT

» * * * »

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN KWUN TONG, SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE TWO-STOREY UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE, LOCATED ON THE FLAT ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 155 WAI YIP STREET, KOWLOON, IS USED AS A WORKSHOP.

NOTICE OF INTENTION APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON APRIL 27 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

DEMOLITION OF THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE WILL START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.

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

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS ON FRIDAY ♦ t * » *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 25) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492. iG.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

/7........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

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

1,300

+1,700

3,000

NIL

-1,170

1,830

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER

TWI 125.8 »-0.2» 23.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 2.88 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.57 4.27

1 MONTH 3.01 21 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.55 4.47

3 MONTHS 3.23 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.62 4.66

6 MONTHS 3.41 32 MONTHS 3610 4.20 98.23 4.97

12 ! MONTHS 3.87 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 98.92 5.06

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 25,282 MN

CLOSED 23 FEBRUARY 1994

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUPPLEMENT

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL: SCA’S SPEECHES ON ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL .................. 1

INCREASES IN FIXED PENALTIES APPROVED ........................ 8

BILL INTRODUCED TO RAISE TELECOM FINES ....................... 8

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO ............... 9

APPEAL TO INTRODUCE MANDATORY DRUG LABELLING ................. 11

GOVT DOES NOT INTERVENE IN PRIVATE DISPUTES OVER PROPERTY SALES ........................................................ 12

MEASURES TO IMPROVE AIR POLLUTION ............................ 13

NO PLAN TO DRAW UP GUIDELINES FOR INDIVIDUAL TRADES .......... 14

WAYS TO ENHANCE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TRANSPARENCY .............. 14

MEASURES TO DETER UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS ................... 15

MODIFICATION OF CRITERIA OF SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING ........... 16

PLANS TO HELP CROSS-BORDER TRAVELLERS ........................ 16

TSEUNG KWAN 0 SITE TO BE GRANTED TO HOUSING SOCIETY .......... 17

/EFFORTS TO .......

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

EFFORTS TO ENSURE VENDING MACHINES ACCEPT $10 COIN ............. 18

NO PLANS TO CONDUCT SURVEY ON PORNOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE ............ 18

PUBLIC HOUSING LIFT CONTRACTORS COMPLYING WITH REGULATIONS .. 19

OBJECTION PERIOD FOR OZPS GOVERNED BY ORDINANCE ................ 20

JOBS FOR LOCAL EMPLOYEES OF BRITISH FORCES ..................... 21

SECURITY AT POLICE STATIONS AND STAFF QUARTERS ADEQUATE ........ 21

GOVT SUPPORTS UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF CHINA'S MFN STATUS ... 22

GAP DUE TO ABSENCE OF 1.1. WITNESS CLOSED ...................... 23

GOVT CONSIDERS TO INSTALL DGPS ................................. 24

NO PROSECUTION AGAINST DEALERS FOR INACCURATE RECORD OF ARMS TRANSACTION .................................................. 24

BILL ON ELECTORAL PROVISIONS PASSED ............................ 25

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 1 -

SCA’S SPEECHES ON ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL *****

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, ON THE HON MRS ELSIE TU’S AMENDMENT TO ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS)

(NO. 2) BILL 1993

*****

MR PRESIDENT,

THE ADMINISTRATION IS FIRMLY AGAINST THE MOTION. AS RIGHTLY POINTED OUT BY A NUMBER OF MEMBERS, THE BILL NOW BEFORE THIS COUNCIL CONTAINS PROVISIONS WHICH ARE TIME CRITICAL. THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR THEIR EARLY ENACTMENT.

FOR THE SERIES OF THREE ELECTIONS IN 1994 AND 1995, WE WOULD NEED TO GET THE VARIOUS PREPARATIONS IMMEDIATELY UNDERWAY IF THESE ELECTIONS ARE TO BE HELD IN A TIMELY AND ORDERLY MANNER. BUT BEFORE SUCH PREPARATIONS CAN START, THE NECESSARY LEGAL FRAMEWORK MUST FIRST BE PUT IN PLACE. IF THE BILL’S ENACTMENT WERE DELAYED FOR WHATEVER REASONS, THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES.

LET ME CITE TWO EXAMPLES. FIRST, THE UNCERTAINTY CREATED ON THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WOULD CAUSE MAJOR DIFFICULTIES AND DISRUPTIONS TO THE LAUNCHING OF THE STATUTORY VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE DUE TO START IN JUST ABOUT A MONTH’S TIME. SECONDLY, THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE END OF APRIL THIS YEAR, AS REQUIRED BY LAW, RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DEMARCATION OF MUNICIPAL COUNCILS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES. IN CONSEQUENCE, IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO COMPILE A PROPER VOTER REGISTER IN TIME FOR THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS TO THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.

SIMPLY PUT, DEFERRAL OF THE BILL WILL BE AT THE EXPENSE OF TIMELY AND ORDERLY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS. THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT WHAT THE COMMUNITY WOULD LIKE TO SEE. MRS TU AND SOME OTHER MEMBERS HAVE SUGGESTED THAT DEFERRING THE BILL WOULD PROVIDE ONE FURTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE TO RESUME. I SHOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR PREFERRED APPROACH TO LEGISLATE FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS ON THE BASIS OF AN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA. WE HAVE NEGOTIATED IN GOOD FAITH FOR OVER 160 HOURS IN 17 ROUNDS. BUT, ALAS, AN AGREEMENT HAS PROVED OUT OF REACH.

THAT THE TWO SIDES WERE UNABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT ON EVEN THE SIMPLER ISSUES WERE NOT BECAUSE OF THE REASONS DESCRIBED BY MRS TU. THE FACT IS DISCUSSIONS ON THE FIRST STAGE ISSUES FLOUNDERED BECAUSE FIRST THE CHINESE SIDE COULD NOT AGREE TO INCLUDE THE "SINGLE SEAT, SINGLE VOTE" VOTING METHOD FOR LEGCO IN THE PACKAGE. THEY INSISTED THAT IT SHOULD BE DISCUSSED LATER WITH OTHER MORE COMPLICATED LEGCO ISSUES.

/THE SECOND .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

THE SECOND KEY DIFFICULTY HAS BEEN OVER THE QUESTION OF APPOINTED MEMBERSHIP TO DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS. THE BRITISH SIDE WANTED TO ABOLISH THE REMAINING APPOINTED MEMBERS. THE CHINESE SIDE HAD SAID IT WANTED TO RETAIN THEM. HOWEVER, THE CHINESE SIDE’S PROPOSAL WAS HATCHED WITH CONDITIONS WHICH WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE AUTONOMY OF THE FUTURE SAR AS PROMISED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.

IT WAS THEREFORE ONLY WHEN IT BECAME ABSOLUTELY CLEAR BY LAST DECEMBER THAT THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS FOR THE MORE IMMEDIATE ISSUES COULD NOT BE FURTHER DELAYED THAT WE INTRODUCE THE CURRENT BILL. WHEN THE ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED IN LAST DECEMBER THAT IT WAS GOING AHEAD WITH THAT BILL, IT HAD MADE CLEAR THAT THE BRITISH SIDE WERE PREPARED TO CONTINUE IN A LIMITED TIME REMAINING DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE OUTSTANDING, MORE DIFFICULT ISSUES RELATING TO 95 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.

IN THE PAST TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTHS, WE HAD CONTINUED TO PRESS THE CASE FOR TALKS TO CONTINUE. REGRETTABLY, THE CHINESE SIDE HAD NOT taken up the offer, meanwhile, that limited remaining time has CONTINUED TO TICK AWAY. WE HAVE NOW COME TO THE POINT WHERE WE SIMPLY HAVE NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE BUT TO GET ON WITH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. GIVEN THAT ALL ELECTORAL LEGISLATION HAS TO BE ENACTED BY COMING JULY AND THIS IS CRUCIAL IF THERE IS TO BE ADEQUATE TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS. LEGISLATION ON THE REMAINING MORE COMPLEX ISSUES WILL HAVE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL VERY SOON.

DEFERRAL OF THE CURRENT BILL THEREFORE WILL NOT IN REALITY BUY US ANY MORE TIME. AS POINTED OUT BY MISS EMILY LAU, THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE MADE IT KNOWN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MORE TALKS UNLESS WE FIRST WITHDRAW THE CURRENT BILL. SURELY, THIS IS A DEMAND WHICH NEITHER THE COMMUNITY NOR THIS COUNCIL WILL FIND ACCEPTABLE. IT IS CLEAR THEREFORE DEFERRAL OF THE BILL WILL ONLY RAISE FALSE EXPECTATION WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND DISRUPT ALL THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE SERIES OF ELECTIONS IN 1994/95.

PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT NO AGREEMENT IS BETTER THAN A BAD AGREEMENT. MOST OF US IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ARE PART OF THE 6 MILLION POPULATION WHO HAVE A STAKE IN HONG KONG AND WHO WILL STAY IN HONG KONG. WE WANT AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE BUT NOT AT ANY PRICE. MRS TU QUOTED THE BRITISH SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS AS SAYING THAT: "EXPECTING CHINA TO ACCEPT WHATEVER ARRANGEMENTS WE PUT IN PLACE IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY." THE POINT HERE, OF COURSE, IS THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WE NOW PUT FORWARD ARE ENTIRELY CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE BASIC LAW AND THE RELEVANT PAST UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS REACHED BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.

SOME MEMBERS ARE CONCERNED THAT WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE ELECTORAL FRONT WILL AFFECT CO-OPERATION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA ON OTHER FRONTS. THE ADMINISTRATION FULLY RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES IN THE FINAL YEARS OF TRANSITION. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR FIRM BELIEF THAT IF THE TWO SIDES ARE TO DISAGREE ON SOMETHING, WHICH IS OF COURSE REGRETTABLE, THIS IS NO REASON WHY THAT SHOULD AFFECT CO-OPERATION ON OTHER FRONTS. THERE IS A WHOLE RANGE OF PRACTICAL ISSUES WHERE CONTINUED CO-OPERATION IS CLEARLY IN THE INTEREST OF CHINA AND HONG KONG. WE, ON OUR PART, STAND READY TO FURTHER OUR LONG-STANDING CO-OPERATION.

/FOR THE........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

FOR THE VARIOUS REASONS I HAVE EXPLAINED, THE ADMINISTRATION OPPOSES THE MOTION AND THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL VOTE AGAINST MRS TU’S MOTION. ;

AT THIS POINT, MR PRESIDENT, I WOULD LIKE TO CLARIFY THE ADMINISTRATION’S STAND ON MRS TU’S SUGGESTION, ALSO REFER TO EARLIER BY MR ACRULLI, THAT THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM VOTING IN LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS DEALING WITH THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS. A SIMILAR SUGGESTION WAS PUT TO THE GOVERNOR DURING THE GOVERNOR’S QUESTION SESSION IN THIS COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 1, 1992. ON THAT OCCASION, THE GOVERNOR MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THE ADMINISTRATION TOOK THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS WHAT IT WAS. IT WOULD BE WRONG TO MAKE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT SORTS OF MANDATE OF DIFFERENT HONOURABLE MEMBERS ACCORDING TO THE BACKGROUNDS FROM WHICH THEY CAME. IF SUCH A DISTINCTION WERE MADE, IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO RESIST THE PROPOSAL THAT THE VOTES OF THOSE WHO WERE APPOINTED RATHER THAN ELECTED TO THIS COUNCIL SHOULD ALSO SOME HOW BE DEVALUED. IT IS THEREFORE THE ADMINISTRATION’S INTENTION THAT THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WOULD EXERCISE THE SAME VOTING RIGHT AS CONFERRED ON ALL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL.

THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG TO ROUND UP THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 *****

MR PRESIDENT,

THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 IS TO PUT IN PLACE THE MORE IMMEDIATE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN 1994-95 FOR THE THREE TIERS OF REPRESENTATIVE BODIES. DURING THE EARLIER DEBATE ON MRS ELSIE TU’S MOTION TO DEFER DEBATE OF THE BILL, I HAVE ALREADY EXPLAINED THE URGENCY OF THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION. I WOULD MERELY POINT OUT, ONCE AGAIN, THAT IF WE ARE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE TIMELY AND ORDERLY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FORTHCOMING SERIES OF ELECTIONS, ENACTMENT OF THE BILL MUST NOT, AND CANNOT, BE DELAYED. I AM ENCOURAGED THAT, AS IS PLAIN FROM THE VOTING RESULTS ON MRS. TU’S MOTION, A (CLEAR] MAJORITY IN THIS COUNCIL ALSO AGREE TO THE PRACTICAL NEED TO PRESS AHEAD WITH THE BILL. I SHOULD ALSO LIKE TO CLARIFY ONE IMPORTANT POINT HERE. THE CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE IS NOT’ AS SOME MEMBERS IMPLY GOVERNOR CHRIS PATTEN’S PACKAGE; IT IS A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PACKAGE. THE PROPOSALS ARE THE RESULTS OF EXTENSIVE AND CAREFUL DELIBERATIONS BETWEEN HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND WITH THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. THEY HAVE RECEIVED CONSISTENT SUPPORT WITHIN MOST SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY. I NEED HARDLY ADD THAT THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS IN THE PRESENT BILL HAVE ALL BEEN ENDORSED BY THIS COUNCIL IN PREVIOUS DEBATES.

/MANY MEMBERS ......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994-

MANY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL HAVE ALREADY SPOKEN ON THE VARIOUS AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE. I SHOULD THEREFORE LIKE TO USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SET OUT THE ADMINISTRATION’S POSITION ON THESE AMENDMENTS.

MR ANDREW WONG WILL BE MOVING A SET OF AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL CLARIFY CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BILL. THESE AMENDMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED AND AGREED BY THE BILLS COMMITTEE. THE ADMINISTRATION WILL SUPPORT THEM.

THE ADMINISTRATION IS, HOWEVER, AGAINST THE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY MR ALLEN LEE, MR ERIC LI AND MR MARTIN LEE. I WILL EXPLAIN THE REASONS IN TURN.

FIRST, THE "SINGLE-SEAT SINGLE VOTE" VOTING METHOD FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS. THIS PROPOSED VOTING SYSTEM IS SIMPLE AND WELL UNDERSTOOD. IT IS ALSO FAIR AND OPEN, PROVIDING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL CANDIDATES. IT IS ALREADY BEING USED IN OUR MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS AND MOST OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTIONS. BY ADOPTING THIS PROPOSAL, WE WILL HAVE ACHIEVED CONSISTENCY IN THE VOTING METHOD FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS IN ALL THREE TIERS OF OUR REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS.

THE PROPOSAL HAS WIDESPREAD SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY, AS CONSISTENTLY REFLECTED BY INDEPENDENT OPINION SURVEYS. INDEED, THIS COUNCIL ITSELF GAVE FIRM SUPPORT TO THIS PROPOSAL DURING THE DEBATE IN JULY 1992 ON A SELECT COMMITTEE’S REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS. AT A SUBSEQUENT DEBATE IN NOVEMBER 1992, THIS COUNCIL ALSO VOTED IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS, INCLUDING THE VOTING METHOD FOR LEGCO ELECTIONS.

MR ALLEN LEE AND SOME OTHER MEMBERS HAVE SUGGESTED THAT TAKING OUT THE LEGCO VOTING METHOD FROM THE BILL WOULD GIVE ONE FURTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE TO RESUME. DURING THE EARLIER DEBATE ON MRS ELSIE TU’S MOTION TO DEFER CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL, I HAVE ALREADY SET OUT AT LENGTH THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEW ON WHY DEFERRAL OF THE BILL, EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WILL NOT, IN REALITY, BUY US MUCH MORE TIME FOR TALKS. I DO NOT PROPOSE TO REHEARSE THOSE ARGUMENTS; SUFFICE TO SAY THAT HOWEVER MUCH THE BRITISH SIDE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO PROPOSE LEGISLATION ON THE BASIS OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE, PRACTICAL TIME-TABLE CONSTRAINTS MEAN THAT WE NEED TO GET ON WITH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF SUCH AN AGREEMENT.

FOR THESE REASONS, MR PRESIDENT, THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL VOTE AGAINST MR ALLEN LEE’S AMENDMENT TO TAKE OUT THE LEGCO VOTING METHOD FROM THE BILL.

SECONDLY, APPOINTED MEMBERSHIP IN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS. THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL TO ABOLISH APPOINTED MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERSHIP ARE TO ENABLE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WORK OF THE TWO COUNCILS WHICH PROVIDE IMPORTANT SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY, AND THE 18 DISTRICT BOARDS WHICH ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON THE WHOLE RANGE OF DISTRICT ISSUES AFFECTING OUR DAILY LIFE. THESE CHANGES ARE FULLY IN LINE WITH A MOTION PASSED BY THIS COUNCIL IN JULY 1992 URGING THE ADMINISTRATION TO STRENGTHEN THE REPRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THESE BODIES.

/THE AROT.TTTON.........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

5 -

THE ABOLITION OF APPOINTED MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD SEATS IS NOT, AS SOME MEMBERS SUGGEST, A RADICAL CHANGE. RATHER, IT REPRESENTS THE CULMINATION OF A GRADUAL PROCESS OF CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF THESE BODIES OVER THE YEARS. THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS SET UP IN THE 1930S; THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE EARLY 1980S; AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN 1986. BY ANY YARDSTICK, FULLY ELECTED MEMBERSHIP FOR THESE BODIES IN 1994/95 CAN HARDLY BE DESCRIBED AS A DEVELOPMENT OF UNDUE HASTE. NOR, THEREFORE, SHOULD IT CAUSE ANY DISRUPTION TO THE OPERATIONS OF THESE BODIES. INDEED, IT IS THE LOGICAL STEP TO TAKE AS THIS COUNCIL WILL ITSELF ALSO BECOME FULLY ELECTED IN 1995.

THERE ARE CONCERNS THAT AFTER THE APPOINTED MEMBERS HAVE GONE, THEIR EXPERTISE CANNOT BE READILY REPLACED. IT IS RECOGNISED, AND ONE CAN HARDLY OVER-EMPHASISE THIS, THAT OVER THE YEARS APPOINTED MEMBERS HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, ONE MUST EQUALLY RECOGNISE THE NEED FOR OUR SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS EVOLVING TO MEET THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY. IN ANY CASE, THERE ARE ALREADY LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS TO CO-OPT EXPERTS ONTO THEIR COMMITTEES IF SUCH A NEED ARISES.

THE STAND OF THE ADMINISTRATION IS CLEAR. WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT IT IS BOTH TIMELY AND APPROPRIATE TO ABOLISH APPOINTED MEMBERSHIP IN MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS. THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL THEREFORE VOTE AGAINST MR ERIC LI’S AMENDMENT TO RETAIN SUCH MEMBERSHIP.

FINALLY, THERE IS THE QUESTION OF EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE NINE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS. THESE EX-OFFICIO SEATS WERE ESTABLISHED IN RECOGNITION OF THE SPECIAL INTERESTS OF THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. OVER THE YEARS, THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, WHO ARE THEMSELVES ELECTED, HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH IN PRESERVING THE LINK BETWEEN THE BODIES THEY SIT ON AND THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION IN THAT PART OF HONG KONG. IN PARTICULAR, THEY HAVE MADE IMPORTANT INPUT IN THE PLANNING OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL WELL-BEING OF INHABITANTS IN RURAL AREAS. IN THE IMMEDIATE YEARS AHEAD, THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL, WE BELIEVE, CONTINUE TO HAVE A USEFUL ROLE TO PERFORM IN THIS RESPECT.

IT HAS BEEN ARGUED THAT RURAL ELECTIONS ARE DISCRIMINATORY. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES OR THE HEUNG YEE KUK WHICH ALLOW FOR DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX OR SOCIAL ORIGIN IN RESPECT OF THE ELECTIONS OF RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK. AS FOR THE ELECTIONS OF VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES WHICH FORM THE LOWEST TIER OF ELECTIONS IN THE RURAL ELECTORAL SYSTEM, EACH ’’HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD” IS AT PRESENT GIVEN ONE VOTE IN THESE ELECTIONS. OVER 95% OF THE VILLAGES ALREADY ALLOW FEMALE HEADS OF HOUSEHOLD TO VOTE. ABOUT 50% OF THE VILLAGES ALSO ALLOW HEADS OF HOUSEHOLD WHO ARE NON-INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS TO VOTE. SO THE OVERALL PICTURE IS NOT AS RESTRICTIVE AS PORTRAYED BY SOME MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL.

FOR THESE REASONS, THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL VOTE AGAINST MR MARTIN LEE’S AMENDMENT TO ABOLISH THE EX-OFFICIO SEATS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

/MR PRESIDENT ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 6 -

MR PRESIDENT, IT IS THE EARNEST HOPE OF THE ADMINISTRATION THAT, SUBJECT TO THE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY MR ANDREW WONG, THIS COUNCIL WILL PASS THE BILL WHICH IS NOW BEFORE IT SO THAT WE CAN IMMEDIATELY GET ON WITH THE PREPARATION FOR THE 1994-95 ELECTIONS.

THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, ON THE HON ALLEN LEE’S AMENDMENT TO ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS)

(NO. 2) BILL 1993

*****

MR PRESIDENT,

I WOULD LIKE TO REITERATE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS AGAINST MR LEE’S AMENDMENT.

THE PROPOSED "SINGLE-SEAT SINGLE-VOTE” VOTING SYSTEM FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS HAS WIDESPREAD SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY. THIS COUNCIL ITSELF HAS ALSO GIVEN FIRM SUPPORT TO THIS PROPOSAL DURING TWO PREVIOUS DEBATES IN JULY AND NOVEMBER 1992. WE JUST CANNOT SEE ANY GOOD, LOGICAL REASONS NOT TO PROCEED WITH LEGISLATION ON THIS PROPOSAL.

MR PRESIDENT, I HAVE SAID EARLIER THAT OUR DOOR HAS BEEN OPEN ALL ALONG FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE CHINESE SIDE. BUT HOWEVER MUCH WE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO LEGISLATE ON THE BASIS OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE, PRACTICAL TIME CONSTRAINTS MEAN THAT WE NEED TO GET ON WITH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH AN AGREEMENT.

FOR THESE REASONS, THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL VOTE AGAINST MR LEE’S AMENDMENT.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 7 -

• I

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, ON THE HON ERIC LI’S AMENDMENT TO ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS)

(NO. 2) BILL 1993

*****

MR PRESIDENT,

DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, I HAVE ALREADY EXPLAINED WHY IN OUR JUDGEMENT IT IS BOTH TIMELY AND APPROPRIATE TO ABOLISH APPOINTED DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP IN 1994/95. LET ME JUST BRIEFLY RESTATE OUR REASONS.

FIRST, ABOLITION OF THE APPOINTED SEATS IN THESE BODIES WILL ALLOW MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR OWN AFFAIRS.

SECONDLY, THE PROPOSAL IS NOT A RADICAL CHANGE. RATHER, IT IS A LOGICAL STEP IN THE GRADUAL EVOLUTION OF THESE BODIES OVER THE YEARS.

THIRDLY, WHILST ONE WOULD WANT TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF APPOINTED MEMBERS, IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT OUR SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EVOLVE TO MEET THE RISING ASPIRATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY.

FOR THE ABOVE REASONS, MR PRESIDENT, THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL VOTE AGAINST MR LI’S AMENDMENT.

SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, ON THE HON MARTIN LEE’S AMENDMENT TO ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS)

(NO. 2) BILL 1993

* * ♦ » ♦

MR PRESIDENT,

I HAVE EXPLAINED EARLIER THAT THE EX-OFFICIO SEATS ON THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE NINE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS WERE ESTABLISHED IN RECOGNITION OF THE SPECIAL INTERESTS OF THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. THESE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, WHO ARE THEMSELVES ELECTED, HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN PRESERVING THE LINK BETWEEN THESE BODIES AND THE RURAL COMMUNITY. IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A USEFUL ROLE TO PLAY.

MR PRESIDENT, THE THREE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL VOTE AGAINST MR LEE’S AMENDMENT.

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

/8........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 8 -

INCREASES IN FIXED PENALTIES APPROVED ♦ *♦»»«

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED TWO RESOLUTIONS UNDER THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE AND THE FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE LEVELS OF FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOVING TRAFFIC OFFENCES.

MEMBERS ALSO APPROVED AN INCLUSION OF A NEW ITEM IN THE SCHEDULE OF FIXED PENALTY OFFENCES. ..

MOVING THE RESOLUTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID THERE HAD BEEN SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN BOTH MOVING TRAFFIC OFFENCES AND IN ILLEGAL ON-STREET PARKING OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.

HE NOTED THAT ONE REASON WAS BECAUSE THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE EXISTING LEVELS OF FIXED PENALTY FINES, WHICH WERE SET IN 1989, HAD BEEN ERODED BY INFLATION.

TO RESTORE THEIR REAL VALUE IN LINE WITH INFLATION, THE FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR MOVING OFFENCES WILL BE INCREASED FROM $140 TO $230, FROM $200 TO $320 AND FROM $280 TO $450 RESPECTIVELY FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES, AND FROM $200 TO $320 FOR ILLEGAL PARKING.

MR BARMA SAID UNDER EXISTING LAW, THE DRIVERS OF THE FIRST OR SECOND TAXIS AT A TAXI STAND WERE REQUIRED TO SIT IN OR STAND BESIDE THEIR TAXIS SO AS TO BE READY FOR IMMEDIATE HIRE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY IS AN OFFENCE AND IT WILL BE ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE OF FIXED PENALTY OFFENCES, WITH A FINE OF $320. THIS IS PITCHED AT THE SAME LEVEL AS FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR OTHER TAXI-RELATED OFFENCES.

IT WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF REDUCING THE BURDEN ON THE POLICE AND THE COURTS OF TAKING SUMMONS ACTION.

MR BARMA SAID THE NEW FINES AND THE INCLUSION OF THE NEW OFFENCE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JUNE 1.

BILL INTRODUCED TO RAISE TELECOM FINES

*****

THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ARE PROPOSED TO GO UP UNDER A BILL INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID THE PROPOSED INCREASES WERE BROADLY IN LINE WITH INFLATION AND WERE NECESSARY TO RESTORE DETERRENT EFFECT.

/FINES UNDER .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 9 -

FINES UNDER THE ORDINANCE HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE 1963.

THE OFFENCES RELATE MAINLY TO THE ILLEGAL ESTABLISHMENT OF MEANS OF TELECOMMUNICATION, THE SALE OR DEMONSTRATION FOR SALE OF ANY RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT WITHOUT A LICENCE, AND THE USE OF APPARATUS WHICH CAUSES INTERFERENCE TO THE WORKINGS OF TELECOMMUNI CAT LON EQUIPMENT.

"THE OFFENCES MAY NOT APPEAR SERIOUS IN THEMSELVES, BUT THEY CAN HAVE VERY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES IN TERMS OF AFFECTING COMMUNICATION BY EMERGENCY SERVICES OR BY SHIPS OR AEROPLANES, OR BY DAMAGING LICENSED COMMERCIAL SERVICES," HE SAID.

OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS THE NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS UNDER SECTION 8 OF THE ORDINANCE ROSE FROM 141 TO 641 A YEAR.

MR SIU SAID FOR THE MOST PART THIS INCREASE WAS ACCOUNTED FOR BY UNLICENSED USE OR UNAUTHORISED MODIFICATION OF RADIO EQUIPMENT IN TAXIS AND GOODS VEHICLES.

"WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSED REVISION IN FINES WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT IN DETERRING THIS CATEGORY OF OFFENDERS," HE SAID.

THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR OFFENCES UNDER REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE FROM $2,000 TO $20,000.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO » * * t «

A BILL PROPOSING TO EXTEND THE ABILITY OF COURTS IN HONG KONG TO TRY PERSONS FOR CERTAIN OFFENCES OF FRAUD AND DISHONESTY THAT HAVE A CONNECTION BOTH WITH HONG KONG AND ANOTHER PLACE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION BILL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS,- SAID THE BILL WAS TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN HONG KONG BY RENDERING FRAUDSTERS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION WHERE THEIR ACTIVITIES, OR THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIVITIES, WERE CONNECTED WITH HONG KONG.

HE SAID: "AT PRESENT, THE LAW REGARDS AN OFFENCE AS BEING COMMITTED WHERE THE LAST ACT OR EVENT NECESSARY FOR ITS COMPLETION TOOK PLACE.

"AS A RESULT, IT IS OFTEN NOT POSSIBLE TO PROSECUTE PERSONS IN HONG KONG FOR FRAUDS COMMITTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE A REAL CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG."

/CITING AN .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 10 -

CITING AN EXAMPLE, MR MATHEWS SAID A PERSON PUBLISHED AN ADVERTISEMENT IN HONG KONG INVITING PEOPLE TO INVEST IN A NON-EXISTENT PROPERTY IN AUSTRALIA BY PAYING MONEY INTO AN AUSTRALIAN BANK ACCOUNT WOULD NOT COMMIT AN OFFENCE IN HONG KONG IF THE CRIMINAL WITHDREW THE MONEY IN AUSTRALIA AND BROUGHT HIS ILL-GOTTEN GAINS BACK TO HONG KONG.

THIS WAS BECAUSE THE LAST ACT, THE OBTAINING OF THE PROCEEDS, TOOK PLACE ABROAD.

MR MATHEWS POINTED OUT THAT SIMILAR JURISDICTIONAL PROBLEMS MIGHT ARISE IF A PERSON IN HONG KONG ATTEMPTED TO COMMIT AN OFFENCE ELSEWHERE, OR CONSPIRED OR INCITED ANOTHER TO COMMIT AN OFFENCE

ABROAD.

HE SAID THE RULES RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS WERE DEVELOPED AT A TIME WHEN THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETPLACE AND MODERN, SOPHISTICATED MEANS OF TRANSFERRING MONEY DID NOT EXIST.

THOSE RULES HAD NOT EVOLVED TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH INTERNATIONAL FRAUD, WHICH OFTEN INVOLVED COMPLEX OPERATIONS DESIGNED TO CONCEAL DISHONEST CONDUCT AND TO MAKE DETECTION AND CONVICTION AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE, HF SAID.

MR MATHEWS ADDED THAT THE BILL WAS DESIGNED TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS AND WOULD APPLY TO TWO GROUPS OF OFFENCES.

THE OFFENCES THAT WERE LISTED IN THE BILL AS GROUP A OFFENCES WERE BROADLY THE OFFENCES OF THEFT, OBTAINING BY DECEPTION, FALSE ACCOUNTING, MAKING CERTAIN FALSE STATEMENTS AND BLACKMAIL UNDER THE THEFT ORDINANCE, AND FORGERY UNDER PART IX OF THE CRIMES ORDINANCE.

THE GROUP B OFFENCES LN THE BILL WERE CONSPIRACIES, ATTEMPTS AND INCITEMENTS 'I’O COMMIT ANY OF THE GROUP A OFFENCES, AND THE OFFENCE OF CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD.

MR MATHEWS SAID THERE WAS PROVISION IN THE BILL FOR THE LIST OF OFFENCES TO WHICH IT APPLIED TO BE AMENDED BY AN ORDER THAT HAD TO BE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

’’ADDITIONAL OFFENCES MAY, THEREFORE, BE INCLUDED IN THE LEGISLATION IF EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT IT IS DESIRABLE AND NECESSARY TO DO SO,” HE NOTED.

MR MATHEWS SAID IN RELATION TO THE GROUP .A OFFENCES, THAT WAS THE SUBSTANTIVE OFFENCES INVOLVING FRAUD OR DISHONESTY, THE2 BILL WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG COURTS TO TRY THOSE OFFENCES IF ANY EVENT THAT MUST BE PROVED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A CONVICTION IN RESPECT OF THEM TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG.

IN RELATION TO THE GROUP B OFFENCES, THE BILL PROVIDED THAT THE COURTS SHOULD HAVE JURISDICTION IF THERE WAS A CONSPIRACY, ATTEMPT OR INCITEMENT IN HONG KONG TO COMMIT ONE OF THE SPECIFIED OFFENCES ELSEWHERE, AND VICE VERSA, HE ADDED.

/BUT, IN ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 11 -

BUT, IN GIVING HONG KONG COURTS JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF CONSPIRACIES, ATTEMPTS AND INCITEMENTS TO COMMIT OFFENCES ELSEWHERE, THE BILL PROVIDED IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS, MR MATHEWS SAID.

"THE INTENDED CONDUCT ABROAD MUST BE SUCH THAT, IF PERFORMED IN HONG KONG, IT WOULD AMOUNT TO AN OFFENCE SPECIFIED IN THE BILL. IN ADDITION, THE CONDUCT MUST BE PUNISHABLE UNDER THE LAW IN THE OTHER PLACE," HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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

APPEAL TO INTRODUCE MANDATORY DRUG LABELLING * * t ♦ ♦

THE MEDICAL COUNCIL HAS STIPULATED THE REQUIREMENT FOR LABELLING OF DRUGS IN ITS CODE OF PRACTICE FOR DOCTORS, WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1995.

ANY MEDICAL PRACTITIONER FOUND IN BREACH OF THE REQUIREMENT WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL UNDER THE LAW; THE PENALTIES UNDER WHICH CAN BE VERY SEVERE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HO MUN-KA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THIS INITIATIVE AND WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS APPROACH BEFORE CONSIDERING, IF NECESSARY, FURTHER LEGISLATION.

"IN EFFECT, THIS APPROACH ENSURES EARLIER IMPLEMENTATION OF DRUG LABELLING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITH FULL CO-OPERATION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION THAN WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CASE OTHERWISE," SHE SAID.

"HENCE, I WOULD LIKE TO APPEAL TO ALL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS TO INTRODUCE, WHERE RELEVANT, MANDATORY DRUG LABELLING VIA THE VEHICLE OF CODES OF PRACTICE, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.

"OUR AIM IS TO SAFEGUARD PATIENT INTERESTS. THIS AIM IS BEST SERVED BY THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH SECTORS ALIKE.

"IN MY VIEW, LEGISLATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED EITHER TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO REINFORCE GOOD PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES AND/OR AS A VEHICLE TO ENFORCE MEASURES IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

"WE HAVE CERTAINLY NOT ABANDONED THIS MEASURE," SHE ADDED.

ON THE PROGRESS OF DRUG LABELLING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, MRS WONG TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT ALL PUBLIC OUT-PATIENT AND SPECIALIST CLINICS ALREADY HAD THEIR DISPENSED MEDICINES LABELLED.

EXTENSION OF DRUG LABELLING IN ALL MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1994/95.

/AS FAR ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

AS FAR AS THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS CONCERNED, 12 OF THE 13 PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG HAVE THEIR DISPENSED MEDICINES LABELLED, EITHER AS A ROUTINE OR ON THE REQUEST OF DOCTORS OR PATIENTD. THE REMAINING ONE HOSPITAL WILL FOLLOW SUIT THIS APRIL.

A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE ESTATE DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION ALSO SHOWED THAT SOME 15 PER CENT OF ITS MEMBERS LABELLED THEIR MEDICINES FOR PATIENTS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.

FURTHERMORE, OVERWHELMING SUPPORT WAS ALSO RECEIVED FROM THE 49 MEDICAL, DENTAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATIONS CONSULTED LAST YEAR ON THE FEASIBILITY OF LEGISLATING FOR MANDATORY LABELLING OF DRUGS; ALTHOUGH MANY PREFERRED MANDATORY LABELLING VIA THE VEHICLE OF CODES OF PRACTICE.

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

GOVT DOES NOT INTERVENE IN PRIVATE DISPUTES OVER PROPERTY SALES ******

PROPERTY SALES AND PURCHASES ARE MATTERS BETWEEN VENDORS AND PURCHASERS AND THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT NORMALLY INTERVENE IN PRIVATE DISPUTES OVER SUCH MATTERS, THE SECRETARY FOR. PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EASON SAID PURCHASERS SHOULD SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AS TO WHAT ACTION MIGHT BE TAKEN WHERE THEY BELIEVED MISREPRESENTATION OR ANY OTHER QUESTIONABLE PRACTICE HAD OCCURRED.

MR EASON SAID THERE WAS NO LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN RELATION TO THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF PROPERTY.

A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IS CURRENTLY STUDYING THE SUBJECT WITH A VIEW TO ENSURING THAT SUFFICIENT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS AND IN A FORM EASILY UNDERSTOOD.

"I UNDERSTAND THE SUB-COMMITTEE IS NOW FINALISING ITS REPORT AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE RESULTS OF THESE IMPORTANT DELIBERATIONS,” HE SAID.

MR EASON SAID SALES BROCHURES MUST BE PRODUCED FOR THE SALE OF UNCOMPLETED UNITS IN DEVELOPMENTS WHICH WERE COVERED BY THE CONSENT SCHEME OPERATED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, UNDER WHICH THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE THE SALE OR DISPOSAL OF UNCOMPLETED UNITS.

THE SALEABLE FLOOR AREA IS ONE OF A NUMBER OF ITEMS WHICH MUST BE DISCLOSED IN SUCH BROCHURES.

A STANDARD FORM OF \GREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE CONTAINING A DEFINITION OF SALEABLE FLOOR AREA MUST ALSO BE USED IN THESE CASES.

/MR EASON .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 13 -

MR EASON NOTED THAT FOR DEVELOPMENTS NOT COVERED BY THE CONSENT SCHEME, IT WAS CURRENTLY FOR THE DEVELOPER TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO Disclose saleable floor areas in sales brochures.

THE LAW SOCIETY OPERATES A NON-CONSENT SCHEME WHICH ADOPTS A STANDARDISED AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE AND A SIMILAR BUT NOT Identical definition of saleable floor area as for consent scheme.

HE SAID THE LAW SOCIETY WAS CONSIDERING AMENDMENTS TO THE FORM OF THE AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE IN THE NON-CONSENT SCHEME, INCLUDING THE DEFINITION OF SALEABLE FLOOR AREA, BUT THESE HAD NOT YET BEEN FINALISED.

"TO PROTECT THEIR OWN INTERESTS, PURCHASERS SHOULD MAKE SURE That they know what the precise saleable area of the unit they are Buying is and check the floor plan of the unit attached to the AGREEMENT WHEN THEY SIGN THE FORMAL AGREEMENT FOR SALE AND PURCHASE.

"PURCHASERS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AND, IF Necessary, engage an architect or surveyor to give them expert ADVICE," MR EASON SAID.

THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED 25 COMPLAINTS RELATING TO "DIMINISHED SHOP SPACES" IN THREE DEVELOPMENTS BUT THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE RECORDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS TYPE.

-----0-----

MEASURES TO IMPROVE AIR POLLUTION

******

THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED VARIOUS MEASURES TO MITIGATE THE AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH KUNG-WAI, MR EASON SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE THE USE OF BETTER QUALITY DIESEL FUEL AFTER APRIL 1995 UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL) REGULATION."

THE BILL ENABLING THIS TO BE DONE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING AND ITS SECOND READING IS SCHEDULED ON MARCH .30.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO PROPOSED TO AMEND THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (VEHICLE DESIGN STANDARDS) (EMISSION) REGULATION UNDER THE SAME ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE ALL VEHICLES REGISTERED AFTER APRIL 1995 TO MEET MORE STRINGENT EMISSION STANDARDS ADOPTED BY EUROPE, THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN.

SUBJECT TO CONSULTATION, MR EASON SAID, THE AMENDMENT REGULATION SHOULD BE ENACTED B\ THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.

/IN ADDITION,

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

14 -

IN ADDITION, THE SMOKY VEHICLES DETECTION PROGRAMME WILL BE STEPPED UP SO THAT MORE VEHICLES WILL BE CALLED UP FOR EXAMINATION.

A FURTHER MEASURE WHICH COULD HELP REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM LIGHT DUTY DIESEL VEHICLES WOULD BE A SWITCH TO UNLEADED PETROL AND CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING THIS MEASURE WAS BEING CONSIDERED URGENTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.

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

NO PLAN TO DRAW UP GUIDELINES FOR INDIVIDUAL TRADES *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION TO DRAW UP CODES OF PRACTICE AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TRADES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID: ’’THIS IS BEST LEFT TO TRADE ASSOCIATIONS."

HE ALSO TOLD LEGISLATORS THAT THE SETTING UP OF A LICENSING SYSTEM FOR PERSONS PRACTISING HAND MASSAGE IS UNNECESSARY.

"MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AT PRESENT ARE ADEQUATELY REGULATED UNDER THE MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS ORDINANCE," HE ADDED.

MR ASPREY NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT HAVE STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN THE HAND MASSAGE TRADE.

HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, THERE ARE 40 TRAINED BLIND PEOPLE WORKING IN THE TRADE.

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

WAYS TO ENHANCE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TRANSPARENCY *****

THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ENHANCES ITS TRANSPARENCY THROUGH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC IN ITS DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY FOR DECISIONS MADE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, MRS WONG SAID THE BOARD OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEES WERE SERVED BY OVER 300 COMMUNITY LEADERS, OF WHOM SOME 40 WERE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

/THEY PLAY .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

THEY PLAY A KEY ROLE IN LAYING DOWN THE STRATEGIES AND DIRECTIONS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, OVERSEEING THE MANAGEMENT AND REVIEWING THE PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS.

THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR DECISIONS MADE AND IS ANSWERABLE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE IT IS SUBSTANTIALLY FUNDED FROM PUBLIC REVENUE.

THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT MAY CONDUCT EXAMINATIONS ON THE ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY WITH WHICH THE AUTHORITY HAS EXPENDED RESOURCES IN DISCHARGING ITS STATUTORY FUNCTIONS UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ORDINANCE.

MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE TRANSPARENCY WAS FURTHER ENHANCED BY A PATIENT-CENTRED CULTURE.

"TO TAKE A VERY POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN DEALING WITH PATIENT COMPLAINTS, A PUBLIC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE HANDLES COMPLAINTS RECEIVED AT THE HOSPITAL LEVEL AS WELL AS CASES REFERRED TO IT BY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS," SHE SAID.

IN ADDITION, THERE IS A CONSTANT FLOW OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY THROUGH NEWSLETTERS, PRESS BRIEFINGS AND INTERVIEWS.

OTHER ONGOING PLANS TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE AUTHORITY ARE ALSO IN HANI).

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

MEASURES TO DETER UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS * * * * *

ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLICITY MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO DETER ACTIVITIES OF UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAU SAID THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL WORKED TOGETHER CLOSELY IN MONITORING THE ACTIVITIES.

FROM 1991 TO 1993, THE REGISTRAR REFERRED.50 REPORTS INVOLVING 90 SUSPECTED UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS TO THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION.

PROSECUTION WAS UNDERTAKEN IN RESPECT OF 35 CASES, OF WHICH 38 PERSONS WERE CONVICTED. ELEVEN CASES REMAIN OUTSTANDING.

ON PUBLICITY, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL MADE REGULAR EFFORTS, PARTICULARLY BEFORE EACH PEAK TRAVEL SEASON, TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO PROVIDE OUTBOUND TRAVEL SERVICE WITHOUT A LICENCE.

THE PUBLIC WAS ALSO ADVISED NOT TO PATRONISE UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS, HE ADDED.

/THE TRAVEL ......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 16 -

THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL, THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY’S OWN SELF-REGULATORY BODY, HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A SIMILAR PUBLICITY DRIVE.

MR CHAU SAID THE REGISTRAR AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL HAD ADVISED ALL LICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS NOT TO HAVE DEALINGS WITH UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS.

’’THE OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY HAS ALSO BEEN ENCOURAGED TO REPORT CASES OF SUSPECTED UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS TO THE REGISTRAR FOR ACTION.

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

MODIFICATION OF CRITERIA OF SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING

»*«»»»

IT IS LIKELY THAT THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR APPLYING FOR PHASE II OF THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING LOAN SCHEME WILL BE MODIFIED BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PHASE I, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN, MR EASON SAID CONSULTATION ON THE POSSIBLE MODIFICATIONS WAS TAKING PLACE.

OF THE 3,545 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED UNDER THE PHASE I OF THE SCHEME, MR EASON SAID, 388 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN APPROVED AND 79 APPLICANTS HAD PURCHASED FLATS.

THE PROCESSING OF THE PHASE I APPLICATIONS WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF MARCH AND APPLICATIONS FOR PHASE II OF THE SCHEME WILL BE INVITED IN APRIL.

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

PLANS TO HELP CROSS-BORDER TRAVELLERS

*****

IMMIGRATION MANPOWER WILL BE INCREASED AND NEW FACILITIES WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE LO WU BORDER AND THE HUNG HOM TERMINAL TO COPE WITH THE VOLUME OF CROSS-BORDER TRAVELLERS AT BUSY HOLIDAY PERIODS.

THIS WAS’ STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE MEASURES INCLUDE:

* BUILDING A NEW STATION AT HUNG HOM, WHICH WILL INCLUDE A BIGGER IMMIGRATION HALL WITH ADDITIONAL COUNTERS. IT IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN 1995/96;

/* TO OPERATE ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

* TO OPERATE ADDITIONAL CHARTER EXPRESS TRAINS TO LO WU DURING FESTIVAL PERIODS;

* TO ADD 70 STAFF IN 1994/95 TO MAN THE EXTENSION TO LO WU TERMINAL, WHICH IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED THEN. THIS WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF COUNTERS FROM 88 TO 160; AND

* TO SET UP A 46-STRONG IMMIGRATION TASK FORCE THIS YEAR TO DEAL WITH SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS, AND TO REINFORCE LO WU AND

OTHER CONTROL POINTS DURING BUSY PERIODS.

MR ASPREY SAID ARRANGEMENTS AT LO WU THAT HAD WORKED WELL DURING THE RECENT CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS WOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR USE AT OTHER BUSY HOLIDAY PERIODS.

- - 0 - -

TSEUNG KWAN O SITE TO BE GRANTED TO HOUSING SOCIETY ******

A SITE IN AREA 19B OF TSEUNG KWAN O WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT TWO HECTARES WILL BE GRANTED TO THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY BY PRIVATE TREATY FOR CONSTRUCTING RENTAL FLATS AND FLATS FOR SALE TOGETHER WITH A PROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF SUPPORTING COMMERCIAL FLOOR SPACE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR EASON SAID THE PROPOSED DOMESTIC GROSS FLOOR AREA FOR THIS SITE WAS ABOUT 144,000 SQUARE METRES AND THE SUPPORTING COMMERCIAL FLOOR SPACE ABOUT 1,400 SQUARE METRES.

"THE PREMIUM FOR THE SITE WILL BE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF ONE-THIRD OF THE FULL MARKET VALUE FOR RENTAL FLATS, ONE-HALF OF THE FULL MARKET VALUE FOR FLATS FOR SALE, AND THE FULL MARKET VALUE FOR COMMERCIAL FLOOR SPACE TN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED POLICY.

"BECAUSE THE SITE WILL BE GRANTED AT A CONCESSIONARY

PREMIUM IN RESPECT OF THE RESIDENTIAL PORTIONS, THE SOCIETY WILL BE REQUIRED UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF GRANT TO OFFER THE FLATS FOR SALE ON TERMS SIMILAR TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME," MR EASON SAID.

MR EASON ADDED THAT THE PREMIUM AND MARKET VALUE OF THE SITE HAD NOT YET BEEN ASSESSED AND THE HOUSING MIX BETWEEN RENTAL AND SALES HAD NOT YET BEEN DECIDED UPON.

- - 0 - -

/18

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 18 -

EFFORTS TO ENSURE VENDING MACHINES ACCEPT $10 COIN * » » » *

THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH OPERATORS AND SUPPLIERS OF VENDING MACHINES TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW $10 COIN WILL BE ACCEPTED BY VENDING MACHINES FROM ITS INTRODUCTION.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM WING-PONG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE EXPLAINED THAT AS WITH ANY NEW COIN, EXISTING VENDING MACHINES WOULD NEED TO BE ADAPTED TO ACCEPT THE NEW $10 COIN, REGARDLESS OF ITS METAL CONTENT.

THERE IS NO IRON CONTENT IN THE NEW $10 COIN, HE SAID.

REGARDING THE WEIGHT OF THE NEW COIN, MR TAM SAID IT WEIGHED 11 GRAMMES, LIGHTER THAN THE EXISTING $5 COIN WHICH WEIGHED 13.5 GRAMMES.

"THE INCONVENIENCE THAT MIGHT BE CAUSED TO THE PUBLIC IN CARRYING THE $10 COIN SHOU),I), THEREFORE, BE MINIMAL.

"FURTHERMORE, THE CIRCULATION OF $20 NOTES WILL BE INCREASED SO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A CHOICE OF THE CONVENIENCE OF CARRYING BANK NOTES IN A HIGHER DENOMINATION INSTEAD OF COINS IF THEY SO WISH," HE ADDED.

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

NO PLANS TO CONDUCT SURVEY ON PORNOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE * * * * t

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO CONDUCT ANY SURVEY TO GAUGE PUBLIC OPINIONS ON PORNOGRAPHIC COMPUTER SOFTWARE OR ANY OTHER SIMILAR ARTICLES, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID.

THESE ARE SUBJECT TO REGULATION UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE (CO1AO), AND THE INITIATIVE FOR SUCH AN EXERCISE SHOULD COME FROM THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL, HE ADDED.

HOWEVER, MR SO STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE STRONG ENFORCEMENT ACTION.

IN Till- PAST NINE MONTHS, THE POLICE AND TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) HAVE SEIZED 2,500 PIECES OF PORNOGRAPHIC COMPUTER SOFTWARE, RESULTING IN FOUR PERSONS HAVING BEEN CHARGED. THESE CASES ARE NOW PENDING HEARING BY THE COURT.

MR SO ALSO TOLD MEMBERS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC 11 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONDUCTED A FILM STANDARDS SURVEY LAST YEAR.

/THE AIM ........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 19 -

THE AIM WAS TO SOLICIT PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE PRESENT FILM CENSORSHIP SYSTEM AND STANDARDS AS WELL AS ON FILM POSTERS.

IT DID NOT COVER PORNOGRAPHIC COMPUTER SOFTWARE OR ANY OTHER OBSCENE OR INDECENT ARTICLES WHICH ARE NOT GOVERNED BY THE FILM CENSORSHIP ORDINANCE.

"THE FIELD WORK FOR THIS SURVEY WAS COMPLETED AT THE END OF 1993 AS SCHEDULED," SAID MR SO.

"THE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH FIRM COMMISSIONED TO CONDUCT THE SURVEY IS NOW TABULATING, ANALYSING AND INTERPRETING THE DATA COLLECTED, AND THE FINAL REPORT SHOULD BE READY BY THE END OF MARCH," HE ADDED.

----0-----

PUBLIC HOUSING LIFT CONTRACTORS COMPLYING WITH REGULATIONS

*«»»*««

LIFTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) COURTS UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S DIRECT MANAGEMENT ARE EXEMPT FROM CONTROL UNDER THE BUILDING (LIFTS) REGULATIONS.

NONETHELESS, CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING LIFTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND HOS COURTS HAVE NOT BEEN FOUND TO BE IN BREACH OF THE REGULATIONS IN CARRYING OUT THEIR WORK.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD.

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, MR EASON SAID, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY REPLACES ALL LIFTS WHICH ARE MORE THAN 20 YEARS OLD.

ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF LIFTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND HOS COURTS ARE LESS THAN FIVE YEARS OLD.

ABOUT 27 PER CENT ARE BETWEEN FIVE TO 10 YEARS OLD WHILE THE REST ARE BETWEEN 10 AND 20 YEARS OLD.

MR EASON SAID THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR TO LIFTS AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE MANAGEMENT FEES OF HOS COURTS VARIED COURT FROM TO COURT, ADDING THAT IT ACCOUNTED FOR 15 TO 20 PER CENT OF TOTAL MANAGEMENT FEES ON AVERAGE.

AS REGARDS PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE TOTAL COST OF MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR TO LIFTS GENERALLY REPRESENTS THREE TO FOUR PER CENT OF THE TOTAL RENTS COLLECTED.

HOWEVER, A TOTAL OF 24,309 REPAIR ORDERS WERE CARRIED OUT AT A COST OF $23.8 MILLION IN 1993, REPRESENTING AN AVERAGE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR COST OF $47,460 PER LIFT, HE SAID.

/THERE ARE .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 20 -

THERE ARE 5,338 LIFTS SERVING BUILDINGS IN PUBLIC RENTAL ESTATES (INCLUDING FLATTED FACTORIES) AND HOS COURTS UNDER THE AUTHORITY’S DIRECT MANAGEMENT.

THEIR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ARE SHARED AMONG 11 APPROVED CONTRACTORS.

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

OBJECTION PERIOD FOR OZPS GOVERNED BY ORDINANCE

******

THE PERIOD FOR RAISING OBJECTIONS TO OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS) IS GOVERNED BY THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE AND DEPENDS ON THE STATUS OF THE PARTICULAR OZP, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD S T HO, MR EASON SAID UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE IF AN OZP WAS A NEW ONE OR HAD BEEN REFERRED BACK TO TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR AMENDMENT BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, AMENDMENT TO IT NEEDED TO BE GAZETTED AND EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS.

HOWEVER, II IT IS AN AMENDMENT PLAN TO AMEND ONE ALREADY EXHIBITED BUT NOT YET SUBMITTED TO THE GOVRERNOR IN COUNCIL, AMENDMENTS WILL BE GAZETTED WITH ?A THREE-WEEK PUBLIC INSPECTION PERIOD.

SINCE OZPS DEAL WITH THE OVERALL LAYOUT, LAND-USE AND PLANNING OF AN ARFA AND MAY SET DEVELOPMENT LIMITS IN THE FORM OF PLOT RATIO RESTRICTIONS FOR DIFFERENT LAND USES AND AREAS WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE, PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, IT IS THEREFORE APPROPRIATE TO IMPOSE REVISED DENSITY CONTROLS ON KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON THROUGH AMENDMENTS TO OZPS.

THE BUILDINGS (PLANNING) REGULATIONS SERVE A DIFFERENT PURPOSE TO GOVERN THE INTEGRITY OF A PARTICULAR STRUCTURE, THE SAFETY OF THE BUILDING, THE STANDARD OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND SO ON.

FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE IT CLEAR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE DENSITY CONTROL IN KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON WOULD BE IMPOSED BY AMENDING OZPS WHEN A MOTION WAS MOVED SEEKING AN EXTENSION OF THE TEMPORARY CONTROL OF DENSITY OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (KOWLOON AND NEU KOWLOON) ORDINANCE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1993.

- - 0 - -

/21 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 21 -

JOBS FOR LOCAL EMPLOYEES OF BRITISH FORCES ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

LOCALLY ENLISTED STAFF MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH FORCES IN HONG KONG ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR VACANCIES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WHEN THEY LEAVE THE FORCES BY 1997, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HOWEVER, MR ASPREY POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT HAVE ANY SPECIAL SCHEMES FOR GIVING PRIORITY ENTRANCE TO THEM FOR VACANCIES EITHER IN THE POLICE OR ELSEWHERE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES, AS THE EMPLOYER OF THESE PEOPLE, HAD ESTABLISHED RESETTLEMENT TEAMS TO ASSIST IN MANAGING THE RUNDOWN IN THEIR EMPLOYMENT.

THE TEAMS ALSO ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM WHEN THEY LEAVE, HE ADDED.

’’AND THERE ARE ALSO MANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM IN HONG KONG’S BUOYANT LABOUR MARKET,” HE SAID.

SOME 3,300 HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE BEING EMPLOYED BY THE BRITISH FORCES, OF WHOM ABOUT 1,300 ARE SERVING MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE ARMY.

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

SECURITY AT POLICE STATIONS AND STAFF QUARTERS ADEQUATE ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE TWO RECENT CASES INVOLVING THE THEFT OF A POLICE UNIFORM AND A PERSONAL ISSUE REVOLVER DO NOT INDICATE ANY INADEQUACY IN POLICE ORDERS FOR SECURITY OR SECURITY MEASURES.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEREFORE, NO IMMEDIATE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE, MR ASPREY SAID.

HOWEVER, THE SECRETARY SAID THE POLICE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW SECURITY MEASURES AND ORDERS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE ADEQUATE AND PROPERLY ADMINISTERED.

MR ASPREY SAID POLICE FORMATION COMMANDERS ISSUED INSTRUCTIONS AND ORDERS GOVERNING THE GENERAL SECURITY OF POLICE STATIONS.

THESE I NSTRUCT IONS AND ORDERS INCLUDE PROCEDURES 1’0 BE FOLLOWED BY POLICE OFFICERS AND OTHER STAFF IN POLICE STATIONS TO ENSURE THE SECURITY OF OFF1CFS, EQUIPMENT, FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, DOCUMENTS AND VALUABLES.

/"THEY ARE .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994 '

- 22 -

’’THEY ARE REVIEWED REGULARLY,” HE ADDED.

THERE ARE ALSO SPECIFIC POLICE GENERAL ORDERS FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO FOLLOW IN POLICE STATION ARMOURIES AND, IN PARTICULAR, FOR THE SECURITY OF PERSONAL ISSUE WEAPONS.

ACCESS TO POLICE STATIONS IS, IN MANY CASES, CONTROLLED BY POLICE OFFICERS ON GATE GUARD DUTY. DISCIPLINED STAFF IN POLICE REPORT ROOMS ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE SECURITY OF THE POLICE STATION.

HE NOTED THAT SECURITY WAS A MAJOR FACTOR OF CONSIDERATION IN THE DESIGN OF NEW POLICE STATIONS.

FOR POLICE QUARTERS, MR ASPREY SAID ACCESS TO QUARTERS ADJACENT TO THE POLICE STATION WAS CONTROLLED BY STATION GATE GUARDS.

SECURITY FOR QUARTERS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES, OR ISOLATED RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS, WERE GOVERNED BY THE ESTATE MANAGEMENT OR THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENCY APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

HE SAID POLICE REGIONAL CRIME PREVENTION OFFICERS COULD GIVE ADVICE TO PROPERTY OR ESTATE MANAGEMENT STAFF TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SECURITY FOR POLICE QUARTERS, AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REQUIRED THEM TO TAKE IMPROVEMENTS.

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

GOVT SUPPORTS UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS * * * * *

LOBBYING FOR THE UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS HAS BECOME A REGULAR PART OF THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, SAID.

ITS MAIN TASK IS TO ENSURE THAT THE DAMAGING IMPACT OF MFN REVOCATION ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IS CONVEYED TO RELEVANT MEMBERS OF THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION AND AS MANY MEMBERS OF THE U.S. CONGRESS AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID.

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR CHAU SAID THE WASHINGTON STAFF CO-OPERATED CLOSELY WITH A COALITION OF U.S. BUSINESSES WHICH HAD AN INTEREST IN TRADING WITH OR INVESTING IN CHINA.

TO SUPPLEMENT THESE EFFORTS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS VISIT WASHINGTON EACH YEAR.

ALSO THE GOVERNMENT CO-ORDINATES THE VISITS TO WASHINGTON OF PROMINENT HONG KONG PERSONALITIES AND LOBBYING MISSIONS OF TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL GROUPS.

’’THE PROGRAMME OF VISITS IN CONNECTION WITH MFN RENEWAL IN 1994 IS UNDER CONSIDERATION,” HE SAID.

/MR CHAU .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 23 -

MR CHAU REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUED TO SUPPORT THE UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS.

AN UPDATED ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY SHOULD CHINA LOSE ITS MFN STATUS IN THE U.S., BASED ON 1993 TRADE STATISTICS, WILL BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH.

HE SAID IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY OF MINIMUM INTERFERENCE IN THE OPERATION OF MARKET FORCES, DECISIONS ON HOW BEST TO ADJUST TO CHANGES IN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE LEFT TO BUSINESSMEN THEMSELVES.

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

GAP DUE TO ABSENCE OF 1.1. WITNESS CLOSED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE RECORDS OF THE NUMBER OF CASES WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN BROUGHT TO COURT BECAUSE OF A DECISION NOT TO SEEK THE DETENTION OF A WITNESS.

THE FIGURES OF CASES WHICH HAVE FAILED IN COURT FOR LACK OF SUCH A WITNESS ARE NEITHER AVAILABLE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANNA WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR ASPREY SAID THERE WAS A CASE LAST YEAR IN WHICH THE DEFENDANT WAS ACQUITTED AS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO WAS REQUIRED TO GIVE EVIDENCE WAS NOT AVAILABLE, HAVING BEEN REPATRIATED.

"THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAS NOW BEEN RESOLVED," HE SAID.

SECTION 63A OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED BY THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993, WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE PROOF OF AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT’S STATUS BY MEANS OF A CERTIFICATE.

"WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS CAUSED BY ATTACKS ON THE CREDIBILITY OF THE EVIDENCE OF A WITNESS BY REASON OF HIS OR HER DETENTION UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE," THE SECRETARY SAID.

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

/24 .......

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 24 -

GOVT CONSIDERS TO INSTALL DGPS

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE INSTALLATION OF A DIFFERENTIAL GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (DGPS), THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG HONG-YUEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SIU SAID THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE VALUE OF DGPS IN NAVIGATION, SURVEY, AND RELATED FUNCTION.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE INSTALLATION OF A LAND-BASED REFERENCE STATION AND TRANSMITTING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE HONG KONG HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE WHEN THIS WAS ESTABLISHED LATER THIS YEAR.

"THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, DIRECTOR OF MARINE, TOGETHER WITH THE TELECOMMUNICATION AUTHORITY, ARE CURRENTLY EXAMINING THE TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING THE SYSTEM," MR SIU SAID.

DGPS RELIES ON A LAND-BASED REFERENCE STATION BROADCASTING RADIO SIGNALS WHICH ENABLE A VESSEL TO LOCATE MORE ACCURATELY ITS POSITION BY CROSS-REFERENCE TO SATELLITES.

IT IS WIDELY USED AS AN ELECTRONIC NAVIGATIONAL AID.

"DGPS IS ALSO EXTENSIVELY USED IN MANY OTHER AREAS SUCH AS LAND SURVEYING AND VEHICLE TRACKING," MR SIU SAID.

FOUR LICENSED DGPS SYSTEMS FOR PRIVATE USE BY SHIPPING OR DREDGING COMPANIES ARE ALREADY OPERATIONAL IN HONG KONG.

THERE IS ALSO THE POTENTIAL FOR DGPS TO BE OFFERED ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS AS A PUBLIC TELECOMS SERVICE, HE ADDED.

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

NO PROSECUTION AGAINST DEALERS FOR INACCURATE RECORD OF ARMS TRANSACTION *****

NO ARMS AND AMMUNITION DEALERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED FOR FAILING TO KEEP AN ACCURATE RECORD OF TRANSACTIONS IN ARMS AND AMMUNITION OR THE QUANTITY IN THEIR POSSESSION OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR ASPREY SAID THE POLICE INSPECTED THE REGISTERS OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION OF SHOOTING CLUBS WHICH KEEP THEIR OWN ARMOURIES AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.

/WHERE NECESSARY.........

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994

- 25 -

WHERE NECESSARY, POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS INCREASE THE FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS TO QUARTERLY OR MONTHLY, DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES, HE ADDED.

THE POLICE ISSUE AN ARMS AND AMMUNITION DEALER’S LICENCE UNDER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE ONLY IF THE DEALER CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT THERE IS A LEGITIMATE NEED FOR THE FIREARM IN HONG KONG, MR ASPREY SAID.

’’EACH APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION OF A PARTICULAR TYPE OF FIREARM, OR FOR DEALING IN SUCH A FIREARM, WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS," HE SAID.

A LICENCE IS ISSUED SUBJECT TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE THINKS FIT.

CONDITIONS ARE IMPOSED PRIMARILY WITH THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN MIND AND INVARIABLY RELATE TO SAFETY AND SECURITY, HE ADDED.

AT PRESENT, DEALERS MAY DEAL ONLY IN ARMS FOR WHICH THE POLICE ISSUE LICENCES OF POSSESSION.

AN ARMS DEALER MAY BE PERMITTED TO TAKE POSSESSION OF A WIDER SELECTION OF ARMS FOR THEM TO BE MODIFIED FOR FILM SHOOTING.

THESE WEAPONS CAN BE USED ONLY FOR FILM SHOOTING AFTER EXAMINATION BY THE POLICE BALLISTIC AND FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION BUREAU, THE SECRETARY SAID.

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

BILL ON ELECTORAL PROVISIONS PASSED t t * * *

THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL 1993 WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS AFTER MORE THAN NINE HOURS OF DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.

A MOTION TO AMEND THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MOVED BY THE HON MRS ELSIE TU WAS DEFEATED.

TWO OTHER MOTIONS MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, UNDER THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) ORDINANCE AND THE FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) ORDINANCE, WERE ALSO PASSED.

TWO BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS AND DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED. THEY WERE THE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION BILL AND THE TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR IN LEGCO ............................................ 1

WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED ........... 17

CS REITERATES HOPE FOR CONTINUED CO-OPERATION ................ 18

CS MEETS MEDIA AFTER LEGCO MEETING ........................... 19

EDUCATION KEEPS HK ON LEADING EDGE ........................... 20

1994 - A MEMORABLE YEAR FOR SPORTS: CS ....................... 21

ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT IN 1993 ...... 22

HK SUPPORTS GLOBAL TROPOSPHERIC EXPERIMENT ................... 31

FIVE MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED ....................... 32

EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXHIBITION DRAWS BIG CROWDS ............ 32

DRAFT LAW SENT OUT FOR COMMENTS .............................. 33

925 MOST IMPROVED STUDENTS AWARDED ........................... 34

RALEIGH HOPEFULS VENTURE TO SUCCEED .......................... 34

BOE MEMBERS VISIT CARITAS LOK YI SCHOOL ...................... 35

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

GOVERNOR IN LEGCO

*****

THE FOLLOWING

CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AT

IS THE STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR THE RT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY):

HON

MR PRESIDENT,

I WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN BY REPORTING TO MEMBERS ON MY RECENT VISIT TO AUSTRALIA.

I PAID AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA, AT THE INVITATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT, FROM 13-19 FEBRUARY. I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FOR THE INVITATION AND FOR ARRANGING THE VISIT SO WELL AND SO GENEROUSLY.

AUSTRALIA IS AN IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNER FOR HONG KONG. 300 AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES OPERATE HERE, EMPLOYING 70,000 HONG KONG PEOPLE. TOTAL TRADE BETWEEN US ROSE 12% LAST YEAR. HONG KONG IS AUSTRALIA’S 7TH LARGEST EXPORT MARKET AND 10TH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER OVERALL. THERE ARE GROWING HUMAN CONTACTS BETWEEN OUR COMMUNITIES. ALMOST 10,000 HONG KONG STUDENTS ARE STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA, WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF AUSTRALIANS TEACHING AT OUR OWN UNIVERSITIES. 20,000 AUSTRALIANS LIVE AND WORK IN HONG KONG AND SOME 80,000 PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG NOW LIVE AND WORK IN AUSTRALIA. OVER 300,000 AUSTRALIANS VISITED HONG KONG LAST YEAR; AND OVER 120,000 HONG KONG PEOPLE VISITED AUSTRALIA.

MY VISIT TOOK IN SYDNEY, CANBERRA AND MELBOURNE. I HAD GOOD MEETINGS WITH PRIME MINISTER KEATING IN SYDNEY AND THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, SENATOR EVANS, IN CANBERRA. I ALSO HAD MEETINGS WITH THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL, MR HAYDEN, THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATES OF NEW SOUTH WALES AND VICTORIA, AS WELL AS WITH THE PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES AND THE DEPUTY PREMIER OF VICTORIA. I MADE FOUR PUBLIC SPEECHES AND I VISITED A NUMBER OF COMPANIES DOING CONSIDERABLE BUSINESS WITH US HERE IN HONG KONG. I ENCOURAGED FIRMS NOT ALREADY ACTIVE HERE TO CONSIDER USING HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL BASE. EQUALLY I WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE REASSURANCES TO THOSE FIRMS THAT ARE HERE THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS. EVERYWHERE I WENT I FOUND ENORMOUS WARMTH AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG AUSTRALIANS - IN GOVERNMENT AND OUTSIDE IT - FOR HONG KONG AND I FOUND AS WELL A GREAT DEAL OF GOODWILL FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE. AUSTRALIA IS A GOOD FRIEND TO HONG KONG. WE WARMLY APPRECIATE AND VALUE THE TIES OF FRIENDSHIP AND TRADE THAT LINK OUR COMMUNITIES. I HOPE THOSE TIES WILL GROW IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD.

/TURNING NOW .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 2 -

TURNING NOW TO DEVELOPMENTS CLOSER TO HOME, I WAS VERY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THIS COUNCIL LAST NIGHT PASSED THE LEGISLATION DEALING WITH THE LESS CONTROVERSIAL ELEMENTS RELATING TO THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTIONS IN 1994 AND 1995. THIS WAS THE SECOND BILL RELATING TO THE 1994 AND 1995 ELECTIONS WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS NOW PASSED. AFTER WE FIRST PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS IN OCTOBER 1992, WE MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE WERE KEEN TO DISCUSS THEM WITH THE CHINESE SIDE. UNFORTUNATELY TALKS DID NOT BEGIN BEFORE WE HAD TO LEGISLATE ON THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION. THAT BODY IS NOW ESTABLISHED AND DOING VERY GOOD WORK. TALKS DID BEGIN IN APRIL 1993, BUT REGRETTABLY IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO REACH AGREEMENT BEFORE TIME PRESSURES MEANT WE HAD TO PRESS ON WITH THE NEXT STAGE OF LEGISLATION, WHICH THE COUNCIL HAS JUST PASSED. THE VOTING AGE AND VOTING METHOD FOR ALL 3 TIERS OF ELECTION ARE NOW AGREED. SO TOO THE ABOLITION OF APPOINTED MEMBERSHIP OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS. THIS MEANS THAT WE NOW HAVE A PROPORTION OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION IN PLACE, AND ARE READY TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STAGE.

THE FACT THAT THIS LEGISLATION - THE LESS CONTROVERSIAL PART -HAS TAKEN SOME TWO AND A HALF MONTHS TO PASS THROUGH THIS COUNCIL UNDERLINES HOW FINE WE HAVE BEEN CUTTING THINGS. WE NOW HAVE ONLY 4 MONTHS LEFT IN WHICH TO PASS THE REMAINING LEGISLATION. WE NEED TO HAVE THAT THROUGH BY THE TIME THIS COUNCIL RISES IN JULY; IT IS OUR FIRM AIM TO DO SO.

WE HAD HOPED THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE TALKS WITH CHINA TO RESUME. WE HAVE SINCE LAST NOVEMBER REPEATEDLY ASKED THE CHINESE TO CONTINUE TALKS ON THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES. THERE HAVE BEEN INNUMERABLE SUCH REQUESTS ON DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS; INCLUDING A MESSAGE FROM THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TO THE CHINESE PREMIER. AS YOU KNOW, CHINA WAS ONLY WILLING TO DO SO ON CONDITION THAT THE FIRST-STAGE BILL WAS WITHDRAWN. THAT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. TIME IS NOW PRESSING IF WE ARE TO HAVE THE LEGISLATION THROUGH IN TIME TO ENABLE US TO HOLD ELECTIONS IN GOOD ORDER AND ON SCHEDULE.

WE THEREFORE NEED NOW TO PROCEED WITH THE THIRD BILL WITHOUT DELAY. WE INTEND TO GAZETTE THE REMAINING LEGISLATION - THAT DEALING WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTION COMMITTEE AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES - TOMORROW, 25 FEBRUARY, AND TO INTRODUCE IT INTO THIS COUNCIL ON 9 MARCH. THIS DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN FOLLOWING FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND WITH MINISTERS, WHO AGREE WITH THIS APPROACH.

THE LEGISLATION WHICH WE WILL PUBLISH TOMORROW WILL CONTAIN IN LEGISLATIVE FORM THE PROPOSALS WHICH I PUT FORWARD IN OCTOBER 1992 FOR THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTION. COMMITTEE. IT WILL PROPOSE AN ELECTION COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS. IT WILL PROPOSE THAT THE 9 NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ENVISAGED UNDER THE BASIC LAW SHOULD BE MADE UP OF MEMBERS OF THE ENTIRE WORKFORCE; AND IT WILL PROPOSE THE ABOLITION OF CORPORATE VOTING IN EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.

/MEMBERS WILL .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

MEMBERS WILL RECALL THAT I HAVE PROMISED ON MANY OCCASIONS THAT IF IT BECAME NECESSARY FOR US TO PROCEED WITH THE REMAINING LEGISLATION WITHOUT CHINESE AGREEMENT, HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD BE ENTITLED TO EXPECT AN EXPLANATION OF WHY THAT WAS NECESSARY AND WHY WE BELIEVED IT TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL THEREFORE TODAY BE PUBLISHING A WHITE PAPER SETTING OUT THE BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT POSITION: THE APPROACH WHICH THE BRITISH SIDE TOOK IN THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CHINA; AND THE MODIFICATIONS WHICH WE WERE PREPARED TO MAKE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S 1992 PROPOSALS AS PART OF AN OVERALL AGREEMENT INCLUDING ON THE THROUGH TRAIN. IT IS A THOROUGH, FACTUAL ACCOUNT. THE WHITE PAPER WILL BE PUBLISHED AT 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON. ITS PUBLICATION IS ESSENTIAL TO INFORM DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT, IN THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND IN THE COMMUNITY.

LET ME SAY A WORD ABOUT WHY WE HAVE CHOSEN TO RECOMMEND TO THIS COUNCIL THE GOVERNMENT’S ORIGINAL, 1992, PROPOSALS. WE BELIEVED THEN, AND STILL BELIEVE, THAT THESE PROPOSALS ARE THE BEST ONES ON THE TABLE. THEY HAVE BEEN DEBATED AT LENGTH AND ALREADY ENDORSED, IN GENERAL TERMS, ON THREE OCCASIONS BY THIS COUNCIL. THESE PROPOSALS HAVE ENJOYED WIDESPREAD AND CONSISTENT SUPPORT AMONGST MOST SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY. WE CONTINUE TO REGARD THEM AS THE BEST WAY TO SECURE OUR OBJECTIVE OF OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS.

WE WERE PREPARED TO OFFER DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS MODIFICATIONS TO OUR 1992 PROPOSALS TO SECURE AN OVERALL AGREEMENT WITH CHINA, INCLUDING ON THE THROUGH TRAIN. ALTHOUGH IT HAS NOT PROVED POSSIBLE TO REACH SUCH AN AGREEMENT WE OBVIOUSLY STAND BY THOSE MODIFIED PROPOSALS AS A WAY TO PRODUCE OPEN AND FAIR ELECTIONS, ALBEIT A LESS ATTRACTIVE WAY IN OUR VIEW THAN OUR ORIGINAL PROPOSALS. PLAINLY THE JUDGEMENT ON THESE MATTERS NOW LIES WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION. FOR OUR PART, WE SHALL ARGUE STRONGLY FOR THE LEGISLATION WE ARE NOW PUTTING FORWARD. THE PROPOSALS IT CONTAINS WERE DELIBERATELY FRAMED TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE BASIC LAW AND THE RELEVANT AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES. WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE,. AND WE ARE SUPPORTED IN THAT VIEW BY THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL OPINION.

I WANT TO SAY TO THIS COUNCIL AND TO THE COMMUNITY HOW MUCH I REGRET THAT WE HAVE NOT MANAGED TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THESE VERY DIFFICULT ELECTORAL ISSUES. I FERVENTLY WISH WE COULD HAVE DONE SO. BUT I EQUALLY FERVENTLY BELIEVE THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN WRONG TO ABANDON THE PRINCIPLES WE HAVE SET OUT FOR THE SAKE OF AN AGREEMENT WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. THE WHITE PAPER SETS OUT CLEARLY THE ISSUES WHICH WERE - AND WHICH ARE -AT STAKE HERE. I REGARD IT AS MY OVERRIDING RESPONSIBILITY FAITHFULLY TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, ON WHICH THE CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ IS BASED. THE JOINT DECLARATION PROMISES A LEGISLATURE ’’CONSTITUTED BY ELECTIONS" TO WHICH THE EXECUTIVE SHALL BE ACCOUNTABLE. I TAKE THAT TO MEAN REAL ELECTIONS, IN WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE A GENUINE CHOICE. AS I HAVE EXPLAINED MANY TIMES BEFORE, IT IS UPON A CREDIBLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OPENLY AND FAIRLY ELECTED, THAT SO MANY OF OUR OTHER FREEDOMS AND INSTITUTIONS DEPEND.

/SO WE........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

SO WE DIFFER WITH CHINA ON THIS IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT THE ELECTIONS. BUT IT DOES NOT FOLLOW THAT WE HAVE TO ARGUE WITH CHINA ABOLT EVERYTHING. LET US TRY TO DRAW A LINE UNDER THIS DISPUTE, AND COOPERATE TOGETHER IN OTHER AREAS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. WE NOW HAVE LESS THAN THREE AND A HALF YEARS LEFT BEFORE THE TRANSITION AND A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO DO. FOR OUR PART - FOR BRITAIN’S AND HONG KONG’S - WE STAND WILLING AND ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER WITH CHINA IN HONG KONG’S INTERESTS ON OTHER MATTERS, EVEN IF ON THIS, ADMITTEDLY IMPORTANT ONE, IT HAS UNFORTUNATELY NOT PROVED POSSIBLE TO DO SO.

MR ANDREW WONG (THROUGH INTERPRETATION): MR PRESIDENT, ALTHOUGH YESTERDAY I VOTED AGAINST THE MOTION MOVED BY MRS ELSIE TU TO DELAY OUR CONSIDERATION OF THE FIRST PART OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS BILL IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT I DO NOT AGREE WITH HER, THE RATIONALE BEHIND HER MOVE. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT BOTH CHINA AND BRITAIN SHOULD BE SINCERE AND OPEN TO REACH AN AGREEMENT THROUGH TALKS. FOR THIS REASON I HOPE THAT YOU, MR GOVERNOR, CAN RESPOND TO SEVERAL QUESTIONS. FIRST PERHAPS THAT WAS ANSWERED IN YOUR STATEMENT, THAT IS THE BRITISH SIDE AND THE HONG KONG SIDE ARE STILL WILLING TO TALK WITH THE CHINESE SIDE. NOW I WOULD NOT LIKE TO MENTION MY OWN PROPOSAL, BUT I BELIEVE THAT UNDER THE EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY FRUITFUL OUTCOME SINCE BOTH SIDES ARE SO INSISTENT ON THEIR OWN STANCE. NOW EVEN IF WE HAVE THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL IN 92 AND WATER IT DOWN IN 93 IT MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED, SO I HOPE THAT MR GOVERNOR YOU WILL CONSIDER ANOTHER CHANNEL TO TALK WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON ANOTHER METHOD, NOT YOUR ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AND NOT THE PROPOSAL THEY HAVE IN MIND CAN YOU START FROM A THIRD BASIS? MR. GOVERNOR, I HOPE THAT YOU WILL ALSO RESPOND TO ONE POINT, IF THE TALKS GIVE US SUCCESS THEN PLEASE TRY FOR THIS. THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATION AND YOU, MR GOVERNOR, IF THERE IS A CHANCE OF REACHING SUCCESS WILL YOU BE WILLING TO WITHDRAW THE REMAINING PART OF THE LEGISLATION AND TO START FROM ANOTHER BASIS AND DISCUSS THAT OTHER PROPOSAL. WELL TECHNICALLY THIS MAY BE POSSIBLE. NOW IF SOME PORTIONS MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL THEN I THINK SOME MODIFICATIONS CAN BE MADE. MOREOVER, WITHIN THE LEGISLATION THAT WE PASSED YESTERDAY, THERE ARE SOME PARTS WHICH ARE AGREED BY BOTH PARTIES THEN THOSE PARTS CAN ALSO BE PUT INTO THE NEW BILL. WELL I AM BEING VERY FRANK. IF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE FUTURE LEGISLATURE CAN HAVE MOST SEATS RETURNED BY ELECTION AND ABIDE BY PRINCIPLE OF BEING FAIR AND OPEN THEN CAN YOU NOT CONSIDER ADOPTING PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATIVE VOTING SYSTEM? THANK YOU.

GOVERNOR: THE HONOURABLE MEMBER RAISED A NUMBER OF ISSUES, SOME OF THEM ARE A LITTLE COMPLICATED, BUT LET ME TRY TO RESPOND AS CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE. FIRST ON WILLINGNESS TO TALK. IN, I HOPE, AS FACTUAL AND UNPROVOCATIVE A WAY AS POSSIBLE LET ME REMIND THE COUNCIL THAT WE PROPOSED TALKS IN OCTOBER 1992 THAT WE WENT ON SAYING THAT WE WANTED TO TALK FOR THE NEXT SIX OR SEVEN MONTHS WHILE WE WEREN’T FRANKLY GETTING A VERY WARM RESPONSE FROM CHINESE OFFICIALS. WE WERE PLEASED WHEN TALKS EVENTUALLY GOT UNDERWAY IN APRIL 1993, ONLY SORRY THAT THEY HAD TAKEN SO LONG TO GET UNDERWAY. WE WOULD HAVE LIKED TO GO ON TALKING EVEN AFTER TIME HAD PRESSED US TO PUT IN THE SECOND OF THE THREE BILLS WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS GOING TO HAVE TO CONSIDER, BUT ALAS CHINESE OFFICIALS INSISTED THAT WE WITHDRAW THE SECOND BILL, THE PARTIAL LEGISLATION THAT WAS PASSED YESTERDAY, BEFORE THEY WERE PREPARED TO COME BACK TO THE TABLE.

/OUR DOOR .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

OUR DOOR IS NEVER CLOSED, AND WE WANT TO TALK ON A WHOLE RANGE OF ISSUES, AND TALK CONSTRUCTIVELY AND CREATIVELY. WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE CONSTRUCTIVE AND CREATIVE TALKS IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN EARLY MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE TO RESOLVE AN ISSUE WHICH I THINK, THE WHOLE COMMUNITY THINKS HAS DRAGGED ON FOR TOO LONG. SO AS FAR AS WE’RE CONCERNED CO-OPERATION REMAINS SOMETHING ON WHICH WE ARE PARTICULARLY KEEN.

BUT I DO HAVE TO POINT OUT THAT WE HAD SEVENTEEN ROUNDS OF TALKS AND I THINK WHEN HONOURABLE MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE DISTINGUISHED HONOURABLE MEMBER WHO HAS JUST SPOKEN, SEE THE ACCOUNT OF THOSE SEVENTEEN ROUNDS OF TALKS IN THE WHITE PAPER THEY WILL BE SURPRISED AT HOW MUCH TIME WAS SPENT DISCUSSING SO LITTLE AGREEMENT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONLY THING WE REALLY AGREED ON WAS THE FIRST OF ALL LOWERING THE VOTING AGE WHICH SHOULDN’T BE TOO BIG A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VOTING AGE IS 18 IN CHINA AND 18 IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SECOND THE ’’SINGLE SEAT, SINGLE VOTE" VOTING METHOD FOR DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS. BUT SINCE MOST SEATS IN DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ARE ALREADY ELECTED IN THAT WAY, THAT DIDN’T REPRESENT A HUGE BREAKTHROUGH EITHER. SO IF WE WERE TO LOOK FOR YET ANOTHER BASIS FOR AGREEMENT I AM NOT SURE WHAT IT WOULD BE THAT WE HAVEN’T ALREADY MANAGED TO DISCOVER IN SEVENTEEN ROUNDS OF TALKS. IF THERE WAS AN EASY SOLUTION TO THESE MATTERS I’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IT IS AND I GUESS THAT TO BE FAIR TO THEM CHINESE OFFICIALS WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT T WAS AS WELL. BUT I THINK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL SEE FROM THE WHITE PAPER HOW FAR WE WERE PREPARED TO GO AND I THINK HE WILL ALSO SEE THAT, ALAS, OUR EFFORTS WEREN’T RECIPROCATED.

THE COUNCIL HAS VOTED PRETTY DECISIVELY. NOW ON AT LEAST A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS, ON THE QUESTION OF THE VOTING METHOD FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES AND I THINK THE ARGUMENTS FOR PROPORTIONALITY, IF I MAY SAY SO, ARE SOMEWHAT LESSENED WHEN YOU SEEK TO ACHIEVE PROPORTIONALITY OR YOU SEEK TO ACHIEVE BALANCE BY HAVING THREE DIFFERENT SORTS OF ELECTORAL PROCESS. IF EVERY MEMBER OF THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TO BE ELECTED DIRECTLY AS SOME HONOURABLE MEMBERS WOULD LIKE AND AS I AM SURE SOME HONOURABLE MEMBERS WILL PRESS FOR DURING THE DEBATES THAT LIE AHEAD, IF EVERY MEMBER WAS DIRECTLY ELECTED THEN I THINK THE ARGUMENT FOR A PROPORTIONAL VOTING SYSTEM WOULD BE THAT MUCH STRONGER. BUT SINCE WE TRY TO ACHIEVE BALANCE THROUGH THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THROUGH THE ELECTION COMMITTEE, THINK THE ARGUMENTS FOR PR ARE MUCH LESS CONSIDERABLE AND SO I NOTICE DOES THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WAS ABLE WITH HIS POWERS OF ELOQUENCE TO PERSUADE HIS COLLEAGUES DIFFERENTLY THEN T WOULD REQUIRE OF COURSE OVERTURNING SEVERAL VOTES WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE ALREADY TAKEN. I HOPE I HAVE RESPONDED IN SOME DETAIL TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S QUESTION.

MR TIMOTHY HA (THROUGH INTERPRETATION): THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT. MR GOVERNOR, NOW, AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE WHITE PAPER, IF WE READ THE WHITE PAPER AND FEEL THAT THE BRITISH SIDE SHOULD SCORE A HIGHER MARK, WELL IT DOESN’T HELP US TO SOLVE THE QUESTION AND THAT IS: IN 1995 THERE MAY BE A NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUT BY 1997 ALL THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS RETURNED IN 1995 MAY HAVE TO CLIMB DOWN (FROM) THE TRAIN. MR GOVERNOR, CAN YOU SOLVE THIS PROBLEM FOR US?

/GOVERNOR: .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

GOVERNOR: I CAN’T SOLVE, UNILATERALLY, THE QUESTION OF HOW WE SECURE A THROUGH-TRAIN. I THINK THAT THE COUNCIL WILL SEE FROM THE WHITE PAPER THAT UNFORTUNATELY, WE WERE NOT ABLE TO SECURE CHINESE AGREEMENT TO A THROUGH-TRAIN DURING 17 ROUNDS OF TALKS, THOUGH WE TRIED, I THINK IMAGINATIVELY AND SENSIBLY, TO DO SO WITH THE PROPOSALS WE PUT ABOUT OATHS AND ABOUT OTHER MATTERS. BUT LET ME JUST DEAL BRIEFLY WITH THE QUESTION OF WHAT HAPPENS IN 1997. I CHOOSE MY WORDS CAREFULLY; THEY DON’T IN ANY WAY REFLECT ON CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY, THEY DON’T IN ANY WAY CHANGE THE HISTORIC FACT OF THE 30TH JUNE AND 1ST JULY 1997, BUT I DON’T BELIEVE THERE IS ANY ‘REASON’ - I STRESS THAT WORD - I DON’T BELIEVE THERE IS ANY ‘REASON’ WHY CHINA SHOULD SEEK TO OVERTURN ARRANGEMENTS IN 1997 WHICH ARE ENTIRELY IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW. THE ASSERTION THAT THEY ARE NOT, HAS BEEN MADE ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS BUT THE ASSERTION HAS BEEN MADE MORE FREQUENTLY THAN ANY EVIDENCE HAS EVER BEEN ADDUCED. IT GOES ON BEING SAID BUT NOBODY EVER DEMONSTRATES HOW IT HAPPENS TO BE THE CASE.

AND I SAY ONE OTHER THING AS WELL, USING - SINCE I NOTICED THAT METAPHORS WERE FROM THE BEGINNING OF DEBATE YESTERDAY, IN MUCH EVIDENCE IN THE CHAMBER - USING A METAPHOR TO MAKE THE POINT. IF MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR SAYS THAT IN THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS HE IS GOING TO COME ROUND TO MY HOUSE AND BREAK ALL THE WINDOWS, THAT DOESN’T SEEM TO ME TO BE A VERY PERSUASIVE ARGUMENT FOR ME BREAKING ALL THE WINDOWS THIS AFTERNOON.

MRS ELSIE TU: MR PRESIDENT MAY I ASK THE GOVERNOR THROUGH YOU SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN PUZZLING ME FOR A LONG TIME THE PROPOSED POLITICAL PACKAGE IS ALWAYS REFERRED TO AS BEING DEMOCRATIC CAN THE GOVERNOR EXPLAIN TO ME HOW IT IS DEMOCRATIC TO GIVE TWO VOTES TO EVERY PERSON WHO WORKS IN THE WORKPLACE BUT ONLY ONE VOTE TO THOSE WHO WORK IN OTHER PLACES SUCH AS HOUSEWIVES OR ELDERLY PERSONS RETIRED AND STUDENTS, ADULT STUDENTS, I FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND HOW IT IS DEMOCRATIC IT MEANS THAT THE ONES WHO ARE NOT WORKING IN A WORKPLACE ARE ONLY HALF A PERSON.

THE GOVERNOR: WELL I AM SURE THE HONOURABLE LADY WHOSE VIGOROUS ELOQUENCE I SALUTE AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS I AM SURE THAT THE HONOURABLE LADY WOULDN’T WANT ME TO TAKE THAT ARGUMENT TO ITS CONCLUSION, BECAUSE THE CONCLUSION OF THE ARGUMENT IS THE PROPOSALS THAT ARE BEING PUT FORWARD IN THE BILL THAT WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW ARE A GREAT DEAL MORE DEMOCRATIC THAN THE PRESENT SYSTEM, UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM AND PERHAPS THE HONOURABLE LADY WISHES TO ARGUE THE CASE AGAINST FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES PERHAPS THAT IS HER ARGUMENT UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM ONLY A FEW PEOPLE HAVE TWO VOTES BECAUSE OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES OF COURSE SOME HAVE A LOT MORE THAN TWO VOTES, SOME BECAUSE OF CORPORATE VOTING IN CONSTITUENCIES HAVE OH VOTES INTO DOUBLE FIGURES, AND THAT IS A SITUATION WE ARE ANXIOUS TO ELIMINATE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF INDIVIDUAL RATHER THAN CORPORATE VOTING. IT’S PERFECTLY TRUE THAT BECAUSE NOT EVERYBODY IS AT WORK THE EXTENSION OF VOTES AS WE HAVE PROPOSED IN THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES DOESN'T MEAN THAT EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY HAS TWO VOTES, BUT THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND I WOULD NOT WANT TO CHALLENGE THE BASIC LAW IN HAVING THE NUMBER OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES OF 30 WHICH ARE PROPOSED FOR 95 THROUGH TO 99.

/MRS ELSIE .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

MRS ELSIE TU: MR CHAIRMAN,IS IT POSSIBLE TO CLARIFY SOMETHING....

THE PRESIDENT: YES MRS TU

MRS ELSIE TU; I THINK THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS QUITE RIGHT, THE PRESENT SYSTEM DOES GIVE TWO VOTES TO SOME PEOPLE AND I DISAGREE WITH THAT I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE A CHOICE, BUT TO MAKE IT WORSE DOESN’T SEEM ANY MORE DEMOCRATIC, ISN’T IS LESS DEMOCRATIC TO GIVE MORE PEOPLE TWO VOTES.

THE GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT IT’S AN ARGUMENT THAT FEW WOULD ACCEPT THAT EXTENDING THE ABILITY TO VOTE IS LESS DEMOCRATIC THAN LIMITING THE ABILITY TO VOTE. I REALLY CAN’T FOLLOW THE ARGUMENT THAT BY ENSURING THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO VOTE IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ONE IS GOING DOWN A LESS DEMOCRATIC PATH, THAT SEEM TO ME TO BE A CONSIDERABLE CONTRADICTION IN TERMS. BUT, IF THE HONOURABLE LADY IS ARGUING THE CASE IN PRINCIPLE AGAINST FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES,WHICH SHE MAY WELL BE, ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT WE ARE COMMITTED TO TRYING TO INTRODUCE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE BASIC LAW, AND THE BASIC LAW PROPOSES 30 FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.

THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THOSE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR EXAMPLE IN LINE WITH THE 1988 WHITE PAPER REPRESENT ECONOMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SECTORS OF SUBSTANTIAL IMPORTANCE AND THE QUESTION SECONDLY IS WHETHER FOLLOWING I THINK IS BASIC LAW 68 AND PURSUE MATTERS IN AN ORDERLY WAY WHETHER WE TRY TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE REAL PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE ARISEN IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. HONOURABLE MEMBERS ARE WELL AWARE OF SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT HAVE ARISEN IN THOSE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES THEY MAY DISAGREE WITH THE PROPOSALS THAT WE HAVE BROUGHT FORWARD FOR TRYING TO DEAL WITH THEM IN WHICH CASE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO DEBATE IT IN THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. IT IS VERY VERY DIFFICULT TO DEVISE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND I THINK THAT SOME OF THE INHERENT DIFFICULTIES WILL BE DEMONSTRATED TO ALL THOSE HONOURABLE MEMBERS WHO READY THE WHITE PAPER AND THE ACCOUNT OF OUR NEGOTIATIONS WITH OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES ON THIS POINT.

REV FUNG (THROUGH INTERPRETATION): MR PRESIDENT, YESTERDAY THE FIRST PART OF THE BILL WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SMOOTHLY AND BEFORE IT DIDN’T SEEM TO HAVE ANY LOBBYING EFFORT BY THE GOVERNOR, PROBABLY HE EXPECTED THE CHANCES OF ITS GOING THROUGH ARE VERY HIGH. THE NEXT PART WILL NOT BE SO PLAINSAILING. WILL THE GOVERNOR LOBBY THE COUNCILLORS TO ACCEPT YOUR PROPOSAL TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WILL GO THROUGH SMOOTHLY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

/THE GOVERNOR: .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

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THE GOVERNOR: WE’D DO WHAT WE DID IN THE RUN-UP TO YESTERDAY’S DEBATE, ARGUE OUR CASE WITH ALL THAT GENTLE ELOQUENCE FOR WHICH MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE RENOWNED. WE DON’T HAVE ANY OF THE INSTRUMENTS WHICH ARE PERHAPS AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE IN OTHER COMMUNITIES. WE RECOGNISE THAT THIS COUNCIL HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS AND THAT THIS COUNCIL HAS SIXTY INDEPENDENT-MINDED MEMBERS WHO AREN’T GOING TO BE PUSHED AROUND BY A GOVERNMENT AND I HOPE AREN’T GOING TO BE PUSHED AROUND BY ANYBODY ELSE IN HONG KONG OR OUTSIDE HONG KONG. SO, WE WILL ARGUE OUR CASE. BUT IF BY LOBBYING YOU MEAN MAKING THREATS, IF BY LOBBYING THE HONOURABLE MEMBER MEANS SEEKING OF COURSE METAPHORICALLY TO BREAK ARMS AND LEGS THAT IS NOT OUR WAY. BUT WE PUT THESE PROPOSALS FORWARD IN GOOD FAITH. WE’LL ARGUE THE CASE FOR THEM AND HOPE THAT THEY PROVIDE AN ACCEPTABLE BASIS FOR THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN HONG KONG. I HAVE TO SAY IF I LOOK BACK TO YESTERDAY WE WERE TOLD AT THE BEGINNING OF THE WEEK THAT WE WOULD JUST SCRAPE THROUGH WITH OUR BILL YESTERDAY. WELL IT PROVED TO BE, I AM PLEASED TO SAY RATHER BETTER THAN THAT,AND I’D LIKE TO ADD ONE POINT ABOUT IT. I THINK IT WAS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT DAY FOR HONG KONG. I THINK IT WAS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MATURE MOMENT IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY. NOBODY CAN WIPE IT OUT NOBODY CAN PRETEND IT DIDN’T HAPPEN; NOBODY CAN TURN THE CLOCK BACK ON WHAT HAPPENED. NOT JUST THE PARTICULAR DECISIONS ABOUT ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS THAT WERE MADE, BUT THE WHOLE PROCESS. WHAT WAS ACTUALLY HAPPENING IN THIS CHAMBER AND HAPPENING WITH CONSIDERABLE MATURITY, WITH OF COURSE A LOT OF POLITE VIGOUR, BUT HAPPENING I AM SURE IN THE CASE OF ANY, EVERY HONOURABLE MEMBER, HAPPENING IN A WAY IN WHICH HONOURABLE MEMBERS HOPED WOULD SECURE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND IT IS ENTIRELY RIGHT THAT THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS IN THE WAY IT WAS YESTERDAY.

MR ERIC LI: THANK YOU, PRESIDENT. GOVERNOR, I THINK YOU DID SAY THAT YOU ARE GOING TO STAND BY THE 1993 MODIFIED PROPOSALS AS FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE, AND THAT IT IS YOUR FIRM AIM PERHAPS TO PUSH THIS COUNCIL TO REACH A CONCLUSION BY JULY, IN FOUR MONTHS TIME. MAY I THEN ASSUME THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS TO FULLY CO-OPERATE WITH THIS COUNCIL AND IN PARTICULAR, IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT WE HAVE LIMITED INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE WAYS TO CHOOSE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, FOR EXAMPLE LEGAL DRAFTING. AND IT IS MY VIEW THAT I THINK YOU SHOULD HELP THIS COUNCIL, FIRST OF ALL, TO PROVIDE THE 1993 MODIFIED PROPOSALS IN FULL LEGISLATIVE TERMS, IN VIEW OF THE INTEREST THAT I THINK IS LIKELY TO COME. AND SECONDLY, TO ALLOW US TO HAVE A GENUINE CHOICE BETWEEN THE TWO PROPOSALS. IN THAT SENSE, WOULD YOU BE DIRECTING YOUR THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS TO VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE 1993 MODIFIED PROPOSALS? AND IF THE PUBLIC OPINION OR IF THIS COUNCIL’S OPINION IS EVIDENTLY DIVIDED, THEN YOU WOULD AT LEAST DIRECT THEM TO ABSTAIN.

GOVERNOR: WELL, I HAVE SAID BEFORE - IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HONOURABLE MEMBER MR ARCULLI - I HAVE SAID BEFORE THAT I THINK WE GET INTO THE GREATEST DIFFICULTIES IF WE START MAKING DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL. AM I TO MAKE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THOSE WHO ARE ELECTED AND THOSE WHO ARE APPOINTED? AM I TO MAKE DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THOSE WHO ARE APPOINTED BECAUSE THEY ARE OFFICIALS, MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND THOSE WHO ARE APPOINTED IN SOME OTHER WAY? I THINK THAT IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ROAD TO GO DOWN AND I THINK THAT ANY PROPOSALS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT PUTS TO THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO STAND BY AND ARGUE FOR AND VOTE FOR.

/I WOULD .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

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I WOULD, THOUGH, LIKE TO COME TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND DO SO IN A WAY WHICH I HOPE - THOUGH IT MAY BE A TRIUMPH OF HOPE OVER EXPERIENCE EVEN TO EXPRESS THE ASPIRATION -WHICH I HOPE WILL PREVENT ANY ALLEGATIONS OF BEHIND-THE-CURTAIN DEALS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

WE HAVE PUT FORWARD, OR WE WILL PUT FORWARD IN LEGISLATIVE FORM TOMORROW, THE 1992 PROPOSALS BECAUSE WE THINK THEY ARE THE BEST AVAILABLE. WE WENT THROUGH 17 ROUNDS OF TALKS AND DURING THE WHOLE OF THAT PERIOD CHINESE OFFICIALS CERTAINLY DIDN’T PUT FORWARD WHAT WE THOUGHT WERE BETTER PROPOSALS. WE WENT THROUGH THE COMPENDIUM OF PROPOSALS PUT BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND WE ARE NOT PERSUADED THAT ANY ALTERNATIVES ARE BETTER THAN THOSE THAT WE PUT FORWARD. THE PROPOSALS ARE FAMILIAR TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT HAS VOTED ON THEM A NUMBER OF TIMES BUT BECAUSE SOME OF THOSE PROPOSALS ACTUALLY COME FROM MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THEY WEREN’T IMPOSED ON THE COUNCIL BY THE EXECUTIVE, MANY OF THEM WERE HOME-GROWN IN THIS CHAMBER. WE ARE GOING TO ARGUE THE CASE FOR THE 1992 PROPOSALS. BUT IT IS TRUE THAT DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS, THE 1993 PROPOSALS SEEMED TO US TO BE ACCEPTABLE, THOUGH ACCEPTABLE PRINCIPALLY, IF WE COULD SECURE AN OVERALL AGREEMENT WITH CHINA. WE DIDN’T THINK THEY WERE AS GOOD AS THE 1992 PROPOSALS. I SAID, WHEN I SPOKE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, THEY ARE PROPOSALS THAT WE WOULD BE PREPARED TO RECOMMEND TO THIS COUNCIL IF -I SAID ’IF’ - THEY FORMED PART OF A SATISFACTORY OVERALL AGREEMENT WHICH MUST OF COURSE INCLUDE ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE THROUGH-TRAIN. NEVERTHELESS, WE DON’T THINK THEY ARE AT ALL BAD PROPOSALS AND WE THINK THAT THEY WOULD PRODUCE CLEAN ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS.

NOW, IF DURING THE PROCESS OF LEGISLATION, IF DURING THE DEBATES THAT ARE GOING TO TAKE PLACE IN THE COMING MONTHS, THE COUNCIL WISHES MORE HELP FROM THE ADMINISTRATION IN CONSIDERING BOTH THE PROPOSALS WE PUT TO THE COUNCIL, AND ALTERNATIVES, IT IS INCUMBENT UPON US TO PROVIDE THAT ASSISTANCE. THAT I HOPE WE WOULD DO WHATEVER WAS HAPPENING. I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT WE COULD SEE AT THE END OF THE DAY AS BROAD A BODY OF SUPPORT IN THIS COUNCIL FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS PUT IN PLACE, AS POSSIBLE. I THINK THE COMMUNITY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT, I THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE FUTURE OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN HONG KONG. NONE OF THAT IS TO RESILE FROM THE ARGUMENT THAT I HAVE ALREADY PUT, THAT I THINK 1992 IS BETTER THAN 1993, BUT IT IS TO SAY THAT WE WILL HELP THE COUNCIL AS BEST WE CAN, COME TO THE MOST SENSIBLE CONCLUSIONS OVER THE NEXT THREE OR FOUR MONTHS. AND I REPEAT THAT IF THAT MEANS PROVIDING MORE INFORMATION, IF THAT MEANS HELP WITH LEGAL DRAFTING, WE WILL PROVIDE IT, WHETHER IT IS ABOUT THE ELECTION COMMITTEE OR CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL VOTING, OR WHETHER IT IS ABOUT THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.

I WOULD ONLY ADD THIS. FIRST OF ALL, WE ARE NOT MAKING UP THE JULY DEADLINE. NOBODY, IN ALL CONSCIENCE, SHOULD WISH TO COME TO CRUNCHES BEFORE IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. THE JULY DEADLINE IS REAL AND IF ONE LOOKS AT THE AMOUNT OF SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION THAT NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH, AT THE ARRANGEMENTS LIKE THE PREPARATIONS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, ALL THAT IS GOING TO TAKE TIME, SO WE REALLY CAN’T GO BEYOND JULY. MARCH WILL BE TAKEN UP, MUCH OF THE TIME, BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S DOUBTLESS EXCELLENT BUDGET, WHICH I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT JUST AS THE COUNCIL IS. WE DON’T HAVE VERY MUCH TIME AFTER THAT.

/SECONDLY, AND ........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

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SECONDLY, AND IT IS A POINT ON WHICH I AM SURE THE COUNCIL WILL COME TO APPROPRIATE CONCLUSIONS, WE ALL OF US, I ASSUME, WANT THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE AGREED TO BE FAIR AND OPEN AND I THINK IF THEY ARE ACCEPTABLE TO THIS COUNCIL THEY WILL BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY.

DR CONRAD LAM (THROUGH INTERPRETATION): MR PRESIDENT, LAST NIGHT IN THE DEBATE MANY MEMBERS SPOKE AND THEY SHOWED THAT THEY THEMSELVES AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE SO MANY ROUNDS OF TALKS AND NEGOTIATIONS, WHY THEY FAILED TO REACH AN AGREEMENT. THEY ARE ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE REASONS WHY THE TALKS ENDED IN A BREAKDOWN. WE KNOW THAT THE BRITISH HONG RONG GOVERNMENT WILL VERY SOON ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF THE TALKS AND WHY THEY ENDED IN FAILURE. WE ALSO HEARD THAT CHINA WOULD ALSO TAKE CORRESPONDING ACTION. NOW THE QUESTION P.EMAINS THAT IF BRITAIN HAS ANNOUNCED THE DETAILS OF THE TALKS WHICH ARE NOT IN LINE WITH WHAT THE CHINESE SIDE SAYS, IF THERE IS DISCREPANCY, THEN HOW CAN HONG KONG PEOPLE DECIDE WHICH IS CORRECT AND WHICH IS NOT CORRECT? UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES I HAVE GOT TWO QUESTIONS FOR YOU, SIR.

FIRST, WHAT WILL THE GOVERNOR DO TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHO SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BREAKDOWN OF THE TALKS?

AND SECOND, I HAVE ASKED A SECRETARY IN THIS COUNCIL SOME TIME AGO, AND UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THE GOVERNOR BE WILLING TO OPENLY ANSWER QUESTIONS PUT TO HIM BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN CONJUNCTION WITH SOME CHINESE OFFICIALS TO SHOW WHO IS RIGHT AND WHO IS WRONG? IF CHINESE REPRESENTATIVES SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT PREPARED TO, OR IF THEY ARE NOT COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO TAKE UP THE OFFER, WILL YOU GO ON THE RADIO TO TAKE UP QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC?

GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, IT IS OF COURSE THE CASE THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE ALREADY PUBLISHED THEIR VERSION OF EVENTS, A VERY LONG ARTICLE IN 'THE PEOPLE’S DAILY’ ON THE 7TH JANUARY 1994, WHICH SETS OUT WHAT CHINESE OFFICIALS SAY HAPPENED IN THE TALKS. SO PERHAPS THE COUNCIL MAY THINK THAT WE ARE A LITTLE SLOW IN PUTTING OUT OUR VIEW AS OBJECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE, OF WHAT HAPPENED, BUT I AM, AS THE COUNCIL WILL KNOW, RESPONDING TO - I THINK THE WORD WAS A 'CHALLENGE’ BY CHINESE OFFICIALS ON THIS SUBJECT.

SECONDLY, I THINK THAT WE CAN ALL REST ON THE OPINION AND JUDGMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I THINK THAT JUDGMENT AND OPINION SHOULD BE AS WELL INFORMED AS POSSIBLE, SO WE ARE PRODUCING 200,000 COPIES OF THE WHITE PAPER, PUBLISHED AND AVAILABLE AT 5.00 PM TODAY. TODAY, THERE WILL BE 10,000 CHINESE COPIES AND 10,000 ENGLISH COPIES AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GPO BUILDING IN CONNAUGHT PLACE FROM 5.00 PM UNTIL 9.00 PM, AND THEY WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM A SPECIAL DESK SET UP IN THE LOBBY OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. FROM TOMORROW MORNING, COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM CNTA ENQUIRY CENTRES, FROM POST OFFICES, FROM HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES, AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. SO WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO INFORM DEBATE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE. I REPEAT, 200,000 COPIES -140,000 IN CHINESE AND 60,000 IN ENGLISH. •..<>

/SECONDLY, THE ........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

SECONDLY, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL HAVE NOTICED THAT IT’S SOMETIMES TAKEN AS A CRITICISM OF ME THAT I HAVEN’T BEEN SHY ABOUT ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. I HAVE HELD, AFTER BOTH OF MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPEECHES, OPEN MEETINGS AROUND THE TERRITORY, SOMETIMES DESCRIBED BY CRITICS AS 'A SHOW’, IN MY VIEW AN IMPORTANT PART OF ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT, AND AS AN ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNOR, I AM HAPPY TO TAKE PART IN ANY SIMILAR SUCH DISCUSSIONS. I HAVE ACTUALLY TAKEN PART, I RECALL, IN A DISCUSSION WITH THE DISTINGUISHED EDITOR OF ■WEN WEI PO’ ON THE TELEVISION. I HAVE TAKEN PART IN DISCUSSIONS ON TELEVISION WITH ONE OR TWO MEMBERS OF THE PWC AND I HOPE THAT THOSE OCCASIONS, THOUGH LATE AT NIGHT, HAVE INFORMED ALL THOSE INSOMNIACS WHO WATCHED THEM.

MR HOWARD YOUNG: GOVERNOR, THE GAZETTING AND TABLING OF THE 1992 VERSION OF THE SECOND STAGE REFORMS, AS YOU’VE DESCRIBED, IS BROUGHT ABOUT WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA. HOWEVER, ON THE OTHER HAND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SAYS THAT IT IS WILLING TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS. ALTHOUGH SOON AS THEY ARE, THE CHANCES OF SUCH HAPPENING, HAS IT GONE BEYOND THE STAGE YET WHERE DURING THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, SHOULD THERE BE AGREEMENT REACHED IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER WITH CHINA - NOT NECESSARILY IN NEGOTIATIONS, AGREEMENTS CAN EVEN BE REACHED BY DIPLOMATIC LETTERS OR EXCHANGES - IF DURING THAT PROCESS, NOW HAS IT GONE BEYOND THE STAGE WHERE THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT EVEN BRING UP AMENDMENTS TO WHAT IS BEING GAZETTED TOMORROW TO CONFORM WITH ANY SUCH AGREEMENT THAT COULD BE REACHED BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS HAS ENDED?

GOVERNOR: I REPEAT, IN A WAY, WHAT I SAID EARLIER, THAT OUR DOOR HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSED AND WILL NEVER BE CLOSED. AND IF IN THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WE THOUGHT THERE WAS THE CHANCE OF AN AGREED WAY FORWARD WITH CHINA WHICH WAS ALSO ACCEPTABLE AND WHICH SECURED THE OBJECTIVES WHICH I THINK THE COMMUNITY HAS, THEN WE WOULD OF COURSE HAVE TO PRESENT THAT TO THE COUNCIL, EVEN IF IT MEANT AMENDING WHAT WAS ALREADY BEING CONSIDERED BY THE COUNCIL. THAT IS, I HOPE, AN EARNEST OF OUR SINCERITY. BUT AGAIN I SAY THAT TIME DOES CLOSE IN, IT’S NOT BECAUSE WE WISH IT WOULD THAT WAY, IT’S PART OF THE INELUCTABLE MOVEMENT OF THE CALENDAR. AND THE ELECTIONS THAT WE’VE GOT ARE, FOR REASONS WHICH THE WHOLE COUNCIL KNOWS, EXTREMELY COMPLICATED AND DO INVOLVE COMPLICATED ARRANGEMENTS. BUT I REPEAT, IT HAS NEVER BEEN OUR POSITION THAT WE WOULD DECLINE TO HAVE TALKS.

MISS CHRISTINE LOH: THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT. I WELCOME THE RELEASE OF THE 17 ROUNDS OF TALKS BY BOTH THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, IT WILL AT LEAST GIVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG A CHANCE TO PROTEST AGAINST COMPROMISES MADE IN THEIR NAMES. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO ASK IS, TRADITIONALLY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S POSITION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT THESE ARE DIPLOMATIC ISSUES AND THEY SHOULD BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL, BUT NOW THAT SINCE BOTH GOVERNMENTS ARE GOING TO RELEASE THE INFORMATION, IS THAT REALLY NOT A SIGNAL OF THE END OF STNO-BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS OVER ELECTORAL REFORM?

AND ALSO, MY SECOND QUESTION IS, IF WE WERE TO PASS THIS LEGISLATION - AND I CERTAINLY HOPF THAT WE WILL PASS THEM BEFORE JULY - THAT THERE IS NO OPPORTUNITY, REALLY, TO EVER RETURN TO DISCUSS THESE ISSUES WITH CHINA, IS THAT CORRECT?

/GOVERNOR: .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

GOVERNOR: WELL, IT IS PERFECTLY CORRECT THAT WE WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN THIS STEP, WHICH AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SAYS HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN, IN A WAY, BY CHINESE OFFICIALS, IF WE THOUGHT THERE WAS A ROSY PROSPECT OF KEEPING NEGOTIATIONS GOING. BUT I AM AN EXPERIENCED ENOUGH POLITICIAN NEVER TO SAY NEVER, AND THERE MAY BE A PROSPECT DOWN THE ROAD OF REVIVING, SOME SORT OF WITHIN TIME, SOME SORT OF DIALOGUE ON ELECTORAL MATTERS. THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, I’M SURE, HOPES THAT THAT IS POSSIBLE. AT THE SAME TIME, MY READING OF THE COMMUNITY IS, THEY WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS DEBATE OVER AND DONE WITH AND OUT OF THE WAY AND GET ON WITH OTHER MATTERS. I HAPPEN TO BELIEVE THAT THAT IS RATHER A SENSIBLE POINT OF VIEW. IT’S CERTAINLY A POINT OF VIEW WHICH I SHARE MYSELF.

ONCE THE LEGISLATION IS PASSED BY THE COUNCIL, ONCE THE ARRANGEMENTS START TO BE PUT IN PLACE, IT IS OBVIOUSLY EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO IMAGINE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH ANYBODY WOULD WANT TO DISRUPT THAT PROCESS. MAYBE IF ONE HASN’T HAD EXPERIENCE OF THE SORT OF ELECTIONS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, IT IS EASY TO MISUNDERSTAND OR SIMPLY NOT TO COMPREHEND THE COMPLEXITY OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. BUT RUNNING AN ELECTION IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY AS COMPLICATED A ONE AS WE ARE GOING TO HAVE, IS NOT A VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD BUSINESS AND INVOLVES A GOOD DEAL OF LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATION IF IT IS TO BE FAIR.

MR TAM YIU CHUNG (THROUGH INTERPRETATION): THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT. NOW, MR GOVERNOR HAS SAID TIME AND AGAIN THAT THE DOOR WILL NEVER BE SHUT ON THE BRITISH SIDE BUT NOW IT SEEMS THAT ALTHOUGH THE DOOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SHUT, THE NEGOTIATING TABLE WAS OVERTURNED AND ALL THE CHAIRS AROUND THE TABLE WERE REMOVED. UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, WILL PEOPLE FEEL THAT YOU ARE BEING HYPOCRITICAL WHEN YOU STILL TALK ABOUT NOT SHUTTING THE DOOR?

GOVERNOR: I HOPE NOT, THOUGH I DARESAY THERE ARE ONE OR TWO AGENCIES IN HONG HONG WHICH MAY MAKE THAT CHARGE FROM TIME TO TIME. I THINK THERE WILL BE - TO FOLLOW THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S METAPHOR - A GOOD DEAL OF SPECULATION ABOUT WHO OVERTURNED THE TABLE AND WHO MADE OFF WITH THE FURNITURE. AND THAT WILL OBVIOUSLY BE A QUESTION ON WHICH THERE WILL BE MORE THAN ONE VIEW IN THE COMMUNITY BUT I HOPE THE COMMUNITY WILL BE HELPED TO COME TO A SENSIBLE DECISION ON THAT MATTER BY THE PUBLICATION OF THE FACTS. I BELIEVE, MYSELF, IN SEEKING TRUTH FROM FACTS AND SO WE ARE PUBLISHING THE FACTS.

MR JIMMY MCGREGOR: GOVERNOR, IT IS MY IMPRESSION THAT THE TWO PROPOSALS YET TO COME BEFORE US IN THE FORM OF LEGISLATION, ARE THE TWO CRITICAL PROPOSALS IN YOUR PACKAGE OF SEVEN OR EIGHT PROPOSALS WHICH YOU STARTED WITH. IT IS ALSO MY IMPRESSION THAT ONE OF THESE PROPOSALS MAY UNDERGO VERY CONSIDERABLE CHANGE IN DISCUSSION IN THIS COUNCIL. IF THAT PROVES TO BE THE CASE - AND REMEMBERING THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY COMPROMISED BOTH OF THESE PROPOSALS TO SOME EXTENT BY ENTERING INTO NEGOTIATIONS AND MODIFYING THE PROPOSALS TO BECOME SOMEWHAT LESS DEMOCRATIC, AS FAR AS WE CAN MAKE OUT -WILL YOU BE ABLE TO ACCEPT, IN GOOD FAITH, THE MODIFICATION OF AT LEAST ONE OF THESE TWO MAJOR PROPOSALS AND THE POSSIBLE MODIFICATION OF THE OTHER TO SOME EXTENT, AND ACCEPT THAT IN GOOD FAITH THIS COUNCIL WILL REACH THAT CONCLUSION AND THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BRING LEGISLATION IN TO GIVE EFFECT TO THESE CHANGES WHICH THIS COUNCIL, IN ITS WISDOM, REQUESTS?

/GOVERNOR: .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

GOVERNOR: LET ME, ONCE AGAIN, PREFACE AN ANSWER TO THAT PERFECTLY FAIR QUESTION BY SAYING THAT WE ARE NOT PUTTING THESE PROPOSALS FORWARD HOPING IN DOING SO THAT THE COUNCIL IS GOING TO THROW THEM OUT OR SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGE THEM. THAT WOULD BE AN ECCENTRIC WAY OF BEHAVING AND A DISHONOURABLE WAY OF BEHAVING AND THAT IS NOT WHAT WE ARE ABOUT. WE PUT THESE PROPOSALS FORWARD BECAUSE WE THINK THEY ARE THE BEST PROPOSALS AND THEY ARE THE BEST WAY, IN OUR JUDGMENT, OF DEALING WITH AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE. DEVISING NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, AS HONOURABLE MEMBERS WILL SEE WHEN THEY LOOK AT THE WHITE PAPER, IS NOT A VERY EASY BUSINESS. THOUGH WE TRIED TO DEVISE A NEW SET OF NINE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS, TAKING AT FACE VALUE THE CHINESE ARGUMENT THAT THEIR OBJECTION TO OUR ORIGINAL PROPOSALS WAS THAT THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WEREN’T ORGANISATION BASED. WE THEN TRIED TO DEVISE NINE ORGANISATION BASED FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES BUT THAT STILL DIDN’T, ALAS, SATISFY CHINESE OFFICIALS. SO I PREFACE MY REMARKS BY MAKING THAT POINT THAT WE ARE NOT SIMPLY GOING TO COME DOWN TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, PUT THE BILL ON THE TABLE AND THEN SCARPER. THAT IS NOT OUR INTENTION AND IT WOULD NOT BE HONOURABLE FOR US TO BEHAVE IN THAT WAY.

BUT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION.' THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS TO CONSIDER LEGISLATION AND IF NECESSARY, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS THE POWER TO AMEND LEGISLATION. THAT IS TRUE TODAY AND IT WILL BE TRUE, ACCORDING TO THE BASIC LAW, AFTER 1997. SO IF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHANGE THE PROPOSALS WHICH ARE PUT TO THEM, THEN AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT IS A REALITY WHICH WE HAVE TO ACCEPT.

I JUST ADD THIS ONE POINT, THAT I WOULD BE PUT IN A DIFFICULT POSITION, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PUT IN A DIFFICULT POSITION, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PUT IN A DIFFICULT POSITION, IF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPEARED TO HAVE AGREED ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WERE NOT FAIR AND WHICH WERE NOT OPEN AND WHICH DIDN’T SEEM TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY, BUT I DON’T THINK THAT THAT IS A REMOTELY LIKELY POSSIBILITY, SINCE I THINK THE COMMUNITY’S VIEWS ARE EXTREMELY WELL REPRESENTED IN THIS COUNCIL. SO IN GOOD FAITH, IF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHANGE THE PROPOSALS, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ACCEPT THEM.

MR JIMMY MCGREGOR: CAN I ASK A MATTER OF ELUCIDATION: IN REGARD TO THE 21 MODIFIED FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WHICH YOU HAVE ACTUALLY PROPOSED IN YOUR PACKAGE, DO YOU CONSIDER THAT THE CONSTRUCTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ARE ACCEPTABLE IN TERMS OF THE BROAD INTENTION TO INCREASINGLY DEMOCRATISE HONG KONG SYSTEM? IN OTHER WORDS WHAT I AM REALLY GETTING AT IS THAT THE NINE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, IF THEY MET THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS, WOULD NOT BE UNACCEPTABLE IF THIS COUNCIL CAME TO THAT CONCLUSION?

GOVERNOR: WELL, IT IS ALWAYS RATHER DANGEROUS - AND WE’RE STARTING TO STRAY IN THAT DIRECTION - TO ACCEPT IN PRINCIPLE, OUTCOMES, WITHOUT ACTUALLY KNOWING WHAT THE DETAIL OF THEM IS. BUT LET ME MAKE THE POINT ABOUT FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AS CLEAR AS I CAN. OUR LEGISLATION HAS TWO PURPOSES. THE FIRST IS TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM IN SOME, THOUGH NOT ALL, OF THE EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES SO THAT IN ALL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES THERE IS INDIVIDUAL RATHER THAN CORPORATE VOTING. AND WE ARE TRYING TO DO THAT BECAUSE WE THINK THAT THE EXISTING SYSTEM IS A GOOD DEAL LESS THAN DESIRABLE, FOR REASONS WHICH MANY HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE THEMSELVES PUT. SO THAT IS THE FIRST PRINCIPLE, THAT WE THINK THE EXISTING 21 SHOULD HAVE INDIVIDUAL VOTING.

/THE SECOND .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

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THE SECOND THING WE HAVE TRIED TO DO IS TO DEVISE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WHICH MEET THE REQUIREMENTS WHICH WERE, FOR EXAMPLE, REFERRED TO IN THE 1988 WHITE PAPER, WHICH REPRESENT SUBSTANTIAL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMIC AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY AND WHICH ENSURE CLEAN ELECTIONS. AND I WOULD GUESS THAT THERE WILL BE ARGUMENT ON BOTH THOSE POINTS AND IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO CONCLUDE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IN ONE’S JUDGMENT WAS RIGHT ABOUT THE FIRST BUT HADN’T GOT THE SECOND ENTIRELY CORRECT.

BUT I SAY AGAIN, FIRST OF ALL, THAT HAVING PUT THESE PROPOSALS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ARGUE FOR THEM AND ARGUE FOR THEM VIGOROUSLY - BUT NO BROKEN LEGS. SECONDLY, IF THE COUNCIL, IN ITS WISDOM, AMENDS THOSE PROPOSALS IN A WAY WHICH PLAINLY DOESN’T SPIT AGAINST THE REASONABLE OBJECTIVES THAT I THINK WE HAVE ALL SHARED AND WHICH THE COUNCIL HAS BROADLY ENDORSED ON THREE OCCASIONS, THEN THERE WOULD BE NO QUESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO ACCEPT THE OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL’S OPINION.

THIS IS A POINT WE HAVE DISCUSSED AGAIN AND AGAIN IN RELATION TO THE COUNCIL’S VIEWS. IT’S THE TENSION BETWEEN AN EXECUTIVE AND A LEGISLATURE. BUT I MUST SAY THAT I ACCEPT THAT THIS COUNCIL IS UNLIKELY TO DO THINGS WHICH ARE AGAINST THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG.

MR FRED LI (THROUGH INTERPRETATION): MR GOVERNOR, FIRST OF ALL, I WELCOME THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED -TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BECAUSE THIS IS SOMETHING THE MEETING POINT HAS BEEN ASPIRING FOR. CONCERNING THE WHITE PAPER TO BE RELEASED AT 5.00 PM, I HOPE THAT THERE WON’T BE TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS AND I DON’T WANT TO SEE ACCUSATIONS BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SAYING THAT THIS IS A VERSION THAT HAS BEEN GLOSSED OVER. I HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PREPARED TO LET US KNOW ABOUT THE RECORDS OF THE 17 ROUNDS OF NEGOTIATIONS. MAYBE FOR THE FIRST 14 ROUNDS WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TO SEE, THERE IS NOTHING MUCH TO OFFER, BUT I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LAY BARE EVERY SINGLE DETAIL RATHER THAN AN ABRIDGED VERSION.

GOVERNOR: JUST BEFORE COMING TO THE HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN’S QUESTION, CAN I ADD A MANUSCRIPT FOOTNOTE TO THE REPLY I WAS GIVING TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER MR MCGREGOR A MOMENT OR TWO AGO. IT HAS BEEN A CONSISTENT ARGUMENT, INDEED IT IS, I THINK, BOTH THE MORAL AND THE POLITICAL BASIS OF THE APPROACH THAT WE HAVE TAKEN, THAT WE NEITHER WISH TO GO FURTHER THAN PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT TO GO, NOR DO WE WISH TO GO LESS FAR THAN PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WISH TO GO. AND THOUGH I KNOW THAT THERE ARE SOME HONOURABLE MEMBERS WHO THINK THAT IT IS INSUFFICIENT FOR THAT JUDGMENT TO BE MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MY OWN VIEW IS IT IS ONLY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH CAN ACTUALLY REFLECT THAT PRINCIPLE IN LEGISLATIVE REALITY.

/TURNING TO .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 15 -

TURNING TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S QUESTION. I DO THINK ONE NEEDS TO, IF I MAY SAY SO, STRIKE A BALANCE. I THINK THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN, ON THE ONE HAND MAKING AVAILABLE EVERY SINGLE DOCUMENT THAT’S BEEN THE BASIS FOR CONFIDENTIAL DIPLOMATIC EXCHANGES, AND ON THE OTHER HAND TRYING TO GIVE AS CLEAR AND ACCURATE AN ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED AS POSSIBLE. I DON’T THINK THE FIRST WOULD MAKE VERY MUCH SENSE. I DO THINK THAT THE SECOND IS WHOLLY DESIRABLE. AS FOR THE MOMENT AT WHICH, IN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S OPINION, THE TALKS SUDDENLY HOTTED UP AND GOT INTERESTING, I THINK HE WILL FIND THAT THE FIRST 14 ROUNDS WERE QUITE INTERESTING, NOT LEAST THOSE ROUNDS AT WHICH NOTHING MUCH WENT ROUND AT ALL. THAT GIVES ONE SOME IDEA OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING. AS TO THE 15TH, 16TH AND 17TH ROUNDS, I REPEAT AGAIN, AND IT IS A POINT WHICH IS SPELLED OUT IN DETAIL IN THE WHITE PAPER, WHEN I WENT BACK TO LONDON FOR A CABINET COMMITTEE MEETING LAST OCTOBER AFTER THE 15TH ROUND, I ADVISED THE CABINET THAT IN MY VIEW A FIRST STAGE DEAL WAS PROBABLE AND I ADVISED THEM THAT THE TERMS OF IT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE. I WAS THEREFORE AS DISAPPOINTED AS OTHERS WHEN AT THE 16TH ROUND CHINESE OFFICIALS MOVED AWAY FROM THINGS THAT HAD BEEN SAID IN THE 15TH ROUND, AND I THINK THAT DISAPPOINTMENT WAS SHARED MORE WIDELY AS WELL.

MR MARTIN BARROW: GOVERNOR YOU MENTIONED EARLIER OTHER ISSUES ON THE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION WITH CHINA, COULD YOU COMMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT STRATEGY FOR DISCUSSING ECONOMIC ISSUES SUCH AS THE AIRPORT.

THE GOVERNOR: YES, OUR STRATEGY IS TO PRESS AS COURTEOUSLY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY FOR A DIALOGUE ON THOSE MATTERS AS POSSIBLE. THERE ARE DISCUSSIONS GOING ON THIS WEEK AS I THINK THE COUNCIL KNOWS ON THE DIFFICULT BUT IMPORTANT ISSUE OF THE FUTURE OF DEFENCE LANDS. THAT HAS AN ECONOMIC ASPECT AS WELL AS OTHER ASPECTS AS WELL. WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF DISCUSSING WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER THE PROPOSALS THAT WE’VE PUT THE FOURTH SET OF PROPOSALS THAT WE’VE PUT ON FINANCING THE AIRPORT. THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER PROPOSALS TOUCHING ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC WELLBEING THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO CARRY FORWARD. I WAS ENCOURAGED BY WHAT THE CHINESE PRIME MINISTER SAID LAST DECEMBER ABOUT CHINESE OFFICIALS BEING DETERMINED NOT TO LET ANY POLITICAL ARGUMENT AFFECT THE LIVELIHOOD OF HONG KONG AND TO CONTINUE TO WORK FOR THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. SO I HOPE THAT WE CAN SEE THAT, SEE A DIALOGUE DEVELOP RATHER MORE CONSTRUCTIVELY THAN PERHAPS HAS HAPPENED, NOT JUST FOR THE LAST EIGHTEEN MONTHS BUT FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS. IN THE MEANTIME, WE CONTINUE WITH THE SUPPORT FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN EXPENDITURE DECISIONS IS NECESSARY; WE CONTINUE TO DO WHAT WE BELIEVE IS IN THE LONG TERM INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. THAT HAS BEEN, SO FAR I AM PLEASED TO SAY, A BENEFICIAL PROCESS AND THE LATEST ROUND OF THOSE BENEFITS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ANNOUNCES HIS BUDGET NEXT WEEK.

/MS EMILY .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 16 -

MS EMILY LAU: MR PRESIDENT, I WANT TO ASK THE GOVERNOR A QUESTION ABOUT ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH MAY BE IN BREACH OF THE BASIC LAW, BECAUSE EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON HE KEPT TALKING ABOUT PUTTING IN PLACE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE IN LINE WITH THE BASIC LAW. BUT OF COURSE WHEN WE SAW THE FOREIGN SECRETARY LAST YEAR, HE SAID THE IMPORTANCE IS THAT THEY ARE IN LINE WITH BRITAIN’S INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS. AS THE GOVERNOR RIGHTLY POINTED OUT JUST THEN THAT CERTAIN PEOPLE, INCLUDING MYSELF WOULD BE MOVING AN AMENDMENT FOR 60 SEATS IN THE COUNCIL TO BE DIRECTLY ELECTED IN 1995 AND THAT I GUESS THE GOVERNOR WOULD SAY IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE BASIC LAW. MR PRESIDENT, I WANT TO ASK THE GOVERNOR WHAT WILL HE AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DO THEN IF IT IS BLATANTLY IN BREACH OF THE BASIC LAW, WOULD THE BRITISH ADMINISTRATION MOVE TO BLOCK IT OR WOULD YOU STILL SAY THAT IT IS IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, ALSO IN LINE WITH BRITAIN’S INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS SO YOU WILL SUPPORT IT. THANK YOU.

THE GOVERNOR: WELL, I’M OF COURSE UNQUALIFIED, AND UNABASHED ADMIRER OF THE HONOURABLE LADY’S POLITICAL AND RHETORICAL TALENTS, BUT I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A MAJORITY BEFORE I ANSWER THE QUESTION. I KNOW THAT THE HONOURABLE LADY HAS AN UNSHAKABLE AND WHOLLY HONOURABLE COMMITMENT TO A TOTALLY DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, WELL BEFORE 2007 AND PREFERABLY NEXT WEEK, AND I RESPECT THE HONOURABLE LADY’S COURAGE IN ARGUING FOR THAT AND CONSISTENCY IN ARGUING FOR THAT, BUT I DON’T HONESTLY THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE LADY IS GOING TO BE, SHE MAY PROVE ME WRONG, SHE’S PROVED BRITISH POLITICIANS WRONG ON OCCASIONS IN THE PAST, AND ASKED DIFFICULT QUESTIONS OF BRITISH POLITICIANS. I DON’T THINK THE HONOURABLE LADY IS LIKELY TO SECURE THE OUTCOME IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WHICH SHE UNDERSTANDABLY AND HONOURABLE HAS SET. IF SHE DOES I’LL ANSWER THE QUESTION.

MS EMILY LAU: THE GOVERNOR HAS NOT ANSWERED MY QUESTION. MY QUESTION IS WHETHER HE WILL BLOCK IT, IF HE BLOCKS IT THEN IT CAN’T EVEN BE INTRODUCED. IF IT IS GIVEN A CHANCE MAYBE IT WILL BE DEFEATED BY MY COLLEAGUES, MAYBE IT WILL BE CARRIED, IF IT IS NOT EVEN ALLOWED TO BE INTRODUCED, SO HOW CAN I PROVE TO YOU.

/THE GOVERNOR: .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 17 -

THE GOVERNOR: NOBODY, NOBODY, I’LL KEEP MY DECIBEL COUNT DOWN. NOBODY IS ACTUALLY SAYING THE HONOURABLE LADY CAN’T INTRODUCE HER ARGUMENT AND HER IDEAS IT WOULD BE AN EXTREMELY BRAVE WOMAN AND EVEN BRAVER MAN WHOEVER TRIED TO STOP THE HONOURABLE LADY, DEVELOPING A POLITICAL ARGUMENT, THE POLITICAL ARGUMENT SHE’S GOT IS A, IS ONE WHICH MANY PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY AND OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY WOULD REGARD AS WHOLLY REASONABLE, BUT I DON’T THINK THAT IT IS EVER SENSIBLE TO ANSWER VERY HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS IN THE WAY THAT THE HONOURABLE LADY IS INVITING ME TO. I ANSWER SOMETIMES, PARTIALLY HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS. BUT THE MORE HYPOTHETICAL THEY ARE THE LESS SENSIBLE I THINKS IT IS TO ANSWER THEM. JUST TO ADD ONE POINT, I THINK THAT IT IS A STRENGTH OF OUR PROPOSALS, THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS THAT THEY ARE NOT ONLY IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, BUT ALSO WHOLLY IN LINE WITH THE BASIC LAW, AND I THINK THAT IT IS A MATTER OF STRENGTH AS WELL THAT DESPITE THE RAIN FORESTS THAT HAVE BEEN CUT DOWN OVER THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF TO TRY TO DEMONSTRATE THAT WE’VE VIOLATED THE BASIC LAW AND THE JOINT DECLARATION, NO EVIDENCE WHICH CONVINCES ANYBODY HAS EVER BEEN ADDUCED FOR THAT. I DON’T THINK THAT WE WOULD BE IN A STRONGER POSITION IF WE HAD PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS SUCH AS THE HONOURABLE LADY ADVANCES WHICH GO AGAINST THE BASIC LAW. WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO DO IS TO BUILD AS BROAD A BASE OF SUPPORT IN THE COMMUNITY AS POSSIBLE, BUT SOMEBODY WITH MY BACKGROUND COULDN’T HELP BUT ADMIRE THE OBJECTIVES WHICH THE HONOURABLE LADY HAS SET HERSELF, AND FOR WHICH SHE HAS ARGUED WITH AS I SAID SUCH CONSISTENCY AND PASSION OFTEN TO THE EMBARRASSMENT OF POLITICIANS FROM BRITAIN AND FROM ELSEWHERE.

THE PRESIDENT: IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDERS, I KNOW ADJOURN THE SITTING UNTIL WEDNESDAY. 2ND MARCH 1994.

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

WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED A WHITE PAPER ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLICATION REPRODUCED THE TEXT OF THE WHITE PAPER PRESENTED AT THE SAME TIME (9 AM LONDON TIME) TODAY TO PARLIAMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

IT GAVE A FULL ACCOUNT OF WHAT THE TALKS ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994/95 ELECTIONS WITH CHINA HAD BEEN ABOUT, WHY AGREEMENT HAD NOT BEEN POSSIBLE, AND HOW THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO PROCEED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WHITE PAPER WAS INTENDED TO INFORM DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND IN THE COMMUNITY.

COPIES OF THE PAPER WILL BE SENT TO MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

/COPIES WILL .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 18 -

COPIES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC TODAY FROM 5 W TO 9 PM FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, GROUND FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.

STARTING FROM TOMORROW, COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, CNTA PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES, AND POST OFFICES.

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

CS REITERATES HOPE FOR CONTINUED CO-OPERATION

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING SAID SHE HOPED THAT THE DISAGREEMENTS OVER POLITICAL ISSUES WOULD NOT AFFECT BRITAIN’S AND HONG KONG’S CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA OVER A NUMBER OF OTHER ISSUES.

RESPONDING TO MEDIA QUESTIONS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE COCA-COLA HONG KONG SPORTS STARS AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MRS CHAN SAID:"WE ARE SINCERE TO CONTINUE CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS’ TRANSITIONAL PERIOD.

"WE WANT TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE CHINESE SIDE OVER A NUMBER OF OTHER ISSUES.

"HONG KONG PEOPLE ALSO HOPE THAT CHINA COULD CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS, FOR EXAMPLE, OVER ISSUES CONCERNING PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT AND THE CONTAINER TERMINAL."

ASKED ABOUT THE WHITE PAPER ON THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG PUBLISHED THIS AFTERNOON, MRS CHAN SAID THE WHOLE WHITE PAPER WAS FACT, NO MORE, NO LESS.

"I HAVE SAID SEVERAL TIMES THAT WE REGRET THAT WE CANNOT REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH CHINA OVER POLITICAL REFORM.

"WE HAVE TRIED OUR BEST. BUT BECAUSE OF THE TIGHT SCHEDULE, WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO IMPLEMENT THE FIRST PART OF THE POLITICAL PACKAGE," MRS CHAN ADDED.

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

/19........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 19 -

CS MEETS MEDIA AFTER LEGCO MEETING ♦ * * * »

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE LEGCO MEETING TODAY:

CHIEF SECRETARY: GOOD MORNING EVERYONE, THIS HAS BEEN A VERY LONG DAY FOR ALL OF US SO I WON’T DETAIN YOU FOR TOO LONG. AS YOU ALL KNOW THE FIRST STAGE BILL HAS PASSED WITH THE CLEAR MAJORITY AND THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL CLEARS THE WAY FOR THE SECOND PART OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE TO BE PUT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. WHEN THE GOVERNOR APPEARS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER TODAY TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS, HE WILL COMMENT ON THE CONTENTS OF THE SECOND STAGE BILL AND THE TIMING FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS BILL. WE ARE OF COURSE VERY PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME OF THE VOTING TODAY . IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT THE LEGISLATURE REFLECTING THE WIDER VIEW IN THE COMMUNITY WHICH IS TO PRESS AHEAD WITH THE PREPARATION AND ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION IN ORDER THAT WE CAN MAKE ALL THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS. IT IS ALSO QUITE CLEAR FROM THE DEBATE THAT WE JUST HAD THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF MAKING MATURE JUDGMENTS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG. OF COURSE WE REGRET HAVING TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS IN THE ABSENT OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE. WE HAVE AS YOU KNOW TRIED VERY HARD OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS BUT UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE NOT SUCCEEDED. BUT I HOPE VERY MUCH THAT THE CHINESE WILL APPRECIATE THAT THE TIME CONSTRAINTS MEAN THAT WE HAVE TO PRESS AHEAD WITH THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION. I HOPE FURTHER THAT THE CHINESE WILL APPRECIATE THAT WE HAVE THE WIDER INTEREST OF HONG KONG AT HEART. THE FACTS THAT WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS DOES NOT I HOPE MEAN THAT WE CANNOT CO-OPERATE WITH THE CHINESE IN A WHOLE SERIES OF ISSUES WHICH CONCERN HONG KONG PEOPLE. THERE ARE MANY OF THESE AREAS. WE WILL DO OUR VERY BEST TO SEEK CO-OPERATION WITH THE CHINESE IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS AHEAD SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THE LONG TERM PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.

QUESTION; HOW DO YOU THINK THAT THE DECISION MAY BE SHORT-LIVED AND THE CHINESE SIDE WILL SCRAP IT TILL AT 1997?

CHIEF SECRETARY: THE LEGISLATURE REFLECTING THE VIEWS IN THE COMMUNITY HAVE CLEARLY ENDORSED THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL. WE BELIEVE THAT THIS BILL TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE SECOND PART BILL PROVIDED FOR FAIR OPEN ELECTIONS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. WE ALSO FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE ELECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A FAIR MANNER AND WILL BE SEEN TO BE A SUCCESS. ON THAT BASIS WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE CHINESE WILL NOT SEE ANY NEED TO UPSET THESE ARRANGEMENTS COME JULY 1, 1997.

QUESTION (IN CHINESE): TO PASS THE SECOND PART OF THE BILL WILL BE MORE DIFFICULT. WILL THE OUTCOME OF TODAY’S VOTING GIVE YOU MORE CONFIDENCE TO PASS THE GOVERNOR’S ORIGINAL REFORM PACKAGE?

CHIEF SECRETARY (IN CHINESE): ABOUT THE CONTENT OF THE SECOND PART OF THE BILL, I HAVE JUST MENTIONED BEFORE THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT LATER TODAY.

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

/20........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 20 -

EDUCATION KEEPS HK ON LEADING EDGE » * » * *

. IT IS BY EDUCATION, BOTH ACADEMIC AND IN TECHNICAL, ARTISTIC, MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, THAT HONG KONG CAN BE KEPT ON THE LEADING EDGE OF THE RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 4TH EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXPO AND BRITISH EDUCATION EXHIBITION ’94, MR PATTEN SAID THE MEN AND WOMEN OF HONG KONG HAD ALWAYS BEEN EAGER FOR OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THEIR OWN EDUCATION AND THAT OF THEIR CHILDREN.

"HONG KONG STUDENTS HAVE ACQUIRED A WORLDWIDE REPUTATION FOR HARDWORK, FOR DETERMINATION AND FOR RESOURCEFULNESS," HE SAID.

OVER 20 PER CENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE GOES ON EDUCATION, TECHNICAL TRAINING, SKILLS UPGRADING AND RETRAINING.

THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE VALUE OF THIS INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE HAD BEEN SHOWN DRAMATICALLY IN THE LAST 10 YEARS.

THE TERRITORY’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR HAS LOST A HUGE NUMBER OF ASSEMBLY JOBS AS THESE MOVED INTO SOUTH CHINA. BUT AT NO TIME WAS THERE SERIOUS UNEMPLOYMENT.

"THANKS TO OUR WELL EDUCATED AND ADAPTABLE PEOPLE, A HUGE RANGE OF NEW JOBS HAVE BEEN CREATED.

"THE ADVANCED SKILLS THAT HONG KONG’S PEOPLE POSSESS IN MANAGEMENT, IN DESIGN, IN MARKETING AND IN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY HAVE MADE THIS A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY," HE SAID.

"FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT SERVICES INDUSTRIES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPAND RAPIDLY TO SUPPORT REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT," HE ADDED.

THE EXHIBITION LINES UP MORE THAN 200 OF HONG KONG’S EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, TRADING AND MANUFACTURING FIRMS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND SERVICE COMPANIES AS WELL AS NEARLY 200 BRITISH EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS.

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

/21 .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 21 -

1994 - A MEMORABLE YEAR FOR SPORTS: CS

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TONIGHT (THURSDAY) SHE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING A MEMORABLE YEAR FOR SPORTS IN 1994.

THIS YEAR, HONG KONG WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE ASIAN GAMES, THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES AND THE FAR EAST AND SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES FOR THE DISABLED.

"WITH CONTINUED HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, I AM CONFIDENT THAT OUR ATHLETES WILL SCALE NEW HEIGHTS. WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING MORE MEDALS BEING WON AT THESE GAMES," MRS CHAN SAID.

SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION DINNER OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (HKSDB).

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HONG KONG HAD MADE MUCH PROGRESS IN SPORTS IN RECENT YEARS.

LOCAL ATHLETES HAVE DONE PARTICULARLY WELL LAST YEAR, SHE ADDED.

SHE SAID SPORTS WAS AN AREA WHERE A CONSTRUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP EXISTED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS.

WITH THE COMBINATION OF THE HKSDB AND THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE IN APRIL, THE RESOURCES PUT INTO SPORT WILL BE USED IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY, SHE SAID.

LAST MAY, THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED AN ADDITIONAL GRANT OF $100 MILLION TO PREPARE ATHLETES WITH POTENTIAL FOR THE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL GAMES IN THE COMING THREE YEARS.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SUBVENTING THE HKSDB TO THE TUNE OF $65 MILLION IN 1994/95.

"THESE INCREASED RESOURCES HAVE BEEN MATCHED BY A SIMILAR INCREASE IN INTEREST AND SUPPORT FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR," MRS CHAN SAID.

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

/22........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 22 -

ANALYSIS OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT IN 1993 *****

THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN ACCOUNTED FOR 51% OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).

ANOTHER 26% WAS TRANSPORTED BY LAND AND A FURTHER 18% BY AIR. THE REST 4.6% INCLUDED SHIPMENT BY RIVER, POSTAL PARCELS, AND ACCOMPANIED GOODS OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ON VARIOUS MEANS OF TRANSPORT.

SHIPMENT BY OCEAN AMOUNTED TO $1,074 BILLION IN 1993, WITH AN INCREASE OF 8.7% OVER THAT IN 1992. HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE BY LAND WENT UP BY 17% TO $557 BILLION WHILE THAT BY AIR ALSO WENT UP BY 17% TO $390 BILLION IN 1993.

TABLE 1 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE ANALYSED BY MODE OF TRANSPORT IN 1993 COMPARED WITH 1992.

THE UNITED STATES REMAINED THE LARGEST DESTINATION FOR HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) BY OCEAN, ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 32% IN VALUE TERMS IN 1993. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY OCEAN TO THE UNITED STATES WENT UP BY 11% IN 1993.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY OCEAN TO CHINA INCREASED BY 40% IN 1993 OVER 1992. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN SEABORNE TOTAL EXPORTS TO THE OTHER MAJOR DESTINATIONS: GERMANY (+15%), JAPAN (+9.1%) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+8.7%).

JAPAN WAS THE LARGEST SUPPLIER OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS BY OCEAN, ACCOUNTING FOR A SHARE OF 27% IN VALUE IN 1993. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY OCEAN FROM JAPAN WENT UP BY 4.9% IN 1993 OVER 1992. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN (+5.4%), THE UNITED STATES (+6.8%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+4.9%). HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM CHINA DECREASED BY 0.7%.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN WITH MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS IN 1993 COMPARED WITH 1992.

IN 1993, THE UNITED STATES ACCOUNTED FOR 31% OF THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS BY AIR. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY AIR TO THE UNITED STATES INCREASED BY 20% OVER 1992.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS BY AIR TO MOST OTHER MAJOR DESTINATIONS ALSO WENT UP.

AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN 1993. THE PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN VALUE IN 1993 OVER 1992 WERE: JAPAN (+16%), THE UNITED STATES (+20%), SINGAPORE (+44%), TAIWAN (+27%) AND SWITZERLAND (+9.2%).

TABLE 3 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR WITH MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS IN 1993 COMPARED WITH 1992.

/MORE DETAILED ......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 23 -

MORE DETAILED FIGURES ON CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BETWEEN 1993 AND 1992 ANALYSED BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 4.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY OCEAN FOR FOOTWEAR (BY $11,238 MILLION OR 34%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $10,214 MILLION OR 24%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $9,671 MILLION OR 11%).

LARGE INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY OCEAN FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $15,899 MILLION OR 52%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $3,166 MILLION OR 8.8%).

HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY OCEAN FOR CLOTHING (BY $3,446 MILLION OR 6.6%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY PRINTED MATTER (BY $1,422 MILLION OR 14%).

CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BETWEEN 1993 AND 1992 ANALYSED BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

COMPARING 1993 WITH 1992, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY AIR FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $14,378 MILLION OR 30%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $7,596 MILLION OR 78%).

AS REGARDS EXPORTS BY AIR, INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR REEXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $5,858 MILLION OR 34%); CLOTHING (BY $4,682 MILLION OR 27%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $3,264 MILLION OR 24%); AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2,852 MILLION OR 26%).

HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY AIR FOR CLOTHING (BY $2,273 MILLION OR 10%); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1,776 MILLION OR 15%).

CHANGES IN VALUE OF EXTERNAL TRADE BY LAND BETWEEN 1993 AND 1992 ANALYSED BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 6.

COMPARING 1993 WITH 1992, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS BY LAND FOR CLOTHING (BY $9,696 MILLION OR 16%); FOOTWEAR (BY $8,946 MILLION OR 40%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING OF MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $7,240 MILLION OR 17%); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $7,023 MILLION OR 24%).

/AS REGARDS .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 24 -

AS REGARDS EXPORTS BY LAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR REEXPORTS OF ROAD VEHICLES (BY $4,827 MILLION OR 77%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $4,305 MILLIONOR 75%); AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2,785 MILLION OR 30%); AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,104 MILLION OR 14%).

DETAILED STATISTICS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE ANALYSED BY MODE OF TRANSPORT ARE PUBLISHED IN THE DECEMBER 1993 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" REPORT WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $68.50 A COPY. THE REPORT CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS 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, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .

ENQUIRIES REGARDING 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 : .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 25 -

TABLE 1 I EXTERNAL TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT

MODE OF TRANSPORT/ TYPE OF TRADE JAN-DEC 1993 HKD Mn. JAN-DEC 1992 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

OCEAN

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 93,178 102,913 - 9,735 - 9.5

RE-EXPORTS 481,143 417,865 + 63,278 + 15.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 574,321 520,778 + 53,543 4- 10.3

IMPORTS 499,762 467,720 + 32,042 + 6.9

TOTAL BY OCEAN 1,074,083 988,497 + 85,586 + 8.7

AIR

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 67,944 70,173 - 2,229 - 3.2

RE-EXPORTS 113,466 91,795 + 21,671 + 23.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 181,410 161,969 + 19,441 4- 12.0

IMPORTS 208,686 170,686 + 38,001 4- 22.3

TOTAL BY AIR 390,096 332,654 + 57,442 4- 17.3

LAND DOMESTIC EXPORTS 53,605 52,741 + 864 4- 1.6

RE-EXPORTS 175,777 141,028 + 34,749 + 24.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 229,381 193,769 4- 35,612 + 18.4

IMPORTS 327,209 280,286 + 46,922 4- 16.7

TOTAL BY LAND 556,590 474,055 + 82,535 4- 17.4

OTHERS

DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS 8,300 52,838 8,297 40,141 + + 3 12,697 + * 31.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 61,138 48,438 + 12,701 + 26.2

IMPORTS 36,941 36,604 + 337 + 0.9

TOTAL BY OTHERS 98,079 85,041 + 13,038 + 15.3

ALL MODES OF TRANSPORT DOMESTIC EXPORTS 223,027 234,123 11,097 — 4.7

RE-EXPORTS 823,224 690,829 + 132,394 + 19.2

TOTAL EXPORTS 1,046,250 924,953 + 121,298 + 13.1

IMPORTS 1,072,597 955,295 + 117,302 4- 12.3

TOTAL TRADE 2,118,848 1,880,248 + 238,600 4- 12.7

* denotes less than 0.05%

/TABLE 2 : .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 26 -

TABLE 2 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BY MAJOR TRADING PARTNER

TRADING PARTNER

JAN-DEC 1993

HKD Mn.

JAN-DEC 1992

HKD Mn.

YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 34,322 38,494 — 4,172 — 10.8

GERMANY 8,831 9,716 — 885 — 9.1

UNITED KINGDOM 7,772 9,132 - 1,360 — 14.9

JAPAN 3,868 4,555 — 687 — 15.1

CANADA 3,276 3,468 — 191 — 5.5

ALL COUNTRIES 93,178 102,913 - 9,735 — 9.5

RE-EXPORTS

(DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 150,055 127,544 + 22,510 + 17.6

CHINA 48,197 33,857 ' + 14,340 + 42.4

GERMANY 33,323 26,920 + 6,403 + 23.8

JAPAN 31,372 27,750 + 3,622 + 13.1

UNITED KINGDOM 20,708 17,057 + 3,650 + 21.4

ALL COUNTRIES 481,143’ 417,865 + 63,278 + 15.1

TOTAL EXPORTS

(DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 184,377 166,038 + 18,339 + 11.0

CHINA 51,440 36,803 + 14,638 + 39.8

GERMANY 42,154 36,637 + 5,517 + 15.1

JAPAN 35,240 32,305 + 2,934 + 9.1

UNITED KINGDOM 28,480 26,190 + 2,290 + 8.7

ALL COUNTRIES 574,321 520,778 + 53,543 + 10.3

IMPORTS (SOURCE)

JAPAN 136,829 130,475 + 6,354 + 4.9

TAIWAN 80,635 76,498 + 4,137 + 5.4

UNITED STATES 42,255 39,560 + 2,695 + 6.8

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 40,190 38,307 + 1,882 + 4.9

CHINA 36,988 37,260 - 272 - 0.7

ALL COUNTRIES 499,762 467,720 + 32,042 + 6.9

/TABLE 3 : .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

TABLE 3 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BY MAJOR TRADING PARTNER

TRADING PARTNER JAN-DEC JAN-DEC YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

1993 1992

HKD Mn. HKD Mn. HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 25,945 26,061 — 116 0.4

SINGAPORE 8,446 7,826 + 620 + 7.9

JAPAN 5,751 6,380 - 629 — 9.9

GERMANY 5,103 6,199 - 1,096 17.7

TAIWAN 3,608 2,908 + 699 + 24.0

ALL COUNTRIES 67,944 70,173 - 2,229 - 3.2

RE-EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 30,256 20,933 + 9,323 + 44.5

JAPAN 12,646 9,643 + 3,002 + 31.1

TAIWAN 9,832 9,244 + 588 + 6.4

CHINA 7,640 5,776 ♦ 1,864 + 32.3

GERMANY 7,448 6,152 + 1,296 + 21.1

ALL COUNTRIES 113,466 91,795 + 21,671 + 23.6

TOTAL EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 56,201 46,994 4- 9,207 + 19.6

JAPAN 18,397 16,024 + 2,373 + 14.8

SINGAPORE 13,691 12,511 + 1,180 + ’ 9.4

TAIWAN 13,440 12,152 + 1,287 + 10.6

GERMANY 12,551 12,351 + 201 + 1.6

ALL COUNTRIES IMPORTS 181,410 161,969 + 19,441 + 12.0

(SOURCE)

JAPAN 40,872 35,380 + 5,492 + 15.5

UNITED STATES 37,048 30,849 + 6,199 + 20.1

SINGAPORE 17,398 12,062 + 5,335 + 44.2

TAIWAN 13,296 10,500 + 2,796 + 26.6

SWITZERLAND 10,493 9,613 + 880 + 9.2

ALL COUNTRIES 208,686 170,686 + 38,001 + 22.3

/TABLE 4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 28 -

r •

TABLE 4 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-DEC 1993 HKD Mn. JAN-DEC 1992 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 48,551 51,996 - 3,446 — 6.6

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 8,670 9,007 - 337 — 3.7

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PRINTED MATTER) 8,654 10,076 - 1,422 — 14.1

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 3,970 4,578 — 608 — 13.3

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,273 4,294 - 1,021 - 23.8

RE-EXPORTS

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 94,867 85,196 + 9,671 + 11.4

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 66,765 59,091 + 7,674 + 13.0

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 53,432 43,218 + 10,214 + 23.6

FOOTWEAR 44,319 33,081 + 11,238 + 34.0

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 29,746 24,369 + 5,377 + 22.1

IMPORTS

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 64,006 66,753 - 2,747 — 4.1

ROAD VEHICLES 46,280 30,382 + 15,899 + 52.3

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 39,081 35,915 + 3,166 + 8.8

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 30,389 28,533 + 1,856 + 6.5

GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 24,761 22,285 + 2,477 + 11.1

/TABLE 5 : .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

t. r* TABLE 5 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION i JAN-DEC 1993 HKD Mn. JAN-DEC 1992 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 19,606 21,879 2,273 - 10.4

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 13,871 11,019 + 2,852 + 25.9

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 12,007 13,760 1,753 - 12.7

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 10,293 12,069 1,776 - 14.7

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS' WARES) 6,284 5,846 + 439 + 7.5

RE-EXPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 23,258 17,400 + 5,858 + 33.7

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 21,779 17,097 + 4,682 + 27.4

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 17,115 13,851 + 3,264 + 23.6

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 10,256 7,893 + 2,363 + 29.9

NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 8,447 7,819 + 628 + 8.0

IMPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 61,809 47,430 + 14,378 + 30.3

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 22,692 22,405 + 287 + 1.3

NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 21,722 18,558 + 3,164 + 17.0

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 17,395 9,798 + 7,596 + 77.5

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 16,835 15,214 + 1,621 + 10.7

/TABLE 6 : .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 30 -

TABLE 6 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY LAND BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-DEC 1993 HKD Mn. JAN-DEC 1992 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 9,081 7,977 + 1,104 + 13.8

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,306 6,802 - 496 7.3

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4,957 5,416 — 460 8.5

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,468 4,250 + 218 + 5.1

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3,589 3,140 + 449 + 14.3

RE-EXPORTS

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 41,031 38,300 + 2,731 + 7.1

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 12,156 9,372 + 2,785 + 29.7

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 12,063 10,218 + 1,846 + 18.1

ROAD VEHICLES 11,108 6,281 + 4,827 +’ 76.9

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 10,007 5,702 + 4,305 +- 75.5

IMPORTS

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 71,729 62,033 + 9,696 + 15.6

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 49,067 41,827 + 7,240 + 17.3

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 36,106 29,083 + 7,023 + 24.1

FOOTWEAR 31,582 22,636 + 8,946 + 39.5

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 25,769 26,006 — 237 — 0.9

/31........

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 31 -

HK SUPPORTS GLOBAL TROPOSPHERIC EXPERIMENT *****

HONG KONG IS SUPPORTING A GLOBAL TROPOSPHERIC EXPERIMENT THAT WILL DEVELOP A BASIS FOR THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE ATMOSPHERE AND GLOBAL EFFECTS SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE.

AN INTERNATIONAL TEAM OF MORE THAN 70 SCIENTISTS AND A SPECIALLY EQUIPPED DC-8 AIRCRAFT FROM THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) OF USA ARE TAKING PART IN THE WORK.

SINCE MONDAY (FEBRUARY 21), THE AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN USING HONG KONG AS THE BASE, FLYING OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC TO TAKE ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENTS.

THIS FOLLOWS MEASUREMENTS MADE FROM GUAM EARLY THIS MONTH. THE PACIFIC EXPLORATORY MISSION WILL MOVE ON TO JAPAN AND ALASKA NEXT MONTH BEFORE RETURNING TO CALIFORNIA.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WOULD PROVIDE METEOROLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR THE PLANNING AND OPERATION OF THE FLIGHTS DURING THE WEEK-LONG EXPERIMENT.

"IT WILL MAKE INTENSIVE OZONE SOUNDINGS ON SCHEDULED DAYS," HE SAID.

THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL FACILITATE THE OPERATION OF THE AIRCRAFT IN AND OUT OF THE TERRITORY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID DATA COLLECTED BY THE AIRCRAFT COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO LOCAL SCIENTISTS IN GOVERNMENT AND TERTIARY INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH AND STUDIES IN THE FIELD OF ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES.

AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE EXPERIMENT, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WILL CONDUCT CHEMICAL ANALYSES UNDER A SPECIAL RESEARCH PROGRAMME ON A CONTINUING BASIS FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

THE EXPERIMENT FOLLOWS THE FIRST FIELD EXPERIMENT OVER THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION IN 1991.

ITS MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO INVESTIGATE THE ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY OF OZONE AND ITS PRECURSORS OVER THE WESTERN PACIFIC AND TO EXAMINE THE NATURAL BUDGETS OF THESE SPECIES AND THE IMPACT OF ANTHROPOGENIC SOURCES.

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

/32 .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 32 -

FIVE MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED

* » » ♦ »

FIVE MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 421.

THREE NEW AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING JANUARY.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 95 WITH 65 DEATHS REPORTED.

OF THE 421 HIV INFECTED, 309 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION SEXUALLY, NINE WERE INJECTING DRUG USERS, AND 65 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH CONTAMINATED BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST AND SAFE HEAT TREATED CLOTTING CONCENTRATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

FOR THE REMAINING 38, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.

UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 313,027 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.

THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR AIDS.

UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,363,383 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 29 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.

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

EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXHIBITION DRAWS BIG CROWDS

*****

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS, YOUNG PEOPLE AND WORKING ADULTS VISITED THE 4TH EDUCATION AND CAREERS EXPO TODAY (THURSDAY) TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER CHOICES.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION WOULD ATTRACT ABOUT 180,000 VISITORS.

DURING THE VISIT, THEY ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF TRAINING COURSES AND JOBS FROM MORE THAN 200 EDUCATION AND CAREERS BOOTHS.

THIS YEAR’S EXPO, ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC) AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS MORNING BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN.

/OTHER OFFICIATING ......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE TDC CHAIRMAN, DR VICTOR FUNG, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MRS KATHERINE FOK AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL, MR TOM BUCHANAN.

AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR PATTEN, ACCOMPANIED BY DR FUNG, MRS FOK AND MR BUCHANAN, VISITED SOME OF THE EXHIBITION BOOTHS AND CHATTED TO EXHIBITORS.

A SERIES OF CAREERS VIDEO SHOWS, INTRODUCING A WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS AND THE WORK OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND PUBLIC UTILITIES, WILL BE PRESENTED THROUGHOUT THE EXHIBITION TO FURTHER ENHANCE VISITORS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD OF WORK.

TO ENCOURAGE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO VISIT THE EXPOSITION AND COLLECT CAREERS INFORMATION ACTIVELY, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE HAS ARRANGED A SERIES OF GROUP VISITS FOR MORE THAN 10,000 STUDENTS FROM 97 SCHOOLS.

A TOTAL OF 60 SEMINARS TO BE CONDUCTED BY EXPERTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS HAVE RECEIVED OVERWHELMING RESPONSE.

THE EXPO, FEATURING SOME 170 EXHIBITORS FROM A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS, LOCAL AND OVERSEAS EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTES, IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 27) ON LEVEL 5 OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI. ADMISSION IS FREE.

THE OPENING HOURS ARE:

FEBRUARY 24 (THURSDAY) 10.30 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 25 (FRIDAY) 10 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 26 (SATURDAY) 10 AM - 7 PM

FEBRUARY 27 (SUNDAY) 10 AM - 6 PM

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

DRAFT LAW SENT OUT FOR COMMENTS *****

THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WORKING GROUP HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF FIVE PUBLIC FORUMS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, THE LAST WAS HELD LAST SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 19).

AT THE FORUMS, SOME PARTICIPANTS RAISED THEIR WISH TO COMMENT nN THF DRAFT ORDINANCE FOR THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL prfJare? bI ?HE WORKING GROUP. FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION WHEN IT DRAFTS THE LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AS A STATUTORY BODY.

THE WORKING GROUP HAS NOW SENT COPIES OF THE DRAFT ORDINANCE TO ARTS ORGANISATIONS FOR COMMENT, BEFORE MARCH 13.

THE WORKING GROUP WILL CONSIDER THE VIEWS RECEIVED BEFORE COMING UP WITH ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION.

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

/34 .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 34 -

925 MOST IMPROVED STUDENTS AWARDED

*****

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, WILL PRESENT AWARDS TO 925 PRIMARY STUDENTS AT THE FIRST MOST IMPROVED PRIMARY PUPILS AWARD SCHEME PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 26).

THE PRIMARY 4 TO 6 STUDENTS FROM 540 SCHOOLS WILL EACH RECEIVE $400 IN CASH, A CERTIFICATE AND A MEDAL.

THE SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, PO LEUNG KUK, YAN CHAI HOSPITAL AND THE SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL.

IT IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO DEVELOP FULLY THEIR INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL BY GIVING DUE RECOGNITION TO THOSE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED THE BEST ALL-ROUND IMPROVEMENT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 18 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 11.15 AM ON SATURDAY.

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

RALEIGH HOPEFULS VENTURE TO SUCCEED

*****

THIRTY CANDIDATES WILL BE VYING FOR PLACES AS "VENTURERS" ON RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS AT A SELECTION WEEKEND TO BE HELD AT THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CAMP, YUEN TUN FROM FEBRUARY 25 TO 27.

THE WEEKEND WILL BE RUN JOINTLY BY THE COMMITTEE OF RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL (HONG KONG) AND 67 SQUADRON, THE QUEEN'S GURKHA ENGINEERS.

THE SUCCESSFUL VENTURERS WILL TAKE PART IN FUTURE RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL TASKS SUCH AS HELPING IN PROJECTS IN REMOTE AREAS OR IN COUNTRIES WITH POOR INFRASTRUCTURE. PROJECTS ARE PLANNED FOR SIBERIA, CHILE AND MALAYSIA.

THE ACTIVITIES DURING THE WEEKEND ARE DESIGNED TO PRESENT INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PROBLEMS TO THE CANDIDATES AND WILL INCLUDE THE NEGOTIATION OF ASSAULT COURSES, COMMAND TASKS AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.

/THE TESTS .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 35 -

THE TESTS WILL SHOW WHETHER A CANDIDATE HAS THE DETERMINATION AND PERSONALITY TO COPE WITH THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF AN EXPEDITION.

NOTES: . > • . ,

THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS ARE PROVIDING ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR THE WEEKEND, INCLUDING THE DIRECTING STAFF AND PHYSICAL TRAINING STAFF.

THE PRESIDENT OF RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL (HONG KONG) IS THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND A PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE SELECTION WEEKEND. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE EXERCISE CO-ORDINATOR, LT R WARDLAW (TEL 450 5440), THE UNIT PRESS OFFICER, CAPT PATRICK COXEN (TEL 450 5115) OR LT GOPAL GURUNG (TEL 450 5385).

•I BOE MEMBERS VISIT CARITAS LOK YI SCHOOL

*****

FIVE BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) MEMBERS VISITED THE CARITAS LOK YI SCHOOL IN LEI KING WAN, SAI WAN HO TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE MEMBERS WERE MISS BOW SUI-MAY, MS SANSAN CHING TEH-CHI, MR MICHAEL HONG MAN-HOI, MRS GRACE HUI WONG KING-MAN AND MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK.

THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR CLEMENT WONG CHI-KEUNG AND PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION INSPECTORATE), MRS JANE CHEUNG.

THE SCHOOL MANAGER, REV FRANCIS LERDA, THE SUPERVISOR, MS PHYLLIS WONG YEE-SEUNG AND THE PRINCIPAL, MRS SZE WONG SHUI-HAR BRIEFED THE GROUP ON THE OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL.

THE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE PURPOSE-BUILT SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN STARTED OPERATION LAST YEAR.

THE SCHOOL HAS 38 STUDENTS AND 24 BOARDERS.

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

/36 .......

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1994

- 36 -

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,830

REVERSAL OF LAF 4-1,170

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL 1

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -473 •

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,527

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 126. 0 »+0.2» 24.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND ii.; ‘ '•< *

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.05 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.35 4.43

1 MONTH 3.13 21 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.31 4.62

3 MONTHS 3.37 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.33 4.82

6 MONTHS 3.58 32 MONTHS 3610 4.20 97.85 5.13

12 MONTHS 4.05 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 98.51 5.22

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 16,933 MN

CLOSED 24 FEBRUARY 1994

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE MONEY TO BOOST KEY SERVICES ................................ 1

LEGCO (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 ............... 2

TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL GAZETTED ......................... 3

FUNDS APPROVED FOR CONVENTION CENTRE EXTENSION .................. 4

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR JANUARY ................. 6

POLICY TO PROMOTE OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING TO STAY ON ........ 11

PLEDGE FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR CIVIL SERVICE ............... 12

BRIDGE SADDLES LIFTED INTO POSITION ............................ 13

THREE GOVT LOTS FOR AUCTION .................................... 13

HK - A MAGNET FOR INVESTMENT ................................... 14

DSD TO CONSTRUCT SEWAGE TUNNEL ................................. 15

LOCAL WORKERS’ JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO BE PROTECTED ............... 17

NICHE FEES TO INCREASE FROM MARCH .............................. 18

FEES FOR AERIAL ROPEWAYS AND LIFTS DUTIES REVISED .............. 19

INCREASING INTERACTION BETWEEN HK AND KOREA: GOVERNOR .......... 20

AMENDMENTS TO QUARRY BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ................... 21

CHINA-BOUND VEHICLE HOLDING AREA TO BE EXTENDED ................ 22

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ...................... 22

PLACES AVAILABLE AT GOVT PRIMARY SCHOOLS ....................... 23

/JETTY FOR .......

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

JETTY FOR ACCESS TO NEW AIRPORT RADAR ......................... 24

PREQUALIFICATION FOR INFIRMARY CONSTRUCTION INVITED ........... 24

TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAIN LAYING ......................... 25

PART-TIME LECTURERS IN ADULT EDUCATION WANTED ................. 25

LI PO CHUN METHADONE CLINIC TO BE CLOSED ...................... 26

TENDERS INVITED FOR TSEUNG KWAN 0 DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ......... 26

ART FAIR FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS ........................... 27

302 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME .................................... 28

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. 28

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 1 -MORE MONEY TO BOOST KEY SERVICES ♦ * * * *

THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1994/95, WHICH ARE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) TOGETHER WITH THE GAZETTING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, PROPOSE MAJOR INCREASES IN SPENDING TO EXPAND SERVICES IN AREAS WHERE THEY ARE MOST NEEDED.

THE ESTIMATES ALSO REPRESENT A FURTHER STEP TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE AMBITIOUS TARGETS SET BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IN OCTOBER 1992 AND THE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS ANNOUNCED LAST YEAR.

TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE, INCLUDING EXPENDITURE BY THE FUNDS, FOR THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR WILL RISE TO $146 BILLION.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, EXPLAINED THAT OF THE TOTAL OF $146 BILLION, $107.7 BILLION WOULD COVER COSTS OF PROVIDING EXISTING AND NEW SERVICES, AND $38.3 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON CAPITAL PROJECTS.

’’THIS BUDGETARY STRATEGY HAS BEEN DECIDED AFTER CONSULTATIONS HELD BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, WITH MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON SPENDING PRIORITIES DURING THE PAST YEAR.

"IT ALSO ABIDES BY OUR POLICY THAT EXPENDITURE GROWTH SHOULD NOT EXCEED THE TREND GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY, A POLICY THAT HAS SERVED US WELL OVER MANY YEARS," HE SAID.

MR TSANG EXPLAINED THAT WITH A PROJECTED TREND ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE OF FIVE PER CENT A YEAR, IT WAS POSSIBLE TO INCREASE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BY AROUND FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, THAT IS OVER AND ABOVE THE RATE OF INFLATION.

"THIS MEANS SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN KEY POLICY AREAS WHERE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE MOST NEEDED," HE SAID.

SOME EXAMPLES ARE:

RECURRENT SPENDING ON SOCIAL WELFARE WILL INCREASE BY 8.4 PER

CENT IN REAL TERMS TO $11.3 BILLTON.

"SPECIAL BENEFITS INCLUDE FOR THE ELDERLY AN EXTRA 1,660 RESIDENTIAL PLACES, 24 SERVICE CENTRES AND THE ISSUE OF SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS; 650 EXTRA RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR THE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND 1,825 ADDITIONAL PLACES TN NURSERIES, CRECHES AND SMALL GROUP HOMES FOR CHILDREN AND $100 PER MONTH INCREASE IN THE STANDARD RATE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME," MR TSANG SAID.

ON THE HEALTH FRONT, RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WILL GO UP BY 6.9 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS TO $17.1 BILLION IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.

"NEW FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE 950 EXTRA HOSPITAL BEDS, AND FOUR NEW CLINICS AS WELL AS THE PROVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR 3,900 CHRONICALLY ILL PATIENTS AND HOSPICE CARE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 500 PATIENTS," HE SAID.

/FOR EDUCATION.........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 2 -

FOR EDUCATION, RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WILL GO UP IN REAL TERMS BY 6.5 PER CENT TO $25.8 BILLION.

"BENEFITS IN THIS POLICY AREA INCLUDE 980 ADDITIONAL GRADUATE TEACHERS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 15 MORE WHOLE-DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLS, 1,980 NEW FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES AND FURTHER ENHANCEMENT OF THE KINDERGARTEN FEE REMISSION SCHEME," HE SAID.

FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT, EXPENDITURE WILL GO UP BY 15.3 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS TO $1.6 BILLION.

"THIS WILL BRING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR VARIOUS FACILITIES LIKE THE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE, THE REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS AND NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILLS.

"FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME WE WILL BE PROVIDING ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION TO ENHANCE ITS ANTI-CORRUPT LON ACTIVITIES AND TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO TACKLE CIGARETTE SMUGGLING.

"AND FOR THE POLICE, WHO HAVE BENEFITED IN 1993 FROM EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH LEVELS OF RECRUITMENT AND CONSEQUENTLY HISTORICALLY LOW VACANCY RATES, WE SHALL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE FUNDS NECESSARY TO FINANCE THIS INCREASE IN THE STRENGTH OF THE FORCE,” MR TSANG ADDED.

"ALL THESE INCREASES REPRESENT EXPENDITURE GROWTH IN REAL TERMS, THAT IS TO SAY, THESE REFLECT GROWTH AFTER ALLOWING FOR INFLATION," HE SAID.

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

LEGCO (ELECTORAL PROVIS IONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 *******

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE BROADENING OF THE FRANCHISE OF SOME EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ENCOMPASSING HONG KONG’S WORKFORCE, AND AN ELECTION COMMITTEE COMPRISING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO RETURN 10 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TN 1995.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE BILL, CORPORATE VOTERS IN THE EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY SYSTEM WOULD BE REPLACED BY INDIVIDUALS (E.G. COMPANY DIRECTORS) WHO CONTROLLED THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CORPORATIONS OR ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED IN THE RELEVANT CONSTITUENCIES.

"THIS WILL BROADEN THE FRANCHISE FOR THE COMMERCIAL; INDUSTRIAL; FINANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES; REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION; TOURISM; SOCIAL SERVICES, AND LABOUR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES," HE SAID.

/THE FRANCHISE .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

THE FRANCHISE FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICES; TEACHING; HEALTH CARE; AND ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WILL ALSO BE BROADENED,

THE SOCIAL SERVICES FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY WILL BE RENAMED THE SOCIAL WELFARE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, AND THE TEACHING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY WILL BE RENAMED THE EDUCATION FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, TO REFLECT THE WIDER INTERESTS THEY REPRESENT.

THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES PROPOSED ARE: PRIMARY PRODUCTION, POWER AND CONSTRUCTION; TEXTILES AND GARMENTS; MANUFACTURING; IMPORT AND EXPORT; WHOLESALE AND RETAIL; HOTELS AND CATERING; TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; AND COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES.

TOGETHER WITH THE EXPANDED EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THESE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WILL GIVE EVERY ELIGIBLE VOTER IN THE WORKING POPULATION THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE IN A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID MEMBERSHIP OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE WOULD BE DRAWN FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WHO FORM THE ELECTION COMMITTEE WILL, AS WITH OTHER WORKING PERSONS, HAVE AT MOST TWO VOTES IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS: ONE IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION, AND ANOTHER IN EITHER THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY OR THE ELECTION COMMITTEE ELECTION.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON MARCH 9.

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

TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL GAZETTED ******

TWO TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE ARE INTRODUCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID.

EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE AMENDMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID 30 DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS WOULD CEASE TO TAKE EFFECT UPON BEING REPLACED BY OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZP) SCHEDULED FOR GAZETTING IN MID-1994.

HOWEVER, THIS WOULD POSE A PROBLEM FOR THOSE DPA PLANNING APPLICATIONS WHICH ARE PENDING CONSIDERATION OR REVIEW BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ON THE DATE OF GAZETTING OF THE OZP’S.

THIS WILL ALSO APPLY TO APPLICATIONS PENDING APPEAL TO THE TOWN PLANNING APPEAL BOARD.

/"THE FIRST .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 4 -

"THE FIRST AMENDMENT, THEREFORE, IS TO INCLUDE A TRANSITIONAL PROVISION IN THE ORDINANCE TO EMPOWER THE TWO BOARDS TO CONSIDER AND DETERMINE SUCH PLANNING APPLICATIONS AND APPEALS.”

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, THE PLANNING AUTHORITY HAS THE POWER TO ENTER LAND WITH UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS TO TAKE STEPS TO DISCONTINUE SUCH DEVELOPMENTS, TO PREVENT ADVERSE EFFECTS OR TO REINSTATE THE LAND.

THE AUTHORITY IS ALSO EMPOWERED TO REMOVE THE PROPERTY ON THE LAND BEFORE THE NECESSARY REMEDIAL WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.

THE SECOND AMENDMENT, THEREFORE, AFFIRMS THE POWER OF THE PLANNING AUTHORITY TO TAKE POSSESSION, REMOVE, DETAIN AND DISPOSE OF PROPERTY REMAINING ON THE LAND WHERE REMEDIAL WORK HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT.

DETAILED PROCEDURES WILL BE SET OUT IN REGULATIONS TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, HE SAID.

----0------

FUNDS APPROVED FOR CONVENTION CENTRE EXTENSION

*******

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED A CAPITAL SUBVENTION OF $4,829 MILLION TO FUND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAJOR EXTENSION TO THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (HKCEC).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DECISION IN PRINCIPLE TO FUND THIS PROJECT HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS 1993 BUDGET. THE COST OF THE PROJECT WAS LOWER THAN THE APPROXIMATE FIGURE OF $5.5 BILLION REFERRED TO IN THE BUDGET SPEECH.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE EXISTING HKCEC, WITH 18,000 SQUARE METRES OF EXHIBITION SPACE AND A CONVENTION HALL FOR 2,600 PEOPLE, WAS FAST APPROACHING SATURATION.

"WORLD-CLASS EXHIBITIONS HELD AT THE HKCEC ARE ALREADY HAVING TO EXTEND THEIR EXHIBITS INTO AREAS SUCH AS FOYERS, MEETING ROOMS AND CONCOURSES NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS PURPOSE.

"IN ADDITION, HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS AS A LEADING EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE IS BEING ERODED. THE HKCEC IS AT RISK OF LOSING BUSINESS TO OTHER REGIONAL CENTRES AS A RESULT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIMILAR FACILITIES IN, FOR EXAMPLE, OSAKA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE," HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT SINGAPORE’S EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION FACILITIES, IN TERMS OF CAPACITY, HAD IN FACT ALREADY SURPASSED THOSE OF HONG KONG.

/"THIS DISPARITY .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 5 -

’’THIS DISPARITY WILL BE WIDENED WHEN THE SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IS COMPLETED LATE IN 1994,” HE SAID.

THE EXTENSION WILL BE BUILT ON AN ISLAND RECLAMATION IN FRONT OF THE CONVENTION CENTRE.

’’THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT WILL BE ENTRUSTED TO THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WHICH HAS HAD LONG EXPERIENCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE EXISTING CENTRE. OWNERSHIP OF BOTH THE ISLAND AND BUILDING WILL REMAIN WITH THE GOVERNMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE EXTENSION WILL HOUSE THREE EXHIBITION HALLS PROVIDING SOME 26,000 SQUARE METRES OF EXHIBITION SPACE, A CONVENTION HALL FOR 4,000 TO 4,500 PEOPLE AND OTHER FACILITIES SUCH AS MEETING ROOMS AND RESTAURANTS. CONSTRUCT I ON OF THE . EXTENSION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1997.

WELCOMING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S DECISION TO APPROVE FUNDING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW PROJECT WOULD BRING MAJOR ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO HONG KONG.

’’VISITORS’ SPENDING WILL INCREASE AND EXPORT ORDERS WILL BE BOOSTED. THE TOTAL QUANTIFIABLE VALUE TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WILL BE IN THE ORDER OF $10 BILLION A YEAR," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID A PROJECT MONITORING AND CONTROL MECHANISM IN THE FORM OF A PROJECT CONTROL COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED UNDER THE (’HAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY’ FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY TO ENSURE THAT THE EXTENSION WOULD BE COMPLETED WI TH IN Bl DGET BY THE TARGET DATE OF JUNE 1997.

THE COMMITTEE’S MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL VS WELL AS SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES OF I HE GOVERNMENT POLICY BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE EXTENSION PROJECT.

RESPONDING TO THE CONCERNS VOICED BY SOME LEGISLATIVE. COUNCIL MEMBERS, THF SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT THE TERMS OF ANY MANAGEMENT CONTRACT WOULD REQI IRE PRIOR GOVERNMENT APPROVAL.

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

/6........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 6 -

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR JANUARY » * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE AMOUNT OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING BY THE AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS (AIS) IN A SURVEY ROSE BY 1.2 PER CENT IN JANUARY (0.7 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1993) FROM $219.2 BILLION TO $221.7 BILLION.

STARTING FROM JANUARY, ALL SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE BASED ON A WIDER SAMPLE OF 33 AIS WHICH COVER ABOUT 94 PER CENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE MARKET.

THE THREE-MONTH MOVING AVERAGE OF OUTSTANDING LENDING HAS RISEN TO 12 PER CENT (ANNUALISED), COMPARED WITH 7.1 PER CENT IN THE THREEMONTH PERIOD TO DECEMBER 1993.

THE 12-MONTH AVERAGE OF OUTSTANDING LENDING STANDS AT AN ANNUALISED 16.1 PER CENT, HAVING RISEN FROM 15.3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1993.

"THE JANUARY FIGURES PROVIDE CLEAR INDICATIONS OF RENEWED ACCELERATION IN LENDING," THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

"THIS IS REINFORCED BY THE FACT THAT NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN SURGED BY 71 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1994 FROM $3.8 BILLION TO $6.5 BILLION, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AMOUNT SINCE JULY 1993.

"JUDGING FROM THESE FIGURES, I EXPECT TO SEE A STRONG INCREASE IN LENDING IN THE COMING MONTH.

"THE HKMA CONTINUES TO URGE CAUTION IN MORTGAGE LENDING AND, INDEED, IN PROPERTY LENDING GENERALLY. I HAVE RECENTLY WRITTEN TO THE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS AND TO INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS TO MAKE THAT POINT," MR CARSE ADDED.

AS REGARDS LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA, THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT SUCH LENDING ROSE BY 1.6 PER CENT TO $3.7 BILLION IN JANUARY 1994. EIGHTY-EIGHT PER CENT OF THE INCREASE WAS ACCOUNTED FOR Bl LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.

GROSS LOANS MADE IN JANUARY FELL BOTH IN NUMBERS (TO 307 FROM 591) AND IN AMOUNT (TO $116 MILLION FROM $277 MILLION) WHILE NEW LOANS APPROVED ROSE BOTH IN NUMBER (TO 435 FROM 348) AND IN VALUE (TO $198 MILLION FROM $167 MILLION).

/Residential Mortgage .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

Residential Mortgage Loans in Hong Kong Results of Survey for January 1994

(Amount in HK$ mn) 33 authorised institutions January 1994 December 1993 October 1993 January 1993

1. Outstanding lending a. Amount 221,720 219,150 215,534 190,907

b. Monthly change 1.2% 0.7% 0.1% 0.3%

c. Twelve-month change 16.1% 15.2%

d. Average change (annualised) Latest three months 12.0% 7.1% 14.8% *

Latest twelve months 16.1% t 15.3% * ★

2. Gross loans_made during month a. Amount 6,993 5,735 4,043 3,454

b. Number 5318 4291 3341 2889

3. New loans approved during month drawn and undrawn a. Amount 10,278 6.292 4,469 3,814

b. Number 7032 4550 3552 3124

4. New loans approved during month but not yet drawn a. Amount 6,494 3,806 3,011 2,083

b. Number 4543 2787 2417 1854

* Survey by the sample of 33 Ais commenced since December 1992

/Chart A .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

Chart A

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE.LQANS IN HONG KONG (33 iostilu lions)

G 3 £

Outstanding balance nt end of cappth

M o_g> tb!y groMb.r ate

3-montb and 12-month moving average_F>rc^lh_ratc on .a»PDpa!hcd_b.as.i$

/Chart B .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 9 -

Chart B

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG (33 institutions)

GROSS LOANS MADE DURING THE MONTH

Thousand Billion

Number of accounts

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 10 -

Chart C

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG

(33 institutions)

NEW LOANS APPROVED-BUT NOT YET DRAWN

Thousand BiJiion

Amount

Number of accounts

/Il .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 11 -

POLICY TO PROMOTE OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING TO STAY ON *****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTI INUE ITS POLICY TO PROMOTE OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING.

THE STATUS QUO OF GIVING INCENTIVE TO OFF-STREET DRIVING SCHOOLS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

HE WAS RESPONDING TO ALLEGATIONS BY THE PRIVATE DRIVING INSTRUCTORS (PIS) THAT THEY WERE UNFAIRLY TREATED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT THROUGH SHOWING FAVOURITISM TOWARDS THE HONG KONG SCHOOL OF MOTORING (HKSM) IN TERMS OF WAITING TIMES FOR DRIVING TESTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID RESULTS OF A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THIS MATTER SHOWED THAT THE PIS ALLEGATION WAS NOT SUBSTANTIATED.

HE SAID THE POLICY TO PROMOTE OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING WAS TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF THE LEARNER DRIVERS AND OTHER ROAD USERS AND REDUCE CONGESTION ON ROADS.

"THIS IS DONE BY GRANTING REDUCED WAITING TIME TO SUCH DRIVING TEST CANDIDATES. A MOVE BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO RESTRICT OR HAMPER THE EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF THE HKSM WILL BE A RETROGRADE STEP IN CARRYING OUT THIS POLICY AND AGAINST THE PUBLIC INTEREST," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TEST APPOINTMENT SYSTEMS BETWEEN STUDENTS OF PIS AND HKSM WERE FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT.

STUDENTS OF PIS MAKE THEIR DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AFTER PASSING THE WRITTEN TESTS WHEREAS. STUDENTS OF HKSM MAKE THEIR APPOINTMENTS VIA THE SCHOOL AFTER THEY HAVE BOOKED THE FULL SETS OF LESSONS WHICH THEY HAVE TO ATTEND.

IT IS THEREFORE IMPOSSIBLE TO COME UP WITH A FOOLPROOF FORMULA TO ENABLE PROPER COMPARISON TO BE MADE.

ON MARKET SHARES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID PIS WERE IN FACT GETTING THE LION’S SHARE AS THE HKSM ONLY ACCOUNTED FOR 37 PER CENT OF THE MARKET SHARE AT PRESENT, AND THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR HKSM STUDENTS IN 1993 AS A WHOLE WAS ONLY 20 PER CENT SHORTER THAN THAT OF NON-SCHOOL STUDENTS.

"SINCE 1983, IT HAS TRAINED MORE THAN 180,000 STUDENTS. IN 1993 ALONE, IT CONDUCTED OVER 500,000 DRIVING LESSON HOURS ON ITS OFF-STREET SITES, CONSIDERABLY REDUCING THE IMPACT OF LEARNER DRIVER TRAINING ON HONG KONG’S ALREADY OVER-CONGESTED ROADS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AS THE PUBLIC ARE GIVEN THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE HKSM AND PIS IN TAKING THEIR LEARNER DRIVING LESSONS, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF UNFAIRNESS TO THE CONSUMERS UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT OF ALLOCATING DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS TO STUDENTS OF HKSM AND PIS, HE ADDED.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 12 -

THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN THE COURSE OF THE REVIEW, CONSIDERATION HAD ALSO BEEN GIVEN TO THE SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD BY SOME PIS TO FURTHER NARROW THE GAP BETWEEN STUDENTS OF PIS AND THE HKSM IN TEST WAITING TIMES.

"HOWEVER, THE SUGGESTIONS ARE FOUND TO BE NOT PRACTICABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR CORRUPTION PREVENTION REASONS," HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO ANY ORGANISATION INTERESTED IN OPERATING OFF-STREET DRIVING SCHOOL, AND WOULD GIVE IT THE SAME INCENTIVE AS IT HAD GIVEN TO HKSM BY GRANTING REDUCED WAITING TIMES TO ITS STUDENTS.

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

PLEDGE FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR CIVIL SERVICE *****

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, CALLED ON CIVIL SERVANTS TO CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A STABLE, MODERN AND PROGRESSIVE CIVIL SERVICE.

TO ACHIEVE THIS, HE SAID, ONE OF HIS PRIORITIES WAS TO SHARE WITH THEM THEIR CONCERNS, AND TO WORK POSITIVELY TO MEET THEIR ASPIRATIONS THROUGH IMPROVING HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPRING RECEPTION FOR MORE THAN 350 CIVIL SERVICE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTATIVES TODAY (FRIDAY), MR SZE SAID HONG KONG WAS ENTERING A CRITICAL PHASE OF THE TRANSITION TO 1997 AND BEYOND.

HE SAID: "THERE IS A CONSENSUS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT A MAJOR STABILISING FORCE DURING THE TRANSITION IS AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE, SUCH AS THE ONE WE HAVE, WHICH IS NOT POLITICISED, AND WHICH, IN ADDITION TO ITS PROFESSIONALISM, HAS A GENUINE COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY IT SERVES.

"WE THEREFORE HAVE A COMMON GOAL AND I AM CONVINCED THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A STABLE, MODERN AND PROGRESSIVE CIVIL SERVICE. THOUGH I DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE DIFFICULTIES."

MR SZE ALSO EMPHASISED THE NEED TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION AT ALL LEVELS AND THE NEED TO ENCOURAGE TRANSPARENCY, FRANKNESS AND SINCERITY IN DEALING WITH COLLEAGUES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

"I AM SURE THAT I CAN COUNT ON YOUR SUPPORT AND THAT TOGETHER WE WILL WORK SUCCESSFULLY FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A HIGH QUALITY CIVIL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.

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

/13........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 13 -

BRIDGE SADDLES LIFTED INTO POSITION

*****

WORK ON THE TSING MA BRIDGE HAS REACHED ANOTHER IMPORTANT MILESTONE THIS WEEK WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THE FIRST SADDLE ON THE TOP OF THE TOWER ON TSING YI ISLAND.

THE SADDLES, WHICH SUPPORT THE MAIN SUSPENSION BRIDGE CABLES, ARE CAST, FABRICATED AND MACHINED IN THREE PIECES FOR EACH TOWER. EACH PIECE WEIGHS ABOUT 115 TONNES AND TAKES AT LEAST FOUR HOURS TO LIFT INTO POSITION.

EACH COMPLETED SADDLE MEASURES 12.7 METRES LONG BY 3.9 METRES WIDE AND 5.4 METRES HIGH.

THE SADDLES WERE MANUFACTURED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY DAVY INTERNATIONAL IN SHEFFIELD, PART OF TRAFALGAR HOUSE, A PARTNER IN THE ANGLO JAPANESE CONSTRUCTION JOINT VENTURE, WHICH IS THE CONTRACTOR FOR THE TSING MA BRIDGE.

PLACEMENT OF THE SADDLES ON THE TSING YI TOWER WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE COMING WEEK, AFTER WHICH THE SAME PROCESS WILL BE REPEATED FOR THE TOWER AT MA WAN.

THIS WILL THEN BE FOLLOWED IN APRIL BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN TOWERS. THIS FOOTBRIDGE WILL PROVIDE A WORKING PLATFORM FOR THE SPINNING OF THE WIRES WHICH WILL FORM THE MAIN CABLES OF THE BRIDGE.

WHEN COMPLETED IN 1997, THE TSING MA BRIDGE WILL BE THE LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN THE WORLD CARRYING BOTH RAIL AND ROAD TRAFFIC.

IT WILL FORM PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING - ONE OF THE 10 PROJECTS IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME - AND IS BEING BUILT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.

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

THREE GOVT LOTS FOR AUCTION *****

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON MARCH 1 (TUESDAY).

THE PUBLIC AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE FIRST LOT IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF FARM ROAD AND MA TAU WAI ROAD. IT HAS AN AREA OF 7,059 SQUARE METRES.

IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE AND DAY NURSERY USE.

/THE SECOND .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 14 -

THE SECOND LOT IS SITUATED AT AREA 4C, TUEN MUN. IT HAS AN AREA OF 7,877 SQUARE METRES EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.

THE THIRD LOT, AT AREA 7, TAI PO, HAS AN AREA OF 18,490 SQUARE METRES. IT IS ALSO FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.

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

HK - A MAGNET FOR INVESTMENT

HONG KONG HAS A MAGNETIC ATTRACTION FOR OVERSEAS INVESTORS AND THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES HAVE MADE CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENCOURAGING OVERSEAS INVESTORS TO INVEST IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A NEW PLANT BY HONG KONG YAKULT COMPANY LIMITED AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MISS YUE SAID THESE POLICIES DID NOT INVOLVE THE GRANTING OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT TO FOREIGN INVESTORS.

INDEED, ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CARDINAL POLICIES WAS * NOT TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS IN AREAS SUCH AS LAWS, TAXATION TREATMENT AND LAND ALLOCATION, SHE SAID.

’’THE OTHER POLICIES WE ADOPT INCLUDE PRACTISING FREE TRADE AND ENSURING THAT OUR TRADING PARTNERS ALSO OBSERVE THE MULTILATERAL TRADING RULES.

"WE ALSO KEEP OUR TAXES LOW AND PREDICTABLE AND PROVIDE A GOOD CLEAN LEGAL SYSTEM SO AS TO GIVE OUR COMMUNITY AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS ALIKE THE CONFIDENCE THAT THEY WILL BE TREATED FAIRLY.

"IN ADDITION, WE HAVE ALSO INVESTED IN OUR HUMAN, PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SO AS TO ENABLE HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE UPON ITS RECORD OF SUCCESS," MISS YUE SAID.

SHE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS SPENDING ABOUT $24 BILLION FROM 1992-95 ON TERTIARY EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE IMPRESSIVE PROGRAMME TO INCREASE DEGREE AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING PLACES.

ON INDUSTRIAL LAND, A LOAN OF $900 MILLION WOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT TSEUNG KWAN O.

/MISS YUE .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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MISS YUE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO PUTTING UP SOME $250 MILLION TO SET UP THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND INVESTING ANOTHER $200 MILLION TO PUMP-PRIME INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN A SCHEME INVOLVING MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

"AND WE SHALL BE MAKING AVAILABLE AN ADDITIONAL $180 MILLION OR THEREABOUT EVERY YEAR, STARTING FROM 1994/95, TO SUPPORT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS BENEFICIAL TO HONG KONG," SHE ADDED.

MISS YUE SAID ANOTHER ASPECT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS THE NEGOTIATION WITH HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING AND INVESTMENT PARTNERS A NETWORK OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSURANCE TO INVESTMENTS BY THEIR OWN NATIONALS IN HONG KONG.

"THESE AGREEMENTS - ENTERED INTO WITH THE FULL AGREEMENT OF BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS - WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE EFFECT AFTER JUNE 1997 WHEN CHINA WILL RESUME SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG.

"TO DATE, WE HAVE SIGNED THREE AND INITIALLED SIX SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH SOME OF OUR MAJOR ECONOMIC PARTNERS," MISS YUE SAID.

"WE HOPE TO START, VERY SHORTLY, NEGOTIATION WITH THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT FOR A JAPAN-HONG KONG BILATERAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENT,” SHE ADDED.

--------------0------- DSD TO CONSTRUCT SEWAGE TUNNEL ♦ ♦ * t t

THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO CONSTRUCT A SEWAGE TUNNEL FROM KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND.

THE WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME WHICH IS TO COLLECT AND TREAT SEWAGE FROM KOWLOON BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TSEUNG KWAN O AND FROM THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND, WILL START IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT 30 MONTHS.

THE LAND SITUATED ON THE ROUTE OF THE PROPOSED TUNNEL IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE TUNNEL WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT A DEPTH.OF MORE THAN 100 METRES BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE LAND AT WHICH THE TUNNEL WILL LIE.

ANY PERSON WHO HAS AN ESTATE OR INTEREST IN AN INSTRUMENT REGISTERED IN THE LAND REGISTRY ON THE LAND MAY OBJECT IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES ON OR BEFORE APRIL 25, 1994.

THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE ESTATE OR INTEREST OF THE OBJECTOR IN THE LAND AND THE REASONS FOR HIS OBJECTION.

/THE NOTICE.........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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THE NOTICE, AND ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN NOS. KCE/S/G/746 - 754 WHICH SHOW THE ROUTE OF THE PROPOSED TUNNEL, CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY (9 AM TO 4.30 PM) AND ON SATURDAY (9 AM TO NOON) :

LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL;

EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, SIIAU KEI WAN;

KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, MORNING JOY BUILDING, 141 - 143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN;

KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 6 TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG;

SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, SIXTH FLOOR, WEST COAST INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 290 - 296 UN CHAU STREET, SHAM SHUI PO;

MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 30 LUEN WAN STREET, MONG KONG;

KWAI TSTNG DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND

SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

MEMBERS OF PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SEEK ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT MAY CONTACT THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON TEL 877 0660. ----------------------------------0-------- /17..............................................................

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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LOCAL WORKERS’ JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO BE PROTECTED *****

THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF LOCAL WORKERS.

’’EMPLOYERS WHO INTEND TO IMPORT FOREIGN WORKERS UNDER THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME MUST REGISTER THEIR VACANCIES WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT,” SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR RAYMOND CHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

’’EMPLOYERS MUST FIRST OFFER JOBS TO LOCAL WORKERS,” HE SAID.

MR CHAN NOTED THAT LES STAFF WOULD CAREFULLY LOOK AT THE JOB REQUIREMENTS IN EACH APPLICATION AND REFERRED SUITABLE LOCAL JOB SEEKERS TO THE EMPLOYER FOR SELECTION INTERVIEW.

HE REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO CONSIDER LOCAL WORKERS’ ABILITY INSTEAD OF AGE OR SEX FOR A POSITION UNLESS THEY CAN PROVE BEYOND DOUBT THAT THE AGE OR SEX REQUIREMENT IS ESSENTIAL FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE EMPLOYEES’ ABILITY TO CARRY OUT THEIR WORK.

’’EMPLOYERS MUST NOT SET RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS NOT COMMENSURATE WITH THE NATURE OF THE JOB FOR LOCAL WORKERS,” THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER STRESSED.

’’THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT VACANCIES WILL BE FILLED BY LOCAL WORKERS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE AND THAT THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WILL NOT BE UNDULY AFFECTED,” HE EXPLAINED.

AS A GENERAL GUIDELINE, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS WITH REGARD TO EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN ALL TRADES/INDUSTRIES:

JOB LEVEL GENERAL EDUCATION YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

TECHNICIAN/ (AT OR BELOW) (AT OR BELOW)

SUPERVISOR FORM 5 5

CRAFTSMAN FORM 3 3

OPERATIVE - CLERICAL FORM 5 1

— NON-CLERICAL PRIMARY 6 1

IF AN EMPLOYER IS FOUND TO HAVE SET RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS OR REFUSED TO TAKE ON SUITABLE LOCAL WORKERS REFERRED BY THE LES WITHOUT GOOD REASONS, HIS APPLICATION FOR QUOTA MAY BE REJECTED,” HE SAID.

/MR CHAN .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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MR CHAN REITERATED THAT PERMISSION TO IMPORT WORKERS WOULD BE GIVEN ONLY IF THE EMPLOYMENT VISA CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS SATISFIED THAT EVEN WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LES, THE EMPLOYER IS UNABLE TO FILL HIS VACANCIES WITH LOCAL WORKERS.

’’HOWEVER, EMPLOYERS MUST NOT OVERSTATE THEIR NEED FOR FOREIGN WORKERS.

’’THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR THE NUMBER OF QUOTAS WHICH THEY HAVE A GENUINE NEED.

’’OTHERWISE, THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED,” HE ADDED.

MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT INFORMATION ON ALL VACANCIES RECEIVED WOULD BE DISPLAYED AT THE 10 LES BRANCH OFFICES.

HE URGED LOCAL JOB SEEKERS TO SEIZE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND APPLY AT THE LES OFFICES FOR THESE VACANCIES.

HE ALSO CALLED ON WORKERS’ UNIONS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR MEMBERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR JOBS TO APPROACH THE LES OFFICES.

ENQUIRIES ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CAN BE MADE ON 852 4158.

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NICHE FEES TO INCREASE FROM MARCH *****

FEES FOR NICHES IN COLUMBARIA WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM MARCH 1 AS A RESULT OF INCREASING OPERATION COST, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE NEW FEES WILL BE $2,600 FOR AN ORDINARY NICHE, $21,000 FOR A FAMILY NICHE AND $5,200 FOR AN OSSUARY NICHE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADJUSTMENTS HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPROVED BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS TO OFFSET THE RISING BUILDING, MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE COSTS SINCE THE LAST REVISION IN JANUARY 1991 .

NOTING THAT THE REVENUE FROM THE ALLOCATION OF BURIAL LOTS AND NICHES ARE USED TO DEFRAY RECURRENT COSTS FOR MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE, HE SAID ANY SURPLUS WOULD BE SPENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW BURIAL LOTS AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW COLUMBARIA.

FOR INSTANCE, THE JUNK BAY CEMETERY IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $517 MILLION TO PROVIDE 26,000 BURIAL LOTS. UP TO NOW 10,000 LOTS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED AND ARE BEING USED.

ALSO UNDER CONSTRUCTION IS A COLUMBARIUM WITH 91,000 NICHES IN THE SAME CEMETERY AT A COST OF $216 MILLION, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

A TOTAL OF 52,000 NICHES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION WHEN THE FIRST PHASE OF WORKS COMPLETES TN JUNE 1995.

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/19 .....

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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FEES FOR AERIAL ROPEWAYS AND LIFTS DUTIES REVISED » * ♦ * ♦

FEES FOR THE APPROVAL OF COMPETENT STAFF TO UNDERTAKE AERIAL ROPEWAY DUTIES AND FOR REGISTRATION AS QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO UNDERTAKE LIFT AND ESCALATOR DUTIES WILL BE REVISED TO REFLECT THE HIGHER COSTS OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES.

UNDER THE AERIAL ROPEWAYS (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AND THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE REVISED FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

AERIAL ROPEWAY

* FEES FOR APPROVAL AS A SURVEYOR $2,480

♦ FEES FOR APPROVAL AS A COMPETENT PERSON $880

* FEES FOR APPROVAL AS A CONTROLLER $880

* FEES FOR APPROVAL AS AN OPERATOR $550

♦ FEES FOR APPROVAL AS AN OPERATOR HOLDING A LIMITED CERTIFICATE $550

LIFTS AND ESCALATORS

* FEES FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER $3,030

OF LIFT ENGINEERS

♦ FEES FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER $3,030 OF ESCALATOR ENGINEERS

♦ FEES FOR INCLUSION TN BOTH THE REGISTER OF LIFT ENGINEERS AND THE REGISTER OF ESCALATOR ENGINEERS $3,030

* FEES FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF LIFT CONTRACTORS $805

* FEES FOR INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF ESCALATOR CONTRACTORS $805

* FEES FOR ISSUING A CERTIFICATE AFTER EXAMINATION OF NEW LIFTS AND NEW ESCALATORS AND TESTING OF RELEVANT SAFETY EQUIPMENT $465

* FEES FOR ISSUING A CERTIFICATE AFTER $520

EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF LIFTS TO WHICH MAJOR ALTERATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AND OF ESCALATORS TO WHICH ALTERATIONS OF SPEED, OPERATION OR DESIGN HAVE BEEN MADE

FEES FOR .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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« FEES FOR ISSUING A CERTIFICATE AFTER $190 AN EXAMINATION OR TEST ON THE SAFETY OF A LIFT OR ESCALATOR

» FEES FOR PERMISSION TO RESUME THE USE $190 AND OPERATION OF A LIFT OR ESCALATOR

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.

THE NEW FEES WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 21 THIS YEAR.

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INCREASING INTERACTION BETWEEN HK AND KOREA: GOVERNOR * * * * *

MUCH OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS IN KEEPING UP ITS POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO ITS SUCCESS TN WORKING TOGETHER WITH DIFFERENT PLACES AND PEOPLE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

HE SAID: "WE ALL BENEFIT FROM THIS MUTUAL RESPECT AND INTERACTION."

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KOREAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, MR PATTEN POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG, BEING THE WORLD’S 10TH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY, SHARED ITS RAPID DEVELOPMENT WITH THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.

"BOTH ARE PARTNERS IN THE FAST GROWING ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.

"I AM SURE THAT THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE AS HONG KONG DEVELOPS ITS ROLE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR TRADE, FINANCING AND MANUFACTURING DEVELOPMENT, AND AS THE NEW AIRPORT AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS GATHER MOMENTUM," HE SAID.

HONG KONG’S CULTURAL, ACADEMIC AND GASTRONOMIC LIFE IS ALSO ENRICHED WITH KOREAN COMMUNITY’S PARTICIPATION, HE ADDED.

THE GOVERNOR SAID TO ENCOURAGE KOREAN FAMILIES AND COMPANIES TO COME TO WORK AND INVEST TN HONG KONG, PROVISION OF GOOD EDUCATION SERVICES FOR KOREAN CHILDREN WAS VITAL.

"THE OPENING OF THE KOREAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, MADE POSSIBLE BY A CONCESSIONARY LAND GRANT, DEMONSTRATES THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO MEETING THIS NEED."

/21 ........

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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AMENDMENTS TO QUARRY BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN *****

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT QUARRY BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/H21/7).

A SITE ON HOI YU STREET HAS BEEN REZONED FROM "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED "EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING VENTILATION BUILDING" TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" (GIC) USE SO THAT A LARGER "GIC" SITE IS FORMED AT THE WATERFRONT TO FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT REQUIRING MARINE ACCESS.

A "GIC” SITE ON LEI KING ROAD HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED TO "OPEN SPACE".

MEANWHILE, THE SLOPE ADJACENT TO MANSION STREET HAS BEEN REZONED FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "GIC" TO CREATE A LARGER "GIC" SITE TO FACILITATE A JOINT REDEVELOPMENT BY THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUP AND THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.

OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE REZONING THE SITTING-OUT AREA ON HONG PAK PATH FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "OPEN SPACE"; THE SLOPES AT THE SOUTHERN END OF GREIG ROAD FROM "OPEN SPACE" TO "GREEN BELT"; AND THE AREAS IN TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK FROM "GIC" AND "GREEN BELT” TO "COUNTRY PARK" TO REFLECT EXISTING USES.

THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/H21/8) IS AVAILABLE

INSPECTION UNTIL APRIL 25 IN THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

FOR PUBLIC

* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;

* HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG; AND

* EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, 29 TAJ ON STREET, HONG KONG.

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING BEFORE APRIL 25.

COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE BOUGHT FROM THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING; AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOW1,OON.

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/22 .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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CHINA-BOUND VEHICLE HOLDING AREA TO BE EXTENDED

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING VEHICLE HOLDING AREA AT THE MAN KAM TO BORDER CROSSING.

THE WORKS CONSIST OF THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING CHINA-BOUND VEHICLE HOLDING AREA, REALIGNMENT OF MAN KAM TO ROAD AND THE ASSOCIATED EARTHWORKS, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPE WORKS.

ON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE AREA WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 220 GOODS VEHICLES. THE TRAFFIC CONDITION ALONG MAN KAM TO ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NEAR KWU TUNG, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND PO SHEK WU ROAD WILL BE IMPROVED.

WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN MAY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

A NOTICE ON TENDER INVITATION HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/NEW TERRITORIES, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, ROOM 304, HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 88 CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 762 3538.

TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE 34TH FLOOR OF THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON MARCH 25. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ******

THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 2) ON THE SALE OF A COMMERCIAL SITE IN GARDEN ROAD AND THE PROVIDENT FUND AND SUPERANNUATION SCHEMES OPERATED BY SUBVERTED ORGANISATIONS.

THE ISSUES WERE COVERED IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT NO. 21 TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 17 LAST YEAR.

THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, 8 JACKSON ROAD, STARTING AT 9 AM.

/APPEARING BEFORE .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS ON THE SALE OF THE SITE WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR BOB POPE; SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG; FORMER DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, MR CHAU CHAM-SON; AND GENERAL MANAGER OF HUTCHISON ESTATE AGENTS, MR PETER TO.

SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, MR NIGEL FRENCH, AND MR TSANG WILL RESPOND TO POINTS ON THE PROVIDENT FUND AND SUPERANNUATION SCHEMES.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE HEARING FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9492.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE PUBLIC HEARING ARE ADVISED TO BRING WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT. THE PROGRAMME FOR THE HEARING WILL BE FAXED.

- - 0 - -

PLACES AVAILABLE AT GOVT PRIMARY SCHOOLS

*****

PARENTS WISHING TO FIND PRIMARY 2 TO 6 PLACES FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN THE 1994 SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE ABLE TO DO SO AT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID CHILDREN AGED SIX AND EIGHT MONTHS OR ABOVE ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR COULD APPLY FOR ADMISSION.

VACANCIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THESE SCHOOLS AND APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM MARCH 2 (WEDNESDAY) TO MARCH 10 (THURSDAY) DURING WORKING HOURS.

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED PARENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS TO THE SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE ON MARCH 10.

SELECTION OF APPLICANTS WILL BE MADE ON MARCH 16.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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JETTY FOR ACCESS TO NEW AIRPORT RADAR ♦ * » * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CONSTRUCT A JETTY TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO A NEW RADAR STATION AT SHA CHAU FOR THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT.

THE WORK WILL START IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND WILL BE COMPLETED AROUND MAY 1995.

THE JETTY WILL TAKE UP AN ESTIMATED 1.90 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED LN A GAZETTE NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICI OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE WORK MAY WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO CLAIM COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 25 NEXT YEAR.

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PREQUALIFICATION FOR INFIRMARY CONSTRUCTION INVITED

*****

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN A PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR CONSTRUCTING A CONVALESCENT AND INFIRMARY HOSPITAL AT CHUEN ON ROAD, TAI PO.

WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SIX-STOREY MAIN BUILDING WITH A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 46,000 SQUARE METRES TO ACCOMMODATE 1,020 BEDS, BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS AND ANCILLARY WORKS.

WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN

ABOUT TWO YEARS.

PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM CHIEF ARCHITECT 6, ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 40TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON MARCH 18.

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/25 .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

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TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAIN LAYING

*****

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF 1,750 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAIN ALONG JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, PIK FUNG ROAD AND SAN WAN ROAD IN SHEUNG SHUI AND FANLING.

THE WORKS WILL START IN MAY THIS YEAR.

UPON COMPLETION EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE TREATMENT AND TRANSFER CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM WILL BE INCREASED TO COPE WITH THE GROWING DEMANDS IN SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING AND TAI PO.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.

TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON MARCH 18.

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PART-TIME LECTURERS IN ADULT EDUCATION WANTED

*****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING QUALIFIED TEACHERS TO FILL EVENING PART-TIME LECTURING VACANCIES IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR.

AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO TEACH EVENING COURSES ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID COURSES INCLUDED ENGLISH, GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY AND ADULT EDUCATION (GENERAL BACKGROUND) COURSES.

HE SAID EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AT POST-SECONDARY OR SENIOR SECONDARY LEVELS, CHINESE LANGUAGE, SCIENCE, SOCIAL SUBJECTS OR COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS AT SENIOR SECONDARY LEVELS AND POSSESSION OF A DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION OR ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHER TRAINING WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE.

EXISTING REMUNERATIONS FOR PART-TIME LECTURING ARE:

* $300 PER HOUR FOR POST-SECONDARY LEVEL SUBJECTS;

* $250 PER HOUR FOR SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL SUBJECTS;

* $200 PER HOUR FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL SUBJECTS; AND

* $180 PER HOUR FOR PRIMARY LEVEL SUBJECTS.

/APPLICATION FORMS .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 26 -

APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE MARCH 26.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON TEL 892 6669.

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LI PO CHUN METHADONE CLINIC TO RE CLOSED * * * * *

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE LI PO CHUN METHADONE CLINIC WILL BE CLOSED FROM MARCH 1.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO TRANSFER EXISTING PATIENTS TO THE YAU MA TEI METHADONE CLINIC.

PATIENTS REQUIRING RE-ADMISSION SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR TREATMENT CARDS AND TWO RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE YAU MA TEI METHADONE CLINIC ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 6 PM AND 10 PM FOR RE-ADMISSION REGISTRATION.

NEW PATIENTS IN MONG KOK WHO WISH TO SEEK METHADONE TREATMENT CAN BRING ALONG THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS AND THREE RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE YAU MA TEI METHADONE CLINIC OR SHAM SHUI PO METHADONE CLINIC, FROM 6 PM TO 10 PM ON ANY WEEKDAY, FOR ADMISSION REGISTRATION.

THE CLOSURE OF THE LI PO CHUN METHADONE CLINIC WILL NOT AFFECT OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE LI PO CHUN HEALTH CENTRE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

TENDERS INVITED FOR TSEUNG KWAN O DEVELOPMENT PROJECT *****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A PROJECT AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR TSEUNG KWAN 0.

THE WORKS INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE NEW ROADS, TWO FOOTBRIDGES, TWO SUBWAYS, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS IN HANG HAU AREA TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA, AND TO PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNEL AND THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS AS WELL AS THE LANDFILLS IN THE SOUTHERN END OF THE NEW TOWN.

/THE PROJECT .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 27 -

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY THIS YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO’ COMPLETE.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LTD AT 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 18.

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ART FAIR FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS

* * * * *

AN ART FAIR AIMED AT PROMOTING LOCAL RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN CHINESE AND WESTERN ART WILL BE HELD AT THE PUI CHING PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HO MAN TIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

LAUNCHED FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE FAIR FEATURES STALLS DEMONSTRATING VARIOUS KINDS OF ARTISANSHIP.

THERE WILL BE PAPER-FOLDING HANDICRAFTS, MAGIC, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING, PORTRAITS SKETCHING, CHESS PLAY AND FRUITCARVING TECHNIQUES.

SOME 15 LOCAL GROUPS AND SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE FAIR.

THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES CHINESE KUNG-FU, MUSICAL PERFORMANCE, DANCING, CANTONESE OPERA, AND THE ART OF ATTACK AND DEFENCE BY THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL.

THE ART FAIR IS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE HO MAN TIN NORTH AREA COMMITTEE.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO.COVER THE ART FAIR. THE OPENING WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM TOMORROW AT THE SCHOOL, 80 WATERLOO ROAD.

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/28 .......

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

- 28 -

302 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME

*****

A GROUP OF 302 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER A VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.

COMPRISING 114 MEN, 76 WOMEN, 55 BOYS AND 57 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 204TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.

THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 2,913 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 41,526 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS t ♦ t t ♦

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,527

REVERSAL OF LAF +473

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 3,000

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -30

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,970

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.8 *-0.2* 25.2.94

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND

EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS

TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD

1 WEEK 3.32 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.28 4.48

1 MONTH 3.36 21 MONTHS 2511 4.15 99.22 4.67

3 MONTHS 3.55 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.29 4.84

6 MONTHS 3.70 32 MONTHS 3610 4.20 97.75 5.18

12 MONTHS 4.15 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 98.35 5.28

TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 23,957 MN

CLOSED 25 FEBRUARY 1994

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE SET UP ................................. 1

INDEPENDENT REVIEW WILL STRENGTHEN ICAC ...................... 2

CS CLARIFIES BASIS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL TALKS .................. 3

TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION ................ 4

NEW POSTINGS FOR OVERSEAS OFFICES ANNOUNCED .................. 5

GOVERNOR UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF HAPPY MARRIAGE ............. 7

PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN FAMILIES, SAYS SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR ....................................................... 7

SURVEY ON URBAN AND LANTAU TAXIS ............................. 8

LADY YOUDE PRESENTS AWARDS TO 770 STUDENTS ................... 9

CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL IN YAU TSIM ........................ 12

TEMPORARY REMOVAL OF WAN CHAI ENQUIRY CENTRE ................. 13

FIRING PRACTICE IN MARCH ..................................... 13

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE SET UP * t t t t

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THE SETTING UP OF A COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE POWERS AND SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC).

THE NINE-MEMBER COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY DR HELMUT SOHMEN, A PROMINENT BUSINESSMAN, WITH PROFESSOR FELICE LIEH MAK, A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AS THE VICE-CHAIRMAN.

OTHER MEMBERS ARE: MR JIMMY MCGREGOR AND MISS CHRISTINE LOH KUNG-WAI, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS; MR TONY NEOH, QC, A LEADING BARRISTER; MR WILLIAM WAN HON-CHEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD; AND MR NORMAN YUEN KEE-TONG, A DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG TELECOM.

THE GOVERNMENT MEMBERS ARE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY

MATHEWS AND THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MR RICHARD HOARE.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE ARE:

* TO REVIEW THE POWERS OF THE ICAC UNDER THE ICAC ORDINANCE, THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE AND THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE, AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR WHETHER THESE POWERS REMAIN APPROPRIATE, NECESSARY AND SUFFICIENT.

» TO REVIEW THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE ICAC IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS, INCLUDING THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE EXISTING FIVE ICAC ADVISORY COMMITTEES, AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR WHETHER THE PRESENT SYSTEMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY ARE ADEQUATE OR SHOULD BE MODIFIED.

* TO REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR BY DECEMBER 31, 1994.

ANNOUNCING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, HAD INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL A MONTH AGO THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO SET UP A HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT A FULL AND WIDE-RANGING REVIEW OF THE POWERS OF THE ICAC AND OF ITS PRESENT SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ICAC 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION EARLIER TODAY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID: "I CANNOT OF COURSE PREJUDGE WHAT CONCLUSIONS THE COMMITTEE WILL REACH, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO ITS WORK.

"WE BELIEVE THAT THE ICAC WILL BE STRENGTHENED, NOT WEAKENED, BY AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF ITS ACTIVITIES AND BY AN INDEPENDENT ENDORSEMENT OF THE POWERS THAT IT NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THE SCOURGE OF CORRUPTION 20 YEARS AFTER ITS ESTABLISHMENT,” SHE SAID.

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/2 ........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

- 2

INDEPENDENT REVIEW WILL STRENGTHEN ICAC

*****

THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) WILL BE STRENGTHENED, NOT WEAKENED, BY AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF ITS ACTIVITIES AND BY AN INDEPENDENT ENDORSEMENT OF THE POWERS THAT IT NEEDS TO DEAL WITH CORRUPTION.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, MADE THE REMARK ABOUT THE SETTING UP OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE TODAY (SATURDAY) AT ICAC’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION.

THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE TO REVIEW THE POWERS AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE ICAC, INCLUDING THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE FIVE EXISTING ICAC ADVISORY COMMITTEES, AND TO TENDER THEIR ADVICE TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

"WE INTEND TO PUBLISH THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT," SHE SAID.

"I CANNOT OF COURSE PREJUDGE WHAT CONCLUSIONS THE COMMITTEE WILL REACH, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO ITS WORK," SHE ADDED.

REAFFIRMING THE GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING CORRUPTION, MRS CHAN CALLED FOR THE WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.

"THE ICAC WAS CREATED 20 YEARS AGO BY PUBLIC DEMAND, AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT HAS CONTINUED TO ENJOY THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.

"BUT OUR EVER MORE SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY NOW EXPECTS TO PLAY MORE OF A PART IN THE GOVERNANCE OF THE TERRITORY AND TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING.

"THE ICAC IS NOT IMMUNE FROM THIS CHANGE. IT NEEDS CONSTANTLY TO CONVINCE THE COMMUNITY THAT ITS EXTENSIVE POWERS ARE STILL JUSTIFIED, AND THAT THEY ARE NOT OPEN TO ABUSE," SHE SAID.

PRAISING THE ICAC FOR RELENTLESSLY FIGHTING CORRUPTION IN THE PAST TWO DECADES, MRS CHAN SAID: "AS IT ENTERS ITS THIRD DECADE OF OPERATIONS, THE ICAC IS FACING AN INCREASING WORKLOAD AND NEW CHALLENGES."

"MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED A VIGILANT ICAC," SHE POINTED OUT.

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/3.........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

3 -

CS CLARIFIES BASIS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL TALKS * * * * *

AT NO STAGE EITHER BEFORE THE TALKS OR DURING THE TALKS, HAD THE BRITISH SIDE ACCEPTED THE CHINESE POSITION THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT PUT DRAFT LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEFORE REACHING ANY AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

COMMENTING ON YESTERDAY’S REMARKS BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE NCNA AFTER SHE OPENED THE ICAC 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION, MRS CHAN SAID: "FIRST OF ALL, AS YOU ALL KNOW, THE BASIS FOR THE TALKS WERE THREE, I.E. THAT WE WOULD CONDUCT THESE TALKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW AND ACCORDING TO THE AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

"WE ALSO MADE CLEAR THAT IF WE REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, THEN WE WOULD BE PREPARED TO RECOMMEND THE AGREED PACKAGE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

"AT NO STAGE EITHER BEFORE THE TALKS OR DURING THE TALKS, DID WE ACCEPT THE CHINESE POSITION THAT WE COULD NOT PUT DRAFT LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEFORE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED WITH THE CHINESE."

IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA, MRS CHAN SAID: "I WOULD STRESS THAT WE SEE MANY AREAS IN WHICH WE DO HAVE CO-OPERATION WITH THE CHINESE AND WE WOULD WISH TO SEE THIS COOPERATION CONTINUE AND, INDEED, STRENGTHENED.

"THE CHINESE HAVE SAID THAT THEY REMAIN FULLY COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY BOTH NOW AND AFTER 1997 AND THEY CAN BE ASSURED OF OUR FULL CO-OPERATION ON THIS FRONT.'

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/4 ........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

TRANSCRIPT OF CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION * * * * *

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER OPENING THE ICAC 20TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION ON FEBRUARY 26, 1994

CS: GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. ONE OR TWO REMARKS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AND THEN I’LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER A FEW SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. THIS HAS BEEN QUITE AN EVENTUAL AND MOMENTOUS WEEK FOR US ALL. ON WEDNESDAY, WE SAW THE PASSAGE OF THE FIRST STAGE BILL ON ELECTORAL PROVISIONS AND WE’VE NOW GAZETTED THE SECOND STAGE BILL. I THINK THAT THE COMMUNITY WOULD ALL WANT US TO LOOK FORWARD AND NOT BACKWARD AND TO CONCENTRATE NOT ON THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS BUT ON THE MORE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF LIFE IN HONG KONG. I THINK, AS YOU HAVE ALL SEEN FROM THE PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES, WE’VE DONE EXTREMELY WELL ECONOMICALLY IN THE PAST YEAR AND I AM SURE NEXT WEEK THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL HAVE THE HEAVY TASK OF DELIVERING A VERY VERY GOOD BUDGET. BUT CLOSE TO OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO DEVOTE MORE RESOURCES AND TO SPEND MORE IN A WHOLE SERIES OF SOCIAL PROGRAMMES THAT THE COMMUNITY IS QUITE RIGHTLY CONCERNED WITH. IN TERMS OF OUR CO-OPERATION WITH THE CHINESE, WE ARE, OF COURSE, VERY GLAD TO NOTE THAT WE HAVE SOME VERY GOOD TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON DEFENCE LAND AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO AN EARLY AGREEMENT. NEXT WEEK, WE ALSO HOPE TO BE ABLE TO AGREE A DATE WITH THE CHINESE FOR EXPERT TALKS ON THE AIRPORT FINANCING PROPOSALS. AS I HAVE STATED ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, THERE ARE MANY AREAS IN WHICH WE WOULD WISH AND WOULD CONTINUE TO SEEK CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE CHINESE, PARTICULARLY IN MATTERS AFFECTING PEOPLE’S EVERYDAY LIFE AND IN OUR ECONOMY, THINGS LIKE INFRASTRUCTURAL BUILDING IND WHAT NOT. IN THIS CONNECTION, I WAS VERY GLAD TO NOTE THE COMMENTS FROM MR CHAN WHO, I BELIEVE, IS THE HEAD OF THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL SECURITY OFFICE IN WHICH HE MADE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT OUR CURRENT DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHINESE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS WILL NOT AFFECT THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP AND COOPERATION THAT WE HAVE ACROSS THE BORDER ON MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER. WE VERY MUCH WELCOME THAT STATEMENT. I ALSO WANT TO COMMENT ON REMARKS THAT THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE NCNA, MR ZHANG JUNSHENG MADE YESTERDAY CONCERNING THE BASIS FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL TALKS. I WANT TO MAKE THREE POINTS. FIRST OF ALL, AS YOU ALL KNOW, THE BASIS FOR THE TALKS WERE THREE, I.E. THAT WE WOULD CONDUCT THESE TALKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF CONVERGENCE WITH THE BASIC LAW AND ACCORDING TO THE AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTANDING REACHED BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, THAT IE, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. SECONDLY, WE ALSO MADE CLEAR THAT IF WE REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, THEN WE WOULD BE PREPARED TO RECOMMEND THE AGREED PACKAGE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. AT NO STAGE EITHER BEFORE THE TALKS OR DURING THE TALKS, DID WE ACCEPT THE CHINESE POSITION THAT WE COULD NOT PUT DRAFT LEGISLATION TO TJ1E LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEFORE AGREEMENT WAS REACHED WITH THE CHINESE.

QUESTION: ( LU PING SAID AS HONG KONG HAD INTRODUCED REFORMS THEY WILL HAVE TO GO IT ALONE FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS. AND CHINA WILL MAKE ITS OWN PREPARATIONS) ?

CS : I WOULD STRESS THAT WE SEE MANY AREAS IN WHICH WE DO HAVE COOPERATION WITH THE CHINESE AND WE WOULD WISH TO SEE THIS CO-OPERATION CONTINUE AND INDEED STRENGTHENED. THE CHINESE HAVE SAID THAT THEY REMAIN FULLY COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY BOTH NOW AND AFTER 1997 AND THEY CAN BE ASSURED OF OUR FULL CO-OPERATION ON THIS FRONT.

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/5......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

NEW POSTINGS FOR OVERSEAS OFFICES ANNOUNCED ♦ » * » ♦

IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE FOLLOWING CHANGES IN PERSONNEL IN HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS OFFICES WOULD TAKE PLACE DURING THE COURSE OF 1994:

♦ MR CLEMENT MAK CHING-HUNG WILL MOVE TO WASHINGTON IN AUGUST TO REPLACE MR PETER LO YAT-FAI IN CHARGE OF THE WASHINGTON OFFICE. MR MAK IS CURRENTLY ATTENDING A TRAINING COURSE IN THE UNITED STATES.

AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, MR LO IS BEING POSTED TO BRUSSELS IN MAY/JUNE AS HONG KONG’S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EUROPEAN UNION, TAKING OVER FROM MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON WHO IS RETIRING.

» MR THOMAS CHAN CHUN-YUEN WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR PETER JOHNSON AS DIRECTOR, SAN FRANCISCO ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE, ALSO IN THE SUMMER. MR CHAN IS AT PRESENT DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES. •

* MR LEUNG CHIN-MAN, CURRENTLY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR STEPHEN LAM SUI-LUNG AS DIRECTOR, TORONTO ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN THE SUMMER. MR LAM WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG FOR A NEW POSTING.

* MR STUART HARBINSON, CURRENTLY DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, WILL BE POSTED TO GENEVA IN AUGUST AS HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GATT, REPLACING MR JOSEPH WONG WING-PING. MR WONG WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TO TAKE UP A FRESH ASSIGNMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS WOULD BE MADE AS AND WHEN APPROPRIATE ON ANY CONSEQUENTIAL STAFF MOVEMENTS.

THE FOLLOWING ARE BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON VARIOUS OFFICERS:

MR STUART HARBINSON, JP (AGED 46)

MR HARBINSON JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1978 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN JANUARY 1994.

DURING HIS EARLY YEARS, HE SERVED IN THE SECURITY BRANCH, TUEN MUN AND NORTH DISTRICT OFFICES, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.

MR HARBINSON SERVED IN THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FROM 1987 TO 1988 AND AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR FROM 1988 TO 1991.

HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY FROM 1991 TO 1992 WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.

/MR PETER LO........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

6 -

MR PETER LO YAT-FAI, JP (AGED 48)

MR PETER LO FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1967 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1991. IN HIS EARLY YEARS, HE SERVED MAINLY IN THE THEN TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT AND LATER THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.

MR LO WAS IN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH FROM 1982 TO 1984. HE WAS POSTED TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON IN 1984 AS COUNSELLOR, AND TOOK UP HIS CURRENT APPOINTMENT AS MINISTER IN 1987.

MR LEUNG CHIN-MAN, JP (AGED 48)

MR LEUNG FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1966 AND WAS APPOINTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1976. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN JANUARY 1992.

-DURING HIS EARLY YEARS, MR LEUNG SERVED IN THE SECURITY BRANCH, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE FINANCE BRANCH.

HE WAS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION BETWEEN 1988 AND 1991. MR LEUNG WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS IN MAY 1991.

MR THOMAS CHAN CHUN-YUEN, JP (AGED 43)

MR CHAN JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1973 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN JANUARY 1994.

HE SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE FINANCE BRANCH, THE THEN NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND LATER THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE THEN MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.

HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES IN APRIL 1990.

MR CLEMENT MAK CH I NG-HUNG (AGED 49)

MR MAK FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1965 AND WAS APPOINTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1982. HE ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN JANUARY 1994.

HE SERVED IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE SECURITY BRANCH AND THE THEN GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.

HE WAS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE (NORTH AMERICA) FROM 1990 TO JULY 1993 BEFORE HE PROCEEDED ON A TRAINING COURSE AT MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.

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/7........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

GOVERNOR UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF HAPPY MARRIAGE

*****

THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (SATURDAY) COMMENDED THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY FOR ITS WORK IN HELPING FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY OVER THE PAST 45 YEARS.

AT A CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE SOCIETY'S 45TH ANNIVERSARY, MR PATTEN UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE.

A HAPPY MARRIAGE PROVIDES THE SUPPORT AND STIMULUS THAT MEN AND WOMEN NEED TO ENJOY TO THE FULL THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THIS LIFE OFFERS AND TO HELP COPE WITH THE CHALLENGES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS THAT ARE PART OF LIFE, HE SAID.

TO CHILDREN, IT GIVES THEM NURTURE AND PROTECTION AS WELL AS AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY CAN LEARN LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

MR PATTEN ADDED THAT A GOOD MARRIAGE ALSO GAVE DELIGHT, HELP AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO FRIENDS.

IT IS SUPREMELY WORTH THE EFFORT, ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE THOUGHT NEEDED TO MAKE MARRIAGES WORK, HE SAID.

"I HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUSLY FORTUNATE MYSELF TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF A GOOD FAMILY AND I WANT EVERYONE TO ENJOY THE SAME BLESSING," HE SAID.

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PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN FAMILIES, SAYS SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR *****

PRESERVING AND STRENGTHENING FAMILIES FROM BREAKING DOWN IN NEW TOWNS HAS BECOME A PRIORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL SECTOR, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF BRADBURY COMMUNITY HEALTH DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN TSEUNG KWAN O, MR STRACHAN SAID FAMILIES MOVING TO NEW TOWNS MIGHT HAVE TO FACE MORE STRESSES OWING TO THE FEELING OF STRANGENESS TO THE NEW ENVIRONMENT, ISOLATION FROM FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AND RESTRUCTURING OF FAMILY LIFE STYLE.

"MANY OF THESE FAMILIES ARE IN NEED OF ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE WITHOUT WHICH FAMILY PROBLEMS WOULD PROBABLY FOLLOW IN THE WAKE," HE SAID.

HE EXPLAINED THAT A SERIES OF PREVENTIVE, SUPPORTIVE AND REMEDIAL SERVICES HAD BEEN DEVELOPED TO MEET THE VARYING NEEDS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FAMILY.

PREVENTIVE WELFARE SERVICES ARE DISCHARGED MAINLY BY FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, AND GROUP AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES.

/THE THEME .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

8 -

THE THEME OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CONSTANTLY CARRIES MESSAGES ON IMPORTANCE OF RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD, STRENGTHENING PARENTING SKILLS, COPING WITH STRESSES, AND PROMOTING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.

"MY DEPARTMENT IS NOW DEVELOPING THE INNOVATIVE APPROACH OF SETTING UP FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCE CENTRES WITHIN THE 19 GROUP WORK UNITS IN COMMUNITY CENTRES.

"WITH THEIR ATTRACTIVE, OPEN DOOR AND USER-FRIENDLY SETTING, THEY WILL BE INVITING LOCAL PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO COME FORWARD FOR INFORMATION AND ENQUIRY ON MATTERS RELATED TO FAMILY."

THIS WOULD HELP AN EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF THEIR FAMILY PROBLEMS AND REFERRALS COULD BE MADE FOR THEM IN TIME TO PREVENT FAMILY BREAKDOWN, HE EXPLAINED.

MORE, A FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL TRAINING TO PARENTS ON HOME MANAGEMENT.

MR STRACHAN ADDED THAT REMEDIAL WELFARE SERVICES HAD BEEN PROVIDED AT FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES THROUGH CASEWORK COUNSELLING TO FAMILY MEMBERS.

IN THE COURSE OF COUNSELLING, SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO FAMILIES WOULD BE MOBILISED.

THESE INCLUDE CHILD CARE SERVICES, PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, HOME HELP SERVICE, FAMILY AIDE SERVICE, CONDITIONAL TENANCY FOR DIVORCING PERSONS, TEMPORARY SHELTER, ELDERLY AND REHABILITATION SERVICES.

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

SURVEY ON URBAN AND LANTAU TAXIS

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON THE OPERATION CHARACTERISTICS AND FINANCE OF URBAN AND LANTAU TAXIS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE SURVEY WAS AN ANNUAL EXERCISE AND COMPRISED A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY AND A METER READING SURVEY.

QUESTIONNAIRE FORMS AND SKETCHES SHOWING THE LOCATIONS OF THE METER READING CENTRES HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO TAXI OWNERS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY.

FOR THE METER READING SURVEY, URBAN TAXI OWNERS SHOULD PRESENT THEIR VEHICLES TO THE METER READING CENTRES FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 28) TO MARCH 4 AND FROM MARCH 7 TO 11 BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 12.30 PM OR BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4.30 PM FOR METER READING.

/LANTAU TAXI .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

- 9 -

LANTAU TAXI OWNERS SHOULD PRESENT THEIR VEHICLES TO THE METER READING CENTRE FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE TUESDAYS FROM MARCH 1 TO 29 BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 12.30 PM OR BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 3.30 PM.

QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY FORMS FOR URBAN TAXIS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE MARCH 18. FORMS FOR LANTAU TAXIS SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE MARCH 23.

THE SPOKESMAN URGED OWNERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY TO HELP THE DEPARTMENT ASSESS THE OPERATING CONDITIONS OF URBAN AND LANTAU TAXIS.

HE SAID THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE TREATED CONFIDENTIALLY AND USED FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS ONLY.

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

LADY YOUDE PRESENTS AWARDS TO 770 STUDENTS * * * * *

LADY YOUDE TODAY (SATURDAY) PRESENTED AWARDS TO 770 STUDENTS WHO WERE GRANTED AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND.

SIR QUO-WEI LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND MR RONALD J ARCULLI, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY IN THE CITY HALL.

"THE OUTSTANDING GROUP OF HONG KONG STUDENTS ASSEMBLED HERE TODAY HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL AWARDS AFTER GOING THROUGH THE MOST STRINGENT SELECTION PROCESS.

"I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON THEIR SUCCESS. IF THEY CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN THEIR STUDIES AND MAINTAIN A KEEN INTEREST IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMMUNITY, THEY WILL SURELY ACHIEVE GREATER SUCCESS AS HONG KONG’S FUTURE LEADERS," SAID LADY YOUDE.

IN PURSUING THE VERY OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND, WHICH IS TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE EDUCATION AND. LEARNING OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE FUND HAS DISBURSED A TOTAL OF $8.7 MILLION IN THE 1993/94 ACADEMIC YEAR.

THESE INCLUDE 12 AWARDS FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES; THREE MFDALS FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE OBTAINED OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS; NINE AWARDS FOR DISABLED STUDENTS; 71 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DIPLOMA AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS; 48 FELLOWSHIPS FOR POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS AND 626 PRIZES FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $550,000 TOWARDS THE YOUNG FRIENDS OF THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SCHEME HAS CONTINUED IN 1993/94, THE AIM BEING TO INCREASE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' EXPOSURE TO AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS.

COMPETITION FOR THE OVERSEAS FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 1994/95 IS EXTREMELY KEEN.

/TWELVE BRILLIANT........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

- 10 -

TWELVE BRILLIANT STUDENTS, FROM AMONG 226 APPLICANTS, HAVE WON THE AWARD.

THEY WILL RECEIVE $193,000 A YEAR FOR A FELLOWSHIP AWARD OR $176,000 FOR A SCHOLARSHIP AWARD. THESE STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO WORK TN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS AFTER COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES.

THE AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR THE SIX OVERSEAS FELLOWSHIPS 1994/95 ARE: -

MISS CHENG WAN-YAN, 21, CURRENTLY A FINAL YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; PLANS TO PURSUE A MASTER DEGREE IN ECONOMICS AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE, UK.

MISS HUI TIN-BOR, VICTORIA, 26, A FIRST CLASS HONOURS GRADUATE IN SOCIAL SCIENCE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHO NOW WORKS AS A PRESS OFFICER/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT; INTENDS TO PURSUE A MASTER DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AT THE YALE UNIVERSITY, USA.

MR KU HOK-BUN, 24, A FIRST CLASS HONOURS

GRADUATE IN SOCIOLOGY OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST

COLLEGE AND CURRENTLY A M PHIL STUDENT IN SOCIOLOGY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; INTENDS TO PURSUE A DOCTORATE IN POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY AT THE YALE UNIVERSITY, USA.

MR LAM FUNG, CEDRIC, 23, A FIRST CLASS HONOURS GRADUATE IN ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND CURRENTLY A M PHIL STUDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; PLANS TO PURSUE A DOCTORATE IN MICRO-ELECTRONICS AND VLSI DESIGN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, USA.

MR LAU KIN-NANG, 23, A FIRST CLASS HONOURS GRADUATE IN ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND CURRENTLY A TRAINEE ENGINEER; INTENDS TO PURSUE A DOCTORATE IN TELECOMMUNI CATIONS AT THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (MIT), USA.

MR SO TING-CHEONG, LEWIS, 26, CURRENTLY AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT IN MUSIC AT THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL, USA; PLANS TO READ A MASTER DEGREE IN MUSIC AT THE SAME: SCHOOL.

/THE SIX .......

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

THE SIX OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS WINNERS ARE

MR KEVIN CHOI, 18, OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE, WHO OBTAINED NINE DISTINCTIONS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE) IN 1992. HE PLANS TO STUDY ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING AT MIT, USA.

MR HO LUNG-WEI, 17, OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE, WHO SCORED NINE DISTINCTIONS IN HKCEE IN 1993. HE PLANS TO STUDY CIVIL ENGINEERING AT MIT, USA.

MISS HO SHU-HENG, QUEENIE, 18, OF ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE, WHO OBTAINED EIGHT DISTINCTIONS AND ONE CREDIT IN HKCEE IN 1992. SHE PLANS TO STUDY ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UK.

MISS SIU HOI-YIN, 18, OF LI PO CHUN UNITED WORLD COLLEGE, WHO OBTAINED SEVEN DISTINCTIONS AND ONE CREDIT IN HKCEE IN 1992. SHE INTENDS TO STUDY POLITICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UK.

MISS TSANG WING-HANG, JANICE, 18, OF DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, WHO OBTAINED NINE DISTINCTIONS IN HKCEE IN 1992. SHE PLANS TO READ MEDICINE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UK.

MR YAU KA-FAI, 17, OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, WHO OBTAINED NINE DISTINCTIONS IN HKCEE IN 1993. HE PLANS TO READ COMPUTER SCIENCE AT MIT, USA.

AN OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP EXCLUSIVELY FOR DISABLED STUDENTS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED THIS YEAR. THE AWARD RECIPIENT IS MISS LAM SO-YIN, 18, A DEAF STUDENT WHO PLANS TO STUDY SPECIAL EDUCATION AT GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY, USA.

THREE STUDENTS WHO OBTAINED OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN THE 1993 PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL MEDALS. THEY ARE:

MR FUNG CHI-HO OF WAH VAN COLLEGE (HK) WHO

SCORED 10 DISTINCTIONS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.

MR NG YING-KIT OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE WHO SCORED FIVE DISTINCTIONS IN THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION (SCIENCE STREAM).

MISS YAN KIT-MING OF HEEP YUNN SCHOOL WHO SCORED FOUR DISTINCTIONS IN THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION (ARTS STREAM).

A TOTAL OF $283,049 HAS BEEN EXPENDED ON THE AWARD SCHEME FOR THE DISABLED STUDENTS, UNDER WHICH NINE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PURCHASE OF STUDY AIDS.

/THIS YEAR ........

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

THIS YEAR ALSO SEES 30 POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS BEING AWARDED THE LOCAL SEYM FELLOWSHIPS, AT $30,000 EACH AND 71 UNDERGRADUATE AND DIPLOMA STUDENTS AWARDED THE LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS AT $17,000 EACH.

IN ADDITION, 18 POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS HAVE THEIR LOCAL SEYM FELLOWSHIPS RENEWED, AT $30,000 EACH.

THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND HAS SINCE ITS INCEPTION SUPPORTED MORE THAN 4,700 HONG KONG STUDENTS UNDER ITS MAJOR AWARDS SCHEMES.

MORE THAN 370 SCHOLARS AND FELLOWS HAVE COMPLETED THEIR STUDIES AND ARE NOW WORKING IN HONG KONG IN DIFFERENT FIELDS, CONTRIBUTING TO THE WELL-BEING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.

_ _ 0 - -

CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL IN YAU TSIM

*****

THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT KOWLOON PARK TOMORROW (SUNDAY ) .

THE PROGRAMMES INCLUDE LION DANCE, SINGING PERFORMANCES, GAME STALLS, LANTERN RIDDLES AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE HANDICRAFTS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE PIAZZA OF KOWLOON PARK BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM.

THE FUNCTION IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL START AT 2 PM AT THE PIAZZA OF THE KOWLOON PARK.

THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND; YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AND THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR TSUI YIU-KWONG, ARE THE OFFICIATING GUESTS.

/13

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

- 13 -

TEMPORARY REMOVAL OF WAN CHAI ENQUIRY CENTRE « » ♦ « «

IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE ENVIRONMENT TO THE PUBLIC, IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 28) TO MID-MAY.

DURING THE PERIOD, THE CENTRE AND THE HOUSING INFORMATION CENTRE WILL BE MOVED TEMPORARILY TO THE MAIN OFFICE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, 21ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.

BOTH CENTRES WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.

THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT 575 2477.

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

FIRING PRACTICE IN MARCH

*****

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN - CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 19 DAYS NEXT MONTH.

THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE ARE:

DATE TIME

MARCH 7 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 8 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

MARCH 9 (WEDNESDAY) 0.01 AM - 11.59 PM

MARCH 10 (THURSDAY) 5 AM - NOON

MARCH 11 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 14 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 15 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 16 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM --5 PM

MARCH 17 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 18 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 21 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM

MARCH 22 (TUESDAY) 0.01 AM - 11.59 PM

MARCH 23 (WEDNESDAY) 0.01 AM - 11.59 PM

MARCH 24 (THURSDAY) 0.01 AM - 11.59 PM

MARCH 25 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 28 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 29 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 30 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

MARCH 31 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM

- o

/14

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1994

- 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS

* » » » »

$ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,970

REVERSAL OF LAF NIL

BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF 2,970

NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY NIL

EFFECT OF LAF TODAY -1,120

CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,850

LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.7 *-0.1* 26.2.94

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

SUBSTANTIAL BUDGET INCREASE FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES .................................................... 1

LOCAL YOUTH MOTIVATED ON AIDS PREVENTION AND EDUCATION ......... 3

TOWER CONSTRUCTION OF KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE TO START SOON ........ 4

COMPLETED EIAS MADE PUBLIC ...................................... 5

FIRST FILM MADE UNDER HK - CANADA MOU .......................... 8

EXHIBITION ON PRIMARY SCHOOL ACTIVITY APPROACH ................. 8

FEAST FOR 1,600 ELDERLY IN NORTH DISTRICT ....................... 9

52 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED .................................. 9

LAND GRANT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

SUBSTANTIAL BUDGET INCREASE FOR EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES *****

TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON THE EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.

UNDER THE PROPOSED DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1994-95, THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO SPEND $28,930 MILLION ON THE EDUCATION PROGRAMME AND $827 MILLION ON THE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME.

EDUCATION SPENDING REMAINS THE SINGLE BIGGEST ITEM OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN THE BUDGET. THE FUNDS EARMARKED FOR THE EDUCATION PROGRAMME REPRESENT A REAL INCREASE OF 6.5 PER CENT OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1993-94, AND THAT FOR THE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME IS UP BY EIGHT PER CENT.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, SAID THE OVERALL INCREASE ’’SIGNIFIES THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN AND ENHANCE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC IN THESE TWO IMPORTANT PROGRAMME AREAS WHICH AFFECT OUR 1.3 MILLION STUDENTS AND 2.9 MILLION WORKFORCE.”

SCHOOL EDUCATION MAINTAINS THE BIGGEST SHARE OF THE BUDGET, WITH A RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF $14,728 MILLION, WHICH IS $643 MILLION HIGHER THAN THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1993-94.

’’THIS INCREASE IS MORE SIGNIFICANT WHEN VIEWED AGAINST A 2.8 PER CENT DROP IN ENROLMENT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS,” MR LAM SAID.

’’THE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE IS TO PAY FOR THE PROGRAMMES IN ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION THROUGH INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF TEACHERS AND REDUCTION IN CLASS SIZES, PLUS THE NEW INITIATIVES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS 1993 POLICY ADDRESS,” HE ADDED.

SOME OF THE SPECIFICS ARE:

♦ $152 MILLION - FOR 645 ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR PRIMARY

AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO REDUCE THE RATIO OF PUPILS TO TEACHERS;

* $108 MILLION - FOR THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

IN UPGRADING TEACHER EDUCATION;

♦ $103 MILLION - FOR REDUCING CLASS SIZES, INVOLVING 178

ADDITIONAL CLASSES AND 228 ADDITIONAL TEACHERS;

* $33 MILLION - FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE KINDERGARTEN FEE

REMISSION SCHEME;

♦ $25 MILLION - FOR UPGRADING 374 GRADUATE MASTER POSTS

IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS; AND

* $18 MILLION - FOR UPGRADING 180 TEACHING POSTS IN

PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO GRADUATE STATUS AND AN ADDITIONAL 800 GRADUATE TEACHERS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

/TERTIARY EDUCATION .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

TERTIARY EDUCATION WILL GET AN ESTIMATED $8,150 MILLION, A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF $864 MILLION OVER THE FIGURE FOR 1993-94.

OUT OF THE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE, $635 MILLION IS GEARED TO CATER FOR THE GROWTH IN TERTIARY STUDENT NUMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERTIARY EDUCATION EXPANSION PROGRAMME. AN ADDITIONAL 1,980 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN 1994-95.

”WE ARE WELL ON TRACK TO ACHIEVE THE DECLARED TARGET OF PROVIDING FOR 14,500 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES, OR 18 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP, BY 1994-95,” SAID MR LAM.

’’CONSIDERING THE SHORT TIME THAT WE HAVE ALLOWED FOR THE PLANNED EXPANSION, THE ACHIEVEMENT IS REMARKABLE INDEED, THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF BOTH THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES TO DELIVER THE TARGET ON TIME, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF TERTIARY EDUCATION AT AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARD.”

IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT POLICY, MR LAM CONTINUED, AN ADDITIONAL $161 MILLION WOULD BE ALLOCATED TO THE STUDENT FINANCE ASSISTANCE AGENCY TO BOOST THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCIAL SCHEME FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS, AND ANOTHER $49 MILLION FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH BY LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF TWO TECHNICAL COLLEGES BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, IN CHAI WAN AND TSING YI RESPECTIVELY, IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE STUDENT ENROLMENT FOR DIPLOMA/HIGHER DIPLOMA COURSES IS EXPECTED TO BUILD UP TO 4,557 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT IN

1994-95.

AN ADDITIONAL $106 MILLION HAS BEEN BUDGETED FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE STUDENT POPULATION INCREASE IN NEW TECHNICAL COLLEGES.

TURNING TO THE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME, MR LAM SAID $14 MILLION WAS EARMARKED FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE NEW STAFF FOR IMPROVING LABOUR SERVICES AND ENHANCING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

"WE SHALL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 11 FACTORY INSPECTOR POSTS,” HE SAID.

"TOGETHER WITH REDEPLOYMENT, THE ENFORCEMENT CAPABILITY OF THE FACTCRY INSPECTORATE WILL BE ENHANCED CONSIDERABLY.

"WE SHALL ALSO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, I.E. $1.2 MILLION, TO INCREASE PUBLICITY ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY."

ANOTHER $3.4 MILLION HAS BEEN BUDGETED FOR STAFFING A MINOR EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS ADJUDICATION BOARD WHICH WILL TAKE OVER MINOR WAGE DISPUTE CASES FROM THE OVERLOADED LABOUR TRIBUNALS.

MR LAM EMPHASISED THAT THE MODEST BUDGET FOR THE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME DID NOT REFLECT IN FULL THE VIGOROUS EFFORTS BY THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN ENHANCING LABOUR WELFARE AND IMPROVING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

/IN THIS .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

IN THIS RESPECT, HE SAID, A SERIES OF LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS WERE IN THE PIPELINE.

THESE INCLUDE PROPOSALS TO REMOVE THE CEILING OF 12-MONTH AGGREGATE WAGES FOR EMPLOYEES’ ENTITLEMENT TO SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT; IMPROVE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION TO INCLUDE INJURIES DURING TYPHOON AND RAINSTORM WARNING; PROHIBIT THE EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITE; REQUIRE THE EMPLOYMENT OF FULL-TIME SAFETY OFFICERS FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES; AND INTRODUCE TWO NEW PIECES OF LEGISLATION TARGETED AT ACCIDENT-PRONE CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY, NAMELY SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORMS AND BUILDERS’ LIFTS.

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

LOCAL YOUTH MOTIVATED ON AIDS PREVENTION AND EDUCATION t * * * ♦

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD LEARN FROM PARTICIPANTS IN THE ’’YOUTH ACTION ON AIDS” FUNDING SCHEME THAT EVERYBODY COULD ASSIST IN EFFECTIVELY ORGANISING EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON THIS DEADLY DISEASE.

THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, MADE THIS REMARK WHILE OFFICIATING AT THE BEST PROJECT AWARD CEREMONY FOR THE SCHEME TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.

’’PEOPLE OFTEN ASSOCIATE AIDS WITH DEATH. BEING IGNORANT OF THE DISEASE, SOME PEOPLE SHOW DISCRIMINATION AND PREJUDICE AGAINST THOSE INFLICTED, COMPOUNDING THE TRAUMA OF BOTH THE PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

"THEREFORE, AIDS IS MORE THAN A DISEASE, IT IS A SOCIAL PROBLEM WHICH DESERVES ATTENTION FROM THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE," MRS WONG SAID.

THE FUNDING SCHEME, THE THIRD OF ITS KIND SINCE 1991, WAS ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS.

IT WAS AIMED AT AROUSING YOUNG PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF AIDS AND ITS SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ENCOURAGING AND MOBILISING THEM TO ORGANISE PROJECTS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES.

PROJECT PROPOSALS WERE INVITED FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES IN TWO PHASES EARLIER IN 1993. AMONG THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, 20 PROJECTS WERE SELECTED AND EACH WAS GRANTED A CASH SPONSORSHIP FOR STAGING ITS PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FROM JUNE TO DECEMBER IN THE SAME YEAR.

AMONG THESE CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES WERE DRAMA SHOW, MOBILE EXHIBITION, FOOTBALL TRAINING PROJECT, CAMP, CRUISE, FUN FAIR, GET-TOGETHER NIGHT, QUIZ, PRODUCTION OF CARING CARD, CALENDER CARD, VIDEO AND OTHER AIDS EDUCATION RESOURCE MATERIALS AND RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN.

"THESE ACTIVITIES HAD WELL SERVED THEIR PURPOSE SINCE THEY WERE ORGANISED BY YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS AS THE TARGET AUDIENCE,” MRS WONG SAID.

/DURING THE .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

DURING THE CEREMONY, MRS WONG PRESENTED AN "OUTSTANDING PROJECT” AWARD AND A CASH PRIZE OF $2,000 TO EACH OF THE BEST THREE PROJECTS.

THE RECIPIENTS WERE ST PAUL’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS - YAU TONG YOUTH CENTRE AND THE CARITAS OUT-REACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAM - TUEN MUN.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN; AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MISS KAY KU. THEY PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO ALL YOUTH GROUPS PARTICIPATING IN THE FUNDING SCHEME.

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN, ALSO PRESENTED A SOUXENIR TO THE STUDENT GROUP OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHICH ORGANISED AN EDUCATION PROJECT ON AIDS LAST YEAR.

AFTER THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE WINNING GROUPS OF THE BEST THREE PROJECTS AWARD WERE INVITED TO PRESENT THEIR PROJECTS TO GUESTS.

EXHIBITION PANELS WERE ALSO SET UP AT THE VENUE TO DISPLAY THE WORKS OF OTHER PARTICIPATING YOUTH GROUPS SO THAT GUESTS COULD SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE MULTI-FACETED APPROACH ADOPTED BY YOUTHS IN THE PUBLICITY DRIVE AGAINST AIDS.

"EVERY ONE OF US HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF AIDS AND TO LEND OUR SUPPORT TO THE UNFORTUNATE ONES WHO HAVE BEEN INFLICTED WITH THE DISEASE," MRS WONG SAID.

"WHAT WE’RE FACED WITH IS NOT JUST A DISEASE WHICH AFFECTS THE INDIVIDUALS, BUT ONE WHICH HAS A BEARING ON THE COMMUNITY AND ALL HUMAN BEINGS AS A WHOLE," SHE ADDED.

-----c-------

TOWER CONSTRUCTION OF KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE TO START SOON

*******

CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST MAIN TOWER OF THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE ON LANTAU ISLAND IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH.

THIS FOLLOWS THE COMPLETION OF THE TOWER’S FOUNDATION WORKS.

"THE WORKS ARE PROCEEDING ON TIME AND ON SCHEDULE," THE PROJECT DIRECTOR OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR K C YEUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE, WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 820 METRES, WILL LINK THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY ON LANTAU TO A 503-METRE LONG VIADUCT SPANNING MA WAN ISLAND.

"ON THE MA WAN SIDE, SITE FORMATION WORKS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. FOUNDATION WORK FOR THE MAIN BRIDGE TOWER THERE, AS WELL AS THE CASTING BED FOR THE SIDE SPAN AND MA WAN VIADUCT, ARE UNDER WAY.

"TWO CONCRETE BATCHING PLANTS, ONE ON LANTAU AND THE OTHER ON MA WAN, HAVE ALSO BEEN SET UP," SAID MR YEUNG.

/THE KAP .......

5 - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE AND THE MA WAN VIADUCT, PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, IS BEING BUILT BY KUMAGAI-MAEDA-YOKOGAWA-HITACHI JOINT VENTURE UNDER A $1.64 BILLION ’’DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT” CONTRACT AWARDED IN DECEMBER 1992. DESIGNER FOR THE CONTRACT IS GREINER INTERNATIONAL.

THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IS ONE OF THE 10 PROJECTS IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.

COMPLETED EIAS MADE PUBLIC * * * * »

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (SUNDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EIAS) OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED SINCE 1993, AS WELL AS A LIST OF THOSE MAJOR EIAS WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

SIMILAR LISTS OF EIAS WOULD BE RELEASED EVERY THREE MONTHS.

”WE BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A VERY ESSENTIAL STEP TOWARDS PROVIDING BETTER ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION. THE PUBLIC HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW,” EPD’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR RAYMOND CHAN, SAID.

UNDER EXISTING POLICY, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT EIA REPORTS OF MAJOR PROJECTS COMPLETED AFTER JANUARY 1992, FOR WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE, AT THE RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE.

PROPONENT DEPARTMENTS ARE, IN ADDITION, NOW REQUIRED TO PLACE EIA REPORTS AT UC/RC PUBLIC REFERENCE LIBRARIES IN CITY HALL, HEADQUARTERS AND THE OMLEGCO LIBRARY.

’’THERE IS AT PRESENT NO LAW REQUIRING THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO DO LIKEWISE BUT SO FAR THEY HAVE BEEN LARGELY CO-OPERATIVE," MR CHAN SAID.

"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR PROJECT PROPONENTS TO MAKE THESE EIA REPORTS AVAILABLE.

’’MAKING KNOWN THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES FOR A PROJECT SHOULD BE SEEN AS BEING PART AND PARCEL OF GOOD PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT," MR CHAN SAID.

FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF EIA REPORTS COMPLETED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR SINCE 1993:

» HUNGHOM BYPASS (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, JANUARY 1993)

» LUNG CHEUNG ROAD FLYOVER HAMMER HILL ROAD TO NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, FEBRUARY 1993).

» REHABILITATION OF MOUNT BUTLER QUARRY (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, MARCH 1993)

♦ LANTAU PORT AND WESTERN HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, MARCH 1993)

t CENTRAL KOWLOON ROUTE (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MAY 1993)

/♦ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

* ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDY OF TSEUNG KWAN O AREA 137 (TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MAY 1993)

* SHUEN WAN LANDFILL EXTENSION AND RESTORATION (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, APRIL 1993)

* ROCK HILL STREET EXTENSION (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, NOVEMBER 1993)

♦ PROPOSED EXTENSION TO THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, NOVEMBER 1993)

* FAIRWAY TO WENT (WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES) LANDFILL

(ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, NOVEMBER 1993)

» GOLF COURSE IN TUEN MUN AREA 19 (REGIONAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT, DECEMBER 1993)

* 400KV ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION IN AREA 115, TSEUNG KWAN 0

(CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO LTD, JANUARY 1993)

* TOWNGAS LANTAU LINK (THE HK & CHINA GAS CO LTD, JANUARY 1993)

» HOK UN POWER STATION RESIDENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT (CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO LTD, FEBRUARY 1993)

♦ HONG KONG ELECTRIC: ASH LAGOON AT LAMMA ISLAND (THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO LTD, MARCH 1993)

* HONG KONG ELECTRIC: EXTENSION OF POWER STATION AT LAMMA (UNITS 7 & 8) (THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO LTD, APRIL 1993)

» LAMMA QUARRY CASTING BASIN AND MODERATE QUARRY EXTENSION (LAMMA ROCK PRODUCTS LTD, MAY 1993)

L A

* REHABILITATION OF ANDERSON ROAD QUARRY (K WAH QUARRY CO LTD & PIONEER QUARRIES (HK) LTD, JUNE 1993)

* CHINA LIGHT AND POWER: POWER STATION AT BLACKPOINT (CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO LTD, SEPTEMBER 1993)

* RELOCATION OF GAS TURBINES FROM HOK UN POWER STATION (CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO LTD, NOVEMBER 1993)

* MOBIL OIL TERMINAL: CONTAMINATED SOIL REMEDIATION AT SOUTHEAST TSING YI SITE (MOBIL OIL (HK) LTD, DECEMBER 1993)

» CONCORD OIL: CONTAMINATED SOIL REMEDIATION AT SOUTH-EAST TSING YI (CONCORD OIL (HK) LTD, DECEMBER 1993)

» LANTAU AND AIRPORT RAILWAY (MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY

CORPORATION, JANUARY 1994)

EIAS THAT ARE LIKELY TO BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:

* TUEN MUN PORT DEVELOPMENT (TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)

/♦RELOCATION OF .......

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

* RELOCATION OF SHIU WING STEEL MILL TO TUEN MUN (SHIU WING STEEL MILL)

* WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CASTING BASIN AT SHEK O QUARRY (WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING COMPANY)

* SMITHFIELD ROAD EXTENSION (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT)

» SHA LO TUNG GOLF COURSE (SHA LO TUNG DEVELOPMENT CO LTD)

» LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENT - STAGE 1 : CT10 & CT11 (CONTAINER TERMINALS 10 AND 11) (PRELIMINARY DESIGN) (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)

» KAU SAI CHAU GOLF COURSE (RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH)

» ROUTE 3 - TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT)

* ROUTE 3 - TAI LAM TUNNEL AND YUEN LONG APPROACH ROAD

(HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT)

» ROUTE 5 - SECTION BETWEEN SHEK WAI KOK AND CHAI WAN KOK

(TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)

♦ SHENZHEN RIVER EIA STUDY - PRELIMINARY REPORT (DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT)

■; . v<i

♦ NWNT (NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES) REFUSE TRANSFER STATION (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)

♦ PAK SHEK KOK RECLAMATION (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)

» AVIATION FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM (PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY)

» BLACK POINT LNG (LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS) SUPPLY (CHINA LIGHT & POWER CO LTD)

♦ CRPC OIL DEPOT RELOCATION/EXTENSION (CHINA RESOURCES PETROLEUM AND CHEMICALS CO LTD)

* SHEUNG SHUI SLAUGHTER HOUSE (ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT) , ..

♦ NWNT (NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES) LANDFILL RESTORATION (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)

* LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENT - STAGE 1 : CT10 & CT11 (ANCILLARY WORKS) (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)

» CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITIES (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)

» RESTORATION OF URBAN LANDFILLS STAGE II (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)

♦ TUEN MUN AREA 38 (RECLAMATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE) (TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)

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

/8 .....

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

FIRST FILM MADE UNDER HK - CANADA MOU » » * ♦ »

THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE HAS APPROVED THE FILM ’’YOUNG OFFENDERS” AS THE FIRST CO-PRODUCTION PROJECT UNDER THE HONG KONG - CANADIAN FILM AND TELEVISION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE MOU WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE CANADIAN AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS IN JUNE 1991.

THE MOU ENABLES HONG KONG AND CANADIAN FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCERS TO POOL TOGETHER RESOURCES TO CO-PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY FILMS AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES AND HAVE THEM CERTIFIED AS OFFICIAL CO-PRODUCTIONS.

A ’’CO-PRODUCTION" PROJECT CAN INCLUDE ANIMATION AND DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION PRODUCED EITHER ON FILM, VIDEOTAPE OR LASERDISC FOR SCREENING IN THEATRES OR ON TELEVISION.

UNDER THE MOU, BOTH THE HONG KONG AND CANADIAN GOVERNMENTS HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO FACILITATE ENTRY OF CO-PRODUCTION PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT FOR SHOOTING PURPOSES. THE CANADIAN CO-PRODUCERS MAY ALSO ENJOY CERTAIN TAX EXEMPTIONS FROM THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES.

"YOUNG OFFENDERS" IS A JOINT PRODUCTION OF CITIMEDIA LTD OF HONG KONG AND HOLIDAY PICTURES LTD OF CANADA. THE FILM FEATURES THE LIFE OF HONG KONG EMIGRANTS IN CANADA AND THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY SOME OF THEM.

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

EXHIBITION ON PRIMARY SCHOOL ACTIVITY APPROACH

*****

A ONE-WEEK EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE AN ACTIVITY APPROACH FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE LAUNCHED ON THURSDAY (MARCH 3) AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RESOURCES CENTRE IN HOK YUEN STREET, HUNG HOM.

ON DISPLAY WILL BE TEACHER-DESIGNED GROUP ACTIVITIES, TEACHING RESOURCES AND MODELS. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS WILL BE VIDEOS ON THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.

"THE EXHIBITION, IN WHICH 22 PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE PARTICIPATING, ALSO AIMS TO ENCOURAGE TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS IN THE DESIGN AND ORGANISATION OF GROUP ACTIVITIES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR TIK CHI-YUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 AM TO 4.30 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.

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

/9.........

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

FEAST FOR 1,600 ELDERLY IN NORTH DISTRICT *****

ABOUT 1,600 ELDERLY PEOPLE AGED ABOVE 65 IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO A FEAST AS A TOKEN OF RESPECT FOR THEM TOMORROW (MONDAY).

SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE FEAST IS ARRANGED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES EVERY YEAR AND IS ONE OF THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

ENTERTAINMENT LIKE CHINESE OPERAS AND LUCKY DRAWS WILL ALSO BE OFFERED.

TWENTY-TWO OF THE OLDEST WILL BE PRESENTED WITH GOLD MEDALS BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG: THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR RAYMOND PANG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES, MR BRIAN KAN.

THEY INCLUDE LI SAU-NGAN, AGED 101; YU SUN-KAM, AGED 100; HAU KIN-HING, AGED 97; LI HO, AGED 96; AND TANG SZE AS WELL AS LEUNG SAM-MUI, BOTH AGED 95.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG; THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES, MR BRIAN KAN; AND THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (NORTH DISTRICT), MR LAM HARK-CHEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE EVENT.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM AT THE CHOI SING PALACE RESTAURANT AT CHOI YUEN ESTATE IN SHEUNG SHUI.

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

52 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED *****

THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 52 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

OF THEM, NINE ARE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 20 FOR KOWLOON AND 23 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDE 17 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 15 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND EIGHT FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

IN THE MONTH, CONSENTS WERE GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 31 BUILDING PROJECTS, WHICH INVOLVE 46,694 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 71,387 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

/MEANWHILE, THE ........

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1994

MEANWHILE, THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN THE SAME MONTH TOTALLED ABOUT $1,832 MILLION.

OF THE BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN THE MONTH, USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USE ARE 235,543 SQUARE METRES AND 49,589 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.

IN DECEMBER, THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 34 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 12 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, NINE FOR KOWLOON AND 13 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, 32 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 51 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.

THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 518 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,421 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 958 REMOVAL ORDERS IN RESPECT OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.

THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED 1,268 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED TWO EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.

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

LAND GRANT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE *****

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT A PRIVATE TREATY LAND GRANT BE MADE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT (PSCE) FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PERMANENT ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE AT YAU YAT TSUEN, KOWLOON.

THE CENTRE, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY, WAS ESTABLISHED BY PSCE AS A NON-PROFIT-MAKING BODY TO HELP HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY TACKLE POLLUTION PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY THOSE POLLUTING INDUSTRIES OPERATING IN THE FLATTED FACTORIES OR OTHER FACILITIES WITH LIMITED SPACE.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CENTRE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION BY LATE 1995.

THE NEW CENTRE WILL BE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF TAT CHEE AVENUE AND TO YUEN STREET, EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY INDUSTRIES IN HUNG HOM, KWUN TONG, CHEUNG SHA WAN AND TSUEN WAN.

IT WILL BE BUILT AND FURNISHED WITH A $55 MILLION DONATION FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB, THE HONGKONGBANK AND THE SWIRE GROUP.

THE NEW CENTRE WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN A THREE-STOREY BUILDING WITH A GROSS AREA OF ABOUT 3,600 SQUARE METRES.

IT WILL PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES INCLUDING AN EXHIBITION HALL AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL DATABASE CENTRE TO HELP INDUSTRY UPGRADE THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY.

THE PSCE'S CENTRE IS NOW TEMPORARILY HOUSED IN THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME FINAL PHASE APPLICATION CLOSES ON MARCH 31 ................................................. 1

30% INCREASE IN TRANSPORT EXPENDITURE ................... 2

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO SECURITIES AND FUTURES

COMMISSION ............................................ 3

PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY 1994 .. 4

TAXI DRIVER TO DISPLAY IDENTITY PLATE FROM APRIL ........ 6

UPGC TO PUBLISH INTERIM REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION ................................................ 6

CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES ................ 8

VIEWS SOUGHT ON HIGHER EDUCATION INTERIM REPORT ......... 9

FS TO PRESENT BUDGET ON WEDNESDAY ....................... 10

TV VIEWING GROUPS ATTEND RECEPTION ...................... H

SEVEN BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN MARCH .................... 11

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR IN-SERVICE COURSES ............. 13

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ...................... 13

WATER STORAGE FIGURE .................................... 14

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ..

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME FINAL PHASE APPLICATION CLOSES ON MARCH 31 *****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE FINAL PHASE OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SELECTION SCHEME WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 31 THIS YEAR.

UNDER THE FINAL PHASE OF THE SCHEME, 13,160 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS IN HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER AS BRITISH CITIZENS.

A TOTAL OF 36,840 HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED IN THE FIRST PHASE WHICH ENDED ON JANUARY 1, 1994.

APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH A SET OF GUIDANCE NOTES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, IMMIGRATION OFFICES, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF DISTRICT OFFICES AND POST OFFICES.

NINE NEW REFERENCE MANUALS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED TO EXPLAIN THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND RULES FOR AWARDING POINTS FOR EACH OF THE POINT-SCORING ATTRIBUTES AND GIVE THE COMPUTER CODES FOR OCCUPATIONS, QUALIFICATIONS AND AWARDS.

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED INTENDING APPLICANTS TO CONSULT THE MANUALS BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AND FULL INFORMATION.

"APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE FORM," HE SAID.

THE MANUALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE AT ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF DISTRICT OFFICES, IMMIGRATION OFFICES, POST OFFICES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $24 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI; PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF DISTRICT OFFICES; SELECTED POST OFFICES AND CENTREPOINT MINISTORES.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BY PERSONAL DELIVERY OR REGISTERED MAIL TO THE BRITISH NATIONALITY DIVISION OF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.

APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION AS EARLY AS PRACTICABLE TO AVOID ANY LAST-MINUTE RUSH OR MISSING THE DEADLINE INADVERTENTLY. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

AN APPLICATION FEE OF $300 IN CHEQUE OR CASHIER’S ORDER SHOULD BE ENCLOSED. THE FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE, WHETHER AN APPLICATION SUCCEEDS OR NOT.

REGISTRATION FEE FOR EACH SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT IS $2,700.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE ON THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HOTLINE 802 9900.

- - 0 - -

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

2 -

30% INCREASE IN TRANSPORT EXPENDITURE * * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND ABOUT $9 BILLION ON ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IN 1994/95, REPRESENTING A 30 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1993/94.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY) TO ELABORATE ON TRANSPORT EXPENDITURE PUBLISHED IN THE 1994/95 DRAFT ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE, MR BARMA SAID THE INCREASE REFLECTED GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO INVESTING IN OUR ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE.

MR BARMA SAID MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS COVERED IN THE 1994/95 ESTIMATE INCLUDED THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY, ROUTE 3 AND WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY.

THESE PROJECTS ARE ESSENTIAL NOT ONLY TO THE NEW AIRPORT BUT ALSO TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS ALONG ITS ALIGNMENT FROM THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION TO THE NEW TOWN OF TUNG CHUNG.

MR BARMA EMPHASISED THAT THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AND THE ROUTE 3 - TSING YI SECTION, AS WELL AS THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, WERE ALREADY THE TOP TRANSPORT PRIORITIES GIVEN THE CRUCIAL NEED TO PLAN FOR A NEW NORTH TO SOUTH TRANSPORT ARTERY.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WOULD ALSO BE A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON ROAD PROJECTS OF NON-AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP).

MAJOR NON-ACP ROAD PROJECTS DUE TO BEGIN IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD FROM A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY TO DUAL THREE LANE. ON COMPLETION OF THIS $1 BILLION PROJECT IN 1997, EAST-WEST BOUND TRAFFIC BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED.

“THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE $3.7 BILLION TING KAU BRIDGE WILL BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR, ALSO FOR COMPLETION BY 1997. THE BRIDGE WHICH WILL LINK UP ROUTE-3 WILL PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO RELIEVE THE TRAFFIC ON THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY WHICH IS NOW BEING IMPROVED BY CONSTRUCTING FOUR SECTIONS OF HILL-CLIMBING LANES.

THE 94/95 DRAFT ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE ALSO COVERS SPENDING ON WIDENING OF THE SIU LAM - SO KWUN TAN SECTION OF THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS AND THE SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE.

MR BARMA SAID ALL TRANSPORT PROJECTS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN ARE PROGRESSING WELL ON SCHEDULE AND WITHIN BUDGET.

"WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING OUR ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IN PARALLEL WITH OTHER TRANSPORT STRATEGIES TO ENSURE THAT OUR TRAFFIC KEEPS MOVING WITHOUT UNDERMINING OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH," HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

/3........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

- 3 -

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION *****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT MRS LAURA CHA IS TO BE APPOINTED AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (MARCH 1).

THE APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN EXERCISE OF HIS DELEGATED AUTHORITY FROM THE GOVERNOR UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE SFC ORDINANCE.

MRS CHA WILL TAKE OVER AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CORPORATE FINANCE) FROM MR ERMANNO PASCUTTO WHO WILL BE LEAVING THE COMMISSION SHORTLY ON COMPLETION OF HIS CONTRACT.

MRS CHA JOINED THE SFC ON JANUARY 1, 1991 AND IS CURRENTLY A SENIOR DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATE FINANCE DIVISION.

IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, SHE WAS PRIMARILY INVOLVED IN POLICY MATTERS CONNECTED WITH CORPORATE FINANCE ISSUES AND THE PROGRAMME FOR THE LISTING OF CHINESE STATE ENTERPRISES IN HONG KONG. SHE PRACTISED LAW BEFORE JOINING THE SFC.

"WITH HER EXPENIENCE IN THE CORPORATE FINANCE DIVISION OF THE SFC, I AM CONFIDENT THAT MRS CHA IS THE MOST SUITABLE PERSON TO LEAD THE DIVISION,” SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID.

MR GARTLAND ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO MR ERMANNO PASCUTTO FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE COMMISSION IN ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN HONG KONG.

MR PASCUTTO JOINED THE COMMISSION WHEN IT WAS FIRST SET UP IN MAY 1989 AND HAS HEADED THE CORPORATE FINANCE DIVISION EVER SINCE.

MR CARTLAND SAID: "IT WAS DURING THIS PERIOD THAT WE SAW THE GRADUAL CONSOLIDATION OF A SOUND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN HONG KONG AND RAPID GROWTH IN THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF COMPANIES LISTING ON OUR STOCK EXCHANGE.

"MR PASCUTTO’S EFFORT HAS CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO ENHANCING HONG KONG’S COMPETENCE AND CREDIBILITY TN HANDLING THE RAPIDLY GROWING CORPORATE FINANCE SECTOR. HIS EXPERTISE AND HARD WORK HAVE BEEN A VALUABLE RESOURCE IN BUILDING UP HONG KONG’S REGULATORY SYSTEM," MR CARTLANI) SAID.

/4 ........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY 1994 * * » * * *

RE-EXPORTS SHOWED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO REGISTERED A MODERATE INCREASE. IMPORTS ROSE MARKEDLY.

THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $66,771 MILLION IN JANUARY 1994, WAS $17,606 MILLION OR 36% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY $781 MILLION OR 5.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $15,340 MILLION IN JANUARY.

TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1994 GREW BY $18,387 MILLION OR 29% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $82,111 MILLION.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $17,027 MILLION OR 27% TO $80,378 MILLION.

AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LARGER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $1,734 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.2% OF THE VALUE O|- IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN JANUARY 1994.

THIS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $374 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN JANUARY 1993.

REFLECTING A CONTINUING RAPID CHANGE IN THE COMPOSITION OF HONG KONG’S EXPORT TRADE, THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE TO 81% IN JANUARY 1994, FROM 77% IN JANUARY 1993.

COMMENTING < >N THE JVNUAR) TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID AFTER EXPERIENCING A RELATIVELY LESS RAPID GROWTH IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS, RE-EXPORTS PICKED UP SUBSTANTIALLY IN JANUARY.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO REBOUNDED TO POSITIVE GROWTH AFTER THE DECLINES IN THE EARLIER PERIODS, HE SAID.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THESE GROWTH RATES COULD HAVE BEEN DISTORTED TO SOMF EXTENT BY THE DIFFERENCE IN TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, WHICH WAS IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR BUT WAS IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.

"COMPARISON OF FIGURES COVERING THE FIRST QUARTER AS A WHOLE SHOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE," HE SAID.

THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS IN JANUARY 1994 WAS 12.4%, COMPARED WITH A FALL OF 4.5% IN DECEMBER 1993.

A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY 1994, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MID-MARCH.

/THE FOLLOWING .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

- 5 -

THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF

EXTERNAL TRADE IN JANUARY 1994:

MERCHANDISE: DOMES1 PIC EXPORTS ’ORTS EXPORTS rs BALANCE $15,340 MILLION $66,771 MILLION $82,111 MILLION $80,378 MILLION +$1,734 MILLION

RE-EXI

TOTAL

IMPOR1

TRADE

COMPARATIVE FIGURES NOV 93 TO NOV 92 TO CHANGE

LATEST 3 MONTHS JAN 94 JAN 93

HK$ MN HK$ MN HK$ MN %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 55,067 56,544 -1,477 -2.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (20.6%) (24.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 212,896 176,754 +36,142 +20.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 267,963 233,298 +34,664 +14.9

IMPORTS 268,897 238,690 +30,207 +12.7

TRADE BALANCE -934 -5,391 +4,457

JANUARY JANUARY CHANGE

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1994 1993

HK$ MN HK$ MN HK$ MN %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 15,340 14,559 +781 +5.4

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (18.7%) (22.8%)

RE-EXPORTS 66,771 49,165 +17,606 +35.8

TOTAL EXPORTS 82,111 63,724 +18,387 +28.9

IMPORTS 80,378 63,350 +17,G27 +26.9

TRADE BALANCE 1 ,734 374 +1,360

JANUARY DECEMBER CHANGE

LAST MONTH 1994 1993

HK$ MN HK$ MN HKS MN %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 15,340 20,582 -5,242 -25.5

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (18.7%) (21.8%)

RE-EXPORTS 66,771 73,774 -7,003 -9.5

TOTAL EXPORTS 82,111 94,356 -12,245 -13.0

IMPORTS 80,378 96,058 -15,681 -16.3

TRADE BALANCE 1,734 -1,702 +3,436

FEB 93 TO FEB 92 TO CHANGE

LAST 12 MONTHS JAN 94 JAN 9 3

HK$ MN HK$ MN HK$ MN %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 223,808 234,518 -10,710 -4.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (21.0%) (25.1%)

RE-EXPORTS 840,830 700,986 +139,844 +19.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 1,064,637 935,503 +129,134 +13.8

IMPORTS 1,089,625 962,737 +126,888 +13.2

TRADE BALANCE -24,987 -27,233 +2,246

/6.........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

TAXI DRIVER TO DISPLAY IDENTITY PLATE FROM APRIL

******

TAXI DRIVERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO DISPLAY THEIR IDENTITY PLATES FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT ALTHOUGH THE REGULATIONS TO THIS EFFECT WOULD BE IN FORCE ON APRIL 1, A GRACE PERIOD WOULD BE ALLOWED AND ENFORCEMENT WOULD START ON JULY 1.

THIS MEASURE WOULD FACILITATE PASSENGERS TO LODGE COMPLAINTS AGAINST MISBEHAVED TAXI DRIVERS AND WOULD ENCOURAGE TAXI DRIVERS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AS A MEASURE TO DEAL WITH TAXI MALPRACTICE.

A TAXI DRIVER IDENTITY PLATE SHALL SHOW THE CAPTION ’’TAXI DRIVER IDENTITY PLATE”, THE DRIVER’S FULL NAME IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE AND A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DRIVER.

THE PLATE WILL HAVE TO BE SLOTTED IN A HOLDER BEARING THE REGISTRATION MARK OF THE TAXI. THE IDENTITY PLATE AND THE HOLDER WILL HAVE TO BE MOUNTED ON THE DASHBOARD TO THE LEFT OF THE TAXI METER FLAG UNIT AND FACING THE FRONT-SEAT PASSENGERS.

THE TAXI DRIVER IDENTITY PLATE AND THE PLATE HOLDER WILL BE PRODUCED BY THE TAXI OPERATOR/ASSOCIATION ACCORDING TO THE SPECIFICATIONS SET BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

TO HELP THE TAXI OPERATOR/ASSOCIATION, BLANK TAXI DRIVER IDENTITY PLATES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT ALL LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT; THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN ROOM 27, MEZZANINE FLOOR, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG; AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

- - 0 - -

UPGC TO PUBLISH INTERIM REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION *****

THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) WILL PUBLISH ITS INTERIM REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION 1991-2001 AND A DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION EARLY NEXT MONTH.

IT WILL ALSO SEEK AN INFORMED DIALOGUE WITH ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM UP TO AND BEYOND THE END OF THE CENTURY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) SAID THE VIEWS RECEIVED FROM INTERESTED PARTIES WOULD BE ASSESSED BY THE UPGC AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DRAFTING THE FINAL REPORT FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT.

/THE INTERIM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

THE INTERIM REPORT WAS FIRST CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN AUGUST 1993 AND ITS SPECIFIC PROPOSALS ON THE INDICATIVE STUDENT NUMBER TARGETS BY INSTITUTION, LEVEL AND YEAR FOR THE 1995-98 TRIENNIUM WERE APPROVED FOR BROAD PLANNING PURPOSES.

THE UPGC ALSO RECOMMENDED IN ITS INTERIM REPORT THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO FACILITATING THE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS OF "CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE".

AS THIS CONCEPT RELATED TO HONG KONG’S POSITION IN THE REGION AND BEYOND HAVING REGARD TO THE STRATEGIC, ACADEMIC AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS OF DEVELOPING SUCH CENTRES WITHIN THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG, IT WAS FURTHER ELABORATED BY THE UPGC AND AN EXPANDED INTERIM REPORT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL THIS MONTH.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE PROPOSAL ON WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED TO RECEIVE PUBLIC VIEWS WAS THE UPGC’S FAVOURED OPTION OF DEVELOPING CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE WITHIN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

HE SAID THE UPGC’S LONG-TERM VISION OF THE FUTURE WAS THAT THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTIONS WHICH SHOULD:

* INCORPORATE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED GROUPS OF DEPARTMENTS AS CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE HAVING LOCAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FUNCTIONS;

♦ PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY BILINGUAL MANPOWER FOR BOTH HONG KONG AND THE HINTERLAND;

* ACT AS POINTS OF REFERENCE, PARTICULARLY IN INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTHERN CHINA AND MORE WIDELY; AND

* HAVE WITHIN APPROVED TARGETS SOME UNDERGRADUATES AND UP TO ONE-THIRD POSTGRADUATE NON-LOCAL STUDENTS.

THE UPGC EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PREDICT THE PRECISE COST FOR THIS KIND OF DEVELOPMENT.

HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE ESTIMATED THAT THE ADDITIONAL COST OF OPERATING CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE AFTER FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS PROPOSALS COULD BE BETWEEN FIVE PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT ABOVE CURRENT PROJECTIONS.

THIS WOULD REPRESENT BETWEEN $400 MILLION AND $800 MILLION AT CURRENT PRICES, BUT THE UPGC HAS INDICATED THAT IT WOULD LIKELY TAKE UP TO 10 YEARS TO REACH THIS LEVEL.

"CLEARLY THIS IS AN INTERESTING PROPOSAL," SAID THE SPOKESMAN, ADDING THAT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS WOULD NEED TO BE EXAMINED CAREFULLY HAVING REGARD TO THE COMPETING NEEDS OF THE SCHOOL SECTOR WHERE IMPROVEMENTS- WERE ALSO MUCH REQUIRED.

"IN PRINCIPLE, A PLAN SUCH AS THIS TO ENSURE THAT THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ARE WORLD RENOWNED AND CAPABLE OF MEETING HONG KONG’S FUTURE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL NEEDS IS TO BE WELCOMED.

/"HOWEVER, WE ........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

’’HOWEVER, WE SHALL NEED TO CONSIDER PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPING CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC MERITS AND COSTEFFECTIVENESS, AND ABOVE ALL, IN RELATION TO THE COMPETITION FOR SCARCE RESOURCES FOR FUNDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AS A WHOLE.”

THE UPGC’S INTERIM REPORT ALSO REFERS TO THE NEED TO GIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE BALANCE IN PROVISION BETWEEN INITIAL HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE UPDATING AND RE-ORIENTATION OF KNOWLEDGE THROUGHOUT AN INDIVIDUAL’S ADULT LIFE.

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT AND ENABLES PEOPLE TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHANGE.

”WE NEED TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC NOT ONLY ON THE ORGANISATION AND FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS OF THIS INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF HIGHER EDUCATION, BUT ALSO ON ITS RELATIVE IMPORTANCE AND INTERFACE WITHIN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AS A WHOLE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

DETAILS OF THE CONSULTATION PROGRAMME WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE UPGC IN EARLY MARCH WHEN COPIES OF THE INTERIM REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO INTERESTED PARTIES.

THE UPGC PLANS TO SUBMIT ITS FINAL REPORT ON THE REVIEW BY LATE 1994 OR EARLY 1995.

CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES

*****

ALL CHILDREN WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A PUBLIC-SECTOR PRIMARY ONE PLACE BUT HAVE NOT SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE WILL BE CENTRALLY ALLOCATED TO A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR THE 1994 SCHOOL YEAR.

THEY WILL RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS FROM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUESTING THEM TO GO TO A SPECIFIED DISTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION CENTRE TO COLLECT A ’’CHOICE OF SCHOOLS” FORM AND A LIST OF ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT FROM MARCH 5 (SATURDAY) TO MARCH 7 (MONDAY) FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM AND 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SAME CENTRE WITHIN THE SAME PERIOD.

ALL DISTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION CENTRES WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE SPECIFIED TIME ON SUNDAY (MARCH 6).

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT IF THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE LETTER FROM THE DEPARTMENT BY MARCH 4, THEY SHOULD CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 572 4383 IMMEDIATELY.

/PARENTS WHO .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

PARENTS WHO HAVE MOVED HOUSE RECENTLY OR ARE PLANNING TO MOVE HOUSE IN THE NEAR FUTURE MUST INFORM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT SO THAT ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO ALLOCATE A PLACE TO THEIR CHILDREN IN THEIR NEW HOME DISTRICT.

RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION, WHICH IS SOLELY BASED ON PARENTAL CHOICE, WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JUNE.

PARENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE 891 0088 FOR INFORMATION ON THE PRIMARY ONE CENTRAL ALLOCATION SYSTEM OR OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.

-----0-----

VIEWS SOUGHT ON HIGHER EDUCATION INTERIM REPORT

******

THE CHAIRMAN OF UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC), MR ANTONY K C LEUNG, TODAY (MONDAY) SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED THAT THE COMMITTEE’S INTERIM REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT SHOULD BE PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.

’’THE UPGC WILL BE SEEKING AN INFORMED DIALOGUE WITH ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S HIGHER EDUCATION UP TO AND BEYOND THE END OF THE CENTURY.

’’ALL RELEVANT COMMENTS WILL BE STUDIED BY THE COMMITTEE VERY CAREFULLY AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE PREPARATION OF THE COMMITTEE’S FINAL REPORT LATER THIS YEAR,” MR LEUNG SAID.

COPIES OF THE INTERIM REPORT AND DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO INTERESTED PARTIES ON FRIDAY (MARCH 4) .

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

MR ANTONY LEUNG WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 4) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF UPGC SECRETARIAT, SECOND FLOOR, HUTCHISON HOUSE, CENTRAL.

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

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

/10........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

- 10 -

FS TO PRESENT BUDGET ON WEDNESDAY ******

HONG KONG’S BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1994/95 WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 2).

THE PROCEEDINGS WILL START AT 2.30 PM AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL MOVE THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1994, AND OUTLINE THE ESTIMATED REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1994/95.

THE HEADS OF EXPENDITURE WERE SET OUT IN THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1994 WHICH WAS GAZETTED LAST FRIDAY.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WILL BE ADJOURNED UNTIL MARCH 23 AND 24, WHEN MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS.

OFFICIALS WILL GIVE THEIR REPLIES ON MARCH 30.

ON MARCH 16, 17 AND 18, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGS TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE.

ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:

GIS WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 2) TO ENABLE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO START WORK EARLY ON THE BUDGET.

MEDIA MEMBERS WILL BE GIVEN ADVANCE COPIES OF THE BUDGET SPEECH AND ECONOMIC PROSPECTS AT NOON.

THEY MUST STAY IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL TO WORK ON THEIR COPIES AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE UNTIL THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CONCLUDES HIS SPEECH. LIGHT REFRESHMENT WILL BE PROVIDED.

CONTACTS OF ANY KIND WITH OUTSIDE, SUCH AS TELEPHONE OR COMPUTER LINKS, ARE PROHIBITED DURING THE CLOSED WORKING SESSION. ALSO, MOBILE TELEPHONES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE CONFERENCE ROOM.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM THE FINANCE BRANCH AND THE FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM FROM 12.30 PM. THEY WILL NOT GIVE INTERVIEWS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE QUOTED.

SIR HAMISH WILL MEET THE MEDIA AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM AROUND 4.30 PM TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE BUDGET AFTER HIS DELIVERY OF THE SPEECH IN THE LEGCO.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

- 11 -

TV VIEWING GROUPS ATTEND RECEPTION

***** Air. ifiio । >.3

-Jr/ . • •-■.} r?' .1

THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AND THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) TODAY (MONDAY) HOSTED A RECEPTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE TELEVISION VIEWING GROUPS AND ADVISORY PANELS 41

THE TELEVISION VIEWING ADVISORY SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1982 WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF KEEPING THE GOVERNMENT IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY’S PERCEPTION OF TELEVISION PROGRAMME STANDARDS AND OTHER BROADCASTING MATTERS. run

TELEVISION VIEWING GROUPS HAVE BEEN SET UP IN 19 DISTRICTS WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 600 PERSONS COMING FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

..Jr* . J '

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE FIVE ADVISORY PANELS, COMPRISING ONE ON THE ENGLISH SERVICES, ONE ON CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH PROGRAMMES, AND THREE REGIONAL PANELS.

AT THE RECEPTION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, SIR ROGER LOBO, PRESENTED LONG SERVICE SOUVENIRS TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE SCHEME FOR 10 YEARS.

THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO AND MEMBERS OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, MR IRA KAYE, MRS GLORIA CHAN AND DR KENNETH LEUNG, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF THE TELEVISION VIEWING GROUPS AND THE ADVISORY PANEL ON THE ENGLISH SERVICES FOR FIVE YEARS.

MORE THAN 350 GUESTS INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE TELEVISION VIEWING ADVISORY GROUPS AND PANELS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM ATV, TVB, STAR TV, WHARF CABLE, COMMERCIAL RADIO, METRO BROADCAST AND RTHK WERE PRESENT AT THE RECEPTION.

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

SEVEN BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN MARCH

*****

SEVEN ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS NEXT MONTH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

THEY WILL EITHER SELL FLAGS, TOKENS OR SIMILAR ITEMS, OR PLACE DONATION BOXES IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC AREAS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S 866 8123 IN CASE OF DOUBT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.

/"SELLERS SHOULD .......

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

- 12 -

’’SELLERS SHOULD DISPLAY THE PERMIT OR CARRY COPIES OF THE PERMIT FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST IF THE FUND-RAISING IMMOBILE,” HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THEM TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES AND THE TIMES FOR SELLING AND THE COLLECTION POINTS FOR BAGS.

ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS OF PROPERTY, AND SEEK THEIR HELP WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND, HE SAID.

PERMITS ARE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR RAISING

FUNDS NEXT MONTH: . 4

FLAGS

EVENT DATE ORGANISATION

MARCH 5 HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND

MARCH 12 YAN 01 TONG LTD

MARCH 19 YAN CHAI HOSPITAL

MARCH 26 HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF

CHILDREN

EVENT DATE ORGANISATION

MARCH 6 THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF JESUS CHRIST, THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME, ADMINISTRATOR, INC.

MARCH 12 LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LTD

19 !>. < »•». ■' . ..

MARCH 5-6 HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

12 - 13 EDUCATION AND SERVICES

19 - 20

26 - 27

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

/13........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

- 13 -

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR IN-SERVICE COURSES

♦ * * 5» *

PART-TIME IN-SERVICE COURSES'OF TRAINING FOR TEACHERS ARE NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS.

THE COURSES ARE PROVIDED FOR TEACHERS EMPLOYED IN GOVERNMENT, AIDED OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS WHO, ALTHOUGH SUITABLY QUALIFIED ACADEMICALLY, DO NOT POSSESS THE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS WHICH WOULD MAKE THEM ELIGIBLE FOR CLASSIFICATION AS ’’QUALIFIED TEACHERS”.

APPLICANTS WHO HAVE NO TEACHING EXPERIENCE BUT WHO WISH TO TEACH IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THESE COURSES.

COURSES WILL START IN THE 1994/95 ACADEMIC YEAR.

THE COURSES, WHICH USED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION TO BE SET UP IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

APPLICANTS CAN CHOOSE TWO-YEAR OR THREE-YEAR COURSES AT THE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL.

THERE IS ALSO A TWO-YEAR COURSE FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS. ALL ARE PART-TIME COURSES.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, AS WELL AS THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9.

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

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.

THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOFTOP OF BLOCK 3 OF KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, 448-458 KWUN TONG ROAD. THEY ARE USED FOR DWELLING AND WORKSHOP PURPOSES.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR TWO CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON JUNE 29 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).

DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.

/14........

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1994

- 14 -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * » * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 400.783 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 310.300 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ***** $ MILLION

OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT REVERSAL OF LAF BALANCE AFTER REVERSAL OF LAF NET INJECTION/WITHDRAWAL TODAY EFFECT OF LAF TODAY CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125 .6 *-0.1* 1,850 + 1,150 3,000 NIL -320 2,680 28.2.94 .>•41

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE 1 WEEK 3.41 18 MONTHS 2508 4.625 100.35 1 MONTH 3.43 21 MONTHS 2511 4. 15,, _ 99.33 3 MONTHS 3.50 24 MONTHS 2602 4.40 99.39 6 MONTHS 3.65 32 MONTHS 3610 4.20 97.93 12 MONTHS 4.05 35 MONTHS 3701 4.60 98.53 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,540 MN CLOSED 28 FEBRUARY 1994 YIELD 4.42 4.61 4.78 5.10 5.22

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

Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1994 - FEB - ENG