DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OBSERVATIONS ON SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS...................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION...................... 2
MORE SHIPPING LEGISLATION TO BE LOCALISED................... 7
GOVERNOR VISITS REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE........... 7
TRAINING COURSES APPROVED................................... 8
FIGURES ON WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS...................................... 9
REVIEW OF STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME STAGE H OPTIONS 13
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS OF MUSIC OFFICE STAFF A PRIME CONCERN.................................................... 13
END OF SERVICE AT STANLEY FORT............................. 14
ROAD WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 PROPOSED....................... 15
SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY IN TSEUNG KWAN O................ 16
TWO LOTS IN TAI PO FOR AUCTION............................. 16
CHUI REAPPOINTED PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN...... 17
KO SHAN THEATRE IMPROVEMENT WORKS.......................... 17
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS GAZETTED................... 18
62 EX-CHINA VIET ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SENT BACK.............. 20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
21
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
1
OBSERVATIONS ON S1NO-BRITISH RELATIONS » * * ♦ »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY
(FRIDAY):
’’THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE FOREIGN SECRETARY’S OBSERVATIONS ON THE REPORT BY THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA IN THE PERIOD UP TO AND BEYOND 1997.
’’THE OBSERVATIONS ARE A FULL RESPONSE TO THE COMMITTEE’S CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY CONSULTED ON THOSE PARTS OF THE OBSERVATIONS DEALING WITH THE TERRITORY. THEY THEREFORE REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND MAKE CLEAR THAT WE AGREE WITH MOST OF THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
"WE STRONGLY AGREE THAT HONG KONG’S CONTINUED SUCCESS WILL DEPEND ON ’AN IMPARTIAL AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE, THE RULE OF LAW, AND A LEGISLATURE RESPONSIVE TO THE WISHES OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE’, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE IS WITHIN THE AGREEMENTS REACHED WITH CHINA. THE TASK NOW IS TO MOVE ON, IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA.
OTHER ISSUES
"THE GOVERNMENT AGREES THAT THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP NEEDS TO BE STEPPED UP TO DEAL WITH THE ’VAST AGENDA OF OTHER BUSINESS’ WHICH NEEDS TO BE SETTLED TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION.
"WE THEREFORE WELCOME THE RESULTS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP 29TH MEETING, PARTICULARLY THE DEFENCE LANDS AGREEMENT. WE NOW HOPE FOR EARLY AGREEMENTS ON THE AIRPORT AND ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9.
THE RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS
"HONG KONG’S GOOD HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD RESTS ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE, THE RULE OF LAW AND A TRULY INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY.
"THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION FOR AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, BUT HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE CASE FOR SUCH A COMMISSION IS NOT WELL-FOUNDED.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL THEREFORE BUILD ON EXISTING INSTITUTIONS, AND INTRODUCE A SERIES OF SPECIFIC AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO IMPROVE HUMAN RIGHTS SAFEGUARDS IN HONG KONG.
/'•PROPOSALS ON ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
“PROPOSALS ON SEX DISCRIMINATION, ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION HAVE ALREADY BEEN ANNOUNCED.
“FURTHER INITIATIVES WILL FOLLOW, PARTICULARLY ON LEGAL AID, ACCESS TO THE COURTS AND MEASURES TO OUTLAW DISCRIMINATION ON THE GROUNDS OF DISABILITY.
CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITY
“THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE COMMITTEE’S CONCLUSIONS ON BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FOR THE WIVES AND WIDOWS OF EX-SERVICEMEN AND NON-CHINESE-ETHNIC MINORITIES, AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE THE CASE FOR BOTH GROUPS.”
- - 0 - -
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDM SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERN'OR: I’D JUST WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS. THIS IS THE LAST DAY OF THIS YEAR’S VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE. SO I’VE COME TODAY WITH MR JUSTICE WOO, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, AND WITH MRS WILLIS WHO RUNS THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COMMISSION, THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, To SEE THE COMPLETION OF THE WORK THAT’S BEEN UNDERTAKEN THIS YEAR. IT IS A TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE AND FOR ALL THOSE WHO’VE BEEN WORKING SO HARD FOR THE LAST THREE MON IHS ON THIS REGISTRATION DRIVE BECAUSE WE HAVE ACHIEVED THIS YEAR RECORD FIGURES. WE’VE SEEN AN INCREASE OF MORE TH \N 50 PERCENT ON THE NUMBER OF REGISTRATION FORMS RETURNED, WELL OVER 800 000 AND WE’VE GOT ABOUT 470 000 AND 480 000, THE FINAL FIGURE ISN’T YET AVAILABLE, BUT GETTING ON FOR HALF A MILLION NEW VOTERS AS A RESULT OF THIS DRIVE \ND THAT IS WELL OVER 50 PERCENT MORE THAN WAS ACHIEVED LAST TIME. SO, THEY’RE EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING FIGURES. THEY WTL1 INCREASE VERY CONSIDERABLY, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG REGISTERED TO VOTE LN THE COMING ELECTIONS AND 1 WANT TO THANK ALL THOSE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WORK SO HARD AND FOR JUSTICE WOO AND MRS WILLIS IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS TO MAKE THESE RECORD FIGURES POSSIBLE.
/PERHAPS, I
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 3
PERHAPS, I CAN JUST TURN MY ATTENTION, FOR A MOMENT IN CASE YOU WANT ME TO DO SO, TO THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE FAC REPORT, THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT. WE WERE, OF COURSE, CLOSELY CONSULTED ABOUT THE OBSERVATIONS WHICH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS MADE ON THE HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMITTEE’S REPORT. THERE ARE FOUR AREAS WHICH ARE OF PARTICULARLY INTEREST, 1 THINK, TO ALL OF US HERE IN HONG KONG. FIRST OF ALL, THERE IS THE ENDORSEMENT OF OUR PROPOSALS FOR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS HERE* IN HONG KONG. WE’VE NOW VOTED ON THE LAS! PIECE OF LEGISLATION. THE FIRST WAS THE ONE THAT SET UP J’HE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION. THE SECOND DEALT, AS YOU KNOW EARLY THIS YEAR, PRINCIPALLY, THOUGH NOT SOLELY, WITH DISTRICT AND MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS AND WITH VOTING AGE AND THE VOTING SYSTEM, FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES. NOW WE’VE DEALT WITH THE REMAINING MATTERS THIS WEEK. IT WAS A VIGOROUS DEBATE WHICH KEPT MOST OF US UP MOST Ob THE NIGHT. BUT THAT IS BEHIND US NOW. 1 THINK WE NEED TO DRAW A LINF ON THE PAGE AND AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, TO MOVE ON TO DEAL WITH ALL THE OTHER ISSUES ON HONG KONG’S AGENDA. THIS WEEK WAS AN IMPORTANT ONE FOR HONG KONG BUT WE’VE GO! OTHER MATTERS TO TURN OUR ATTENTION TO WHICH HAVE IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY LN THE YEARS AHEAD.
SECONDLY, THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE’S REPORT CALLED ON US AND OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES TO STEP UP THE PACE OF WORK IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. WE VERY MUCH SHARE THAT VIEW. THERE IS A GREAT DEAL FOR US TO DO IN THE NEXT THOUSAND Ok SO DAYS BEFORE THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY. WE DO HAVE MORE WORK ON ISSUES LIKE THE LOCALISATION AND ADAPTATION OF LAWS, ON AGREEMENT ON THE GREAT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS. BUT, I AM SURE, Wfc ARE ALL DELIGHTED THIS WEEK THAT AFTER SEVEN YEARS Of NEGOTIATION, WE REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE DAY AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, VOTED ON THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL, ON DEFENCE LANDS. I THINK THAT IS A VERY GOOD DEAL FOR HONG KONG. IT’S THE RESULT OF A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF EFFORTS AND GOODWILL BY THE NEGOTIATORS ON BOTH SIDES AND I HOPE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL, SHARE THAT VIEW WHEN THEY DISCUSS THE MATTER OVER THE COMING DAYS.
THIRDLY, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS SET OUT ITS VIEWS ON MATTERS OF CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITY AND, THERE IT HAS TO BE SAID, WE HAVEN’T AGREED WITH WHAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS SAID. LIKE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WE’VE BEEN PRESSING FOR FULL CITIZENSHIP FOR THE WIVES AND WIDOWS OF EX-SERVICEMEN AND THOUGH I WELCOME THE MOVE THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED ON THAT ISSUE EARLIER THIS MONTH FROM THE EXTRA REASSURANCE THEY ARE PROVIDING, WE WOULD HAVE LIKED THEM TO HAVE GONE FURTHER. EQUALLY, WE’YE PRESSED THEM AND WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS FOR FULL CITIZENSHIP FOR THE FTHNIC MINORITIES. IT’S OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE WHICH IS PICKING UP MUCH GREATEK SUPPORT Al WESTMINSTER, NOT ONLY IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS BUT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AS WELL. AND WE WILL BE DOING OUR HIT TO MAKE SIRE THAT THE DEBATE AT WESTMINSTER ON THIS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MATTES IS PROPERLY INFORMED. PEOPLE SHOULD HE IN NO DOUBT A'i ALL WHAT THE VIEWS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARE ON THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S MOVED A LITTLE WAY IN GIVING REASSURANCE TO THE ETHNIC MINORITIES RUT, IN OUR JUDGMENT, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF THEY’D BEEN ABLE TO GO AS FAR AS THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ACTUALLY SUGGESTED.
/THE OTHER ......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
THE OTHER ISSUE WHICH JS OF CONSIDERABLE INTEREST AND (WEWi IN HONG KONG IS WHAT THE FAC HAD TO SAY ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS. AND THAT’S AN ISSUE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO US. HENCE, THE PASSAGE NOT LONG AGO OF THE BI Li. OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE. UE DEPEND IN HONG KONG FOR THF PROTECTION OF OUR HI MAN RIGHTS ON THF RULF OF LAW, ON AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND ON THAI BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE OF WHICH J KNOW, IS WIDELY WELCOMED IN THE COMMUNITY. WF’VF TAKEN THE VIEW THAT IT WOULDN’T BF RIGHT TO SET UP AN .ELABORATE ADDITIONAL PIECE OF INSTITUTIONAL MACHINERY IN THF. SHAPE OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. WE TAKE THE SAME VIEW AS, 1 THINK, MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES THAT IF YOU HAVE A BILL OF RIGHTS, INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND THE RULE OF LAW, IT’S NOT NECESSARY TO DUPLICATE ALL THOSE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HOMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AS WELL. IN MOST COMMUNITIES, I THINK YOU KNOW, PEOPLE EITHER HAVE A BILL OF RIGHTS OR A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND VERY RARELY AND IN ONE OR TWO CASES DO THEY HAVE BOTH. BUT WE DO RECOGNISE THAT THERE ARE SPECIFIC 3 SHI ES AFFECTING HUMAN RIGHTS ON WHICH ACTION IS REQUIRED AND ON WHICH WE CAN TAKE ACTION STRAIGHT AWAY WITHOUT WAITING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.
FIRST OF ALL, WE ACCEPT UNEQUIVOCALLY THE CASE FOR DOING MORE IN THE AREA OF SEX DISCRIMINATION. THAT’S WHY WE’VE ASKED FOR THE YPPLTCATION OF CEDAW TO HONG KONG. IT'S WHY WE ARE PROPOSING TO SET HP AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION AND IT’S WHY WE ARE PROPOSING TO BRING FORWARD OUR OWN LEGISLATION LATER IN THE YEAR ON SEX DISCRIMINATION. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO COMPARE OUR PROPOSALS ON THAT SUBJECT WITH THOSE PUT FORWARD BY ANNA WU. 1 THINK THAT OUR APPROACH WOULD BE REGARDED AS ACCEPTABLE AND SENSIBLE BY THE COMMUNIT\ BUT THESE’RE DECISIONS WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO TAKE IN DUE COURSE.
SECONDLY, WE’VE GO! NO DOUBT AT ALL ABOUT THE NECESSITY FOR LEGISLATING ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FROM A DISABILITY. I THINK THAT EVERYONE IN HONG KONG RECOGNISES THAT IS ESSENTIAL AND WE SHALL BRING FORWARD LEGISLATION WITH THE HOPE THAT WE CAN HAVE IT IN PLACE IN THE EARLY PART OF 1995.
THIRDLY, WE ARE PROVIDING MORE RESOURCES FOR THE COURTS (N ORDER TO SPEED UP TRIALS AND REDUCE WAITING TIME WHICH, I KNOW, AKE MATTERS OF CONSIDERABLE CONCERN To EVERYONE.
/FOURTHLY, WE ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 5 -
FOURTHLY, WE ARE AWAITING THE REPORT OF THE LEGAL AID WORKING GROUP AND THAT WILL BE LOOKING AT TWO ISSUES ON WHICH THE FAC AND AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, I THINK, IN PARTICULAR PLACE A GOOD DEAL OF EMPHASIS. THE FIRST IS WHETHER OR NOT PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO TAKE BILL OF RIGHTS CASES INTO THE COURTS AND THE SECOND IS WHETHER THE LEGAL AID INSTITUTIONAL MACHINERY SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT OF GOVERNMENT OR NOT. FIFTHLY, WE ARE REVIEWING ALL OUR LEGISLATION TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT IT COMPLIES WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS. WE’VE STILL GOT A GOOD DEAL MORE WORK TO DO ON THAT SCORE AND WE’RE ALSO GIVING THE COMMISSIONER WHO DEALS WITH ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS, GREATER POWERS. WE ARE ALSO PROVIDING MORE RESOURCES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION. WE ARE PROPOSING TO SPEND ABOUT $20 MILLION ON THAT SUBJECT OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS. I THINK IT’S GENERALLY RECOGNISED THAT, IT’S A POINT THAT’S BEEN MADE BY AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, THAT THE QUALITY OF OUR MATERIAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS IS AS GOOD AS THAT PROVIDED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IS AS WIDELY AVAILABLE AS POSSIBLE. SO, WE WERE SETTING UP A TEAM, SPECIAL TEAM WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT AND PROVIDING MORE RESOURCES FOR THAT WORK. SO, RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD, WE HAVE A VIGOROUS ACTION PROGRAMME WHICH WE’LL BE IMPLEMENTING. IT INVOLVES LEGISLATION. IT INVOLVES ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AND IT INVOLVES CASH AND IT’S STARTED NOW AND WILL CONTINUE BECAUSE WE, I REPEAT, FEEL AS STRONGLY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CEMENTING THE FOUNDATIONS OF OUR HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG AS ANYONE.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, WHAT DO YOU ... IS THE PERCEPTION THAT THE REAL REASON THAT YOU DON’T WANT A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IS THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO ANGER CHINA, AND THAT THE REAL REASON WHY YOU’RE GETTING INTO AGREEMENTS NOW IS THAT YOU’RE BACKING DOWN AND ALLOWING THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS TO GET ON?
GOVERNOR: I SAID EARLIER TODAY IN ANOTHER INTERVIEW THAT ONE OF THE BESETTING DISEASES OF PUBLIC DISCUSSION IN HONG KONG IS CONSPIRACY THEORY AND I THINK THAT IT’S MORE SENSIBLE TO JUDGE BY WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS THAN TO INVENT NEW CONSPIRACY THEORIES. I’M DELIGHTED THAT THIS WEEK WE HAVE GOT OUR LEGISLATION ON ELECTORAL MATTERS THROUGH. I’M DELIGHTED THAT THIS WEEK WE’VE GOT AN AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE LANDS. I’M DELIGHTED THAT THIS WEEK WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO SET OUT IN TERMS THE WAY WE INTEND REACTING ON THE FAC REPORT.
QUESTION: BUT CHINA HAS ATTACKED YOUR PROPOSAL, WHAT’S YOUR COMMENT
ON THE BEIJING ACCUSATION?
GOVERNOR: CHINA HAS ATTACKED QUITE A LOT OF PROPOSALS THAT WE’VE MADE. LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE. A FEW WEEKS AGO, WE ANNOUNCED ANOTHER SET OF PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE SOME RELEVANCE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. WE ANNOUNCED THE PROPOSALS ON INCREASING THE OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY OF GOVERNMENT. WE ANNOUNCED THE PROPOSALS FOR ESTABLISHING A CODE OF PRACTICE WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT EVERY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT IS OPENED UP A GREAT DEAL MORE TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY. AND MANY OF YOU, WHEN I ANSWERED QUESTIONS LIKE THIS, SAID THIS IS SPINELESS, THIS ISN’T GOING FAR ENOUGH. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE PROPOSALS WERE ATTACKED BY SOME CHINESE SPOKEMEN AS GOING A GREAT DEAL TOO FAR. I THINK THAT ON THAT ISSUE AND ON THE MATTERS I HAVE SET OUT TODAY, THE ACTION THAT WE’VE TAKEN IS A SENSIBLE, MIDDLE ROAD FOR HONG KONG. 1 THINK IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG AND I THINK IT REPRESENTS THE BEST' AND MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF SECURING HUMAN RIGHTS TN HONG KONG.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
QUESTION: MR GOODLAD IN THE INTERVIEW WITH OUR PAPER WEEKS AGO, HE ADMITTED THAT CHINA FACTOR IS THE CRUCIAL ONE IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO SET UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK HE WOULD HAVE SAID ANY SUCH THING. I THINK HE WOULD HAVE SAID THAT THE CRUCIAL ISSUE ALWAYS IN ALL THESE MATTERS IS WHAT’S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG. ANY MORE?
QUESTION: WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO BE DOING IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, GOVERNOR, GIVEN YOU HAVE SUCH TREMENDOUS SUCCESS NOW. IT SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED MOST OF WHAT YOU CAME TO HONG KONG TO DO, AREN’T YOU GOING TO GET BORED NOW?
GOVERNOR: YOU MEAN, TAKE UP GOLF, IMPROVE MY BACK SWING.
QUESTION: I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION, WHO DO YOU SUPPORT IN THE WORLD CUP?
GOVERNOR: I’LL COME TO THAT IMPORTANT ISSUE IN A MOMENT. I’LL TELL YOU WHO I’LL SUPPORT IN THE WIMBLEDON AS WELL. THERE IS A HUGE AMOUNT TO DO OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY IS AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE, AND IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG CONTINUES TO GROW AND THRIVE AS A COMMUNITY. AND I THINK I WOULD DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THREE DIFFERENT JOBS THAT I’VE GOT TO DO AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG. FIRST OF ALL, THERE IS A BIG SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC AGENDA WHICH WE’VE GOT TO WORK THROUGH. I SET OUT MY PROPOSALS ON THAT, FIRST OF ALL, IN 1992. WE’VE BEEN MAKING PROGRESS ON A NUMBER OF FRONTS, BUT THERE ARE OTHERS WHERE WE STILL HAVEN’T ACHIEVED WHAT I WOULD HAVE LIKE. FOR EXAMPLE, I PUT PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON OUR CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND WE’LL BE ANNOUNCING SHORTLY OUR PROPOSALS ON PENSIONS, AND ON A PENSION SCHEME. THEY WILL PRODUCE LIVELY DISCUSSIONS IN THE COMMUNITY AND THEY ARE LIVELY DISCUSSION, I HOPE SUCCESFULLY DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA. I THINK WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING IS A VERY, VERY GOOD BARGAIN FOR HONG KONG, A PRUDENT BARGAIN, A DECENT DEAL FOR THE ELDERLY BUT THAT WILL BE A VERY BIG ISSUE FOR THE COMMUNITY INDEED AND THERE ARE OTHERS LIKE IT. IT’S NOT THE ONLY ONE. SECONDLY, I’LL HAVE THE JOB IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS OF DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO BUILD AS GOOD A RELATIONSHIP AS POSSIBLE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA. AND THERE ARE ISSUES LIKE THE TRANSITION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE WHICH ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT. THIRDLY, AND I EMPHASIZE THIS IS ALSO IMPORTANT, THEY ARE PERHAPS MORE INTANGIBLE JOB, I’M ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE FACE TN THE COMUNITY IS THE GAP THAT IS OPENED UP BETWEEN THE LEADERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND PRO-DEMOCRACY POLITICIANS. I THINK THAT I’VE GOT AN IMPORTANT JOB TO DO IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS IN ENCOURAGING EVERYONE TO RECOGNISE, FIRST OF ALL, THAT AS HONG KONG BECOMES MORE DEMOCRATIC, IT CAN ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE IN THE DECISION THAT THE GOVERNMENT TAKES; AND SECOND, AND ALSO IMPORTANT, THAT THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION BETWEEN HAVING A MORE OPEN WAY OF GOVERNMENT AND HAVING A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY. THE WORLD, AND INDEED ASIA, IS FULL OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTIVES WHICH ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO ELECTED LEGISLATURES, WHICH ARE ALSO EXTREMELY GOOD ECONOMIES. SO I’VE GOT A JOB TO DO, 1 THINK, IN RECONCILING SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES THAT HAVE ARISEN BETWEEN LEADERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND LEADERS OF OUR POLITICAL PARTIES. I WOULD LIKE BECKER TO WIN AT WIMBLEDON. I WOULD LIKE AN OUTSIDER TO WIN THE WORLD CUP BUT WHAT I REALLY MEAN IS I’D LIKE BRAZIL TO WIN. LAST QUESTION.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
QUESTION: BUT THE BUSI-NESS COMMUNITY DOES NOT SUPPORT YOUR POLITICAL REFORMS?
GOVERNOR: THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS REALISTIC. IT KNOWS THAT THOSE
REFORMS HAVE BEEN CARRIED THROUGH. IT KNOWS THAT THE BILL WAS VOTED THROUGH BY A DECISIVE MAJORITY ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT, THURSDAY MORNING, AND I THINK THAT WE’LL BE ABLE TO CONVINCE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAT THAT ISN’T BAD FOR BUISNESS IN HONG KONG BUT GOOD FOR HONG KONG AS A WHOLE BECAUSE IT WILL HELP TO GUARANTEE THE WAY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG WHICH HELPS TO MAKE IT SO PROSPEROUS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
_ ----o--------
MORE SHIPPING LEGISLATION TO BE LOCALISED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INTRODUCING A BILL THAT SEEKS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE INTERNATIONAL RULES GOVERNING THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA -THE HAIG-VISBY RULES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA BILL, TO BE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE TOMORROW, IS INTENDED TO REPLACE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION WHICH PRESENTLY APPLIES TO HONG KONG.
’’THIS IS PART OF THE PROGRAMME OF LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH A FRAMEWORK.OF SHIPPING LEGISLATION WHICH WILL CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED BEYOND 1997,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF THE EXISTING SHIPPING PRACTICE AND TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY FOR THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY WOULD ENHANCE HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A WORLD TRADING AND SHIPPING CENTRE,” HE ADDED.
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GOVERNOR VISITS REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE ♦ * * * »
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HOW THE STAFF PROCESS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN CURRENTLY UNDER WAY SINCE APRIL 1.
MR PATTEN MET THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, AND THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, MRS CARRIE WILLIS, AT THE OFFICE IN HARBOUR CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.
HE WAS UPDATED ON THE LATEST SITUATION OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN.
LATER, ACCOMPANIED BY MR JUSTICE WOO AND MRS WILLIS, MR PATTEN TOURED THE TEMPORARY REGISTRATION CENTRE AT WU CHUNG HOUSE AND OBSERVED HOW VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS ARE PROCESSED.
/8 ........
*1
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
8
TRAINING COURSES APPROVED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR HAS APPROVED A NUMBER OF TRAINING COURSES PROVIDED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (Cl TA) TO COPE WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATION 1994.
THE APPROVED TRAINING COURSES WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). THEY INCLUDE :
ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME BASIC CRAFT COURSES ON :
» BRICKLAYING, PLASTERING AND TILING
* CARPENTRY AND JOINERY
* PAINTING, DECORATING AND SIGN-WRITING
* PLUMBING AND Pl PE-FITTING
* BAMBOO SCAFFOLDING
* MARBLE LAYING AND STONE MASONRY
* CONSTRUCTION PLANT MAINTENANCE
* ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
* METAL WORKS
ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR TRAINEE PROGRAMME
ON:
* BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
♦ BUILDING SERVICES
* CIVIL ENGINEERING
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE AMENDED CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATION, UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 ARE PROHIBITED TO WORK IN CONSTRUCTION SITES.
HOWEVER, YOUNG PERSONS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE APPROVED CITA COURSES AND WISH TO ENGAGE IN RELATED DESIGNATED TRADES ARE STILL REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, THAT IS ONLY TO BE EMPLOYED UNDER A VALID CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP REGISTERED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF APPRENTICESHIP.
THESE DESIGNATED TRADES INCLUDE:
♦ BRICKLAYER/PLASTER/TII,ER
/* CARPENTER/JOINER, ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
_ Q
* CARPENTER/JO INER, WOOD FURNITURE MAKER
» PA 1NTER/DECORATOR/SI GN WRITER, PAINTER/DECORATOR (FURNITURE)
* PLUMBER
* BAMBOO SCAFFOLDER
» CONSTRUCTION PLANT MECHANIC
« ELECTRICIAN, ELECTRICAL FITTER
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO COMPLY WITH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
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FIGURES ON WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS *****
THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE; HOTELS (INCLUDING BOARDING HOUSES); AND RESTAURANTS REGISTERED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN 1992, EACH WITH TOTAL RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 19% WHEN COMPARED WITH 1991.
IN THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF THE RETAIL AND WHOLESALE TRADES ALSO WENT UP CONSIDERABLY, BY 16% AND 14% RESPECTIVELY.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR RESULTS OF THE 1992 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED FROM APRIL 1993 TO EARLY 1994.
ALL VALUE FIGURES ARE EXPRESSED IN CURRENT PRICE TERMS. THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES DERIVED FROM THESE FIGURES HAVE NOT BEEN ADJUSTED FOR PRICE CHANGES. CAUTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE RESULTS.
IN 1992, THERE WERE SOME 89,200 IMPORT/EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION, AN INCREASE OF 8% OVER 1991. TOTAL RECEIPTS GENERATED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO $1,568.6 BILLION, AN INI REASE OF 19% OVER 1991.
THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE (COMPRISING COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES AND VALUE OF PURCHASE OF GOODS FOR SALE) INCURRED BY THE IMPORT/EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR 95.1% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS.
NET OF THE EXPENDITURE, THE GROSS SURPLUS AMOUNTED TO 4.6%, WHICH WAS SIMILAR TO THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
THE VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH IS A MEASURE OF THE INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, GREW BY 17% FROM $107.8 BILLION IN 1991 TO $126.2 BILLION IN 1992.
/IT CONSTITUTED.......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
10 -
IT CONSTITUTED 8.0% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, NOT MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE FOR 1991.
IN THE HOTEI. BUSINESS, THERE WERE SOME 1,520 HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES IN OPERATION IN 1992, A DECREASE OF 8% COMPARED WITH 1991. THEY GENERATED TOTAL RECEIPTS OF $15.6 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 19% OVER 1991.
THE GROSS SURPLUS OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR 2 1.7% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, AN INCREASE OF 6.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS OVER. 1991. THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE MADE UP THE REMAINING 78.3%.
THE VALUE ADDED OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY WAS $8.9 BILLION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 25% OVER 1991. IT ACCOUNTED FOR 56.9% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, 2.8 PERCENTAGE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
IN THE RESTAURANTS BUSINESS, THERE WERE SOME 10,200 RESTAURANTS IN OPERATION IN 1992. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED TOTAL RECEIPTS OF $56.1 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 19% OVER 1991.
THE GROSS SURPLUS AND THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF RESTAURANTS ACCOUNTED FOR 6.5% AND 93.5% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS RESPECTIVELY, BROADLY SIMILAR TO THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES OF 6.4% AND 93.6% IN 1991.
THE VALUE ADDED OF RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 21% TO $21.1 BILLION IN 1992. IT ACCOUNTED FOR 37.6% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, WHICH WAS 0.7 PERCENTAGE POINT HIGHER THAN THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
IN THE RETAIL TRADE, THERE WERE SOME 60,700 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 9% OVER 1991. TOTAL RECEIPTS GENERATED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AMOUNTED TO $217.2 BILLION, 16% HIGHER THAN THAT IN 1991.
THF GROSS SURPLUS AND THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF THE RETAIL TRADE ACCOUNTED FOR 6.2% AND 93.8% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE OF 5.9% FOR 1991, THE PERCENTAGE SHARE OF GROSS SURPLUS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT.
THE VALUE ADDED OF THE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS WAS $28.1 BILLION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 16% OVER 1991. IT ACCOUNTED FOR I 3.1% OF THE TOTAL RECEIPTS, BROADLY SIMILAR TO THE FIGURE OF 13.0% IN 1991.
IN THE WHOLESALE TRADE, THERE WERE SOME 23,200 ESTABLISHMENTS IN OPERATION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 9% OVER 1991. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED TOTAL RECEIPTS OF $159.5 BILLION IN 1992, AN INCREASE OF 14% OVER 1991.
THE GROSS SURPLUS AND THE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE OF THE WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR 3.6% AND 96.4% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS RESPECTIVELY, SAME AS THOSE FOR 1991.
/THE VALUE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 11 -
THE VALUE ADDED OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS INCREASED BY 8% TO $11.5 BILLION IN 1992. IT ACCOUNTED FOR 7.2% OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, A DECREASE OF 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT FROM THE FIGURE FOR 1991.
SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE 1992 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
MORE DETAILED RESULTS TOGETHER WITH THE BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY OF THE SURVEY WILL BE GIVEN IN A FULL REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED AROUND AUGUST.
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT THE PUBLICATION OFFICE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1248.
/12 ........
Comparison of Selected Principal Statistics for all cstablislimcnts in
the Wholesale. Retail and Import/Export Trades. Restaurants and Hotels Sector between 1991 and 1992
Major industry group Number of establishments Number of persons engaged Number of employees Compensations of employees Operating expenses Value of purchases of goods for sale Gross surplus Sales and other receipts Value added
SMn. SMn. SMn. SMn. SMn SMn.
Wholesale 1992 23 160 84 446 60 959 5,351 8,391 139,940 5,816 159,498 11,519
trade 1991 21 298 85 498 61 830 5,166 11,460 118,496 5,027 140,149 10,649
% change + 9 - 1 - 1 + 4 -27 + 18 + 16 + 14 + 8
Retail trade 1992 60 705 227 073 152 869 14,218 28,734 160,775 13,503 217,229 28,418
l 1991 55 525 213 904 145 218 12,661 25,240 138,203 11,050 187,154 24,411
1 % change + 9 + 6 + 5 + 12 + 14 + 16 + 22 + 16 + 16
1 ( Import/cxport 1992 89 154 428 927 378 241 53,111 111,166 1,332,744 71,538 1,568,560 126,173
o trade 1991 82 468 434 764 380 783 45.184 127,867 1,081,187 58,727 1,312,965 107,781
1 % change + 8 - 1 - 1 + 18 - 13 + 23 + 22 + 19 + 17
1 ! Restaurants 1992 10 236 205 765 195 813 17,355 15,381 19,773 3,625 56,134 21,121
I 1991 9 713 197 722 186 556 14,524 12,472 17,307 3,015 47,317 17,451
% change + 5 + 4 + 5 + 19 + 23 + 14 + 20 + 19 + 21
Hotels/ 1992 1 524 40 818 39 006 4,585 5,957 1,688 3,391 15,621 8,884
boarding 1991 1 649 39 516 37813 3,944 5,723 1,442 2,032 13,141 7,113
houses % change -8 + 3 + 3 + 16 + 4 + 17 + 67 + 19 + 25
Total 1992 184 779 987 028 826 888 94,620 169,629 1,654,920 97,873 2,0)7,042 196,114
1991 170 653 971 404 812 201 81,478 182,762 1.356,636 79,851 1,700,727 167,404
% change + 8 + 2 + 2 + 16 -7 + 22 + 23 + 19 + 17
Note : (1) Individual items may not add up to the corresponding total due to rounding.
(2) Value added is a measure of the contribution of an economic scctor/industry to I long Kong's Gross Domestic Product. The definition can be found in the "1992 Survey of Wholesale, Retail and Import/Export Trades, Restaurants and Hotels" Report.
(3) Percentage change figures are derived from unrounded figures.
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 13 -
REVIEW OF STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME STAGE 11 OPTIONS *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS TODAY (FRIDAY) SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH PYPUN ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS LIMITED TO REVIEW OPTIONS FOR STAGE II OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME (SSDS).
THE EXISTING STAGE II PROPOSAL INVOLVES THE USE OF A LONG OCEANIC OUTFALL FOR MARINE TREATMENT OF DISCHARGES FROM THE STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND MOUNT DAVIS PRIMARY TREATMENT WORKS.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY IS TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING ADVANCES IN SEWAGE TREATMENT PROCESSES SINCE THE SSDS WAS PROPOSED IN 1989, HAVE BEEN SUCH AS TO MAKE THE ORIGINAL DECISION TO USE OCEANIC DISPOSAL OF PRIMARY TREATED EFFLUENT LESS DESIRABLE OR IN ANY WAY INAPPROPRIATE," SAID ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR DAVID HALL.
"THE STUDY WILL REVIEW ALL THE AVAILABLE TREATMENT PROCESSES AND THEIR FEASIBILITY, SUITABILITY AND COSTS.
"ON COMPLETION OF THE STUDY, A REVIEW REPORT WILL BE PREPARED TO OUTLINE THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THE ALTERNATIVES WITH THE DETAILED COSTINGS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS," MR HALL SAID.
IN LINE WITH THE STUDY, A PANEL OF THREE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED EXPERTS IN THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL FROM CHINA, EUROPE AND THE USA WILL PRESENT THEIR INDEPENDENT VIEWS ON THE ALTERNATIVES OF TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL THAT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE CONSULTANT, TOGETHER WITH THEIR OWN VIEWS ON THE EXISTING SSDS.
THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $6.7 MILLION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS .
---------0-----------
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS OF MUSIC OFFICE STAFF A PRIME CONCERN
* » » t »
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THE EFFECT OF THE TRANSFER ON THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND WELFARE OF THE EXISTING STAFF OF THE MUSIC OFFICE REMAINED ONE OF THE KEY FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE COMING To A DECISION IN THE EXERCISE.
THE BRANCH IS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF DISCUSSING WITH THE ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE SUBMITTED PROPOSALS FOR TAKING OVER THE MUSIC OFFICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT REMAINED AN OBJECTIVE OF THE BRANCH TO GO TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR A DECISION AS TO WHICH ORGANISATION SHOULD BE CHOSEN TO TAKE OVER THE MUSIC OFFICE.
/HE ADDED: ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 14 -
HE ADDED: "WE SHALL ALSO ENSURE THAT UPON TRANSFER THE LEVEL AND STANDARD OF SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES WILL BE MAINTAINED."
THE BRANCH HAS REPLIED TO A STATEMENT FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MUSIC OFFICER GRADE STAFF ASSOCIATION FOLLOWING A MEETING RECENTLY WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
DURING THE MEETING AN ANALOGY WAS MADE THAT THE MUSIC OFFICE WAS A "BRIDE WITH MANY ELIGIBLE SUITORS".
THE REMARK WAS MEANT TO BE A LIGHTHEARTED WAY OF EXPLAINING THE SITUATION AND THERE WAS NO INTENTION OF UPSETTING MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BRANCH FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE MEMBERS DURING THIS UNCERTAIN PERIOD AND WAS WORKING EARNESTLY TO BRING TO AN END THIS UNCERTAINTY.
THE URBAN COUNCIL JOINTLY WITH THE REGIONAL COL NCII, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS HAVE SUBMITTED PROPOSALS FOR TAKING OVER THE WORK OF THE MUSH OFFICE.
------0-------
END OF SERVICE AT STANLEY FORT
*****
THE DEPARTURE OF THE BLACK WATCH FROM STANLEY FORT ALSO SPELLS THE END OF THE GARRISON’S CHURCH, ST BARBARA’S.
AFTER ALMOST 60 YEARS OF CONSTANT SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF THE FORT, THE CLOSING SERVICE OF THE CHURCH THE PATRON SAINT OF THE ROYAL ARTILLERY, WILL BE HELD SUNDAY (JULY 3) AND WILL CONCLUDE, APPROPRIATELY, WITH CEREMONY OF "SUNSET".
EVER-CHANGING
NAMED AFTER AT 6 PM ON THE MILITARY
MANY OF THE CHURCH’S FURNISHINGS WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HONG KONG AND MACAU, TO BE REDISTRIBUTED AMONGST THE OTHER CONGREGATIONS AROUND THE TERRITORY.
A NUMBER OF ITEMS, ESPECIALLY THOSE PRESENTED TO THE CHURCH OVER THE YEARS BY PREVI OUS OCCUPANTS OF THE FORT, WILL BE RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL DONORS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE FINAL SERVICE AT ST BARBARA’S CHURCH, STANLEY FORT. THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE, STANLEY FORT NO LATER THAN 5.30 PM.
- - 0-----------
/15 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 15 -
ROAD WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN O PROPOSED
* * * * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO EXTEND ROAD P2 AND PO HONG ROAD IN PO LAM AREA, TSEUNG KWAN O TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE TOWN CENTRE.
THE NORTHERN PART OF THE TOWN CENTRE COVERS AREA 59 AND PARTS OF AREAS 55, 56 AND 57.
A LINK ROAD WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO CONNECT PO HONG ROAD WITH THE EXTENSION OF ROAD P2 TO PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN PO LAM AREA AND THE HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL.
THE WORKS WILL ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS, A ROAD BRIDGE, SUBWAYS, FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS, AMENITY AREAS AND ASSOCIATED SLOPE WORKS IN THE AREAS.
THESE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN APRIL 1997, EXCEPT A PORTION OF THE LINK ROAD FOR ACCESS TO HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL AND THE EXTENSION OF ROAD P2, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN MARCH 1996 AND DECEMBER 1996 RESPECTIVELY.
TRAFFIC ALONG THE EXISTING LOOP ROAD BETWEEN T1/P2 ROUNDABOUT AND PO HONG ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY DIVERTED TO FACILITATE THE ROADWORKS.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLANS 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;
* 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 AUGUST 30, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
-----0--------
/16 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 16 -
SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN STUDY IN TSEUNG KWAN O * * * * ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A STUDY TODAY (FRIDAY) TO INVESTIGATE THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DISCHARGES FROM RESIDENTIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND COTTAGE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS AND TO FORMULATE A MASTER PLAN FOR THE PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE SEWERAGE FACILITIES IN THE TSEUNG KWAN O AREA.
THE TSEUNG KWAN O SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN IS THE LAST IN THE SERIES OF 16 SEWERAGE MASTER PLANS COVERING THE ENTIRE TERRITORY.
THE AREAS TO BE STUDIED INCLUDE THE TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN AND THE UNSEWERED FRINGE AREAS.
AT PRESENT, THE MAJORITY OF THE WATERCOURSES WITHIN THE UNSEWERED AREA ARE POLLUTED BY THE DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER.
THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR DAVID HALL, SAID THE STUDY WOULD .ASSESS THE ADEQUACY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE EXISTING SEWERAGE FACILITIES AND WOULD RECOMMEND REMEDIAL WORKS.
THE ASSESSMENT WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED FOR IMPROVING AND EXPANDING THE EXISTING FACILITIES TO COPE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWN.
"THE STUDY WILL CONSIDER THE EXTENSION OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM TO THE POPULATION CENTRES IN THE SURROUNDING RURAL AREAS," MR HALL SAID.
"A SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN WILL BE DEVELOPED AND A PRIORITISED PROGRAMME FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NECESSARY ENGINEERING WORKS WILL BE PREPARED.
"EMPHASIS WILL BE GIVEN TO ACHIEVING EARLY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WATERCOURSES AND TO PROTECTING THE WATERS IN JUNK BAY WATER CONTROL ZONE," HE ADDED.
THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $5.6 MILLION, WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES AND COMPLETED IN 18 MONTHS.
------0--------
TWO LOTS IN TAI PO FOR AUCTION
*****
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ON JULY 26 (TUESDAY), THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
ONE OF THE LOTS IS IN AREA 30, TAI PO, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 23,800 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
/THE DEVELOPER .......
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 11,424 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1998.
THE OTHER LOT, AT AREA 2, TAI PO KAU HUI, TAI PO, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,114 SQUARE METRES FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES EXCLUDING GODOWN.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 7,600 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1998.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK 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, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH AND ISLANDS.
- - 0 - -
CHUI REAPPOINTED PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN
******
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE TERM OF OFFICE OF MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, HAS BEEN EXTENDED UP TO DECEMBER 31, 1995.
MR CHUI HAS BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION SINCE JUNE 1991.
THE COMMISSION ADVISES THE GOVERNOR ON APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS AND DISCIPLINARY MATTERS IN THE MIDDLE AND SENIOR RANKS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION INCLUDE MR PHILIP K H WONG, MR P J THOMPSON, MRS ELEANOR LING CHING-MAN, MR D G JEAFFRESON, MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG WAI-CHEE, MISS ELEANOR WONG BEI-LEE AND DR THOMAS LEUNG KWOK-FAI.
- - 0 - -
KO SHAN THEATRE IMPROVEMENT WORKS *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN HUNG HOM.
THE WORKS INCLUDE DEMOLITION OF A TWO-STOREY CONCOURSE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY BUILDING TO PROVIDE SUPPORTING FACILITIES SUCH AS CAFETERIA, REHEARSAL ROOMS, FOYER AND EXHIBITION AREA, AND REFURBISHMENT OF THE AUDITORIUM WITH ANCILLARY EXTERNAL WORKS.
/THE WORKS
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
THE WORKS WILL START IN OCTOBER FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JULY 22.
- - 0 - -
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS GAZETTED * ♦ ♦ * »
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF FOUR DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS) FOR SHAP SZ HEUNG, LUNG YEUK TAU, KWAN TEI SOUTH, PING CHE, TA KWU LING, PAK KONG AND SHA KOK MEI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"THESE RURAL OZPS REPLACE THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS COVERING THE SAME AREAS. THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREAS.
"SIMILAR TO DPA PLANS, UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE OZPS ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.
"THE FOUR OZPS AIM AT PRESERVING THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL LAND AND CONSERVE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
A TOTAL OF ABOUT 480 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "AGRICULTURAL" IN LUNG YEUK TAU, KWAN TEI SOUTH, PING CHE, TA KWU LING, PAK KONG AND SHA KOK MEI TO PRESERVE GOOD ARABLE LAND FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSE.
IN SHAP SZ HEUNG, PAK KONG AND SHA KOK MEI, "CONSERVATION AREA" ZONES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
ABOUT 23 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA" TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL COASTAL FEATURES.
ON THE SHAP SZ HEUNG OZP, TWO SITES OF ABOUT 57 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED "SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST".
ONE IS THE COASTAL AREA FORMED BY SEDIMENTARY ROCKS NEAR TSENG TAU AND THE OTHER IS THE MANGAL COMMUNITY AND MUDFLAT ALONG THE COASTAL AREA BETWEEN TSENG TAU SOUTH AND KEI LING HA LO WAI.
MEANWHILE, ON THE FOUR OZPS, SOME 340 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "GREEN BELT" TO ACT AS BUFFER TO CONTAIN URBAN SPRAWL.
TO FACILITATE LOW-RISE LOW-DENSITY DEVELOPMENTS, ABOUT SEVEN HECTARES OF LAND IN PAK KONG AND SHA KOK MEI AND 11 HECTARES IN LUNG YEUK TAU AND KWAN TEI SOUTH HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" USE.
/IN PAK
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 19 -
IN PAK KONG AND SHA KOK MEI, DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO RANGING FROM 0.4 TO 0.6, SITE COVERAGE FROM 20 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT AND HEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING NINE METRES WITH TWO STOREYS OVER ONE LEVEL OF CARPORT.
IN LUNG YUEK TAU AND KWAN TEI SOUTH, DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.2, SITE COVERAGE OF 10 PER CENT AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS OVER ONE STOREY OF CARPORT.
IN PAK KONG AND SHA KOK MEI, ABOUT 35 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)" TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATIONS.
IN THIS ZONE, REPLACEMENT HOUSING IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM BUILDING AREA OF 37.2 SQ METRES AND A HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS.
EXCEPT NEW TERRITORIES EXEMPTED HOUSE, OTHER BUILDINGS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.2, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND A HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS.
TO ENSURE CO-ORDINATED AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENTS, THREE SITES OF ABOUT 51 HECTARES IN SHAP SZ HEUNG AND ONE SITE OF ABOUT TWO HECTARES IN LUNG YEUK TAU AND KWAN TEI SOUTH HAVE BEEN ZONED "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA".
PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS ZONE SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD IN THE FORM OF A MASTER LAYOUT PLAN WITH ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDY, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT STUDIES.
TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATIONAL USE, SOME 53 HECTARES OF LAND IN PAK KONG, SHA KOK MEI, SHAP SZ HEUNG, LUNG YEUK TAU AND KWAN TEI SOUTH HAVE BEEN ZONED "RECREATION".
IN PING CHE AND TA KWU LING, ABOUT 15 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR "INDUSTRIAL (GROUP D)" USE.
DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF ONE, SITE COVERAGE OF 60 PER CENT AND HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS. IN ADDITION, SOME 91 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED FOR OPEN STORAGE.
THERE ARE ALSO AREAS ZONED FOR "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT", "OPEN SPACE" AND "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" USES IN THE FOUR PLANS, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1 FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
BESIDES, THE DRAFT SHAP SZ HEUNG OZP (NO. S/NE-SSH/1), LUNG YEUK TAU AND KWAN TEI SOUTH OZP (NO. S/NE-LYT/1) AND PING CHE AND TA KWU LING OZP (NO. S/NE-TKL/1) CAN BE SEEN AT:
* SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES;
/* TAI PO ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 20 -
* TAX PO DISTRICT OFFICE,
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES (FOR SHAP SZ HEUNG OZP ONLY); AND
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE,
GROUND FLOOR, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
(FOR LUNG YEUK TAU AND KWAN TEI SOUTH OZP AND PING CHE AND TA KWU LING OZP ONLY).
THE PAK KONG AND SHA KOK MEI OZP (NO. S/SK-PK/1) IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT:
* SAI KUNG AND TSEUNG KWAN 0 DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SUITE 1209, 12TH FLOOR, CH1NACHEM GOLDEN PLAZA, MODY ROAD, KOWLOON; AND
* SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLANS CAN BE BOUGHT FROM THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
62 EX-CHINA VIET ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SENT BACK
*****
A TOTAL OF 62 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, COMPRISING 30 MEN, 22 WOMEN, FIVE BOYS AND FIVE GIRLS, WERE RETURNED TO NANNING, GUANGXI BY AIR THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
DISCUSSIONS ARE CONTINUING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON THE REPATRIATION OF THE 610 SUCH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS STILL REMAINING IN HONG KONG.
/21 ........
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1994
- 21 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,858 0930 -51
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 2,950 1000 1100 -748 -848
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -848 1200 -848 LAF TODAY +940 1500 -848 1600 -848 LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.2 *+0.1* 1.7.94 HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD 1 WEEK 4.13 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.68 5.99 1 MONTH 4.18 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.88 6.52 3 MONTHS 4.34 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.48 6.92 6 MONTHS 4.75 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.49 7.10 12 MONTHS 5.41 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.57 7.24 18 ' ; J.-L TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 25,234 MN
CLOSED 1 JULY 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
INVESTIGATOR’S REPORT PUBLISHED
$20M GRANTED FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN CHINA
STEPPED-UP MEASURES AGAINST CHOLERA
846,000 VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS RECEIVED................
VOTE AT DISTRICT BOARD POLLS: SHA........................
NORTHEAST NT LANDFILL CONTRACT AWARDED
PAMPHLETS EXPLAIN CHILD CARE CENTRE FEE ASSISTANCE
MUSIC CAMP FOR YOUTH.....................................
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
8
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
INVESTIGATOR’S REPORT PUBLISHED * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) HE HAD ALREADY SENT COPIES OF THE FULL REPORT, PRODUCED BY THE INSPECTOR APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS RELATED TO THE TOMSON PACIFIC LTD AND WORLD TRADE CENTRE GROUP LTD, TO THOSE COMPANIES INVOLVED TN THE INVESTIGATION.
”AN ABRIDGED VERSION OF THE REPORT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE TODAY,” HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE STANDARDS OF COMMERCIAL AND CORPORATE CONDUCT AS REVEALED IN THE REPORT GAVE CAUSE FOR CONCERN.
HE SAID THE REPORT HAD BEEN REFERRED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND REGULATORY BODIES.
IN DELIVERING THE REPORT TO THE COMPANIES CONCERNED, SIR HAMISH HAD URGED THEIR DIRECTORS TO STUDY ITS CONTENTS CAREFULLY AND TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS IS NECESSARY IN THE SHAREHOLDERS’ INTEREST.
"IN PUBLISHING THE ABRIDGED VERSION OF THE REPORT, OUR AIM IS TO BALANCE THE NEED TO GIVE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE TO SHAREHOLDERS AS WELL AS THE WIDER COMMUNITY, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME AVOIDING PREJUDICE TO PENDING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OR POSSIBLE FUTURE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT THE REMAINDER OF THE REPORT WILL BE PUBLISHED WHEN THE RISK OF PREJUDICE HAS PASSED," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH SAID THIS INVESTIGATION ILLUSTRATED GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO ACT AS NECESSARY TO FIND OUT THE FACTS BEHIND ANY APPARENT MALPRACTICES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE FINANCIAL MARKETS.
THE INSPECTOR, MR JOHN LEES OF FERRIER HODGSON AND MARFAN, WAS APPOINTED UNDER SECTION 143(1) (C) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE ON AUGUST 28, 1992 TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF TOMSON PACIFIC LTD AND WORLD TRADE CENTRE GROUP LTD AND RELATED COMPANIES.
THE INSPECTOR SUBMITTED HIS REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON MAY 2R THIS YEAR.
--------0-----------
$20M GRANTED FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN CHINA
*****
THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (SATURDAY) RECOMMENDED THAT, SUBJECT TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL, THREE GRANTS TOTALLING $20 MILLION BE MADE FROM THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN CHINA.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRANTS WERE MADE IN RESPONSE TO AN APPEAL MADE BY HONG KONG RED CROSS AND TWO APPLICATIONS FROM WORLD VISION HONG KONG AND MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES HONG KONG.
/"THE THREE .......
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
- 2 -
"THE THREE RELIEF ORGANISATIONS HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR RESPECTIVE PROPOSALS ON PROVIDING RELIEF SERVICES FOR THE FLOOD-AFFECTED PEOPLE IN CHINA FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE," HE SAID.
"THE COMMITTEE IS SATISFIED THAT THE THREE PROPOSALS ARE IN LINE WITH THE GUIDELINES FOR GRANTS FROM THE FUND. IT CONSIDERS THAT EACH PROPOSAL HAS ITS OWN MERITS AND CAN CATER FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION."
HAVING REGARD TO THE NATURE OF THE RELIEF SERVICES AND THE LIKELY NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES OF EACH PROPOSAL, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE FOLLOWING GRANTS BE MADE:
HONG KONG RED CROSS $12 MILLION
WORLD VISION HONG KONG $ 5.5 MILLION
MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES HONG KONG $ 2.5 MILLION
APPROVAL WILL NEED TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE GRANT TO HONG KONG RED CROSS. THIS WILL BE SOUGHT AT THE COMMITTEE’S NEXT MEETING ON JULY 8.
"THE COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT THESE GRANTS ARE AN APPROPRIATE MEANS TO EXPRESS SYMPATHY AND OFFER ASSISTANCE ON THE COMMUNITY’S BEHALF TO THE FLOOD VICTIMS.
"THE COMMITTEE HOPES THAT THIS WILL STIMULATE FURTHER RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC AT LARGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO ENSURE THAT THE GRANTS WILL BE USED FOR THE DESIGNATED PURPOSES, HONG KONG RED CROSS, WORLD VISION HONG KONG AND MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AN EVALUATION REPORT AND AN AUDITED ACCOUNT ON THE USE OF THE GRANT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT GRANTS HAD BEEN MADE FROM THE FUND SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN DECEMBER 1993.
LAST MONTH, A GRANT OF $2 MILLION WAS MADE TO OXFAM HONG KONG IN SUPPORT OF ITS RELIEF PROGRAMME FOR THE RWANDAN REFUGEES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PUBLIC DONATIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE WERE THE MAIN SOURCES OF THE FUND.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO DONATE TO THE FUND FOR GENERAL RELIEF PURPOSES, HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN ROOM 553, EAST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR ON TELEPHONE 810 3503.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY. OTHER MEMBERS ARE MS ROSANNA WONG, DR RAYMOND CH’IEN, MRS ELSIE TU, MR HUI YIN-FAT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY.
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/3 ........
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
3
STEPPED-UP MEASURES AGAINST CHOLERA ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED UP VARIOUS MEASURES TO CONTROL CHOLERA IN HONG KONG.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND CHAIRMAN OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE CONTROL OF CHOLERA, DR PAUL SAW, STATED THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE SAID: ’’THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS ESTABLISHED AN EFFECTIVE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM TO MONITOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES CLOSELY.
"A CLUSTER OF FIVE CASES OF CHOLERA WAS NOTIFIED SINCE LATE JUNE. THOROUGH INVESTIGATION WAS IMMEDIATELY CARRIED OUT AFTER NOTIFICATION OF THE FIRST CASE.
"A WATER SAMPLE TAKEN FROM A FISH TANK IN A SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WAS FOUND TO CONTAIN CHOLERA BACTERIA YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND IMMEDIATE ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN.
"ON THE ADVICE OF THE HEALTH STAFF, THE RESTAURAN'I OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERED ALL THE SEAFOOD FOR DESTRUCTION AND CLEANSED ALL THE FISH TANKS AND OTHER AREAS IN THE RESTAURANT.
"A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE INTER-DEPARTNENTAL (’O-ORDI NATING COMMITTEE ON THE CONTROL OF CHOLERA WAS HELD THIS MORNING TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES.
"HEALTH INSPECTORS WOULD STEP UP INSPECTIONS OF LICENSED FOOD PREMISES AND TAKE ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL FOOD HAWKERS.”
RESTAURANT OPERATORS MUST NOT USE SEA WATER TAKEN FROM POLLUTED AREAS SUCH AS TYPHOON SHELTERS AND THE VICINITY OF SEWAGE OUTFALLS.
"MEANWHILE, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE M’T1\ELY CONSIDERING WAYS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF SEA WATER FOR KEEPING LIVE FISH. '
DR SAW STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WOULD CONTINUE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND INTENSIFY THE TESTING 01 FOOD AND WATER SAMPLES.
HE ADDED: "SOME PATIENTS HAD PATRONISED THb FOOD SAMPANS IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER. A JOINT OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ON JUNE 30 TO STOP THE SALE OF PERISHABLE FOOD ON THESE SAMPANS. (LEANSING OF THE IDENTIFIED SAMPANS WERE CARRIED OUT DURING THE OPERATION."
DR SAW URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE GOOD PERSONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD HYGIENE TO PREVENT DIARRHOFM DISEASES.
HF SAID: "SEAFOOD SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY (OOKFD. CROSS-CONTAMINATION OF RAW AND COOKED FOOD SHOULD BE AVOIDED.
"PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ACUTE DI ARRHOEA SHOULD SEEK EARLY MEDICAL TREATMENT. CHOLERA IS READILY TREATABLE.
/"TN HONG .......
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
- 4 -
“IN HONG KONG, THF NECESSARY PREVENTIVE MEASURES ARE WELL IN PLACE AND THE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES ARE ADEQUATE AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
"VACCINATION AGAINST CHOLERA AND RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL ARE INEFFECTIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA,' HE SAID.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, NINE CASES OF CHOLERA HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
------0--------
846,000 VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS RECEIVED
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ABOUT 846,000 VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS WERE RECEIVED DURING THE THREE-MONTH CAMPAIGN WHICH ENDED AT MIDNIGHT YESTERDAY.
ABOUT 60 PER CENT ARE ESTIMATED TO BE APPLICATIONS FOR NEW ELECTORS.
OTHER DETAILS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT.
HE EXPECTED THAT A DETAILED ANALYSIS WOULD BE COMPLETED LATER IN THE MONTH.
---------0-----------
VOTE AT DISTRICT BOARD POLLS: SHA
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS IN SEPTEMBER’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
HE PARTICULARLY APPEALED TO THOSE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21 TO EXERCISE THEIR VOTING RIGHTS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION THIS AFTERNOON, MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SO FAR RECEIVED 846,000 REGISTRATION FORMS AND OVER 40 PER CENT OF THE 200,000 ELIGIBLE PEOPLE AGED UNDER 21 HAD RESPONDED TO THE REGISTRATION CALL.
PLEASED WITH THE MATURITY AND COMMITMENT SHOWN BY THESE NEW VOTERS, HE, NEVERTHELESS, CONTENDED THAT THIS WAS ONLY THE FIRST STEP IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.
"REAL POWER AND INFLUENCE COMES WITH EXERCISING THE RIGHT TO VOTE," MR SUEN SAID.
HE ADDED: "IT IS A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO EXERT AN IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY: TO HAVE A SAY IN HOW OUR WAY OF LIFE AND
LIFESTYLE SHOULD DEVELOP.
/'•IN VOTING
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
- 5 -
"IN VOTING, WE MAKE A CONSCIOUS CHOICE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GOVERNMENT PROCESS.
"WE WILL BE CHOOSING PEOPLE NOT ONLY TO REPRESENT US, BUT ALSO TO SERVE US."
NOTING THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY HONG KONG WILL HAVE A FULLY-ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, MR SUEN DESCRIBED IT AS AN IMPORTANT STEP TO TAKE.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18, HE SAID THE BOARDS REPRESENTED THE BASIC LEVEL OF THE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM.
UNDERTAKING A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THE 18 DISTRICT BOARDS TO BE SET UP ARE IN A GOOD POSITION TO RESPOND TO LOCAL NEEDS.
MOREOVER, HE NOTED, SINCE THE ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS WILL FORM AN ELECTION COMMITTEE TO RETURN 10 LEGISLATORS IN 1995, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
TURNING TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR SUEN PRAISED THE BODY FOR ESTABLISHING A REPUTATION FOR THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF ITS WORK SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1986.
HE ALSO SAID A HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION UNIT WOULD BE SET UP UNDER THE COMMITTEE AND $20 MILLION WOULD BE INJECTED OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO ENABLE IT TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION IN GENERAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION IN PARTICULAR.
THE EXHIBITION AT THE SPECIAL EXHIBITION HALL, HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST INCLUDES PANEL DISPLAYS, VIDEO SHOWS, GAMES STALLS, DRAMAS, A "TIME TUNNEL" TRACING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS CONCEPT AND ALSO FEATURES WINNING ENTRIES IN THE OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECT AWARD.
THE WINNING PRESENTATIONS COME FROM: (FIRST PRIZE) "ESSENCE OF ELECTIONS AND THE RULE OF LAW" BY MINZHU DAXUE; (FIRST RUNNER-UP) "HOW TO CONVENE AND PARTICIPATE IN SMALL GROUP MEETINGS" BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSI'B OF HONG KONG’S FACULTY OF EDUCATION, JOINTLY WITH CHUNG TAI EDUCATIONAL PRESS; AND (SECOND RUNNER-UP) "YOUTH AWARENESS MOVEMENT" BY THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS’ MEI LAM CENTRE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM EXCEPT ON THURSDAY (JULY 7) WHEN IT WILL CLOSE AT 5 PM.
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/6 ........
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
6
NORTHEAST NT LANDFILL CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED THE CONTRACT OF THE NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL TO FAR EAST LANDFILL TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED, A CONSORTIUM COMPRISING FRENCH WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTOR SITA, NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT LIMITED AND GUANGDONG ENTERPRISES (HOLDINGS) LIMITED.
SITUATED IN AN UNINHABITED VALLEY NEXT TO WONG MAU HANG SHAN IN TA KWU LING ON THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE LANDFILL IS THE LAST OF THE THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS TO BE DEVELOPED FOR THE LONG-TERM WASTE MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG.
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR JOHN ROCKEY, SAID: ’’ITS OPERATION WILL PROVIDE A LARGE-SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY DISPOSAL GROUND FOR MUNICIPAL AND CONSTRUCTION WASTE IN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES FOLLOWING THE CLOSURE OF SHUEN WAN LANDFILL IN 1995.”
’’STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNIQUES WILL BE USED TO PREVENT LEACHING OF CONTAMINATED WATER INTO THE GROUND WATER, AND LANDFILL GAS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WILL BE INSTALLED TO COLLECT LANDFILL GAS FOR UTILISATION.
”AIR, NOISE AND GROUND WATER QUALITY WITHIN THE LANDFILL AND IN ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY MONITORED WITH A VIEW TO ENSURING HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS,” HE SAID.
SIMILAR TO THE OTHER TWO STRATEGIC LANDFILLS, THIS $2.3 BILLION CONTRACT ADOPTED A DES IGN-BUILD-OPERATE ARRANGEMENT UNDER WHICH THE CONTRACTOR WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE LANDFILL AS WELL AS FOR ITS RESTORATION AND AFTERCARE.
THE OVERALL CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT WILL BE TAKEN UP BY THE DEPARTMENT WHO WILL ENSURE PROPER DISCHARGE OF THE CONTRACTOR’S DUTIES.
THE LANDFILL WILL BE DESIGNED TO RECEIVE A MINIMUM OF 35 MILLION TONNES OF WASTE FROM BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WASTE COLLECTORS AND IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS FIRST LOAD OF WASTE IN JULY 1995.
--------0-----------
PAMPHLETS EXPLAIN CHILD CARE CENTRE FEE ASSISTANCE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHOSE CHILDREN ARE ENROLLED IN CHILD CARE CENTRES INCLUDING DAY CRECHES AND DAY NURSERIES ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
TO HELP THEM APPLY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A PAMPHLET ENTITLED ’’FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES”.
/"THIS PAMPHLET .......
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
"THIS PAMPHLET OUTLINES THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THEY MAY HE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE AND THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"TO BE QUALIFIED FOR FEE ASSISTANCE, A CHILD IN A CHILD CARE CENTRE MUST BE AGED BELOW SIX YEARS," HE SAID.
"PARENTS OR GUARDIANS WHO WISH TO APPLY MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY CANNOT AFFORD THE FULL COST OF THE FEES CHARGED.
"THEY MUST ALSO DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME DURING THE DAY, FOR REASONS SUCH AS BOTH PARENTS HAVING TO WORK TO EARN A LIVING, THE CHILD BELONGING TO A SINGLE-PARENT FAMILY OR FAMILY WITH PRESENCE OF AN AGED OR DISABLED MEMBER WHO NEEDS SPECIAL CARE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE MADE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BUT SHOULD PREFERABLY BE LODGED THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE CHILD’S ADMISSION TO A CHILD CARE CENTRE.
HOWEVER, STAFF FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS WILL, FROM JUNE TO AUGUST, GO TO THE CHILD CARE CENTRES TO HELP THE PARENTS PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN BATCHES.
APPLICANTS WHO HAVE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME CAN APPROACH THEIR RESPECTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS OR CONTACT THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON TEL 8.36 3114.
COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM CHILD CARE CENTRES, SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
------0--------
MUSIC CAMP FOR YOUTH ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE 1994 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP WILL BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S LEI YUE MUN PARK AND HOLIDAY VILLAGE FROM JULY 23 TO AUGUST I.
ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE CAMP HAS BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT SINCE 1980 TO PROVIDE INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING TO YOUNG MUSICIANS IN THE SUMMER.
MORE THAN 1,500 YOUNGSTERS WILL PARTICIPATE.
THIS YEAR, THE CAMP WILL BE DIVIDED INTO A, B AND C DIVISIONS.
CAMPS A AND B WILL BE HELD -FROM JULY 23 TO 26 AND FROM JULY 26 TO 29 RESPECTIVELY AND CAMP C WILL BE HELD FROM JULY 29 TO AUGUS1 1.
ALL CAMPERS WILL RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FROM GUEST MUSICIANS, LOCAL MUSICIANS AND STAFF OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
/A WIDE .......
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1994
8
A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS INCLUDING KARAOKE, VIDEO SHOWS, SWIMMING, FOOTBALL, ROPE COURSE AND MUSIC QUIZ WILL BE ARRANGED.
A COMMUNITY CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 3 PM ON JULY 31 TO MARK THE CLOSE OF THE CAMP.
THE CAMP'S CHINESE ORCHESTRA, BAND AND CHOIR WILL TAKE PART IN THE CONCERT.
FREE TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT ARE AVAILABLE FROM ALL THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 582 5314.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,950 0930 -1,000
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,680 1000 -1,000
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -1,000
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,000 1130 -1,000
LAF TODAY -270 1500
1600
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.2 *+0.0* 2.7.94
CLOSED 2 JULY 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES. BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TAI PO............................ 1
TAMAR CHIEF DEPARTS IN STYLE............................... 1
PLEA ON SAFETY OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PRODUCTS.... 2
SUMMER JOB SAFETY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS...................... 3
EMPLOYERS MUST ENSURE MACHINERY AND SUMMER JOB SAFETY... 4
COMPUTER GAMES SOFTWARE CONTEST PROMOTES ORAL HEALTH.... 5
YOUTHS SHARE FUN AT COUNTRYSIDE............................ 6
FIVE YOUNG HK AMBASSADORS LEAVE FOR BRITAIN................ 6
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1994
NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TAI PO
*****
THE NEW DISTRICT OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR DANNY TSUI MOW-CHI, WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT TOMORROW (MONDAY), THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR TSUI, AGED 43, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1986.
HE HAS SERVED IN THE SECURITY BRANCH, THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH AND THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
HIS PREVIOUS POST WAS AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF YUEN LONG.
------0-------
TAMAR CHIEF DEPARTS IN STYLE
*****
CAPTAIN TOM SUNTER RN, THE CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE HONG KONG, WILL LEAVE THE TERRITORY TOMORROW (MONDAY).
TO MARK HIS DEPARTURE, THE ROYAL NAVY HAS ORGANISED A STYLISH SEND-OFF.
CAPTAIN SUNTER WILL BE TAKEN BY RICKSHAW FROM HIS OFFICE ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND TO HIS LAUNCH. ESCORTED BY FAST PURSUIT CRAFT AND A NAVY PATROL VESSEL, HE WILL THEN TRAVEL TO THE FORMER NAVY BASIN AT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS IN CENTRAL.
AS PART OF THE DRAWDOWN OF THE BRITISH FORCES IN HONG KONG, CAPTAIN SUNTER’S POST WILL NOT BE FILLED BY ANOTHER NAVAL OFFICER OF EQUIVALENT RANK. THE SENIOR NAVAL POST WILL BE ASSUMED BY THE PRESENT EXECUTIVE OFFICER HMS TAMAR, COMMANDER BERRY REEVES.
CAPTAIN SUNTER RETURNS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM TO BECOME NAVAL COMMANDER ROSYTH.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DEPARTURE CEREMONY FOR CAPTAIN SUNTER TOMORROW (MONDAY). THEY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE, PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS NO LATER THAN 8.15 AM TO TAKE THE 8.30 AM FERRY TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
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/2 ........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1994
- 2 -
PLEA ON SAFETY OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL PRODUCTS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE PROPER USE OF ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS AND MECHANICAL MACHINERY TO AVOID ACCIDENTS, THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR TONG KIN-WAH, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR TONG MADE THE CEREMONY OF THE ELECTRICAL KONG CULTURAL CENTRE PLAZA
APPEAL WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING AND MECHANICAL SAFETY CARNIVAL AT THE HONG THIS AFTERNOON.
THE CARNIVAL WAS ORGANISED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL INDUSTRY SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE.
MR TONG NOTED THAT WHILE ENJOYING ALL THE BENEFITS AND CONVENIENCE BROUGHT ABOUT BY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, HOWEVER, SHOULD NOT O’. ERLOOK THE FACT THAT THE PRODUCTS, IF NOT PROPERLY DESIGNED OR MANUFACTURED, COULD POSE DANGERS TO THE USERS.
"IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE WORKFORCE AND THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE DANGERS RESULTING FROM UNSAFE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS AND PRODUCTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ESTABLISHED BY MEANS OF LEGISLATION A NUMBER OF ESSENTIAL SAFETY RULES AND STANDARDS FOR THE PARTIES CONCERNED TO FOLLOW," HE SAID.
MR TONG ADDED THAT IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS AND ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO REGULARLY REVIEWED THE CURRENT LEGISLATION AND PREPARED NEW PROVISIONS TO MEET THE DEMAND OF THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.
"IN THIS RESPECT, SEVERAL SUBSTANTIAL PIECES OF NEW LEGISLATION ARE BEING PREPARED BY MY DEPARTMENT AND SOME OF THEM WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE SAID.
THESE INCLUDE THE PLUGS AND ADAPTORS (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, WHICH WILL BE ENACTED LATER THIS YEAR AND BROUGHT INTO EFFECT AFTER A SIX-MONTH GRACE PERIOD, AND THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, WHICH ARE SCHEDULED TO BE ENACTED IN MID-1995 AND BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN 1996.
MEANWHILE, MR TONG SAID THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS WILL ALSO BE ENACTED LATER THIS YEAR.
"THIS ORDINANCE AIMS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE USE OF AMUSEMENT RIDES AND PROVIDE CONTROL OVER THE DESIGN, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE RIDES.
"FURTHERMORE, IN 1995 THE LEGISLATION ON THE SAFETY OF BUILDER’S LIFTS AND TOWER WORKING PLATFORMS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE A MORE SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES," HE SAID.
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/3........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, J994
3
SUMMER JOB SAFETY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS *****
STUDENTS WHO WISH TO SEEK SUMMER JOBS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD -NOT TAKE UP HIGH-RISK EMPLOYMENTS.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID AS MANY SECONDARY SCHOO1 STUDENTS MAY ENGAGE IN TEMPORARY WORK DURING THE SUMMER VACATION, IT IS NECESSARY TO REMIND ALL STUDENTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AT WORK, ESPECIALLY TEMPORARY SUMMER WORK.
HE CITED A NUMBER OF HIGH-RISK JOBS THAT THEY SHOULD AVOID:
* WORKING ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE;
* OPERATING HEAVY MACHINERY, LIFTING APPLIANCES OR GIVING SIGNALS IN LIFTING OPERATIONS;
* OPERATING POWER PRESSES, CUTTING MACHINES OR WOODWORKING MACHINES ;
* WORKING AT HEIGHT;
* USING CHEMICALS; AND
* DOING WORK THAT INVOLVES HEAT TREATMENT OR THE USE OF FIRE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT STUDENTS SHOULD BE CAREFUL IF THEY WORKED IN RESTAURANTS OR FAST-FOOD STALLS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE SAFETY AND BE CAUTIOUS WITH MINCERS, BLENDERS, STOVES, SCALDING, SLIPPERY FLOORS, KNIVES AND CHEMICAL CLEANSERS.
STUDENTS WERE REMINDED THAT FROM JUNE 22, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994, YOUNG PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES UNLESS THEY ARE RECEIVING OR HAVE RECEIVED APPROPRIATE TRAINING.
THE EDUCATION AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN ACTIVE IN INCREASING THEIR AWARENESS OF SAFETY AT WORK.
TALKS AND VIDEO SHOWS WERE ARRANGED FOR SCHOOLS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
GUIDELINES ON JOB SAFETY WERE ISSUED TO SCHOOLS. SEMINARS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND EMPLOYMENT TRAPS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR CAREERS TEACHERS, WHO RECEIVED A RESOURCE PACKAGE PRODUCED BY THE TWO DEPARTMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT A DESIGN COMPETITION WAS CONDUCTED EVERY YEAR TO DRIVE HOME THE SAFETY MESSAGE.
THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION WAS A SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION IN WHICH THE WINNING ENTRIES WERE PRINTED ON SMALL CARDS AND DISTRIBUTED TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
ENQUIRIES ON JOB SAFETY AND EMPLOYMENT TRAPS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ON TEL 399 2178 OR THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 852 3565.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1994
4
EMPLOYERS MUST ENSURE MACHINERY AND SUMMER JOB SAFETY *****
OWNERS OF MACHINERY AND EMPLOYERS OF SUMMER JOB WORKERS ARE REMINDED TO ENSURE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OR THEY WILL FACE PROSECUTION ACTIONS.
ANNOUNCING I’HE COMMENCEMENT OF THIS YEAR’S MACHINERY AND SUMMER JOB SAFETY CAMPAIGN, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR KAN HON-SANG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY): "IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO LEAVE A MACHINE UNGUARDED OR INADEQUATELY GUARDED AS EVEN THE MOST EXPERIENCED OPERATORS CAN MAKE MISTAKES.
"DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY, IF NOT PROPERLY GUARDED, OFTEN CAUSE SERIOUS .ACCIDENTS RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIMBS OR EVEN DEATHS," HE POINTED OUT.
MR KAN SAID ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF ACC I DENTS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF MACHINERY HAD BEEN DECLINING FROM SOME 8,800 IN 1988 TO ABOUT 2,500 LAST YEAR, EMPLOYERS HAD I’HE DUTY TO PROVIDE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF GUARDS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON POTENTIAL HAZARDS, SUPERVISION AND TRAINING TO MACHINE OPERATORS.
"SOME MACHINES ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS, SUCH AS POWER PRESSES, GRANULATORS, DOUGH MIXERS, MACHINES USED IN WOODWORK, PAPER AND CATERING INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS PRINTING AND PLASTICS FACTORIES," HE SAID.
"PROPER GUARDING OF MACHINERY CAN HELP AVOID INJURIES TIMES AND GIVES CONFIDENCE TO OPERATORS," HE ADDED.
AT ALL
MR TOMORROW, EMPLOYERS DANGEROUS
KAN SAID DURING THE TWO-MONTH CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL START FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL VISIT WORKPLACES TO EXPLAIN TO AND WORKERS THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVELY GUARDING THE PARTS OF MACHINES AS WELL AS ENSURING THE SAFETY OF SUMMER
JOB WORKERS
"AS THE LEGISLATION PROHIBITING YOUNG PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 AND WITHOUT RECOGNISED TRAINING FROM WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES HAS BEEN ENACTED ON JUNE 22, WE WILL ALSO VISIT CONSTRUCTION SITES AND ADVISE CONTRACTORS ON THE NEW LEGISLATION AND OTHER SAFETY ASPECTS.
"THE NEW LEGISLATION AIMS TO BETTER PROTECT YOUNG PERSONS BECAUSE THE NATURE OF WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IS FAR MORE HAZARDOUS THAN IN OTHER TRADES," HE EXPLAINED.
HE CAUTIONED PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYERS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS DETERMINED TO TAKE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYERS WHO NEGLECTED THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM POTENTIAL HAZARDS OR ALLOWED UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSONS TO WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO ALL EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR FULL CO-OPFRATION TOWARDS MAKING THEIR WORKPLACES SAFE.
/5 ........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1994
- 5 -
COMPUTER GAMES SOFTWARE CONTEST PROMOTES ORAL HEALTH
*****
ENTHUSIASTS OF COMPUTER GAMES DESIGN ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A COMPUTER GAMES SOFTWARE COMPETITION FOR THE PROMOTION OF ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION.
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN COLLABORATION WITH THE HONG KONG COMPUTER SOCIETY, THE HONG KONG DENTAL ASSOC IAT ION, THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR MULTIMEDIA AND IMAGE COMPUTING, IS OPEN TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THE PUBLIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ENTRIES SHOULD BRING OUT MESSAGES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH CARE AND METHODS TO PREVENT DENTAL DISEASES.
HE SAID: "PARTICIPANTS ARE FREE TO MAKE USE OF ANIMATION CARTOON STORIES, STILL OR MOTION IMAGE GAMES, OR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FORMAT IN DESIGNING THEIR ENTRIES.
"THE ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED ON THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN BRINGING OUT ORAL HEALTH MESSAGES, THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE GAMES AND THEIR VISUAL EFFECTS," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WINNING ENTRIES WOULD BE USED FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY ON THE EDUCATION BUS AND IN ORAL HEALTH EXHIBITIONS TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL AND OPEN DIVISIONS. PARTICIPANTS MAY BE INDIVIDUALS OR IN GROUPS OR FAMILIES.
HE SAID THE COMPETITION WAS SPONSORED B\ AST ASI A PAC IEK AND THREE WINNERS OF EACH DIVISION WOULD RECEIVE A SOUVENIR AND A (’ASH COUPON WORTH $5,000 TO $10,000.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WOULD HOLD A BRIEFING SESSION ON OCTOBER 8 TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO Till- PARTK I PANTS. ENQUIRIES COULD BE MADE ON TEL 768 8077.
APPLICATION FORMS AND HEALTH MANUALS ART WAILABLE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS, DISTRICT OFFICES AND PUBLIC' LIBRARIES.
ENTRIES AND THE COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SEN! TO HIE UNIT BY HAND OR BY MAIL ON OR BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
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/6 ........
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1994
6
YOUTHS SHARE FUN AT COUNTRYSIDE * * * * *
MORE THAN 500 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE LEARNT THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING COUNTRY PARKS TIDY AND GREEN AT A FUN DAY IN THE SAI KUNG EAST COUNTRY PARK’S PAR TAN AU MANAGEMENT CENTRE.
THEY ALSO GOT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS SPECIES OF TREES IN HONG KONG, COUNTRYSIDE CODES AND HOW TO PREVENT HILL FIRES.
THE GROUP HAS TAKEN PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES UNDER THE 1993/94 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WHICH ENDED TODAY (SUNDAY).
NOW IN ITS 1 1TH YEAR, THE SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, AIMING TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CONSERVING THE COUNTRY PARKS.
SPEAKING AT THE FUN DAY, THE (’HAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, DR TAM WING-KUN, SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE THE SCHEME BECOME MORE POPULAR AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS HAS GROWN FROM 5,000 IN 1983 TO 13,800 THIS YEAR.
DR TAM SAID FOUR ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED THIS YEAR, INCLUDING GUIDED WALKS AT COUNTRY PARKS, A QUIZ, A POSTER DESIGN CONTEST AND AN OUTING PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION.
WINNERS OF THE TWO COMPETITIONS WERE AWARDED PRIZES TODAY.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WERE AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR FRANK LAU; AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE FRIENDS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS, MR GEORGE TAN, AND I’HE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 HONG KONG AND MACAU, MR PATRICK CHENG.
THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITY WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED AND SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF COUNTRY PARKS AND I’HE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 HONG KONG AND MACAU.
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FIVE YOUNG HK AMBASSADORS LEAVE FOR BRITAIN *****
FIVE YOUNGSTERS LEFT FOR BRITAIN TODA\ (SUNDAY) TO REPRESENT HONG KONG FOR A THREE-WEEK PROJECT IN THIS YEAR’S COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME.
THEY WERE CHOSEN FROM 43 NOMINEES FROM 19 LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTES, YOUTH OR YOUTH-RELATED ORGANISATIONS.
SPEAKING BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SELECTION PANEL, PROFESSOR NELSON CHOW WING-SUN, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, ENCOURAGED MEMBERS TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO BROADEN THEIR HORIZONS.
/"YOU SHOULD .......
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1994
7
"YOU SHOULD ALSO BE PREPARED TO INTRODUCE HONG KONG TO THE PEOPLE YOU MEET THERE," PROFESSOR CHOW SAID.
THE PROGRAMME, WHICH WAS STARTED IN 1977, AIMS AT ESTABLISHING A TWO-WAY EXCHANGE LINK BETWEEN YOUTH GROUPS/ORGANISATIONS IN BRITAIN AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH SAID: "HONG KONG FIRST PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHEME IN ITS INAUGURAL YEAR WHEN SIX LOCAL YOUTHS WERE SELECTED."
SO FAR, 48 LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SENT TO BRITAIN UNDER THIS PROGRAMME. AND IN TURN, HONG KONG HAS RECEIVED 42 YOUNGSTERS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM.
HE SAID THIS YEAR’S THREE-WEEK ITINERARY WOULD COVER A SERIES OF VISITS TO PLACES OF INTEREST IN NORTHWEST ENGLAND, INCLUDING LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE, WIRRAL AND CHESTER.
THESE WILL INCLUDE THE ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES AND THE INDUSTRIAL SCENES OF THE AREA AS WELL AS VISITS TO YOUTH CENTRES, SCHOOLS AND MUSEUMS.
APART FROM ATTENDING A RECEPTION TO BE HOSTED BY THE MAYOR OF WIRRAL, PARTICIPANTS WILL MEET THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND PAY VISITS TO THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON.
DISCUSSIONS FOCUSING ON EDUCATION AND HOUSING WILL ALSO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR PROGRAMME.
DURING THEIR STAY IN BRITAIN, THE YOUNG DELEGATES WILL SERVE AS VOLUNTARY WORKERS IN SOME COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS AND EXPERIENCE THE BRITISH WAY OF LIFE WHILE SPENDING THEIR TIME IN HOST FAMILIES.
THE FIVE YOUTH AMBASSADORS ARE: MISS CHUANG MEI-HSIA, MISS HUI HIU-FAI, MR ALMON KWAN MAN-LEUNG, MISS LAM PIK-KI AND MISS LEUNG CHUI-WAH.
THE GROUP IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG IN AUGUST.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
SEM TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION IN HONOLULU................................................. 1
POSTMASTER GENERAL ATTENDING POSTAL UNION MEETING IN AUSTRALIA.................................................. 1
NEW PROCEDURE IN TRANSFER OF TAXI OWNERSHIP................ 2
CHINESE VERSION OF IPS’ REPORT ON WHITEHEAD INCIDENT PUBLISHED.................................................. 2
TEACHING MATERIALS ON AIDS FOR TEACHERS.................... 3
DON'T MISS CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION...................... 4
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 4
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
5
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1994
SEM TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION IN HONOLULU » » ♦ * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, LEFT FOR HONOLULU, HAWAII, TODAY (MONDAY) TO ATTEND A MINISTERIAL-LEVEL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION OF THE STATES.
THE CONFERENCE ENTITLED ’’THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION: AN ASIAN/PACIFIC-NORTH AMERICAN DIALOGUE”, WILL BE ATTENDED BY DELEGATES FROM AUSTRALIA, CANADA, TAIWAN, JAPAN, MEXICO, PACIFIC ISLANDS, CHINA, RUSSIA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND SINGAPORE, IN ADDITION TO THE UNITED STATES.
THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE ON JULY 6 AND 7, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING AMONG EDUCATION POLICY MAKERS OF VARIOUS EDUCATION POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES OF THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES AND PLACES.
IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THE CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE A BASIS FOR FUTURE COLLABORATION ON MATTERS RELATING TO EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT.
OTHER PARTICIPANTS FROM HONG KONG ARE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER MR KEVIN MAK AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MR ROBERT LO.
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POSTMASTER GENERAL ATTENDING POSTAL UNION MEETING IN AUSTRALIA *****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, IS ATTENDING A WEEK-LONG MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE ASIAN-PACIFIC POSTAL UNION (APPU) IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA. THE MEETING WILL FINISH TOMORROW (JULY 5).
APPU IS ONE OF THE ’RESTRICTED UNIONS’ (THAT IS REGIONAL BODIES) OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION.
APPU MEMBERS INCLUDE POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS FROM ALL COUNTRIES IN ASIA AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC INCLUDING MANY OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS SUCH AS CHINA, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA. < •
THESE POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND REGULARLY EXCHANGE LARGE VOLUMES OF MAIL WITH HONG KONG.
HONG KONG HAS ATTENDED THEIR MEETINGS SINCE 1985.
THE AGENDA OF THIS YEAR’S APPU EXECUITVE COUNCIL MEETING FOCUSES ON THE MAJOR PROPOSALS WHICH WILL BE DELIBERATED AT THE 21ST CONGRESS OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION TO BE HELD IN SEOUL LATER THIS YEAR.
/THESE PROPOSALS .......
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1994
- 2 -
THESE PROPOSALS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL POSTAL SERVICES.
THE MEETING ALSO DISCUSSES MATTERS RELATING TO THE STRENGTHENING OF REGIONAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, AND MUTUAL CO-OPERATION.
IT ALSO REVIEWS THE WORK OF THE ASIAN-PACIFIC POSTAL TRAINING CENTRE WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONAL POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS.
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NEW PROCEDURE IN TRANSFER OF TAXI OWNERSHIP *****
TRANSFER OF TAXI OWNERSHIP WILL HAVE TO BE REGISTERED IN PERSON WITH EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY (JULY 6).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE AIM OF THE NEW REQUIREMENT WAS TO REGULARISE THE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENCES.
HE SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO DAMPEN SPECULATION OF TAXI LICENCES.
"UNDER THE NEW PROCEDURE, BOTH THE TRANSFEROR AND TRANSFEREE OF A TAXI LICENCE WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE TRANSFER FORM (TD 25) IN PERSON AND IN THE PRESENCE OF A PUBLIC OFFICER DESIGNATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THE TRANSFER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ANYONE WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENT MAY COMMIT AN OFFENCE AND MAY BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $2,000. IN ADDITION, THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER MAY ALSO BE REJECTED," HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ON THE DETAILS OF THE NEW PROCEDURE MAY BE DIRECTED TO MR KWONG YUEN-KEUNG OF THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, ON TEL 801 5992.
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CHINESE VERSION OF JPS’ REPORT
ON WHITEHEAD INCIDENT PUBLISHED
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE REPORT OF THE INQUIRY INTO THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE REMOVAL OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7 WAS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
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/3........
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1994
- 3 -
TEACHING MATERIALS ON AIDS FOR TEACHERS * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAVE PRODUCED A PACKAGE OF TEACHING MATERIALS ON AIDS EDUCATION TO HELP KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ACQUIRE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF AIDS PREVENTION, THE HIV VIRUS AND BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES IN GENERAL.
THE MATERIALS - A BOOK CARRYING GUIDELINES ON THE PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES FOR SCHOOLS, A 17-MINUTE VIDEO TAPE ON AIDS EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND A TEACHING KIT ON AIDS EDUCATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS - ARE AVAILABLE FOR KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM TODAY (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SA IT. SOME OF THE OBJECTIVES IN PRODUCING THE BOOK AND THE VIDEO TAPE WERE TO INTRODUCE TO SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS THE BASIC FACTS ABOUT BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND THEIR PREVENTION.
IT ALSO AIMS TO RECOMMEND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY SCHOOLS AND TO SUGGEST STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES ON THE TEACHING OF PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES IN SCHOOLS.
THE TEACHING KIT COMPRISES TWO JIGSAW PACKS, TWO CASSETTE TAPES WITH A SONG COMPOSED WITH THE THEME ON PREVENTION OF AIDS, A 20-MINUTE EDUCATION TELEVISION VIDEO (ETV) ON AIDS EDUCATION AND A TEACHER’S MANUAL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS PRODUCED TO ASSIST TEACHERS TO INTRODUCE THE TOPIC OF AIDS TO PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS.
IT CONTAINS VARIOUS LEARNING ACTIVITIES WHICH WOULD ENABLE PUPILS TO HAVE A FULLER UNDERSTANDING OF AIDS AS WELL AS CULTIVATE IN THEM A HEALTHY ATTITUDE TOWARDS AIDS.
THE VIDEO AND THE BOOK EXPLAIN THAT AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME) IS A DISEASE CAUSED BY A VIRUS CALLED HIV (HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS).
THE MODES OF TRANSMISSION ARE THROUGH SEXUAL CONTACT, BLOOD CONTACT BY PEOPLE SHARING CONTAMINATED NEEDLES, AND FROM AFFECTED MOTHER TO CHILD DURING PREGNANCY.
IN THE VIDEO TAPE, SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MR CHAN KWOK-HEI SAID HIV-INFECTED PUPILS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE WITH NORMAL SCHOOLING.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S CONSULTANT PHYSICIAN' ON AIDS, DR LEE SHUI-SHAN, EXPLAINED THAT HIV COULD NOT BE PASSED ON TO OTHERS IN NORMAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS ATTENDING SCHOOL TOGETHER, HAVING MEALS TOGETHER, USING TOILET FACILITIES AND DRINKING FOUNTAINS, SHAKING HANDS AND HUGGING, SWIMMING IN A POOL, SHARING BOOKS AND STATIONERY, SNEEZING AND COUGHING.
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/4 ........
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1994
DON’T MISS CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION *****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT MISS THE CHANCE TO VISIT THE CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION WHICH EXPLORES THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN AN INNOVATIVE, ENTERTAINING AND PROFESSIONAL WAY.
MAKING THE REMARKS TODAY (MONDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR DANIEL TSE, CITED THE "TIME TUNNEL" AS AN EXAMPLE WHICH TRACED THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
THE ENTRANCE LOBBY OF THE TUNNEL RESEMBLES THAT )F A CASTLE AND IT LEADS TO AN ARRAY OF PICTURES EXPLAINING THE HISTORY, PRINCIPLES AND ELEMENTS INVOLVED IN THE RIGHTS CONCEPT.
THERE ARE ALSO GRAPHIC DISPLAYS DESCRIBING THE FUNCTIONS AND STRUCTURE OF THE THREE-TIER POLITICAL SYSTEM AS WELL AS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE DISPLAYS ARE DETAILS OF THE 1995 SETUP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHICH HAD ONLY ENDED ITS DEBATE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EXHIBITION STARTED.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS ARE THE WINNING ENTRIES OF THE COMPUTER ANIMATION SOFTWARE DESIGN COMPETITION WHICH ILLUSTRATE IN AN INNOVATIVE MANNER THE IMPORTANCE OF CASTING BALLOTS AND THE RULE OF LAW.
THE EXHIBITION, BEING HELD AT THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, WILL LAST UNTIL THURSDAY (JULY 7).
IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 9.30 AM TO 8 PM DAILY EXCEPT ON JULY 7 WHEN IT WILL CLOSE AT 5 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
UP TILL NOON TODAY, MORE THAN 1,500 PEOPLE, MOST OF THEM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, HAVE VISITED THE EXHIBITION SINCE IT OPENED ON SATURDAY (JULY 2).
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD
AT 71.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 417.934 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 419.554 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 71.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1994
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET * * * OPERATIONS ♦ ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,680 0930 + 359
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,389 1000 + 375
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 334
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 334 1200 + 334
LAF TODAY -625 1500 + 334
1600 + 334
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.2 ♦+0.0* 4.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.15 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.74 5.95
1 MONTH 4.19 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.98 6.46
3 MONTHS 4.31 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.64 6.85
6 MONTHS 4.70 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.63 7.04
12 MONTHS 5.43 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.72 7.18
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,639 MN
CLOSED 4 JULY 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JUDICIARY TO PUSH FOR USE OF CHINESE........................ 1
JUDICIARY COMMITTED TO SERVING COMMUNITY.................... 2
HONGKONG & YAUMATI FERRY’S PIER DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.... 3
CLOSED CIRCUIT TV TO MONITOR TUEN MUN ROAD TRAFFIC....... 4
UPGRADING QUALITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION...................... 5
CHIEF SECRETARY TO PRESENT OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS AWARDS .. 5
HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS.............. 7
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION................................ 7
WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG. WESTERN AND KOWLOON EAST......... 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................. 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 10
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
JUDICIARY TO PUSH FOR USE OF CHINESE
******
THE PROMOTION OF THE USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE COURTS IS A MAMMOTH TASK IN TERMS OF BOTH RESOURCES, DETAILED PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, TRAINING AND EDUCATION, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY).
"TO TAKE THINGS FORWARD, I AM APPOINTING A STEERING COMMITTEE, WITH MR JUSTICE PATRICK CHAN AS CHAIRMAN AND MR MATTHEW CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG, THE DEPUTY JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR AS DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, TO ADVISE ME ON THE OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE USE OF CHINESE IN THE COURTS," SIR TI LIANG SAID.
"THE ADMINISTRATION, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WILL BE REPRESENTED ON THE COMMITTEE, ALONG WITH A BARRISTER AND A SOLICITOR NOMINATED BY THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY RESPECTIVELY."
THE COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING, DIRECTING AND MONITORING THE USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE COURTS.
ACCORDING TO SIR TI LIANG, THE WIDER USE OF CHINESE IS A MATTER OF CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC CONCERN AND NEEDS TO BE TACKLED AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY AND URGENCY, AS 1997 DRAWS NEARER, SO AS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE BASIC LAW.
"BUT EVEN WITHOUT THE BASIC LAW, CHINESE IS IMPORTANT IN VIEW OF HONG KONG’S LARGE CHINESE POPULATION," HE SAID.
SIR TI LIANG STRESSED: "IN PURSUING THE CHINESE MOVEMENT IN COURTS, WE MUST BEAR IN MIND THE NEED TO PROVIDE A GENUINELY BILINGUAL SYSTEM IN THE LAW, IN KEEPING WITH HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION."
THE CHIEF JUSTICE ALSO REVEALED THAT HE HAD ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORTS COMPILED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON THE USE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN THE LAW AND THE WORKING PARTY ON THE USE OF CHINESE IN THE DISTRICT COURT RESPECTIVELY.
HE WOULD ASK THE ADMINISTRATION TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE TO CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE USE OF CHINESE IN THE COURTS ACROSS-THE-BOARD.
NEVERTHELESS, SIR TI LIANG CAUTIONED THAT A STEP-BY-STEP AND PRAGMATIC APPROACH SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS AMENDING THE LAW AT ONE STROKE WITHOUT THE NECESSARY MANPOWER AND EXPERTISE IN PLACE TO COPE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES WOULD ONLY CAUSE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCEDURAL CHAOS.
IT MIGHT OPEN THE FLOODGATE FOR THE USE OF CHINESE IN ALL COURT PROCEEDINGS, WITHOUT THE JUDICIARY, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS BEING EQUIPPED AND READY TO COPE, HE EXPLAINED.
TO AVOID THE "FLOODGATE" EFFECT, A MORATORIUM SHOULD BE BUILT INTO THE LEGISLATIVE EXERCISE TO ALLOW FOR A FLEXIBLE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION, SIR TI LIANG CONCLUDED.
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/2 ........
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
- 2 -
JUDICIARY COMMITTED TO SERVING COMMUNITY
*****
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, SAID THE JUDICIARY WAS COMMITTED TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND PLEDGED TO RAISING ITS STANDARDS AND IMPROVING ITS PERFORMANCE.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, HE SAID A ’’QUIET MANAGEMENT REVOLUTION” WAS ALREADY IN TRAIN AND THE JUDICIARY HAD JUST PRODUCED A BILINGUAL BOOKLET SETTING OUT ITS ’’SERVING THE COMMUNITY SCHEME”.
SIR TI LIANG SAID THE BOOKLET MARKED THE JUDICIARY’S MOVE INTO A MODERN MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE-ORIENTED CULTURE.
”1 HOPE THAT THE BOOKLET ADDS TO THE TRANSPARENCY, ACCESSIBILITY AND PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF OUR ROLE AND WORK, AND BRINGS THE JUDICIARY AND THE COMMUNITY CLOSER.
”WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO SO AS FAR AS OUR RESOURCES PERMIT, AND WITHOUT COMPROMISING OUR JEALOUSLY GUARDED JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE,” HE SAID.
AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, SIR TI LIANG FORMALLY INTRODUCED THE JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR, MS ALICE TAI, WHO IS ON THE 100TH DAY OF TAKING UP HER OFFICE.
NOTING THAT MS TAI HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH TAKING FORWARD THE ’’QUIET MANAGEMENT REVOLUTION” OF THE JUDICIARY, SIR TI LIANG WAS PLEASED THAT ENCOURAGING PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE SO FAR ON VARIOUS FRONTS.
MS' TAI TOLD THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT SHE WAS ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE, THOROUGH AND PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO IMPROVE THE JUDICIARY’S SERVICE FOR THE PUBLIC BY REDUCING DELAYS AND MAKING THE COURTS MORE EFFICIENT AND LESS DAUNTING FOR ALL COURT USERS.
’’THE ’SERVING THE COMMUNITY SCHEME’ IS PART OF OUR EFFORTS TO BUILD A SERVICE-ORIENTED CULTURE IN THE JUDICIARY,” MS TAI SAID, ADDING THAT THE PROGRAMME WAS BASED ON A SERIES OF PERFORMANCE PLEDGES MAINLY ON THE JUDICIARY’S SUPPORT SERVICES.
’’THESE MEAN THE PROCESSING OR WAITING TIMES THAT THE PUBLIC CAN EXPECT IN AN AVERAGE CASE,” SHE SAID. ”A BROAD INDICATION OF THE EXPECTED WAITING TIMES FOR CASES TO COME ON FOR TRIAL IN THE LANDS TRIBUNAL, CORONERS’ COURT, LABOUR TRIBUNAL, SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL AND OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL HAS ALSO BEEN INCLUDED.”
REFERRING TO THE EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE OVERALL EFFICIENCY OF THE JUDICIARY, MS TAI SAID THESE MEASURES SOUGHT TO REDUCE COURT WAITING TIMES, IMPROVE COURT FACILITIES, STRENGTHEN COURT ADMINISTRATION AND STREAMLINE SUPPORT SERVICES.
/TO REDUCE .......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
3
TO REDUCE COURT WAITING TIMES, A SECOND CRIMINAL RUNNING LIST HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE HIGH COURT LAST WEEK TO SPEED UP THE TRIAL OF RELATIVELY SHORT CASES IN WHICH A SINGLE DEFENDANT WHO IS LEGALLY AIDED IS INVOLVED.
TWO ADDITIONAL COURTS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN CREATED AT THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING CASELOAD AND TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG OF CASES WAITING HEARING.
THIRTEEN BARRISTERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE WILL SIT AS DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES AND THE FIRST TWO HAVE ALREADY TAKEN UP DUTY.
A RECORDERSHIP SCHEME WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE HIGH COURT TO SHORTEN THE WAITING TIME FOR HEARING CASES AND THE BILL TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE SCHEME IS CURRENTLY BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
TO STRENGTHEN COURT ADMINISTRATION, JUDICIAL LEADERS WILL SHORTLY BE APPOINTED AT EACH LEVEL OF THE COURT SYSTEM TO PROMOTE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE COURTS UNDER THE COURT LEADERSHIP SCHEME.
THE JUDICIARY IS ALSO TO LAUNCH AN INFORMATION SYSTEMS STRATEGY TO BRING ABOUT FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS MORE EFFICIENT AND FLEXIBLE LISTING OF CASES FOR TRIAL, GREATER HANDLING CAPACITY OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL AND REDUCTION IN PROCESSING TIME OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PROBATE REGISTRY.
TO FOSTER LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY, THE JUDICIARY WILL HOST A SERIES OF VISITS TO THE SUPREME COURT BY MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WHICH SHOULD HELP ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE COURTS.
MS TAI ADDED THAT THE JUDICIARY ALSO INTRODUCED TODAY A TELEPHONE HOTLINE SERVICE TO FACILITATE ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC AND HELP BETTER CHANNEL AND MONITOR COMPLAINTS.
- - 0 - -
HONGKONG & YAUMATI FERRY’S PIER DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ******
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS GIVEN APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENTER INTO DETAILED NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE HONGKONG & YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED (HYF) AND ITS PARENT COMPANY HONG KONG FERRY (HOLDINGS) COMPANY LIMITED (HKF) REGARDING COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE FOUR NEW PIERS BEING CONSTRUCTED ON THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION.
THE ADMINISTRATION WILL REQUIRE A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THE PROFIT ARISING FROM PIER DEVELOPMENT TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO HYF SO THAT THE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES TO ITS FERRY SERVICES CAN BE IMPLEMENTED TO MEET PUBLIC EXPECTATION AND FUTURE FARE INCREASES CAN BE KEPT AT REASONABLE AND AFFORDABLE LEVELS.
/A GOVERNMENT ......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
4
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) EMPHASISED THAT: ’’THE PIER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OFFERS THE MOST PRACTICAL AND VIABLE OPTION TO SAFEGUARD FERRY SERVICES."
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT: "THE DETAILED TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PACKAGE WILL HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE HYF AND HKF CAN PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT."
WHEN ENTERING INTO NEGOTIATIONS WITH HYF AND HKF, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IF THE DETAILED NEGOTIATIONS WITH HYF IS SUCCESSFUL, THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC WOULD ENJOY BETTER FERRY SERVICES AT REASONABLE AND AFFORDABLE FARES." HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT: "HYF IS AT PRESENT PROVIDING ^HE ONLY MEANS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO OUTLYING ISLANDS. HYF’S SERVICES TO NEW TOWNS AND ACROSS THE HARBOUR ARE PROVIDING IMPORTANT RELIEF TO THE TERRITORY’S CONGESTED ROAD NETWORK."
------0-------
CLOSED CIRCUIT TV TO MONITOR TUEN MUN ROAD TRAFFIC
*****
THE TRAFFIC SITUATION ON TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE PUT UNDER CLOSER CENTRAL MONITORING WITH THE INSTALLATION OF A CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM 80014.
A $9.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE WORKS WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) BETWEEN THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTOR, PHILIPS HONG KONG LIMITED.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS AND RELATED HIGH MASTS WILL BE SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED ALONG TUNE MUN ROAD.
ASSOCIATED CABLES WILL BE LAID ALONG THE ROAD AND CENTRAL MONITORING EQUIPMENT WILL BE SET UP IN THE REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE OF THE POLICE IN TAI PO AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN.
THE SYSTEM WILL ENABLE REAL TIME VISUAL SURVEILLANCE OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ALONG TUEN MUN ROAD TO BE PERFORMED FROM A CENTRAL LOCATION.
QUICKER RESPONSE TO INCIDENTS SUCH AS ACCIDENTS AND VEHICLE BREAKDOWNS WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR REDUCING DELAY TO MOTORISTS AND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
INSTALLATION WORK WILL START SOON FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1995.
AN ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR MAINTAINING THE SYSTEM’S EQUIPMENT WAS ALSO AWARDED TO PHILIPS HONG KONG LIMITED TODAY.
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/5 ........
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
- 5 -
UPGRADING QUALITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION .
* * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THE HANDOVER OF THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION TO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION WOULD LEAD TO THE UPGRADING OF THE QUALITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION.
"I TAKE CONSOLATION, HOWEVER, IN THE FACT THAT THIS CHANGE IS MEANT FOR THE OVERALL BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY, AND THAT THIS SHIFT OF RESPONSIBILITY WILL LEAD TO THE UPGRADING OF THE QUALITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROVIDED BY AN INDEPENDENT TERTIARY INSTITUTION," HE SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF GRANTHAM, NORTHCOTE AND SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGES.
MR WONG THANKED THE PRINCIPALS AND STAFF OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WHO WERE CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TRAINING YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TO BECOME QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN THE PAST 55 YEARS.
"ALL OF YOU HAVE FULFILLED THAT TASKS ADMIRABLY AND WITH DISTINCTION. AS THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, I THANK YOU MOST SINCERELY FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND HARD WORK.
"I FEEL SAD TO HAND OVER MY TRADITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR TEACHER EDUCATION, TOGETHER WITH THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, TO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR," MR WONG SAID.
EXECUTIVE MEMBER AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TEACHER EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS, PROFESSOR FELICE LIEH MAK, WAS INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND PRESENT PRIZES TO THE GRADUATES.
THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 1,271 STUDENTS GRADUATED IN THE TWO- AND THREE-YEAR TEACHER TRAINING COURSES IN THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
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CHIEF SECRETARY TO PRESENT OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS AWARDS t t » * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE HONG KONG OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS AWARD 1993/94 PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE MING PAO ENTERPRISE CORPORATION LIMITED, MR YU PUN-HOI.
MORE THAN 160 NOMINATIONS FOR THE AWARDS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, OUT OF WHICH 19 WINNERS WERE SELECTED.
/THE AWARD .......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
6
THE AWARD SCHEME WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND MING PAO. CO-SPONSORS INCLUDED THE HONG KONG PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS’ UNION, HONG KONG SUBSIDISED SECONDARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL, HONG KONG FEDERATION OF EDUCATION WORKERS, THE UNION OF GRADUATE OFFICERS IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION.
THE 1993/94 AWARDEES ARE:
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION AWARD (CURRICULUM DESIGN)
MS IP YEE-BO, MR CHAU SUI-CHUNG, MR HO MING-SANG AND MR ROBERT VANCE SMITH.
PEDAGOGICAL ACHIEVEMENTS AWARD
MS TSUI KWAI-KING, MR LEUNG HING-LOK, MS MOK YAN-LAN, MS CHAN MEI-IOC AND MS SHA YA-LEE.
LOVE AND CARE AWARD
MS CHEUNG WAI-YIN, MS LAU SHUK-LING, MR YIM CHI-MO, MS WONG PUI-SAN AND MS LAU CHI-WAN.
LONG SERVICE AWARD
MS LIN WING-KIT, MR CHEUNG HO-YIN, MS NG SHUK-TONG, MR LUCAS CHAN KWOK-HEI AND MR SO WAI-KUEN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE HONG KONG OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS AWARD 1993/94 PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THEATRE II, HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 11 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICERS FROM THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- - 0---------
/7........
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
7 -
HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS
*****
•• 3..'.
THE COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION WILL HOLD A COCKTAIL RECEPTION ON THURSDAY (JULY 7) TO CELEBRATE THE SETTING UP OF ITS NEW OFFICE AND A RESOURCE CENTRE AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE. -
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR TIK CHI-YUEN; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEE-MING; AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR CLEMENT WONG CHI-KEUNG, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE RECEPTION.
THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR TIK CHI-YUEN, WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE SERVING MEMBERS WHOSE APPOINTMENTS WILL EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS AUGUST.
MR TIK WILL ALSO PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO TWO SPECIAL GUESTS: THE PRINCIPAL OF TWGHS LI KA SHING COLLEGE, MR WOO KWOK-YIN, WHO HAD HELPED TRANSLATE A HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION POEM FOR THE COMMITTEE; AND MRS SUSANNA TSOI, ADVISER TO THE TASK GROUP ON SETTING UP OF THE RESOURCE CENTRE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE RECEPTION TO BE HELD AT ROOM 704, SEVENTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 7).
-----0--------
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL PUT UP ANOTHER 100 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS FOR AUCTION ON SATURDAY (JULY 9) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
FIFTY OF THEM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE:
CC311 AC416 AY718 AG336
FZ309 FT218 FZ662 FZ892
»GA97 *AT83 *ES111 *FW3
CJ9328 FZ220 FZ8887 FZ8161
FZ365 FZ3133 FZ388 FZ608
BB2811 GA8111 AR722 AT185
CP267 AA2581 FZ1312 FZ944
*FY2 *CH50 *FC38 ♦AW3377
FZ9198 GA588 FZ213 FZ3280
FZ3878 FZ7828 FY6638 FZ3996
GA861 CH647 ♦EE9595 FZ3949
FZ7772 FY3732 FZ1678 ♦CY656
FY6872 FZ7987
/IN THE .......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
- 8
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, THE OTHER 50 MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
BB302 GA913 AC520 GAI 18
GA8288 FZ344 XX960 FZ2639
♦GA123 *FC22 »FY32 »CC11
GA8161 GA350 GA911 FZ7888
GA1957 GA223 FZ668 GA319
BC908 GA338 HK229 CC1283
GA633 FZ8111 CC3 4 2 GA203
»GA9 ♦ 1264 *FW8 ♦ GA44
GA2638 GA139 CR9188 GA2928
FZ6163 CH3353 AR8323 GA1190
GA937 GA2866 »CC9595 FZ891
GA1883 GA2829 FZ8133 »GA626
FZ8070 CF7717
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES, WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 232ND AND 233RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0--------
WATER CUTS IN SAI KUNG, WESTERN AND KOWLOON EAST ♦ t » » *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 7) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES IN LUK MEI TSUEN, PAK WAI TSUEN, FISHERMEN’S NEW VILLAGE, PAK SHA WAN AND KAU SAI SAN TSUEN.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
/THE AFFECTED .......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
9
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT 2-54 AND 60 POK FU LAM ROAD, 5-131 AND 2-116 FIRST STREET, 1-121B AND 2-118 SECOND STREET, 1-127B AND 2-106 THIRD STREET, 2B-126 AND 3-119 HIGH STREET, 5-45 AND 24-36 WESTERN STREET, 27-51 AND 46-50 CENTRE STREET, 23A-43 AND 36-42 EASTERN STREET, 18-27 HING HON ROAD, SAI WA LANE, WESTERN GARDEN, YU PO LANE EAST, YU PO LANE WEST, NG FUK LANE, FUK SAU LANE, SHEUNG FUNG LANE, TAK SING LANE, DAVID LANE, UN FUK LANE, UI ON LANE, KWOK HING LANE, YU LOK LANE, CHEUNG ON LANE, LEUNG I FONG, UN SHING LANE, WEST END TERRACE AND THE WESTERN DENTAL CLINIC.
TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORKS, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN KOWLOON EAST WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY TO 9 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE LAM TIN ESTATE, HONG TIN COURT, HONG WAH COURT, HING TIN ESTATE, SAU MAU PING ESTATE, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, HONG NING ROAD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, CHEUNG WO COURT, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, CHOI WAN ESTATE, LOK WAH NORTH ESTATE, LOK WAH SOUTH ESTATE AND SHUN CHI COURT.
ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE ALL THE PREMISES AT KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG LEE ROAD, HIU KWONG STREET AND PIK WAN ROAD.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED
PRO RATA RATIO
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD
5 JUL 94 5 JUL 94
EF BILLS EF BILLS
Q427 H468
HK$3,670 MN HK$2,720 MN
HK$1,500 MN HK$800 MN
4.28 PCT 4.68 PCT
4.29 PCT 4.69 PCT
ABOUT 96 PCT ABOUT 100 PCT
4.32 PCT 4.72 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 11 JUL 1994-
TENDER DATE 12 JUL 94 12 JUL 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q428 Y491
ISSUE DATE 13 JUL 94 13 JUL 94
MATURITY DATE 12 OCT 94 12 JUL 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$1,500 + 300 MN HK$500 + 150 MN
--------0------------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,389 0930 + 367
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,036 1000 + 367
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 367
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 367 1200 + 367
LAF TODAY + 280 1500 + 367
1600 + 367
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.2 *+0.0* 5.7.94
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1994
11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.13 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.74 5.96
1 MONTH 4.17 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.00 6.45
3 MONTHS 4.29 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.67 6.83
6 MONTHS 4.65 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.71 7.01
12 : MONTHS 5.37 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.75 7.16
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,889 MN
CLOSED 5 JULY 1994
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
GOVT NO INTENTION TO CENSOR TEXTBOOKS........................ 1
TEACHERS OFFERED BETTER PROSPECT AND TRAINING................ 1
PUBLIC OFFICER TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITIONS.................. 2
INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU MEETING “VERY USEFUL”...................................................... 3
VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE TO BE GIVEN LEGAL STATUS.............. 4
OFF-STREET DRIVING TEST CENTRE TO OPEN NEXT WEEK............. 5
18 VMS RETURN HOME........................................... 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 6
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
GOVT NO INTENTION TO CENSOR TEXTBOOKS *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NEITHER POLITICAL MOTIVES NOR ANY WISH TO CENSOR TEXTBOOKS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ABOUT HISTORY TEXTBOOKS AFTER ATTENDING THE HONG KONG OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MRS CHAN SAID: "WHAT WE ARE CONCERNED WITH HERE IS WHETHER THE GUIDELINES THAT WE LAID DOWN FOR HISTORY TEXTBOOKS FOR SECONDARY 4 TO 7 SHOULD EQUALLY APPLY TO HISTORY TEXTBOOKS FOR SECONDARY 3, IN OTHER WORDS, WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE A CHRONOLOGICAL CUT-OFF POINT.”
SHE NOTED THAT FOR SECONDARY 4 TO 7 HISTORY TEXTBOOKS, EVENTS UP TO 1976 COULD BE COVERED, BUT NOT BEYOND THAT.
MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER ”HE PARTICULAR PUBLISHER CONCERNED DECIDED TO RETAIN THE REFERENCE TO THE TIANANMEN EVENT OR NOT, IT WAS ALREADY ON THE APPROVED LIST OF TEXTBOOKS FOR GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
”SO THERE IS NO QUESTION OF US SAYING IF YOU DON’T REMOVE IT, THEN WE WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT FOR USE IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS,” SHE SAID.
”AS THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAS POINTED OUT, WE HAVE NOW REFERRED THE MATTER TO THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND WE WILL, OF COURSE, LISTEN TO THEIR ADVICE ON THIS.”
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TEACHERS OFFERED BETTER PROSPECT AND TRAINING *****
THERE WILL BE 180 GRADUATE TEACHER POSTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IF FUNDING IS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
OFFICIATING AT THE OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF GRADUATE TEACHER POSTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO 880 BY 1997.
BY 2007, IT IS EXPECTED TO GO UP TO 6,000, OR EQUIVALENT TO 35 PER CENT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
"THIS NEW ESTABLISHMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE INCREASE OF GRADUATE TEACHER POSTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WILL STRENGTH THE TEACHING PROFESSION IN HONG KONG. TEACHERS WILL ALSO ENJOY A BETTER PROMOTION PROSPECT.”
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE MERGING OF THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION TO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION WOULD UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF TEACHER EDUCATION AND ITS PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS.
/THE NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 2 -
THE NEW INSTITUTE WILL FOR THE FIRST TIME INTRODUCE INDEPENDENT AND IMPROVED TRAINING COURSES FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
’’THE NEW INSTITUTE WILL SOON DEVELOP DEGREE COURSES IN PRIMARY EDUCATION.
"THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE INSTITUTE IS TO BECOME A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN TEACHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, AS WELL AS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION IN FUTURE," MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE SAID THE CAMPUS OF THE NEW INSTITUTE, WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1997, WOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH ADVANCED FACILITIES TO HELP FULFIL ITS OBJECTIVES.
PUBLIC OFFICER TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITIONS
* I * * *
THE ADMINISTRATION IS PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE PUBLIC OFFICERS (VARIATION OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) (TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE EXPIRES TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS PASSED LAST DECEMBER, HAS HAD THE EFFECT OF TEMPORARILY FREEZING ANY TRANSFER BY OVERSEAS OFFICERS TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. THE ORDINANCE WAS DUE TO LAPSE ON APRIL 20 THIS YEAR BUT WAS EXTENDED TO JULY 6 TO GIVE INTERESTED PARTIES MORE TIME FOR DISCUSSION.
"AFTER HAVING EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, WE HAVE COME UP WITH A PACKAGE FOR IMPLEMENTING TRANSFERS TO LOCAL CONDITIONS WHICH ADDRESSES THE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS OF DESERVING LOCAL STAFF UNDER THE LOCALISATION POLICY ON THE ONE HAND AND DOES NOT DEPRIVE OVERSEAS OFFICERS WHO ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF THEIR RIGHTS ON THE OTHER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WITH THE LAPSING OF THE ORDINANCE, THE FREEZE ON TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITIONS WILL BE LIFTED, AND THE ADMINISTRATION1S PACKAGE CAN BE IMPLEMENTED."
HE SAID DETAILED GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION ARE BEING DISCUSSED WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED. THESE WILL BE FINALISED AND ISSUED TO DEPARTMENTS SHORTLY.
"PRESS REPORTS OF DETAILS REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION ARE THEREFORE PREMATURE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
3 -
INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU MEETING "VERY USEFUL" * » « * *
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MR THOMAS YIU TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESCRIBED AS "VERY USEFUL" THE RECENT COUNCIL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUREAU (ITCB) HELD IN AREQUIPA, PERU.
"ITCB MEMBERS HAVE WELCOMED THE CONCLUSION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND OF TALKS WHICH WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF REINFORCING AND STRENGTHENING THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM," SAID MR YIU WHO LED A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE FIVE-DAY MEETING.
"IN PARTICULAR, THEY HAVE WELCOMED THE DEFINITIVE PHASE-OUT OF ALL MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT-BASED QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS AND FULL INTEGRATION OF THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING SECTOR INTO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) IN 10 YEARS.
"THEY HAVE CALLED UPON THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES TO IMPLEMENT THE INTEGRATION PROGRAMME IN A CREDIBLE MANNER UNDER THE AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING (ATC), DULY RECOGNISING THE ASPIRATIONS AND INTERESTS OF ALL ITCB MEMBERS."
MR YIU SAID THE CURRENT TARGET DATE FOR THE COMING INTO EFFECT OF THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING THE ATC, WAS JANUARY 1, 1995 WHEN THE PROCESS OF LIBERALISATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING WOULD BEGIN.
HE SAID THE ITCB WAS A GENEVA-BASED ORGANISATION OF TEXTILES EXPORTING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, PROVIDING THE FORUM FOR ITS 22 MEMBERS, INCLUDING HONG KONG, TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND CO-ORDINATE ACTIONS ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
QUOTING A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE MEETING, MR YIU SAID THE ITCB UNDERLINED THE NEED FOR A STRONG AND EFFECTIVE TEXTILES MONITORING BODY TO ENSURE THAT ACTIONS TAKEN BY DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES ARE IN FULL CONFORMITY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ATC.
HE SAID THE ITCB DEPLORED ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY MAJOR TRADING ENTITY TO UNILATERALLY INTERPRET SOME OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ATC, AND IT CONSIDERED THAT SUCH ATTEMPTS RAN COUNTER TO THE CONCEPT OF MULTILATERALISM ENSHRINED IN THE URUGUAY ROUND RESULTS AND THEREFORE COULD NOT BE ACCEPTED.
ON THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU), HE SAID, THE ITCB COUNCIL HAD CONSIDERED THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF ITS ENLARGEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING EXPORTS OF ITCB MEMBERS.
THE COUNCIL STRESSED THAT THE ENLARGEMENT MUST NOT HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES OF ITCB MEMBERS AND URGED THE EU TO ENSURE INCREASED MARKET ACCESS AND IMPROVED POTENTIAL FOR TRADE EXPANSION SUBSEQUENT TO ITS ENLARGEMENT, HE SAID.
/SHOULD ITCB .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
SHOULD ITCB MEMBERS BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BECAUSE OF THE EU ENLARGEMENT, THE COUNCIL MAINTAINED THAT ADEQUATE COMPENSATION SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THOSE AFFECTED, HE ADDED.
• ALSO ATTENDING THE ITCB COUNCIL MEETING WERE REPRESENTATIVES FROM CHINA, KOREA, ARGENTINA, BANGLADESH, BRAZIL, COLUMBIA, EGYPT, INDIA, INDONESIA, JAMAICA, MACAU, MEXICO, PAKISTAN, PERU, SRI LANKA AND URUGUAY.
------0-------
VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE TO BE GIVEN LEGAL STATUS
******
THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WHICH GIVES THE VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT THE PROPER LEGAL FRAMEWORK, WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (JULY 8), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY)
THE VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE IS IMPLEMENTED BY A COMPETENT AUTHORITY TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF VESSEL TRAFFIC AND TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
BEFORE 1989, A SERVICE TO VESSEL TRAFFIC IN HONG KONG WAS PROVIDED THROUGH RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN VESSELS AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE.
"TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE IN MARINE TRAFFIC, AN ELECTRONIC MONITORING SYSTEM USING RADARS AND VERY HIGH FREQUENCY RADIO-TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT WAS COMMISSIONED IN OCTOBER 1989," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE, IMPLEMENTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT THROUGH ADMINISTRATIVE MEANS, ENABLES THE PHYSICAL TRACKING OF VESSEL MOVEMENTS THROUGH RADARS AND THE REGULATION OF MARINE TRAFFIC THROUGH DIRECT VHF COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARTICIPATING VESSELS.
"AFTER FIVE YEARS’ OPERATION, THE SERVICE HAS PROVEN TO BE VITAL TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF NAVIGATION AND THE EFFICIENCY OF MARINE TRAFFIC.
"IT HELPS TO MINIMISE MARINE RISKS AND MARINE POLLUTION CAUSED BY SHIPPING ACCIDENTS. IT FACILITATES ALSO THE COLLECTION OF PORT DUES AND OTHER CHARGES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS NOW TIME TO PUT THE SERVICE UNDER PROPER LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO ENSURE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PORT AND FACILITATE SEABORNE TRADE IN GENERAL," HE SAID.
THE REGULATIONS WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JULY 15 THIS YEAR.
------0 - -
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
OFF-STREET DRIVING TEST CENTRE TO OPEN NEXT WEEK * * * * *
THE FIRST OFF-STREET PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TEST CENTRE SET UP BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE BROUGHT INTO FULL OPERATION ON JULY 15 THIS YEAR.
THE CENTRE IS AT HAWTHORN ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY, HONG KONG.
A.SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE NEWLY RENOVATED CENTRE INCLUDED A COMPOUND DESIGNED FOR THE TESTING OF BASIC MANOEUVRING SKILLS SUCH AS REVERSE PARKING, THREE-POINT-TURN ON A NARROW ROAD, STOP AND START ON A SLOPE.
’’OFF-STREET DRIVING TEST CENTRE NOT ONLY PROVIDES A SAFER AND BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR CANDIDATES BUT ALSO REDUCES TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON PUBLIC ROADS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR SUITABLE SITES FOR THE SETTING UP OF SUCH CENTRES,” HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
18 VMS RETURN HOME * * * » ♦
A GROUP OF 18 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM ON A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT.
COMPRISING TWO MEN, NINE WOMEN, THREE BOYS AND FOUR GIRLS. THEY WERE THE 211ST BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,879 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42 492 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
- - 0 - -
4
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 6 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,036 0930 -350
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,046 1000 -301
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -252
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -150 1200 -147
LAF TODAY + 160 1500 -147
1600 -150
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 122.8 *-0.4* 6.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4 . 19 17 MONTHS 2511 4 . 15 97.84 5.88
1 MONTH 4.11 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.07 6.40
3 MONTHS 4.31 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.78 6.79
6 MONTHS 4.69 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.79 6.97
12 MONTHS 5.34 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.89 7.11
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 21,783 MN
CLOSED 6 JULY 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
GOVT MINUTE TO COMAC’S ANNUAL REPORT READY IN THREE MONTHS’ TIME................................................ 1
REGULATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS USEFUL...................... 2
GOVT DETERMINED TO FOLLOW UP TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS 3
MOTION DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT BROADCASTING CHANNELS........ 5
THREE BILLS TO OVERHAUL INHERITANCE LAW.................... 10
BILL TO RECOVER OPERATING COSTS OF SEWAGE SERVICES......... 11
COMPANIES REGISTRAR REVISES FEES........................... 13
SHORT SELLING SECURITIES MARKET TRANSPARENT AND OPEN..... 13
REVISED TAVA LEVIES APPROVED............................. 14
TOUTING AND ILLEGAL COMMISSION-TAKING IN LEGAL FIELD TO BE TACKLED.................................................. 16
GOVT TO DISCUSS APPOINTMENT OF SOLICITORS AS TEMPORARY JUDGES................................................... 17
BILL TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF SHIPPING PRACTICES............ 18
LEGAL APPROVES BILL CURBING TAXI LICENCE SPECULATION..... 18
PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.................. 19
COURTS CAN INTERPRET ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS.................... 19
/’PATIENTS FIRST’
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
‘PATIENTS FIRST’ IS CARDINAL PRINCIPLE...................... 20
NO CHANGE IN SCOPE OF AMBULANCE SERVICES.................... 21
NO REGISTRATION OF NURSING HOMES REJECTED................... 21
SEAFOOD SAMPLED FOR TEST.................................... 22
MEASURES TO TACKLE DISCOLOURED TAP WATER.................... 23
GOVT SEEKS TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE DISTURBANCE............. 24
CO-OPERATION ON NO-SMOKING LAW.............................. 25
PLAN FOR 3,500 DECKHANDS TO ENTER HK........................ 25
HK RESIDENTS DETAINED IN CHINA.............................. 26
VISITS BY REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR TO DETENTION CENTRES......... 27
FATE OF VIETNAMESE IN TRANSIT CENTRE UNDECIDED.............. 27
NO PLAN TO SEND VIET REFUGEES HOME.......................... 28
WHC TO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION........................... 28
AIRPORT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION BY MTRC LEGITIMATE............. 29
LAWS REGULATING DEMONSTRATIONS AT SEA TO BE REVIEWED..... 29
LAND AUCTION NEGATIVE ASSUMPTIONS NOT WELL-FOUNDED....... 30
PURCHASERS OF YUET WU VILLA SATISFIED....................... 31
LEGCO HOLDS SESSION’S LAST SITTING.......................... 32
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
GOVT MINUTE TO COMAC’S ANNUAL REPORT READY IN THREE MONTHS’ TIME * » * * *
THE FIRST GOVERNMENT MINUTE IN RESPONSE TO THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THREE MONTHS’ TIME.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN PRESENTING TO THE COUNCIL COMAC’S SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT.
"WE PROPOSE THAT THE MINUTE SHOULD COVER THE ACTION GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN OR PROPOSES TO TAKE IN RESPONSE TO COMAC’S RECOMMENDATIONS IN RELATION TO COMPLAINTS WHICH ARE FOUND SUBSTANTIATED OR PARTIALLY SUBSTANTIATED IN THE REPORT," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT THERE WAS GROWING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE COMAC SCHEME AS REFLECTED IN THE GRADUAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE.
FOR THE TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD ENDING LAST MONTH, COMAC’S OFFICE HAVE RECEIVED 1,054 ENQUIRIES AND 173 COMPLAINTS, A SEVEN TO EIGHT PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE RESPECTIVE FIGURES FOR 1992/93.
"THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES RECEIVED IS RECORD HIGH. AND WE ARE LIKELY TO SEE A BIGGER INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINS RECEIVED BY COMAC’S OFFICE IN THE COMING YEAR SINCE COMAC’S REMIT HAS BEEN WIDENED AND THE PUBLIC CAN NOW HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO COMAC," SHE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIATED AND PARTIALLY SUBSTANTIATED COMPLAINTS REMAINED FAIRLY STABLE, 37 IN 1993/94 AS COMPARED TO 36 IN 1992/93.
MRS CHAN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WELCOMED THE COMAC’S COMMENT THAT "THE FACT THAT MORE THAN HALF OF THE COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED SO FAR WERE UNSUBSTANTIATED IS GOOD EVIDENCE OF THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARD IN HONG KONG", ALTHOUGHT THE ADMINSTRATION WAS NOT COMPLACENT.
"WE MUST REMAIN EVER VIGILANT AGAINST MALADMINISTRATION.
"IN THIS REGARD, THE VERY GOOD PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE IN PUBLISHING AND IMPLEMENTING PERFORMANCE PLEDGES PROVIDE A VERY GOOD YARDSTICK AGAINST WHICH BOTH CLIENTS AND THE SERVICING DEPARTMENT CAN MEASURE THE STANDARD OF SERVICE.
"WE WILL CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS IN THIS REGARD," SHE ADDED.
/2 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
2
REGULATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS USEFUL
*****
STABILITY IN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL MARKETS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN FOSTERED THROUGH A TOTAL LACK OF REGULATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY),
SIR HAMISH SAID: ’’THE SAME HOLDS TRUE FOR THE PROPERTY MARKET. OF COURSE, THE MORE SATISFACTORILY A MARKET IS WORKING, THE LESS INCLINED WE ARE TO INTERVENE.”
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON DAVID LI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR HAMISH SAID ’’POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION” NEVER MEANT "A FREE-FOR ALL” OR ”DO NOTHING”.
HE SAID SOME OF THE MEASURES PUT FORWARD BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS FOR STABILISING THE PROPERTY MARKET WERE SIMPLY AN ADJUSTMENT OF A FORM OF REGULATION WHICH HAD BEEN IN PLACE FOR YEARS.
"THE CONSENT SCHEME, FOR EXAMPLE, WHICH ALLOWS FLATS TO BE PUT ON THE MARKET BEFORE THEY HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, HAS ALWAYS BEEN ADMINISTERED SO AS TO TRY TO BALANCE THE INTERESTS OF HOME-BUYERS AND PROPERTY DEVELOPERS.
"THE CHANGES TO IT AIM TO SHORTEN THE TIME BETWEEN PUTTING FLATS ON HE MARKET AND ACTUAL OCCUPATION, AND SO TO REDUCE THE TIME AVAILABLE FOR SPECULATIVE SALES AND RE-SALES TO PUSH THE COST OF FLATS,” HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE STRATEGY TO STABILISE FLAT PRICES WAS TO FACILITATE A SIMPLE INCREASE IN SUPPLY.
. i %
’’THAT IS A PIECE OF INTERVENTION IN THE MARKET WITH WHICH, 1 THINK OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY WOULD BE QUITE AT EASE."
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ADDED THAT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT DONE WAS TO SEEK TO INTRODUCE ANY MEASURES TO REGULATE FLAT PRICES DIRECTLY AS THERE WAS TO BE NO PRICE CONTROL.
"THUS IF ’POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTIONISM’ MEANS A POLICY OF NOT INTERFERING UNNECESSARILY IN THE FREE OPERATION OF THE MARKET, AND NOT PUTTING RED TAPE IN THE WAY OF COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE, THIS IS STILL A PRIME POLICY.
"BUT STABILITY IN THE FINANCIAL AND PROPERTY MARKETS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED UNLESS INVESTORS SEE THAT COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG ARE REASONABLY AND PRUDENTLY MANAGED AND REGULATED," SIR HAMISH SAID.
/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
3
GOVT DETERMINED TO FOLLOW UP TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS *****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS DETERMINED TO FOLLOW UP VIGOROUSLY THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE, TO CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROPERTY MARKET AND ENSURE FAIR COMPETITION AND STABILITY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, DURING A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MOTION DEBATE ON SPECULATION ON REAL ESTATE PROPERTY LAST NIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP AN OPEN MIND ON WHAT MORE MIGHT NEED TO BE DONE TO FURTHER THESE OBJECTIVES.
MR EASON SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SAY THERE WAS GENERAL SUPPORT FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH OF THE TASK FORCE TOWARDS DAMPENING SPECULATION.
HE SAID SINCE THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES WAS ANNOUNCED ON JUNE 8, PRICES IN THE PRIMARY MARKET WERE REPORTED TO HAVE FALLEN BY BETWEEN 5-20 PER CENT.
MR EASON SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE WATCHING FOR ANY RESURGENCE OF EXCESSIVE SPECULATION OR UNSCRUPULOUS PRACTICES IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
"AS THINGS NOW STAND, THE OUTLOOK FOR INCREASING SUPPLY IS GOOD, REINFORCED BY THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED AVAILABILITY OF SITES TO BE RELEASED BY THE MILITARY."
COMMENTING ON CRITICISM THAT THE TASK FORCE HAD INTERFERED IN THE FREE MARKET AND THREATENED THE BASIC COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS, MR EASON SAID SUCH CRITICISM REFLECTED A SUPERFICIAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRUE BASIS OF THE FREE MARKET AND A MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE APPROACH OF THE TASK FORCE.
"A FREE MARKET MUST BE UNDERPINNED BY OPEN AND FAIR COMPETITION; AND FREEDOM IS NOT THE SAME AS DISORDER."
HE SAID: "THE TASK FORCE HAS PUT HOME-BUYERS, SPECULATORS AND INVESTORS ON THE SAME LEVEL PLAYING FIELD BY REDUCING THE ADVANTAGE TO SOME BUYERS WHICH PRIVATE SALES OFFER.
"WHILE CONTINUING TO ALLOW A SMALL QUOTA FOR PRIVATE SALES, WE HAVE ALSO SOUGHT TO ENSURE THAT THE PROVISION IS NOT EXPLOITED BY THOSE WHOSE AIM IS TO SPECULATE, TO CIRCUMVENT THE RESALE RESTRICTION ON UNCOMPLETED FLATS, OR TO SEEK TAX BENEFITS THROUGH THE USE OF LANDHOLDING COMPANIES."
MR EASON ALSO DISMISSED CRITICISM THAT THE PROHIBITION AGAINST RESALE OF FLATS BEFORE ASSIGNMENT WAS INTERFERING WITH THE FREEDOM TO DISPOSE OF ONE’S OWN PROPERTY.
"WHERE THE EXERCISE OF INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM CAUSES THE MARKET TO BEHAVE IRRATIONALLY, INTERVENTION IS JUSTIFIED, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE COMMUNITY BECOMES ALARMED AT EVENTS."
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
MR EASON SAID SOME PEOPLE HAD ( KITI.C1SED THE PRODUCTION TARGET OF 45,000 TO 60,000 ADDITIONAL FLATS AS INADEQUATE, BUT HE HAD YET TO HEAR \ COHERENT ARGUMENT AS TO WHAT WAS ADEQUATE.
’’ARE WE TO AIM TO SATISFY A i 00 PER CENT OF POTENTIAL DEMAND OR TAKE A REALISTIC VIEW OF THE LEVEL OP EFFECTIVE DEMAND?
"WE SHOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT Oh THE FACT THAT THE TOTAL HOUSING STOCK ALREADY EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS AND WE ARE CURRENTLY PRODUCING OVER 70,000 FLATS A YEAR, OF WHICH THE MAJORITY ARE ASSISTED HOUSING.
HE SAID THE TASK FORCE HAD PROPOSED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE SCALE AND COMPOSITION OF HOUSING DEMAND IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, TO GUIDE THE GOVERNMENT IN THE ALLOCATION OF LAND FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOUSING.
"IF THE STUDY SHOWS A NEED FOR A HIGHER OUTPUT OF FLATS, WE WILL RESPOND BY SUPPLYING MORE LAND."
AS REGARDS SUGGESTIONS FO ASSIST PEOPLE 10 BUY OLDER PROPERTIES BY REQUIRING BANKS TO RELAX THEIR LENDING POLICIES, SETTING UP A HOUSING LOAN SCHEME WITH PUBLIC FUNDS, OR POOLING RESOURCES THROUGH A CREDIT UNION TYPE OPERATION, MR EASON SAID THESE ARGUMENTS WERE BASED ON ASSUMPTIONS THAT DID NOT STAND UP WELL TO SCRUTINY.
’FIRST, PEOPLE ASSUME THAT THERE AKE FEW TRANSAC i’lONS IN OLDER PROPERTIES, BUT AN ANALYSIS OF ’’HE SALES RECORD BETWEEN JULY 1993 AND MARCH 1994 SHOWS THAI’ ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE TRANSACTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES INVOLVED FLATS THAT ARE OVER 15 YEARS OLD.
"SECOND, SOME PEOPLE ASSUME THAT RELAXING THE LENDING POLICY WOULD RELEASE A LARG) DEMAND FOK OLDER PROPERTIES, BUT WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT OLDER PROPERTIES ARE LESS ATTRACTIVE AND POPULAR THAN TO NEW PROPERTIES.’’
THIRD, THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES ON MORTGAGE LENDING AS THE POLICY7 VARIES FROM BANK TO BANK AND THE LENDING RATIO VARIES FROM CASE TO CASF, EVEN FOR PROPERTIES OF A SIMILAR AGE.
FINALLY, IT IS WRONG TO ASSUME THAT IF MORE PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO BUY OLDER PROPERTIES, THERE WOULD BE LESS DEMAND FOR NEW PROPERTIES. ON THE CONTRARY, THE HOUSEHOLD SIZE IN OLDER PROPERTIES IS USUALLY HIGHER, OFTEN WITH SHARED OCCUPANCY, AND THEREFORE HELPING PEOPLE TO BUY OLDER PROPERTIES IS MOKE LIKELY TO INCREASE OVERALL DEMAND."
HOWEVER, MR EASON SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP THE SITUATION UNDER REVIEW AND CONSIDER THE POSSIBLE NEED TO ASSIST THOSE -PARTICULARLY THE FIRST-TIME BUYERS - IN BUYING OLDER PROPERTIES XT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURh.
------0---------
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
5
MOTION DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT BROADCASTING CHANNELS
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MOTION DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT BROADCASTING CHANNELS :
MR PRESIDENT,
I HAVE LISTENED WITH INTEREST TO THE SPEECHES OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS. I THANK THEM FOR THEIR COMPLIMENTS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF RTHK AND THEIR CONCERN FOR ITS FUTURE. THESE COMMENTS I AM SURE WILL BE APPRECIATED. I ALSO THANK MEMBERS FOR THEIR USEFUL AND WIDE RANGING COMMENTS ON THE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING AND PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNELS. I AM PLEASED TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE MEMBERS SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND TO CLEAR UP SOME POSSIBLE MISAPPREHENSIONS AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
WHARF CABLE’S LICENCE
FIRST OF ALL 1 WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CLEAR WHERE THE GOVERNMENT STANDS IN RELATION TO THE PROVISION OF CABLE CHANNELS FROM WHARF CABLE. THE RELEVANT CONDITION OF WHARF CABLE’S LICENCE READS AS FOLLOWS -
"UPON NOT LESS THAN 6 MONTHS NOTICE IN WRITING GIVEN BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO THE LICENSEE TO EXPIRE AT ANY TIME OR TIMES THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF THIS LICENCE AFTER 1 JANUARY 1995, THE LICENSEE SHALL, IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATIONS REFERRED TO IN OTHER CLAUSES, MAKE AVAILABLE TO GOVERNMENT FREE OF CHARGE AND EXPENSE SUCH USE OF NOT MORE THAN 3 CHANNELS IN THE BASIC PACKAGE OF PROGRAMMES AS MAY BE DIRECTED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM DURING THE PERIOD THAT THE LICENSEE IS UTILISING THAT SPECTRUM UNDER THIS LICENCE."
THUS IT IS CLEAR THAT -
- AFTER 1 JANUARY 1995 THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO HOW MANY CHANNELS, TO A MAXIMUM OF THREE, IT WANTS WHARF CABLE TO HAND OVER AND THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL FORMALLY MAKE THE REQUEST TO WHARF CABLE IN THIS REGARD;
- WHARF CABLE WILL HAVE TO HAND OVER USE OF THOSE CHANNELS AT A DATE SPECIFIED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY BUT NOT EARLIER THAN SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING THE REQUEST;
- THE CHANNELS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AND WILL BE FOR GOVERNMENT USE;
- AND FINALLY THAT THEY SHOULD BE HANDED OVER SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM OR IN OTHER WORDS WHEN THE WHARF CABLE SYSTEM HAS CAPACITY AVAILABLE.
/THESE REQUIREMENTS.........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
6
THESE REQUIREMENTS, OF COURSE, WERE DEVISED AT THE TIME OF DRAFTING WHARF CABLE’S LICENCE, AND WERE PREDICATED UPON THE LIKELIHOOD OF SPARE CHANNELS BEING AVAILABLE OVER AND ABOVE THAT NEEDED BY WHARF CABLE FOR ITS OWN SERVICE. CARE WAS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE IMPOSITION DID NOT COMPROMISE WHARF CABLE’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE A COMMERCIALLY ATTRACTIVE CHANNEL LINE-UP, VITAL TO SECURE SUFFICIENTLY HIGH PENETRATION RATES WHICH IN TURN ARE NECESSARY TO BRING THE LICENSEE TO ECONOMIC VIABILITY. SO WHILE ON THE ONE HAND THE LICENCE SPECIFIED AMBITIOUS ROLLOUT TARGETS ATTACHED TO A PERFORMANCE BOND TO HOLD THE LICENSEE TO ITS COMMITMENTS, WE HAD TO BEAR IN MIND ON THE OTHER, THE TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS ARISING FROM THE FACT, AS MEMBERS HAVE MENTIONED, THAT WHARF CABLE WOULD FIRST BE DISTRIBUTING ITS SERVICES THROUGH A MICROWAVE SYSTEM WHICH BY ITS NATURE HAS LIMITED CAPACITY AS COMPARED WITH THE FIBRE OPTIC NETWORK TO WHICH WHARF CABLE WOULD MOVE IN DUE COURSE. FOR THESE REASONS, IT WAS CLEAR FROM THE OUTSET THAT WHARF CABLE WOULD REALISTICALLY NOT BE ABLE TO RELEASE THE GOVERNMENT CHANNELS UNTIL IT SWITCHED OVER TO ITS OPTIC FIBRE NETWORK. THE TARGET DATE SET IN THE LICENCE FOR THIS SWITCH-OVER IS 1998, BUT I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT THE LATEST INDICATIONS ARE THAT WHARF CABLE IS WELL AHEAD OF THIS SCHEDULE AND THE TRANSFER TO OPTIC FIBRE WILL BE SUFFICIENTLY WELL ADVANCED BY ABOUT MID-1996 TO MAKE IT TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE TO INTRODUCE A SERVICE ON THE PUBLIC BROADCAST CHANNELS TO A GOOD PROPORTION OF HOMES IN THE SECOND HALF OF THAT YEAR.
IT WOULD BE AS WELL FOR ME TO EXPLAIN WHY THE GOVERNMENT PUT THE RELEVANT CONDITION INTO THE WHARF CABLE LICENCE IN THE FIRST PLACE. WHEN DEVISING THE LICENCE FRAMEWORK BACK IN 1992 WE HAD NO PRECEDENT IN HONG KONG TO WORK ON. WE HAD TO DRAW ON EXPERIENCE FROM ELSEWHERE, NOTABLY FROM THE USA. THE NORMAL PRACTICE THERE WHEN ISSUING CABLE FRANCHISES, IS FOR THE MUNICIPALITY TO REQUIRE THE FRANCHISEE TO OPEN UP ACCESS CHANNELS, OFTEN FREE TO THE SUBSCRIBER, IN RETURN FOR ALLOWING THE FRANCHISEE TO USE COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC BROADCASTING OFF AIR CHANNELS FREE OF CHARGE. THESE CHANNELS ARE TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL ACCESS, GOVERNMENT ACCESS AND PUBLIC ACCESS. WE CONSIDERED SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WHARF CABLE LICENCE, BUT BECAUSE OF UNCERTAINTIES AT THE TIME OF THE TENDERING EXERCISE AS TO THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF A CABLE FRANCHISE IN HONG KONG, THE REQUIREMENT WAS MODIFIED TO A LESS BURDENSOME IMPOSITION TO HAND BACK FREE OF CHARGE A NUMBER OF CHANNELS FOR GOVERNMENT USE. WE BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS A GOOD COMPROMISE BEARING IN MIND THE LARGE CHANNEL CAPACITY THAT THE FRANCHISEE WOULD HAVE UPON IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS OPTIC FIBRE NETWORK.
POSSIBLE USES FOR WHARF CABLE CHANNELS
AT THE TIME THAT THE RELEVANT LICENCE CONDITION WAS FIRST SIGNALLED TO POTENTIAL TENDERERS FOR THE CABLE TV FRANCHISE AND THEN AGREED WITH THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER, WE DID NOT HAVE VERY SPECIFIC IDEAS ABOUT HOW THE GOVERNMENT CHANNEL WOULD BE USED. THIS WAS NOT NECESSARY AT THAT STAGE GIVEN THE TIME IN HAND AND BEARING IN MIND THE MANY OTHER HIGHER PRIORITY TASKS WHICH HAD TO BE ACCOMPLISHED SIMPLY IN ORDER TO GET WHARF CABLE ON AIR WITHIN THE VERY TIGHT TIME-FRAME THAT WE HAD SET OURSELVES. NONETHELESS, WE HAVE FOR SOME TIME BEEN CONDUCTING INITIAL RESEARCH INTO WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN OTHER COUNTRIES WITH A VIEW TO DECIDING WHAT MIGHT BE SUITABLE FOR HONG KONG. WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THERE ARE TWO MAIN WAYS IN WHICH THESE CHANNELS COULD BE USED.
/THE FIRST ......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
THE FIRST IS AS A PUBLIC BROADCAST SERVICE, KNOWN COMMONLY INTERNATIONALLY SIMPLY AS PBS. OF COURSE OUR OWN RTHK ALREADY PRODUCES 10 HOURS OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS TELEVISION EACH WEEK, SO YOU COULD SAY WE ARE ALREADY PROVIDED WITH A PBS FACILITY. RTHK MAKES PROGRAMMES ON CURRENT AFFAIRS, DRAMA, INFORMATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, VARIETY AND QUIZ SHOWS, CHILDREN AND YOUTH, AND EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION. THEIR FOCUS IS LARGELY ON PROMOTING CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND SOCIAL AWARENESS. RTHK, HOWEVER, DOES NOT HAVE ITS OWN DEDICATED BROADCAST CHANNEL AND HAS TO RELY ON ITS PROGRAMMES BEING CARRIED BY OUR LOCAL BROADCAST LICENSEES SO IT COULD INDEED BE ARGUED THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR AN UPGRADING AND EXPANSION OF THE SERVICE.
PUBLIC BROADCASTING IS WELL ESTABLISHED OVERSEAS. MANY COUNTRIES HAVE THEIR OWN GOVERNMENT-FUNDED DEDICATED PUBLIC BROADCAST CORPORATIONS PRODUCING THEIR OWN CHANNELS. FAMOUS EXAMPLES ARE THE BBC IN THE UK AND THE ABC IN AUSTRALIA. SUCH STATIONS ARE RENOWNED FOR THE QUALITY AND DEPTH OF THEIR PROGRAMMING.
IN THE USA STRONG PUBLIC SENTIMENT HAS MADE IT OBLIGATORY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SET ASIDE FREQUENCIES FOR NON-COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING, BUT VERY FEW PBS CHANNELS ARE GOVERNMENT-RUN. MOST ARE PROVIDED BY CABLE STATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS ORGANISED WITHIN THE CABLE INDUSTRY. THEIR FUNDING IS FROM A MULTIPLICITY OF SOURCES INCLUDING PUBLIC DONATIONS AND INSTITUTIONAL SPONSORSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDS ONLY CONSTITUTING A SMALL PROPORTION. AS A RESULT PBS IN THE US IS SEEN AS LARGELY INDEPENDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT. ONE PARTICULAR CHANNEL, CABLE SATELLITE PUBLIC AFFAIRS NETWORK, KNOWN MORE COMMONLY AS C/SPAN, PROVIDES A VERY INTERESTING MODEL FOR WHAT CAN BE DONE ON A PBS SERVICE. ITS TWO TELEVISION CHANNELS PROVIDE FULL COVERAGE WITHOUT EDITORIAL COMMENT OF THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE U.S. SENATE, AS WELL AS AIRING OTHER PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES PRODUCED BY C/SPAN TEAMS. ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE OF PBS BROADCASTING FROM THE U.S. IS THE CHILDRENS TELEVISION WORKSHOP WHICH PRODUCES QUALITY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES LIKE SESAME STREET.
IT IS CLEAR FROM OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE THAT PUBLIC BROADCASTING GENERALLY IS ASSOCIATED WITH QUALITY PROGRAMMING, SERIOUS AND IN-DEPTH TREATMENT OF CURRENT AFFAIRS AND NEWS REPORTING, TOGETHER WITH A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS, AREAS THAT ARE OFTEN UNDERREPRESENTED FROM COMMERCIAL STATIONS. THIS THEREFORE IS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR HONG KONG ALTHOUGH WE WOULD NEED TO BEAR IN MIND THAT BOTH IN THE PROGRAMMES IT ALREADY PROVIDES AND IN CHANNELS THAT IT HAS PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE, WHARF CABLE HAS DONE A VERY COMMENDABLE JOB IN PROVIDING GOOD COVERAGE OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS AND REACHING OUT TO MINORITIES AND TO GROUPS WHICH ARE NOT SO WELL-SERVED BY TRADITIONAL TV PROGRAMMING. WE MUST BE CAREFUL TO RESPECT THE SPECIAL NATURE OF PBS AND NOT TO DUPLICATE WHAT IS ADEQUATELY PROVIDED BY THE COMMERCIAL LICENSEES.
THE SECOND MAIN WAY WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CHANNELS PROVIDED BY WHARF CABLE COULD BE USED, OF COURSE, IS FOR PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNELS (PACS). MANY MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN OUT STRONGLY IN FAVOUR OF THE INTRODUCTION OF SUCH A CHANNEL IN HONG KONG. IT WOULD BE AS WELL THEREFORE TO NOTE, FIRST OF ALL, HOW PACS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED OVERSEAS.
/THE CONCEPT.......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 8 -
THE CONCEPT APPEARS TO HAVE BEGUN IN THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA, BASED ON THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH BEHIND THE FIRST AMENDMENT, AND MADE POSSIBLE BY SURPLUS CHANNEL CAPACITY ON THE LARGE NUMBERS OF LOCALISED CABLE SYSTEMS WHICH WERE FIRST ESTABLISHED THERE
BEFORE BEING ESTABLISHED IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY. THE IDEA WAS TO GIVE
THE PUBLIC A CONTROLLED BY ENTERTAINMENT COMMUNICATION.
VOICE ON BROADCAST TELEVISION, INDEPENDENT OF THAT MEDIA-MONOPOLIES. IT WAS NOT ABOUT TELEVISION AS AN OR INFORMATION MEDIUM; IT WAS ABOUT COMMUNITY WHEREAS COMMERCIAL TELEVISION WAS BROADCASTING, AIMED
AT A LARGE AND DIVERSIFIED AUDIENCE, AC( ESS WAS REGARDED AS
NARROW
CASTING AIMED AT A SMALL AUDIENCE WITH PERHAPS ONE COMMON BOND OF INTEREST. THUS BROADCASTING WAS ONE-WAY AND PASSIVE. ACCESS TWO-WAY
AND VERY MUCH PARTICIPATORY.
IN 1972 THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) RULED THAT THE LARGER CABLE SYSTEMS IN USA MUST OPEN UP PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNELS. THESE WERE TO BE FREE TO THE SUBSCRIBER AND WERE TO PROVIDE EDUCATION ACCESS, GOVERNMENT ACCESS AND PUBLIC ACCESS. THESE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS WERE IMPOSED UPON THE CABLE OPERATORS IN RETURN FOR ALLOWING THEM TO USE COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC BROADCASTING OFF-AIR CHANNELS FREE OF CHARGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, A MARKEDLY DIFFERENT SITUATION WAS DEVELOPING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHERE CABLE TV SYSTEMS HAD NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED AS EARLY AS IN THE USA. INSTEAD, WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT THE BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION ESTABLISHED A COMMUNITY PROGRAMME UNIT WHICH RESEARCHED INTO STORIES OF LOCAL CONCERN AND OFTEN WITH INPUT FROM INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRODUCED PROGRAMMES MAINLY OF A DOCUMENTARY TYPE THAT WERE BROADCAST WEEKLY AT A PARTICULAR TIME SLOT. THIS PRACTICE DEVELOPED IN A RATHER AD HOC MANNER AND NOT IN THE SYSTEMATIC AND STRUCTURED MANNER OF THE AMERICAN SITUATION.
SINCE THEN, A NUMBER OF OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES HAVE INTRODUCED PAC-TYPE SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH CABLE SYSTEMS BASED MAINLY ON THE U.S. MODEL. MOST HAVE MET WITH A DEGREE OF SUCCESS BUT THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS THE SERIOUSNESS OF WHICH SHOULD NOT BE UNDER-ESTIMATED. IN THE U.S. WHILE ORGANISATION OF THE CHANNELS HAS WORKED WELL AND FUNDING HAS BEEN ADEQUATE, A TENDENCY HAS DEVELOPED IN A NUMBER OF CASES FOR PAC FACILITIES TO BE EXPLOITED BY EXTREMIST AND HATE GROUPS AND FOR OBSCENE OR PORNOGRAPHIC PROGRAMMING. IN CANADA CABLE OPERATORS ARE HELD LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR PROGRAMME CONTENT, AND AS A RESULT THEY' SOMETIMES REFUSE ACCESS TO SOME COMMUNITY PRODUCED PROGRAMMES TO PROTECT THEMSELVES, BUT THEREBY OF COURSE COMPROMISING THE FREE ACCESS PRINCIPLE.
IF WE ARE TO CONSIDER MAKING AVAILABLE A CHANNEL FOR PUBLIC ACCESS HERE IN HONG KONG, GREAT CARE WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN TO DESIGN A SYSTEM THAT MEETS ALL THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS FOR FREE PUBLIC ACCESS AND FREE SPEECH BUT PROTECTS IT FROM ABUSE. IT IS NO EASY TASK TO BALANCE THE REQUIREMENT FOR FREE SPEECH AGAINST THE NEED FOR PROGRAMME CONTENT CONTROLS, AND TO DEVISE A CREDIBLE AND EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM SHOULD PROGRAMMES OVERSTEP THE MARK. AS MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG HAS INDICATED JUST NOW, AN INTERNAL WORKING GROUP UNDER THE AEGIS OF MY BRANCH IS CURRENTLY LOOKING AT THIS MATTER IN SOME DEPTH.
/FINANCIAL RESOURCES .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 9 -
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
THE WORKING GROUP IS STILL EXAMINING VARIOUS ISSUES RELATED TO THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING CHANNELS AND PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNELS IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF LIKELY FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS. AS REGARDS THE LATTER, I CAN SAY AT THIS STAGE THAT THE PROVISION OF A PUBLIC BROADCASTING CHANNEL WOULD REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT RESOURCES, PROBABLY IN THE ORDER OF $50 TO $60 MILLION ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND A SIMILAR AMOUNT IN ONE-OFF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE. THE COST OF MOUNTING A PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL IS MORE DIFFICULT TO ASSESS AS IT WOULD DEPEND ON WHAT KIND OF ORGANISATION IS TO RUN IT AND WHETHER OR NOT GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES WOULD BE GIVEN FOR PROGRAMME PRODUCTION. FUNDING FOR SUCH CHANNELS IN THE U.S. COMES FROM A MULTIPLICITY OF SOURCES, BUT WE ARE AS YET UNCERTAIN OF WHETHER SIMILAR DIVERSE SOURCES OF FUNDING WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
A DECISION ON WHETHER GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE A GOVERNMENT CHANNEL ON WHARF CABLE WILL HAVE TO BE MADE IN THE LIGHT OF RESOURCE AVAILABILITY. AS HONOURABLE MEMBERS ARE WELL AWARE, THERE ARE ALWAYS COMPETING DEMANDS FOR PUBLIC FUNDS AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAS TO DETERMINE PRIORITIES CAREFULLY. PROPOSALS FOR MOUNTING A GOVERNMENT CHANNEL ON WHARF CABLE WILL HAVE TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST PROPOSALS IN OTHER POLICY AREAS, MANY OF WHICH MAY ALSO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS.
CONCLUSION
OUR HOPE AND INTENTION IS THAT BY THE END OF THIS YEAR THE WAY FORWARD WILL BE REASONABLY CLEAR AS REGARDS WHETHER AND HOW THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE USE OF THE TELEVISION CHANNELS THAT WILL BECOME AVAILABLE TO IT ON WHARF CABLE. BY THAT TIME WE WILL HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SYNTHESIZE THE VIEWS FROM THE PUBLIC THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED AND WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AND WILL HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE SOUGHT A DIRECTION FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS DURING THIS MOTION DEBATE WILL BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY US AND WILL FORM A MOST VALUABLE COMPONENT OF THIS POLICY-MAKING PROCESS. WE HAVE THOUGHT CAREFULLY ABOUT THE WORDING OF THE MOTION THAT THE HON MAN SAI-CHEONG SEEKS TO MOVE TODAY. WE HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT WE ARE NOT YET READY TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE EXTENT THAT THE WORDING OF THE MOTION WOULD SUGGEST. THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL THEREFORE ABSTAIN FROM VOTING.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
/10........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 10 -
THREE BILLS TO OVERHAUL INHERITANCE LAW *****
THREE BILLS WHICH REPRESENT THE FIRST COMPREHENSIVE OVERHAUL OF HONG KONG’S LAW OF INHERITANCE IN OVER 20 YEARS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE WILLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE INHERITANCE (PROVISION FOR FAMILY AND DEPENDANTS) BILL.
MOVING THEIR SECOND READINGS, MISS CHOW SAID THE PURPOSE WAS TO BRING THE LAW IN THIS AREA UP TO DATE AND TO REMOVE LEGAL ANOMALIES THAT HAVE EMERGED OVER THE YEARS.
THE THREE BILLS, SHE ADDED, WERE BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT ON THE LAW OF WILLS, INTESTATE SUCCESSION AND PROVISION FOR DECEASED PERSONS’ FAMILIES AND DEPENDANTS.
AND THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOWED A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES CONCERNED AND WIDE-RANGING CONSULTATION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES.
“THE MAIN AIM OF THE WILLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IS TO RELAX THE FORMALITIES FOR MAKING WILLS AND TO GIVE THE COURT NEW POWERS TO VALIDATE, INTERPRET AND RECTIFY WILLS.
“IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE RELEVANT PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON WILLS TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE WILLS ORDINANCE TO ENABLE WILLS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONVENTION TO BE EXECUTED AND HAVE VALIDITY IN HONG KONG,” MISS CHOW SAID.
AS TO THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, SHE EXPLAINED THAT THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE ESTATE OF AN INTESTATE.
“THAT IS, SOMEONE WHO DIES WITHOUT A WILL OR WHOSE WILL DEALS WITH ONLY PART OF HIS OR HER ESTATE.
“THE ASSUMPTION BEHIND THE ORDINANCE IS THAT PEOPLE WHO DIE INTESTATE WOULD WISH THEIR ESTATE TO BE INHERITED BY THEIR CLOSE RELATIVES, WITH PREFERENCE GIVEN TO THEIR SURVIVING SPOUSE AND CHILDREN, IF ANY,” SHE ADDED.
IN THIS CONNECTION, SHE SAID, THE MAIN EFFECT OF THE BILL WAS TO IMPROVE THE INHERITANCE POSITION OF A SURVIVING SPOUSE.
AS REGARDS THE INHERITANCE (PROVISION FOR FAMILY AND DEPENDANTS) BILL, MISS CHOW SAID 1'1’ WAS “A STAND ALONE BILL" TO REPLACE THE DECEASED’S FAMILY MAINTENANCE ORDINANCE.
“LIKE THE ORDINANCE IT SEEKS TO REPLACE, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE COURT TO ORDER REASONABLE FINANCIAL PROVISION FROM THE ESTATE OF A DECEASED FOR CERTAIN CLASSES OF PERSON ON APPLICATION.
/"IN EFFECT.........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 11 -
"IN EFFECT, IT PROVIDES A SAFETY NET FOR DESERVING PERSONS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED IN A WILL OR HAVE NOT BEEN PROPERLY CATERED FOR UNDER THE LAW OF INTESTACY."
THE MAIN EFFECTS OF THE BILL WERE, THEREFORE, TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL PROVISION FROM A DECEASED’S ESTATE AND TO GIVE THE COURT GREATER POWERS TO FACILITATE THE MAKING OF SUCH FINANCIAL PROVISION, SHE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.
------0--------
BILL TO RECOVER OPERATING COSTS OF SEWAGE SERVICES t » * * »
A BILL SEEKING TO ENABLE THE INTRODUCTION OF A CHARGING SCHEME TO RECOVER THE OPERATING COSTS OF SEWAGE SERVICES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SEWAGE SERVICES BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE PROPOSED CHARGING SCHEME REFLECTED THE POLLUTER-PAYS PRINCIPLE.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE IMPOSITION OF SEWAGE CHARGES ON CONSUMERS WHOSE PREMISES ARE CONNECTED TO PUBLIC SEWERS.
TWO CHARGING ELEMENTS, A FIXED CHARGE AND A VARIABLE CHARGE, ARE PROPOSED TO ENABLE AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF SERVICE COSTS AMONG USERS.
THE FIXED CHARGE IS TO RECOVER THE COST OF THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM. IT WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE CONSUMER’S CATEGORY AND WATER METER SIZE.
THE VARIABLE CHARGE, WHICH IS TO RECOVER THE SEWAGE TREATMENT COST, WILL BE BASED ON WATER CONSUMPTION.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO EXEMPT THOSE LOW-USER HOUSEHOLDS USING 13 CUBIC METRES OF WATER OR LESS IN A FOUR-MONTH BILLING PERIOD FROM SEWAGE CHARGES AS UNDER THE PRESENT WATER TARIFF.
ABOUT 17 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS EXEMPTION.
TO KEEP DOWN THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, SEWAGE CHARGES WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE WATER BILLS ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES.
THE EXISTING BILLING SYSTEM AND CONSUMER SERVICE UNIT FOR WATER SERVICES WILL BE EXPANDED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE WHICH WILL REFLECT THE ADDITIONAL COST OF PROVIDING TREATMENT FOR MORE POLLUTING TRADE EFFLUENTS.
/IF A .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
12 -
IF A SEWAGE CHARGE IS NOT PAID WITHIN A PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THE PAYMENT NOTICE, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES MAY, AT THE REQUEST OF THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY, CUT OFF WATER SUPPLY.
A SEWAGE SERVICE USER IS REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY OF ANY CHANGE IN THE USE OF THE PREMISES FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING THE SEWAGE CHARGE OR THE TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL BE AN OFFENCE AND SUBJECT TO A FINE OF $100,000.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THAT ANY UNPAID CHARGES AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION WITHHELD OR FALSE STATEMENTS SUBMITTED BY A USER MAY BE RECOVERED AS A DEBT DUE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE BILL EMPOWERS THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY TO ADJUST A SEWAGE CHARGE OR TRADE EFFLUENT SURCHARGE.
A SERVICE USER MAY APPLY TO THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY FOR A REVIEW OF ANY FACTOR WHICH MAY AFFECT THE CHARGING LEVEL, INCLUDING AN ERROR IN THE WATER CONSUMPTION OR METER SIZE RECORD OR A CHANGE IN THE USER CATEGORY, THE STRENGTH OF TRADE EFFLUENT OR THE VOLUME OF DISCHARGE USED IN DETERMINING THE CHARGE.
A SERVICE USER WHO IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MAY APPEAL TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD.
TO VERIFY THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY A SERVICE USER AND TO MEASURE THE VOLUME OF DISCHARGE OR COLLECT SAMPLES OF TRADE EFFLUENT, THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY MAY ENTER PREMISES AND INSTALL EQUIPMENT.
THE BILL PROVIDES THAT ANYONE WHO TAMPERS WITH EQUIPMENT INSTALLED BY THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10,000.
THE BILL ENABLES THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO PRESCRIBE THE CHARGING RATES AND TO ESTABLISH THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHARGING SCHEME.
A TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM MAY BE ISSUED UNDER THE BILL TO SET OUT THE PROCEDURES AND METHODS FOR OBTAINING SAMPLES AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF TRADE EFFLUENT.
MR EASON NOTED THAT IN THE COMING YEARS, MORE THAN $12 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON SEWERAGE PROJECTS, INCLUDING $8 BILLION ON THE PRINCIPAL SEWAGE COLLECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM WHICH WILL CURTAIL HARBOUR POLLUTION BY 70 PER CENT.
TO KEEP CHARGES AT A MODEST LEVEL, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADF A COMMITMENT TO MEET THE CAPITAL COSTS IN FULL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
/13 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 13 -
COMPANIES REGISTRAR REVISES FEES
* ♦ * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED TWO MOTIONS TO RAISE CERTAIN FEES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES IN RELATION TO THE INCORPORATION OF TRUSTEES AND THE INSPECTION AND PHOTOCOPYING OF LIQUIDATORS’ STATEMENTS SENT TO THE REGISTRAR.
THE FEES WILL GO UP BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT IN LINE WITH THE INCREASE IN COSTS BASED ON THE MOVEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE CONSUMPTION DEFLATOR FOR THIS YEAR.
THE REVISED FEES WILL BE EFFECTIVE WHEN THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) ORDER 1994 AND THE COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1994 ARE GAZETTED ON JULY 8.
MOVING THE MOTIONS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM WING-PONG, EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS TO SET FEES AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COST OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
AS THE COMPANIES REGISTRY IS NOW OPERATING AS A TRADING FUND, IT IS NECESSARY TO RECOVER COSTS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE ITS PERFORMANCE TARGETS, HE SAID.
THE FEES WERE LAST REVIEWED IN AUGUST 1993.
------0--------
SHORT SELLING SECURITIES MARKET TRANSPARENT AND OPEN * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM WING-PONG, SAID THERE WAS NO LACK OF TRANSPARENCY OR OPEN INFORMATION ON THE SHORT SELLING OF SECURITIES.
HONG KONG HAS IN PLACE MEASURES THAT ARE COMPARABLE TO OTHER DEVELOPED INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO DR THE HON HUANG ('HEN-YA’S QUESTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE LOCAL MARKET HAS MADE AVAILABLE REAL LIME REGULATORY DATA ABOUT SHORT SELLING. MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON SUCH ACTIVITY IS ROUTINELY DISSEMINATED TO THE PUBLIC.
MR TAM SAID THE REGULATORY STRUCTURE ESTABLISHED BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LTD AND APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION WAS LARGELY BASED ON THE SYSTEMS IN OTHER DEVELOPED MARKETS SUCH AS USA, UK, JAPAN, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA.
”IT WAS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ISSUED IN 1988," HE SAID.
/THE STRUCTURE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
14
THE STRUCTURE ENSURES THAT SHORT SELLING IS PROPERLY MONITORED, APPROPRIATE INFORMATION IS ADEQUATELY DISSEMINATED TO THE MARKET, AND THE USE OF SHORT SELLING WILL NOT PRECIPITATE SEVERE MARKET DECLINES, HE ADDED.
"IT IS COMPARABLE TO THE FRAMEWORKS IN OTHER MARKETS AND, IN CERTAIN AREAS, OUR REQUIREMENTS ARE MORE STRINGENT THAN ELSEWHERE," HE SAID.
REGULATED SHORT SELLING ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG BEGAN ON JANUARY 3 THIS YEAR. UP TO JUNE 14, MORE THAN 2.8 MILLION SHARES SOLD SHORT WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF $76,540,800 IN 23 TRANSACTIONS WERE REPORTED.
TWO BILLS SET FOR SECOND READING DEBATE TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SEEK TO RELAX THE STAMP DUTY CONCESSION ON STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID THEY WOULD ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING MARKET IN HONG KONG AND IN TURN ENABLE SHORT SELLING TO TAKE PLACE MORE EFFECTIVELY.
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REVISED TAVA LEVIES APPROVED
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CARRIED A MOTION TO REVISE THE LEVIES ON VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES TO ENSURE THAT THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME REMAINS SOLVENT.
THE ANNUAL LEVY ON VEHICLE LICENCES WILL GO UP FROM $66 TO $84 FROM JULY 15, 1994 AND TO $114 WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1995.
THE LEVY ON DRIVING LICENCES WILL BE RAISED FROM $22 TO $28 AND THEN TO $38 FROM THE SAME EFFECTIVE DATES.
THE TAVA SCHEME HAS BEEN IN OPERATION FOR 15 YEARS TO PROVIDE SPEEDY ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR TO THEIR DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, SAID EXPENDITURE OF THE TAVA FUND HAD OUTGROWN ITS INCOME OVER TIME AS THE RATES OF PAYMENT UNDER THE SCHEME WERE
ADJUSTED IN LINE WITH INFLATION AND THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN WAGES
WHILE THE INCOME WAS NOT INFLATION-PROOF.
THE INCOME OF THE FUND IS DRAWN FROM LEVIES ON VEHICLE AND
DRIVING LICENCES, CONTRIBUTION FROM GENERAL REVENUE AND REFUND FROM
THOSE APPLICANTS WHO RECEIVED COMPENSATION FROM OTHER PARTIES IN RESPECT OF THE ACCIDENT.
"CONTRIBUTION FROM GENERAL REVENUE IS INTENDED TO COVER THE PEDESTRIANS’ PART IN CAUSING TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS," MRS LAU SAID.
/IT WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 15 -
IT WAS ORIGINALLY SET AT ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE SCHEME AS STATISTICS PROVIDED BY THE POLICE SHOWED THAT 30 TO 35 PER CENT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS FROM 1973 TO 1977 HAD BEEN CAUSED BY PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE.
THIS PERCENTAGE DROPPED TO JUST OVER 20 PER CENT BY 1990, AND ON THAT BASIS, THE LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION FROM GENERAL REVENUE WAS REDUCED TO ONE-FIFTH OF THE COST OF THE SCHEME IN OCTOBER 1992.
MRS LAU RECALLED THAT ON JANUARY 12 THIS YEAR, THE COUNCIL APPROVED AN INCREASE IN THE LEVIES ON VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES, WHICH WAS LOWER THAN WHAT WAS PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
FOLLOWING THIS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONDUCTED AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE SCHEME, INCLUDING WAYS TO REDUCE THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, TO IMPROVE THE REFUND RATE AND TO FORMULATE BASIS FOR FU’URE ADJUSTMENT OF LEVIES.
"WE HAVE IDENTIFIED IN OUR REVIEW MEASURES TO ACHIEVE SAVINGS OF ABOUT $1 MILLION PER ANNUM, OR 12 PER CENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF COST INCURRED FOR THE SCHEME," MRS LAU SAID.
"THE MEASURES INVOLVE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE TAVA SCHEME AND A REDUCTION IN STAFFING IN THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION," SHE ADDED.
AS A SAFEGUARD TO THE REFUND SYSTEM AND TO FACILITATE RECOVERY OF PAYMENTS, SHE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD STANDING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, THE JUDICIARY, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SOLICITORS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, EMPLOYERS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON CLAIMS PAID TO TAVA BENEFICIARIES AND TO EFFECT DIRECT REPAYMENT.
"WE WILL KEEP THE TAVA SCHEME UNDER REVIEW AND CONTINUE TO EXPLORE POSSIBLE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE FUND," MRS LAU SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT TO MINIMISE OPERATIONAL DIFFICULTIES, THE REVISED RATES WOULD NOT APPLY TO ADVANCE LICENCE RENEWALS MADE BEFORE THE RESPECTIVE EFFECTIVE DATES.
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/16 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 16 -
TOUTING AND ILLEGAL COMMISSION-TAKING
IN LEGAL FIELD TO BE TACKLED
*****
AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROPOSED LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1993 WHICH AIMS TO TARGET AT "TOUTS” AND ’’SUBMARINES”, WHO ARE LEGALLY UNQUALIFIED PERSONS TRYING TO SOLICIT BUSINESS FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL GAINS BY ACTING AS A GO-BETWEEN, WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).
THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JAMES FINDLAY, SAID AT THE RESUMED SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE BILL THAT THE AMENDMENT HAD BEEN ADDED AS A RESULT OF THE DETERMINED VIEWS OF THE ADMINISTRATION, THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION THAT "TOUTS" AND "SUBMARINES" WHO, HITHERTO HAD NOT BEEN DEALT WITH BY THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE, OUGHT TO BE TARGETED.
HE SAID THE SECTION EMPOWERED A LAW SOCIETY INSPECTOR TO CARRY OUT RANDOM CHECKS TO UNCOVER ’’TOUTS” AND "SUBMARINES” WITH A VIEW TO DRIVING THEM OUT OF THEIR BUSINESS OF TOUTING AND COMMISSION-TAKING.
’’THE BAR ASSOCIATION HAS GIVEN AN ASSURANCE THAT CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE WILL BE GIVEN TO LAW SOCIETY INSPECTORS IF ENQUIRIES REVEAL THAT BARRISTERS OR THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE INVOLVED,” MR FINDLAY SAID.
HE SAID UNDER THE AMENDMENT, AN INSPECTOR WAS EMPOWERED TO REQUIRE ANY SOLICITOR OR FOREIGN LAWYER, OR THE EMPLOYEE OF A SOLICITOR OR FOREIGN LAWYER, TO PRODUCE FOR HIS INSPECTION ANY DOCUMENT IN HIS POSSESSION AND TO COPY OR SEIZE ANY SUCH DOCUMENT.
SUCH INVESTIGATIVE POWER WAS PRO-ACTIVE AND WAS EXERCISABLE UPON A DIRECTION OF THE LAW SOCIETY COUNCIL, HE ADDED.
MR FINDLAY SAID THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WAS ALSO AMENDED TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON TO PRETEND TO BE AN EMPLOYEE OF A SOLICITOR, BARRISTER OR FOREIGN LAWYER.
THIS WOULD ADD TEETH TO THE INSPECTORS’ POWERS UNDER THE PROPOSED SECTION AND WILL ACT AS A DETERRENT TO EXISTING AND POTENTIAL "TOUTS”, HE SAID.
MR FINDLAY SAID THE AMENDMENTS WOULD GRANT INVESTIGATIVE POWERS TO LAW SOCIETY INSPECTORS IN ORDER TO ASSIST THE LAW SOCIETY COUNCIL IN THE INVESTIGATION OF MISCONDUCT AND MALPRACTICES BY ITS MEMBERS.
HE ADDED THAT IN THE DISCUSSIONS OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE, SOME MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE MEASURES IN COMBATING THE PROBLEM OF TOUTING AND COMMISSION-TAKING.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS UNDERTAKEN TO KEEP THE INSPECTORATE SYSTEM CLOSELY MONITORED FOR ITS EFFECTIVENESS, AND LT WILL BE EVALUATED 12 MONTHS AFTER ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
/THIS EVALUATION .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
17
THIS EVALUATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TWO BRANCHES OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION. IF THE MEASURES ARE NOT EFFECTIVE, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONSIDER INTRODUCING CRIMINAL SANCTIONS.
"WE ARE RESOLVED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF TOUTS, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER," MR FINDLAY SAID.
THE BILL WAS PASSED.
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GOVT TO DISCUSS APPOINTMENT OF SOLICITORS AS TEMPORARY JUDGES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS THE LAW SOCIETY’S PROPOSAL TO APPOINT SOLICITORS AS TEMPORARY JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT FOR SPECIFIC PERIODS.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JAMES FINDLAY, WHEN HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED SECOND READING DEBATE OF THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A FORMAL SYSTEM OF APPOINTING EXPERIENCED BARRISTERS AS RECORDERS OF THE HIGH COURT, WHO WILL SIT AS TEMPORARY JUDGES FOR SPECIFIC PERIODS.
UNDER THE BILL, A PERSON IS ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT IF HE IS A QUALIFIED BARRISTER AND HAS PRACTISED FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS AS A BARRISTER OR SOLICITOR.
DURING THE BILLS COMMITTEE’S DELIBERATIONS, THE HON SIMON IP PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT THAT WOULD CHANGE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS A RECORDER BY MAKING SOLICITORS ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT.
MR FINDLAY SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD UNDERTAKEN TO CONSIDER THE LAW SOCIETY’S PROPOSAL IN THE CONTEXT OF A WIDER REVIEW SERVICES.
OTHER ISSUES WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE COURSE OF THAT, AND THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S INTENTION WAS TO PUBLISH A CONSULTATION PAPER ON THIS AND OTHER ISSUES LATER IN THE YEAR, HE SAID.
MR. FINDLAY SAID MR IP, HOWEVER, EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN ABOUT THE DELAY THAT THIS MIGHT TAKE ON THIS BROAD REVIEW AND THE BILLS COMMITTEE REQUESTED THAT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SHOULD GIVE IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION TO THAT MATTER OF THE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF RECORDERS.
IN RESPONSE TO THAT REQUEST, HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD CONFIRMED THAT IT WOULD ACTIVELY DISCUSS THE QUALIFICATIONS WITH THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL REPORT ITS VIEWS ON THAT ISSUE TO THIS COUNCIL’S PANEL ON ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND LEGAL SERVICES IN OCTOBER," MR FINDLAY SADI.
THE BILL WAS PASSED.
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/18 .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
18
BILL TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF SHIPPING PRACTICES *****
THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA BILL, WHICH ENSURES CONTINUITY OF EXISTING SHIPPING PRACTICES AND PROVIDES LEGAL CERTAINTY FOR THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, WILL HELP ENHANCE HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A TRADING AND SHIPPING CENTRE.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, EXPLAINED THAT THE AIM WAS TO IMPLEMENT IN HONG KONG THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE UNIFICATION OF CERTAIN RULES OF LAW RELATING TO THE BILLS OF LADING - THE BRUSSELS CONVENTION.
THE CONVENTION IS NOW IMPLEMENTED IN HONG KONG BY APPLYING THE RELEVANT UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION TO HONG KONG.
"IT IS, HOWEVER, NECESSARY TO ENACT LOCAL LEGISLATION TO REPLACE THE UK ENACTMENTS SO THAT THEIR LEGAL EFFECT WILL CONTINUE AFTER 1997," MR SIU SAID.
THIS SYSTEMATIC LOCALISATION OF MERCHANT SHIPPING LEGISLATION HAS BEEN UNDER WAY FOR SOME YEARS. IT HAS INVOLVED THE ENACTMENT OF PRIMARY AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ADDRESSING SUCH ISSUES AS MARINE POLLUTION, SHIPPING SAFETY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
THE BILL REPLICATES THE PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION, WITH MODIFICATIONS ONLY WHERE NECESSARY TO CONFORM TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG.
"THE CONTINUED APPLICATION TO HONG KONG OF THE BRUSSELS CONVENTION WILL ENSURE THAT CONTRACTS RELATED TO THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA ARE GOVERNED BY RULES DRAWN UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0---------
LEGCO APPROVES BILL CURBING TAXI LICENCE SPECULATION ******
A BILL SEEKING TO DAMPEN TAXI LICENCE SPECULATION BY RESTRICTING THE TRANSFER OF NEW LICENCES WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 PROVIDES THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WITH A GENERAL POWER TO IMPOSE A CONDITION ON A TAXI LICENCE PREVENTING THE TRANSFER OF THE OWNERSHIP OF THE TAXI WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD AFTER ITS ISSUE.
THE COMMISSIONER WILL SPECIFY THE PERIOD, WHICH IS 12 MONTHS, IN THE TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR THE INFORMATION OF POTENTIAL BIDDERS.
/TO ENSURE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 19 -
TO ENSURE THOSE CONCERNED ARE AWARE OF THIS RESTRICTION, THE COMMISSIONER WILL ALSO SPECIFY THIS CONDITION IN THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT FOR VEHICLES LICENSED AS TAXIS UNDER THE NEW TENDER CONDITIONS.
AS A FURTHER MEASURE TO DISCOURAGE HIDDEN TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENCES AND TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO ENFORCE THE 12-MONTH RULE, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) REGULATION 1994 ALSO COMES INTO EFFECT TODAY.
UNDER THE AMENDED REGULATION, BOTH THE BUYER AND SELLER OF A TAXI LICENCE HAVE TO REGISTER THE TRANSFER IN PERSON WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THE TRANSFER.
------0--------
PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 » * » » *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS CLOSELY MONITORING BUS COMPANIES’ PERFORMANCE AND WILL IMPOSE FINANCIAL PENALTIES IF NECESSARY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JOHN TELFORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, MR TELFORD SAID THAT THE BILL SOUGHT TO STRENGTHEN THE FINANCIAL PENALTY PROVISIONS TO FINE BUS COMPANIES FOR UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE.
"I CAN ASSURE MEMBERS THAT SUCH MONITORING WILL BE CARRIED OUT DILIGENTLY AND WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO ENFORCE THIS NEW LEGISLATION, MR TELFORD SAID.
------0--------
COURTS CAN INTERPRET ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS » » » » «
ONLY THE COURTS ARE CAPABLE OF DELIVERING AUTHORITATIVE INTERPRETATIONS ON THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS WHICH FORM PART OF THE LAW OF THE TERRITORY.
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, GAVE THIS EXPLANATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON JAMES TIEN’S QUESTION.
"THIS PRINCIPLE APPLIES AS MUCH TO THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS, AND ACTS DONE UNDER THEM, AS TO ANY OTHER LAW IN FORCE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/20 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 20 -
’PATIENTS FIRST’ IS CARDINAL PRINCIPLE
* * * * *
"PUTTING THE PATIENTS FIRST” HAS BEEN THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLE OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S (HA) MANAGEMENT REFORM IN THE PAST YEAR, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DURING THE YEAR, 21 HOSPITAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES WERE APPOINTED TO SPEARHEAD THESE REFORMS WITH EMPHASIS ON PARTICIPATORY MANAGEMENT, MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM APPROACH AND, MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, A PATIENT-CENTRED CULTURE.
TABLING THE HA’S ANNUAL REPORT COVERING THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1992 TO MARCH 31, 1993, MRS LAU SAID HOSPITAL STAFF’S RESPONSE TO THESE REFORMS HAD BEEN POSITIVE.
"THIS OWES MUCH TO THE EFFORTS OF THE HA TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF, TO HELP THEM REALISE THEIR POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE CORPORATE MISSION, AND TO PROVIDE THEM WITH SUPPORTING SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN DECISIONMAKING,” SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT WITH THE SUPPORT OF DEDICATED AND MOTIVATED STAFF, THE NEW APPROACH IN REACHING OUT TO SPECIFIC TARGET GROUPS WOULD HELP ENCOURAGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY PATIENTS IN THEIR CURATIVE PROCESS.
TO DEVELOP A CLOSER PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY, THREE REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN FORMED TO PROVIDE PUBLIC FORUMS FOR DISCUSSION ON HOSPITAL SERVICES.
"AT DISTRICT LEVEL, 28 HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEES PROVIDE A DIRECT VENUE FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TO TAKE PART IN SERVICE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT," MRS LAU SAID.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE HA, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO COVER ADDITIONAL DETAILS OF THE FINANCIAL POSITION, ACTUAL PERFORMANCE AND MANPOWER PROVISION IN NEXT YEAR’S DRAFT ESTIMATES.
THIS WILL PROVIDE A BETTER BASIS FOR PUBLIC MONITORING OF ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE HA.
"FURTHERMORE, CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS ARE BEING PUT INTO DEVELOPING A SET OF MANPOWER INDICATORS FOR ALL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO ASSIST HOSPITAL MANAGERS IN THE PLANNING AND DEPLOYMENT OF FRONTLINE STAFF, AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE A DIRECT LINKAGE BETWEEN RESOURCE INPUT AND CLINICAL OUTPUT," MRS LAU SAID.
IN OTHER AREAS, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID EFFORTS MADE BY THE HA TO RATIONALISE SERVICES HAD ALREADY RESULTED IN LESS OVERCROWDING IN WARDS, IMPROVED HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT AND SHORTENED WAITING TIME FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
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/21........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
21
NO CHANGE IN SCOPE OF AMBULANCE SERVICES » * t t t
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAS PROVIDED THE SAME SCOPE AND LEVEL OF NON-EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICES OFFERED PREVIOUSLY BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO, MRS LAU SAID CURRENTLY ABOUT 475 ELDERLY PATIENTS WERE MAKING USE OF THE NON-EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE EACH WEEK TO ATTEND TREATMENT AT GERIATRIC DAY HOSPITALS.
THEY INCLUDE PATIENTS WITH MOBILITY PROBLEMS.
’’THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND CONSIDER FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING SERVICE AS NECESSARY,’’ SHE ADDED.
------0-------
NO REGISTRATION OF NURSING HOMES REJECTED
* ♦ * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH HAS REFUSED NO APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES SINCE ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY IN DECEMBER 1991.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS LAU SAID IN DETERMINING THE APPROPRIATENESS OF NURSING LEVELS IN THESE INSTITUTIONS, THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH WOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED, THE DEPENDENCY LEVEL OF THE PATIENTS, THE CASE MIX AND THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS SERVED.
’’PRIVATE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES APPLYING FOR REGISTRATION WILL BE ADVISED ON THE OPTIMAL LEVEL OF NURSING STAFF REQUIRED FOR PROVIDING SERVICES TO AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL STANDARD AND MAY BE REQUIRED TO RECTIFY THEIR NURSING MANPOWER LEVELS,” SHE SAID •
"ONLY WHEN THE INSTITUTION DOES NOT COMPLY WOULD THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH CONSIDER REFUSING ITS APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION,” SHE ADDED.
/22 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 22 -
SEAFOOD SAMPLED FOR TEST ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
SEAFOOD AT WHOLESALE AND RETAIL MARKETS IS REGULARLY SAMPLED FOR EXAMINATION UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S FOOD SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM, MRS LAU SAID IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR, ABOUT 1.1 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT OF SEAFOOD SAMPLES WERE FOUND TO BE UNSATISFACTORY WHEN SUBJECTED TO CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS RESPECTIVELY.
’’THE BACTERIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION MAY BE AVOIDED BY PROPER CLEANING AND THOROUGH COOKING BEFORE CONSUMPTION,” SHE SAID.
’’GIVEN THE DIETARY INTAKE OF THE POPULATION, THE LEVEL OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IS NOT LIKELY TO POSE A HAZARD,” SHE ADDED.
MRS LAU SAID THE PUBLIC WAS INFORMED OF THE RESULTS OF THE FOOD SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME THROUGH QUARTERLY PRESS CONFERENCES, WHEN HEALTH MESSAGES WERE ALSO DISSEMINATED.
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS ALSO REMINDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD SANITATION AND HYGIENE.
ON THE EFFECT OF MUD DUMPING AT EAST SHA CHAU ON SEAFOOD, SHE SAID NO SIGNIFICANT CONTAMINATION TREND HAD BEEN DETECTED DURING THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1993 DESPITE ISOLATED INCIDENTS OF HIGH METAL CONCENTRATION IN MARINE ORGANISM.
SHE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT DUMPING ACTIVITIES WERE CONTROLLED BY LICENCES UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER, FOR WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WAS THE LICENSING AUTHORITY.
’’STRICT DUMPING LICENCE CONDITIONS ARE ENFORCED, SUCH AS REQUIREMENTS FOR TAMPER-PROOF AUTOMATIC SELF-MONITORING DEVICES, TO ENSURE THAT DISPOSALS ARE SAFELY RESTRICTED TO WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE PIT,” SHE SAID.
A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF WATER QUALITY, SEDIMENT QUALITY AND MARINE BIOTA MONITORING HAS BEEN ADOPTED, WHICH EMBRACES COMPLIANCE MONITORING OF INDIVIDUAL PITS TO ENFORCE CONTRACT CONDITIONS ON OPERATIONAL PRACTICE AS WELL AS WIDER SCALE ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT ON THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT.
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/23 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 23 -
MEASURES TO TACKLE DISCOLOURED TAP WATER
*****
THE WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT (WSD) IS TAKING ACTION TO AMEND THE WATERWORKS REGULATIONS TO BAN THE USE OF UNLINED GALVANISED IRON PIPES WHICH ARE PRONE TO RUSTING AND CORROSION.
IN ADDITION, WSD HAS ALSO TAKEN MEASURES TO FURTHER REDUCE THE MANGANESE CONTENT IN THE FINAL TREATED WATER IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC’S CONCERNS ALTHOUGH THE CONCENTRATION LEVEL HAS NO ADVERSE EFFECT TO HEALTH.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU.
MR BLAKE SAID THE "YELLOWISH" TAP WATER WAS FOUND T> BE CAUSED BY SLIGHTLY HIGH IRON AND MANGANESE CONTENT.
CORRODED PIPES IN THE CONSUMERS’ PREMISES COULD BE A SOURCE FOR THE IRON CONTENT.
NORMAL TREATED WATER ALSO CONTAIN SMALL QUANTITY OF IRON AND MANGANESE, AT ACCEPTABLE LEVELS AS LAID DOWN BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
SUCH IRON AND MANGANESE MAY, IN THE COURSE OF TIME, DEPOSIT IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE PIPES WITHIN CONSUMERS’ PREMISES.
THE DISCOLOURATION COULD BE CAUSED BY D1SLODGEMENT OF SUCH DEPOSITS, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN INDUCED BY CHANGES IN VELOCITY, PRESSURE OR DIRECTION OF FLOW OF WATER IN THE WATER MAINS.
AS LONG AS THE LEVELS OF IRON AND MANGANESE FALL WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS, ADVERSE EFFECTS TO HEALTH ARE UNLIKELY.
MR BLAKE NOTED THAT COMPLAINTS ABOUT DISCOLOURED TAP WATER WERE MOSTLY RECEIVED IN MAY THIS YEAR.
UPON RECEIPT OF THESE COMPLAINTS, WSD IMMEDIATELY TOOK WATER SAMPLES FROM THE COMPLAINANTS’ PREMISES AND THE NEARBY SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR ANALYSIS.
THE RESULTS OF SUCH ANALYSIS INDICATED THAT LN MOST CASES, THE IRON AND MANGANESE CONTENT IN THE SAMPLES WERE WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS.
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/24 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 24 -
GOVT SEEKS TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE DISTURBANCE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PURSUE EVERY OPPORTUNITY FOR REDUCING NOISE DISTURBANCE TO RESIDENTS LIVING NEAR THE AIRPORT.
A NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL MEASURES ARE BEING STUDIED TO REDUCE THE DISTURBANCE, HE REPLIED TO THE HON JAMES TO’S QUESTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ONE SUCH MEASURE IS TO REQUIRE AIRCRAFT OPERATORS TO ADOPT LANDING AND TAKE-OFF PROCEDURES THAT REDUCE NOISE, TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH PROCEDURES CAN BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO AVIATION SAFETY.
MR SIU EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD LATER TODAY PASS THE CIVIL AVIATION (AIRCRAFT NOISE) (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH WOULD STRENGTHEN THE POWERS AVAILABLE TO THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE.
ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR A REQUIREMENT THAT AIRCRAFT USING THE AIRPORT MUST MEET THE MORE STRINGENT NOISE CONTROLS ON AIRCRAFT NOISE LAID DOWN IN CHAPTER 3 OF ANNEX 16 TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION.
UNTIL OCTOBER LAST YEAR, AIRCRAFT WERE PROHIBITED FROM LANDING AND TAKING OFF OVER KOWLOON BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 7 AM, AND BETWEEN 9 PM AND 11.30 PM UNLESS WIND, WEATHER OR OTHER OPERATING CONDITIONS MADE SUCH MOVEMENTS NECESSARY.
THIS MODE OF OPERATION HAD TO BE SUSPENDED IN OCTOBER 1993 IN THE INTERESTS OF AVIATION SAFETY, BUT THE PREVIOUS LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS PROGRAMMED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9 PM TO 11.30 PM HAS BEEN MAINTAINED.
IN ADDITION, MR SIU SAID, THE DIRECTOR HAS, WITH THE COOPERATION OF AIRLINES, BROUGHT FORWARD TO BEFORE 10.30 PM ALL BUT ONE OF THE LANDINGS OVER KOWLOON PREVIOUSLY PROGRAMMED TO ARRIVE AFTER THAT TIME.
’’THE COMING WINTER SCHEDULE WILL SEE ALL LANDINGS PROGRAMMED FOR BEFORE 10.30 PM,” HE SAID.
0----------
/25 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 25 -
CO-OPERATION ON NO-SMOKING LAW « » » » »
MOST MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OBSERVE THE NO-SMOKING LAW VOLUNTARILY AND ENFORCEMENT IS NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG, MRS LAU SAID 549 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FROM AUGUST 1992 TO MARCH 1994 FOR SMOKING IN STATUTORY NO-SMOKING AREAS.
OF THE 549 CASES, 326 OFFENDERS WERE CONVICTED AND AN AVERAGE FINE OF $500 WAS IMPOSED.
SHE SAID PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND MANAGERS OF DESIGNATED NO-SMOKING AREAS HAD SUFFICIENT POWER TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW IN PLACES UNDER THEIR CONTROL.
MRS LAU STRESSED THAT THE PROMULGATION OF STATUTORY NO-SMOKING AREAS ALSO HAD AN EDUCATIVE PURPOSE TO TEACH SMOKERS TO HAVE CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS AND RESPECT THE CHOICE OF THE MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC IN CHOOSING WHERE AND WHEN TO SMOKE.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THIS RELIED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SMOKE-FREE CULTURE AMONG BOTH SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS, WHICH LEGISLATIVE MEASURES ALONE COULD NOT ACHIEVE.
"SUITABLE PUBLICITY MEASURES ARE ESSENTIAL TO COMPLEMENT ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION, AND WE ARE ORGANISING A SERIES OF PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO REVIEW MEASURES TO PREVENT OR DISCOURAGE SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES AND SEEK ADVICE FROM THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH ON ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY.
------0--------
PLAN FOR 3,500 DECKHANDS TO ENTER UK » » » * t
THE GOVERNMENT IS LIAISING WITH CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SPECIAL SCHEME TO ALLOW UP TO 3,500 DECKHANDS FROM CHINA TO ENTER HONG KONG TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE FISHING INDUSTRY.
THE FISHERMAN DECKHANDS MUST HAVE VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, WILL BE HERE FOR THE PURPOSE OF HELPING TO UNLOAD THE CATCH AT FISH MARKETS AND CANNOT STAY FOR MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS ON EACH ENTRY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"OUR AIM IS TO FINALISE THE ARRANGEMENTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
/MR LAM ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
26
MR LAM SAID ELIGIBLE VESSEL OPERATORS COULD APPLY FOR QUOTA FROM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE DECKHANDS WERE NOT CLASSIFIED AS “IMPORTED LABOUR” AS THE BULK OF THEIR DUTIES WERE TO HELP WITH FISHING OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS AND THEIR CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT WERE ENTERED INTO OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
MINIMUM WAGE LEVEL AND THE SCHEME HAS NO EFFECT ON THE GENERAL SCHEME ON LABOUR IMPORTATION.
--------0-----------
HK RESIDENTS DETAINED IN CHINA
*****
TWELVE HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO WERE REPORTEDLY DETAINED IN CHINA AS A RESULT OF COMMERCIAL DISPUTES SOUGHT HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OF THE 10 CASES, ONLY TWO CASES, INVOLVING THREE DETAINEES, ARE OUTSTANDING; ALL OTHER DETAINEES HAVE BEEN RELEASED.
”THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE RESPONDED TO OUR REPRESENTATIONS IN ONLY ONE CASE.”
HE NOTED THAT MOST OF THE CASES WERE RELATED TO STATE OR COLLECTIVE ENTERPRISES.
”WE HAVE MADE REPEATED REQUESTS TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR CLARIFICATION OF THE LEGAL BASIS FOR THE DETENTIONS AND FOR ACCESS FOR THE DETAINEES’ FAMILIES, LEGAL REPRESENTATIVES AND COLLEAGUES.”
THE REPRESENTATIONS HAD BEEN MADE THROUGH THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE IN LONDON OR THROUGH THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING, MR ASPREY SAID.
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/27........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 27 -
VISITS BY REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR TO DETENTION CENTRES
* » * » *
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR VISITED THE VIETNAMESE DETENTION CENTRES ON EIGHT OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH, MR ASPREY SAID: "APART FROM SOME BRIEF EXCHANGES WITH INDIVIDUAL DETAINEES, HE DID NOT SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS."
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR HAS VISITED THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE FOUR TIMES AND ONCE EACH TO TAI A CHAU DETENTION CENTRE, HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE, KAI TAK DETENTION CENTRE AND VICTORIA PRISON.
------0-------
FATE OF VIETNAMESE IN TRANSIT CENTRE UNDECIDED
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION IS NEGOTIATING WITH THE PHILIPPINES AUTHORITIES FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE USE OF A REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTRE (RTC) FACILITIES BEYOND THE END OF THIS SEPTEMBER.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG.
"AT THIS JUNCTURE, IT WOULD BE PREMATURE TO ASSUME THAT THESE NEGOTIATIONS WILL BE UNSUCCESSFUL," MR ASPREY SAID.
SINCE 1990, VIETNAMESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN HONG KONG WHO ARE GRANTED REFUGEE STATUS HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE RTC IN THE PHILIPPINES TO AWAIT RESETTLEMENT.
A RECENT REPORT IN A CHINESE PAPER NOTED THAT ABOUT 1,000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WERE EXPECTED TO BE SENT BACK TO HONG KONG UPON THE CLOSING DOWN OF A VIETNAMESE RTC IN THE PHILIPPINES IN LATE SEPTEMBER.
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/28 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 28 -
NO PLAN TO SEND VIET REFUGEES HOME
* * * » *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO REPATRIATE THE REMAINING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG TO VIETNAM. NEVERTHELESS, THIS MAY BE AN OPTION TO BE EXPLORED IN THE FUTURE IF RESETTLEMENT PROVES FRUITLESS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"OUR EFFORTS ARE NOW DIRECTED AT SECURING THE RESETTLEMENT OF THE REMAINING REFUGEES," HE SAID.
AT A RECENT TECHNICAL MEETING ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION IN BANGKOK, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES SHOULD RE-EXAMINE THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CASELOAD IN HONG KONG. EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF BURDEN-SHARING BY ALL THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES.
MR ASPREY SAID IN THE WAKE OF THE MEETING, THE GOVERNMENT ASKED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER TAKING SOME OF THE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WHO DID NOT HAVE FAMILY LINKS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"IN REPLY, WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE UK HAS RESETTLED MORE THAN 2,000 REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG SINCE JUNE 1989, AND IN DOING SO HAS EXCEEDED ITS QUOTA AGREED AT THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES."
THE UK WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT REFUGEES FOR RESETTLEMENT ON A FAMILY REUNION BASIS, BUT BECAUSE ITS VIETNAMESE REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME HAS FORMALLY ENDED, IT CANNOT ACCEPT REFUGEES WHO WOULD REQUIRE RECEPTION FACILITIES ON ARRIVAL, MR ASPREY SAID.
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS PRESSED OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TO ACCEPT THOSE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES REMAINING IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
------0--------
WHC TO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
*****
THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (CHT) HAS BEEN OPERATING BEYOND ITS DESIGN CAPACITY FOR SOME TIME, RESULTING IN TRAFFIC QUEUES IN ITS APPROACH ROADS PARTICULARLY DURING PEAK HOURS.
RELIEF WILL BE PROVIDED WITH THE OPENING OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING (WHC) IN 1997.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JOHN TELFORD, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM.
/MR TELFORD ......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
29
MR TELFORD SAID: ’’TRAFFIC IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST EASTBOUND IS FREQUENTLY CONGESTED ON WEEKDAYS DURING EVENING PEAK HOURS DUE TO THE TAILBACK OF VEHICLES HEADING FOR CHT.”
HE NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN TO EASE CONGESTION AT THIS AREA, NAMELY INCLUDING THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEM INTO THE AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, WIDENING PART OF THE QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, EXTENDING THE EXISTING BUS ONLY LANE AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO LANE MARKINGS.
’’THE SCHEMES WILL NOT SOLVE THE CONGESTION PROBLEM IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST EASTBOUND, BUT THEY WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND REDUCE QUEUE LENGTHS TO SOME EXTENT.
’’FURTHER TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES WILL BE CONSIDERED.”
------0--------
AIRPORT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION BY MTRC LEGITIMATE
» » * » *
LEGAL ADVICE HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) HAS THE STATUTORY POWER TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE NEW AIRPORT RAILWAY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JOHN TELFORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON KWOK-LIM, MR TELFORD SAID THE PREMISE THAT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WAS NOT PART OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WAS INCORRECT.
IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, HE SAID, THERE IS NO NEED TO AMEND THE MTRC ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE MTRC TO CONSTRUCT AND TO OPERATE THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
------0--------
LAWS REGULATING DEMONSTRATIONS AT SEA TO BE REVIEWED
♦ » » ♦ ♦
THE ADMINISTRATION IS REVIEWING EXISTING LEGISLATION TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE PROVISIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR PROPER REGULATION OF DEMONSTRATION CONDUCTED BY VESSELS IN THE HARBOUR.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS MIRIAM LAU.
HE SAID THIS WAS TO BALANCE THE RIGHT OF INDIVIDUALS TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AGAINST THE INTEREST OF ALL THOSE WHO USED HONG KONG’S VERY BUSY HARBOUR.
MR SIU SAID THE DEMONSTRATION BY FISHERMEN IN THE VICTORIA HARBOUR ON JUNE 14 WAS CONDUCTED IN AN ORDERLY AND RESPONSIBLE MANNER, CAUSING ONLY TEMPORARY DELAY TO TRAFFIC AND HAD NOT LED TO ANY COLLISION OF VESSELS.
/"HOWEVER, GIVEN ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
30
"HOWEVER, GIVEN THE BUSY MARINE TRAFFIC IN THE HARBOUR, THE ADMINISTRATION IS CONCERNED THAT ANY PARADE OR VESSELS WOULD INEVITABLY CAUSE INCONVENIENCE TO NORMAL MARINE ACTIVITIES AND POSE RISKS TO THE MOVEMENT OF VESSELS."
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IMPLEMENTED MEASURES TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO NORMAL MARINE TRAFFIC AND ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY OF OTHERS USING THE HARBOUR WOULD NOT BE JEOPARDISED. THE MEASURES INCLUDED:
» NOTIFYING IN ADVANCE ALL PORT USERS, INCLUDING FERRY AND OTHER SHIP OPERATORS OF THE PROTEST;
» DEPLOYING PATROL LAUNCHES TOGETHER WITH THE MARINE POLICE TO ESCORT THE PROCESSION OF VESSELS; AND
* MAINTAINING CLOSE MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE HARBOUR THROUGH THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE.
------0-------
LAND AUCTION NEGATIVE ASSUMPTIONS NOT WELL-FOUNDED
*****
A GOOD RANGE OF SITES BY LOCATION, SIZE, TYPE OF USE AND PREMIUM AMOUNT HAS BEEN SOLD IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, INDICATING THAT THE NEGATIVE ASSUMPTIONS THAT ONLY A DOZEN OR SO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS HAVE THE FINANCIAL CAPABILITY TO BID IN LAND AUCTIONS ARE NOT WELL-FOUNDED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, CONSIDERATION CAN BE GIVEN TO THE SCOPE FOR PUTTING UP MORE SMALL SITES FOR AUCTION.
"THIS IS AMONG THE ISSUES BEING LOOKED AT BY THE THREE-MEMBER PANEL WHICH HAS BEEN INVITED TO REVIEW THE AUCTION SYSTEM," HE SAID.
/31........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
31
PURCHASERS OF YUET WU VILLA SATISFIED
* * * t »
THE PURCHASERS OF YUET WU VILLA ARE NOW GENERALLY SATISFIED SINCE TAKING OVER THEIR FLATS FROM JUNE 20 THIS YEAR ONWARDS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG, MR EASON SAID THE DEFECTS AT YUET WU VILLA WERE MINOR ONES COMMONLY FOUND IN NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDING PROJECTS AND THEY HAD ALL BEEN MADE GOOD BY THE DEVELOPER.
HE SAID: "NORMALLY THE COMPLETION OF A BUILDING PROJECT IS FOLLOWED BY AN INSPECTION PERIOD DURING WHICH ANY DEFECTS ARE FOUND AND MADE GOOD BEFORE OCCUPATION.
"IN MOST PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) PROJECTS THE PERIOD IS THREE TO FOUR MONTHS; BUT WITH YUET WU VILLA IT WAS ABOUT SIX MONTHS BECAUSE, WITH NEARLY 4,000 FLATS, IT IS ONE OF THE LARGEST PSPS PROJECTS TO DATE.
"SOME PURCHASERS OF YUET WU VILLA PREMISES EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE TIME TAKEN TO REACH COMPLETION AND WERE WORRIED THAT THIS MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE QUALITY OF BUILDING WORKS.
"HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF AND THE DEVELOPER HAVE MET THE PURCHASERS AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO THEM."
ON THE MONITORING OF THE PSPS ESTATE CONSTRUCTION, MR EASON SAID, THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING APPOINTED A PRIVATE SECTOR SURVEYOR TO MONITOR AND OVERSEE PSPS PROJECTS AND REPORT ON PROGRESS AND THE DEVELOPER’S PERFORMANCE.
THE SURVEYOR ALSO CHECKS, ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTOR, THAT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROPOSALS IN TENDER SUBMISSIONS COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE.
ON THE BASIS OF SURVEYOR’S ADVICE, THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING WILL ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WHETHER THE FLATS ARE COMPLETE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE.
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/32........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1994
- 32 -
LEGCO HOLDS SESSION’S LAST SITTING 4 * t if ♦
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ENDED ITS LAST SITTING OF THE CURRENT SESSION TODAY (THURSDAY) AFTER I 1 HOURS OF MEETING.
DURING THE SITTING, A MOTION MOVED BY 1’111 HON MICHAEL HO ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES HAS CARRIED IN A DEBATE OF ABOUT A>-HOUR.
ANOTHER MOTION MOVED BY THE HON MAN SA1-CHFONG SEEKING THE ALLOCATION OF CABLE TELEVISION CHANNELS FOR PUBLIC TELEVISION BROADCASTING WAS ALSO PASSED.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AND THE ACTING SECTETARV FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT RESPECT!VELY.
TWO OTHER MOTIONS PROPOSED BY THE HON MRS ELSIE TU TO AMEND THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE COUNCIL WERE ALSO PASSED.
MEANWHILE, TWO MOTIONS MOY ED BY THE AC TING SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM KING-PONG, RELXTING TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES INCORPORATION ORDINANCE WERE ENDORSED.
ANOTHER MOTION MOVED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAI , ON THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) ORDINANCE WAS ALSO PASSED.
TWO PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS - THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES BILL AND THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 - WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS RESPECTIVELY BY THE HON ANNA WU AND THE HON PETER WONG.
DEBATE ON THESE TWO PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS AND FIVE OTHER BILLS, ALSO INTRODUCED FOK FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, WERE ADJOURNED.
ANOTHER 24 BILLS WERE PASSED, 11 WITH AMENDMENTS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR MAKES STATEMENT TO LEGCO......................... 1
GOODLAD TO VISIT CHINA AND HK............................ 16
APPOINTMENT OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION 16
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR................................
GOVERNMENT FIRM ON ANTI-II POLICY........................ 17
TWO MORE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACT AWARDED....... 18
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON MONDAY........... 18
ADVANTAGE IN CHINA REJOINING THE GATT: D-G OF TRADE ..... 19
BEDSPACE APARTMENTS MUST HAVE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE ..... 21
MARINERS REMINDED OF RIGHT WAYS TO REPORT A DISTRESS... 21
JOB BAZAARS FOR RETRAINEES............................... 23
“ENVIRONMENT HK 94” RELEASED............................. 24
RALEIGH HOPEFULS VENTURE TO SUCCEED...................... 25
NEW HOVERFERRY PLIES BETWEEN GOLD COAST AND CENTRAL.... 25
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ........................ 26
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
26
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
1
GOVERNOR MAKES STATEMENT TO LEGCO *****
MR PRESIDENT,
LAST FRIDAY HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED ITS OBSERVATIONS ON THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE’S REPORT ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA IN THE PERIOD UP TO AND BEYOND 1997. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY CONSULTED ON THE HONG KONG ASPECTS AND I AM GLAD TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THESE ASPECTS TODAY.
BEFORE TAKING QUESTIONS I SHOULD LIKE TO COMMENT BRIEFLY ON FOUR AREAS COVERED BY BOTH THE REPORT AND THE OBSERVATIONS ON THE REPORT. THESE AREAS ARE: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT; THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP; CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITY; AND HUMAN RIGHTS.
I DO NOT PROPOSE TO DWELL ON CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. LAST WEEK THIS COUNCIL PASSED THE SECOND STAGE ELECTORAL BILL AFTER A FULL AND VIGOROUS DEBATE. THIS HAS DRAWN A WELCOME AND NECESSARY LINE UNDER THE ISSUE. WE NOW NEED TO TURN OUR ATTENTION TO OTHER MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE TO THE COMMUNITY; AND, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, WE WILL OF COURSE PURSUE THE COMMUNITY’S INTERESTS IN WAYS WHICH WILL HELP TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA.
ONE AREA WHERE CO-OPERATION IS OF THE VERY GREATEST IMPORTANCE IS IN THE JLG. I BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE WILL AGREE WITH THE FAC’S RECOMMENDATION THAT THERE IS A NEED TO ACCELERATE PROGRESS IN THAT FORUM. I AM THEREFORE PLEASED BY THE RESULTS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THAT FINISHED LAST WEEK. IN PARTICULAR THE DEFENCE LANDS AGREEMENT, ACHIEVED AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF HARD NEGOTIATION, IS A GOOD ONE. IT DEMONSTRATES THAT THE TWO SIDES ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DETAILED AND BALANCED AGREEMENTS.
THERE WAS ANOTHER RESULT FROM THE JLG THAT WAS RATHER LOST IN THE EXCITEMENT OF THE DEFENCE LANDS DEAL, BUT TO WHICH I SHOULD LIKE TO DRAW MEMBERS’ ATTENTION: THE JLG MADE SOME PROGRESS ON THE LOCALISATION OF LAWS. MEMBERS WILL RECALL THAT THE FAC REPORT RECOMMENDED THAT "IF CHINA CONTINUES TO BLOCK FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP .... THERE CAN BE NO CHOICE BUT FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PUT BEFORE LEGCO THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO ADAPT AND LOCALISE LEGISLATION PRIOR TO THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY." AT THE LAST JLG, AGREEMENT WAS REACHED THAT UK LEGISLATION IN THREE IMPORTANT AREAS RELATING TO MERCHANT SHIPPING SHOULD BE LOCALISED IN HONG KONG. THE BILLS TO DO THIS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL SHORTLY. AGREEMENT ON THREE ITEMS IS NOT ENOUGH, WE NEED TO MAKE MUCH FASTER PROGRESS. BUT AFTER MANY MEETINGS OF THE JLG WHERE ALMOST NO AGREEMENT AT ALL HAS BEEN REACHED ON THIS SUBJECT THIS LIMITED MOVEMENT IS WELCOME. I HOPE THAT THIS IS A SIGN THAT WE CAN LOOK TO FURTHER PROGRESS IN FUTURE.
THE THIRD AREA THAT I WISH TO MENTION RELATES TO CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITY. AS THE COUNCIL KNOW 1 FULLY SUPPORT THE FAC’S ARGUMENTS FOR FULL CITIZENSHIP FOR THE WIVES AND WIDOWS OF EX-SERVICEMEN AND FOR THE ETHNIC MINORITIES. I KNOW THAT MEMBERS ALSO SHARE THESE VIEWS AND HAVE PUT THEM VIGOROUSLY TO HER MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS THE CASE FOR BOTH OF THESE GROUPS.
/THE FOURTH .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
2
THE FOURTH AREA CONCERNS HUMAN RIGHTS. I VERY MUCH SHARE THE FAC’S VIEW THAT HUMAN RIGHTS NEED TO BE SAFEGUARDED AND STRENGTHENED IN HONG KONG. THIS IS IMPORTANT BOTH FOR THE PRESENT AND FOR THE FUTURE. TO ACHIEVE THIS IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE SET OURSELVES THE AIM OF ACHIEVING THIS OBJECTIVE IN WAYS THAT ARE BOTH EFFECTIVE AND DURABLE.
WE WEIGHED UP CAREFULLY THE PROS AND CONS OF SETTING UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HERE. IN THE END WE DECIDED THAT THAT WAS NOT THE BEST WAY FORWARD FOR HONG KONG. HONG KONG HAS A GOOD HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD: ONE BUILT ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE RULE OF LAW, A TRULY INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND AN EFFECTIVE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE. WE BELIEVE ALL THESE SAFEGUARDS PROVIDE A SOUND BASE FOR PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG, BOTH NOW AND BEYOND 1997.
INSTEAD OF CREATING AN ENTIRELY NEW INSTITUTION WITH A WIDE-RANGING BUT IMPRECISE REMIT IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN RIGHTS, WE CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS PREFERABLE TO RELY ON AND TO STRENGTHEN EXISTING INSTITUTIONS AND TO FOCUS ON AREAS OF SPECIFIC CONCERN.
TO THIS END WE HAVE DONE, OR ARE DOING, THE FOLLOWING -
A) WE HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT WE WILL BE INTRODUCING LEGISLATION AGAINST SEX DISCRIMINATION, ESTABLISHING AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION AND SEEKING TO EXTEND CEDAW TO HONG KONG.
B) WE ARE PUSHING AHEAD WITH DRAFT LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION ON THE GROUNDS OF DISABILITY.
C) WE WILL BE INCREASING THE RESOURCES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION BY CREATING A DEDICATED TEAM AND ALLOCATING $20M FOR THEIR WORK OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
D) WE WILL BE PROVIDING MORE RESOURCES TO THE JUDICIARY TO ENABLE IT TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME FOR BRINGING CASES TO TRIAL. WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT THE RESOURCES WHICH ARE BEING GIVEN ARE USED MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
E) THE LEGAL AID WORKING GROUP IS CONSIDERING MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL AID IN BILL OF RIGHTS CASES. THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MADE KNOWN QUITE SOON. THE GROUP WILL ALSO BE MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENHANCE THE INDEPENDENCE OF LEGAL AID ADMINISTRATION.
F) WE HAVE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A PLAN TO DEVELOP AND ADOPT A CODE OF PRACTICE TO INCREASE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT. THIS TOGETHER WITH OUR PLANS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION IN THE AREA OF DATA PROTECTION, WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS OF TrfE COMMUNITY FOR GREATER ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
G) IMPORTANT WORK IS ALREADY UNDER WAY IN OTHER AREAS. WE HAVE, FOR EXAMPLE, MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN ENSURING THAT ALL LEGISLATION IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ICCPR AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS. AND WE HAVE STRENGTHENED THE ROLE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS AS AN EFFECTIVE COMPLAINTS CHANNEL.
/BY ANY .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
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BY ANY STANDARDS THIS IS A POSITIVE AND IMPRESSIVE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITY. TAKEN TOGETHER WITH THE INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS, THE ADMINISTRATION IS FIRMLY OF THE VIEW THAT THESE MEASURES WILL PROVIDE SUBSTANTIAL AND EFFECTIVE GUARANTEES OF HUMAN RIGHTS BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SESSION IN LEGCO:
DR DAVID LI: SIR, THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT RECOGNISES THE KEY INGREDIENT OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS HAS BEEN THE RULE OF LAW, PARAGRAPH 27, PAGE 6. WILL YOU INFORM THIS COUNCIL, SIR, WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FINAL COURT OF APPEAL?
THE GOVERNOR: WE HAVE PASSED LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING THEIR COMMENTS ON THOSE PROPOSALS. WE WOULD THEN INTEND TO DISCUSS THE SUGGESTED BILL WITH THE LEGAL PROFESSION HERE IN HONG KONG WITH BOTH SOLICITORS AND BARRISTERS AND THEN WE WOULD INTEND TO COME TO THIS COUNCIL WITH OUR LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AND HOPE THAT WE COULD BE IN A POSITION TO CONVINCE THE COUNCIL OF THE WISDOM OF THE APPROACH THAT WE HAVE TAKEN.
THE COUNCIL WILL KNOW THAT TIME, AS EVER, IS NOT ENTHUSIASTICALLY ON OUR SIDE. IT’S CLEARLY THE CASE THAT WE NEED TO HAVE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE BY THE MIDDLE OF 1996. IT TAKES ABOUT A YEAR FOR THE PRIVY COUNCIL TO HEAR CASES - THAT’S AT THE OUTSIDE - AND THEREFORE IF WE HAVEN’T GOT ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE BY MID ’96 THERE WOULD INEVITABLY BE SOME SORT OF LACUNA WHICH WE WOULD HAVE TO FILL IN WHATEVER WAY WE COULD. SO WE WILL BE COMING TO THE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A CONVINCING CASE TO THE COUNCIL FOR THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WE PUT FORWARD.
MR ALBERT CHAN (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR PRESIDENT, FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CONGRATULATE THE GOVERNOR FOR MAKING HISTORY ON TWO COUNTS FOR HONG KONG WITHIN SEVEN DAYS. FIRST, LAST WEDNESDAY, THE ELECTORAL BILL WAS PASSED BY THIS COUNCIL AND A NEW RECORD WAS THAT YESTERDAY DURING THE LEGCO SITTING THE ADMINISTRATION REFUSED TO MOVE THE THIRD READING OF A BILL.
AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE GOVERNOR THIS: CONCERNING THE '92 ELECTORAL PACKAGE, OF COURSE IT IS A STEP AHEAD IN TERMS OF DEMOCRACY. HOWEVER, YESTERDAY WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION DID OBVIOUSLY, IN TERMS OF THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY, IS A RETROGRESSIVE STEP. IN THE FAC REPORT IT IS AFFIRMATIVE TOWARDS THE FURTHER DEMOCRATISATION OF HONG KONG. HOWEVER, IN HONG KONG’S COUNCIL SYSTEM IT SEEMS THAT, IN TERMS OF SPIRIT AND IN TERMS OF INSTITUTION, THERE IS CERTAIN DISCREPANCY AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU THIS, MR GOVERNOR: CONCERNING THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE, THE ’92 ELECTORAL PACKAGE, WILL YOU ACCEPT WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION DID YESTERDAY AND WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION DID YESTERDAY? AND HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT IN FUTURE THERE WOULDN’T BE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY AND THE ACTUAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTION?
/GOVERNOR .......
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GOVERNOR: I THINK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER HAS TO BE AS CAREFUL AS 1 WAS SUGGESTING HONOURABLE MEMBERS FROM ANOTHER PARTY NEEDED TO BE WHEN HE MAKES SUGGESTIONS ABOUT WHAT IS A REASONABLE OUTCOME FOR A VOTE AND WHAT IS AN UNREASONABLE OUTCOME. I THINK HE ALSO HAS TO BE CAREFUL IN THE IMPLICATION BEHIND HIS QUESTION THAT SOME LEGISLATORS’ VOTES ARE WORTH MORE THAN OTHERS, WHICH I KNOW IS ARGUED FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE FROM TIME TO TIME, IF FENCE IT BE. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT EVERY LEGISLATOR IN THIS COUNCIL HAS A RIGHT TO CAST A VOTE AND THERE’RE THREE LEGISLATORS WHO ARE HERE AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AT THE END OF DEBATE YESTERDAY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE BILL WHICH WAS EMERGING WASN’T ONE WHICH THEY WISHED TO SUPPORT. WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED WAS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, A MAJORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DECIDED THAT THAT BILL SHOULDN’T PROCEED BECAUSE IT DIDN’T REFLECT THE CONSENSUS WHICH IS NORMALLY REACHED ON THESE MATTERS IN THE LAB. IT SEEMS TO BE THAT IS A PERFECTLY REASONABLE VIEW FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO COME TO, THOUGH I WOULD HAVE WISHED THAT A BILL AGREED BY THE WHOLE COUNCIL COULD HAVE EMERGED. BUT 1 DON’T HONESTLY THINK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER CAN CELEBRATE IN A MODESTLY RAPTUROUS WAY LAST WEEK’S RESULT AND THEN CONCLUDE THAT YESTERDAY’S RESULT WASN’T ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE HE DIDN’T AGREE WITH IT. 1 HOPE THAT WE CAN FIND A CONSENSUAL APPROACH TO THESE MATTERS, IMPORTANT MATTERS OF LABOUR WELFARE AND LABOUR REFORM. PLAINLY THAT IS THE WAY WE HAVE DONE BUSINESS IN THE PAST. 1 THINK IT REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY, IT REFLECTS A COMMUNITY IN WHICH THERE IS HAPPILY VERY LITTLE INDUSTRIAL UNREST AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN COME BACK WITH PROPOSALS VERY SOON WHICH THE WHOLE COUNCIL WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE ITS NAME TO. I’M SORRY THAT YESTERDAY WE WEREN’T ABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT. I’M SORRY THAT THE LAB’S PROPOSALS DIDN’T FIND A PLACE ON THE STATUTE BOOK, BUT I HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD AND FIND AN ACCEPTABLE WAY THROUGH THESE PROBLEMS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MK ALBERT CHAN (THROUGH INTERPRETER): I WASN’T ASKING ABOUT WHETHER THE BILL WAS PASSED. I WAS ASKING ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF THE OPERATION OF THE COUNCIL. MR GOVERNOR, IN UK YOU HAVE BEEN THE PARTY CHIEF TO THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY AND SO YOU MUST HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE OPERATION OF THE PARLIAMENT WHEN A BILL IS PUT FORWARD BY THE ADMINISTRATION, AND WHEN AN AMENDMENT IS ALSO PROPOSED BY THE ADMINISTRATION. AFTER IT HAS CLEARED THE FIRST READING AND THE SECOND READING, AS WELL AS THE COMMITTEE STAGE, AS A RESPONSIBLE ADMINISTRATION WHY IS IT THAT AT THE THIRD READING THE ADMINISTRATION REFUSES TO MOVE IT AND SO DO YOU THINK THAT THAT IS IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY AS YOU UNDERSTAND IT AND IN LINE WITH THE INSTITUTE OF DEMOCRACY AS YOU UNDERSTAND IT.
/GOVERNOR .......
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GOVERNOR: YES, AND IT WOULD BE TOTALLY UNDERSTOOD IN THAT WAY AT WESTMINSTER WHICH HAS SOME CLAIM TO CALL ITSELF THE MOTHER OF PARLIAMENTS. I WAS, AS YOU SAID, A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BEFORE I CAME TO THESE RESPONSIBILITIES AND IF SAY, A BILL PUT FORWARD BY THE GOVERNMENT, BY THE ADMINISTRATION, HAD BEEN COMPLETELY GUTTED OR HAD BEEN COMPLETELY TURNED ROUND DURING THE COURSE OF THE SECOND READING AND THE COMMITTEE STAGE, I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT THE CHIEF WHIP WOULD HAVE ADVISED HIS COLLEAGUES, AND HIS ADVICE WAS ALWAYS RATHER MORE THAN THAT, TO VOTE AGAINST THE BILL AT THE END OF DISCUSSION. I'VE GOT NO DOUBT THAT THAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. I REPEAT THAT WE WOULD ALL HAVE MUCH PREFERRED IT IF WE HAD BEEN ABLE TO GO FORWARD AS WE NORMALLY DO ON THESE MATTERS IN A SPIRIT OF CONSENSUS ON WHAT I THINK IS GENERALLY REGARDED AS BEING AN IMPORTANT MEASURE OF LABOUR WELFARE REFORM. I HOPE THAT WE CAN COME BACK TO THE COUNCIL, IT MAY REQUIRE MORE DISCUSSION BOTH WITH THE LAB AND WITH THOSE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WHO HAVE A PARTICULAR INTEREST IN LABOUR WELFARE MATTERS. I HOPE WE CAN COME BACK TO THE COUNCIL SOON AND FIND A WAY OF PROCEEDING WHICH, AS IS USUALLY THE CASE, EVERYBODY CAN AGREE TO.
MR MAN SAI-CHEONG(THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, FREEDOM OF DATA AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HONG KONG IS NO EXCEPTION. SO I WOULD LIKE TO SEEK AN EXPLANATION FROM YOU, MR GOVERNOR. RECENTLY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MR DOMINIC WONG SAID THAT THE HISTORY OF THE PAST 20 YEARS SHOULDN'T BE INCORPORATED INTO OUR TEXTBOOKS AND THIS HAD TO DO WITH THE WAY THE JUNE 4TH INCIDENT WAS COVERED IN OUR TEXTBOOKS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, CONCERNING THE HISTORY OF THE PAST 20 YEARS AND THAT IT SHOULDN’T BE IN OUR TEXTBOOKS, WHAT IS THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THAT? AND CONCERNING THE FREEDOM OF ACADEMICS, WHETHER IT HAS CONTRAVENED THE ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND WHETHER IT HAS CONTRAVENED THE SPIRIT OF HUMAN RIGHTS THAT YOU HAVE PUBLICISED SO VERY OFTEN?
THE GOVERNOR: I THINK - ATTEMPTING TO TAKE HEAT OUT OF AN IMPORTANT ISSUE - I THINK THAT IT HAS BEEN THE CASE IN RECENT YEARS THAT THOSE WHO GIVE ADVICE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CURRICULUM HAVE TAKEN THE VIEW, BROADLY SPEAKING, THAT THE LAST 20 YEARS SHOULDN’T FEATURE AS HISTORY BUT AS PERHAPS CIVIC EDUCATION. NOW, BECAUSE OF THE CONTROVERSY THAT’S BLOWN UP IN THIS CASE - AN UNFORTUNATE CONTROVERSY - WE’VE ASKED THOSE WHO ADVISE US ON THESE MATTERS TO LOOK AGAIN. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION THAT THE PRINCIPLE WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER ENUNCIATES IS THE RIGHT ONE. WE CAN’T -AS I’VE SAID IN THE PAST - WE CAN’T ERASE FACTS FROM HISTORY. WE CAN’T ’SNOWPAKE’ OUT THOSE BITS OF HISTORY THAT WE’D LIKE TO REMOVE. I HAVE TO SAY, SPEAKING FOR MYSELF, THAT THERE ARE PARTS OF MY CAREER WHICH I’D QUITE LIKE TO ’SNOWPAKE’ OUT BUT I DON’T THINK THAT WOULD BE WIDELY REGARDED AS ACCEPTABLE.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL TEACHERS, WHETHER OF UNIVERSITY AGE CHILDREN OR OF SCHOOLCHILDREN, SHOULD RECOGNISE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TO ENSURE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE TAUGHT THE TRUTH AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF FORMING THEIR OWN JUDGMENTS AS THEY GROW UP BASED ON THE TRUTH RATHER THAN A DISTORTION OF THE TRUTH.
I THINK THERE IS SOME DISPUTE ABOUT HOW FAR HISTORY SHOULD GO WHEN IT IS BEING TAUGHT. I STUDIED HISTORY AT UNIVERSITY AND I HAVE TO TELL THE COUNCIL IN THE SPIRIT OF HUMILITY THAT I KNOW VERY LITTLE AFTER 1215.
/MR MAN ........
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MR MAN SAI-CHEONG: WELL MR GOVERNOR, I FIND WHAT YOU’VE SAID A BIT FAR-FETCHED. THE HISTORY BOOKS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND, THEY ARE TAUGHT TO EVALUATE THE SOURCES AND THEY WON’T SET ANY TIME LIMITS. I THINK THAT WILL BE A DOUBLE STANDARD IF THAT IS THE CASE IN THE UK AND NOT THE CASE IN HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNOR: WELL, AS I SAID, BECAUSE OF THE CONTROVERSY, BECAUSE OF THE ROW THAT HAS ARISEN OVER THIS, WE’VE ASKED THOSE WHO GIVE THIS ADVICE ON THE CURRICULUM TO HAVE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE - I THINK IT IS TOO STRONG TO PUT IT AS A 20 YEAR RULE - BUT THE VIEW THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN THAT HISTORY SHOULD END AT SOME PERIOD A COUPLE OF DECADES AGO. THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS ENTIRELY RIGHT THAT IT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF LEARNING HISTORY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BALANCE THE EVIDENCE, TO BALANCE THE FACTS, AND LEARN TO COME TO SOMETHING APPROXIMATING TO A TRUE ANALYSIS OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED TN THE PAST AND IN THAT WAY ONE LEARNS MORE ABOUT THE PRESENT. I DON’T THINK THERE IS AN INCH OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND MYSELF ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GOOD TEACHING OF HISTORY AND I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND MYSELF ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE IN A FREE SOCIETY OF ENSURING THAT PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO LEARN EVERYTHING, EVEN THOSE THINGS THAT MIGHT BE INCONVENIENT.
MR LAU CHIN-SHEK(THROUGH INTERPRETER): THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT. FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR SAID A MOMENT AGO THAT CONCERNING YESTERDAY’S AMENDMENT THERE WAS A CONSENSUS AT LAB. NOW I CAN LET YOU KNOW, MR GOVERNOR, THAT THERE WAS NO CONSENSUS. THIS IS NOT MY POINT.
NOW MY POINT IS, YESTERDAY IN THE LEGCO SITTING WE SAID THAT SOME BUSINESSMEN FROM HONG KONG DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA ARE DETAINED AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CANNOT GET HOLD OF INFORMATION ABOUT THEM. MR GOVERNOR, WHAT METHODS DO YOU HAVE IN MIND TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE DETAINEES FROM HONG KONG IN CHINA AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY WILL BE RELEASED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WHEN MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD VISITS CHINA WILL YOU GET HIM TO TALK TO CHINA ABOUT THAT? IN THE CASE OF XI YANG, WILL YOU ALSO GET MR GOODLAD TO VISIT MR XI YANG AND GET HIM TO BE RELEASED FROM CHINA?
THE GOVERNOR: ON THE FIRST POINT, WHEREVER A MEMBER OF THIS COMMUNITY, WHENEVER ONE OF OUR RESIDENTS IS IN THE SORT OF DIFFICULTIES WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERS TO, THEN THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER WOULD FEEL IT PROPER AND RIGHT TO TAKE UP THE ISSUE WITH THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER. SO WE WOULD PURSUE MATTERS LIKE THAT BOTH THROUGH OUR EMBASSY IN PEKING AND THROUGH CONTACTS IN LONDON BETWEEN THE FOREIGN OFFICE AND THE AMBASSADOR OF THE PRC IN LONDON AND I THINK THOSE ARE THE RIGHT CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION. AND ANY PARTICULAR CASE WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WISHES US TO TAKE UP OR WISHES TO BE BROUGHT TO MR GOODLAD’8 ATTENTION BEFORE HE GOES TO PEKING, WE WOULD BE VERY PLEASED TO RECEIVE AND PURSUE IN A WAY WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SUGGESTS.
AS FOR THE CASE OF XI YANG WHICH HAS CAUSED SO MUCH GENUINE AND' WIDESPREAD CONCERN IN THE COMMUNITY, I WILL CERTAINLY DRAW WHAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SAID TO THE MINISTER’S ATTENTION BEFORE HIS VISIT TO PEKING IN A WEEK OR SO’S TIME.
/MR HOWARD .......
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MR HOWARD YOUNG: SIR, SINCE TODAY’S SESSION IS SUPPOSED TO BE ON RELATIONS WITH CHINA I WILL ASK A QUESTION RELATED TO THAT. NOW THAT THE 21-MONTH DEBATE ON POLITICAL REFORM HAS BEEN PUT TO REST AND THERE’S NO POINT HARPING ON ANY MORE, WILL THE GOVERNMENT EMBARK ON ANY NEW OR IMAGINATIVE INITIATIVES USING THIS, WHAT I SEE AS A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD MORE BRIDGES WITH CHINA, IN PARTICULAR WHETHER YOU THOUGHT THERE WERE ANY MORE FLEXIBLE LESS DOGMATIC WAYS OF BUILDING BRIDGES WITH CHINA SO THAT WE CAN GET ON WITH TALKING ABOUT CO-OPERATION ON ECONOMIC MATTERS, LIVELIHOOD MATTERS AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT CAN BRING ABOUT A SMOOTH TRANSITION?
GOVERNOR: WE WERE VERY PLEASED THAT THE DAY AFTER THIS COUNCIL REACHED ITS HISTORIC CONCLUSIONS, LAST WEEK, WE WERE ABLE TO BRING TO AN END SEVEN YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF THE DEFENCE ESTATE IN HONG KONG. AND I WOULD LIKE, IF I MAY, TO PAY A PARTICULAR TRIBUTE TO THE NEGOTIATORS ON BOTH SIDES. THESE WERE AND ARE VERY COMPLEX AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND I THINK BOTH NEGOTIATING TEAMS CRACKED THE PROBLEMS BY SHOWING A GOOD DEAL OF IMAGINATION AND SINCERITY, AND IT’S THE WAY I THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO DEAL WITH OTHER PROBLEMS IN THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE, AND THE JLG, AS WELL.
WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT OUR ATTITUDE AND APPROACH IN THE JLG AND THROUGH THE OTHER CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE CHINESE SIDE WILL HELP TO TAKE MATTERS FORWARD. LET ME GIVE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER TWO EXAMPLES. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO INFORM THE CHINESE SIDE THAT WE’VE NOW REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSORTIUM ON THE NEXT CONTAINER TERMINAL. SO IN OUR JUDGMENT IT SHOULD BE RELATIVELY EASY TO COME TO A VIEW ON THAT MATTER AND TO ENSURE THAT THE CONTAINER TERMINAL IS CONSTRUCTED WITHOUT ANY FURTHER UNDUE DELAY. NOBODY CAN PASS ACROSS THE HARBOUR OR FLY OVER THE HARBOUR WITHOUT RECOGNISING THAT WE ARE STARTING TO RUN INTO THE SAME SORT OF TRAFFIC JAMS IN THE PORT THAT WE SUFFER ALL TOO FREQUENTLY ON OUR ROADS, SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO MOVE AHEAD WITH CT9.
SECONDLY, IF ONE LOOKS AT THE LOCALISATION AND ADAPTATION OF LAWS. LET ME TAKE LOCALISATION FOR A START. THERE ARE ABOUT 300 UNITED KINGDOM LAWS THAT NEED TO BE LOCALISED. WE’VE, I THINK, MANAGED TO PROCESS ABOUT 30 OF THOSE. WE’VE GIVEN THE CHINESE SIDE CONSULTATION PAPERS ON A FURTHER 83 AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO MAKE AS RAPID PROGRESS ON THOSE AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. EQUALLY WE’VE GIVEN THE CHINESE SIDE A NUMBER OF CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS ON LAWS WHICH NEED TO BE ADAPTED AND I HOPE WE CAN MAKE PROGRESS ON THOSE TOO.
SO IN THE JLG AND IN OTHER FORA WE WILL WANT TO BE AS CONSTRUCTIVE AND CO-OPERATIVE AS POSSIBLE. WE TAKE AT THEIR FACE VALUE. WE TAKE AS SINCERE EXPRESSIONS WHAT CHINESE LEADERS LIKE VICE-PREMIER QIAN QICHEN HAVE SAID ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CO-OPERATING AS BROADLY AS POSSIBLE OVER HONG KONG’S FUTURE. WE KNOW THAT’S IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND OF THEIR ECONOMY AND LIVELIHOOD AND NOBODY STANDS TO GAIN ANYTHING AT ALL BY DRAGGING THEIR FEET ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
SO WE WILL BE AS POSITIVE AS POSSIBLE AND, TO BORROW A PHRASE, WE WILL KEEP HITTING THE BALL OVER THE NET AND HOPE THAT IT COMES BACK.
/MR HOWARD .......
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MR HOWARD YOUNG: SIR, MY PREVIOUS QUESTION AND MY FOLLOW-UP, I WOULD ACTUALLY ASK NOT ONLY JUST YOU BUT IF THE CHANCE WERE TO FACE YOUR COUNTERPART IN THE SAME WAY I WOULD ASK IT EXACTLY IN THE SAME WAY BUT UNFORTUNATELY WE’RE ONLY FACING YOU TODAY.
I WAS NOT THINKING OF JUST JLG AND THE POSITIVE MATTERS YOU’VE MENTIONED BUT WHETHER ONE CAN BE MORE FLEXIBLE? FOR INSTANCE, I FEEL THAT SOMEHOW RIGHTLY OR WRONGLY THE IMPRESSION THAT I CERTAINLY GET AND I IMAGINE MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE GET, THAT THE CHINESE OR THE CHINESE OFFICIALS SEEM TO NOT EVEN BE AWARE OF YOUR EXISTENCE SOMETIMES IN HONG KONG, YOU KNOW AS THE GOVERNOR, OR SOMETIMES WHERE THE HONG KONG SIDE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OR THE ROLE OF SAY THE PWC. I THINK THIS TYPE OF DOGMATIC SORT OF FEELING, I DON’T THINK IS REALLY VERY HELPFUL. I WAS WONDERING WHETHER ONE COULD EXPLORE MORE CHANNELS OTHER THAN THE JLG IN A MUCH MORE FLEXIBLE MANNER TO BUILD BRIDGES ALL ROUND?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK DOGMATIC IS THE WORD I WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE OUR POSITION. PRINCIPLED IS CERTAINLY A WORD I WOULD USE BUT I THINK I WOULD FALL SHORT OF USING THE WORD DOGMATIC. I’M NOT SURE THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS ENTIRELY RIGHT THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS AREN’T AWARE OF MY EXISTENCE. THERE HAVE BEEN ONE OR TWO OCCASIONS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS WHEN PERHAPS I WOULD HAVE WISHED THAT THAT WERE THE POSITION BUT I THINK THEY ARE AWARE OF MY EXISTENCE AND I’M SURE THEY’RE ALSO AWARE THAT IN THIS EXISTENCE, AND I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT THREE YEARS OF IT, I HAVE MADE IT CLEAR AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN THAT I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO TAKE FORWARD SOME OF THE MATTERS THAT ARE ALAS OUTSTANDING, DIRECTLY FACE TO FACE WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OR WITH HIS OTHER SENIOR COLLEAGUES. I THINK A LOT OF THESE ISSUES COULD ACTUALLY BE TACKLED MORE RAPIDLY IF WE WERE ABLE TO SIT DOWN AT A TABLE AND TALK ABOUT THEM AND I’M PREPARED TO GO ANYWHERE, AT ANY TIME, FOR SUCH A MEETING. I GOT THE IMPRESSION WHEN DIRECTOR LU MADE HIS WELCOME RECENT VISIT TO HONG KONG THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD HAVE LIKED US TO TALK WHILE HE WAS HERE. UNFORTUNATELY WE WERE TOLD THAT HE HAD TOO BUSY A DIARY DURING THAT VISIT BUT I HOPE THAT HE’S ABLE TO FIND THE TIME ON A FUTURE VISIT OR I’LL VISIT HIM.
AS FOR THE PWC, WE RECOGNISE THE EXISTENCE OF THE PWC. I RECOGNISE MEMBERS OF THE PWC I THINK, AS I LOOK AROUND THIS CHAMBER. WE RECOGNISE THAT AND WE’RE DELIGHTED TO TALK TO MEMBERS OF THE PWC AND TO OFFER THEM THE SAME SORT OF ACCESS TO THE GOVERNMENT’S WISDOM AND CHALLENGES THAT WE OFFER TO OTHERS TOO. BUT, I’VE SAID BEFORE, THAT I’M NOT SURE IT’S VERY SENSIBLE WHEN THE EXISTING CHANNELS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE SOVEREIGN POWERS AREN’T WORKING AS WELL AS WE WOULD LIKE TO START TRYING TO INVENT OTHER CHANNELS. I DON’T THINK THAT MAKES VERY MUCH SENSE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE. I DON’T THINK THAT MAKES VERY MUCH SENSE FOR ANYONE BUT WE ARE PREPARED TO BE AS OPEN AS POSSIBLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AS THE NEXT STEP US BUILDING ON THE AGREEMENT THAT’S BEEN REACHED ON DEFENCE LANDS AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE ELECTRICITY HUMMING ALONG THE WIRES IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND ELSEWHERE AS WELL AND I THINK THAT BOTH OF US, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND CHINESE OFFICIALS WOULD FIND THAT AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE.
/MR MARVIN .......
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MR MARVIN CHEUNG: GOVERNOR, NOW THAT THE POLITICAL REFORM IS OUT OF THE WAY, WILL YOU INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHEN AND IN WHAT MANNER WILL THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION SEEK AGREEMENT FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON THE DETAILED MECHANICS OF THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY AT MIDNIGHT ON 30TH JUNE, 1997, AND WHEN WILL THESE ARRANGEMENTS BE MADE KNOWN TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO ALLAY ANY ANXIETY OVER THE POSSIBLE CHAOS AND VACUUM OF POWER IN THE IMMEDIATE WEEKS PRECEDING THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY?
GOVERNOR: THAT IS AN ISSUE THAT WE WILL NEED TO START ADDRESSING WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS SOON. I’M NOT SURE WE’RE QUITE THERE YET BUT AS I SEE FROM THE CLOCKOMETER IN DIRECTOR LU’S OFFICE, THERE’S ONLY JUST OVER 1,000 DAYS TO GO AND WE WILL HAVE TO START DISCUSSING ARRANGEMENTS SOON. IT’S OUR VIEW THAT THOSE ARRANGEMENTS WILL NEED TO BE AS DIGNIFIED AND SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE. I’M SURE THAT WILL BE THE VIEW ON THE CHINESE SIDE TOO. IT’S NOT JUST A QUESTION OF HANDING OVER THE KEYS TO THE FRONT DOOR. THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF OTHER ARRANGEMENTS THAT WILL NEED TO BE CONCLUDED BUT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS RIGHT THAT WE SHOULD EMBARK ON THAT SOON AND HE’S ALSO RIGHT THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL BE ENTITLED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS PLANNED. I DON’T THINK THAT THERE WILL BE THE SORT OF VACUUM THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERS TO. WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO PREVENT ANY GAPS IN THE LAW AS I WAS SAYING EARLIER, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY A WORRY, NOT LEAST COMMERCIALLY. WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN AND I’M SURE THAT IT IS THE WISH TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT THE TRANSITION IS AS SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL AS POSSIBLE.
MR MARVIN CHEUNG: MR PRESIDENT, MAY I ASK A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION? WILL THE GOVERNOR ADVISE THIS COUNCIL, OTHER THAN THE NORMAL DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS OR THE JLG, WILL THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATION DEAL WITH ANY OTHER ORGAN OR QUAS1-GOVERNMENT BODIES OF THE PRC IN THIS PROCESS?
GOVERNOR: THERE WILL, I IMAGINE, NEED TO BE OTHER CONTACTS. FOR EXAMPLE, ONE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF AN AGREEMENT ON THE DEFENCE ESTATE MUST INEVITABLY BE THAT SOLDIERS WILL HAVE TO TALK TO SOLDIERS ABOUT EXACTLY WHAT WILL BE INVOLVED IN THE RUN UP TO THE 30TH JUNE, 1997. TO SOME EXTENT THAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ALREADY UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE JLG. BUT I THINK THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AREAS WHERE WE’VE HAD CONTACTS OUTSIDE THOSE FORMAL CHANNELS AND THE CLOSER WE GET TO 30TH JUNE, 1997, THE MORE EXTENDED AND VARIOUS THOSE CHANNELS ARE LIKELY TO BE.
DR HUANG CHEN-YA(THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, I’D LIKE TO GO BACK TO HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN BEING ILLEGALLY DETAINED IN CHINA. YESTERDAY WHEN I ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION THIS QUESTION THE ADMINISTRATION’S REPLY WAS BASICALLY THAT IT REALLY DIDN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THESE CASES. AND SO THE GOVERNMENT WAS TRYING TO MUDDLE IT THROUGH AND WASN’T TRYING TO DO ANYTHING AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU THIS, MR GOVERNOR: WOULD YOU ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE THIS COUNCIL A THOROUGH REPORT ON WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE FOR THESE POOR BUSINESSMEN?
/SECONDLY, WHAT ........
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SECONDLY, WHAT PLAN DO YOU HAVE TO ENSURE THAT IN FUTURE WHEN SIMILAR CASES OCCUR YOU WILL BE TN A BETTER POSITION TO HELP THEM, SAY, MAYBE THROUGH THE JLG OR MAYBE YOU YOURSELF, MR GOVERNOR, TAKING PART IN THE NEGOTIATIONS TO PROTECT THE WELL BEING OF HONG KONG CITIZENS IN CHINA WHEN THEY ARE DOING LEGITIMATE BUSINESS?
THE GOVERNOR: IT IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE AND 1 WANT TO ESTABLISH EXACTLY WHAT THE PARAMETERS OF DISCUSSION ARE. IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER OR ANY OTHER HONOURABLE MEMBER HAS THE NAMES AND DETAILS OF BUSINESSMEN WHO HAVE BEEN DETAINED IN THE WAY THAT HE SUGGESTS, THEN WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND WE WOULD PURSUE THOSE CASES IN THE NORMAL WAY THROUGH THE UNITED KINGDOM’S AMBASSADOR IN PEKING. THAT IS THE WAY IN WHICH WE WOULD PROPERLY PROCEED, TAKING THINGS UP AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. AND OF COURSE, WITH AN IMMINENT VISIT BY A BRITISH MINISTER TO PEKING AND TO CHINA IN GENERAL, IT IS QUITE A GOOD TIME TO PURSUE A MATTER LIKE THAT.
I THINK THAT THE QUESTION HAS PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE BECAUSE WE KNOW OF THE VALUE OF HONG KONG AND HONG KONG INVESTMENT TO THE ECONOMIC REVOLUTION WHICH IS TAKING PLACE IN CHINA. 1 THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT ABOUT TWO THIRDS, PERHAPS A LITTLE MORE, OF THE FOREIGN INVESTMENT WHICH IS GOING INTO GUANGDONG IS GOING FROM HONG KONG. THAT NECESSARILY MEANS THAT A LOT OF HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN AND ENTREPRENEURS ARE TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CHINA AND THEY WILL WANT THE CONFIDENCE THAT THEY CAN DO SO PEACEFULLY AND WITH EVERY ASSURANCE THAT THEY WILL BE PROPERLY LOOKED AFTER.
DR HUANG CHEN-YA(THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU ASK THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO GET THE NAMES OF THE 12 PERSONS IN QUESTION. ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION FROM THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, I HOPE THAT WHEN YOU GET THAT INFORMATION YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO SUBMIT TO THIS COUNCIL A VERY THOROUGH REPORT CONCERNING WHAT THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN BEIJING HAS DONE FOR THESE PEOPLE: HOW MANY VISITS HAS IT PAID TO THESE PEOPLE AND HOW MANY NEGOTIATIONS HAS THE EMBASSY CONDUCTED WITH THE CHINESE SIDE OVER THESE PEOPLE AND WHAT IS THE RESULT OF THE NEGOTIATIONS, SO THAT WE KNOW FOR SURE WHETHER THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS DONE SOMETHING OR IS THAT IT HAS THROWN ALL THOSE FILES IN THE LITTER-BIN.
THE GOVERNOR: NO, AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW, THE CIVIL SERVICE NEVER PUTS FILES IN THE LITTER-BIN, THEY ARE STORED FOR CENTURIES. BUT TO BE SERIOUS BECAUSE THIS IS A SERIOUS AND IMPORTANT ISSUE, I WILL ENSURE THAT THIS COUNCIL IS GIVEN A REPORT ON WHAT HAS BEEN DONE IN THE CASES OF MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY WHOSE PROBLEMS IN CHINA HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION, SO THAT THE COUNCIL CAN KNOW THAT ITS GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER ARE TAKING THESE ISSUES WITH THE IMPORTANCE THAT THEY DESERVE. BECAUSE, AS I’VE SAID, THERE ISN’T JUST THE QUESTION OF INDIVIDUALS’ HUMAN RIGHTS AT STAKE, THERE IS THE MORE GENERAL QUESTION OF THE ABILITY OF ENTREPRENEURS IN HONG KONG TO TRAVEL AS FREELY AS THEIR MONEY TRAVELS.
/MR CHIM .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
11
MR CHIM PUI-CHUNG(THROUGH INTERPRETER): WELL, MR GOVERNOR, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW YOU WILL HAVE BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR EXACTLY TWO YEARS. PEOPLE ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS. MY QUESTION THEN IS: CONCERNING HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, HONG KONG’S LIVEI I HOOD, THF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND (HINA, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN, HOW DO YOU RATE YOURSELF IN A SCORE OUT OF 10? WHAT CAN YOU DO TO INCREASE YOUR SCORE OUT OF THAT? PEOPLE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THAT, I’D LIKE TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY FOR Y<‘U TO GIVE A GOOD PERFORMANCE FOR YOURSELF. 1 DON’T THINK YOU WOULD ENCOUNTER ANY DIFFICULTY IN ANSWERING MY QUESTION.
THE GOVERNOR: I’M SURE THAT 1 RATE MYSELF AS HIGHLY AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER RATES HIMSELF, AND CONCEIVABLY THAT IS A HIGHER MARK THAN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WOULD GIVE ME HIMSELF.
CLEARLY, I LOOK BACK ON THE LAST TWO YEARS - IN WHICH OF COURSE ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS HAS BEEN OUR GROWING CLOSE RELATIONSHIP, I LOOK BACK ON THE LAST TWO YEARS WITH INTEREST AND A GOOD DEAL OF PLEASURE AT THE SUCCESSES OF THE HONG KObG ECONOMY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL PROGRAMMES. 1 DON’T THINK THAT EVEN IF 1 WERE RUNNING FOR ELECTION, WHICH 1 AM NOT, I COULD MAKE GREAT CLAIM TO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY. THAT OWES MUCH TO THE HARD WORK AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, WORKING WITHIN THE RULE OF LAW, AND TO THE SENSIBLE MACRO ECONOMIC POLICIES WHICH HAVE BEEN PURSUED BY THIS FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND PREVIOUS FINANCIAL SECRETARIES FOR MANY, MANY YEARS. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MATTER FOR SATISFACTION THAT WE HAVE NOW BEEN ABLE TO HAVE TWO BUDGETS IN WHICH WE HAVE SEEN TAXES FALL, PUBLIC EXPENDITURE RISE AND MORE MONEY PUT INTO OUR RESERVES. THESE WERE NOT THE SORT OF BUDGETS THAT I WAS FAMILIAR WITH WHEN I WAS IN EUROPEAN POLITICS BUT IT IS A GREAT PLEASURE TO BECOME INCREASINGLY FAMILIAR WITH THEM HERE.
I THINK THAT IT’S ALSO BEEN A PLEASURE TO WATCH THE AGENDA WHICH I FIRST SET OUT IN MY FIRST SPEECH TO THF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1992 OF SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL CHANGE STEADILY IMPLEMENTED. I WON’T GO INTO ALL THE DETAILS AND ALL THE FIGURES. BUT I THINK WE’RE AT THIS POSITION IN HONG KONG: WE DO WANT TO SBE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH QUALITY SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES WITHOUT LOSING OUR POSITION AS A LOW-TAX HIGH-GROWTH ECONOMY. THAT INVOLVES DIFFICULT CHOICES BUT I THINK EVERYBODY RECOGNISES THAT IT WOULD BE THE GREATEST FOLLY IN THE PURSUIT OF SOCIAL OBJECTIVES TO DAMAGE OUR ECONOMY IN ANY WAY. DELIVERING QUALITY RATHER THAN JUST QUANTITY IN SOCIAL PROVISION RAISES RATHER MORE DIFFICULT PROBLEMS.
1 THINK THAT FOR EXAMPLE IN EDUCATION, THE WHOLE COMMUNITY NOW RECOGNISES THAT WE’VE GOT TO CONCENTRATE ON RAISING THE QUALITY OF TEACHING, OF GIVING OUR TEACHERS MORE SUPPORT, SO THAT WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN THE CLASSROOM IS Ob EVEN HIGHER QUALITY. THAT IS PERHAPS MORE DIFFICULT THAN JUST BUILDING NEW CLASSROOMS, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE TO IMPROVE THE CLASSROOMS WE’VE ALREADY BUILT AND BUILD SOME NEW ONES. SO THESE ARE THE SORT OF QUESTIONS OF QUALITY WHICH I THINK WE ARE GOING TO BE TACKLING AND 1 WILL BE SAYING MORE ABOUT IN MY LEGCO SPEECH THIS AUTUMN.
/THERE IS ..
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
12
THERE IS ONE FURTHER POINT 1 WOULD LIKE TO MAKE. THERE IS A SOCIAL ISSUE WHICH I THINK THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IS CONCERNED ABOUT, ON WHICH WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO COME TO SOME IRREVOCABLE DECISIONS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, I HOPE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENT OF CHINA. WE WANT TO DO MORE FOR OUR ELDERLY. WE WANT TO PROVIDE THOSE WHO ARE RETIRED, WHO HAVE MADE SUCH A CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COMMUNITY, WE WANT TO PROVIDE THEM WITH DECENT FINANCIAL SECURITY IN THEIR OLD AGE AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL SOON BE PUTTING FORWARD OUR VIEWS ON HOW THAT CAN BEST BE DONE, PRUDENTLY BUT WITH ALSO THE GENEROUS INSTINCTS THAT ONE WOULD EXPECT IN \ COMMUNITY WHICH HAS BEEN AS ECONOMICALLY SUCCESSFUL AS THIS ONE HAS BEEN.
SO AVOIDING GIVING MYSELF ANY MARK OUT OF 10 -AFTER ALL, IF I WAS TO GIVE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER A MARK HE MIGHT CONCLUDE AFTERWARDS THAT IT HAD BEEN OUT OF A HUNDRED NOT OUT OF 10 -AVOIDING THAT I WILL JUST SAY THAT 1 HOPE THAT I’M ABLE TO WORK AS GOVERNOR IN AS SUCCESSFUL AN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS AS I HAVE FOR THE LAST TWO. WHEN I EXPLAIN TO VISITORS NOT JUST HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC STATISTICS BUT HONG KONG’S SOCIAL STATISTICS AS WELL, THEY ARE INVARIABLY EXCEPTIONALLY SURPRISED. WE’RE NOT JUST A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY, WE’RE A VERY SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY ALL ROUND.
MR CHIM PUI-CHUNG(THROUGH INTERPRETER): WELL, MR GOVERNOR, FOR POLITICIANS, IS IT IMPORTANT FOR US TO BE TOGETHER, NOT DIVIDED, FOR POLITICIANS TN HONG KONG?
THE GOVERNOR: IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR US TO WORK FOR CONSENT AND AGREEMENT AS FREQUENTLY AS POSSIBLE AND 1 NOTE WITH GREAT PLEASURE THE HARMONIOUS STATE OF THE EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND MYSELF THIS AFTERNOON. THIS HARBOURS EXTREMELY WELL FOR THE FUTURE. PERHAPS ON THE 30TH JUNE 1997, AS WELL AS CELEBRATING THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND I WILL BE CELEBRATING A FIVE-YEAR RELATIONSHIP.
MS ANNA WU: THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT. GOVERNOR, I AM MOST TEMPTED TO RAISE WITH YOU THE INCONSISTENCY OF YOUR APPROACH BETWEEN THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, BUT I WILL REFRAIN FROM THAT.
ON SEEKING AN INTERPRETATION FROM THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE ON THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT, THE UNITED KINGDOM RESPONSE IN PARAGRAPH 3 READS:
"SINCE THE JOINT DECLARATION IS A BILATERAL TREATY BETWEEN CHINA AND BRITAIN, THE GOVERNMENT SEE NO NEED TO CONSULT THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE ON ITS INTERPRETATION."
IS THIS THE ATTITUDE THE UK GOVERNMENT HOLDS IN RESPECT OF THE ENTIRETY OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHEN IT COMES TO A REQUEST FROM HONG KONG FOR A UN VIEW? WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO THIS STATEMENT AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG? THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
/GOVERNOR .....
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
13
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, AND SINCE THE HONOURABLE LADY DIDN’T ASK A QUESTION ABOUT ALLEGED INCONSISTENCY, I WON’T GIVE MY REPLY WHICH WILL POINT OUT THERE IS NONE AND THAT WILL SAVE A GOOD DEAL OF TIME.
SECONDLY, IT IS THE VIEW OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT AND OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT THAT THERE ISN’T ANY PROBLEM OF INTERPRETATION WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THAT THERE ISN’T, FOR EXAMPLE, ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOTH SIDES UNDER THAT JOINT DECLARATION. SAY, IF TO PUT IT IN ONE WAY IT WOULD BE TO RAISE DOUBTS WHICH WE DON’T THINK EXIST FOR US TO FOLLOW THE COURSE OF ACTION SUGGESTED BY THE HONOURABLE LADY. FOR EXAMPLE, IN OUR VIEW THERE IS NO DOUBT AT ALL ABOUT THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND THE JOINT DECLARATION, WE THINK THAT’S A MATTER WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR AND I WOULDN’T WANT TO RAISE A SINGLE QUESTION MARK ABOUT IT. SO THE SHORT ANSWER TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S QUESTION IS, WE DON’T THINK THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO GO TO THE UN FOR GUIDANCE ON THE JOINT DECLARATION AND I THINK THE UK GOVERNMENT SET OUT THE REASONS FOR THAT PRETTY CLEARLY IN THEIR RESPONSE TO THE FAC.
MS ANNA WU: MR PRESIDENT, MY QUESTION WAS WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN IT COMES TO A REQUEST FROM HONG KONG FOR A UN VIEW? WHAT IS THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENT TO THAT PARTICULAR QUESTION, WHEN A REQUEST IS MADE FOR A UN VIEW FROM HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: PERHAPS I’M BEING EVEN DENSER THAN NORMAL, I AM NOT ENTIRELY FOLLOWING THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S QUESTION BECAUSE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOESN’T THINK THAT THERE IS ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE JOINT DECLARATION. IF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS SAYING, WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE ARE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO THINK THERE ARE DOUBTS, THEN THEY WOULD NEED TO PURSUE THEM THROUGH THE NORMAL CHANNELS BUT 1 DON’T THINK, SINCE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOESN’T BELIEVE THERE IS ANY DOUBT, THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES, WOULD BE REQUIRED TO GO TO THE UK GOVERNMENT TO GO TO THE UN. BUT IS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERRING TO AFTER 1997?
MS ANNA WU: THE SAR GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE THAT REQUEST FOR HONG KONG.
GOVERNOR: THE SAR GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE A MEMBER OF THE UNITED NATIONS, IT WOULD HAVE TO GO TO THE SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENT AND ASK THE SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENT TO GO TO THE UN AS A MEMBER OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND ASK FOR ITS VIEW. I’M HAVING DIFFICULTY IMAGINING THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THIS MIGHT HAPPEN BUT 1 THINK THAT WOULD BE THE SITUATION IN INTERNATIONAL LAW.
MR STEVEN POON: YOUR EXCELLENCY, YOU HAVE BEEN THE GOVERNOR FOR EXACTLY TWO YEARS AND THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION HAS BEEN THAT THE NUMBER ONE ITEM ON YOUR AGENDA IN THE LAST TWO YEARS HAS BEEN THE POLITICAL PACKAGE, THE POLITICAL REFORM. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OR COMMENTARIES WRITTEN IN BOTH ENGLAND AND IN HONG KONG CONCLUDING THAT YOUR ROLE AS THE GOVERNOR IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS WILL DIMINISH. MAYBE THAT IS TERRIBLY UNKIND AND I'M NOT SOMEONE WHO’S USED TO BEING UNKIND TO THE GOVERNOR, BUT PERHAPS YOU COULD TEI I US WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, NUMBER ONE ITEM ON YOUR AGENDA FOR I'HE NEXT THREE YEARS IF YOU ARE TO STAY AS THE GOVERNOR UNTIL THE 30TH JUNE 1997? THANK YOU.
/GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
14
GOVERNOR: I’M GRATEFUL TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER FOR THAT QUESTION. THE NUMBER ONE ITEM ON MY AGENDA FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS IS VERY CLOSE TO THE NUMBER ONE ITEM ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT THREE, INDEED IT IS IDENTICAL, AND THAT IS TO DO EVERYTHING I POSSIBLY CAN TO ENSURE THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS IMPLEMENTED IN THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997, TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG ENJOYS AFTER 1997 THAT HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY WHICH SHE HAS BEEN PROMISED, AND TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG’S SYSTEM SURVIVES AND PROSPERS AFTER 1997. NOW IN PURSUIT OF THAT WE HAVE HAD, UNFORTUNATELY, A CONTROVERSY ABOUT POLITICAL ISSUES AND PERHAPS THAT CONTROVERSY HAS ALSO BEEN RELATED TO THE FACT THAT IN MY JUDGMENT, IF YOU ARE GOING TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF FROM TIME TO TIME YOU HAVE TO HAVE A BOTTOM-LINE AND THAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A BOTTOM-LINE YOU VERY EASILY FIND THAT YOU SACRIFICE THE THINGS WHICH COUNT. I CERTAINLY THINK THAT IS TRUE IN RELATION TO THE POSITION OF HONG KONG.
BUT OF COURSE THERE ARE MANY OTHER ISSUES THAT I’VE PURSUED AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS PURSUED IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND THE HONOURABLE MEMBER - I HESITATE TO SUGGEST THIS IS BEDTIME READING - BUT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WOULD ONLY HAVE TO LOOK AT THE SPEECHES I’D MADE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1992 AND 1993 AND TO SEE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THOSE SPEECHES TO SEE THAT WE HAVE ACTUALLY HAD AN EXTREMELY BROAD SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, EDUCATIONAL AGENDA AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THAT. IT HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF THE CROSSES THAT THE GOVERNOR BEARS THAT WHEN HE GOES TO A HOSPITAL OR A SCHOOL OR A REFUSE-TREATMENT CENTRE OR ALMOST ANYWHERE AND COMES OUT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS FROM OUR UBIQUITOUS PRESS CORPS, THAT HE IS ASKED ABOUT THE AIRPORT OR POLITICAL REFORM BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN THAT THERE AREN’T A LOT OF OTHER ISSUES WHICH HE IS SPENDING HIS TIME WORKING ON.
ONE OTHER QUESTION WHICH THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN ASKED REGULARLY FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS AND THAT’S BEEN ABOUT THE GOVERNOR’S INTENTIONS AND I CAN TELL YOU ONCE AGAIN - AND PERHAPS AFTER THIS, GOD BE PRAISED, I WON’T HAVE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION TOO OFTEN - I CAME TO HONG KONG FOR FIVE YEARS, I INTEND, GOD WILLING, TO BE HERE UNTIL THE 30TH JUNE 1997. THERE WILL FROM TIME TO TIME BE REPORTS HERE AND THERE, GOSSIP COLUMNS HERE AND THERE, WHICH SUGGEST THAT I AM GOING TO DO ALL SORTS OF THINGS WHICH HAVE NEVER CROSSED MY MIND. BUT I TOOK THESE RESPONSIBILITIES ON FOR FIVE YEARS, I BELIEVE THAT FOR ME TO GIVE THEM UP BEFORE FIVE YEARS ARE OVER WOULD NOT BE THE RIGHT THING TO DO, WOULD NOT BE WIDELY UNDERSTOOD IN HONG KONG OR BEYOND AND WOULD INVOLVE ME IN BREAKING MY WORD TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THAT I DO NOT INTEND TO DO.
MR FRED LI (THROUGH INTERPRETER): SO I’VE STILL GOT A CHANCE TO ASK A QUESTION.
MR GOVERNOR, SO YOU’VE BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR TWO YEARS AND I BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE NOW COME TO UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU THIS; IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, CONCERNING HONG KONG’S SOCIAL MATTERS AND MATTERS RELATING TO PEOPLES’ LIVELIHOOD, WHAT MAJOR PROGRAMMES DO YOU HAVE IN MIND AND WHAT PRIORITY PROGRAMMES YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUT TOGETHER? I HOPE THAT YOU CAN ANSWER THIS QUESTION TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY.
/GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
15
GOVERNOR: I’LL BE ANSWERING IT IN SLIGHTLY MORE
OCTOBER WHEN I GIVE MY NEXT SPEECH TO THE COUNCIL, INTENTION I SHOULD SAY, TO SPEAK RATHER MORE BRIEFLY HAVE IN THE LAST TWO, WITHOUT I HOPE SACRIFICING ANY
LENGTH IN EARLY THOUGH IT IS MY
THIS YEAR THAN I OF THE CONTENT,
I THINK, AS 1 SAID EARLIER, THAT THE BIGGEST ISSUE ON OUR AGENDA IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS IS GOING TO BE THE FUTURE OF PROVISION FOR THE ELDERLY. I THINK THE PROPOSALS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY UNVEIL ARE EXTREMELY SENSIBLE. I HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO CONVINCE THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY BEYOND OF THAT AS WELL.
I THINK I HAVE TO MAKE SURE IN THE NEXT MONTHS AND YEARS THAT THE AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME OF WELFARE REFORM THAT WE PUT IN HAND IS CARRIED THROUGH. I FEEL PARTICULARLY STRONGLY ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OUR PROPOSALS TO HELP THE DISABLED AND THOSE AS WELL WHO ARE ILL.
WE HAVE AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME IN THE EDUCATIONAL FIELD TO CARRY FORWARD AND WE’VE GOT A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES, NOT LEAST THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF OUR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAN.
AS I’VE ALSO BEEN SAYING, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF OTHER PROPOSALS WHICH THIS COUNCIL WILL BE LEGISLATING ON IN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO TO FURTHER SAFEGUARD HUMAN RIGHTS AND TO ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT BECOMES MORE OPEN AND MORE ACCOUNTABLE. THE PROGRAMME WHICH I OUTLINED EARLIER IS BY ANY STANDARDS AN EXTREMELY AMBITIOUS ONE.
SO THEY’LL BE PLENTY FOR US TO DO. I THINK THAT I WOULD JUST ADD TO THAT TWO THINGS WHICH ARE PERHAPS A LITTLE MORE INTANGIBLE AND WHICH I’VE REFERRED TO IN SOME PRESS INTERVIEWS IN RECENT DAYS.
FIRST OF ALL, I HOPE THAT WE CAN ENCOURAGE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO RECOGNISE THAT HONG KONG’S MEASURED AND STEADY PROGRESS TOWARDS FULL DEMOCRACY IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH IN ANY WAY THREATENS HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS OR SOCIAL STABILITY. INDEED, PRECISELY THE REVERSE.
SECONDLY, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS WE WILL BE ABLE TO CONVINCE THOSE WHO PERHAPS THINK OTHERWISE IN CHINA, THAT HONG KONG’S MODEST ASPIRATIONS TO HAVE A GREATER SHARE IN DETERMINING ITS' OWN FUTURE HERE IN HONG KONG IN NO WAY REPRESENTS A THREAT TO ANYONE ELSE, LEAST OF ALL TO CHINA.
BOTH THOSE ARE IMPORTANT TASKS AND I WILL TRY TO CARRY THEM OUT FOR THE NEXT 1000+ DAYS TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.
THE PRESIDENT: THIS SITTING CONCLUDES THE PRESENT SESSION. I WISH MEMBERS WELL DURING THE SUMMER RECESS. THE NEW SESSION WILL START ON OCTOBER 5, 1994, TO WHICH DATE I NOW ADJOURN THIS COUNCIL.
- - 0 - -
Z16 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
- 16 -
GOODLAD TO VISIT- CHINA AND HK » * t » *
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE IN LONDON MADE THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY (THURSDAY):
THE RT HON ALASTAIR GOODLAD, MP, MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, WILL VISIT CHINA FROM JULY 14 TO 20 AT THE INVITATION OF THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
MR GOODLAD WILL VISIT PEKING, SHANGHAI AND CANTON AND SPEND A DAY IN HONG KONG BEFORE RETURNING TO LONDON. IN PEKING, HE WILL HAVE TALKS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND IN HONG KONG HE WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MR GOODLAD WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG BY TRAIN FROM CANTON AT 11 AM ON JULY 20 (WEDNESDAY). MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE INVITED TO COVER.
------0-------------
APPOINTMENT OF SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR * » » t ♦
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM WING-PONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, UNDER THE DELEGATED AUTHORITY FROM THE GOVERNOR, HAD APPOINTED MR RONNIE C CHAN, AS A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM AUGUST 1, 1994 TO JULY 31, 1996.
HE WILL REPLACE MR H C LEE WHO HAS SERVED ON THE COMMISSION SINCE 1990.
UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMNMISSION ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT NOT LESS THAN EIGTH DIRECTORS OF THE COMMISSION, HALF OF WHOM SHALL BE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS. AT PRESENT, THE COMMISSION IS SERVED BY FIVE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS.
”1 WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR LEE FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMISSION OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
"I AM SURE MR CHAN AND THE OTHER NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO BRING AN INDEPENDENT VIEW TO THE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION OF THE COMMISSION,” MR TAM SAID.
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/]7........
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
17
GOVERNMENT FIRM ON ANT1-II POLICY *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY) REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ADDING THAT THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN HONG KONG WAS STILL SERIOUS.
ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT FIGURES, THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED IN 1993 STOOD AT 37,517, THE HIGHEST IN 12 YEARS. THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED THIS YEAR IS 15,532 AS AT JUNE 30 AND THE ANNUAL FIGURE IS EXPECTED TO EXCEED 30,000.
TO PREVENT THE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BY LAND, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALLOCATED $52.5 MILLION TO STRENGTHEN THE BORDER FENCE FROM SHA TAU KOK TO MAI PO.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO SEEKING FUNDS TO ENHANCE THE FENCE AND OPERATIONAL FACILITIES ALONG THE WESTERN BORDER.
"IN ADDITION, THE FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT OF THE POLICE BORDER DISTRICT CONTINUES TO PATROL THE BORDER ROUND THE CLOCK,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT THERE WAS A LARGE UNDERGROUND POPULATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BECAUSE, APART FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S TOUGH ANTI-II MEASURES, IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR THEM TO GET JOBS WITHOUT AN IDENTITY CARD.
HE SAID OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED, ABOUT 60 PER CENT CAME BY SEA AND 40 PER CENT BY LAND. THE PERCENTAGE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT ON ENTRY INTO HONG KONG AVERAGES AROUND 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ARREST FIGURES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN VIEW OF CHANGING TIMES AND NEEDS, THE SECURITY BRANCH HAD REVIEWED THE NECESSITY OF CONTINUING A CURFEW ORDER WITHIN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA (FCA) WHICH WAS IMPOSED IN 1956 TO FACILITATE OPERATIONS OF ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BY THE SECURITY FORCES.
THE CURFEW ORDER REQUIRES ALL PERSONS WITHIN THE FCA TO REMAIN INDOORS BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 4 AM UNLESS THEY HAVE A VALID CURFEW PASS ISSUED BY THE POLICE.
"AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED TO BALANCE INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND THE NEED TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THE CURFEW SHOULD BE LIFTED FROM AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR AND ALL CURFEW PASSES WILL THEREFORE BE CANCELLED ON THAT DATE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE MOVE WILL ENABLE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY MORE FREEDOM IN THEIR MOVEMENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INTEGRITY OF THE BORDER WILL STILL BE MAINTAINED BY THE DEMARCATION OF THE FCA AND BY THE FCA PERMITS ISSUED TO RESIDENTS.
"FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSE, RESIDENTS WILL ONLY NEED TO PRODUCE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FCA PERMITS," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED WILL BE REPATRIATED. THOSE FOUND WORKING, AS WELL AS EMPLOYERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, WOULD BE PROSECUTED,” HE STRESSED.
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/J8 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
18
TWO MORE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACTS AWARDED *****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS TODAY (THURSDAY) APPROVED THE AWARD OF TWO AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONTRACTS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ABOUT $704 MILLION.
A $511 MILLION CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED TO SHU1 ON - CHINA HARBOUR JOINT VENTURE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, SUBWAYS, ROADS AND DRAINS FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT ON NORTH LANTAU.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1997 .
THE OTHER CONTRACT, WHICH WILL BE AWARDED TO A JOINT VENTURE OF KIER HONG KONG LTD, SUNG FOO KEE (CIVIL) LTD AND CHINA FUJIAN CORPORATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TECHNO-ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AT A PRICE OF $193 MILLION, COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AT TUNG CHUNG AND A SEWAGE. TREATMENT PLANT PROVIDING PRELIMINARY TREATMENT AT SIU HO WAN.
THESE ELEMENTS FORM PART OF THE SEWAGE COLLECTION, DISPOSAL AND TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE NORTH LANTAU DEVELOPMENT.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1996.
THE AWARD OF THESE TWO CONTRACTS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO 45, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF MORE THAN $32.8 BILLION.
TOGETHER WITH THE 11 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, VALUED AT ABOUT $11.5 BILLION, AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, AND THE $0.6 BILLION AIRPORT RAILWAY IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE ACP IS ABOUT $50.6 BILLION.
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AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON MONDAY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL MEET AT 2.30 PM ON JULY 11 (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THEIR SUB-COMMITTEES.
THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEXE), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY TELEPHONING MR CHAN HO-KEUNG AT 829 6745 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
AS SEATING IS LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
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/19......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
19
ADVANTAGE IN CHINA REJOINING THE GATT: D-G OF TRADE « » t * t
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, TODAY (THURSDAY) WARMLY SUPPORTED CHINA’S APPLICATION TO REJOIN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) - THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM SHORTLY TO BE SUBSUMED IN THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO).
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING COMMITTEE, MR MILLER POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS OBVIOUSLY BETTER FOR ALL, PARTICULARLY FOR HONG KONG, THAT CHINA BE A MEMBER OF THE GATT/WTO.
HE TOLD THE MEETING: "YOU HAVE SEEN THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH HUNG OVER US WHILE CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATIONS (MFN) STATUS HUNG IN THE BALANCE IN THE UNITED STATES.
"MORE RECENTLY YOU HAVE SEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION’S IMPOSITION OF QUOTAS ON A WHOLE RANGE OF CHINESE GOODS, AND A SEPARATE THREAT OF U.S. ACTION UNDER SECTION 301," HE ADDED.
"IT WOULD CLEARLY BE MORE REASSURING - AND PROVIDE GREATER CERTAINTY FOR BUSINESSMEN - IF DISPUTES BETWEEN CHINA AND ANY OTHER OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS COULD BE HANDLED WITHIN THE RULES OF THE GATT, IN AN OPEN AND TRANSPARENT WAY, RATHER THAN BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRARY ACTION BY ONE OR OTHER PARTY."
IN HIS TALK ON "TRADE FLOWS AND FRICTIONS - DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN A GLOBALISED ECONOMY", MR MILLER SPOKE OF THE BENEFITS OF MULTILATERALISM IN WORLD TRADE AND THE DANGERS OF UNILATERAL ACTION.
HE SAID AS THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TALKS SLOWLY PROGRESSED, WORLD TRADE HAD ALL TOO OFTEN BEEN PLAGUED BY CONFRONTATION AND THREATS OF UNILATERAL ACTION.
"IN THE EUPHORIA OF CONCLUDING THE ROUND, THERE WERE MANY, INCLUDING MYSELF, WHO HOPED FOR AN END TO THIS UNILATERALISM AND A COMMITMENT TO BOTH THE LETTER AND THE SPIRIT OF GENUINE MULTILATERALISM," HE SAID.
"SUCH COMMITMENT IS ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT. TRADE DISPUTES ARE INEVITABLE, BUT IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE, GIVEN SUFFICIENT POLITICAL RESOLVE ON THE PART OF ALL PLAYERS BOTH BIG AND SMALL, TO SETTLE THEM WITHIN, AND NOT WITHOUT THE GATT.
"ULTIMATELY, IT IS ONLY THROUGH SUCH RESOLVE THAT THE STRENGTH AND THE STATURE OF THE FUTURE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION CAN BE SECURED."
MR MILLER SAID THERE WAS MORE THAN MERE SYMBOLISM IN THE CREATION OF THE NEW WTO WHICH WOULD SEE TIGHTER RULES AND DISCIPLINES AND A MORE EFFECTIVE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT SYSTEM.
AT PRESENT, ANY GATT CONTRACTING PARTY WHICH FEELS IT HAS BEEN UNFAIRLY TREATED MAY HAVE RECOURSE TO FORMAL DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES.
/"BRIEFLY THESE .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
20
"BRIEFLY THESE FOLLOW A PATH FROM BILATERAL CONSULTATION, THROUGH CONCILIATION TO A FORMAL PANEL; THE LATTER EFFECTIVELY HEARS THE EVIDENCE OF BOTH PARTIES AND SIT IN JUDGMENT ON WHETHER ANY PARTY HAS ACTED IN A WAY INCONSISTENT WITH GATT RULES," HE SAID.
"PREVIOUSLY THE PROCESS HAS BEEN INTERMINABLE AND ADOPTION BY THE GATT COUNCIL OF THE FINDINGS OF A PANEL COULD BE BLOCKED BY A SINGLE VOTE.
"WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WTO, PROCEDURES MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN 18 MONTHS, ADOPTION OF A PANEL’S FINDINGS DO NOT REQUIRE CONSENSUS, AND THE PANEL’S FINDINGS ARE BINDING."
HOWEVER, MR MILLER SAID, EVEN THIS MARGINAL SURRENDER OF SOVEREIGNTY HAS BEEN CAUSE FOR ANXIETY AMONG SOME CONTRACTING PARTIES. HE NOTED THAT THE LEGISLATION NECESSARY FOR RATIFICATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND PACKAGE HAD YET TO BE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURES OF MOST MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WTO IN JANUARY 1995, MR MILLER SAID HE SAW TWO THREATS TO MULTILATERALISM - THE THREAT OF WHAT HE TERMED "CREEPING RECIPROCITY", AND THE THREAT OF AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE OF PROTECTIONISTS WITH NON-TRADE REFORMERS.
HE DESCRIBED CREEPING RECIPROCITY AS "THE MOST SERIOUS AND THE INSIDIOUS THREAT", REFERRING TO THE APPARENT WILLINGNESS OF THE LARGEST PLAYERS TO CONFRONT EACH OTHER OUTSIDE THE GATT AND TO CONTINUE TO RELY ON UNILATERAL MEASURES AS LEVERS TO SECURE INDIVIDUAL ADVANTAGE.
CITING EXAMPLES OF RECENT DISPUTES BETWEEN THE U.S. AND JAPAN, BETWEEN GERMANY AND BRITAIN, AND BETWEEN CANADA AND THE U.S., HE SAID: "THE PROBLEM WITH THESE AND MANY SIMILAR BI-LATERAL DISPUTES IS THAT, WHATEVER THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF THE ISSUE, AND WHATEVER THE PROTESTATIONS BY EITHER PARTY THAT NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE SHARED BY ALL, THE WEAKER PARTY WILL INEVITABLY TRY TO APPEASE THE STONGER BY BUYING JUST A BIT MORE FROM THEM THAN OTHERS.
"WHEN DISPUTES ARE SETTLED BI-LATERALLY, OUTSIDE THE GATT, ’RECIPROCITY’, THE UGLY ANTITHESIS OF ’MFN’ ALMOST ALWAYS CREEPS IN, GRADUALLY UNDERMINING THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE WHOLE STRUCTURE."
ON PROTECTIONISTS ATTEMPTING TO RIDE ON THE COAT TAILS OF LABOUR AND ENVIRONMENTAL REFORMERS, MR MILLER SAID TRADE SANCTIONS WERE OFTEN SEIZED ON AS A SEEMINGLY CONVENIENT LEVER BY ADVOCATES OF A VARIETY OF NON-TRADE REFORMS.
HE SAID HONG KONG STRONGLY SUPPORTED LABOUR RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION, BUT OPPOSED ANY LINKAGE WITH TRADE SANCTIONS.
HE SAID: "NO ONE WANTS TO SEEM TO BE ARGUING AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS OR IMPROVEMENTS TO LABOUR CONDITIONS. HONG KONG CERTAINLY WILL NOT; WE ARE PROUD ADVOCATES OF REFORM IN BOTH AREAS. BUT NOR WILL WE BE SHY OF ARGUING AGAINST WRONG-HEADED OR PERVERSE LINKAGES."
HE POINTED OUT THAT TRADE SANCTIONS WOULD NOT IMPROVE LABOUR CONDITIONS NOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WARNED THAT THEY WOULD HURT MOST THOSE THEY AIMED TO HELP, BY SLOWING THE ENCONOMIC GROWTH NEEDED TO SUSTAIN DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS.
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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
21
BEDSPACE APARTMENTS MUST HAVE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
*****
OPERATORS OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS ARE URGED TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION DURING A FIVE-MONTH REGISTRATION PERIOD STARTING JULY 8.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL EXISTING BEDSPACE APARTMENTS WERE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE OFFICE OF LICENSING AUTHORITY (OLA).
HE EXPLAINED THAT A BEDSPACE APARTMENT WAS A FLAT IN WHICH THERE WERE 12 OR MORE BEDSPACES USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED AS SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION UNDER RENTAL AGREEMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED THAT A CERTIFICATE OI EXEMPTION WOULD PROVISIONALLY EXEMPT A BEDSPACE APARTMENT FROM OBTAINING A LICENCE.
"A GRACE PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WILL BE GIVEN TO OPERATORS TO UPGRADE THEIR PREMISES TO MEET THE LICENSING CRITERIA.
"UPON THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION, OPERATORS WILL BE ADVISED OF THE UPGRADING REQUIREMENTS TO BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE A LICENCE CAN BE ISSUED," HE ADDED.
THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL THIS YEAR, IS AIMED AT ENSURING THAT THESE PREMISES COMPLY WITH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF BUILDING AND FIRE SAFETY, HEALTH AND HYGIENE.
ANY PERSON WHO OPERATES A BEDSPACE APARTMENT WITHOUT A VALID CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION OR A LICENCE WILL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $100,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
HE WILL ALSO BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $20,000 FOR EACH DAY DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE CONTINUES.
COPIES OF A LEAFLET ON "HOW TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE UNDER THE BEDSPACE APARTMENT ORDINANCE" ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY AT SEVENTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, EAST WING, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY AND AT DISTRICT OFFICES.
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MARINERS REMINDED OF RIGHT WAYS TO REPORT A DISTRESS
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT REMINDS ALL MARINERS OF THE NEED TO INFORM THE MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE (MRCC) IMMEDIATELY IN ALL CASES OF MARINE CASUALTIES SO THAT RESCUE OPERATIONS, IF NECESSARY, CAN BE PROMPTLY LAUNCHED.
"IN A DISTRESS SITUATION, A DISTRESS MESSAGE SHOULD BE TRANSMITTED USING VHF (VERY HIGH FREQUENCY) CHANNEL 16, WHICH IS THE DISTRESS FREQUENCY AND IS CONTINUOUSLY MONITORED BY ALL VESSELS AS WELL AS BY SHORE RADIO STATIONS AND THE MRCC," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
/HE STRESSED .......
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
22
HE STRESSED THAT DISTRESS COMMUNICATIONS ON PRIVATE RADIO CHANNELS WERE LESS EFFECTIVE AS SUCH COMMUNICATIONS HAD TO BE RELAYED TO THE RESCUE AUTHORITIES AND THE DELAY MIGHT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF LIFE.
THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED AN INCIDENT IN WHICH A HONG KONG-REGISTERED DREDGER STRUCK AN UNCHARTED SUBMERGED ROCK SOME 13 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTHEAST OFF MACAU ON AUGUST 12, 1993. THE VESSEL
CAPSIZED WITHIN MINUTES, RESULTING IN SIX DEATHS.
IN THE SHORT TIME AVAILABLE, THE MASTER OF THE VESSEL USED A COMPANY PRIVATE VHF CHANNEL TO ADVISE ANOTHER DREDGER THAT HIS VESSEL WAS SINKING. NO FORMAL RADIO DISTRESS MESSAGE WAS TRANSMITTED ON VHF CHANNEL 16.
THE MRCC LAUNCHED A RESCUE OPERATION FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF INFORMATION FROM A STAFF MEMBER OF THE DREDGING COMPANY SOME 40 MINUTES AFTER THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED MARINERS OF THEIR OBLIGATION, ON HEARING A DISTRESS MESSAGE, TO RELAY THE MESSAGE PROMPTLY IF NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY A SHORE STATION WAS HEARD.
IN THE CASE OF LOCAL VESSELS WHICH WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH VHF CHANNEL 16, A DISTRESS MESSAGE SHOULD BE SENT ON THEIR COMPANY OR PRIVATE VHF CHANNEL WITH A REQUEST THAT THE MESSAGE WAS IMMEDIATELY RELAYED EITHER TO THE MARINE POLICE RESCUE CENTRE ON TEL 312 6500 OR TO THE MRCC ON TEL 545 4645, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT LOCAL VESSELS EQUIPPED WITH MOBILE TELEPHONES MIGHT CONTACT THE MARINE POLICE RESCUE CENTRE OR THE MRCC DIRECT.
THE PROCEDURE FOR SENDING A DISTRESS MESSAGE BY VHF RADIOTELEPHONY ON CHANNEL 16 IS AS FOLLOWS:
1. THE WORD ’’MAYDAY” REPEATED THREE TIMES;
2. THE WORDS ’’THIS IS”;
3. NAME OF THE VESSEL OR THE CALL SIGN REPEATED THREE TIMES;
4. THE POSITION OF THE VESSEL IN DISTRESS;
5. NATURE OF THE DISTRESS;
6. TYPE OF ASSISTANCE REQUIRED, AND
7. ANY ADDITIONAL RELEVANT INFORMATION.
IF A MASTER USES A TELEPHONE TO REPORT A DISTRESS, HE SHOULD ENSURE THAT HE PROVIDES ALL THE ABOVE INFORMATION WHEN CONTACTING THE MARINE POLICE RESCUE CENTRE OR THE MRCC.
/23........
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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
23
JOB BAZAARS FOR RETRAINEES *****
A SERIES OF JOB BAZAARS WILL BE STAGED STARTING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO FACILITATE WORKERS AFFECTED BY ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING, INCLUDING RETRAINEES, TO FIND JOBS.
ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) AND SPONSORED BY THE EMPLOYEES’ RETRAINING BOARD (ERB), THE BAZAARS AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYERS AND POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES TO MAKE DIRECT CONTACT AND DISCUSS ABOUT JOB VACANCIES AND EMPLOYMENT.
"THE FIRST JOB BAZAAR THIS YEAR WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (EMPLOYMENT SERVICES) MR RAYMOND CHAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"A TOTAL OF 16 EMPLOYERS FROM DIFFERENT TRADES INCLUDING HOTEL, COMMUNICATION, SECURITY, CATERING, BAKERY, GARMENT, FREIGHT TRANSPORT, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC UTILITIES WILL TAKE PART TO BRIEF JOB SEEKERS ABOUT THEIR TRADES AND PROVIDE THEM WITH VACANCY INFORMATION,” HE SAID.'
"THEY WILL ALSO SELECT POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES FOR ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS OR ARRANGE INTERVIEWS AT OTHER DATES."
MR CHAN SAID DURING THE BAZAAR, ENQUIRIES COUNTERS WILL BE SET UP BY THE ERB AND ONE OF THE MAJOR TRAINING ORGANISATIONS TO PASS ON INFORMATION RELATING TO RETRAINING SCHEMES AND VARIOUS COURSES OFFERED, AND TO ASSIST JOB SEEKERS TO APPLY FOR SUITABLE RETRAINING COURSES ON THE SPOT.
IN ADDITION, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRAINING ORGANISATION WILL GIVE COUNSELLING TALKS TO JOB SEEKERS WHO NEED TO CHANGE THEIR JOBS BECAUSE OF ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING.
PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS WOULD ALSO GIVE TALKS ON THEIR TRADES TO ACQUAINT JOB SEEKERS WITH JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
"THE FOUR JOB BAZAARS HELD LAST YEAR WERE VERY WELL RECEIVED AND ATTRACTED ABOUT 5,400 VISITORS," MR CHAN SAID.
"A TOTAL OF 2,300 APPLICATIONS FOR JOB VACANCIES WERE RECEIVED AND MORE THAN 1,100 ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEW REFERRALS WERE MADE.
"WE HOPE THE JOB BAZAARS THIS YEAR WILL HELP MORE JOB SEEKERS TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN URGED INTERESTED JOB SEEKERS WHO ARE 30 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE TO VISIT THE JOB BAZAAR WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 11 AM TO 6 PM AT THE EXHIBITION HALL ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
HE SAID THE OTHER JOB BAZAARS WOULD BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND DECEMBER IN TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND CENTRAL RESPECTIVELY.
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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
24
"ENVIRONMENT HK 94" RELEASED
*****
"ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1994”, A PUBLICATION LAUNCHED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY), TAKES A NEW APPROACH TO REPORTING ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL WORK CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"UNLIKE PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF ANNUAL REPORTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, THE ’ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1994’ CONTAINS A SERIES OF FEATURE ARTICLES PROVIDING EASILY READABLE MATERIAL FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
TOPICS FEATURED INCLUDE THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN MAJOR WORKS PROJECTS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC LANDFILLS AND REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS TO MEET GROWING DEMANDS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES, THE MISSION OF AN EPD VESSEL, THE "DR CATHERINE LAM”, AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF AIR AND NOISE CONTROLS THROUGH RELEVANT ORDINANCES.
"BEACH GOERS WILL BE INTERESTED IN AN ARTICLE ON SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE SOUTH SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND WHERE THE MOST SCENIC AND POPULAR BEACHES ARE LOCATED, WHILE THE GENERAL PUBLIC WILL KNOW THROUGH ANOTHER ARTICLE THE LOCATIONS OF VARIOUS LOCAL CONTROL OFFICES WHICH WILL HANDLE DIRECT THEIR COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE MORE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL WORK, THE RELEVANT DATA ARE GROUPED TOGETHER IN A RESOURCE MATERIAL SECTION.
HERE READERS WILL FIND MORE INFORMATION ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL WORK IN 1993, WHICH INCLUDE THE COMMISSIONING OF THE WEST NEW TERRITORIES LANDFILL (WENT) AT NIM WAN AND THE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE ON TSING YI, AND THE OPENING OF THE FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTRE.
ON THE LEGISLATION SIDE, 1993 SAW AMONG OTHER THINGS THE ENACTMENT OF REGULATIONS PROHIBITING THE IMPORT OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING CHLOROFLUOROCARBON (CFC) OR HALONS AS WELL AS THE DECLARATION OF EASTERN AND WESTERN BUFFER WATER CONTROL ZONES.
"THE NEW FORMAT OF 'ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1994’ WILL BETTER SERVE ITS DUAL PURPOSE OF INFORMING THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING THOSE WORKING IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD ACCESS TO RELEVANT REFERENCE MATERIALS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT $55 A COPY, THE ENGLISH VERSION OF "ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1994" IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
A CHINESE LANGUAGE VERSION IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE LATER NEXT MONTH.
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25
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
RALEIGH HOPEFULS VENTURE TO SUCCEED
* * * * *
THIRTY-FIVE 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 ON JULY 8-10.
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 ASSISTING IN PROJECTS IN REMOTE AREAS OR IN COUNTRIES WITH POOR INFRASTRUCTURE. PROJECTS ARE PLANNED FOR SIBERIA, CHILE, MALAYSIA, ALASKA, ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA.
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 WILL SHOW WHETHER A CANDIDATE HAS THE NECESSARY DETERMINATION AND PERSONALITY TO COPE WITH THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF AN EXPEDITION
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE QUEEN'S GURKHA ENGINEERS ARE PROVIDING ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR THE WEEKEND, INCLUDING THE DIRECTING STAFF AND THE 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/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE SELECTION WEEKEND. FURHTER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM EITHER THE EXERCISE CO-ORDINATOR, LT R S MORTON ON TEL 450 5440, THE UNIT PRESS OFFICER, CAPT PATRICK COXEN ON TEL 450 5115 OR LT GOPAL GURUNG ON TEL 450 5490.
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NEW HOVERFERRY PLIES BETWEEN GOLD COAST AND CENTRAL *****
A NEW HOVERFERRY SERVICE FROM GOLD COAST IN TUEN MUN TO EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM SATURDAY (JULY 9), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING HOVERFERRY SERVICE BETWEEN GOLD COAST AND TSIM SHA. TSUI (EAST) WILL BE CANCELLED.
THE FERRY WILL DEPART DAILY FROM GOLD COAST AT 7.20 AM, 8 AM, 8.50 AM, 9.30 AM, 10.30 AM, 1.30 PM, 2.30 PM, 3.30 PM, 5.30 PM AND 6.10 PM, AND FROM CENTRAL (EDINBURGH PLACE) AT 8.05 AM, 8.45 AM, 9.35 AM, 12.30 PM, 1.30 PM, 2.30 PM, 4.30 PM, 5.30 PM AND 6.55 PM.
THE FARES ARE $18 FOR ADULTS AND $9 FOR PASSENGERS AGED 65 OR ABOVE AND CHILDREN UNDER 12, BUT FREE OF CHARGE FOR CHILDREN UNDER ONE YEAR OLD.
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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1994
26
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9399.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOUR) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,046 0930 -554
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,656 1000 -604
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -454
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -455 1200 -453
LAF TODAY + 65 1500 -453
1600 -455
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.9 *+0.1* 7.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF/NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.75 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.91 5.83
1 MONTH 3.88 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.23 6.31
3 MONTHS 4.22 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.90 6.72
6 MONTHS 4.63 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.94 6.91
12 MONTHS 5.31 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.05 7.04
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 28,317 MN
CLOSED 7 JULY 1994
_ n
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHOLERA OUTBREAKS GIVEN PROPER ATTENTION.................. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.................... 2
NEW HOLIDAY CAMP OPENS IN YUEN LONG....................... 3
GOVT ENDEAVOURS TO MEET RISING PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS...... 4
CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS REPORTERS........................... 5
FUNDS APPROVED FOR REPROVISIONING OF DEFENCE FACILITIES. 6
HK NOT DECLARED A CHOLERA-INFECTED TERRITORY.............. 7
STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON CHOLERA.............. 7
OWNERS TO REMOVE ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES.............. 8
COMMISSIONER WIGGHAM INVITED TO SHUTTLE LAUNCH............ 8
520,000 NEW ELECTORS REGISTERED........................... 9
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN APRIL 10
1994 ...................................................
BA DISCUSSES WITH TV STATIONS OVER REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 15
QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY COMES UNDER BRIBERY 16
PREVENTION LAW..........................................
EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION LAW GAZETTED..................... 17
/BANK LICENCE...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
BANK LICENCE REVOKED ..................................... 17
LUNG CHEUNG AND CHING CHEUNG ROADS TO BE IMPROVED...... 18
LAND REGISTRY WILL STANDARDISE FEES....................... 19
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FOR REFUSE STATION................... 19
LAND BEING RESUMED FOR WATER SCHEME....................... 20
KWUN TONG NORTH OUTLINE ZONING PLAN APPROVED.............. 20
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY............................ 20
MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ON FOSTER CARE SERVICE................. 24
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT WHAMPOA GARDEN................. 24
CLOSURE OF YAU MA TEI ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT........... 25
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
26
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
1
CHOLERA OUTBREAKS GIVEN PROPER ATTENTION *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING SAID EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO GIVE THE RECENT CHOLERA OUTBREAKS PROPER ATTENTION.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE PO LEUNG KUK JOCKEY CLUB TAI TONG HOLIDAY CAMP, MR PATTEN SAID THERE WERE NOW 18 CONFIRMED CASES WHICH WAS MORE THAN THE YEARLY AVERAGE OF ABOUT 11 CASES IN HONG KONG.
"I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY REASON FOR ALARM AT THIS TIME. CHOLERA IS BOTH PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE AND THAT’S WHAT WE’VE NOW GOT TO CONCENTRATE ON," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"IN GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT PROPER FOOD HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IS CO-ORDINATING THE WORK BEING DONE ON THAT.
"WE ARE, IN PARTICULAR, LOOKING AT THE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS IN THE FISH TANKS IN SOME OF OUR RESTAURANTS AND THAT’S BEING PURSUED AS VIGOROUSLY AS POSSIBLE."
MR PATTEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS GOING TO LOOK AT THE NEED TO MAKE THE QUALITY OF WATER IN TANKS IN RESTAURANTS ONE OF THE LICENSING CONDITIONS FOR RESTAURANTS.
"FOR THE TIME BEING, THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO MAKE SURE THAT RESTAURANTS AREN’T TAKING WATER OUT OF THE HARBOUR OR OUT OF THE TYPHOON SHELTERS," HE SAID.
"I THINK THAT WE’VE IDENTIFIED THE TYPHOON SHELTERS AS BEING A PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN TERMS OF WATER QUALITY AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN THE VICINITY OF THOSE TYPHOON SHELTERS IS PROPERLY REGULATED AND CONTROLLED."
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE RIGHT LONG-TERM SOLUTION WAS TO GET ON WITH THE PROGRAMME OF PROPER TREATMENT OF SEWAGE SO THAT THE WATERS AROUND HONG KONG WERE OF THE DESIRABLE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.
"I WANT TO ASSURE EVERYONE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTING ON THIS AS VIGOROUSLY AS WE CAN," HE ADDED.
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/2 ........
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2
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER OPENING THE PO LEUNG KUK JOCKEY CLUB TAI TONG HOLIDAY CAMP TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: I’D JUST LIKE TO SAY A COUPLE OF WORDS ABOUT A SUBJECT WHICH IS OF CONCERN TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. THERE’VE NOW BEEN 18 CONFIRMED CASES OF CHOLERA AND THERE IS ONE SUSPECTED CASE. OBVIOUSLY, PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND I THINK IT’S A MATTER WHICH WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT BUT I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY REASON FOR ALARM AT THIS TIME. CHOLERA IS BOTH PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE AND THAT’S WHAT WE’VE NOW GOT TO CONCENTRATE ON. IN PARTICULAR, IN GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT PROPER FOOD HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IS CO-ORDINATING THE WORK BEING DONE ON THAT. WE ARE, IN PARTICULAR AS YOU KNOW, LOOKING AT THE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS IN THE FISH TANKS IN SOME OF OUR RESTAURANTS AND THAT’S BEING PURSUED AS VIGOROUSLY AS POSSIBLE. IT MAY BE THE CASE THAT WE’LL NEED TO MAKE THE QUALITY OF WATER IN TANKS IN RESTAURANTS ONE OF THE LICENSING CONDITIONS FOR RESTAURANTS BUT THAT’S SOMETHING WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO LOOK AT. FOR THE TIME BEING, THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO MAKE SURE THAT RESTAURANTS AREN’T TAKING WATER OUT OF THE HARBOUR OR OUT OF THE TYPHOON SHELTERS. I THINK THAT WE’VE IDENTIFIED THE TYPHOON SHELTERS AS BEING A PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN TERMS OF WATER QUALITY AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN THE VICINITY OF THOSE TYPHOON SHELTERS IS PROPERLY REGULATED AND CONTROLLED. I BELIEVE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY RECOGNISES THAT THE RIGHT LONG-TERM SOLUTION IS TO GET ON WITH OUR PROGRAMME OF PROPER TREATMENT OF SEWAGE SO THAT THE WATERS AROUND HONG KONG ARE OF THE DESIRABLE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BUT I WANT TO ASSURE EVERYONE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTING ON THIS AS VIGOROUSLY AS WE CAN. IT’S OUR MAIN PRIORITY THIS WEEK. WE’VE GOT TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH, I REPEAT, THERE IS NO REASON FOR ALARM, 18 CASES IS MORE THAN THE AVERAGE WE HAVE IN A WHOLE YEAR WHICH RUNS AT ABOUT 11 AND WE’VE THEREFORE GOT TO GIVE THIS MATTER PROPER ATTENTION. IT’S OF CONCERN TO THE COMMUNITY AND WE INTEND TO ACT ON IT.
QUESTION: THE GOVERNMENT IS ADVISING THE WATER SUPPLIERS NOT TO TAKE WATER FROM TYPHOON SHELTER AREAS AS WELL AS VICTORIA HARBOUR BUT SOME ENVIRONMENTALISTS SAID THAT WATER OUTSIDE THESE TWO AREAS AREN’T SAFE ENOUGH TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. SO, DO YOU THINK THERE IS ANY LOOPHOLE IN THE ADVICE GIVEN BY....?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T BELIEVE SO BUT WE’RE IN CONTACT WITH RESTAURANTS AND WE’RE WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND IF WE HAVE TO GIVE NEW INSTRUCTIONS ON HYGIENE AND PERSONAL HEALTH CARE, THEN WE WILL DO SO. THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH WILL BE MAKING A FURTHER STATEMENT LATER ON TODAY.
QUESTION: SO, YOU THINK WATERS OUTSIDE THESE AREAS ARE CLEAN ENOUGH?
GOVERNOR: NOT ALL WATERS ARE CLEAN ENOUGH BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE ONLY WATERS USED IN TANKS ARE CLEAN WATERS.
/QUESTION .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
3
QUESTION: CONCERNING THE OLD-AGE RETIREMENT SCHEME, WILL THE GOVERNMENT DECIDE TO TAKE PART OR CONTRIBUTE OR TO MONITOR...?
GOVERNOR: I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE MAKING SOME PROPOSALS ON PENSIONS AND THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY SHORTLY. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE DISCUSSING THE MATTER, FOR EXAMPLE, NEXT WEEK AND AFTER THAT, WE WILL BE MAKING THE POSITION, AND OUR POSITION, ABSOLUTELY PLAIN TO THE PUBLIC. I THINK PEOPLE WILL BE PLEASED AND INTERESTED IN THE PROPOSALS WE’RE BRINGING FORWARD. WE RECOGNISE THAT WE HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TO GIVE PROPER CARE TO THE ELDERLY IN OUR COMMUNITY AND WE INTEND TO DISCHARGE THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES AND WE’LL, OBVIOUSLY, BE DISCUSSING OUR PROPOSALS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS AND I THINK THEY’LL BE WIDELY DEBATED IN THE COMMUNITY. ONE MORE QUESTION.
QUESTION: YESTERDAY, IN THE QUESTION TIME, YOU SAID THAT THE DECISION ON THIS ISSUE IS GOING TO BE IRREVOCABLE? WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT? IS IT THAT THE CHINESE SIDE....?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T REMEMBER USING THAT PHRASE BUT, OBVIOUSLY, WHEN WE HAVE AN AGREED PROPOSAL ON PENSIONS, IT’S GOING TO BE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR CARE FOR THE ELDERLY FOR MANY YEARS AHEAD. ONE MORE QUESTION.
QUESTION: IS THERE ANY SECRET DEAL BETWEEN YOU AND ......?
GOVERNOR: NONE AT ALL.
QUESTION: WHAT THINGS SHOULD BE DONE IN ORDER TO MAKE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO AGREE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S SEWAGE TREATMENT PROPOSAL IN JLG MEETINGS?
QUESTION: THE SEWAGE PROPOSAL...THE CHINESE STATEMENT SAYS IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE AND THEY ARE QUITE RESERVED.......?
GOVERNOR: THERE’RE TWO DISTINCT ISSUES. FIRST OF ALL, THERE IS A HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME FOR CLEANING UP THE WATER AROUND OUR SHORES AND FOR DEALING WITH HONG KONG’S SEWAGE PROBLEM. THAT FIRST PHASE IS FREESTANDING AND IT’S ALL COMPLETED BEFORE 1997. THERE IS A SECOND PHASE WHICH INVOLVES, BOLTING ON TO THAT FIRST PHASE, ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR DISCHARGE AND TREATMENT AND WE’LL BE DISCUSSING THAT FULLY WITH THE CHINESE SIDE. BUT THE FIRST PHASE HAPPENS BEFORE 1997 AND IS FREESTANDING.
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NEW HOLIDAY CAMP OPENS IN YUEN LONG *****
LOCAL RESIDENTS NOW HAVE ANOTHER PLACE TO REST AND RELAX AWAY FROM THE CROWDS AND HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS WITH THE OPENING OF THE TAI TONG HOLIDAY CAMP IN YUEN LONG TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CAMP WAS BUILT BY THE PO LEUNG KUK WITH SUPPORT FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB.
OFFICIATING AT ITS OPENING CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, STRESSED THE NEED FOR GREATER ACTION TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
/THERE ARE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
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THERE ARE MANY AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES THAT HAVE LOST THEIR NATURAL QUALITIES AND ALL THAT THEY OFFER TO HUMAN HEALTH AND HAPPINESS, HE SAID.
"I’M GLAD TO SAY THAT ACTION IS UNDER WAY TO START PUTTING RIGHT THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY NEGLECT AND INDIFFERENCE, BUT THERE IS LOTS MORE FOR ALL OF US TO DO.
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GOVT ENDEAVOURS TO MEET RISING PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS
* » * % t
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS DOING ITS BEST TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO RISING PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS AND INCREASING DEMANDS FOR GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT.
AT HER HALF-YEARLY BRIEFING FOR LEGCO DURING WHICH SHE DISCUSSED WITH MEMBERS THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEGCO AND THE ADMINISTRATION AND AREAS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT, MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST DECADE, THERE HAD BEEN A MARKED INCREASE IN WORKLOAD FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN TERMS OF LEGCO BUSINESS.
CITING STATISTICS TO SUPPORT HER OBSERVATION, SHE SAID THE TOTAL TIME SPENT ON LEGCO SITTINGS IN 1993/94 WAS OVER 225 HOURS AS COMPARED WITH ONLY 64 HOURS AND 44 MINUTES IN 1983/84.
A TOTAL OF 594 QUESTIONS AND 815 SUPPLEMENTARIES WAS ASKED THIS YEAR AS AGAINST 180 QUESTIONS AND 295 SUPPLEMENTARIES 10 YEARS AGO.
THERE WERE 46 MOTION DEBATES IN 93/94 AS COMPARED WITH ONLY THREE IN 83/84.
"WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO THE NEW CHALLENGE, AND ADAPT OUR STYLE OF WORK ACCORDINGLY," MRS CHAN SAID.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WISH TO MAINTAIN A CO-OPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNCIL. WE THEREFORE WELCOME ANY MEASURES THAT WILL HELP," SHE ADDED.
MRS CHAN SUGGESTED THAT THE LEGCO PANEL SYSTEM COULD BE RATIONALISED TO AVOID DUPLICATION OF WORK AND MAXIMISE THE USE OF RESOURCES.
SHE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT MEMBERS WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSIDERING WAYS OF STREAMLINING THE SYSTEM.
MRS CHAN WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE CONTINUED EFFORT BY MEMBERS TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF SCRUTINISING BILLS.
WELCOMING A GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN THIS AREA THIS YEAR, SHE HOPED THAT THE BILLS COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK DURING THE SUMMER RECESS.
SHE WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE DELAY IN PROCESSING THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES BILL AFTER TWO YEARS OF DELIBERATION.
/SHE HOPED .......
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
SHE HOPED THAT MEMBERS COULD COMPLETE CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL DURING THE SUMMER SO THAT THE LEGISLATION COULD BE ENACTED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THE THIRD AREA OF CONCERN RELATED TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS RAISED BY MEMBERS AT THE SPECIAL FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND THE SHORT TIME BRANCHES WERE GIVEN TO ANSWER THEM.
IN MARCH THIS YEAR MEMBERS RAISED A TOTAL OF 1,570 INITIAL QUESTIONS AND 253 SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS ON THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ITEMS.
SHE TOLD MEMBERS THAT THE FINANCE BRANCH WAS CARRYING OUT A REVIEW OF THIS YEAR’S EXECISE AND THE ADMINISTRATION WILL LATER IN THE YEAR PROPOSE WAYS OF IMPROVING THE SYSTEM.
ANOTHER SUBJECT OF CONCERN WAS THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS.
WHILST RECOGNISING MEMBERS’ CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO MOVE PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS, MRS CHAN WAS WORRIED THAT A PROLIFERATION OF SUCH BILLS COULD UPSET CAREFULLY THOUGHT OUT PRIORITIES IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME AND AFFECT THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO ENACT THE LEGISLATION IT NEEDED TO CARRY OUT ITS POLICIES IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
SHE URGED MEMBERS TO DISCUSS THEIR PROPOSALS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION SO THAT THESE CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO PUBLIC BILLS WHENEVER APPROPRIATE.
SHE ALSO HOPED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION COULD BE GIVEN AMPLE NOTICE IN THE EVENT THAT MEMBERS DECIDE TO INTRODUCE PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS.
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CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS REPORTERS *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN’S REPLIES TO REPORTERS OUTSIDE THE LEGCO CHAMBER AFTER BRIEFING LEGCO MEMBERS THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON:
MRS CHAN: THIS IS THE SECOND BRIEFING THAT I’VE DONE FOR LEGCO MEMBERS. IN RESPONSE TO MEMBERS’ REQUEST, I HAVE AGREED THAT WE WILL STEP UP THE FREQUENCY OF THIS BRIEFING AND EXCHANGE TO EVERY OTHER MONTH. BUT WE’VE JUST HAD A VERY USEFUL DISCUSSION, REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE PAST YEAR. IT IS QUITE EVIDENT THAT LEGCO HAS HAD A VERY BUSY YEAR AND I THINK ITS RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. DURING THE SESSION, LEGCO PASSED A HUNDRED AND FOUR BILLS, COMPARED WITH 84 BILLS LAST YEAR. WE LOOKED AT AREAS IN WHICH WE COULD STREAMLINE CURRENT WORKING ARRANGEMENTS SO AS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, FOR EXAMPLE, THE RATIONALISATION OF THE PANELS THAT LOOK AT VARIOUS ISSUES AND PROCESS BILLS; THE QUESTION OF WHETHER WE CAN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE THE HIGH NUMBER OF QUESTIONS THAT ARE ASKED EVERY YEAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE DRAFT ESTIMATES, BECAUSE FOR THE LAST DRAFT ESTIMATES, WE HAD WELL OVER FIFTEENTH HUNDRED QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS, ALL OF WHICH HAD BEEN ANSWERED WITHIN A PERIOD OF ONE TO TWO DAYS. SO DURING THOSE TWO DAYS, THE GOVERNMENT VIRTUALLY CAME TO A HALT. SO I SUGGESTED TO MEMBERS THAT PERHAPS THE QUESTIONS COULD BE SPREAD DURING THE YEAR AND SOME OF THE QUESTIONS MIGHT NOT BE SO URGENT, SO THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS A BIT MORE TIME TO ANSWER THEM. BUT IN GENERAL, I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT WE FELT THAT WE HAD A VERY GOOD YEAR WITH LEGCO. IT HAS BEEN A VERY CONSTRUCTIVE AND COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MORE OF THE SAME IN THE COMING YEAR.
/QUESTION .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
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QUESTION: CHIEF SECRETARY, THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF, AS YOU KNOW, A VERY CLOSE VOTE IN THE LAU CHIN-SHEK INCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT ONCE AGAIN BRINGS UP THE QUESTION OF ...... WE'VE GOT A MAJORITY IN LEGCO AND WHAT ARE THE OBVIOUS SOLUTIONS FOR THAT?
MRS CHAN: WELL, WE'VE SAID THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU'RE REFERRING TO THE PASSAGE OF BILLS, THERE IS A PROCEDURE THROUGH WHICH THOSE HAVE TO PASS, IT HAS TO PASS ALL THREE READINGS. AND WE OBVIOUSLY ACCEPT THE MAJORITY VOTE IN LEGCO. AS THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT, EVERY MEMBER’S VOTE IS JUST AS GOOD AS ANY OTHER MEMBERS' VOTE. AND I THINK ALL MEMBERS MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITH THE OUTCOME OF THAT VOTING SYSTEM.
QUESTION: THE QUESTION THAT REALLY EXISTS AND MY QUESTION, IF I MAY JUST CLARIFY, IS THAT YOU DON’T OBVIOUSLY KNOW WHO IS GOING TO GET THE MAJORITY IN LEGCO AND HAVING LEGCO MEMBERS ON EXCO WILL BE ONE WAY OF HELPING STRAIGHTENING THAT.OUT?
MRS CHAN: THE GOVERNOR HAS SAID THAT IN 1992 HE TOOK THE DECISION TO SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP OF EXCO FROM MEMBERSHIP OF LEGCO, BUT HE HAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THAT SITUATION WILL NOT REMAIN UNCHANGED FOREVER MORE. AND OBVIOUSLY, AFTER THE 1995 ELECTIONS, WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AGAIN AT THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE OVERLAPPING MEMBERSHIP BETWEEN EXCO AND LEGCO.
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FUNDS APPROVED FOR REPROVISIONING OF DEFENCE FACILITIES *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) WELCOMED THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S DECISION TO APPROVE FUNDS FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF DEFENCE FACILITIES.
COMMENTING ON THE OUTCOME OF THIS AFTERNOON’S FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, POINTED OUT THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S UNANIMOUS SUPPORT WOULD ENABLE THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE LANDS, WHICH WAS STRUCK ON JUNE 30 THIS YEAR, TO BE IMPLEMENTED.
’’THIS IS A GOOD DEAL FOR HONG KONG; THE AGREEMENT WILL FREE UP MANY VALUABLE MILITARY SITES TO PROVIDE LAND FOR MUCH-NEEDED HOUSING, OPEN SPACE AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. IT ALSO PROVIDES CERTAINTY ABOUT AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997,’’ SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN ADDED: ’’FOLLOWING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S DECISION THIS AFTERNOON, WE SHALL NOW PRESS AHEAD WITH THE REPROVISIONING PROJECTS TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN FULFIL THE COMMITMENTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.”
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HK NOT DECLARED A CHOLERA-INFECTED TERRITORY * * * * *
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS SHELLEY LAU, ENDORSED A DECISION BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH NOT TO DECLARE HONG KONG A CHOLERA-INFECTED TERRITORY.
MRS LAU SAID HONG KONG HAD A VERY GOOD SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM AS WELL AS EFFICIENT AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. PROMPT PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO STOP THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA FROM THE 18 REPORTED CASES SO FAR.
HOWEVER, SHE DOES APPRECIATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE SAFETY OF SEAFOOD.
SHE REITERATED THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH’S ADVICE THAT ALL FOOD CAN BE SAFELY CONSUMED IF IT IS THOROUGHLY CLEANED AND PROPERLY COOKED TO KILL BACTERIA.
SHE ADDED THAT CHOLERA IS A PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE DISEASE, AND WITH GOOD PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE, THERE IS LITTLE DANGER OF CATCHING THE DISEASE.
AT THE SAME TIME, SHE RECOGNISED THAT ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IS AN AREA THAT NEEDS ATTENTION. SHE NOTED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IS TAKING APPROPRIATE ACTION IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER AS ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MEASURES TO COMBAT CHOLERA.
IMMEDIATE AND LONGER-TERM MEASURES AGAINST CHOLERA ARE BEING CO-ORDINATED BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE. RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE STEPPED UP INSPECTIONS OF FOOD PREMISES, AND MONITORING OF FOOD HYGIENE AND WATER QUALITY.
APART FROM THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, THE MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS ALSO STEPPED UP MEASURES TO ADVISE RESTAURANT OPERATORS TO FILL THEIR FISH-TANKS WITH WATER OBTAINED FROM CLEAN SOURCES OF SUPPLY - NOT FROM THE HARBOUR OR TYPHOON SHELTERS.
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STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON CHOLERA *****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
THERE IS NO NEED TO DECLARE HONG KONG A CHOLERA INFECTED AREA.
IN LINE WITH THE CURRENT INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE, THE HEALTH ADMINISTRATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL TERRITORY OR COUNTRY DECIDES ON WHETHER THE PLACE SHOULD BE DECLARED A CHOLERA INFECTED AREA OR NOT.
THE DECISION IS MADE ON THE BASIS OF WHETHER THE LOCAL CHARACTERISTICS COULD PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA FROM THE REPORTED CASES.
/SUCH CHARACTERISTICS
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
SUCH CHARACTERISTICS INCLUDE SAFE WATER SUPPLY, HIGH STANDARD OF SANITATION, EFFECTIVE DISEASE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM, AS WELL AS EFFICIENT AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. ALL THESE ARE PRESENT IN HONG KONG.
HENCE, PROMPT PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES CAN BE INSTITUTED TO STOP THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA FROM THE REPORTED CASES.
IT MUST BE EMPHASISED THAT THE NUMBER OF CHOLERA CASES IS NOT THE CRITERION TO DETERMINE WHETHER AN AREA SHOULD BE DECLARED AN INFECTED AREA.
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OWNERS TO REMOVE ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS INSTRUCTED OWNERS WHO SET UP ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES IN THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER TO REMOVE THEIR STRUCTURES BY TOMORROW (SATURDAY), A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES ARE USED IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER TO SUSPEND NETS FOR KEEPING FISH, SHRIMP, CRAB AND SHELLFISH.
THE ACTION WAS INITIATED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AS ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO COMBAT CHOLERA.
"THE OWNERS WERE INFORMED VERBALLY YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AND REMOVAL NOTICES IN WRITING HAVE BEEN SERVED TO THEM TODAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE ACTION TOMORROW TO REMOVE THESE STRUCTURES SHOULD THE OWENERS FAIL TO REMOVE THEM." HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING ACTION TO PROHIBIT FISHING IN TYPHOON SHELTERS. THE BAN WILL TAKE EFFECT ONCE APPROPRIATE NOTICE BOARDS ARE ERECTED.
"THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER WILL BE THE FIRST ONE ON THE LIST," HE SAID.
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COMMISSIONER W1GGHAM INVITED TO SHUTTLE LAUNCH
*****
THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER TO THE USA, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, IS IN FLORIDA TO WITNESS THE LAUNCH OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA AT THE INVITATION OF DR LEROY CHIAO -- NASA’S FIRST ASTRONAUT OF 100 PFR CENT CHINESE ANCESTRY.
SPEAKING UPON HIS ARRIVAL IN FLORIDA, MR WIGGHAM EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION TO DR CHIAO FOR THE GRACIOUS INVITATION AND OFFERED HIS CONGRATULATIONS ON DR CHIAO’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE HONOUR BESTOWED
'THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHARE DR CHIAO’S EXCITEMENT AND ENTHUSIASM IN SPACE AND THE SCIENCES. INDEED, I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT A PIECE OF HONG KONG IS TRAVELLING WITH DR CHIAO UP TO THE HEAVENS," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
/A QUARTZ .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
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A QUARTZ STONE ENGRAVED WITH THE BAUHINIA AND EXCAVATED FROM CHEK LAP KOK IS BEING CARRIED ONBOARD THE SPACE SHUTTLE.
UPON ITS DRAMATIC RETURN FROM SPACE, THE QUARTZ ALONG WITH A CERTIFICATE OF FLIGHT PRESENTED BY NASA WILL BE MOUNTED AND DISPLAYED IN THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL.
"THE QUARTZ STONE SIGNIFIES GROWING HONG KONG-U.S. TIES AND A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE ARE BEING BROUGHT EVER CLOSER. MAY THIS STONE, WHEN PLACED IN OUR NEW AIRPORT ON CHEK LAP KOK, REMIND ALL WHO PASS THROUGH HONG KONG’S GATEWAY OF THE BRIGHT FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THE NEARNESS OF OUR FRIENDS IN THE UNITED STATES," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
THE 14-DAY MISSION WILL BE THE 17TH FLIGHT OF COLUMBIA AND THE 63RD SHUTTLE MISSION.
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520,000 NEW ELECTORS REGISTERED
*****
A TOTAL OF 520,000 NEW ELECTORS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED DURING THE THREE-MONTH VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WHICH ENDED LAST FRIDAY (JULY 1).
THIS IS A RECORD FIGURE OF NEW VOTERS RECRUITED IN ONE SINGLE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN. A TOTAL OF 846,000 VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS WERE RECEIVED. THESE INCLUDE OVER 300,000 FROM CURRENT ELECTORS REPORTING CHANGES OF PARTICULARS.
OF THE NEW ELECTORS, 108,000 ARE BETWEEN THE AGE OF 18 AND 21 YEARS WHO FOR THE FIRST TIME HAVE BECOME ELIGIBLE TO BE REGISTERED AS ELECTORS. THIS REPRESENTS ABOUT 54 PER CENT OF THE 200,000 ELIGIBLE ELECTORS IN THE AGE GROUP.
IN THE LAST MAJOR VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN IN 1990, A TOTAL OF 528,904 FORMS WERE RECEIVED, FROM WHICH 299,312 NEW ELECTORS WERE RECRUITED.
COMMENTING ON THE RESULTS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THIS YEAR’S REGISTRATION DRIVE WAS A TREMENDOUS ACHIEVEMENT.
THERE IS A 60 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FORMS RETURNED AS COMPARED TO THE LAST MAJOR CAMPAIGN AND SOME 70 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW ELECTORS REGISTERED.
THE SIZE OF THE TOTAL REGISTERED ELECTORATE WILL INCREASE FROM 1.94 MILLION LAST YEAR TO 2.46 MILLION THIS YEAR.
THE REGISTRATION RATE WILL ALSO JUMP FROM 52 PER CENT IN 1993 TO ALMOST 63 PER CENT THIS YEAR.
MR JUSTICE WOO SAID THE CAMPAIGN HAD LAID FIRM GROUNDS FOR THE COMING ELECTIONS.
THE CHAIRMAN, ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSION, EXPRESSED HIS GRATITUDE TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE CAMPAIGN.
/HE COMMENDED .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
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HE COMMENDED IN PARTICULAR THE HARD WORK OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THEIR COMMUNITY ORGANISERS. ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF ALL THE REGISTRATION FORMS WERE RETURNED THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE EXUBERANT SUPPORT OF THE MEDIA, SCHOOLS, YOUTH GROUPS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, ABOVE ALL, THE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD SENT IN THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS.
HOWEVER, MR JUSTICE WOO SAID HE HAD HOPED A HIGHER REGISTRATION RATE COULD BE ACHIEVED AMONG THE 18-21 AGE GROUP.
"IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD CLASHED WITH THE EXAMINATION SEASON. THIS MIGHT HAVE DAMPENED THE RESPONSE FROM OUR YOUNGSTERS. ’’
MR JUSTICE WOO ACKNOWLEDGED THAT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS AMONG THE YOUNGSTERS WOULD REQUIRE LONG-TERM CIVIC EDUCATION EFFORTS.
HE PLEDGED THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD CONTINUE TO REACH OUT TO THIS TARGET GROUP IN ITS FUTURE REGISTRATION DRIVES.
------0-------
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN APRIL 1994 ♦ ♦ * ♦ »
IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 12% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 8.9%, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7.6%. MEANWHILE, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 8.2% 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 EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 0.9% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.5%.
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, DECREASED BY 0.9% IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING APRIL 1994 WITH APRIL 1993, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 7.7%. > TAKING TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7.0%. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 8.1%.
/OVER THE........
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
11
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY 0.8%. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.5%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING APRIL 1994 WITH APRIL 1993, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES RECORDED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES : RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+22%), FUELS (+21%), FOODSTUFFS (+17%), CONSUMER GOODS (+7.1%) AND CAPITAL GOODS (+2.6%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS, FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 2.8%, 2.1% AND 1.1% RESPECTIVELY'. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS, AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 16% AND 1.0% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC-EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
COMPARING APRIL 1994 WITH APRIL 1993, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+15%) AND METAL MANUFACTURES (+4.0%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES TN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-61%) AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-21%).
COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES INCLUDED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+4.9%), TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+3.9%) AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+3.3%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE FABRICS (-3.9%) AND METAL ORES AND SCRAPS (-3.2%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 13% IN APRIL 1994 AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATION. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SWINE AND FRUIT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 5.1%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES. ON THE OTHER HAND, A MARKED DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS NOTED OF PASSENGER MOTOR CARS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 13% IN APRIL 1994 AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1993.
/SIGNIFICANT INCREASES .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
12
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; COTTON YARN AND THREAD; AND SILK FABRICS. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF INEDIBLE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS; AND WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED MARKEDLY BY 34% IN VOLUME IN APRIL 1994 AS COMPARED WITH APRIL 1993.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1.2% IN APRIL 1994 OVER APRIL <993.
A NOTABLE INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINERY. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND TEXTILE MACHINERY DECLINED.
COMPARING APRIL 1994 WITH APRIL 1993, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED : RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2.8%), CAPITAL GOODS (+1.8%), CONSUMER GOODS (+1.2%) AND FOODSTUFFS (+0.4%). THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS, HOWEVER, DECREASED BY 18%.
STARTING FROM APRIL, THE SERIES OF QUANTUM INDEX HAVE BEEN REVISED BY ADOPTING A NEW METHOD FOR COMPILING THE QUANTUM INDICES. DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE APRIL 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE FROM NEXT TUESDAY (JULY 12) AT $9 PER COPY AT EITHER (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 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 ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AM) STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4918.
/TABLE 1 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
13
TABLE 1 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING APR 1994 COMPARING JAN-APR 1994 WITH JAN-APR 1993
END-USE CATEGORY WITH APR 1993 % CHANGES
% CHANGES
VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 19.5 2.1 16.7 16.9 1.5 15.5
CONSUMER GOODS 7.5 1 . 1 7. 1 12.2 1 . 1 10.5
RAW MATERIALS AND
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 21.1 -1.0 22.4 18.0 -1.3 19.3
FUELS 4 . 1 -15.9 20.9 17.1 • -16.3 34.9
CAPITAL GOODS 3.8 2.8 2.6 5.0 2.2 4.3
ALL COMMODITIES 10.7 0.8 10.9 12.6 0.6 12.1
/TARF.F ?..........
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
14
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING APR 1994
WITH APR 1993 % CHANGES
COMPARING JAN-APR 1994
WITH JAN-APR 1993 % CHANGES
UNIT
UNIT
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE VALUE VOLUME VALUE VALUE VOLUME
CLOTHING -3.5 0.9 -4.3 -4.9 1.3 -5.5
TEXTILE FABRICS -13.9 -3.9 -10.4 -15.1 -5.9 -10.0
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -8.9 -0. 1 -8.0 -13.2 -1.3 -10.9
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 15.9 0. 1 1 5.4 -3 . 1 -0.3 -1.1
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -59.8 3.3 -60.6 -58.3 1 .9 -59.3
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 0.8 4.9 -3.0 -9 . 1 3.2 -11.9
FOOTWEAR -12.9 -2.3 -16.5 -18.0 -0.9 -21.8
METAL MANUFACTURES 2. 1 1 .9 4.0 - I . 1 2.2 - 3.9
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -14.5 -3.2 -12.6 -15.0 -1.2 -15.1
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -14.0 0.5 -13.5 -12.6 1 . 1 -12.7
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -11.6 3.9 -14.3 -7.2 5.3 -11.9
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -16.9 1 . 1 -20.7 -2 1 .9 1 . 7 -25.4
ALL COMMODITIES -6.7 0.8 -7 7 -7.8 o . 9 -8.9
/TABLE 3 ........
- 15 - FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING APR 1994 WITH APR 1993 COMPARING JAN-APR 1994 WITH JAN-APR 1993
% CHANGES % (MANGES
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE l NIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 13.0 0.4 13.1 11.9 -0.5 13.1
CONSUMER GOODS 4.9 1.2 5. 1 9.5 2.1 8.3
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 16.5 2.8 13. 1 13.9 1.8 11.5
FUELS 9.0 -18.4 34.1 -18.5 -17.3 -1.4
CAPITAL GOODS 2.9 1 .8 1 . 2 1.0 2.3 1 . 6
ALL COMMODITIES 00 X 1 . 5 8. 1 9.6 1.5 8.2
- - 0 - - —
BA DISCUSSES WITH TV STATIONS OVER REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ♦ ♦ * t *
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) MET YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ATV AND TVB SEPARATELY TO DISCUSS THE LICENSEES’ CONCERNS OVER THE EXISTING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR COMMERCIAL TELEVISION.
THE MEETING WAS PART OF THE MID-TERM REVIEW THAI THE BA IS CONDUCTING INTO THE COMMERCIAL TELEVISION LICENCES, AND WHICH HAS ALREADY INVOLVED THE CONDUCT OF A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY AND THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BA SAID THE MEETINGS WITH THE LICENSEES PROVIDED THE BA WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF HEARING FIRST HAND FROM THE LICENSEES OF THEIR EXPERIENCE IN COPING WITH LICENSING CONDITIONS SINCE 1988 AND IN THE FACE OF THE RAPIDLY CHANGING AND MORE COMPETITIVF. BROADCASTING ENVIRONMENT.
’’MEMBERS CAN UNDERSTAND THE LICENSEES’ DESIRF TO BE GIVEN SOME ASSURANCE OF CONTINUITY TO PURSUE THEIR DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
ON THE OTHER HAND
THE LICENSEES THAT VIEWERS’
PERFORMANCE
MEMBERS WOULD WISH TO BE SATISFIED
CAN LIVE UP TO PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS
INTERESTS ARE OBSERVED"
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THAT AND
THE BA W[LL THEREFORE NEED
TVB’S SUBMISSIONS TOGETHER WITH PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE IT MAKES
GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL BY THE END OF
TO
ALL
CAREFULLY
THE FINAL \ EAR .
V I EWS
CONSIDER ATV’S
GATHERED FROM
RECOMMENDATIONS
AND
THE
THE
TH I S
FRIDAY JULY 8, 1994 — Io —
AT THE SAME MEETING, THE BA DEALT WITH SOME COMPLAINTS ABOUT RECENT TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTS.
THESE INCLUDED 35 COMPLAINTS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO THOUGHT THE CANTONESE EXPRESSION ABOUT PARENTS FEATURED IN AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE NEWSPAPER THE EXPRESS BROADCAST ON ATV HOME, WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR BROADCAST ON TELEVISION.
THE BA CONSIDERED THAT WHILE THE EXPRESSION WAS NOT DOWNRIGHT OFFENSIVE IT MIGHT NOT BE SO WIDELY ACCEPTED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
ATV WAS REMINDED OF THE SENSITIVITY OF PHRASES OF THIS NATURE.
ANOTHER COMPLAINT RELATED TO METRO BROADCAST BREACHING ITS LICENCE CONDITIONS BY BROADCASTING INSUFFICIENT ADVISORY PROGRAMME MATERIAL DURING THE WEEK MAY 1-7.
THE BA NOTED THAT METRO’S LICENCE INCLUDED A REQUIREMENT THAT IT BROADCAST ON EACH CHANNEL AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PER WEEK GF ADVISORY PROGRAMMES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE YOUNG OR THE ELDERLY, BUT THAT DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY METRO HAD BROADCAST ONLY 15 MINUTES OF SUCH PROGRAMMES ON ITS HIT RADIO CHANNEL.
THE BA ISSUED A SERIOUS WARNING TO METRO IN RESPECT OF THIS BREACH.
THE BA ALSO CONSIDERED A REPORT ON THE BROADCAST OF ADVERTISEMENTS FOR PROPERTY IN CHINA.
MEMBERS WERE AWARE THAT THERE HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE CONTENTS OF SUCH ADVERTISEMENTS AND THE BA IS MONITORING THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND WILL TAKE ACTION Ik ANY OF THE ADVERTISING STANDARDS ARE BREACHED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TV LICENSEES TO ENSURE THAT ALL CLAIMS MADE IN THESE ADVERTISEMENTS WERE TRUE, AND THERE WERE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS LAID DOWN IN THE CODES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING SUCH ADVERTISEMENTS.
THE BA WOULD BE WRITING TO THE TV STATIONS TO SEEK MORE INFORMATION ON THE STATIONS’ OWN VETTING PROCEDURES AND ON THE NUMBERS OF SUCH PROPERTIES THAT HAVE BEEN ADVERTISED ON TV IN RECENT MONTHS.
SEPARATELY THE BA WOULD INVESTIGATE SOME SUCH ADVERTISEMENTS THAT IT HAD FOUND PROBLEMATIC.
FINALLY, THE BA WOULD REVIEW ITS CODES OF PRACTICE TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY CHANGES WERE NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE RAPID GROWTH jn THIS TYPE OF ADVERTISING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY COMES UNDER BRIBERY PREVENTION LAW
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DECIDED THAT ASSURANCE AGENCY SHOULD BE MADE A PUBLIC BODY THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE, THE (FRIDAY).
THE HONG KONG QUALITY
UNDER SECTION 2(1) OF GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY
THE ORDINANCE CONTAINS SPECIFIC PROVISIONS RELATING PREVENTION OF BRIBERY IN PUBLIC BODIES WHICH INCLUDE COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES OR OTHER BODIES SPECIFIED IN THE THE ORDINANCE.
ANY
TO THE
BOARDS,
SCHEDULE TO
/T'MF ftCFNCY
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
17
THE AGENCY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1990 FOR CERTIFYING THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE ’’ISO 9000” SERIES OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARDS FOR LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.
ISO 9000 CERTIFICATION IS GENERALLY REGARDED AS PROOF OF QUALITY CAPABILITIES AND IS BECOMING A PREREQUISITE FOR HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS IN THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND QUALITY-CONSCIOUS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ADDING THE AGENCY TO THE LIST OF PUBLIC BODIES SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE WOULD INCREASE THE PUBLIC'S CONFIDENCE IN THE AGENCY AS A CORRUPTION-FREE PUBLIC ORGANISATION.
------0-------
EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION LAW GAZETTED *******
THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, WHICH WAS PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 6), BECAME EFFECTIVE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
UNDER THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRAVELLING BETWEEN HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND HIS PLACE OF WORK WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 OR ABOVE, OR RED OR BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL, IS ISSUED, WILL BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION DIVISION, MR CHOW CHEUNG-FAT, SAID AN EMPLOYEE SEEKING COMPENSATION FOR PERSONAL INJURY BY ACCIDENT IN SUCH ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS MUST, AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, BE TRAVELLING FROM HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE TO HIS PLACE OF WORK BY A DIRECT ROUTE WITHIN A PERIOD OF FOUR HOURS BEFORE THE TIME OF COMMENCEMENT OF HIS WORKING HOURS FOR THAT DAY, OR FROM HIS PLACE OF WORK TO HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE WITHIN A PERIOD OF FOUR HOURS AFTER THE TIME OF’ CESSATION OF HIS WORKING HOURS FOR THAT DAY.
’’WHERE A DISPUTE ARISES AS TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES GIVING RISE TO THE ACCIDENT, THE COMPENSATION CASE WILL BE DECIDED BY THE COURT,” HE ADDED.
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE CAN BE MADE TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT 717 1771.
------0-------
BANK LICENCE REVOKED « ♦ » » «
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE BANKING LICENCE OF THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND (BNZ) HAD BEEN REVOKED AT THE REQUEST OF THE BANK.
BNZ, A BANK INCORPORATED IN NEW ZEALAND, HAS BEEN OPERATING IN HONG KONG AS A BRANCH LICENSED BANK SINCE 1987.
IN NOVEMVER 1992, BNZ BECAME A SUBSIDIARY OF NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK (NAB), A BANK INCORPORATED IN AUSTRALIA, WHICH ALSO MAINTAINS A BRANCH IN HONG KONG.
/AFTER THE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
18
AFTER THE ACQUISITION, NAB DECIDED TO ABSORB BNZ’S HONG KONG OPERATIONS INTO THE NAB NETWORK.
"THE ABSORPTION OF BNZ’S OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG PURELY REFLECTS NAB’S RATIONALISATION OF THE GROUP’S OPERATIONS," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"HONG KONG CONTINUES TO BE REGARDED AS AN IMPORTANT PLACE TO HAVE A BANKING PRESENCE. SEVEN BANKING LICENCES HAVE BEEN GRANTED TO OVERSEAS BANKS SINCE JANUARY 1994," HE SAID.
AFTER THE REVOCATION, THERE ARE 178 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 146 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY.
- - 0
LUNG CHEUNG AND CHING CHEUNG ROADS TO BE IMPROVED *****
LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD ARE TO BE IMPROVED TO PROVIDE THE MUCH-NEEDED ADDITIONAL TRUNK ROAD CAPACITY BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE OPENING OF THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT IN 1997.
A $576 MILLION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTOR, TO ENABLE WORK TO START IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID THE PROJECT WAS TO WIDEN MUCH OF THE EXISTING DUAL, TWO-LANE ROADS TO DUAL, THREE-LANE ROADS, AND TO BUILD A BYPASS ON ELEVATED STRUCTURES, CALLED "OFF LINE-LINK", BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BEACON HEIGHTS.
UNDER THIS CONTRACT, WHICH FORMS PHASE J OF THE WHOLE PROJECT, IMPROVEMENT WORK IS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE SECTION FROM BUTTERFLY VALLEY TO NAM CHEONG STREET INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE "OFFLINE LINK".
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WORK WOULD INCLUDE IMPROVEMENT OF THE CORNWALL STREET/NAM CHEONG STREET ROUNDABOUT, THE REALIGNMENT OF PARTS OF TAI PO ROAD AND THE RELOCATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF TAI WOH PING ROAD AND ITS CONNECTION TO TAI PO ROAD, AND THE INSTALLATION OF EMERGENCY-TELEPHONE SYSTEM.
TO ENHANCE SAFETY, TWO EXISTING FOOTBRIDGES WILL BE DEMOLISHED AND REPLACED BY TWO NEW ONES. NOISE BARRIERS ALONG SECTIONS OF THE "OFF LINE LINK" AND SECTIONS OF THE WIDENED CHING CHEUNG ROAD WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PHASE I WORKS INVOLVED HEAVY FOUNDATION WORKS, NUMEROUS PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE STRUCTURES TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO MAJOR CUT SLOPES WHICH HAVE TO BE REMAINED UNDISTURBED AT ALL TIMES.
"AS LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD ARE THE MAIN CORRIDOR CONNECTING EASTERN KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN/KWA1 CHUNG AREAS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE EXISTING DUAL, TWO-LANE TRAFFIC MUST BE MAINTAINED TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC DURING CONSTRUCT I ON, ' HE SAID.
/"THIS TRAFFIC
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
19
"THIS TRAFFIC REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN LAID DOWN CLEARLY IN THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONTRACTOR TO COMPLY WITH,” HE ADDED.
PHASE II WORKS, FOR THE SECTION BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR UNDER A SEPARATE CONTRACT. BOTH PHASES OF WORKS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN JUNE 1997.
- - 0 - -
LAND REGISTRY WILL STANDARDISE FEES *****
THE LAND REGISTRY WILL STANDARDISE FEES FOR LAND REGISTRATION AND OTHER SERVICES WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 15, THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTIFIED TODAY (FRIDAY).
AS FROM THAT DATE, FEES PAYABLE IN THE NEW TERRI''ORI ES LAND REGISTRIES WILL BE BROUGHT IN LINE WITH THOSE CHARGED AT THE URBAN LAND REGISTRY ON A COST RECOVERY BASIS. MEANWHILE, FEES PAYABLE AT THE URBAN LAND REGISTRY REMAIN UNCHANGED.
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL ENABLE THE LAND REGISTRY TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND TO INTRODUCE NEW SERVICES, INCLUDING COMPUTERISATION AND MICROFILMING-CUM-IMAGING OF LAND RECORDS IN THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT TOWN LOT RECORDS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BECOME AVAILABLE FOR SEARCH IN COMPUTERISED MODE LATER THIS YEAR.
DETAILS OF THE STANDARDISATION OF FEES WERE GAZETTED ON JUNE 3.
- - 0 - -
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FOR REFUSE STATION *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSTRUCT ABOUT 100 METRES OF SEAWALL DREDGE AND RECLAIM ABOUT 2,000 SQUARE METRES OF LAND AT THE WESTERN SIDE OF HEI LING CHAU TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION.
or. ™E W°RK WILL AFFECT AB0UT 10,000 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT THE WESTERN SIDE OF HEI LING CHAU. IT WILL COMMENCE IN JUNE NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 1996.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). THE NOTICE, AND ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED
NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT'S SURVEY AND
MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO BELIEVES THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 8.
- - 0 - -
20
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
LAND BEING RESUMED FOR WATER SCHEME ♦ * * ♦ *
PORTIONS OF 13 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 520 SQUARE METRES ARE BEING RESUMED TO ALLOW IMPLEMENTATION OF A SCHEME TO PROVIDE METERED WATER SUPPLY TO WONG MO YING, TAM WAT, TIT KIM HANG, PING TUN AND SHEK HANG IN SAI KUNG.
THE SCHEME, WHICH WILL INVOLVE LAYING OF WATER PIPES AND VARIOUS ASSOCIATED WORKS, WILL START AT THE END OF OCTOBER AND FINISH IN MAY NEXT YEAR.
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING OF NOTICES ON THE LOTS.
DETAILS OF RESUMPTION WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
--------0-----------
KWUN TONG NORTH OUTLINE ZONING PLAN APPROVED ♦ * » * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE DRAFT KWUN TONG (NORTH) OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
"THE PLAN COVERS MAINLY THE ANDERSON ROAD QUARRIES AT THE NORTHEASTERN EDGE OF EASTERN KOWLOON. IT PROVIDES A BROAD PLANNING FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE MAJOR TYPE OF LAND USE ON THE PLAN (NO. S/K14N/2) IS "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED "MINING AND QUARRYING" WHICH CONSTITUTES ABOUT 87 PER CENT (150 HECTARES) OF THE TOTAL AREA.
THE ZONING WILL FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A REHABILITATION SCHEME AS PART OF THE CONTINUING QUARRY OPERATION.
"THE PROPOSED SCHEME WILL BRING LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT TO THE AREA. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT POTENTIAL ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ARISING FROM THE REHABILITATION WILL BE MINIMISED TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THERE ARE ALSO AREAS RESERVED ON THE PLAN FOR "GREEN BELT" AND "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" USES.
------0--------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ♦ * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
- 21 -
A SPOKESMAN FOK THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BI-WEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS WERE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
« GRADE ”1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILS IF A GRADE "4" OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/AT PRESENT ......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
22
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES - NAMELY ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA, AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF RECENT BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
PREVIOUS PRESENT
BEACH GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 23.6.94) (AS AT 7.7.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2
DEEP WATER BAY 2
HAIRPIN 2
MIDDLE BAY 2
REPULSE BAY 2
SHEK O 2
SOUTH BAY 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 2
TURTLE COVE 2
STANLEY MAIN 2
ROCKY BAY X
TO TEI WAN* 2
2 2
2 1
1
1
2 1
1 2
2 X
2
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 2
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 2
BUTTERFLY 3
X 2
X 3
4
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 2
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 2
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1
1 2
2 1
1
1
2
1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .....
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
23
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 2
SILVERMINE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1
TUNG 0* 1
1
2
2
1
1 1
1
2 2
1
1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 3
TING KAU 3
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
X 3 3 3 3 3 4 2
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES. » NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
HAIRPIN, MIDDLE BAY, REPULSE BAY AND ST.STEPHEN’S FROM "2" ”1"; KADOORIE FROM "2” TO "3"; AND TING KAU AND BUTTERFLY FROM "3"
TO
TO
MOST OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
FLUCTUATION
THE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF BEACH WATER QUALITY IN TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEA WATER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR K F TANG ON TEL 835 1234.
- - 0 - -
/24
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
24
MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ON FOSTER CARE SERVICE * » » » »
A SERIES OF EIGHT MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ON FOSTER CARE SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMERCIAL ARCADES OF VARIOUS DISTRICTS DURING THE NEXT FIVE MONTHS.
THE FIRST ONE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA FROM 10.30 AM TO 7 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY (JULY 10).
THE EXHIBITIONS, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT FURTHER PROMOTING FOSTER CARE SERVICE AND RECRUITING MORE FOSTER PARENTS.
FOSTER CARE, A FORM OF NON-INSTITUTIONAL RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICE, PROVIDES A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE FAMILY FOR CHILDREN WHO CANNOT BE ADEQUATELY LOOKED AFTER BY THEIR FAMILIES OWING TO NEGLECT, ILLNESS OF THE PARENTS OR OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
"THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF FOSTER CARE IS FAMILY REUNION FOR THE CHILDREN," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"THROUGH FOSTERING, CHILDREN CAN GROW UNDER A NORMAL FAMILY SETTING AND ENJOY A NORMAL CHILDHOOD.
"FOSTER PARENTS CAN, ON THE ONE HAND, DO THE COMMUNITY A SERVICE AND ON THE OTHER, PUSH UP THEIR ABILITY AS PARENTS," HE SAID.
MARRIED COUPLES WHO ARE INTERESTED TO BECOME FOSTER PARENTS CAN APPROACH THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SERVICE CAN BE MADE ON 852 4596 OR 852 4599.
------0--------
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT WHAMPOA GARDEN *****
THE ROVING EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME THAT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN WONG TAI SIN, QUARRY BAY, CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI WILL MOVE TO WHAMPOA GARDEN HONG KONG STREET PLACE, HUNG HOM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10.30 AM TO 8 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM THE NEXT DAY.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW HONG KONG HAS TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
PANELS WITH CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE PUT UP, SHOWING THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, CIVIL ENGINEERING, DRAINAGE SERVICES, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, HIGHWAYS, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENTS.
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
25
SHORT FILMS WILL BE SHOWN ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING NEW TOWNS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IS A SET OF FIVE PANORAMIC-VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE CHANGES TO THE SKYLINE OF KOWLOON PENINSULA AND HONG KONG ISLAND OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT WHAMPOA GARDEN HONG KONG STREET PLACE, HUNG HOM AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR KENNETH CHAN; THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
------o--------
CLOSURE OF YAU MA TEI ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT
* » » » *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE SIX UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN YAU MA TEI SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES USED FOR DWELLING PURPOSES ARE LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR FLAT ROOF OF A BUILDING IN 1A-1J WATERLOO ROAD.
NOTICES APPLYING FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE DISTTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON OCTOBER 18 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
-------- 0 - - - -
/26 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1994
- 26 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* » » ♦ ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,656 0930 -214
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,644 1000 -214
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -64
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -67 1200 -66
LAF TODAY + 55 1500 -66
1600 -67
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 122.8 *-0.1» 8.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.84 17 MONTHS 251 1 4. 15 97.88 5.86
1 MONTH 3.97 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.19 6.33
3 MONTHS 4.28 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.89 6.73
6 MONTHS 4.65 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.92 6.92
12 MONTHS 5.36 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.99 7.07
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 26,456 MN
CLOSED 8 JULY 1994
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OPERATION TO RE'MOVE ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES COMPLETED 1
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED................... 1
PUBLIC WORKS QUALITY ASSURED................................ 3
FAIVULY LIFE EDUCATION IN TOP GEAR.......................... 5
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION TMARKS SALE BY AUCTION............... 6
HONG KONG 'MONETARY AUTHORITY 'MONEY 'MARKET OPERATIONS ... 7
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
85,000 PUPILS ALLOCATED SECONDARY ONE PLACES............ 8
EMPLOYER FINED FOR SACKING PREGNANT WORKER.............. 9
UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 1995/96 .. 11
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
1
OPERATION TO REMOVE ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES COMPLETED *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHED AN OPERATION AT ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING TO REMOVE THE ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES,
OF THE 15 PERSONS SERVED WITH REMOVAL NOTICES BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT YESTERDAY, ONLY TWO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER.
A SALVAGE TEAM CLEARED THE ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES SET UP BY THESE TWO PERSONS IN THE OPERATION WHICH CONCLUDED SHORTLY BEFORE NOON.
MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES AND A SCAVENGING TEAM COMPRISING MOTORISED SAMPANS, SPECIALISED SCAVENGING CRAFT WERE ALSO ENGAGED TN THE OPERATION.
THE SCAVENGING TEAM WILL CLEAR THE FLOATING DEBRIS IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER THIS AFTERNOON.
------0-------
FOUR RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PUBLICATION OF FOUR DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS) FOR TAI TONG, LAM TSUEN, TING KOK AND TSENG LAN SHUE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID: "THESE RURAL OZPS REPLACE THE APPROVED DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLAN FOR TAI TONG AND THE RECENTLY APPROVED DPA PLANS FOR LAM TSUEN, TING KOK AND TSENG LAN SHUE.
"THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREAS.
"SIMILAR TO DPA PLANS, UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE OZPS ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.
"THE FOUR OZPS AIM AT RETAINING THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT AND PRESERVING EXISTING AGRICULTURAL LAND."
A TOTAL OF ABOUT 666 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN ZONED
"AGRICULTURE" IN TAI TONG, LAM TSUEN AND TING KOK.
ON ALL THE FOUR OZPS, SOME 455 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED "CONSERVATION AREA" TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
WITHIN THIS ZONE, USES RELATED TO CONSERVATION PURPOSE SUCH AS FIELD STUDY CENTRE, EDUCATION CENTRE AND VISITOR CENTRE ARE PERMITTED.
USES WHICH WOULD HAVE INSIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COULD BE PERMITTED UPON APPROVAL BY THE BOARD.
IN ADDITION, TWO SITES OF ABOUT 40 HECTARES AND ONE SITE OF ABOUT SIX HECTARES IN TING KOK AND LAM TSUEN RESPECTIVELY HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS "SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST" (SSSI ) .
/THE FORMER .......
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
2
THE FORMER INCLUDE THE MANGROVE COMMUNITY OUTSIDE THE COAST NEAR TING KOK AND PO SAM PAI VILLAGES AND THE SHUEN WAN EGRETRY AT SHUEN WAN CHIM UK. THE LATTER INCLUDES THE SHE SHAN TSUEN FUNG SHUI WOODLAND.
TO GIVE ADDITIONAL PROTECTION TO THE SSSI NEAR TING KOK AND PO SAM PAI VILLAGES, SOME SEVEN HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA" IN TING KOK.
A KNOLL WITH HEAVY VEGETATION IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF TAI TONG WITHIN THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK HAS BEEN ZONED "COUNTRY PARK".
ON ALL THE FOUR OZPS, SOME 380 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS "GREEN BELT" TO CONTAIN URBAN SPRAWL.
MEANWHILE, ABOUT 14 HECTARES IN LAM TSUEN AND TING KOK HAVE BEEN ZONED "RECREATION" TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATION USES.
TO FACILITATE LOW-RISE LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN TSENG LAN SHUE, ABOUT 25 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" USE.
IN THIS ZONE, DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO FROM 0.25 TO 0.9, SITE COVERAGE OF 12.5 PER CENT TO 45 PER CENT, AND HEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING NINE METRES WITH TWO STOREYS OVER ONE LEVEL OF CARPORT.
IN ADDITION, TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATIONS, ABOUT 25 HECTARES IN TAI TONG AND EIGHT HECTARES IN TSENG LAN SHUE HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)" USE.
IN THIS ZONE, REPLACEMENT HOUSING IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM BUILDING AREA OF 37.2 SQUARE METRES AND A HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS.
EXCEPT NEW TERRITORIES EXEMPTED HOUSES, OTHER BUILDINGS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.2, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND A HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS.
IN TAI TONG, ABOUT THREE HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" AND 16 HECTARES FOR "OPEN STORAGE" USES.
THERE ARE AREAS ZONED FOR "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT" "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" AND "OPEN SPACE" USES IN THE PLANS.
EXCEPT THE DRAFT TAI TONG DPA PLAN, THE THREE RECENTLY APPROVED DPA PLANS FOR LAM TSUEN, TING KOK AND TSENG LAN SHUE CAN BE INSPECTED FOR ONE WEEK, WHILE THE FOUR OZPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL SEPTEMBER 8 FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE DRAFT OZPS FOR TING KOK (NO. S/NE-TK/1) AND LAM TSUEN (NO. S/NE-LT/1) CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT:
* SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR,
6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN; AND
/* TAT PO........
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
3
* TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DRAFT TAI TONG OZP (NO. S/YL-TT/1) IS AVAILABLE AT:
* TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
« YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DRAFT TSENG LAN SHUE OZP (NO. S/SK-TLS/1) CAN BE INSPECTED AT:
» SAI KUNG AND TSEUNG KWAN 0 DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SUITE 1209, 12TH FLOOR, CHINACHEM GOLDEN PLAZA, MODY ROAD, KOWLOON; AND
» SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION BEFORE SEPTEMBER 8 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOGON.
• • *.r ■
------o--------
PUBLIC WORKS QUALITY ASSURED t * * * ♦
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INTRODUCING A QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO MEET THE RECOGNISED INTERNATIONAL STANDARD REQUIREMENTS OF ISO 9000.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR KENNETH CHAN, WHEN HE OPENED A ROVING EXHIBITION TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF PUBLIC WORKS IN HONG KONG.
THE EXHIBITION WAS JOINTLY HELD BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS AT WHAMPOA GARDEN HONG KONG STREET PLACE, HUNG HOM.
/MR CHAN ......
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
4
MR CHAN SAID THE GENERAL PUBLIC WAS DEMANDING BETTER SERVICES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS SOCIETY CONTINUED TO PROSPER.
’’BEING A DEPARTMENT WITH A BIG BUDGET ON PUBLIC WORKS, THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS NEVER IDLE.
”WE ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING TALENTED PROFESSIONALS AND A SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY WHICH CATERS FOR THE NEEDS OF THE MODERN INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT,” MR CHAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON VARIOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS REACHED $5.8 BILLION LAST YEAR; AND THAT ANOTHER BILLION DOLLARS WERE SPENT ON MAINTENANCE AND EXTENSION WORKS.
"IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY IN PLANNING AND DESIGNING VARIOUS KINDS OF WORKS AND TO MEET THE TARGETS OF COMPLETING ALL PROJECTS WITHIN BUDGET AND ON TIME, WE HAVE INTRODUCED ADVANCED COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN WORKS DRAFTING, WORKS ADMINISTRATION AND COST MANAGEMENT,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAN COMMENDED HLS STAFF FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENTIRE PUBLIC WORKS SECTOR AND FOR PLEDGING TO KEEP UP THEIR GOOD WORK IN THE FUTURE.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM UNTIL TOMORROW BEFORE MOVING TO TUEN MUN LATER THIS MONTH.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW HONG KONG HAS TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THEY WILL ALSO LEARN THROUGH SHORT FILMS ON A FULL-SIZED VIDEO WALL, ON THE APPROPRIATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR BUILDING NEW TOWNS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE.
THE EXHIBITION ALSO FEATURES CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ILLUSTRATING THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS - ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, CIVIL ENGINEERING, DRAINAGE SERVICES, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, HIGHWAYS, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENTS.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG S1K-KONG; AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP.
------0-------
/5........
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
- 5 -
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IN TOP GEAR
*****
THE 1993/95 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL TURN INTO TOP GEAR WITH THE LAUNCHING OF A 12-EPISODE TV PROGRAMME AND A NEWLY PRODUCED TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST (API) TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE TV PROGRAMME, ENTITLED ’’UNDER THE SAME ROOF”, IS JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE COMMITTEE ON FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AND THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK).
THE 30-MINUTE TV SERIES WILL BE BROADCAST ON TVB-JADE CHANNEL ON EVERY SUNDAY AT 7.30 PM FROM TOMORROW ONWARDS.
THE TV PROGRAMME IS ONE OF THE LATEST PUBLICITY EFFORTS OF THE BIENNIAL CAMPAIGN WHICH HAS BEEN LAUNCHED SINCE 1978.
“FLE IS A FORM OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION AIMING 1’0 PROMOTE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE AND INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP, PRESERVE THE FUNCTIONS OF FAMILY AND PREVENT FAMILY AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS, ’ SAID THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON FLE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, MRS JUNE SHERRY, TODAY (SATURDAY).
ON THE TV SERIES, MRS SHERRY SAID EACH PROGRAMME WOULD DEPICT A SHORT DRAMA BASED ON ACTUAL CASES WITH VARIOUS FAMILY PROBLEMS.
’’THE TOPICS INCLUDE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE, PARENTING, MARRIAGE, DATING, DRUG ABUSE, DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR OF \OUTH, CARING FOR THE ELDERLY, AND HOME SAFETY.
“IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE BROADCASTING OF THE TV PROGRAMME, WE CAN BRING HOME THE MESSAGE OF PROMOTING HARMONIOUS FAMILY TO ALL WALKS OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY,” SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE TV API, MRS SHERRY SAID IT WAS PRODUCED TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, MARRIED COUPLES IN PARTICULAR, TO TAKE PART IN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION ACTIVITIES.
’’HARMONIOUS MARRIAGE IS NOT A MATTER OF COURSE AND JOINT EFFORTS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE A HAPPY FAMILY.
“MARRIED COUPLES ARE THEREFORE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE AFFECTIONATE COMMUNICATION TO EXPRESS (’ARE AND CONCERN FOR FAC’D OTHER,” SHE ADDED.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE LAUNCHING OF THE l\ PROGRAMME AND TV API, A FORUM WAS TODAY (SATURDAY) HELD AT STUDIO 3 OF THE RTHK TO DISCUSS TOPICS RELATING TO FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND THE MESSAGES INTENDED TO BE CONVEYED.
THE PANELISTS INCLUDED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MR ANDREW WONG, MR ERIC LI, MR JAMES TO AND MRS SELINA (HOW, MR CHENG KAI-NAM AND MRS DEBORAH KWAN. THE MODERATOR WAS MS CLAUDIA MO.
OVER 60 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WORKERS AND STAFF MEMBERS OF THE GROUP WORK UNITS AND YOUTH OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ALSO ATTENDED THE PANEL DISCUSSION TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
CONTENTS OF THE PANEL DISCUSSION WILL BE BROADCAST ON RTHK CHANNEL 1 AT 8.10 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
6
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION * * * * *
ONE HUNDRED CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $4,505,000. WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK *CC11 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF 550,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK *FW8 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $440,000. WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR CH647, FY3732, FY6872, FZ7987, GA1957, FZ8070, FZ2639.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
CC311 39,000 AC416 6,000 AY718 21,000 AG336 30,000
FZ309 10,000 FT218 20,000 FZ662 13,000 FZ892 10,000
♦ GA97 56,000 ♦ AT83 80,000 *ES 1 1 1 52,000 ♦ FW3 1K0,000
CJ9328 16,000 FZ220 28,000 FZ8887 15,000 FZ8161 13,000
FZ365 6,000 FZ3133 9,000 FZ388 55,000 FZ608 6,000
BB2811 28,000 GA8111 10,000 AR722 13,000 AT 185 9,000
CP267 2,000 AA2581 10,000 FZ1312 2,000 FZ94 4 4,000
♦ FY2 165,000 ♦ CH50 92,000 ♦ FC 3 8 85,000 ♦AW3377 15,000
FZ9198 10,000 GA588 10,000 FZ2 1 3 6,000 FZ3280 10,000
FZ3878 WITHDRAWN FZ7828 3,000 FY6638 1 1 ,000 FZ3996 WITHDRAWN
GA861 10,000 CH64 7 1,000 ♦EE9595 12,000 FZ3949 WITHDRAWN
FZ7772 9,000 FY3732 1 ,000 FZ1678 6,000 ♦CY656 9,000
FY6872 1,000 FZ7987 1,000
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
BB302 60,000 GA913 18,000 AC520 11,000 GA I 1 8 1 10,000
GA8288 52 ,000 FZ344 2,000 XX 9 60 70,000 FZ2639 1 ,000
♦GA123 100 ,000 ,000 ♦ FC22 160,000 ♦ FY32 55,000 ♦ CC1 1 550,000
GA8161 3 GA350 15,000 GA9 1 I 120,000 FZ7888 38,000
GA1957 1 ,000 GA223 42,000 FZ668 140,000 GA319 14,000
BC908 55 ,000 GA338 130,000 HK229 180,000 CC1283 150,000
GAG 3 3 40 ,000 FZ8 I 1 1 10,000 CC34 2 25,000 GA203 20,000
♦ GA9 350 ,000 ♦ 1264 40,000 ♦ FW8 440,000 ♦ GA44 30,000
GA2638 7 ,000 GAI 39 25,000 CR9188 42,000 GA2928 8,000
FZ6163 4 ,000 CH3353 4,000 AR8323 30,000 GAI 190 3,000
GA937 10 ,000 GA2866 8,000 ♦CC9595 60,000 FZ89 1 10,000
GA1883 FZ8070 12 1 ,000 ,000 G.A2829 CF7717 17,000 11,000 FZ8133 8,000 ♦GA626 20,000
THERE BE ASSIGNED WERE TO THE NO BIDDER FOR FZ3878, FZ ORIGINAL APPLICANTS. 3996 AND FZ3949. THEY WILL
* SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY
BY CHEQUE
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
/THE CAR .......
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1994
7
THE CAR REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO CARS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THR DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 232ND AND 233RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO 331,092,905.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * ♦ ♦ ♦ CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,64 4 0930 -20
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,604 1000 -20
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1 100 -20
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -20 1 130 -20
LAF TODAY -20 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.6 ♦-0.2# 9.7.94
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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1994
A
85,000 PUPILS ALLOCATED SECONDARY ONE PLACES
*****
MORp THAN 85,000 PUPILS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SECONDARY ONE PLACES IN THIS YEAR’S SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION EXERCISE, RESULTS OF WHICH WILL BE RELEASED ON TUESDAY (JULY 12).
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "ALL 85,263 PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE EXERCISE, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR AGES, HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SECONDARY ONE PLACES IN GOVERNMENT, AIDED OR PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
"THE NUMBER INCLUDES 3,864 PUPILS (4.53 PER CENT) WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINED THE DISCRETIONARY PLACES THEY APPLIED FOR EARLIER THIS YEAR.
"A TOTAL OF 42,286 PUPILS (49.59 PER CENT) HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PLACES ACCORDING TO THEIR FIRST CHOICE AND 61,019 PUPILS (71.57 PER CENT) ACCORDING TO THEIR FIRST THREE CHOICES.”
ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE THREE-YEAR PLACES FOR WHICH NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED.
"IN ADDITION TO THE 85,263 PUPILS, A TOTAL OF 15 PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION EXERCISE HAVE BEEN ADMITTED TO PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH JOINED THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ALLOCATION RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE PUPILS’ PRIMARY SCHOOLS ON TUESDAY (JULY 12). PUPILS SHOULD FOLLOW THE ARRANGEMENTS SET DOWN BY THEIR SCHOOLS AND RETURN TO COLLECT THE ADMISSION SLIP AND ALLOCATION SLIP, ATTACHED TO THEIR PRIMARY SIX IDENTIFICATION FORM, FROM THEIR SCHOOLS.
THERE IS ONLY ONE REGISTRATION PERIOD THIS YEAR - FROM JULY 18 TO 19. ALL PUPILS MUST REPORT DURING THE PERIOD TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL MEAN THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO TAKE UP THE PLACES ALLOCATED.
IN CASE BOTH THE PUPIL AND THE PARENT/GUARD1 AN ARE AWAY FROM HONG KONG DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, THEY SHOULD AUTHORISE IN WRITING REPRESENTATIVES TO COMPLY WITH THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES ON THEIR BEHALF. COPIES OF LETTERS OF AUTHORISATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS.
IN CASE OF GENUINE DIFFICULTIES, THE PARENTS OR PUPILS CONCERNED SHOULD INFORM THE DEPARTMENT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION BEFORE THE END OF THE REGISTRATION PERIOD SO THAT ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.
"AFTER THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, VACANCIES ARISING FROM FAILURE TO TURN UP FOR REGISTRATION WILL BE FILLED AT THE DISCRETION OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS," HE ADDED.
WHEN REPORTING TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR REGISTRATION, PUPILS ARE EXPECTED TO PUT ON THEIR SCHOOL UNIFORMS. THEY MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING:
/♦PRIMARY SIX .......
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1994
* PRIMARY SIX IDENTIFICATION FORMS, TO WHICH THEIR INDIVIDUAL ALLOCATION SLIPS HAVE BEEN ATTACHED;
* THE ADMISSION SLIPS;
* BIRTH CERTIFICATES, HONG KONG JUVENILE IDENTITY CARbS OR OTHER DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF THEIR DATE OF BIRTH AND THEIR STATUS AS PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG;
NOTE: PUPILS SHOULD ALSO BRING ALONG THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS IF THE SYMBOL "C" (FOR CONDITIONAL STAY) IS FOUND AT LINE 7 OF THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD.
* LATEST SCHOOL REPORTS, IF ANY; AND
* TWO RECENT PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTOGRAPHS.
PARENTS SEEKING TRANSFERS FOR THEIR CHILDREN SHOULD DIRECTLY APPLY TO THE SCHOOLS THEY PREFERRED. ACCEPTANCE IS AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE TO RETRIEVE THE ADMISSION SLIPS FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT WHICH THEY HAVE REGISTERED DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD AND HAND THEM TO THE SCHOOLS THEY WISH TO TRANSFER TO.
PARENTS AND PUPILS ARE REMINDED THAT BY RETRIEVING THEIR ADMISSION SLIPS, THEIR REGISTRATION WITH THE SCHOOLS WILL BE CANCELLED.
"IN CASE OF TROPICAL CYCLONES, PERSISTENT HEAVY RAIN OR THUNDERSTORMS DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND PARENTS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE MEDIA FOR ANY NECESSARY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE RESULTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION ON TEL 891 2200 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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EMPLOYER FINED FOR SACKING PREGNANT WORKER *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDS EMPLOYERS THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE (EO) TO TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT OF A FEMALE WORKER AFTER SHE HAS GIVEN HER EMPLOYER A NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE.
PATTON ELECTRIC (HONG KONG) LIMITED IN YAU TONG WAS RECENTLY CONVICTED AND FINED $3,000 BY A KWUN TONG MAGISTRATE FOR SACKING A PREGNANT EMPLOYEE.
"UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, A FEMALE WORKER IS PROTECTED FROM TERMINATION OF HER EMPLOYMENT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE DATE ON WHICH SHE GIVES NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH SHE IS DUE TO RETURN TO WORK, IF SHE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED FOR NOT LESS THAN 12 WEEKS," LABOUR ‘ OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) MRS GRACE SHEK SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
/"IT ALSO .......
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1994
- 10
"IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT A FEMALE EMPLOYEE WHO HAS WORKED FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER UNDER A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 26 WEEKS IS ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE.
"IF A FEMALE WORKER HAS WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE EMPLOYER FOR A PERIOD 01 NOT LESS THAN 40 WEEKS BEFORE THE EXPECTED DATE OF HER COMMENCEMENT OF MATERNITY LEAVE AND SHE HAS NO MORE THAN TWO SURVIVING CHILDREN, SHE IS ALSO ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE PAY," SHE SAID.
MRS SHEK NOTED THAT THE MATERNITY LEAVE PAY WAS CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF TWO-THIRDS OF AN EMPLOYEE’S MONTHLY SALARY.
IF A FEMALE WORKER IS EMPLOYED ON PIECE RATE OR WHERE HER DAILY WAGES VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE RATE IS TWO-THIRDS OF HER DAILY AVERAGE WAGE DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, COMPRISING NOT LESS THAN 28 DAYS AND NOT MORE THAN 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE LEAVE.
"EMPLOYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY WAGES IN LIEU OF MATERNITY LEAVE," MRS SHEK STRESSED.
"EMPLOYERS BREACHING THE PROVISIONS WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
"HE WILL ALSO HAVE TO PAY THE SUM WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN PAYABLE IF THE CONTRACT HAS BEEN TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS, THE MATERNITY LEAVE PAY FOR 10 WEEKS AND A FURTHER SUM EQUIVALENT TO SEVEN DAYS’ WAGES," SHE ADDED.
TO FACILITATE WORKERS TO UNDERSTAND IN SIMPLE TERMS THE MATERNITY PROTECTION PROVISIONS OF THE EO, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A LEAFLET FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION AT ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES, AND THE LRS OFFICES.
"INCLUDED IN THE LEAFLET IS A STANDARD FORM OF NOTICE, SPECIFYING THE EXPECTED DATE OF CONFINEMENT AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE MATERNITY LEAVE IS TO COMMENCE, TO FACILITATE EMPLOYEES TO COMPLY WITH THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE EO," SHF. SAID.
"THERE IS ALSO A DECLARATION FORM TO FACILITATE FEMALE WORKERS TO MAKE STATUTORY DECLARATION TO VERIFY THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE HAS IN ORDER TO CLAIM MATERNITY LEAVE PAY.
"TO AVOID UNNECESSARY MISUNDERSTANDING AND DISPUTES, EMPLOYEES INTENDING TO TAKE MATERNITY' LEAVE SHOULD CONSIDER USING THE STANDARD FORM OF NOTICE AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE," SHE ADDED.
MRS SHEK ALSO URGED PREGNANT EMPLOYEES TO MAKE DECLARATION, USING THE ATTACHED FORM IN THE LEAFLET, AT THE 11 LRS OFFICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THEY' MUST PRODUCE TO THEIR EMPLOYERS A STATUTORY DECLARATION VERIFYING THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AT THE TIME WHEN THE NOTICE OF INTENTION TO TAKE LEAVE IS SERVED.
------0--------
/Il........
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1994
11
UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 1995/96 *****
THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED FOR ITS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES COMMENCING IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1995/96 FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE OFFERED BY THE UK/HK SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS.
APPLICANTS MAY CHOOSE ANY SUBJECT OF STUDY AT ANY LEADING ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FULFILLING ALL APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF THEIR CHOICE AND SHOULD BE OFFERED A PLACE SUBSEQUENTLY.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE EXPECTED TO POSSESS HIGH ACADEMIC PROWESS AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES. THEY SHOULD ALSO DEMONSTRATE A STRONG SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG.
UPON GRADUATION, SCHOLARS ARE REQUIRED TO WORK IN HONG KONG FOR A MINIMUM OF THREE YEARS.
THE TENURE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP IS NORMALLY THREE YEARS AND THE AWARD COVERS UNIVERSITY COMPOSITION FEE, MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE, ANNUAL VACATION PASSAGE ALLOWANCE AND A RETURN AIR PASSAGE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND LONDON AT THE COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION OF STUDIES.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION NOTES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES
* STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY NINTH FLOOR, NATIONAL MUTUAL CENTRE 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD WAN CHAI HONG KONG
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION ROOM 206 MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES 30 LUEN WAN STREET MONG KOK KOWLOON
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 802 1638 OR 802 1639.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 19, 1994. SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE INITIAL SELECTION INTERVIEW IN HONG KONG SCHEDULED TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER. SUITABLE APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUESTED TO ATTEND THE FINAL INTERVIEW IN JANUARY 1995.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CIVIL SERVICE PLANS PROGRAMMES LONG AFTER 1997 ............ 1
WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDS 28 LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES................................................... 2
NEW NAVY CAPTAIN FOR HONG KONG............................. 6
SPONSORED VISIT BY A GOVT DELEGATION....................... 6
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR MAY 1994......... 7
SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT TOMORROW 16
MARINERS REMINDED TO USE PUBLIC LANDING STEPS PROPERLY.. 17
RATES FOR THIRD QUARTER DUE END-JULY...................... 17
WATER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN TAI PO CLOSED FOR RENOVATION.... 19
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
20
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
1
CIVIL SERVICE PLANS PROGRAMMES LONG AFTER 1997 *****
MUCH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE’S EFFORT IS FOCUSED ON PROGRAMMES THAT WILL KEEP HONG KONG AS A FLEXIBLE, ADAPTABLE ECONOMY, A GOOD HOME AND AN ENJOYABLE CITY, LONG AFTER 1997, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THE WORK THAT WE ARE DOING ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND ON URBAN DEVELOPMENT IS HIGHLY VISIBLE, BUT NO LESS IMPORTANT IS THE IMPROVEMENT Of* EDUCATION, THE IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, PLANS FOR PENSION, NEW HOUSING, AND, NOT LEAST, THE TRAINING OF NEW GENERATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVANTS," MR PATTEN SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE' 30TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTES OF ADMINITRAT J ON, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG OFFERED A TREMENDOUS EXAMPLE OF WHAT A PRUDENT, IMAGINATIVE AND DEDICATED ADMINISTRATION COULD ACHIEVE.
HE SAID IN THE PASI’ 50 YEARS, THE TERRITORY HAD BEEN FACED BY CHALLENGES AND CHANGES FAR MORE FUNDAMENTAL THAN THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY THAT WOULD TAKE PLACE IN 1997.
"THE COMPETENCE AND COMMMITMENT OF ITS ADMINISTRATION HAD GUIDED IT THROUGH TWO COMPREHENSIVE REALIGNMENTS OF ITS ECONOMIC ACTIVITY - A CHANGE FROM ENTREPOT TO MANUFACTURING CENTRE AFTER 1949, AND FROM SIMPLE MANUFACTURE TO REGIONAL CENTRE FOR FINANCE AND SERVICE SINCE 1978.
"HUGE FLOODS OF REFUGEES THAT DOUBLED AND TRIPLED THE POPULATION IN A FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN WELCOMED INTO THE COMMUNTIY, HAVE BEEN HOUSED, HAVE BEEN GIVEN EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN, HAVE BEEN GIVEN SECURITY TODAY AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE, MR PATTEN SAID.
MR PATTEN NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS COULD LEARN FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND VICE VERSA.
"1 BELIEVE THAT CIVIL SERVANTS CAN TEACH THE PRIVATE SECTOR A GREAT DEAL IN THE OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY WITH WHICH THEY CARRY OUT THEIR ACTIVITIES AND FROM THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS NOW BEING MADE IN MANY ASPECTS 01* PUBLIC ADM INI STRATI ON .
MR PATTEN CITED HONG KONG AS AN EXAMPLE, SAYING THAT IN THE 18 MONTHS SINCE THE LAUNCH OF A QUALITY SERVICE AND PERFORMING PLEDGE PROGRAMME, SOME 40 DEPARTMENTAL PLEDGES ON QUALITY OF SERVICE HAD BEEN MADE.
HE ADDED THAT 31,000 FRONT LINE STAFF HAD BEEN GIVEN PRAISING IN CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND 64 DEPARTMENTS WERE CARRM NG OUT PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THEIR SERVICE ENVIRONMENT AND EQUIPMENT.
"THAT PROGRAMME IS A CLEAR SIGN O1 OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE GOOD SERVICE AND RESPOND BETTER TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
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/2 .....
MONDAY
, JULY 11, 1994
2
WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDS 28 LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES * * * ♦ t
BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF LANGUAGE POLICIES, MORE LOCAL RESEARCH ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, AND IMPROVED LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ARE PROPOSED IN A REPORT BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) FOR A THREE-MONTH PERIOD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
’’THE REPORT ANALYSES HONG KONG’S PRESENT LANGUAGE SITUATION IN DETAIL, AND MAKES 28 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM IMPROVEMENTS,” THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE REPORT.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN GROUPED UNDER SEVEN HEADINGS: -
* POLICY FORMULATION AND CO-ORDINATION;
* LANGUAGE GOALS AND RELATED AREAS;
* LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.
* MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION;
♦ SUPPORT SERVICES FOK LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION;
* SCHOOL STAFFING; AND
♦ TEACHER EDUCAT ION.
POLICY FORMULATION AND CO-ORDINATION
"THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR MORE SYSTEMATIC WAYS TO FORMULATE LANGUAGE POLICIES, AND TO CO-ORDINATE LANGUAGE-IN-EDUCAT ION ACTIVITIES,” MRS CHEUNG SAID.
”WE THEREFORE RECOMMEND THAT A NEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD BE CREATED, UNDER THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, TO FOCUS ON LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.
”WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT A CENTRE FOR LANGUAGE-IN-EDUCATION SHOULD BE CREATED IN A LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTION, TO UNDERTAKE POLICY RELATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
"WE WANT TO SEE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND SUPPORT SERVICES GIVE MORE ATTENTION TO LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, BY DESIGNATING SPECIFIC MEMBERS OF STAFF AS LANGUAGE CO-ORDINATORS.
"WE PROPOSE THAT EVERY SCHOOL DESIGNATE AN EXPERIENCED TEACHER AS LANGUAGE ACROSS THE CURRICULUM CO-ORDINATOR.
"SIMILAR RESPONSIBILITIES SHOULD BE DEFINED IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND INSTITUTES, TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, AND THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE."
/LANGUAGE GOALS .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
3
LANGUAGE GOALS AND RELATED AREAS
THE REPORT NOTES THAT LANGUAGE GOALS AND LANGUAGE NEEDS TN HONG KONG ARE NOT CLEARLY DEFINED AT PRESENT.
"WE NEED A CLEARER PICTURE OF THE LANGUAGE GOALS THAT THE COMMUNITY WANTS OUR SCHOOLS TO ACHIEVE," SAID MRS CHEUNG.
"WE ALSO NEED MORE LOCAL. RESEARCH ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT. HONG KONG CHILDREN FACE PARTICULAR CHALLENGES IN MEETING THE LANGUAGE NEEDS OF THE SOCIETY.
"OUR POLICIES AND PRACTICES MUST BUILD ON A SOUND UNDERSTAND!NG OF CHILD LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND THE ACQUISITION OF BI-LINGUAL SKILLS, IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT WHERE CHINESE AND ENGLISH ARE BOTH SO IMPORTANT.”
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
THE REPORT PROPOSES THAT CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN AND THE EARLY YEARS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD ACQUIRE A SOUND FOUNDATION OF MOTHERTONGUE SKILLS.
"AT PRESENT A LOT OF SCHOOL TIME IS TAKEN UP WITH LANGUAGE LESSONS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE," SAID MRS CHEUNG, "BUT MANY CHILDREN FIND IT HARD TO COPE WITH BECOMING LITERATE IN THESE TWO VERY DIFFERENT LANGUAGES AT THE SAME TIME.
"THE OUTCOME AFTER SIX YEARS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL IS NOT ALWAYS IMPRESSIVE IN TERMS OF LANGUAGE SKILLS, AND SOME CHILDREN EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF FAILURE AND REJECTION BECAUSE OF LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES.
"THE WORKING GROUP FEELS THAT MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO MOTHER-TONGUE DEVELOPMENT AT THE UNDERWEIGHT STAGE."
THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, POINTED OUT THAT THE WORKING GROUP’S VIEWS TALLIED WITH THE FINDINGS OF SUCCESSFUL Bl-LINGUAL EDUCATION PROJECTS IN EUROPE.
"DURING THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECENT VISIT TO THE NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM, WE FOUND THAT THESE COUNTRIES ALSO EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MOTHER-TONGUE AS A FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE, AND FOR EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS LN GENERAL," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
THE REPORT PROPOSES THAT DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED IN KINDERGARTENS AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
"PARENTS COULD THEN CHOOSE FROM VARIOUS LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT MODELS," MRS CHEUNG SAID. "THIS WOULD ALSO HELP LN IDENTIFYING MODELS MORE LIKELY TO LEAD TO DESIRED OUTCOMES IN TERMS OF LANGUAGE PROF ICIENCY AND EDUCAT IONAL SUCCESS."
ON PUTONGHUA, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT SECONDARY STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS BY AIMING FOR AN OPTIONAL PUTONGHUA PAPER IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (HKCE) EXAMINATION.
/"THE WORKING .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
4
"THE WORKING GROUP WOULD LIKE PUTONGHUA TO BE INCORPORATED INTO REGULAR CHINESE LANGUAGE LESSONS," MRS CHEUNG EXPLAINED .
"WE REALISE THAT FEW CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS WOULD FEEL CONFIDENT IN DOING SO AT PRESENT, BUT WE BELIEVE THAT IN FUTURE, THIS APPROACH WILL BE SEEN AS NATURAL AND DESIRABLE. WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE TEACHERS TO DEVELOP THEIR PUTONGHUA SKILLS."
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
THE REPORT NOTES THAT MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT FOUR POLICY ON MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION HAVE LED TO WIDESPREAD PUBLIC INTEREST AND A GROWING AWARENESS OF THE EDUCATIONAL ISSUES INVOLVED.
"TO KEEP UP THE IMPETUS FOR POSITIVE CHANGE, THE WORKING GROUP WOULD LIKE THE PUBLIC TO HAVE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE ABOUT SCHOOL LANGUAGE POLICIES, AND ABOUT THE PROPORTIONS OF STUDENTS WHO CAN FIND A PLACE WHICH MATCHES THEIR LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY," MRS CHEUNG SAID.
"THIS WILL GIVE PARENTS AND STUDENTS A BETTER BASIS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL."
MRS CHEUNG ADDED THAT ACTUAL LANGUAGE USE IN CLASS SHOULD BE MONITORED, TO ENSURE THAT MIXED CODE IS REDUCED IN FAVOUR OF EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION.
SUPPORT SERVICES
THE REPORT RECOMMENDS SETTING UP A CENTRAL LANGUAGE RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHINESE TEACHERS, AND ANOTHER FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS.
"THESE CENTRES SHOULD PROVIDE BOTH PHYSICAL ACCESS TO LANGUAGE LIBRARIES AND RESOURCE MATERIALS, AND COMPUTER ACCESS TO PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND ON-LINE DATABASES," MRS CHEUNG SAID .
"WE ALSO RECOMMEND A REVIEW OF AUDIO-VISUAL AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES IN SCHOOLS, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES," MRS CHEUNG SAID.
"TO PROMOTE INNOVATIVE USES OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT THE LEARNING OF LANGUAGES AND OTHER SUBJECTS, WE RECOMMEND THE CREATION OF A COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM FUND, ON THE SAME LINES AS THE LANGUAGE FUND."
SCHOOL STAFFING
TO ENSURE THAT SCHOOLS STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS CAN PROVIDE ADEQUATELY FOR LANGUAGE TEACHING, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT FUNCTIONAL SENIOR TEACHER POSTS FOR PANEL CHAIRS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
IT ALSO RECOMMENDS A REVIEW OF THE WORKLOAD OF LANGUAGE TEACHERS TO ENSURE THAT, OVERALL, IT IS GENERALLY NO GREATER THAN THAT OF OTHER TEACHERS.
/TEACHER EDUCATION .....
5
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
TEACHER EDUCATION
THE REPORT PROPOSES THAT MINIMUM LANGUAGE COMPETENCY STANDARDS SHOULD BE SET FOR NEW TEACHERS ENTERING THE PROFESSION.
"ALL THOSE COMPLETING AN INITIAL COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION SHOULD HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR COMPETENCY TO TEACH IN THE MEDIUM OF CHINESE, OR ENGLISH, OR BOTH," MRS CHEUNG SAID.
"SERVING TEACHERS SHOULD HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO UPGRADE THEIR LANGUAGE QUALIFICATIONS, THROUGH CREDIT-BEARING IN-SERVICE LANGUAGE COURSES, AS RECOMMENDED IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT FIVE."
CONSULTATION ON THE REPORT
PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID, WITH THIS REPORT, THE COMMISSION HAD ADOPTED A NEW APPROACH TO PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
"FIRSTLY, THE WORKING GROUP WHICH WROTE THE REPORT INCLUDED CO-OPTED MEMBERS AS WELL AS COMMISSION MEMBERS," SHE SAID. "THIS ENABLED US TO DRAW ON A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE.
"SECONDLY, THE REPORT IS PUBLISHED AS A WORKING GROUP REPORT. THE COMMISSION HAS NOT YET TAKEN A VIEW ON THE WORKING GROUP'S RECOMMENDATIONS, BUT WILL CONSIDER THE PUBLIC RESPONSE BEFORE MAKING ITS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT."
AS FOR THE TWO OTHER STUDIES CONDUCTED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY STUDY, PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID REPORTS ON THESE WOULD BE PUBLISHED LATER.
"ALL THREE STUDIES COVER COMPLEX ISSUES, SO THF COMMISSION THOUGHT IT BETTER TO FOCUS ON ONE REPORT AT A TIME. WE EXPECT TO PUBLISH THE REPORT ON EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS IN SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER, AND THE REPORT ON SCHOOL FUNDING A FEW MONTHS AFTER THAT," SHE SAID.
MRS CHEUNG SAID THE WORKING GROUP WOULD CONDUCT A BUSY PROGRAMME OF SEMINARS AND BRIEFINGS DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, FOR EDUCATORS, LANGUAGE EXPERTS, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EDUCATION PANEL, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
A BRIEFING FOR EDUCATIONAL BODIES AND LANGUAGE EXPERTS WOULD BE HELD ON JULY 22 (FRIDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL.
INVITATIONS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE MAIN BODIES. ANY INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS CAN CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION TO RESERVE A SEAT.
COPIES OF THE REPORT HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL SCHOOLS, EDUCATIONAL- INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER CONCERNED BODIES. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN COPIES FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES, OR THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS ON OCTOBER 15. WRITTEN COMMENTS CAN BE SENT BEFORE THEN TO: THE SECRETARY, WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT, NINTH FLOOR, WEST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG. ITS ENQUIRY NO IS 810 3031 AND FAX NO. 537 1591.
MONDAY. JULY 11. 1994
6
NEW NAVY CAPTAIN FOR HONG KONG *****
CAPTAIN PETER MELSON RN HAS TAKEN OVER AS CHIEF OF STAFF, AND THEREFORE DEPUTY TO THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG.
AS SUCH, WITH THE DEPARTURE OF CAPTAIN TOM SUNTER, FORMERLY CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE ROYAL NAVY HONG KONG, HE BECOMES THE SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, AS A HEADQUARTERS STAFF OFFICER, CAPTAIN MELSON WILL NOT HAVE OVERALL DAY-TO-DAY CONTROL OF ROYAL NAVY OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG. THAT RESPONSIBILITY FALLS TO COMMANDER BERRY REEVES RN, FORMERLY THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER HMS TAMAR AND CAPTAIN SUNTER’S DEPUTY.
CAPTAIN MELSON, 47, FIRST WENT TO SEA AS A DECK APPRENTICE WITH SHELL TANKERS IN 1961, HAVING GAINED A SCHOLARSHIP TO THE THAMES NAUTICAL TRAINING COLLEGE, HMS WORCESTER AND AT THE SAME TIME ENTERED THE ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE AS A MIDSHIPMAN.
HE TRANSFERRED TO THE ROYAL NAVY IN 1968, HAVING SERVED ON A NUMBER OF MERCHANT SHIPS, ATTAINING THE RANK OF SECOND OFFICER.
HIS FIRST POSTING TOOK HIM TO THE FRIGATE HMS YARMOUTH AS DEPUTY ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE OFFICER.
FOLLOWING THIS, CAPTAIN MELSON SERVED ON HMS EASTBOURNE AND HMS LEANDER BEFORE JOINING THE ROYAL NAVY’S LAST BIG DECK CARRIER HMS ARK ROYAL IN 1977 FOR HER FINAL COMMISSIONING.
IN 1979, HE BECAME EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF HMS ANTELOPE AFTER A SEVEN-MONTH TECHNICAL COURSE AT THE ROYAL NAVAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE.
IN 1981, CAPTAIN MELSON WAS APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE NEW-OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL, HMS LEEDS CASTLE AND ON PROMOTION IO COMMANDER AT THE END OF THE YEAR, ASSUMED COMMAND OF THE FRIGATE HMS SIRIUS, WHICH SAW SERVICE IN THE FALKLANDS LATE IN 1982.
AFTER AN APPOINTMENT IN CHARGE OF ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE TRAINING AT THE SCHOOL OF MARITIME OPERATIONS, CAPTAIN MELSON WAS APPOINTED COMMANDER SEA TRAINING AND, ON PROMOTION TO CAPTAIN IN 1988, JOINED THE STAFF OF THE SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE.
CAPTAIN MELSON’S WIFE, JANET, IS A FORMER WREN AND THEIR SHARED INTERESTS INCLUDE SKIING AND OFFSHORE SAILING.
------0-------
SPONSORED VISIT BY A GOVT DELEGATION
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, WILL BE VISITING BEIJING AND CHENGDU FROM JULY 21 TO 30 AT THE INVITATION OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPI'BLK OF CHINA.
MR SO WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY SEVEN OTHER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
THIS IS ONE IN A SERIES OF CHINA VISITS STARTED IN 1988 FOR THE PURPOSE OF GENERAL FAMILIARISATION.
--------0-----------
/7........
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
7 -
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR MAY 1994 *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR MAY 1994.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN MAY 1994, AT $75.9 BILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 13% OVER MAY 1993.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDE WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAIN DESTINATIONS: JAPAN (+26%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+20%), SINGAPORE (+16%), CHINA (+15%), THE NETHERLANDS (+14%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+13%), THE UNITED STATES (+12%), FRANCE (+4.0%) AND GERMANY (+2.4%).
NEVERTHELESS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 2.5%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPOFTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994 WAS $348.0 BILLION, 13% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
COMPARING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN (+25%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+21%), CHINA (+16%), THE UNITED STATES (+13%), THE NETHERLANDS (+13%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+11%), SINGAPORE (+9.5%), GERMANY (+5.6%) AND FRANCE (+0.3%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED MILDLY BY 3.9%.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDE WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS OF ALL PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $9.9 BILLION OR 40%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $4.4 BILLION OR 17%); TEXTILES (BY $3.2 BILLION OR 12%); FOOTWEAR (BY $2.6 BILLION OR 14%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $2.5 BILLION OR 24%) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $2.5 BILLION OR 6.7%).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MAY 1994, AT $17.7 BILLION, DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 2.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY (-13%), TAIWAN (-8.7%), CANADA (-7.5%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-4.0%), CHINA (-2.5%), SINGAPORE (-2.2%), MALAYSIA (-1.7%) AND THE UNITED STATES (-1.2%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN AND THE NETHERLANDS INCREASED BY 10% AND 3.2% RESPECTIVELY.
/THE CHANGES .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
8
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDE WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAIN DESTINATIONS: CANADA (-16%), GERMANY (-12%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-9.9%), CHINA (-9.3%), TAIWAN (-5.6%), THE NETHERLANDS (-5.5%), JAPAN (-4.6%), THE UNITED STATES (-3.1%) AND MALAYSIA (-0.9%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 0.9%.
TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994, AT $79.1 BILLION, DECREASED BY 6.6% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS REFLECTED PARTLY THE CONTINUED STRUCTURAL SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS AND PARTLY THE WEAK DEMAND IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1.1 BILLION OR 15%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1.0 BILLION OR 18%); TEXTILES (BY $917 MILLION OR 13%); CLOTHING (BY $840 MILLION OR 3.6%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $678 MILLION OR 11%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $270 MILLION OR 3.5%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A MODERATE INCREASE IN 1'HE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $374 MILLION OR 4.1%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN MAY 1994, AT $104.3 BILLION, INCREASED BY 15% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993, SHARP INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE (+41%), ITALY (+37%), TAIWAN (+22%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+22%), GERMANY (+19%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+18%), CHTNA(+18%) AND MALAYSIA (+18%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN DECREASED BY 9.1% AND 0.7% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM MOST OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS SHOWED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDE : ITALY (+27%), MALAYSIA (+25%), SINGAPORE (+21%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+15%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+14%), CHINA (+13%), TAIWAN (+9.4%), GERMANY (+6.2%) AND JAPAN (+1.2%).
/HOWEVER, THE ........
MONDAY. JULY 11, 1994
9
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES DECREASED MARGINALLY BY 0.6%.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994, AT $462.1 BILLION, INCREASED BY 11% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS WAS SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE.
TABLE
SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF
THE
10
PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF MOST PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $11.1 BILLION OR 34%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $6.8 BILLION OR 16%); TEXTILES (BY $6.3 BILLION OR 16%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $2.6 BILLION OR 20%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $2.6 BILLION OR 18%); FOOTWEAR (BY $2.4 BILLION OR 15%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1.9 BILLION OR 6.8%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $4.9 BILLION OR 21%).
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
EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MAY 1994 WILL BE RELEASED
AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF
IN EARLY AUGUST 1994.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS
TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE MAY 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN MAY 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $86 PER COPY FROM JULY 21.
THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED EITHER AT (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 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 ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4915.
/TABLE 1 .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
10
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) MAY 94 OVER MAY 9 3 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAY 94 OVER JAN-MAY 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 27,187 + 15.0 123, 184 + 16.4
UNITED STATES 16,543 + 11.6 7 1 , 400 + 13.4
JAPAN 3,775 + 25.9 19,144 + 25.2
GERMANY 3, 159 + 2.4 15,909 + 5.6
UNITED KINGDOM 2,070 + 20.0 9,889 + 20.7
TAIWAN 1,918 - 2.5 8,824 - 3.9
SINGAPORE 1,575 + 16.1 7,37 7 + 9.5
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,516 + 12.9 6,699 + 10.6
NETHERLANDS 1,059 + 13.6 5,23 1 + 1 3.2
FRANCE 1 ,099 + 4. 0 5 , 1 90 + 0.3
/TABLE 2 .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
11
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
MAY COMMODITY DIVISION 1994 (HKD MN.) (% MAY 94 OVER MAY 9 3 CHANGE) JAN-MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN JAN (% -MAY 94 OVER -MAY 93 CHANGE)
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES,TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 9,196 + 11.9 39,302 4- 6.7
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,383 + 34.8 34,649 4 39.8
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,553 - 1 . 1 33,104 4- 3.2
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,704 + 20.9 30,624 4- 11.8
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF > 6,657 4- 2 1.8 29,632 4- 17.2
FOOTWEAR 4,356 + 13.5 20,647 + 14 . J
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3, 125 + 6.5 15,059 4- 12.2
ROAD VEHICLES 2,114 - 32.0 14,173 4- 1 .3
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,786 + 32.8 13,218 4- 23.5
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,683 4- 14.1 11,651 4- 12.7
/TABLE 3 ......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
12
TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) MAY 94 OVER MAY 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAY 94 OVER JAN-MAY 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 5,337 - 2.5 22,944 - 9.3
UNITED STATES 4,710 - 1.2 19,886 - 3.1
SINGAPORE 975 - 2.2 4,642 + 0.9
GERMANY 934 - 13.0 4,363 - 12.3
JAPAN 786 + 10.0 3,864 - 4.6
UNITED KINGDOM 763 - 4.0 3,537 - 9.9
TAIWAN 457 - 8.7 2,341 - 5.6
NETHERLANDS 322 + 3.2 1,627 - 5.5,
CANADA 327 - 7.5 1,423 - 15.7
MALAYSIA 245 - 1 . 7 1,155 - 0.9
/TABLE 4 .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
13
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
MAY COMMODITY DIVISION 1994 (HKD MN.) MAY 94 OVER MAY 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAY 94 OVER JAN-MAY 93 (% CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,287 + o 00 22,312 - 3.6
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,123 + 12. 1 9,424 + 4.1
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,550 3.9 7,428 - 3.5
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,314 - 11.6 6,424 - 14.8
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,394 — 9.6 5,892 - 13.5
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,292 0.6 5,758 - 10.5
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,036 — 12.8 4,542 - 18.1
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 382 - 0.4 1,796 - 3.3
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 333 + 28.0 1 ,469 t + 5.3
MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 286 — 14.7 1,320 - 11.1
/TABLE 5 .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
14
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIER MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) MAY 9 4 OVER MAY 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) JAN-MAY 94 OVER JAN-MAY 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 38,044 + 17.7 168,229 + 13.5
JAPAN 14,941 - 0.7 73,383 + 1.2
TAIWAN 9,848 + 22.5 40,633 + 9.4
UNITED STATES 7,208 - 9.1 32,379 - 0.6
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,396 + 22.2 22,681 + 15.4
SINGAPORE 5,970 + 40.8 22,163 + 20.8
GERMANY 2,402 + 18.6 10,697 + 6.2
UNITED KINGDOM 1,951 + 18.2 9,475 + 14.2
ITALY 1,916 + 37.3 8,360 + 26.6
MALAYSIA 1,753 + 17.6 7,763 + 24.6
/TABLE 6 .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
- 15 -
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION NO) OHKD' MNrf I (% CHANGE) MAY 1994 (HKD MN.) MAY 9 4 OVER MAY 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAY JAN-MAY 94 1994 OVER JAN-MAY 93 (HKD MN.) (% CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS} THEREOF 11,415 + 23.7 ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, • \ • ( U 1 . t '< <1 O f ARII) J' ’ r t ' 1 I ? i ( ‘ A 1 49,868 + 15.7
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 12,099 + 30.7 TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND 46,871 + 15.6
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 9,233 + 27. 1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND 43,582 + 34.0
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,204 + 2.2 34,054 + 4.6
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 7,004 + 9.6 ' .• <_>tJ ACTURE1 30,625 + 6.8
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,234 + 0.7 20,233 + 7.5
ROAD VEHICLES 4,141 - 21.0 18,945 - 20.6
FOOTWEAR 3,848 + 15.7 18,332 + 14.9
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,970 4- 37.0 16,795 + 18.0
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 3,098 + 10.6 15,776 + 20.1
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/16 .......
MONDAY, JVLA J J, 199 4
- 16 -
SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT TOMORROW
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED PARENTS OF PRIMARY SIX PUPILS TO COLLECT THE RESULTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN FROM THEIR SCHOOLS TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID PUPILS SHOULD FOLLOW THE ARRANGEMENTS SET DOWN BY THEIR SCHOOLS AND RETURN TO COLLECT THE ADMISSION SLIP AND ALLOCATION SLIP (ATTACHED TO THEIR PRIMARY SIX IDENTIFICATION FORM) FROM THEIR SCHOOLS.
THE REGISTRATION PERIOD THIS YEAR IS FROM JULY IS TO 19.
ALL PUPILS MUST REPORT DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL MEAN THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO TAKE UP THE PLACES ALLOCATED.
IN CASE BOTH THE PUPILS AND THE PARENT/GUARDIAN ARE AWAY FROM HONG KONG DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD, THEY SHOULD AUTHORISE IN WRITING REPRESENTATIVES TO COMPLY WITH THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES ON THEIR BEHALF.
COPIES OF LETTERS OF AUTHORISATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS.
IN CASE OF GENUINE DIFFICULTIES, THE PARENTS OR PUPILS CONCERNED SHOULD INFORM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION BEFORE THE END OF THE REGISTRATION PERIOD SO THAT ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.
PARENTS SEEKING TRANSFERS FOR THEIR CHILDREN SHOULD DIRECTLY APPLY TO THE SCHOOLS THEY PREFERRED.
ACCEPTANCE IS AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE TO RETRIEVE THE ADMISSION SLIPS FROM THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT WHICH THEY HAVE REGISTERED DURING THE REG1STATION PERIOD AND HAND THEM TO THE SCHOOLS THEY WISH TO TRANSFER TO.
PARENTS/FUPILS ARE REMINDED THAT BY RETRIEVING THEIR ADMISSION SLIPS, THEIR REGISTATION WITH THE SCHOOLS WILL BE CANCELLED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AMONG THE 85,263 PUPILS ALLOCATED SECONDARY ONE PLACES THIS YEAR, 9,940 PUPILS (11.7 PER CENT) WERE ALLOCATED PLACES IN SCHOOLS WHICH ADOPT CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION EXCEPT FOR THE ENGLISH SUBJECT.
A TOTAL OF 24,193 PUPILS (28.5 PER CENT) WERE GIVEN PLACES IN ENGLISH-MEDIUM SCHOOLS WHERE ALL SUBJECTS, OTHER THAN CHINESE AND CHINESE HISTORY, ARE TAUGHT IN ENGLISH.
ANOTHER 23,860 PUPILS (28.1 PER CEN\) RECEIVED PLACES IN SCHOOLS AT WHICH MOST SUBJECTS ARE TAUGHT IN ENGLISH. EXCEPTIONS ARE CHINESE AND CHINESE HISTORY, CULTURAL SUBJECTS SUCH AS PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND MUSIC, AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS SUCH AS HOME ECONOMICS AND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY.
A TOTAL OF 3,764 PUPILS (4.4 PER CENT) WERE ALLOCATED PLACES IN SCHOOLS WHERE THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IS DETERMINED^ BY CLASS AND 22,481 (26.5 PER CENT) TO SCHOOLS WHERE THE TEACHING MEDIUM IS DETERMINED BY SUBJECT.
/A TOTAL.......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1334
17
A TOTAL OF 632 PUPILS (0.7 PER CENT) WILL GO TO SCHOOLS WHERE THE TEACHING MEDIUM IS DETERMINED BY BOTH CLASS AND SUBJECT.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE ALLOCATION RESULTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 891 2200 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
------0-------
MARINERS REMINDED TO USE PUBLIC LANDING STEPS PROPERLY *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS VESSELS NOT TO LIE ALONGSIDE PUBLIC LANDING STEPS EXCEPT WHEN THEY ARE DIRECTLY ENGAGED IN EMBARKING OR DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS AND THEIR BAGGAGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED OWNERS, OPERATORS, MASTERS, COXSWAINS AND PERSONS-IN-CHARGE OF VESSELS TO NOTE THE DIRECTIONS FOR THE PROPER USE OF PUBLIC LANDING STEPS.
HE SAID THE DIRECTIONS WERE DISPLAYED ON MARINE NOTICE BOARDS CONSPICUOUSLY ERECTED NEAR PUBLIC LANDING STEPS. THESE DIRECTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED TO ENSURE THE FACILITIES WERE AVAILABLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES.
VESSELS WAITING TO USE PUBLIC LANDING STEPS SHOULD DO SO BY STAYING WELL CLEAR IN ORDER TO ALLOW VESSELS WHICH WERE LEAVING SUFFICIENT SEA ROOM TO MANOEUVRE SAFELY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0-------
RATES FOR THIRD QUARTER DUE END-JULY
*****
RATES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE YEAR ARE DUE AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
PAYMENT MAY BE MADE BY THE PAYMENT BY PHONE SERVICE, OR BY POST ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, PO BOX 8000, GPO, HONG KONG, OR IN PERSON AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* THE TREASURY HEADQUARTERS COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OFFICE, IMMIGRATION TOWER, FIRST FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG;
» THE CENTRAL SUB-TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST
WING), 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
* THE NORTH POINT SUB-TREASURY, MAX SHARE CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR 373 KING’S ROAD, HONG KONG;
* THE SAI WAN HO SUB-TREASURY, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 29 TAI ON STREET, SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG;
♦ THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES
FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON;
/* THE KOWLOON .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
18
* THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON;
* THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN OR KWAI TSING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID DEMAND NOTES HAD BEEN ISSUED.
"RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEM SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR RATES DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTERS TO ANY OF THE TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES.
"DUPLICATE RATES DEMAND NOTES WILL BE ISSUED TO THEM."
IF THE RATEPAYERS CANNOT PRODUCE RATES DEMAND NOTES FOR ANY PREVIOUS QUARTER, THEY SHOULD INQUIRE AT THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 30TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DID NOT CHANGE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID ON OR BEFORE JULY 30.
UNLESS SO PAID, RATEPAYERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE.
A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE LEVIED ON THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT (INCLUDING THE FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE) WHICH REMAINS UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD STILL BE MADE BY OTHER MEANS AS SET OUT IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING "PAYMENT TO BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" IS SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTE.
THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON JULY 30.
RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).
TO SAVE QUEUING TIME, THE SPOKESMAN URGED RATEPAYERS TO PAY BY PHONE SERVICE, BY POST OR BY AN EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE COLLECTION OFFICES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE MOST CONVENIENT METHOD TO PAY RATES IS BY AUTOPAY.
APPLICATIONS FOR AUTOPAY ARE OBTAINABLE FROM TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND ALL MAJOR BANKS IN HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 829 5019.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PAYMENT BY PHONE, PLEASE CALL 1702 22329.
/19........
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
19
WATER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN TAI PO CLOSED FOR RENOVATION *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE AT TAI PO MARKET WILL BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY FOR RENOVATION FROM FRIDAY (JULY 15) AS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE ENVIRONMENT OF SEVEN SUCH CENTRES.
THE CENTRE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET, TAI PO, WOULD RESUME SERVICE ON SEPTEMBER 1, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
WORKS FOR OTHER CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES HAS BEEN GOING ON IN PHASE THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COULD BE MADE ON HOTLINE 824 5000.
THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF THE NEWLY INTRODUCED 24-HOUR WATER INFOLINK SERVICE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT WATER ACCOUNT AND SUPPLY MATTERS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE SERVICE IS 802 9966.
MEANWHILE, CUSTOMERS MAY VISIT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES:
* WAN CHAI CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
* SHAU KEI WAN CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, PERFECT MOUNT GARDENS, PO MAN STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, HONG KONG.
» KWUN TONG CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, NGAU TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 21 ON WAH STREET, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON.
♦ MONG KOK CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 128 SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
» TSUEN WAN CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
/★ SHA TIN .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
20
* SHA TIN CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CUSTOMERS COULD PAY WATER CHARGES AT ANY COLLECTION OFFICES AS USUAL. THE ADDRESSES AND OPENING HOURS OF THESE OFFICES ARE SHOWN ON THE WATER BILLS.
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO USE THE "PAYMENT BY PHONE SERVICE", DETAILS OF WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING SERVICE HOTLINES 170 222 328 (CANTONESE) OR 170 222 329 (ENGLISH).
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 74.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 435.478 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 421.694 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 72 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * » * * CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,604 0930 -115
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,284 1000 -115
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 15
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 15 1200 + 15
LAF TODAY + 665 1500 + 15
1600 + 15
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER
TWI 122.6 »+0.0* 11.7.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1994
21
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.01 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.80 5.93
1 MONTH 4.04 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.02 6.43
3 MONTHS 4.32 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.70 6.84
6 MONTHS 4.71 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.69 7.03
12 MONTHS 5.41 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.72 7 . 18
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 13,812 MN
CLOSED 11 JULY 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PENSION PROPOSALS ARE GENEROUS AND PRUDENT: GOVERNOR.... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION................. 1
MATHS DISCIPLINES THE MIND................................. 2
GOVT CONSULTATION PAPER ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME.......... 2
JOINT EFFORT TO COMBAT CHOLERA............................. 5
CONSULTATION ON BRIDGING OVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR LECTURING STAFF...................................................... 6
MARCH EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES STATISTICS................. 7
INCREASE IN CONTAINER THROUGHPUT CONTINUES................. 9
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AREA OFF EDINBURGH PLACE ESTABLISHED 12
FOOTBRIDGE IN TSUEN WAN TO BE WIDENED..................... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
14
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
1
PENSION PROPOSALS ARE GENEROUS AND PRUDENT: GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON .CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THE CONSULTATION PROPOSALS ON PENSIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE GOVERNMENT WERE GENEROUS AND FINANCIALLY PRUDENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF INTENDS TO MAKE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO ENSURE THAT THE PROPOSALS ARE COMPREHENSIVE AND AS GENEROUS AS POSSIBLE," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS THIS AFTERNOON (TUESDAY) AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 35TH INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD, THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE DEBATE WHICH THE CONSULTATION PROPOSALS ON PEENSIONS WOULD LAUNCH WAS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ONE FOR HONG KONG.
"WE HAVE PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS WHICH RECOGNISE THE DEBT, THE OBLIGATION WHICH THE WHOLE OF OUR SOCIETY OWES TO OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS WHO HAVE HELPED TO BUILD AND CREATE HONG KONG AND HAVE MADE THE GREAT SUCCESS WHICH IT IS.
"I THINK THERE IS A DEEP-SEEDED VIEW IN THE COMMUNITY THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE TO HELP OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ON THE PENSIONS SCHEME AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 35TH INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD TODAY:
GOVERNOR: I DON’T WANT TO REPLICATE THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT’S BEEN TAKING PLACE IN CENTRAL THIS AFTERNOON BUT I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT WE HAVE TODAY PUBLISHED OUR CONSULTATION PROPOSALS ON PENSIONS. I THINK THE DEBATE WHICH THEY WILL LAU NCH IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT ONE FOR HONG KONG. WE’VE PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS WHICH RECOGNISE THE DEBT, THE OBLIGATION WHICH THE WHOLE OF OUR SOCIETY OWES TO OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS WHO’VE HELPED TO BUILD AND CREATE HONG KONG AND HAVE MADE THE GREAT SUCCESS WHICH IT IS. THE PLANS WE’VE PUT FORWARD ARE GENEROUS AND FINANCIALLY PRUDENT. THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF INTENDS TO MAKE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO ENSURE THAT THE PROPOSALS ARE COMPREHENSIVE AND AS GENEROUS AS POSSIBLE. THE DEBATE SARTS NOW. I AM SURE THAT WHAT WE'VE PUT FORWARD WILL GET VERY CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUINTY BECAUSE I THINK THERE IS A DEEP-SEEDED VIEW IN THE COMMUNITY THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE TO HELP OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS. I AM GOING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS MORE TOMORROW.
QUESTION: DID YOU GET BLESSING FROM CHINA?
GOVERNOR: I WROTE TO DIRECTOR LU PING LAST THURSDAY, INFORMING HIM OF THE GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE PROPOSALS THAT WE WOULD BE PUTTING TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DISCUSSED THE CONSULTATION PAPER, AGREED THAT IT SHOULD BE PUBLISHED. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT OUR PLANS, OUR PROPOSALS WILL GET A POSITIVE ENDORSEMENT FROM EVERYONE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------o--------
/2 .....
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
2
MATHS DISCIPLINES THE MIND *****
MATHEMATICS HELPS GIVE TO THE MIND THE DISCIPLINE THAT IT NEEDS TO PERFORM TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL, JUST AS VIGOROUS TRAINING REGIMES GIVE TO THE PHYSICAL ATHLETE THE DISCIPLINE NEEDED TO RUN OR SWIM TO THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 35TH INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD, MR PATTEN COMPARED THE EVENT TO SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
"THERE IS AN ATHLETICS OF THE MIND THAT GIVES TO ITS PARTICIPANTS THE SAME SPIRIT OF DELIGHT, THE SAME FEELING OF EXALTATION, THAT SENSE OF BEING MORE THAN MAN OR WOMAN, THAT COMES WITH ACHIEVING THE VERY HIGHEST EXCELLENCE," HE SAID.
MR PATTEN ALSO NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS THE FIRST CITY IN SOUTH EAST ASIA TO HOST THE EVENT.
------0-------
GOVT CONSULTATION PAPER ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME *****
A CONSULTATION PAPER CONTAINING DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME (OPS) WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR PUBLIC COMMENT UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER.
HIGHLIGHTING THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE CONSULTATION PAPER AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, SAID THE PROPOSED SCHEME WOULD PROVIDE FOUR DISTINCT ADVANTAGES. THEY ARE :-
* IMMEDIATE BENEFITS UPON IMPLEMENTATION;
* INCOME SECURITY FOR ALL ELIGIBLE ELDERLY RESIDENTS, INCLUDING LOW-INCOME EMPLOYEES, HOUSEWIVES AND RETIREES;
* INFLATION-PROOF INCOME SET AT A GUARANTEED BASIC LEVEL; AND
« A LOW CONTRIBUTION RATE.
MR LAM EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSALS WERE BEING PUT FORWARD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT, AND NO DECISION WOULD BE TAKEN UNTIL PUBLIC VIEWS WERE CLEAR ABOUT ITS ACCEPTABILITY.
OUTLINING THE MAIN POINTS OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME, MR LAM GAVE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS
BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
THE INITIAL PENSION LEVEL WILL BE $2,300 A MONTH AT 1994 PRICE LEVELS. IT WILL BE ADJUSTED WITH INFLATION.
/THE PENSION .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
3
THE PENSION WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AGED 65 OR ABOVE WHO HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF APPLICATION. APPLICANTS AGED BETWEEN 65 AND 69 WHO HAVE NOT CONTRIBUTED TO THE SCHEME WILL HAVE TO DECLARE THAT THEIR TOTAL ASSETS DO NOT EXCEED $2 MILLION.
BENEFICIARIES WILL HAVE TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG IF THEY WANT THEIR PENSION TO CONTINUE, ALTHOUGH UP TO 180 DAYS ABSENCE A YEAR WILL BE PERMITTED.
CONTRIBUTIONS
THE OPS CONTRIBUTION RATE WILL BE 1.5 PER CENT OF ASSESSABLE INCOME EACH FROM EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS. THE SELF-EMPLOYED WILL MEET THE TOTAL CONTRIBUTION.
THERE WILL BE NO RESTRICTIONS ON GROUNDS OF ETHNIC OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.
ALL NON-LOCAL EMPLOYEES AND NON-LOCAL OWNERS OF UNINCORPORATED BUSINESSES WILL HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OPS, AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR PENSION BENEFITS, IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS THEIR LOCAL COUNTERPARTS.
IMPORTED WORKERS TO BE EXEMPT
AN EXCEPTION WILL BE MADE TO EXEMPT WORKERS IMPORTED UNDER THE GENERAL LABOUR IMPORTATION SCHEME, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT NORMALLY ALLOWED TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN SIX YEARS, AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OPS.
ASSESSABLE INCOME FLOOR
PERSONS EARNING A SALARY OR RECEIVING A REGULAR INCOME OF LESS THAN $4,000 A MONTH WILL NOT HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OPS, BUT WILL STILL PARTICIPATE IN IT.
THIS WILL REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR FINANCIAL HARDSHIP TO LOW-INCOME PARTICIPANTS.
AS THE CONCEPT OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP DOES NOT APPLY TO EMPLOYERS, THE GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDS THAT THE EMPLOYERS OF THOSE PERSONS EARNING BELOW THE PRESCRIBED AMOUNT WILL STILL HAVE TO PAY THE EMPLOYERS’ SHARE OF THAT OPS CONTRIBUTION.
GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE MAKING A SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE OPS WHICH INCLUDE -
« A ONE-OFF CAPITAL INJECTION OF $10 BILLION;
/* THE SAVINGS ........
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
* THE SAVINGS FROM THE EXISTING NORMAL AND HIGHER OLD AGE ALLOWANCES, AND THE STANDARD RATE PAYABLE TO ELDERLY PEOPLE UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME, AMOUNTING TO $3.6 BILLION IN 1994;
* THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE OPS AS AN EMPLOYER; THIS WILL BE ABOUT $1.2 BILLION IN 1994; AND
* AN ANNUAL TAX REVENUE FOREGONE ON EMPLOYERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OPS, ESTIMATED AT $800 MILLION AT 1994 PRICE LEVELS.
TAKING THE AGREED AND PROPOSED CONTRIBUTIONS TOGETHER, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE CONTRIBUTING NEARLY 40 PER CENT OF THE SCHEME’S COST INITIALLY.
PARTICIPANTS IN OTHER SCHEMES
THERE WILL BE NO EXEMPTION FROM OPS PARTICIPATION BECAUSE OF MEMBERSHIP IN A STATUTORY OR VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SCHEME.
IN LINE WITH THE PRINCIPLE THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE WORKING POPULATION SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE OPS AS A FORM OF COLLECTIVE SOCIAL INSURANCE, THE GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDS AGAINST EXEMPTION ON THE GROUNDS OF PARTICIPATION IN AN EXISTING SCHEME.
ADMINISTRATION
ALL ASPECTS OF THE OPS WILL BE RUN BY A NEW NON-CIVIL SERVICE PUBLIC AGENCY - THE OPS ADMINISTRATION.
IT WILL BE GOVERNED BY STATUTE THROUGH A GOVERNING BOARD COMPRISING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND OTHER RELEVANT SECTORS.
APART FROM THE CONSULTATION PAPER, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO PREPARED A QUESTION AND ANSWER BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS ALL THE MAIN POINTS OF THE OPS, AND AN EXPLANATORY LEAFLET.
COPIES OF THE CONSULTATION PAPER, THE BOOKLET AND THE LEAFLET MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DISTRICT OFFICES, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DISTRICT OFFICES, LABOUR DEPARTMENT BRANCH OFFICES, HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES AND POST OFFICES.
COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS IN THE PAPER SHOULD BE SENT TO: THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, NINTH FLOOR, WEST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BY OCTOBER 31.
--------0 - -
/5 ........
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
5
JOINT EFFORT TO COMBAT CHOLERA
*****
ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED ARE TAKING CONCERTED ACTION TO CONTROL THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA IN HONG KONG, IN PARTICULAR TO PREVENT POLLUTED WATER FROM REACHING RESTAURANTS AND MARKETS.
THE IDENTIFIED POLLUTED WATER BLACKSPOTS ARE ALL TYPHOON SHELTERS, VICTORIA HARBOUR, DEEP BAY AND STRETCHES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AFTER A BRIEFING TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING.
MRS WONG CHAIRS AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP SET UP TO IDENTIFY THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM AND TO TARGET ACTION WITH PRECISION TO CONTROL THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE.
SHE SAID THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WOULD FENCE OFF THE WATER FRONTAGE AT BLACKSPOTS WHERE SEA-WATER WAS DRAWN FOR SUPPLY TO RESTAURANTS.
THE DIRECTOR INTENDS TO GIVE NOTICE TO SHORT-TERM TENANCIES ON WATERFRONTS BEING USED AS SEAFOOD MARKETS.
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES HAS STOPPED WHOLESALE SEAFOOD SUPPLIERS FROM DRAWING WATER FROM THE WATERFRONT INSIDE THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE HAS CLEARED ALL ILLEGAL FLOATING STRUCTURES AND NETS ATTACHED TO VESSELS IN WHICH FISH WERE KEPT IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER. HE IS ALSO CARRYING OUT A SURVEY ON ALL OTHER TYPHOON SHELTERS WHERE THE SAME ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE ACTIVITIES ARE DISCOVERED. ALSO ALL FISHING WILL BE BANNED IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER UNDER THE PROVISION IN THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION HAS IDENTIFIED SITES AT LITTLE PALM, TSO WO HANG AND KO TONG HAU AT SAI KUNG AS PLACES HAVING CLEAN SEA-WATER. HE IS IDENTIFYING MORE.
MEANWHILE, RESTAURANT OPERATORS AND FRESH FOOD SUPPLIERS ARE ADVISED THAT CLEAN SEA-WATER MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AREAS ADJACENT TO THE FOLLOWING GRADE I BEACHES:
HONG KONG SOUTH
HAIRPIN BEACH, MIDDLE BAY, REPULSE BAY, SOUTH BAY, ST
STEPHEN’S BAY
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS, HAP MUN BAY, KIU TSUI, PAK SHA CHAU, TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER, HUNG SHING YEH, KWUN YAM WAN, TONG FUK, LO SO SHING, TUNG WAN, TUNG O
IN ADDITION, THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS HAVE BEEN INVITED ON AN URGENT BASIS TO AMEND THEIR FOOD BUSINESS BY-LAWS TO REGULATE THE QUALITY OF WATER IN FISH TANKS IN RESTAURANTS, FRESH FOOD STALLS AND MARKETS BASED ON STANDARDS TO BE SPECIFIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
THEY WILL ALSO ISSUE A CODE OF PRACTICE ON FISH TANK HYGIENE TO ALL FOOD OPERATORS.
ON POTABLE WATER IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES SAID IT IS 100 PER CENT CLEAN AND HIS DEPARTMENT CARRIES OUT 80,000 SAMPLE TESTS A YEAR. HE WILL MONITOR THIS VERY CLOSELY.
HOWEVER, HE REMINDED THE. PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY RESTAURANT AND FISH STALL OWNERS, THAT IT WAS ILLEGAL TO USE FLUSHING WATER FOR OTHER PURPOSES. BLITZ INSPECTION WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON SUSPECTED PREMISES AND OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.
MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THESE COLLABORATIVE AND COLLECTIVE MEASURES WOULD PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA.
"IT IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN THE LONG TERM THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SEWAGE MASTER PLAN," SHE ADDED.
IN THE MEANTIME, SHE APPEALS TO THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE PERSONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD HYGIENE, NOT ONLY IN PREPARING SEAFOOD BUT FOR ALL KINDS OF FOOD AND PARTICULARLY WHEN THEY TRAVEL OVERSEAS.
- - 0 - -
CONSULTATION ON BRIDGING OVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR LECTURING STAFF * * * * »
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONDUCT A THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION WITH LECTURING STAFF OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ON THE PROPOSED BRIDGING OVER PACKAGE TO FACILITATE THEIR TRANSFER TO THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION.
THE BRIDGING OVER TERMS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO ENABLE EXISTING LECTURING STAFF TO RETAIN CIVIL SERVANTS BENEFITS, PRINCIPALLY PENSION AND HOUSING BENEFITS, WHEN THEY BECOME EMPLOYEES OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION.
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL LAST FROM JULY TO OCTOBER. STAFF ARE INVITED TO SEND THEIR COMMENTS BEFORE END OCTOBER TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
/TN ADDITION
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
IN ADDITION TO ISSUING LETTERS AND QUESTION-AND-ANSWER BRIEFS ON THE PROPOSED PACKAGE TO ALL LECTURING STAFF, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO ORGANISE MEETINGS AND OPEN FORUMS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH STAFF ON THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS.
PROPOSED IN THE BRIDGING OVER PACKAGE ARE, AMONGST OTHE THINGS, ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRANSFERRED LECTURING STAFF TO RETAIN AND CONTINUE TO EARN PENSION BENEFITS AND FOR THEM TO CONTINUE DRAWING HOUSING ALLOWANCES INCLUDING HOME FINANCE, HOME PURCHASE AND PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCES. ALL ACCRUED LEAVE WILL ALSO BE PROTECTED.
--------0-----------
MARCH EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES STATISTICS » * ♦ * *
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, THERE WAS CONTINUED GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE VARIOUS SERVICES SECTORS, BUT EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED FURTHER.
THIS MAINLY REFLECTED THE CONTINUED RE-ORIENTATION OF THE ECONOMY TOWARDS SERVICES, ALONG WITH THE RELOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES TO CHINA. MEANWHILE, EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES FELL.
VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FELL FURTHER COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER. BUT VACANCIES IN VARIOUS SERVICES SECTORS AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES REGISTERED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES.
ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THERE WERE 455,900 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN MARCH 1994, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 14.3% FROM MARCH 1993.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 997,800 IN MARCH 1994, WAS 9.5% HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1993.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 349,400, WAS UP BY 11.3% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES (MANUAL WORKERS ONLY), AT 58,000, WAS 3.4% LOWER THAN IN MARCH 1993.
THE EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR MARCH 1994 IN SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR MARCH 1993 AND DECEMBER 1993, ARE AS FOLLOWS :
PERSONS ENGAGED (EMPLOYMENT) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR MAR 94 MAR 94
ECONOMIC SECTOR MAR 93 DEC 93 MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 OVER DEC 93
MANUFACTURING 531,900 483,600 455,900 -14.3 -5.7
/CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
8 -
CONSTRUCTION 60,000 55,900 58,000 - 3.4
(MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY)
WHOLESALE, RETAIL 911,300 948,900 997,800 + 9.5
AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
+ 3.8
+ 5.2
FINANCING, 313,900 338,100 349,400 +11.3 +3.3
INSURANCE, REAL
ESTATE AND
BUSINESS SERVICES
THE ABOVE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS IN MARCH 1994 WERE DERIVED FROM THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES AND THE QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
IN THE FORMER SURVEY, EMPLOYMENT IN THE RETAIL TRADE EXCLUDED HAWKERS AND PERSONS WORKING AT RETAIL PITCHES BUT INCLUDED THOSE WORKING IN MARKET STALLS.
THE TWO SURVEYS MENTIONED ABOVE ALSO PROVIDE THE VACANCY STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS. THE VACANCY FIGURES, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR MARCH 1993 AND DECEMBER 1993, ARE AS FOLLOWS :
NUMBER OF REPORTED । VACANCIES PERCENTAGE CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR MAR 93 DEC 93 MAR 94 MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 MAR 94 OVER DEC 93
MANUFACTURING 18,490 11,890 14,890 -19.5 + 25.3
CONSTRUCTION 420 (MANUAL WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ONLY) 540 440 + 6.7 -17.0
WHOLESALE,RETAIL 35,720 AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 27,500 42,100 + 17.9 + 53.1
FINANCING, 11,010 10,440 14,550 + 32.2 + 39.4
INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
/COMPARING MARCH .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
9
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FELL BY 19.5%. HOWEVER, VACANCIES IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR INCREASED BY 17.9% WHILE THOSE IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 32.2%. VACANCIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 6.7% IN MARCH 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, MARCH 1994 AND THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, MARCH 1994. THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT $24 PER COPY AND $13 PER COPY RESPECTIVELY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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INCREASE IN CONTAINER THROUGHPUT CONTINUES
*****
HONG KONG HANDLED MORE THAN 2.3 MILLION 20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, 20.5 PER CENT MORE THAN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR IAN DALE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE CONTAINER THROUGHPUT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, MR DALE SAID CONTAINER TERMINALS IN KWAI CHUNG INCLUDING THE TWO NEWLY COMMISSIONED BERTHS IN CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 HANDLED A TOTAL OF 1,499,993 TEUS, OR 27 PER CENT MORE THAN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
’’WHILE THE THROUGHPUT IN THE STREAM SECTOR AT 1. 1 PER CENT IS NEGLIGIBLE, THE RIVER TRADE SECTOR CONTINUED TO GROW SIGNIFICANTLY AND RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 54.3 PER CENT.
’’THE CONSOLIDATED THROUGHPUT FIGURES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WERE HIGHER THAN OUR PROJECTIONS,” MR DALE SAID.
"THEY SHOW THE PORT’S CURRENT ABILITY TO SERVICE THAT DEMAND BUT THEY ALSO UNDERLINED THE NEED FOR STARTING WORK ON CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
THE COMPARATIVE CONTAINER STATISTICS IN TEUS ARE:
FIRST QUARTER 1993 FIRST QUARTER 1994 PERCENTAGE
INCREASE
KWAI CHUNG 1,180,717 1,499,993 27.0%
CONTAINER TERMINALS
/STREAM AND .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
- 10 -
STREAM AND ELSEWHERE 611,901 618,674 1.1%
RIVER TRADE 122,554 189,129 54.3%
TOTAL 1,914,862 2,307,623 20.5%
NOTE: TO AVOID DOUBLE COUNTING FIGURES ARE ADJUSTED DOWNWARD BY 310 TEUS IN 1993 AND 173 TEUS IN 1994 RESPECTIVELY HANDLED BY TERMINAL VESSELS CONTRACTED TO WORK IN THE STREAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION ON TEL 852 4425 AND 852 4423 DURING OFFICE HOURS OR 9493 8262 OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS.
/Il .......
TUESDAY/ JULY 12, 1994
- 11 -
Comparative Container Statistic* {or Myeh 1994
KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS First 3-month 1993 First 3-month 1994 Change %
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 587 786 726 697 23.6
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 416 221 566 916 36.2
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 40 940 58 037 41.8
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) Throughput 136 770 148 343 9.3
a) T.E.U. 1 180 717 1 499 993 27.0
b) Actual 753 210 967 179 28.4
c) Ratio 1.57 1.55
% of T.E.U. throughput baing empty 14.97% 13.76%
% of T.E.U. throughput baing transhipment 17.00% 20.41%
'Container Tonnage (Tonnes)
a) Loaded 3 748 215 4 860 374 29.7
b) Discharged 3 911 804 5415 136 38.4
c) Total 7 660 019 10 275 510 34.1
Average Weight per full T.E.U. (Tonnes)
a)'1 T.E.U. Loaded 6.38 6.69
b) T.E.U. Discharged 9.40 9.55
c) T.E.U. Total 7.63 7.94
* STREAM AND ELSEWHERE
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 245 068 241 728 •1.4
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 299 166 301 256 0.7
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 38 170 41 313 8.2
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 29 497 34 377 16.5
Throughput (T.EU.) 611901 RIVER TRADE (Other than those handled at Kwai Chung Terminals 1 618 674 1.1
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 44 131 70 338 59.4
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 36 036 60 032 66.6
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 18 086 27 303 51.0
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 24 301 31 456 29.4
Throughput (T.E.U.) 122 554 189 129 54.3
# THROUGHPUT (Kwai Chung Termlnali 4- Stream & Efeawhere 4- Rlvar Trade)
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 876 985 1 038 688 18.4
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 751 253 928 106 23.5
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 97 196 126 653 30.3
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 189 428 214 176 13.1
Throughput (T.E.U.) 1 914 862 2 307 623 20.5
• Figures include a total of 310 T.E.U. In 1993 and 173 T.E.U. In 1994 respectively handled by
terminal vessels contracted to work In the stream,
# To avoid double counting figures are adjusted downwards by 310 T.E.U. in 1993 and 173 T.E.U. in 1994 respectively handled by terminal vessels contracted to work in the stream.
---------0-----------
/12 .........
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
12
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AREA OFF EDINBURGH PLACE ESTABLISHED *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AREA IN THE APPROACHES TO STAR FERRY PIERS AT EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL.
A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, NO VESSELS EXCEPT FRANCHISED FERRY VESSELS, DISCOVERY BAY FERRY VESSELS AND WORKS CRAFT ASSOCIATED WITH THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS AT THE EAST BUND SHOULD ENTER THE AREA BOUNDED BY STRAIGHT LINES JOINING THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS
LATITUDE LONGITUDE
22 DEGREE ,17.117’N 114 DEGREE 09.441'E
22 DEGREE 17.157’N 114 DEGREE 09.454'E
22 DEGREE 17.219’N 114 DEGREE 09.515’E
22 DEGREE 17.276'N 114 DEGREE 09.569’E
22 DEGREE 17.376’N 114 DEGREE 09.614’E
22 DEGREE 17.290’N 114 DEGREE 09.670’E
22 DEGREE 17.085’N 114 DEGREE 09.512'E
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TEMPORARY AREA WAS TO INCREASE MARINE SAFETY, AND TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC FERRIES USING THE AREA WERE NOT CONSTRAINED OR OBSTRUCTED BY OTHER VESSELS.
ONLY WORKS BARGES AND CRAFT DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS MIGHT, IF NECESSARY, PASS THROUGH THE RESTRICTED AREA IN ORDER TO GO TO THE ADJACENT WORKS AREA, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ANY OTHER CRAFT, INCLUDING PLEASURE AND FISHING VESSLES, WHICH ENTER THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AREA MAY BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION,” HE SAID.
---------0-----------
FOOTBRIDGE IN TSUEN WAN TO BE WIDENED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO WIDEN AND TO COVER THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN TOWN SQUARE AND TSUEN WAN STATION MULTISTOREY CAR PARK BUILDING IN TSUEN WAN.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FOOTBRIDGE ADJOINING THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE, RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE DECK AND RAMP, AND THE PROVISION OF A COVER TO THE FOOTBRIDGE DECK AND RAMP.
PEDESTRIAN FLOW ACROSS THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES DURING CONSTRUCTION.
/A NOTICE .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
- 13 -
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS TOGETHER WITH A SCHEME DESCRIPTION CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
» THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, IS REQUIRED TO ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 6.
-----0'----
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED
PRO RATA RATIO
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD
12 JUL 94 12 JUL 94
EF BILLS EF BILLS
Q428 Y491
HK$5,580 MN HK$l,540 MN
HKS1,500 MN HKS500 MN
4.32 PCT 5.46 PCT
4.33 PCT 5.49 PCT
ABOUT 24 PCT ABOUT 35 PCT
4.38 PCT 5.52 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
- 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 18 JUL 1994-
TENDER DATE 19 JUL 94 19 JUL 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q429 H469
ISSUE DATE 20 JUL 94 20 JUL 94
MATURITY DATE 19 OCT 94 18 JAN 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$l,500 + 300 MN HK$800 + 160 MN
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * » * » CUMULATIVE
TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,284 0930 -764
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,142 1000 -817
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -817
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -817 1200 -817
LAF TODAY +675 1500 -817
1600 -817
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4 .50 OFFER TWI 122.0 »-0.6» 12.7.94
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1994
15 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY •
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.01 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.80 5.93
1 MONTH 4.05 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.02 6.43
3 MONTHS 4.32 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.70 6.84
6 MONTHS 4.72 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.69 7.03
12 MONTHS 5.42 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.67 7.20
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,616 MN
CLOSED 12 JULY 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME PRACTICABLE: GOVERNOR............... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.................. 2
GOVERNOR VISITS SAGE ELDERLY CENTRES........................ 5
PUBLIC URGED TO STUDY OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME................ 6
TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION........... 7
FS VISITS HOUSING SITES..................................... 8
OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME NOT A BURDEN: FS..................... 8
HK SHOULD ADOPT MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR INTERBANK PAYMENTS.................................................. 9
INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL................................. 11
JUNE AIR QUALITY REPORT.................................... 11
FOURTH ANNUAL HK DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK IN AUGUST........................................... 13
EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION................. 14
AVID READERS AWARDED....................................... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
16
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
- 1 -
OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME PRACTICABLE: GOVERNOR
» » » » ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THE OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD PUT FORWARD WAS IMPORTANT AND PRACTICABLE FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS.
“FIRST OF ALL, IT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE HELP AS SOON AS WE’VE MANAGED TO PASS THE LEGISLATION AND SET UP THE MACHINERY," MR PATTEN SAID.
"SECONDLY, IT’S PRUDENT BECAUSE IT ENSURES THAT THERE IS AN IRON LINK BECAUSE CONTRIBUTIONS PAID IN AND BENEFITS PAID OUT.
"THIRDLY, IT’S AFFORDABLE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT 1.5 PER CENT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WHICH GIVEN THE LOW LEVEL OF TAX IN HONG KONG, NOBODY CAN CONCEIVABLY REGARD, I THINK, AS UNREASONABLE."
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED’S EASTERN DISTRICT MULTI-SERVICE AND DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR PATTEN SAID ALMOST 60 PER CENT OF THE WORKING POPULATION OF HONG KONG DID NOT PAY ANY SALARY TAX AT ALL AND ONLY TWO PER CENT OF THE WORKING POPULATION PAID THE TOP RATE OF 15 PER CENT, SO 1.5 PER CENT WAS A VERY LOW FIGURE.
"OF COURSE, THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF IS MAKING A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION," HE SAID.
"IF YOU ADD UP WHAT WE ARE AT PRESENT PAYING IN BENEFITS WHICH WILL BE PLOUGHING INTO THE SCHEME, OUR CONTRIBUTIONS AS AN EMPLOYER, THE FACT THAT WE’LL BE FOREGOING THE TAX ON THE EMPLOYERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE $10 BILLION THAT WE’VE PUT IN TO KICK START THE SCHEME, ALL THAT TOGETHER MEANS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE MEETING MORE THAN A THIRD OF THE COST OR ABOUT 35 PER CENT.
"SO, NOBODY CAN CLAIM THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN’T PLAYING ITS PART IN TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS SCHEME IS THE SUCCESS IT DESERVES TO BE."
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
- 2 -
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE KONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED’S EASTERN DISTRICT MULTI-SERVICE AND DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:-*■■■ - * • '• .
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON. I’D LIKE TO THANK SAGE, ONE OF OUR EXCELLENT NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS FOR THE SERVICES THAT THEY ARE PROVIDING HERE FOR THE ELDERLY. WE ARE, AS YOU KNOW, DOING A GREAT DEAL MORE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES AND SO WE SHOULD BUT THERE IS NOT VERY MUCH POINT IN PROVIDING BETTER SERVICES UNLESS THE ELDERLY HAVE WORRIES ABOUT THEIR OWN LIVELIHOOD, ABOUT THEIR OWN INCOMES REMOVED FROM THEIR SHOULDERS. I THINK THAT IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT THERE IS A CONSENSUS IN THE COMMUNITY THAT WE SHOULD DO MORE TO HELP THOSE WHO’VE RETIRED, LIVED IN COMFORT AND DIGNITY IN THEIR OLD AGE. THE DEBATE ABOUT HOW TO DO THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR VERY MANY YEARS. NOW, I THINK THE TIME HAS COME AND TO COME TO SOME DECISIONS AND TO TAKE SOME CONCRETE ACTIONS AND THAT’S WHAT WE’VE PROPOSED IN OUR CONSULTATION PAPERS THAT WERE ISSUED YESTERDAY.
WE DO WANT TO HONOUR OUR OBLIGATIONS TO THE ELDERLY WHO’VE CREATED OUR COMMUNITY, WHO’VE CREATED THE SUCCESS WHICH IS HONG KONG TODAY. AS YOU KNOW, A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND DOESN’T PROVIDE THE ANSWER. IT DOESN’T MEET HONG KONG’S NEEDS BECAUSE IT DOESN’T HELP THOSE WHO ARE IN REAL NEED. IT DOESN’T HELP THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE A FAMILY TO LOOK AFTER THEM AND HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES IN THEIR OLD AGE. WHAT’S MORE, IT DOESN’T, OF COURSE, HELP ANYONE FOR ABOUT A GENERATION UNTIL THE MONEY’S BEEN PAID INTO THE SCHEME AND I THINK THAT THE FIGURES DEMONSTRATE THAT IT’S A MUCH, MUCH MORE COSTLY OPTION.
THE SCHEME THAT WE’VE PUT FORWARD IS IMPORTANT AND, I THINK, PRACTICABLE FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS. FIRST OF ALL, IT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE HELP AS SOON AS WE’VE MANAGED TO PASS THE LEGISLATION AND SET UP THE MACHINERY. SECONDLY, IT’S PRUDENT BECAUSE IT ENSURES THAT THERE IS AN IRON LINK BECAUSE CONTRIBUTIONS PAID IN AND BENEFITS PAID OUT. THIRDLY, IT’S AFFORDABLE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT 1.5 PERCENT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WHICH GIVEN THE LOW LEVEL OF TAX IN HONG KONG, NOBODY CAN CONCEIVABLY REGARD, I THINK, AS UNREASONABLE. IT’S WORTH REMEMBERING THAT ALMOST 60 PERCENT OF THE WORKING POPULATION OF HONG KONG DOESN’T PAY ANY SALARY TAX AT ALL AND ONLY TWO PERCENT OF THE WORKING POPULATION PAYS THE TOP RATE OF 15 PERCENT. 1 DON’T THINK YOU FIND FIGURES ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN ANY OTHER COMMUNITY. SO, 1.5 PERCENT IS A VERY LOW FIGURE AND, OF COURSE, THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF IS MAKING A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION IF YOU ADD UP WHAT WE ARE AT PRESENT PAYING IN BENEFITS WHICH WILL BE PLOUGHING INTO THE SCHEME. IF YOU ADD TO THAT, OUR CONTRIBUTIONS AS AN EMPLOYER, THE FACT THAT WE’LL BE FOREGOING THE TAX ON THE EMPLOYERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE $10 BILLION THAT WE’VE PUT IN TO KICK START THE SCHEME, ALL THAT TOGETHER MEANS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE MEETING RATHER MORE THAN A THIRD OF THE COST OF ABOUT 35 PERCENT. SO, NOBODY CAN CLAIM THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISN’T PLAYING ITS PART IN TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS SCHEME IS THE SUCCESS IT DESERVES TO BE.
/I SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
3
I SAID THAT WE’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THESE MATTERS FOR YEARS. SOME PEOPLE TELL ME THAT THEY’VE BEEN DEBATED FOR DECADES. WE REALLY HAVE TO DECIDE NOW WHETHER WE ARE GOING TO GO AHEAD. DEMOGRAPHY HAS, TO SOME EXTENT, REDEFINED THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE ARE MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND, OF COURSE, PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER. BUT THE OTHER THING WHICH’S CHANGED IS THAT WE’VE BEEN MORE SUCCESSFUL AS A COMMUNITY . WE ARE ONE OF THE MOST PROSPEROUS COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD AND WE REALLY DO TO ASK OURSELVES WHETHER IT’S REASONABLE TO CONTINUE WITHOUT ALLOWING THE ELDERLY WHO’VE HELPED TO CREATE THAT PROSPERITY, SHARE IN A BIT OF IT.
THERE’S ONE FINAL POINT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE. SOME PEOPLE SUGGEST THAT THIS IS THE CREATION OF A WELFARE STATE IN HONG KONG. IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A SLIPPERY SLOPE. I DO THINK THAT PEOPLE SHOULD JUST HAVE A LOOK AT THE FIGURES. THE TOTAL COST OF THIS SCHEME WHICH REPRESENTS ABOUT ONE AND A HALF PERCENT OF HONG KONG’S OVERALL WEALTH, OUR GDP, IS TYPICAL IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES THAT ARE PAYING 15 PERCENT OF THEIR GDP IN TRANSFER PAYMENTS. SO, NOBODY CAN REGARD THIS AS AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE DIS-INCENTIVE FOR BUSINESS OR AS A SOCIALIST BURDEN WHICH HONG KONG IS GOING TO HAVE TO CARRY. IT’S PRUDENT. IT’S RESPONSIBLE. IT’S COMPASSIONATE AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THE COMMUNITY WILL ENDORSE IT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. WE WILL BE LISTENING DURING THIS CONSULTATION PERIOD TO WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY. IF ANYBODY’S GOT A BETTER IDEA, I HOPE HE’LL PUT IT FORWARD. BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE TO CARPORT CRITICISE EITHER WE DO MORE FOR THE ELDERLY OR I AM AFRAID WE DON’T LIVE UP TO OUR OBLIGATIONS.
QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND TO THE CRITICISM THAT IT WOULD BECOME A FINANCIAL BURDEN FOR THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT?
GOVERNOR: I’VE JUST ANSWERED THAT QUESTION. I’VE POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL COST REPRESENTS ONE AND A HALF PERCENT OF OUR GDP. WE DELIBERATELY ENSURE WHILE LINKING CONTRIBUTIONS TO BENEFITS, IT IS NOT GOING TO TURN INTO A BLACK HOLE FOR EXPENDITURE. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IT’S PRUDENTLY MANAGED. WE HAVE BETTER EXPERIENCE IN HONG KONG OF MANAGING OUR AFFAIRS PRUDENTLY THAN ALMOST ANY OTHER COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD. SOME PEOPLE WOULD SAY MORE THAN ANY OTHER COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD, WE ARE NOT ABOUT TO THROW THAT ADVANTAGE AWAY NOW. AND I DON’T THINK THAT PEOPLE CAN REASONABLY LECTURE US ON BEING IMPRUDENT OR IMPROVIDENT.
QUESTION: SINGAPORE HAS A CPF WHICH BASICALLY CONTRIBUTES 20 PERCENT FROM EMPLOYERS AND 20 PERCENT FROM EMPLOYEES. HOW DID YOU ARRIVE AT SUCH A LOW FIGURE OF ONE AND HALF PERCENT?
GOVERNOR: BECAUSE WE THINK THAT A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND ISN’T THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAY OF ACTUALLY HELPING THE ELDERLY. ALL OUR FIGURES ARE SET OUT IN THE CONSULTATION PAPERS. ANY OTHER FIGURES THAT ANYONE WANTS, WE WILL BE ONLY TOO PLEASED TO PROVIDE. THE OTHER THING TO REMEMBER ABOUT A CPF, ABOUT A PROVIDENT FUND IS THAT IT WOULDN’T HELP THESE ELDERLY PEOPLE TODAY. IT WOULDN’T HELP THE ELDERLY, AS I SAID EARLIER, FOK A GENERATION. SO, IF WE WANT TO PROVIDE COST-EFFECTIVE HELP NOW, THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT IS, IN OUR JUDGING, THROUGH THE SCHEME BUT WE WILL BE LISTENING. 1 HOPE THAT ANYBODY WHO THINKS THEY’VE GOT A BETTER SCHEME, WILL DO IT FORWARD BECAUSE WE DO HAVE TO MAKE DECISIONS. THAT’S WHAT, 1 THINK, EXECUTIVE-LED GOVERNMENT MEANS.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
4
QUESTION: WILL THE GOVERNMENT RELEASE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHEME BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY UNCERTAIN ASSUMPTIONS AND FIGURES?
GOVERNOR: WE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION IF PEOPLE WANT IT. WE WILL BE DELIGHTED.. ASK THE QUESTIONS AND WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE ANSWERS. I’VE GIVEN YOU SOME MORE FIGURES TODAY.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, WHY THE ADMINISTRATION DROPPED THE OPTION OF TRIPARTIE CONTRIBUTION SCHEME, IS IT ONLY JUST THE REASON DUE TO THE POLITICAL PRESSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO FACE AND YOU DON’T WANT TO REPEAT THE LESSONS OF THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES?
GOVERNOR: NO. WE ARE MAKING A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION AND I THINK THAT HAS TO BE RECOGNISED. I’VE MENTIONED EARLIER THE CONTRIBUTION WILL BE ABOUT 35 PER CENT. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, I THINK, IS TALKING ABOUT THAT THIS AFTERNOON. BUT WHAT WE DON’T WANT TO DO IS TO FIND OURSELVES IN A SITUATION IN WHICH THE LIABILITY FOR THE TAXPAYER IS BOUNDLESS AND THAT’S THE PROBLEM WHICH DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN EUROPE HAVE GOT THEMSELVES INTO IT, NOT A PROBLEM THAT, I THINK, 1 WANT TO SEE FACED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, IF I CAN LEAVE THE PHILOSOPHICAL PART OF IT, IS IT JUST FAIR, IS IT FAIR FOR AN EMPLOYER TO PUT IN MONEY AND GET A TAX BREAK AND PASS IT ALONG TO THE CONSUMER AND GET IT BACK TWICE WHEREAS THE WORKER PUTS IT IN, DOESN’T GET A TAX BREAK AND HAS TO CARRY A BURDEN, WHAT KIND OF DEAL IS THAT?
GOVERNOR: WELL, THE EMPLOYEE WHEN HE RETIRES OR WHEN SHE RETIRES, 1 AM PLEASE TO SAY, GETS A PENSION TO WHICH THEY’VE CONTRIBUTED. AND 1 REALLY DON’T THINK THAT THE FIGURES WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SHOULD BE REGARDED BY ANYBODY AS A BURDEN. IT’S WORTH REMEMBERING THAT IN THE LAST BUDGET, WE TOOK 420,000 PEOPLE OUT OF PAYING SALARIES TAX ALL TOGETHER. WE LOWERED TAX FOR 1.3 MILLION. LOOK AROUND THE WORLD AND FIND ANY COMMUNITY WHERE THE TAXES ARE LOWER ON PEOPLE. IF WE WANT BETTER SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE CHARITABLE AND COMPASSIONATE INDEED THEN, WE HAVE TO RECOGNISE THAT THAT COSTS SOMETHING. WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT THIS SCHEME IS THAT COST IS VERY LOW.
QUESTION: YOU’VE MENTIONED THAT THE SCHEME WOULD NOT CREATE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON THE SAR GOVERNMENT, HOW ABOUT IN THE FUTURE THE SCHEME CANNOT FINANCE ITSELF, DOES IT MEAN THAT THE FINAL BURDEN WILL BE ON THE LABOUR FORCE? DOES IT MEAN THE CONTRIBUTION RATE ... ?
GOVERNOR: ALL OUR FIGURES WHICH WE’VE PUBLISHED AND ANY OTHERS WHICH YOU WANT DEMONSTRATE THAT THE SCHEME IS EMINENTLY AFFORDABLE FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE FOR DECADES TO COME, BUT WE WILL OF COURSE WANT TO DISCUSS IN THE COMMUNITY AND WE WILL WANT TO DISCUSS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE SAR GOVERNMENT IN THE FUTURE IF ONE IS TALKING ABOUT A SCHEME AS BIG AS THIS, IF ONE IS TALKING ABOUT A PENSION SCHEME, OF COURSE WE HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE FUTURE AND THE BURDENS THAT WILL BE CARRIED IN THE FUTURE. BUT I JUST WANT TO MAKE THIS POINT AGAIN, HONG KONG HAS BEEN VERY WELL GOVERNED FOR DECADES, WE HAVEN’T LEFT HONG KONG WITH HUGE PROBLEMS AND HUGE BURDENS. WE HAVE SEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SERVICE, OF OUR WELFARE SERVICE, OF OUR HEALTH SERVICES AND SO ON, WE’VE SEEN INVESTMENT TO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, ALL THAT HAS BEEN DONE IN A PRUDENT AND SENSIBLE WAY AND WE ARE BRINGING THE SAME SENSE AND THE SAME PRUDENCE TO THE DISCUSSION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY. ONE MORE.
/QUESTION: .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
5
QUESTION: DO YOU GET ANY RESPONSE FROM THE CHINESE SIDE AND ARE YOU
TOO OPTIMISTIC THAT THEY WILL SUPPORT THE SCHEME?
GOVERNOR: WELL, THE FIRST THING THAT I WANT TO SAY IS THAT WE DID OF COURSE, BEFORE EXCO REACHED THE FINAL CONCLUSION, GIVE AN OUTLINE OF OUR PROPOSALS TO THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE. THEY ARE NOT ALL THE DETAIL OF THOSE PROPOSALS. THE DETAIL’S NOW BEEN PASSED TO THE CHINESE SIDE AND OF COURSE WE WILL WANT TO DISCUSS ALL THAT DETAIL WITH CHINESE OFFICALS OVER THE COMING WEEKS. I VERY MUCH HOPE, GIVEN THE COMMITMENT WHICH THEY’VE EXPRESSED TO THE WELL BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THAT THEY WILL GIVE THESE PROPOSALS A FAIR WIND. BUT OBVIOUSLY THEY WILL NEED TIME TO STUDY THEM. OBVIOUSLY THEY WILL WANT TO CONSULT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. OBVIOUSLY THEY WILL WANT TO ENSURE THAT THESE PROPOSALS ARE NOT ONLY GOOD FOR THE PRESENT BUT GOOD FOR THE FUTURE AS WELL, AND IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY IRRESPONSIBLE FOR US NOT TO EXPECT THE FULLEST POSSIBLE CONSULTATION WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS. THAT’S WHAT I WANT TO SEE. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SCHEME AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT CAN BE LAUNCHED WITH THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SUPPORT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
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GOVERNOR VISITS SAGE ELDERLY CENTRES
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON SAW FOR HIMSELF THE WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED (SAGE) BY VISITING ITS EASTERN DISTRICT MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE AND DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN NORTH POINT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS LOUISE WONG, MR PATTEN FIRST TOURED THE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE WHICH PROVIDES SUPPORTING SERVICES FOR ITS 1,000 ELDERLY MEMBERS AND 800 ASSOCIATED MEMBERS, USING A DISTRICT-BASED MULTI-SERVICE APPROACH.
ON HAND TO RECEIVE THE VISITORS WAS THE SAGE CHAIRMAN, PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN.
THE GOVERNOR LEARNED THAT THE CENTRE PROVIDED SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, MEALS, LAUNDRY AND BATHING SERVICES, COUNSELLING AND HOME HELP.
HE WAS TOLD THAT COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AND SERVICE GROUPS WERE ALSO ORGANISED TO INSTILL A SENSE OF USEFULNESS AND A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY OF LIVING AMONG THE ELDERLY.
IMPRESSED WITH THE SERVICES ON OFFER, MR PATTEN WATCHED SOME ELDERLY PEOPLE IN GROUP ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING PHYSICAL EXERCISE, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, SOCIAL DANCE AND SIMPLE ARTS AND CRAFTS WORK.
THE VISIT ALSO COVERED THE ADJACENT SAGE DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY WHICH PROVIDES DAY CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE AGED 60 AND ABOVE WHO REQUIRE PERSONAL CARE SERVICES DURING THE DAY BUT CAN BE LOOKED AFTER BY THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AT HOME DURING THE NIGHT.
/AT THE ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
6
AT THE DAY CARE CENTRE, MR PATTEN SAW SOME OF ITS 43 ELDERLY MEMBERS RECEIVING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES AS PARTS OF THE PERSONAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE CENTRE.
OTHER PERSONAL CARE SERVICES ON OFFER ALSO INCLUDE PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND SIMPLE NURSING CARE.
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PUBLIC URGED TO STUDY OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME
t » * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON URGED ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES, THE BUSINESS SECTOR, AND ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, TO STUDY THE DETAILS OF THE OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME WITH AN OPEN MIND AND WITHOUT ANY PRE-CONCEIVED IDEAS.
SHE SAID AT THE END OF THE CONSULTATIVE PERIOD WHICH WOULD LAST UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE A VERY HARD LOOK AT THE VIEWS THAT HAD BEEN RECEIVED BEFORE COMING TO A FIRM DECISION.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT A CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MRS CHAN SAID THE SCHEME WAS A VERY GOOD ONE AND WOULD PROVIDE SECURITY FOR AN INCREASING AGING POPULATION.
’’THE CONTRIBUTION RATES ARE VERY LOW AND WE ARE VERY CONFIDENT THAT THAT LOW RATES OF CONTRIBUTION CAN BE MAINTAINED WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, PROVIDING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR THE ELDERLY MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY,” SHE SAID.
”1 WANT TO REITERATE THAT WE HAVE PUT FORWARD THIS SCHEME, BELIEVING IT TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY.
”BUT, IF FOR ANY REASONS THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SCHEME, THEN, OF COURSE, WE WILL NOT PROCEED WITH IT.”
AT THE SAME TIME, MRS CHAN SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE VERY ANXIOUS TO CONSULT WITH THE CHINESE SINCE THIS SCHEME WOULD STRADDLE 1997.
"I AM SURE THAT FROM THE CHINESE POINT OF VIEW, THEY THEMSELVES WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE HAVE A PROBLEM ABOUT PROVIDING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR AN INCREASING AGING POPULATION AND I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL BE LOOKING AT OUR PROPOSALS FROM THIS POINT OF VIEW,” SHE ADDED.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
7
TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION OF CHEQUE TO THE CHILDREN’S CANCER FOUNDATION THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON
CS: GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. YESTERDAY, WE ISSUED THE DETAILS OF THE OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY INCLUDING EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES, THE BUSINESS SECTOR AND ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WILL TAKE A LOOK AT THE DETAILS THAT WE HAVE PUBLISHED AND WILL STUDY THESE DETAILS BEFORE COMING TO A FIRM DECISION. AS YOU KNOW, THIS SCHEME HAS BEEN- THE SUBJECT OF DETAILED STUDY OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. WE BELIEVE THAT IT IS A GOOD SCHEME. IT WILL PROVIDE SECURITY FOR AN INCREASING AGING POPULATION. THE CONTRIBUTION RATES ARE VERY LOW AND WE ARE VERY CONFIDENT THAT THAT LOW RATES OF CONTRIBUTION CAN BE MAINTAINED WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, PROVIDING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR THE ELDERLY MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
I HOPE VERY MUCH THAT DURING THE CONSULTATIVE PERIOD WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER, WE WILL GET A VIEW FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY. I ASK THE COMMUNITY TO LOOK AT THIS SCHEME WITH AN OPEN MIND, NOT TO HAVE ANY PRE-CONCEIVED IDEAS, TO STUDY THE DETAILS. WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT THEY MAY HAVE. AT THE END OF THE CONSULTATIVE PERIOD, THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE A VERY HARD LOOK AT THE VIEWS THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED. I WANT TO REITERATE THAT WE HAVE PUT FORWARD THIS SCHEME, BELIEVING IT TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY. BUT, IF FOR ANY REASONS THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE DOES NOT SUPPORT THE SCHEME, THEN, OF COURSE, WE WILL NOT PROCEED WITH IT. AT THE SAME TIME, WE WILL BE VERY ANXIOUS TO CONSULT WITH THE CHINESE SINCE THIS SCHEME, OBVIOUSLY, WILL STRADDLE 1997 BUT I AM SURE THAT FROM THE CHINESE POINT OF VIEW, THEY THEMSELVES WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE HAVE A PROBLEM ABOUT PROVIDING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR AN INCREASING AGING POPULATION AND I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL BE LOOKING AT OUR PROPOSALS FROM THIS POINT OF VIEW. I WILL BE CONSIDERING WHETHER THIS IS THE BEST SCHEME FOR HONG KONG.
HONG KONG, AS YOU KNOW, IS AN INCREASINGLY EFFLUENT COMMUNITY AND WE FEEL WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION THAT AT THIS STAGE OF OUR DEVELOPMENT, WE HAVE PROPERLY COME UP WITH THE BEST SCHEME, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
QUESTION: MRS CHAN, IF A COMPANY PUTS IN ONE AND HALF PERCENT, THEY CAN CLAIM A TAX DEDUCTION AND THEY PASS IT ALONG TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. AN INDIVIDUAL CAN’T PASS IT ALONG AND CLAIMS A TAX DEDUCTION. HOW CAN IT BE SAID TO BE FAIR?
CS: THIS IS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT. OBVIOUSLY, THERE WILL BE PEOPLE WHO MIGHT SHARE YOUR POINT OF VIEW. THESE ARE PROPOSALS AT THIS STAGE AND AS I SAID, WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY TO LOOK AT THE VIEW THAT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED. WE ACCEPT THAT MAYBE AT THE END OF THE CONSULTATIVE PERIOD, THERE MAY NEED TO BE SOME FINE TUNING BUT I THINK, AT THIS STAGE, I WILL NOT WISH TO COMMENT IN DETAIL ON ANY PARTICULAR ASPECT.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
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FS VISITS HOUSING SITES *****
TSEUNG KWAN O, MA ON SHAN AND TIN SHUI WAI ARE THE MAIN AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE REST OF THE DECADE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING A NUMBER OF HOUSING SITES IN THE THREE AREAS, SIR HAMISH SAID RESIDENTS IN THESE NEW TOWNS WOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY SPACIOUS ENVIRONMENT, BALANCED COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND MODERN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
THE SITES WERE AMONG THE 120 HECTARES OF LAND IDENTIFIED BY THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES AS POTENTIAL HOUSING SITES WHICH MAY PRODUCE AN EXTRA SUPPLY OF UP TO 60,000 RESIDENTIAL FLATS BEFORE 2001.
ON FULL DEVELOPMENT, SIR HAMISH SAID, THE THREE NEW TOWNS WOULD TOGETHER PROVIDE HOMES FOR A TOTAL OF ABOUT ONE MILLION PEOPLE.
IN TANDEM WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE NEW TOWNS, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD IMPROVE ROAD LINKS BETWEEN NEW TOWNS AND THE URBAN AREA.
SIR HAMISH ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WITH ROUTE-3, THE TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN TIN SHUI WAI AND KENNEDY TOWN WOULD ONLY BE 25 MINUTES.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE WAS NO SHORTAGE OF LAND IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SPEED UP THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE TO BRING FORWARD THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR HOUSING.
DURING THE VISIT, SIR HAMISH WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MRS FANNY LAW.
HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE THREE NEW TOWNS BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING, AND HIS STAFF.
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OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME NOT A BURDEN: FS
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME WOULD NOT BE A BURDEN TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) GOVERNMENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING A POTENTIAL NEW HOUSING SITE AT TIN SHUI WAI, SIR HAMISH SAID THE SCHEME HAD BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED NOT TO BE A BURDEN TO ANYONE.
"THE PROJECTIONS SHOW VERY CLEARLY THAT EVEN IF YOU PROJECT 50 YEARS AHEAD -- 50 YEARS, IT IS A LONG TIME — THE LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE SUFFICIENT.
/"AND OF .......
WEDNESDAY, .JULY 13, 1994
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"AND OF COURSE ONE OF THE REASONS THAT THAT IS TRUE IS BECAUSE WE HAVE TAKEN QUITE A CONSERVATIVE SYSTEM AND WE ARE GOING TO UP THE PENSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH COST OF LIVING WHEREAS OF COURSE THE CONTRIBUTIONS GO UP AS WAGES GO UP. SO THERE IS A BUILT-IN SAFEGUARD THERE," HE SAID.
IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS THAT THE PROPOSED SCHEME WAS ANOTHER KIND OF INCOME TAX, SIR HAMISH SAID IT WAS NOT QUITE LIKE A TAX.
HE SAID THE MONEY DID NOT GO INTO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT COFFERS.
"THE MONEY GOES VERY CAREFULLY INTO A FUND AND WILL ONLY BE USED FOR THE PENSION SCHEME," HE SAID.
"AND OF COURSE IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE KFEP IT THAT WAY. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO INTENTION OF EVER USING THAT REVENUE FOR ANYTHING ELSE," HE ADDED.
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HK SHOULD ADOPT MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR INTERBANK PAYMENTS *****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HONG KONG SHOULD ADOPT THE MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR INTERBANK PAYMENTS DEVISED BY THE CENTRAL BANKS IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY (EC).
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HKMA, MR JOSEPH YAM, TOLD THE FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES INSTITUTE THAT MEETING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON PAYMENTS WAS CRUCIAL FOR HONG KONG TO COMPETE INTERNATIONALLY.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT HKMA HAD RECENTLY ESTABLISHED THE COMMITTEE ON PAYMENT SYSTEM TO EXPLORE WAYS TO STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S PAYMENT SYSTEM.
THE COMMITTEE, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY MR YAM, COMPRISES LEADING MEMBERS OF THE BANKING COMMUNITY AND STAFF OF HKMA.
AT ITS FIRST MEETING LATE LAST MONTH, THE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING POLICY PARAMETERS FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB):
* IN LINE WITH THE MINIMUM EC STANDARDS, HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE REAL-TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT (RTGS) TO CATER FOR LARGE VALUE INTERBANK PAYMENTS. RTGS SYSTEMS ENABLE PAYMENTS TO BE SETTLED IRREVOCABLY AND INSTANTANEOUSLY, IN OTHER WORDS, ON A REAL TIME BASIS, AS AND WHEN ONE INITIATES A FUND TRANSFER.
* FINAL SETTLEMENT OF PAYMENTS SHOULD BE ACROSS THE BOOKS OF HKMA TO REDUCE SETTLEMENT RISK.
* THE RTGS SYSTEM SHOULD BE DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ANTICIPATE AND ALLOW FOR ITS LINKAGES WITH OTHER SECURITIES CLEARING AND PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS.
/TMPELMENTATTON OF _______
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS IS SUBJECT TO THE FINDINGS OF HKAB’S TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY STUDY. HKMA WILL BE WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH THE HKAB ON THAT STUDY.
THE EXISTING PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENTS ARRANGEMENTS WERE FORMALISED IN 1981 AND ARE RUN BY THE CLEARING HOUSE OF THE HKAB WITH THE HONG KONG BANK AS THE MANAGEMENT BANK.
WHILE THE PRESENT SYSTEM MEETS ADEQUATELY HONG KONG’S NEEDS, IT HAS FALLEN SHORT OF EMERGING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, ACCORDING TO MR YAM.
THE SYSTEM, FOR EXAMPLE, IS PREDOMINANTLY PAPER BASED. CHEQUES ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN THREE-QUARTERS OF TRAFFIC VOLUME AND 40 PER CENT BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH 54 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM.
FURTHERMORE, OF THE MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES, ONLY HONG KONG AND CANADA HAD NEXT DAY FINALITY OF SETTLEMENT, INSTEAD OF SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT, WHICH HAD BEEN THE INTERNATIONAL NORM, AND EVEN THAT WAS INCREASINGLY CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE, MR YAM ADDED.
THE ADOPTION OF THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD MINIMISE AND ELIMINATE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE PAYMENT SYSTEM RISKS.
SETTLING OF LARGE PAYMENTS ACROSS THE BOOKS OF HKMA, FOR EXAMPLE, WOULD ENSURE FINALITY OF SETTLEMENTS BECAUSE "ONLY HKMA IS IN A POSITION TO PROVIDE DEFAULT FREE MONEY FOR FINAL, NAMELY, IRREVOCABLE AND UNCONDITIONAL SETTLEMENT OF HONG KONG DOLLAR PAYMENTS," SAID MR YAM.
MOVING TO RTGS ALSO WOULD HELP CONTROL HERSTATT RISK. THIS ARISES FROM FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS IN WHICH ONE PAYS HONG KONG DOLLARS TODAY AND MAY NOT RECEIVE U.S. DOLLAR VALUE UNTIL 12 HOURS LATER NEW YORK TIME.
THIS TIME LAG IN THE EXCHANGE OF VALUE COULD RESULT IN HUGE LOSSES IF THE COUNTER-PARTY FAILS.
SUCH A RISK WOULD BE REMOVED PROVIDED THAT HONG KONG IMPLEMENTS THE RTGS SYSTEM AND THAT THE SYSTEM IS LINKED TO SIMILAR PAYMENT SYSTEMS ABROAD.
UNDER THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES, ONE WHO PAYS HONG KONG DOLLARS WILL RECEIVE SIMULTANEOUSLY U.S. DOLLARS WITH FINALITY.
"THE PAYMENT SYSTEMS OF MANY ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING FINANCIAL CENTRES ARE ALREADY ON RTGS OR ARE MOVING QUICKLY TOWARDS IT, PERHAPS PREPARING THEMSELVES TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS GLOBAL LINK UP OF PAYMENT SYSTEMS IN 1997," MR YAM SAID.
"IF WE DO NOT, HOW THEN CAN WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND BE RECOGNISED AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE AND SATISFY A REQUIREMENT LAID DOWN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW? PUT SIMPLY, EITHER YOU’RE PLUGGED IN TO THE NETWORK OR YOU’RE LEFT OUT ALONE."
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
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INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL » » t * »
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS APPOINTED MR DEREK MURPHY AND PROFESSOR RICHARD HO YAN-KI AS LAY MEMBERS TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL FOR THE SECOND INSIDER DEALING INQUIRY UNDER THE SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) ORDINANCE.
THE ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SHALL COMPRISE A CHAIRMAN, WHO MUST BE A JUDGE APPOINTED FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS, AND TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.
THE TRIBUNAL IS CURRENTLY CHAIRED BY MR JUSTICE STOCK. THE FIRST HEARING CONDUCTED BY THE TRIBUNAL IN RELATION TO THE TRADING OF SHARES IN SUCCESS HOLDINGS LIMITED HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
IN FEBRUARY 1994, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, IN EXERCISE OF HIS AUTHORITY UNDER SECTION 16(2) OF THE ORDINANCE, REFERRED TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR AN INQUIRY A CASE INVOLVING DEALINGS IN THE SHARES OF PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS LIMITED (PUL) IN DECEMBER 1992 FOR AN INQUIRY.
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, A DIFFERENTLY CONSTITUTED TRIBUNAL COULD NOT BE APPOINTED FOR THE SECOND CASE UNTIL THE FIRST TRIBUNAL HAD COMPLETED ITS WORK ON THE SUCCESS HOLDINGS INQUIRY.
MR MURPHY SERVED ON THE FIRST TRIBUNAL HEARING. HE IS GROUP VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST PACIFIC COMPANY LIMITED, A LISTED INVESTMENT AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
PRIOR TO HIS PRESENT POSITION, MR MURPHY WAS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WARDLEY INVESTMENT SERVICES (HK) LTD FOLLOWING HIS RESIGNATION AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES IN 1987.
PROFESSOR HO IS THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND FINANCE OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
THE PRELIMINARY HEARING FOR THE PUL CASE IS EXPECTED TO BE HELD IN EARLY TO MID-AUGUST.
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JUNE AIR QUALITY REPORT t » t ♦ »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH.
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 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 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
12 -
* LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS;
t 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.
DURING THE MONTH, THE AIR POLLUTION LEVELS WERE ALL WITHIN THE HONG KONG AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES.
FOR BOTH THE MONG KOK AND CENTRAL/WESTERN STATIONS, THE AIR QUALITY WAS GOOD AS ALL POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS WERE BELOW 50 PER CENT OF THE OBJECTIVE VALUES.
THE LOWER AIR POLLUTION LEVELS WERE PROBABLY DUE TO A COMBINATION OF HEAVY RAINFALL AND STRONG WIND IN THE MONTH.
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 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 PANG SIK-WING ON TEL 594 6401.
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/13......
WEDNESDAY. JULY 13, 1994
13
FOURTH ANNUAL UK DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK IN AUGUST *****
THE FOURTH ANNUAL HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK WILL BE HELD AUGUST 13-21. IT WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK AT A NEWS CONFERENCE ON TUESDAY (JULY 12).
THE FESTIVAL, SPONSORED BY HONGKONGBANK, USA, WILL CULMINATE IN AN EXCITING DRAGON BOAT REGATTA ON THE HUDSON RIVER IN NEW YORK ON AUGUST 21 (SUNDAY), WHERE TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL COMPETE FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
THE WINNING TEAM OF THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACE IN NEW YORK WILL BE AWARDED THE HONGKONGBANK CUP AND WILL BE FLOWN TO HONG KONG BY THE OFFICAL FESTIVAL CARRIER, UNITED AIRLINES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL RACES SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 1995.
THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN NEW YORK, MR ALEX FONG, POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACE IN NEW YORK IS RECOGNISED BY THE PRESTIGIOUS HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES.
"THIS YEAR’S RACE IN NEW YORK REPRESENTS A CONSIDERABLE EXPANSION OF DRAGON BOAT RACING IN AMERICA OVER LAST YEAR’S CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE HUDSON RIVER," MR FONG SAID.
"I ANTICIPATE THE 1994 FESTIVAL WILL SURPASS ALL PREVIOUS YEARS IN TERMS OF QUALITY, SCALE AND PARTICIPATION," HE ADDED.
AT THE NEWS CONFERENCE , THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, HONGKONGBANK USA, MR MICHAEL GEOGHEGAN, PRESENTED THE FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP CHEQUE TO CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, MR RODERICK RICHARDS.
"HONGKONGBANK'S SPONSORSHIP OF THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL COMMEMORATES ITS ASIAN HERITAGE AND UNDERSCORES ITS COMMITMENT TO BOTH NEW YORK AND HONG KONG," SAID MR GEOGHEGAN.
"THE FESTIVAL IS A UNIQUE CELEBRATION OF THE INDUSTRIOUS, COMPETITIVE SPIRIT SHARED BY OUR TWO CITIES, AND AN IMPORTANT MEANS OF STRENGTHENING THE CULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL TIES BETWEEN THEM."
MR RICHARDS EXPLAINED THAT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL BEGAN WITH PRELIMINARY DRAGON BOAT RACES IN PHILADELPHIA ON MAY 15 AND IN BOSTON ON JUNE 18.
A TWO-DAY LOCAL NEW YORK CITY EVENT WITH 30 TEAMS TAKES PLACE ON AUGUST 13-14 IN QUEENS, NEW YORK.
"THEN THE WINNING TEAMS FROM THESE THREE EVENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO COMPETE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE ON AUGUST 21 ON THE HUDSON RIVER," MR RICHARDS SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE EXCITING DRAGON BOAT COMPETITION, THE HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK WILL FEATURE CULTURAL EXHIBITIONS CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL CHINESE FOOD, CRAFTS, DANCE AND MARTIAL ARTS AT VARIOUS VENUES IN NEW YORK CITY.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
- 14 -
EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION ♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS LAUNCHED A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, MR WONG STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION NOT JUST IN A FEW WELL-KNOWN SCHOOLS, BUT IN AS MANY SCHOOLS IN THE TERRITORY AS POSSIBLE.
THE MEASURES INCLUDED THE REDUCTION OF CLASS SIZE, INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF TEACHERS IN EACH SCHOOL, AND THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS SUPPORT SERVICES.
MR WONG SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS EMBARKING ON A PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO PERSUADE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS.
ANOTHER MEASURE IS A COMPUTERISED INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR SCHOOLS WHICH SUPPORTS SCHOOL MANAGEMENT, PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES, AND ENABLES ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION ON PUPILS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
THE SYSTEM WILL COME INTO OPERATION BY PHASES STARTING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, EXPANDING TO ALL PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS BY MID-1997.
MR WONG SAID CONSULTANTS HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED TO DEVISE PLANS ON UPGRADING THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF A LARGE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS BY IMPROVING EXISTING BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTING EXTENSIONS TO MEET MODERN STANDARDS.
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AVID READERS AWARDED *****
SEVENTEEN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAVE READ NEARLY OR MORE THAN 100 BOOKS UNDER THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ENGLISH EXTENSIVE READING SCHEME THIS YEAR WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THEY ARE AMONG 98 RECIPIENTS WHO ARE AWARDED EITHER FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE INTER-SCHOOL BOOK REPORT COMPETITION OR NAMED "BEST READER" IN A PARTICIPATING SCHOOL.
A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, MRS VIVIENNE YU, SAID MANY STUDENTS HAVE DEVELOPED A READING HABIT AND MADE PLEASING IMPROVEMENT IN BOTH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF THEIR READING AFTER JOINING THE SCHEME.
/WINNERS WITH .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
- 15 -
WINNERS WITH OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS INCLUDE A STUDENT FROM WONG SHIU CHI SECONDARY SCHOOL WHO HAS WON BOTH A BEST DRAWING AWARD AND A BEST WRITING AWARD, AND FIVE STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN "BEST READER OF THE SCHOOL" FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
THE READING SCHEME, WHICH BEGAN IMPLEMENTATION IN SECONDARY ONE CLASSES IN 19 SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1991, NOW INCLUDED 79 SCHOOLS AND A TOTAL OF 35,000 STUDENTS IN SECONDARY ONE, TWO AND THREE.
WITH THE INCLUSION OF ANOTHER 30 SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, A QUARTER OF THE PUBLIC-SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME. PREPARATION WORK IS IN HAND FOR THE SCHEME TO BE EXTENDED TO COVER PRIMARY SCHOOLS AS WELL IN 1995.
MRS YU SAID THE SCHEME WAS ABLE TO HELP MANY STUDENTS DEVELOP A READING HABIT BECAUSE IT WAS INCORPORATED INTO THE CURRICULUM.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PROVIDES THE SCHOOLS WITH RESOURCE PACKAGES IN THE FORM OF BOOKBOXES AT EIGHT READING LEVELS SO THAT STUDENTS CAN CHOOSE BOOKS THAT SUIT THEIR OWN READING LEVELS AND INTEREST.
THE STUDENTS ARE ALSO GIVEN TIME TO READ IN CLASS AND DISCUSS THE BOOKS WITH THEIR TEACHERS.
"WITH SUCH STRONG SUPPORT, MANY STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO DEVELOP CONFIDENCE AND INTEREST IN READING ENGLISH BOOKS,” MRS YU SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THE SCHEME HAS VASTLY INCREASED THE STUDENTS’ EXPOSURE TO ENGLISH AND HELPED THEM TO BECOME MORE AT HOME WITH THE LANGUAGE."
PRIZES WERE SPONSORED BY THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST. THEY WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS BY ITS VICE-PRESIDENT, MRS DANNIE HONG CHOY, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, MR JOHN HARRIS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZEPRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG EXTENSIVE READING SCHEME IN ENGLISH AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN SCHOOL (PRIMARY SECTION), 26 CAINE ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, MR JOHN HARRIS, AND THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST, MRS DANNTF HONG CHOY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
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/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1994
- 16 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
CUMULATIVE
TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION) OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,142 0930 -874 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,826 1000 -826 CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 ~826 MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -827 1200 -827 LAF TODAY +511 1500 -827 1600 -827 LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.1 *+0.1* 13.1.94 HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.77 17 MONTHS 251 1 4 . 15 98.00 5.77
1 MONTH 3.92 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.28 6.28
3 MONTHS 4.28 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.01 6.69
6 MONTHS 4.60 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.01 6.89
12 MONTHS 5.39 34 MONTHS TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS 3704 6.15 - 26,977 MN 98.04 7.05
CLOSED 13 JULY 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EAST TAMAR MAY BE READY FOR DEVELOPMENT NEXT YEAR......... 1
ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD ESTABLISHED..................... 2
LAND REGISTRY RELEASES STATISTICS FOR JUNE................... 2
BANK GRANTED LAND FOR VAULT.................................. 3
TARIFF REVISIONS FOR LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICES................ 3
PUBLICATION OF ELECTION GUIDELINES........................... 4
MORE COMPANIES REGISTERED FROM JAN-JUNE, 1994 ............... 6
STATISTICS ON BUSINESS RECEIPTS FOR THE MAJOR SERVICE
INDUSTRIES FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 RELEASED..................................... 8
HK YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO VISIT CHINA.................. 11
NEW PREMISES FOR WAN CHAI EDUCATION OFFICE.................. 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS...... 12
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
EAST TAMAR MAY BE READY FOR DEVELOPMENT NEXT YEAR
*****
SOME OF THE LAND AT EAST TAMAR, ONE OF THE EX-MILITARY SITES, IS EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS, MR EASON SAID HE EXPECTED TO SEE SOME OF THE LAND AT THE FORMER NAVAL BASE IN NEXT YEAR’S LAND SALE PROGRAMME WHILE THE REST WOULD COME ON STREAM AS THE RECLAMATION PROGRESSED.
MR EASON SAID THE SEVEN HECTARES AT EAST TAMAR WERE GOING TO PLAY A VERY SIGNIFICANT PART IN MEETING DEMAND FOR OFFICE SPACE AS THEY WOULD PROVIDE SOME 400,000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ALONE.
"EAST TAMAR ALONE ACCOUNTS FOR $30 BILLION (AT APRIL 1994 VALUES) OF THE $65 BILLION WE ESTIMATE THE EX-MILITARY SITES TO BE WORTH IN LAND PREMIUM REVENUE," HE SAID.
IN FRONT OF WHAT IS NOW TAMAR, HE SAID, RECLAMATION WILL PRODUCE A FURTHER 29 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.
THE REAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EX-MILITARY LAND SITES LIES IN THE POTENTIAL THEY OFFERED FOR IMPROVED PLANNING, MR EASON SAID.
"THE CHALLENGE IS NOW TO INTEGRATE THE EX-MILITARY LAND INTO THE LAND SUPPLY PROCESS AND EXPLOIT TO ALL THE OPTIONS IT IS GOING TO GIVE US.
"IT WOULD BE WRONG TO INSIST ON DEDICATING FIXED PROPORTIONS OF THIS LAND TO PARTICULAR USES WHEN THERE MAY BE MUCH MORE SUITABLE SITES FOR THOSE PURPOSES AVAILABLE FROM OTHER SOURCES."
MR EASON SAID THE EX-MILITARY SITES WOULD NOT LEAD TO AN OVER-SUPPLY OF LAND BECAUSE NOT ALL OF THEM WAS GOING TO COME ON STREAM IMMEDIATELY.
"A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF THE EX-MILITARY SITES WILL NOT BE DEVELOPED UNTIL AFTER 1997 BECAUSE THE BRITISH GARRISON WILL BE IN OCCUPATION SOME OF THE SITES UNTIL THEN."
HE SAID THERE WAS NO INTENTION ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT TO CRASH THE MARKET.
"OUR POLICY REMAINS WHAT IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN -- TO MAKE SUFFICIENT LAND AVAILABLE TO MEET DEMAND FOR THE FULL RANGE OF USES," HE SAID.
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/2.........
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
2
ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD ESTABLISHED
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR JUSTICE ARTHUR LEONG AND JUDGE PETER CHEUNG AS THE CHAIRMAN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD (AAB) RESPECTIVELY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO APPOINTED 27 BOARD MEMBERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AAB, WHICH IS TO PROVIDE A MORE STRUCTURED AND UNIFORM SYSTEM TO DEAL WITH CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS, WOULD BE FORMALLY ESTABLISHED TOMORROW (JULY 15).
"AT THIS STAGE, THE BOARD WILL DEAL WITH STATUTORY APPEALS UNDER 25 ORDINANCES OR REGULATIONS. SINCE THE BOARD IS DESIGNED TO HANDLE A WIDE RANGE OF APPEALS, ITS COPE MAY BE EXPANDED GRADUALLY WHEN THE BOARD HAS BUILT UP ITS EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE," HE ADDED.
THE BOARD IS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD ORDINANCE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLIER THIS YEAR.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE, THE BOARD WILL CONDUCT ITS HEARINGS IN PUBLIC, ALLOW THE APPELLANT THE RIGHT TO ATTEND AND PERMIT REPRESENTATION BY A BARRISTER OR A SOLICITOR.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THESE ARRANGEMENTS NOT ONLY WOULD IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE DETERMINATION OF APPEALS, BUT ALSO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL DRAW THE POTENTIAL APPELLANTS’ ATTENTION TO THE RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE AAB THROUGH, FOR EXAMPLE, THE NOTICE OF A DECISION GIVEN BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY," HE SAID.
GENERAL ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE BOARD CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY TO THE AAB AT ROOM 140, EAST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
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LAND REGISTRY RELEASES STATISTICS FOR JUNE *****
A TOTAL OF 7,129 SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, WHICH INCLUDE BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES, WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE LAND REGISTRY DURING JUNE 1994, WITH A TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF $29.85 BILLION.
THE NUMBER OF TOTAL AGREEMENTS REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF 44.6 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT IN MAY THIS YEAR AND A DECREASE OF 44.3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1993.
THESE MONTHLY STATISTICS FOR JUNE ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE URBAN AND THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES WERE RELEASED BY THE LAND REGISTRAR TODAY (THURSDAY).
/ON A........
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
- 3 -
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE NUMBER OP SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR BUILDING UNITS SHOWED A DECELERATION FROM AN INCREASE OF 50.1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AND AN INCREASE OF 18.1 PER CENT IN APRIL, TO A DECREASE OF 5.9 PER CENT IN MAY AND A DECREASE OF 44.3 PER CENT IN JUNE.
AS THERE IS USUALLY A TIME LAG BETWEEN THE EXECUTION AND THE LODGEMENT OF DEEDS FOR REGISTRATION, STATISTICS RECORDED IN JUNE GENERALLY RELATE TO LAND TRANSACTIONS EXECUTED UP TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THEIR SUBMISSION FOR REGISTRATION.
A COMPARISON TABLE SHOWING THE RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR MAY 1994 AND FOR JUNE 1993 WAS RELEASED.
FOR SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT, A CHART SHOWING THE NUMBER RECEIVED FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND ANOTHER SHOWING THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF CHANGE WERE ALSO RELEASES.
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BANK GRANTED LAND FOR VAULT
* * * t *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS AGREED THAT A SITE AT A KUNG NGAM BE GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY TO THE BANK OF CHINA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A VAULT FOR STORAGE OF BULLION, NOTES AND COINS.
THE BANK OF CHINA COMMENCED ISSUING BANKNOTES ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR AND INTENDS TO GRADUALLY INCREASE ITS SHARE OF BANKNOTES ISSUED IN HONG KONG.
A NEW VAULT, WHICH HAS TO BE LOCATED IN A PURPOSE-BUILT TREASURY BUILDING FOR SECURITY AND OTHER PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION, SHOULD BE READY BY 1996 TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED REQUIREMENT.
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TARIFF REVISIONS FOR LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICES *****
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR ALEXANDER ARENA, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE REVISED TARIFFS FOR THE LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICES PROVIDED BY HONG KONG TELEPHONE ACCORD WITH THE PRICE-CAP ARRANGEMENTS STIPULATED IN THE TELEPHONE REGULATION.
THE REVISED TARIFFS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (JULY 15). THE NEW TARIFFS WILL COMF INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 1, 1994.
THE PRICE-CAP ARRANGEMENTS INTRODUCED IN 1993 LIMIT THE ANNUAL INCREASES IN THE BASKET OF LOCAL TELEPHONE CHARGES, AS A WHOLE, TO FOUR PER CENT BELOW INFLATION. THE INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL LINE RENTAL HAS BEEN HELD TO THREE PER CENT BELOW INFLATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRICE CONTROL RULES.
/MR ARENA
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
4
MR ARENA SAID: "INFLATION DURING THE PAST YEAR AS MEASURED BY THE CPI(A) INDEX WAS 8.05 PER CENT. THE MONTHLY RENTAL FOR A RESIDENTIAL LINE WILL GO UP BY 4.55 PER CENT FROM $59.30 TO $62.
"THE RENTALS FOR BUSINESS LINES WILL BE INCREASED BY 1.87 PER CENT FOR HUNTING LINE, 2.94 PER CENT FOR DDI LINE (TONE DIALLING), 5.13 PER CENT FOR DDI LINE (PULSE DIALLING) AND 7.14 PER CENT FOR AN ORDINARY BUSINESS LINE. THE CONNECTION CHARGE OF $600 REMAINS UNCHANGED.
"THE PRICE-CAP ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ENABLED CONSUMERS TO BENEFIT FROM EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS IN THE OPERATION OF THE LOCAL TELEPHONE SERVICES. AS THE PRICE CAP ENSURES PRICES, OVERALL, RISE BY LESS THAN INFLATION, THE TELEPHONE CHARGES CONTROLLED BY THE PRICE-CAP HAVE IN EFFECT BEEN REDUCED BY AN AVERAGE OF FOUR PER CENT IN REAL TERMS," MR ARENA SAID.
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PUBLICATION OF ELECTION GUIDELINES * * ♦ * ♦
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) PUBLISH ITS FINALISED GUIDELINES ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES IN RESPECT OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS, AFTER A ONE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION WHICH ENDED ON JUNE 15.
THE BEC HELD 10 PUBLIC MEETINGS WITH INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS AND RECEIVED 25 WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS.
ANNOUNCING THE DETAILS OF THE FINAL (.UI DEL INES IN A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID THE PROPOSED GUIDELINES WERE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE COMMISSION WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE MANY POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS RECEIVED AND INTRODUCED A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THESE VIEWS.
OTHER CHANGES TO THE GUIDELINES WERE ALSO MADE TO REFLECT THE LATEST AMENDMENTS TO THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JUNE.
THE MAIN POINTS ADDRESSED IN THE PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS AND THE CHANGES TO THE GUIDELINES ENDORSED BY THE COMMISSION INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
♦ NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES
TO ADDRESS THE COMMON MISUNDERSTANDING IN RELATION TO NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MORE THAN ONF CONSTITUENCY, THE COMMISSION HAS REVISED THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR NOMINATIONS.
BEFORE A CANDIDATE’S CURRENT NOMINATION FOR A CONSTITUENCY WILL BE ACCEPTED AS VALID, HE WILL BE REQUIRED TO WITHDRAW FROM ALL HIS PREVIOUS NOMINATIONS FOR OTHER CONSTITUENCIES IN THE SAME ELECTION.
/HE WILL
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
- 5
HE WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO DECLARE IN HIS NOMINATION PAPER THAT EITHER HE HAS NOT BEEN NOMINATED FOR ANY OTHER CONSTITUENCIES BEFORE, OR HE HAS ALREADY WITHDRAWN FROM ALL SUCH NOMINATIONS.
* ELECTION EXPEND AGENT
AFTER THE AMENDMENTS TO THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE GAZETTED ON JUNE 24, THE COMMISSION HAS AMENDED ITS BEC (ELECTORAL PROCEDURE) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY) REGULATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION EXPENSE AGENT AND THE AUTHORISATION TO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES.
EXCEPT THE CANDIDATE HIMSELF AND ANY PERSON AUTHORISED BY THE CANDIDATE IN WRITING, NO ONE MAY INCUR ELECTION EXPENSE ON BEHALF AND ON ACCOUNT OF THE CANDIDATE.
* ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS
TO ALLEVIATE THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES FACED BY CANDIDATES, CERTAIN TYPES OF ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF SERIAL NUMBERING. THIS INCLUDE ANY ELECTION ADVERTISEMENT WHICH COMPLIES WITH THE FOLLOWING THREE CONDITIONS:
(A) IS OF OR SMALLER THAN A4 SIZE,
(B) IS OF SINGLE SHEET; AND
(C) CONTAINS PRINTING DETAILS REQUIRED UNDER THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE, THAT IS HANDBILLS, PAMPHLETS, SIMULATED BALLOT PAPERS AND SO ON.
* BALLOT PAPER AND QUESTIONABLE VOTES
THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS THAT THE "TICK" SIGN IS A MORE APPROPRIATE SIGN FOR MARKING THE BALLOT PAPERS. BALLOT PAPERS MARKED WITH SIGNS OTHER THAN THE "TICK" SIGN WILL BE TREATED AS QUESTIONABLE VOTES, THE VALIDITY OF WHICH WILL* BE DETERMINED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER.
TO INSTIL PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE SECRECY OF VOTES, THE SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE PRINTED ON THE COUNTERFOIL OF THE BALLOT PAPER.
* ELECTION COMPLAINTS
TO DETER FRIVOLOUS OR MALICIOUS COMPLAINTS, A COMPLAINANT WILL BE REQUIRED, WHERE NECESSARY, TO MAKE A STATUTORY DECLARATION TO SUPPORT HIS COMPLAINT.
* ELECTIONEERING AT PRIVATE PREMISES
THE COMMISSION DOES NOT ACCEPT THE SUGGESTION TO USE LEGISLATIVE MEANS TO REQUIRE OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF PRIVATE PREMISES TO ALLOW ACCESS BY CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIONEERING, AS THIS IS OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSION AND CONFLICTS WITH PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.
/OWNERS AND .......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
- 6 -
OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS IN PRIVATE PREMISES ARE, HOWEVER, ADVISED TO DECIDE ON ACCESS BY CANDIDATES BY SECRET BALLOT AT A MEETING, AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, TO SET CONDITIONS FOR THE ACCESS BY CANDIDATES AND FOR THE DISPLAY OF THEIR ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS.
THE BEC GUIDELINES WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON THE DATE OF PUBLICATION TOMORROW (JULY 15).
’’THE COMMISSION IS COMMITTED TO ENSURE THAT THE COMING ELECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED FAIRLY, OPENLY AND HONESTLY,” THE CHAIRMAN SAID.
TO PREPARE FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MR JUSTICE WOO URGES ALL PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES TO STUDY CAREFULLY THE 16-CHAPTER GUIDELINES WHICH EXPLAIN IN DETAIL THE ELECTION PROCEDURE, THE REGULATION WHICH THEY AND THEIR AGENTS SHOULD OBSERVE AND THE AREAS TO WHICH THEY SHOULD PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION.
HE SAID THE COMMISSION HOPED TO WORK CLOSELY WITH ALL THE CANDIDATES TOWARDS A SUCCESSFUL ELECTION IN SEPTEMBER.
THE NOMINATION PERIOD WILL START ON AUGUST 1 AND LAST UNTIL AUGUST 15.
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MORE COMPANIES REGISTERED FROM JAN-JUNE, 1994 *****
FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE ACTING REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES, MR A H PATEL, INDICATED THAT MORE COMPANIES HAD REGISTERED FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994 BY COMPARISON WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE COMPANIES REGISTRY FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPANIES NOW REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AT THE END OF JUNE 1994 AS COMPARED WITH THE TOTAL NUMBER AT THE END OF DECEMBER 1993 HAD INCREASED BY 5.4 PER CENT FROM 415,911 TO 438,220.
THE NUMBER OF NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994 HAD DECREASED 25 PER CENT FROM 33,477 TO 25,047 .AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1993.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES WHICH HAD AN ESTABLISHED PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF JUNE 1994 AS COMPARED WITH THE TOTAL NUMBER AT THE END OF DECEMBER 1993 INCREASED BY 5.9 PER CENT FROM 3,544 TO 3,752.
THE NUMBER OF NEW OVERSEAS COMPANIES ESTABLISHING A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994 WAS 275, AN INCREASE OF 23 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1993.
NO SEPARATE STATISTICS ARE MAINTAINED ON HOW MANY OVERSEAS COMPANIES INCORPORATE LOCAL SUBSIDIARIES OR TAKE UP A MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN A HONG KONG COMPANY.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
IN THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1994, EXISTING COMPANIES INCREASED THEIR NOMINAL CAPITAL BY $22,258 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD OF 1993.
THE NOMINAL CAPTIAL OF NEW COMPANIES INCORPORATED DURING JANUARY-JUNE 1994 DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT FROM $3,704 MILLION TO $3,632 MILLION COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED BY CHARGES REGISTERED ON THE ASSETS OF COMPANIES DECREASED BY 26 PER CENT FROM $29,377 MILLION TO $21,771 MILLION, AND THE NUMBER OF CHARGES FILED IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994 HAD INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT FROM 15,134 TO 17,598 OVER THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1993.
THE AMOUNT REPAID ON CHARGES, AS EVIDENCED BY CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION, INCREASED BY 78 PER CENT FROM $6,450 MILLION TO $11,459 MILLION AND THE NUMBER OF CERTIFICATES HAD INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT FROM 8,558 TO 9,845 IN THE SAME PERIOD.
DURING THE PERIOD A TOTAL OF 103 PROSPECTUSES OF PUBLIC COMPANIES, INCLUDING 24 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, WERE REGISTERED, COMPARED WITH 78 PROSPECTUSES, INCLUDING 34 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, DURING THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1993.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED FOR FILING DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994 AS COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 DECREASED BY 10 PER CENT FROM 666,497 TO 602,184 AND THE NUMBER OF SEARCHES MADE BY THE PUBLIC DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994 AS COMPARED WITH THAT FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT FROM 861,977 TO 975,615.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUMMONSES ISSUED BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES AGAINST COMPANIES AND THEIR DIRECTORS FOR BREACHES OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, MAINLY FOR LATE FILING OF RETURNS OF ALTERATION MADE IN THE DIRECTORS/SECRETARY OR IN THEIR PARTICULARS OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES, IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994 WAS 75, COMPARED WITH 101 DURING THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. ANOTHER 28 SUMMONSES WERE OUTSTANDING FROM 1993.
OF THIS TOTAL OF 103 SUMMONSES, 72 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS COMPARED WITH 68 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1993 AND 28 REMAIN TO BE HEARD BY THE COURT (28 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1993).
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED FOR CONVICTIONS IN THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1994 WAS $1,067,875, COMPARED WITH $283,505 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1993.
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/8 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
8
STATISTICS ON BUSINESS RECEIPTS FOR THE MAJOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993
TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 RELEASED
*****
BUSINESS RECEIPTS IN FINANCIAL SERVICES OTHER THAN BANKING ALMOST DOUBLED IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE STRONG GROWTH IN THIS SERVICE INDUSTRY WAS BECAUSE OF A MARKED INCREASE IN ACTIVITY IN STOCK AND SHARE COMPANIES AND MUTUAL FUND AGENCIES.
THIS WAS GENERALLY IN LINE WITH THE BUOYANCY OF THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET DURING LATE 1993 AND EARLY 1994.
BUSINESS RECEIPTS IN BUSINESS SERVICES ALSO INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, BY 32% IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE GROWTH IN THIS INDUSTRY WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A LARGE INCREASE IN LEGAL AND ADVERTISING SERVICES.
THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY REGISTERED A GROWTH OF 33% IN VALUE TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE ALSO REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING SERVICE INDUSTRIES: COMMUNICATION (+20%); HOTELS (+20%); RETAIL (+18%); BANKING (+18%); IMPORT/EXPORT (+16%); AND RESTAURANTS (+15%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS IN THE STORAGE INDUSTRY DROPPED BY 7% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THIS WAS IN LINE WITH THE DECREASE IN STORAGE CAPACITY RESULTING FROM THE CONTINUED RELOCATION OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO CHINA.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE BUSINESS RECEIPTS INDICES FOR PERIODS FROM THE FIRST TO FOURTH QUARTERS OF 1993.
PROVISIONAL INDICES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 ARE ALSO INCLUDED. THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS IN 1992 WAS TAKEN AS 100.
IT DEPICTS THE MOVEMENTS OF THE BUSINESS RECEIPTS FOR THE 12 SERVICE INDUSTRIES INCLUDING WHOLESALE, IMPORT/EXPORT, RETAIL, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, TRANSPORT, STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, BANKING, FINANCING (EXCEPT BANKING), INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES, FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994.
STATISTICS ON BUSINESS RECEIPTS FOR MAJOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES FOR THE PERIOD FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 ARE RELEASED TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME.
/THE STATISTICS .......
THURSDAY,JULY 14, 1994
- 9 -
THE STATISTICS RELEASED THUS PROVIDE A SUFFICIENTLY LONG DATA SERIES TO ENABLE INTER-PERIOD COMPARISON OF THE PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS SERVICE INDUSTRIES.
FOR MOST MAJOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES, THE STATISTICS ON BUSINESS RECEIPTS ARE OBTAINED FROM A NEW QUARTERLY SURVEY ON SERVICE INDUSTRIES LAUNCHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN EARLY 1993.
SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR BANKING ARE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, AND FOR RETAIL AND RESTAURANTS, FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S TWO EXISTING SURVEYS.
THE REPORT ON THE "QUARTERLY BUSINESS RECEIPTS INDICES FOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994" IS NOW ON SALE AT $6 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND ALSO FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUSINESS SERVICES STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1244.
/Table 1 : .......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
- 10 -
Table J : Business receipts indices for periods from 1st quarter 93 to 1 st quarter 9J
(Quarterly average of 1992 • 100)
(-*AZ$££2iWiK-ioo)
1993 1994 lit Quarter 1994 1st Quarter 1994
Type of Service Industry 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1 st Quarter -MM 55-^ compared will) 4di Quarter 1993 compared with 1st Quarter 1993
(Provisional figures) (fifi$»?) Points («) % (Sfc)$) Points («)
Wholesale 98.4 102.8 109.5 114.5 108.6 -6.0 -5.2 + 10.1 + 10.3
Import / Export 96.5 105.4 118.3 1)5.1 111.5 -3.6 -3.1 *15.0 + 15.6
<l) Retail 104.7 107.5 1)8.1 120.5 123.4 +2.9 *2.4 + 18.7 + 17.9
Hotels 101.2 105.1 106.8 137.0 121.1 -15.9 -11.6 *19.9 + 19.7
(>) Restaurants 99.2 98.3 111.5 115.5 114.0 -1.5 -1.3 + 14.7 +14.9
Transport 101.6 109.6 121.2 114.7 1)1.5 •3.2 -2.8 *9.9 *9.7
Storage 105.1 92.4 101.0 95.6 98.2 +2.6 *2.7 -6.9 -6.6
Communication SOiH 107.4 115.6 121.4 130.9 129.0 -1.9 -1.5 +21.6 +20.1
z- W Banking S^fT (4) Financing (except Banking) W 99.4 109.3 111.5 117.0 121.9 146.8 123.5 221.5 116.9 216.9 -6.6 -4.6 -5.4 -2.1 + 17.5 + 107.6 + 17.6 +98.5
Insurance 1)5.0 118.0 121.7 122.5 153.0 *30.6 +25.0 *38.1 +33.1
Business services 93.9 111.9 121.2 142.1 123.6 -18.5 -13.0 *29.8 +31.7
Notes li :
(1) Based on the survey results of the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales
(2) Based on die survey results of the Quarterly Survey of Restaurant Receipts and Purchases
(3) Business receipts data are obtained from die Hong Kong Monetary Authority
(4) Excluding investment and holding companies
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/n .....
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
- 11 -
HK YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO VISIT CHINA * * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH WILL STAGE A PRE-TOUR CONCERT AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL AT 8 PM ON AUGUST 1 TO KICK OFF THE 1994 HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHINA TOUR.
THE 80 MEMBERS IN THE TOUR GROUP WILL FLY TO CHINA ON AUGUST 13.
THEY WILL GIVE A SERIES OF PERFORMANCES IN BEIJING AND TIANJIN.
IT IS HOPED THAT THEIR PERFORMANCES WILL PROMOTE FRIENDSHIP AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WAS FORMED IN 1978 TO PROVIDE ORCHESTRAL TRAINING FOR YOUNG INSTRUMENTALISTS IN HONG KONG .
MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHINA TOUR ARE AGED FROM 11 TO 21.
UNDER THE BATON OF ITS MUSIC CONDUCTORS, MR LUI KI-LING AND MR LAU YAT-YING, THE ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY PIECES INCLUDING ’’SYMPHONY NO. 8 TN G MAJOR, OP. 88 DVORAK", "VARIATIONS ON A ROCOCO THEME OP. 33 TCHAIKOVSKY", AND "EXPOSE FOR ORCHESTRA, CHAN WING-WAH".
THEY HAVE GIVEN OVERSEAS PERFORMANCES IN SINGAPORE AND THE UNITED STATES IN RECENT YEARS.
THE ORCHESTRA HAS BEEN UNDERGOING INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME IN THE 1994 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP.
ADMISSION TO THE AUGUST 1 CONCERT IS FREE OF CHARGE AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 582 5314.
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NEW PREMISES FOR WAN CHAI EDUCATION OFFICE
*****
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE AT ROOM 1140, WU CHUNG HOUSE, HAS BEEN REMOVED TO SECOND FLOOR, CENTRE POINT, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD AND WILL OPERATE FROM THE NEW PREMISES FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE HEADED BY SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER MR LEE SHEW-LAI WHO WOULD BE ASSISTED BY THREE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS AND THREE ASSISTANT DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS.
THE OFFICE HOURS WILL BE FROM 8.30 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY. THE OFFICE WILL OPERATE FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.
/THE OFFICE .......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1994
- 12 -
THE OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION IN WAN CHAI. PARENTS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT MAY APPROACH THE OFFICE FOR HELP WITH EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR GENERAL ENQU1RIRES IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT WILL BE 834 8423. THEIR FAX NUMBER WILL BE 572 0800.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
Cl IMULATIVE CHANGE
TIME
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ i MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,826 0930 -561
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,610 CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1000 1100 -561 -561
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -561 1200 -561
LAF TODAY +345 1500 1600 -561 -561
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWJ 122.4 *+0.3* HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY 14.7.94
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.72 17 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.00 5.78
1 MONTH 3.89 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.29 6.27
3 MONTHS 4.22 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.05 6.67
6 MONTHS 4.59 31 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.05 6.87
12 MONTHS 5.38 34 MONTHS 3704 6.15 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,695 MN CLOSED 14 JULY 1994 98.09 7.03
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TALKS TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE CENTRAL POLICE STATION............................... .a.,......... 1
GOVERNOR VISITS CENTRAL POLICE STATION...................... 2
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION AFTER HIS VISIT TO AN AGED HOME........................................... 3
GOVERNOR VISITS SUBVENTED HOME FOR OLD PEOPLE............... 5
VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 18........................................ 6
IPS’ REPORT DISTRIBUTED IN DETENTION CENTRE................. 7
AIRPORT SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CLOSER TO COMPLETION........... 8
UK DEFENCE COSTS STUDY...................................... 9
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MARCH -MAY 1994 ....................................:............. 10
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR FIRST QUARTER 1994 ..... 11
REPORT ON SOCIAL STATISTICS PUBLISHED...................... 13
SUBSIDIARY LAWS ON DISQUALIFICATION OF COMPANY DIRECTORS IN FORCE................................................... 14
FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS FOR NORTH-WEST NT................... 15
SUBMARINE CABLES TO BE LAID AT TSING CHAU TSAI............. 16
/TENDERS INVITED....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS............... 17
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION WASTE SORTING PLANT..... 17
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED IN NORTH TSING YI...................... 18
CORNWALL STREET TO BE RECONSTRUCTED......................... 18
MORE CONCERN OVER CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND WELFARE............. 19
FAMILIES INVITED TO TAKE PART IN GREEN DAY.................. 20
POTENTIAL TEACHERS URGED TO REGISTER WITH TRIO.............. 21
DRUG EDUCATION COURSE FOR TEACHERS.......................... 22
NEW TSEUNG KWAN O POST OFFICE............................... 22
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
23
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
GOVERNOR TALKS TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE CENTRAL POLICE STATION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE CENTRAL POLICE STATION THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING:-
GOVERNOR: GOOD MORNING. I AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO VISIT CENTRAL POLICE STATION THIS MORNING WITH OUR NEW COMMISSIONER. THIS IS , THE OLDEST POLICE STATION IN HONG KONG BUT, OF COURSE, IT IS THE HOME FOR PART OF WHAT I THINK IS GENERALLY REGARDED AS CERTAINLY THE BEST POLICE FORCE IN ASIA. INDEED, I THINK IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO FIND A BETTER POLICE FORCE THAN WE HAVE IN HONG KONG EVERYWHERE. THE EVIDENCE FOR THAT IS ALL AROUND US. WE CAN’T BE COMPLACENT. WE MUST NEVER LET OUR GUARD DROP BUT HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD. OUR CRIME FIGURES'RE, OF COURSE, A LOT BETTER THAN THOSE IN NORTH
AMERICA, THE UNITED STATES, VANCOUVER, BETTER THAN LONDON AND EUROPE, BETTER THAN TOKYO, BETTER EVEN THAN SINGAPORE AND THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. OUR CRIME LEVELS HAVE BEEN FALLING. FIGURES HAVE FALLEN BY AN
AVERAGE OF 4.8 PERCENT IN EACH OF THE LAST TWO YEARS. VIOLENT CRIMES
WHICH, OF COURSE, ARE OF CONCERN TO US GREATLY, HAVE FALLEN BY AN
AVERAGE OF 6.9 PERCENT IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. AND WHILE CRIME ITSELF HAS BEEN FALLING, THE DETECTION RATE HAS BEEN RISING. THOSE ARE THE HALLMARKS OF SUCCESS AND I THINK THAT THE REASONS FOR THAT SUCCESS ARE, ABOVE ALL, THE PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY OF OUR POLICE FORCE AND THE SUPPORT WHICH OUR POLICE GET THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. I THINK THAT’S SHOWN IN THE WORK, FOR EXAMPLE, OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES AND IT’S SHOWN, I THINK, BY THE VERY GOOD RESPONSE WHICH THE PUBLIC GENERALLY SHOW TO OUR POLICE AND TO REQUESTS FOR HELP. SO, ALL OF US HAVE GOT TO WORK WITH THE COMMISSIONER AND WITH HIS OFFICERS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO EVEN BETTER IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE THE SAFETY OF OUR STREETS, THE SAFETY OF OUR HOUSING ESTATES, THE SAFETY OF OUR SHOPPING CENTRES ARE ALL THOSE THINGS THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT PARTS' OF OUR' QUALITY OF LIFE HERE IN HONG KONG AND I ASSURE THE COMMISSIONER THAT HE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON ME, GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT AND ON THE RESOURCES THAT HE AND HIS MEN AND WOMEN NEED TO DO THE VERY IMPORTANT JOBS THEY : HAVE .
QUESTION: ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT THE RISING POLICE CORRUPTION? RECENTLY, THE ICAC COMMISSIONER SAID THAT POLICE CORRUPTION IS ON THE RISE AGAIN.
GOVERNOR: I THINK IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT THE ICAC HAS DETECTED A RISING TREND IN CORRUPTION THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. I KNOW THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND I KNOW THAT THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION ARE BOTH DETERMINED TO STAMP OUT CORRUPTION WHEREVER IT’S FOUND. THERE WERE PROBLEMS A GENERATION AGO IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. THOSE PROBLEMS WERE STAMPED OUT VERY VIGOROUSLY AND SINCE THEN, I THINK WE CAN SAY THAT WHILE THERE ARE INEVITABLY PROBLEMS FROM TIME TO TIME, WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST AND CLEANEST POLICE FORCES ANYWHERE AND THAT IS THE WAY THE COMMISSIONER AND I INTEND THAT IT .' SHOULD REMAIN.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE CALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT CAPO?
GOVERNOR: I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE WHAT WE DO ALREADY. WE HAVE A CAPO WHICH IS MONITORED BY THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE AND WE ARE INTENDING TO PLACE THAT POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE ON A STATUTORY BASIS. WE’LL BE BRINGING FORWARD THE LEGISLATION NEXT YEAR. WE ARE ALSO PROPOSING THAT THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE SHOULD BE ABLE, WHERE IT IS NECESSARY OR RELEVANT, TO MEET AND QUESTION WITNESSES IN CASES. AND CAPO ITSELF IS DETERMINED TO IMPROVE FURTHER, THE WAY IT WORKS, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH PROPER SURVEILLANCE OF INTERVIEWS AND SO ON RECORDINGS. SO, I THINK THAT WE ARE ALREADY DOING A GREAT DEAL AND I THINK THE PUBLIC SHOULD PROPERLY HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE WAY THAT THE POLICE CONDUCTS INVESTIGATIONS INTO ALLEGATIONS MADE ABOUT THEIR OPERATIONS AND I THINK THAT EVERYBODY SHOULD ALSO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE WORK OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE. I AM OUT AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON, VISITING SOME FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY. SO, IF ANY OF YOU WANTS TO CROSS THE HARBOUR, I’LL BE SEEING YOU THEN. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0------------
GOVERNOR VISITS CENTRAL POLICE STATION
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT. HON. CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, VISITED THE CENTRAL POLICE STATION TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT HOW A POLICE STATION OPERATES.
GREETED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR EDDIE HUI KI-ON, THE GOVERNOR WAS FIRST BRIEFED BY THE REGIONAL COMMANDER OF HONG KONG ISLAND, MR TONY MULLINS AND THE DISTRICT COMMANDER, CENTRAL, MR JOHN HUI CHIU-YIN, ON POLICING OF THE DISTRICT.
WHILE TOURING THE STATION BUILDINGS, THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED BY ACTING SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, MR KEITH RATCLIFFE, ON THE HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL ASPECTS OF THE COMPLEX.
HE WAS TOLD THAT THE SITE HAD BEEN OCCUPIED SOLELY BY THE POLICE SINCE SHORTLY AFTER THE FOUNDING OF HONG KONG.
A SUBSTANTIAL POLICE STATION HAD BEEN BUILT THERE BY 1843 AND IT WAS THE FORCE HEADQUARTERS UNTIL THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION IN 1941.
THE SITE HAD BEEN REDEVELOPED BETWEEN 1861 AND 1864 WITH THE ERECTION OF THE EXITING BLOCKS A AND B WHICH WERE BUILT WITH STONE QUARRIED FROM STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
MR PATTEN WAS TOLD THAT THE HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE COMPLEX HAD BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE WHICH HAD CLASSIFIED ALL THE BUILDINGS AS OF OUTSTANDING MERIT AND WOULD BE PRESERVED AT ALL COSTS.
THE GOVERNOR THEN MET OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE SECTION, THE DISTRICT SPECIAL DUTIES SQUAD AND THE DISTRICT TRAFFIC TEAM TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR WORK.
/MRS PATTEN .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 3 -
MR PATTEN ALSO TOURED THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS CANTEEN WHERE HE CHATTED WITH OFFICERS ABOUT THEIR WORK.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED THE CENTRAL DIVISION BRIEFING ROOM AND ALSO HAD A CHANCE TO SEE THE DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF THE BUSY REPORT ROOM.
BEFORE THE END OF HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR MET OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICT CRIME UNIT AND THE DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD SQUAD.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION AFTER HIS VISIT TO AN AGED HOME * * » t ♦
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE YWCA WAN WAH CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS THAT ONE OF THE CHALLENGES FOR US IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, ONE OF THE OBLIGATIONS ON US AS A SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY, IS TO PROVIDE BETTER FOR THE ELDERLY AND THERE IS AN IMPREGNABLE LOGIC ABOUT THAT AS WELL BECAUSE THE DEMOGRAPHIC PRESSURES ARE BECOMING MUCH GREATER. BY 1997, 11 PER CENT OR MAYBE A LITTLE MORE OF OUR POPULATION WILL BE 65 OR OVER. THAT’S 600, 000 OF OUR FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND NEEDING MORE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES AND PRIOR QUALITY SERVICES. WE’VE BEEN TRYING TO RESPOND TO THAT CHALLENGE. FOR EXAMPLE, WE WANT TO SEE MORE EXCELLENT CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES LIKE THIS ONE AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO THE YWCA FOR PROVIDING IT. THIS’S THE SUPPORT FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND FROM THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL.
WE’RE COMMITTED TO PROVIDE ANOTHER 800 CARE AND ATTENTION HOME PLACES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS AND THAT IS PART OF OUR RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGE. WE DO RECOGNISE THAT WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT ALL THESE SERVICES ARE LOCKED TOGETHER THAT WE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF SERVICES. THAT’S WHY WE’VE SET UP A WORKING GROUP ON THE ELDERLY AND THEIR NEEDS. THAT WORKING GROUP WILL BE REPORTING IN AUGUST AND WE’LL THEN WANT TO SEE HOW WE CAN CARRY FORWARD ITS RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS. BUT, OBVIOUSLY, A KEY TO WELL-BEING AND SECURITY IN OLD AGE IS NOT WORRYING ABOUT MONEY. IT’S HAVING A SECURE INCOME TO LOOK AFTER THE BASIC NECESSITIES OF LIFE. WE ORIGINALLY, AS 1 THINK YOU KNOW, TOOK THE POSITION THAT THE BEST WAY OF PROVIDING FOR PEOPLE'S FINANCIAL NEEDS IN OLD AGE WAS THROUGH PRIVATE PENSION SCHEMES ADMINISTERED VOLUNTARILY. BUT THE COMMUNITY TOOK THE VIEW AND THAT WAS MADE CLEAR TO US BY LOBBIES, BY SOCIAL WELFARE GROUPS, BY OTHER GROUPS AND SOCIETIES AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT WASN’T ENOUGH THAT WE NEEDED TO DEVELOP A POLICY MORE COMPREHENSIVELY THAljl THAT. SO WE’VE COME FORWARD WITH OUR PENSION SCHEME PROPOSALS AND WE'VE LAUNCHED THE DISCUSSIONS ON THOSE THIS WEEK.
/THOSE PROPOSALS .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
THOSE PROPOSALS ARE, 1 BELIEVE, THE BEST THAT HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD. A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND ISN’T THE ANSWER. IT WOULD BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE PENSION WE ARE PROPOSING. IT WOULDN’T MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO ARE SERIOUSLY DISADVANTAGED; FOR EXAMPLE, THOSE WHO DON’T HAVE A FAMILY TO LOOK AFTER THEM AND DON’T HAVE ANY FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF THEIR OWN AND IT WOULDN’T MEET TODAY’S NEEDS BECAUSE IT WOULDN’T COME INTO OPERATION FOR GETTING ON FOR A GENERATION. SO, A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, WE CONCLUDED, SIMPLY WASN’T THE WAY FORWARD. WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSALS THAT WE’VE PUT FORWARD ARE PRUDENT, ARE PRACTICAL AND ARE COMPASSIONATE AND THEY ARE WELL WITHIN OUR ABILITY AS A COMMUNITY TO FINANCE. THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING ITS BIT BY COMMITTING FUNDS WHICH WOULD MEAN THAT WE ARE BEARING ABOUT 35 PERCENT OF THE COST OF THE SCHEME.
WE’VE BEEN DISCUSSING, I UNDERSTAND, PROPOSALS TO HELP THE ELDERLY TO PROVIDE A PENSION FOR ABOUT 30 YEARS IN HONG KONG. I THINK IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, WE’VE GOT TO MAKE SOME DECISIONS; OTHERWISE, WE’LL BE DISCUSSING THESE MATTERS OR THE COMMUNITY WILL BE DISCUSSING THEM FOR ANOTHER 30 YEARS. AND THEY WON’T BE ANY EASIER TO SOLVE IF WE PUT OFF, IF WE POSTPONE THE TIME WE COME TO SOME DECISIONS. SO, 1 HOPE THAT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL GO FORWARD VIGOROUSLY OVER THE COMING WEEKS AND MONTHS. I HOPE THAT IF ANYBODY’S GOT BETTER IDEAS THAN WE’VE PUT FORWARD, THEY WILL THEMSELVES PUT THEM FORWARD AND NOT JUST CRITICISE AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE COMMUNITY WILL DECIDE THAT WE MUST TAKE A DECISION AND GET ON WITH THE JOB OF PROVIDING ADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT, A PROPER FINANCIAL SAFETY NET FOR THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED THE COMMUNITY, BUILT THE COMMUNITY AS THESE ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO I’VE BEEN MEETING TODAY WITH US.
QUESTION: MANY PARTIES HAVE CRITICISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT FIGURES ABOUT THE PENSION SCHEME. SO, WILL THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDER TO GIVE FURTHER INFORMATION TO THE FIGURES....?
GOVERNOR: WE GAVE FURTHER INFORMATION YESTERDAY AND WE’LL BE PROVIDING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH ALL THE FIGURES AND ALL THE TABLES AND ALL THE CHARTS WHICH THEY WANT AND REQUIRE. A GREAT DEAL OF WORK HAS GONE INTO OUR PROPOSALS. THERE IS A HUGE AMOUNT OF WORK DONE BY THE CONSULTANTS AND WE ARE PERFECTLY HAPPY THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD SEE THAT.
QUESTION: BUT THE BASIC INFORMATION SUCH AS HOW MUCH DOES THE GOVERNMENT EXPECT TO COLLECT FROM THE....?
GOVERNOR: NO. WITH GREAT RESPECT, WE WILL PROVIDE ALL THE INFORMATION THAT ANYBODY ASKS FOR.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, ARE YOU EXPECTING MR GOODLAD WILL ARRANGE A MEETING WITH YOU AND MR LU PING TO DISCUSS THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS IN HIS VISIT TO BEIJING?
/GOVERNOR: .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
5
GOVERNOR: I DON'T KNOW THAT. MR GOODLAD IS IN PEKING MEETING HIS OPPOSITE NUMBER IN THE FOREIGN MINISTRY, MR JIANG ENZHU. HE'S HAD, I UNDERSTAND, A VERY BUSINESS-LIKE MEETING THIS MORNING. HE'S MEETING MR QIAN QICHEN THIS AFTERNOON. 1 DON’T KNOW WHAT ELSE WILL TAKE PLACE DURING HIS VISIT BUT I ’VE SAID BEFORE, AND I AM SURE THAT IF MR GOODLAD IS ASKED HE’LL MAKE THE SAME POINT THAT I AM HAPPY TO MEET ANY CHINESE OFFICIALS AT ANY TIME AND ANY PLACE, AND I'M OF COURSE, IN PARTICULAR, VERY WILLING TO MEET DIRECTOR LU WHENEVER HE WOULD LIKE. I THINK THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANT TO SEE US TALKING TOGETHER HOWEVER BUSY OUR DIARIES ARE FROM TIME TO TIME. I THINK WE SHOULD BOTH MAKE SOME TIME AVAILABLE IN OUR DIARIES TO TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES WHICH REALLY MATTER TO HONG KONG, ON WHICH PEOPLE WANT TO HAVE REASSURANCE ON IN THE FUTURE.
QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS WHAT KIND OF HONG KONG ISSUES THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER AND THE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER?
GOVERNOR: I THINK, AS YOU KNOW, HONG KONG IS ONLY ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT THEY’VE TALKED ABOUT. IT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA BUT IT’S NOT THE ONLY ISSUE; FOR EXAMPLE, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA ARE BOTH MEMBERS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND HAVE A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS IN COMMON, AND INTERNATIONAL PROBLEMS WHICH THEY WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOLVING, SO THERE IS A WHOLE RANGE OF THINGS IN ADDITION TO HONG KONG BUT EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT HONG KONG HAS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE ON THE AGENDA.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THE VISIT WILL CHANGE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA?
GOVERNOR: I’M SURE IT WILL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
--------0-----------
GOVERNOR VISITS SUBVENTED HOME FOR OLD PEOPLE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE WAN WAH CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN LAI ON ESTATE, SHAM SHUI PO, TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HOW A SUBVENTED ORGANISATION PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS LOUISE WONG, THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE VARIOUS FACILITIES IN THE HOME OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (YWCA).
THESE FACILITIES INCLUDED THE ACTIVITY ROOM, THE DORMITORIES, THE NURSE DUTY ROOM, THE SICK BAY AND THE PHYSIOTHERAPY ROOM.
BRIEFING MR PATTEN ABOUT THE HOME WAS THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE YWCA, MRS MONA LEONG.
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT THE HOME, WHICH BEGAN OPERATION LAST SEPTEMBER, PROVIDED CARE AND ATTENTION SERVICE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE AGED 60 AND ABOVE.
/WITH 126 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
6
WITH 126 CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES, THE HOME IS ONE OF THE 60 CENTRES OPERATED BY THE YWCA TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
TODAY’S VISIT WAS THE SECOND ORGANISED THIS WEEK TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE WELFARE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE AT COMMUNITY LEVEL.
MR PATTEN PAID A VISIT TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED’S EASTERN DISTRICT MULTI-SERVICE AND DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY TWO DAYS AGO.
------0--------
VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 18
*****
HONG KONG’S 2.46 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS WERE PLACED ON NOTICE TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR AN IMPORTANT ENGAGEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 18 (SUNDAY) - DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION DAY.
AND FROM NOW TO POLLING DAY, THE MESSAGE TO "VOTE” WILL BE REPEATED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ON TELEVISION, RADIO, POSTER BOARDS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ELECTRONIC DISPLAY BOARDS, SCHOOLS, WORKPLACES, CINEMAS, RESTAURANTS ... JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE.
"THIS ROUND OF ELECTIONS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THE HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND EVERY VOTER SHOULD EXERCISE HIS CIVIC RIGHT BY CASTING HIS VOTE,” THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR LEUNG CHIN-MAN, SAID.
"THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE WHOLLY ELECTED, AND A RECORD NUMBER OF 346 SEATS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION.”
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES WILL OPEN ON AUGUST 1 UP TO AUGUST 15.
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH A MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE VOTER PARTICIPATION IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
ALSO PRESENT WERE THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, MRS CARRIE WILLIS; AND CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTATION’S REPRESENTATIVE MRS ROSANNA URE.
MR LEUNG SAID DISTRICT BOARDS PERFORMED A MAJOR FUNCTION IN THE ADMINISRATION OF HONG KONG AND HAD PROVED VERY EFFECTIVE IN IMPROVING SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN DISTRICTS, AND REFLECTING RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON A RANGE OF ISSUES AFFECTING THE COMMUNITY.
"THEY WILL ALSO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT PART IN DECIDING THE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR WHEN THEY FORM AN ELECTION COMMITTEE TO RETURN 10 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS," HE ADDED.
"DISTRICT BOARDS SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND THEY DESERVE OUR SUPPORT.”
/MR LEUNG .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
7
MR LEUNG MADE A SPECIAL APPEAL TO THE GROUP OF FIRST-TIME AND YOUNG VOTERS AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21 TO TURN OUT IN FULL FORCE ON POLLING DAY.
TO ASSIST FIRST-TIME AND YOUNG VOTERS, THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE IS PRODUCING A SPECIAL 15-MINUTE VIDEO SIMULATING POLLING AND COUNTING PROCEDURES.
"THIS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS, POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS AND YOUTH CENTRES TO FAMILIARISE YOUNG VOTERS OF THE VARIOUS STEPS INVOLVED, AND TO IMPRESS ON THEM THAT VOTING IS EASY AND REQUIRES VERY LITTLE TIME,” MRS CARRIE WILLIS SAID.
A SPECIAL 24-HOUR YOUTH HOTLINE WILL BE SET UP TO ANSWER QUESTIONS YOUNG VOTERS MAY HAVE ON THE ELECTIONS AND VOTING PROCEDURES.
CNTA DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL ALSO VISIT SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS TO EXPLAIN VOTING PROCEDURES AND ENCOURAGE VOTER PARTICIPATION.
’’VARIOUS PROGRAMMES WILL BE ARRANGED, INCLUDING ELECTION FORUM IN EACH CONTESTED CONSTITUENCY, BROADCASTING VANS, DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS AS WELL AS DRESSING UP THE DISTRICTS WITH COLOURFUL BANNERS AND BUNTINGS TO CREATE AN ELECTION ATMOSPERE," MRS ROSANNA URE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE PUBLICITY BLITZ WOULD INCLUDE TV AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS, ADVERTISING IN CINEMAS, NEWSPAPERS AND ELECTRONIC DISPLAY BOARDS, PUBLICITY BUSES, POSTERS AND LEAFLETS WITH ONE CLEAR MESSAGE - "VOTE 9.18".
AS AN ADDED FEATURE, HE SAID, AN ELECTION MASCOT WAS BEING INTRODUCED TO ENCOURAGE VOTER PARTICIPATION.
"THE MASCOT IS INTENDED TO ADD SOME SPICE TO THE CAMPAIGN AND WE HOPE WILL SERVE AS A READY REMINDER AND EASILY IDENTIFIABLE ELECTION SYMBOL," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
JPS* REPORT DISTRIBUTED IN DETENTION CENTRE *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT COPIES OF THE VIETNAMESE VERSION OF THE JPS’ REPORT ON THE INQUIRY INTO THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE REMOVAL OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7 WERE DISTRIBUTED IN THE DETENTION CENTRES TODAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO OBTAIN COPIES AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES.
/8.........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 8 -
AIRPORT SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CLOSER TO COMPLETION
*****
THE COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO COMPLETION.
TWO CONTRACTS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ABOUT $704 MILLION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE COMMUNITY WERE SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, DR CHOI YU-LEUK, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTORS.
"THE SIGNING OF THE TWO CONTRACTS TODAY SIGNIFIES AN IMPORTANT STAGE IN THE PROGRESS OF THE NORTH LANTAU DEVELOPMENT," DR CHOI SAID.
THE FIRST CONTRACT, VALUED AT $511 MILLION, WAS AWARDED TO A JOINT VENTURE OF SHUI ON CIVIL CONTRACTORS AND CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY FOR PROVIDING THE BASIC INFRASTURCTURE TO SERVE THE FIRST PHASE OF TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF 3.3 KILOMETRES LOCAL ROADS AND THE ASSOCIATED STORM WATER DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE; A 290-METRE-LONG PRESTRESSED CONCRETE ROAD BRIDGE TO CHEK LAP KOK ISLAND; A 38-METRE-LONG REINFORCED CONCRETE FOOTBRIDGE; FOUR REINFORCED CONCRETE SUBWAYS; PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FACILITIES; A 200-METRE-LONG, 3.5-METRE-HIGH NOISE BARRIER; FRESH AND SALT WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINS; AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
"THE ROAD NETWORK TO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE CONTRACT WILL BE CONNECTED, VIA TWO INTERCHANGES, TO THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY (NLE)," DR CHOI SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE ROAD BRIDGE TO CHEK LAP KOK WAS TO PROVIDE A DIRECT ACCESS FOR LOCAL TRAFFIC FROM TUNG CHUNG TO THE AIRPORT ISLAND, WHICH OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL A LONG AND DETOURED WAY VIA THE NLE.
"ADDITIONALLY, THE BRIDGE PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR THE EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC GOING TO CHEK LAP KOK IN CASE THE NLE BRIDGE HAS TO BE CLOSED IN AN EMERGENCY," DR CHOI ADDED.
WORKS UNDER THIS CONTRACT WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY (JULY 18) FOR COMPLETION IN 30 MONTHS.
THE OTHER CONTRACT WHICH IS WORTH ABOUT $193 MILLION, WAS AWARDED TO A JOINT VENTURE OF KIER HONG KONG LIMITED, SUNG KOO KEE (CIVIL) LIMITED AND CHINA FUJIAN CORPORATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TECHNO-ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION.
IT IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF A COMPREHENSIVE SEWAGE PUMPING, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SCHEME DESIGNED TO SERVE THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, THE NEW TOWN AT TUNG CHUNG AND TAI HO AND THE LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENTS.
THE CONTRACT WORKS COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAIN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AT TUNG CHUNG AND A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT PROVIDING PRELIMINARY TREATMENT AT SIU HO WAN.
/DR CHOI .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
9
DR CHOI SAID THE TREATED SEWAGE WOULD BE DISCHARGED VIA A 1.5-KILOMETRE-LONG SUBMARINE OUTFALL TO THE SEA WATER SOUTH OF EAST BROTHERS ISLAND.
"THE SEWAGE COLLECTED FROM THE AIRPORT ISLAND AND TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN WILL BE PUMPED FROM THE MAIN SEWAGE PUMPING STATION VIA A SIX-KILOMETRE-LONG DUCTILE IRON SEWER OF 1,200 MILLIMETRE DIAMETER TO THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
"THE PUMPING SEWER IS BEING CONSTRUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NLE," HE SAID.
WORKS FOR THIS CONTRACT WILL ALSO BEGIN ON MONDAY (JULY 18) FOR COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER 1996.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE A POPULATION OF 150,000, WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN FOUR PHASES.
THE FIRST PHASE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 55 HECTARES, WILL BE FOR A.TOWNSHIP FOR 20,000 RESIDENTS TO FUNCTION AS A SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CLOSE TO THE NEW AIRPORT.
THIS PHASE WILL PROVIDE PUBLIC HOUSING FOR ABOUT 15,000 PEOPLE AND PRIVATE HOUSING FOR 5,000, AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1997.
MAJOR GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS, TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS, A DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, A DISTRICT POLICE STATION AND A CLINIC.
LAND FORMATION FOR THE FIRST PHASE TOWNSHIP COMMENCED IN APRIL 1992 AND WAS COMPLETED IN MAY THIS YEAR.
--------0-----------
UK DEFENCE COSTS STUDY *****
AN ANNOUNCEMENT MADE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS YESTERDAY AFTERNOON (JULY 14) INDICATED THAT THE HONG KONG GARRISON WOULD NOT BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE CHANGES OR REDUCTIONS AS SUGGESTED IN THE DEFENCE COST STUDY.
IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE ANNOUNCED A MAJOR STUDY - FRONT LINE FIRST, ALSO KNOWN AS THE DEFENCE COST STUDY - TO FIND WAYS OF REDUCING THE COSTS OF SUPPORTING THE UNITED KINGDOM’S FRONT LINE FORCES.
AMONG THE MEASURES, WHICH WILL SEE A NET REDUCTION IN JOBS OF ABOUT 18,700 BY THE YEAR 2000, ARE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERMANENT JOINT HEADQUARTERS AT NORTHWOOD TO BRING TOGETHER STAFF FROM EACH OF THE SERVICES TO RUN JOINT OPERATIONS, THE CREATION OF A SINGLE JOINT SERVICE COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE, SUBSTANTIAL RATIONALISATION OF FLYING TRAINING AND DEFENCE MEDICAL SERVICES AND THE CLOSURE OF SEVERAL STORAGE DEPOTS AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS.
/THE REDUCTION .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 10 -
THE REDUCATION IN NUMBERS WILL AFFECT 1,900 ROYAL NAVY, 2,200 ARMY, 7,500 ROYAL AIR FORCE AND 7,100 CIVILIAN JOBS.
RAF LAARBRUCH, IN GERMANY, WILL CLOSE IN 1999, WITHDRAWING THE TWO HARRIER SQUADRONS AND SUPPORT HELICOPTERS TO EXISTING OPERATIONAL STATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE FOUR TORNADO SQUADRONS AT RAF BRUGGEN, HOWEVER, WILL REMAIN, MAINTAINING A SUBSTANTIAL RAF PRESENCE IN GERMANY.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE ALSO ANNOUNCED SEVERAL MAJOR EQUIPMENT PURCHASES INTENDED TO ENHANCE THE FRONT LINE: AN ORDER IS TO BE PLACED FOR A FURTHER 259 CHALLENGER 2 TANKS; INVITATIONS TO TENDER ARE BEING ISSUED FOR UP TO TWO REPLACEMENT LANDING DOCKS AND UP TO FIVE OF A NEW CLASS OF NUCLEAR POWERED SUBMARINE.
AN ORDER IS BEING PLACED FOR A FOLLOW-ON BATCH OF SEVEN SANDOWN CLASS SINGLE ROLE MINESWEEPERS.
---------0-----------
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
STATISTICS FOR MARCH - MAY 1994
*****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MARCH - MAY 1994 WAS 2.2 PER CENT, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5 PER CENT, 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 OF APRIL - JUNE 1994 WAS 1.9 PER CENT, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.3 PER CENT.
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET HAS TIGHTENED UP SLIGHTLY IN RECENT MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF MARCH - MAY 1994, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOBSEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 63,500, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 45,200.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR MARCH - MAY 1994 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 12,300 HOUSEHOLDS OR 42,600 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WERE OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
/IN THE ........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 11 -
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER AT $24 A COPY.
------0-------
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR FIRST QUARTER 1994 *****
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.9% OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PRODUCTION OF THE FOOD, BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO INDUSTRY GROUP REGISTERED A MODERATE INCREASE 01 6.3%.
A MILD INCREASE OF 5.6% WAS ALSO RECORDED IN THE BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, MACHINERY, PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL GOODS. WITHIN THIS GROUP, THE PRODUCTION OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS INCREASED BY 6.2% WHEREAS THE PRODUCTION OF CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 0.9%.
MEANWHILE, OUTPUT OF THE PAPER PRODUCTS AND PRINTING INDUSTRY GROUP INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1.4%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE OF 11.9% WAS RECORDED IN THE INDUSTRY GROUP OF CHEMICALS, RUBBER, PLASTIC AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS. THE DECREASE WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A DROP OF 22% IN THE PRODUCTION OF PLASTIC PRODUCTS.
DECREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (-6.7%); TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) INDUSTRY (-3.4%); AND WEARING APPAREL (EXCEPT FOOTWEAR) INDUSTRY (-3.2%).
COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SHOWED A NOTABLE DECREASE OF 21.3%. THIS DECREASE WAS, HOWEVER, LARGELY SEASONAL AS THE FIRST QUARTER IS USUALLY A LOW SEASON FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION DUE TO THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REFLECTS CHANGES OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS, IT MEASURES THE VOLUME OF LOCAL PRODUCTION AFTER DISCOUNTING THF EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
/MORE DETAILED .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 12 -
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE "QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, 1ST QUARTER 1994", WHICH IS ON SALE AT $5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3238.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE INDICES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION. AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992, THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HS1C) IS USED TO FORM THE INDUSTRY GROUPS AND BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS.
INDICES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION BY BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP AND
SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUP
(1986 = 100)
BROAD INDUSTRY GROUP / SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUP INDEX FOR 1ST QTR. 1994 % CHANGE OVER
1ST QTR. 1993 4TH QTR. 1993
1. FOOD, BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO 151 + 6.3 -19.3
2. WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 92 -3.2 -29.8
3. TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 85 -3.4 -35. 1
4. PAPER PRODUCTS AND PRINTING 222 + 1.4 -14.0
5. CHEMICALS, RUBBER, PLASTIC AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS 59 -11.9 -19.2
--PLASTIC PRODUCTS (39) (-22.0) (-25.0)
6. BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 84 -6.7 -15.2
--FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (82) (-5.7) (-17.2)
7. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, MACHINERY, PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT AND OPTICAL GOODS 152 + 5.6 -11.1
--CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ( 105) (-0.9) (-7.1)
--MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS ( 222 ) (+6.2) (-13.6)
/8. MISCELLANEOUS ........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 13 -
8. MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
80 -1.2 -14.0
107 -0.9 -21.3
NOTES: 1. FOUR SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUPS, WHICH CARRY RELATIVELY LARGE WEIGHTS AND ARE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THEIR RELEVANT BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE TABLE. FOR EASY READING, THE FIGURES OF THESE SELECTED INDUSTRY GROUPS ARE SHOWN IN BRACKETS.
2. AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992, THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HS1C) HAS BEEN USED TO FORM THE INDUSTRY GROUPS AND BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS PRESENTED IN THE ABOVE TABLE. FOR THE EXACT COVERAGE OF THE GROUPS IN TERMS OF HSIC CODES, PLEASE REFER TO THE 'QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, 1ST QUARTER 1994’.
------0--------
REPORT ON SOCIAL STATISTICS PUBLISHED ♦ » » t »
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE "SPECIAL TOPICS REPORT NO. X" WHICH CONTAINS FINDINGS OF SIX SPECIAL ENQUIRIES CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 1992 VIA THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY.
THE SIX TOPICS COVERED IN THE REPORT ARE :
* HONG KONG RESIDENTS WORKING IN CHINA
* WORKER DISPLACEMENT IN HONG KONG
* HEALTH STATUS OF THE POPULATION IN HONG KONG
» DOCTOR CONSULTATION
* ORGAN DONATION
* SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICES
SOME MAJOR FINDINGS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE HIGHLIGHTED BELOW:
ABOUT 64,200 PERSONS HAD WORKED IN CHINA IN THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE ENUMERATION, REPRESENTING 2.3% OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE IN HONG KONG.
GENERALLY SPEAKING, THEY HAD HIGHER EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT THAN THE OVERALL WORK FORCE.
SOME 61% OF THEM WERE ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
AS REGARDS OCCUPATION, SOME 39% OF THEM WERE MANAGERS AND ADMINISTRATORS, AND 23% WERE PROFESSIONALS AND ASSOCIATE PROFESSIONALS.
ABOUT 13% OF THE POPULATION REPORTED TO HAVE HAD HEALTH-RELATED PROBLEM WITHIN A 14-DAY PERIOD.
/THE MOST .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
14
THE MOST COMMON DISEASE THEY SUFFERED WAS RELATED TO THE
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.
ANALYSED BY TREATMENT, 76% OF THEM CONSULTED PRACTITIONERS OF WESTERN MEDICINE, 7% BOUGHT MEDICINE FROM PHARMACY, 5% CONSULTED HERBALISTS/ACUPUNCTUR1STS/BONE-SETTERS, AND 1% USED CHINESE HERBS/ MEDICINE.
ON DOCTOR CONSULTATION, PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS MEDICINE WERE MOSTLY CONSULTED, FOLLOWED BY GOVERNMENT CLINICS.
OF WESTERN
DOCTORS IN
THE FEES FOR CONSULTING PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS OF WESTERN MEDICINE VARIED GREATLY. OF THOSE CONSULTING THESE DOCTORS, 53% PAID BETWEEN $100 AND $200 PER VISIT.
WITH REGARD TO ORGAN DONATION, ABOUT 1 MILLION PERSONS, OR 29% OF THE POPULATION AGED 18 AND OVER, WERE WILLING TO DONATE THEIR ORGANS AFTER DEATH; 54% WERE, HOWEVER, NOT WILLING; AND 17% HAD NO OPINION.
THE REPORT CONTAINS MANY
MORE FINDINGS AND DETAILED
TABLES ON
THE SUBJECTS CONCERNED.
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $54 A ( Op\ AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
SUBSIDIARY LAWS ON DISQUALIFICATION OF COMPANY DIRECTORS IN FORCE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) GAZETTED THREE PIECES OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION UNDER THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994 TO ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS ON DISQUALIFICATION OF COMPANY DIRECTORS.
THE THREE PIECES OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, TAKING EFFECT IMMEDIATELY, ARE THE COMPANIES (DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS) PROCEEDINGS RULES, THE COMPANIES (REPORTS ON CONDUCT OF DIRECTORS) REGULATION AND THE COMPANIES (DISQUALIFICATION ORDERS) REGULATION.
THEY ARE MADE PURSUANT TO THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994 WHICH WAS ENACTED ON MAY 5 THIS YEAR WITH THE AIM OF ENABLING EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST ERRANT DIRECTORS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "UNDER THE DISQUALIFICATION SCHEME, THE COURT CAN DISQUALIFY A PERSON FROM BEING A DIRECTOR OF ANY COMPANY FOR ONE TO 15 YEARS DEPENDING UPON THE SECTION OF THE LEGISLATION INVOLVED.
/"THE GROUNDS .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 15 -
"THE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION INCLUDE CONVICTION FOR AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE RELATING TO THE PROMOTION, FORMATION OR MANAGEMENT OF A COMPANY, DISHONESTY OR FRAUD, PERSISTENT BREACHES OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, AND CONDUCT RENDERING A PERSON UNFIT TO BE CONCERNED WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF A COMPANY AS A DIRECTOR."
HE SAID THESE THREE SETS OF LEGISLATION SPECIFIED THE PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING AND CHANNELLING APPROPRIATE INFORMATION TO RELEVANT PARTIES - THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.
A LIQUIDATOR OR RECEIVER OF AN INSOLVENT COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO REPORT TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER ON THE CONDUCT OF ANY DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY WHICH THEY CONSIDER RENDERS THEM UNFIT TO BE CONCERNED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF A COMPANY.
THE COMPANIES (REPORTS ON CONDUCT OF DIRECTORS) REGULATION PRESCRIBES THE PROCEDURES AND FORMS TO BE ADOPTED BY THE LIQUIDATOR OR RECEIVER.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OR THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES, MAY APPLY TO THE HIGH COURT FOR A DISQUALIFICATION ORDER AGAINST A PERSON BEING A DIRECTOR OF ANY COMPANY.
THE COMPANIES (DISQUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS) PROCEEDINGS RULES PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURES FOR MAKING APPLICATIONS TO THE HIGH COURT FOR DISQUALIFICATION ORDERS.
A REGISTER OF ALL THE DISQUALIFICATION ORDERS MADE WILL BE MAINTAINED BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
THE COMPANIES (DISQUALIFICATION ORDERS) REGULATION PRESCRIBES THE PROCEDURES AND FORMS TO BE USED FOR COURT OFFICERS TO FURNISH THE PARTICULARS OF THESE DISQUALIFICATION ORDERS MADE TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES.
THESE SETS OF LEGISLATION ARE MODELLED ON SIMILAR SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION IN THE UK.
------0-------
FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS FOR NORTH-WEST NT *****
AS PART OF FLOOD MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSTRUCT AN EARTH BUND, A PUMPING STATION AND A FLOOD STORAGE POND AT SAN TIN WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.62 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED.
THE PROJECT IS TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING AT TUNG CHAN WAI, WING PING TSUEN, ON LUNG TSUEN, FAN TIN TSUEN, SAN LUNG TSUEN, YAN SHAU WAI AND TSING LUNG TSUEN IN SAN TIN.
THE WORK WILL START IN OCTOBER 1995 AND BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 1998.
/THE EXTENT .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 16 -
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SEND A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15 DESCRIBING THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0------------
SUBMARINE CABLES TO BE LAID AT TSING CHAU TSAI
* ♦ * * »
THE YIU LIAN DOCKYARDS LIMITED WILL BE GIVEN ACCESS TO ABOUT 6,200 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT TSING CHAU TSAI, YAM O, LANTAU AS WORKS AREA IN CONNECTION WITH THE LAYING OF TWO SUBMARINE ELECTRICITY CABLES.
THE WORK WILL COMMENCE AROUND OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND FINISH WITHIN ONE MONTH.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). THE NOTICE, AND THE RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, 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.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15, 1994.
HE SHOULD DESCRIBE HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
EASEMENT AND THE
------0------------
/17........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
17 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL, AN INTAKE CHAMBER AND UNDERGROUND CONNECTING CULVERT FOR THE TAI PO SALT WATER PUMPING STATION TO BE BUILT NEAR DAI KWAI STREET IN TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
MEANWHILE, CONTRACTORS ARE BEING INVITED TO SUBMIT TENDERS TO THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-STOREY DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION WITH ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND ASSOCIATED EXTERNAL AND DRAINAGE WORKS AT HING FAT STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY.
BOTH PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN OCTOBER FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS FOR THE FIRST PROJECT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CHIEF ENGINEER, PORT WORKS DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
THOSE FOR THE SECOND PROJECT ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON AUGUST 5.
- - 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION WASTE SORTING PLANT
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, THROUGH A SHORT-TERM TENANCY, IS INVITING TENDERS TO LEASE A NEWLY RECLAIMED AREA IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 FOR THE SETTING UP OF AN INTERMEDIATE SORTING PLANT FOR CONSTRUCTION WASTE.
THE PLANT WILL BE OPERATED BY THE TENDERER ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS FOR SORTING SUITABLE MATERIALS FROM THE MIXED CONSTRUCTION WASTES FOR LAND RECLAMATION AND OTHER BENEFICIAL USES BEFORE FINAL DISPOSAL.
"THIS SORTING SERVICE WILL PROVIDE A PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE TO BUILDING CONTRACTORS WHO CANNOT EFFECTIVELY SORT OUT CONSTRUCTION WASTES ON SITE BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS," THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR JOHN ROCKEY, SAID.
AT PRESENT, CONSTRUCTION WASTES MAKE UP MORE THAN 60 PER CENT OF WASTES PRODUCED EVERY DAY.
"THROUGH SORTING, THE AMOUNT OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE CURRENTLY DISPOSED OF AT THE LANDFILLS WILL BE GREATLY REDUCED,” MR ROCKE1 SAID.
/THE SUCCESSFUL
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 18
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE THE SORTING SERVICE BY EARLY 1995.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WASTE FACILITIES PLANNING GROUP ON 26TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
SUBMISSIONS OF TENDER SHOULD BE MADE BY NOON ON AUGUST 5.
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED IN NORTH TSI NG YI
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL RECLAIM ABOUT FOUR HECTARES OF LAND FROM THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED IN NORTH TSING YI, WEST OF CHING TAI COURT, TO PROVIDE LAND FOR DISTRICT OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
OTHER ASSOCIATED WORK WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 530 METRES OF SEAWALL AND A PUBLIC PIER. THE RECLAMATION WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 7.38 HECTARES. THE WORK WILL COMMENCE IN MAY 1995 AND FINISH BY ABOUT OCTOBER 1997.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH 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, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, TSING YI (NORTH EAST) SUB-OFFICE, ROOM 108, FIRST FLOOR, CHEUNG FAT ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSING YI, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15.
HE SHOULD DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0--------
CORNWALL STREET TO BE RECONSTRUCTED
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF CORNWALL STREET SECTION BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND BEACON HILL ROAD.
THE SCOPE OF THE WORKS INCLUDES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF AN APPROXIMATELY 950 METRES LENGTH OF CORNWALL STREET AND THE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
/WORKS ARE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 19 -
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
A NOTICE ON TENDER INVITATION HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENG1NEER/KOWLOON, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1321, 13TH FLOOR, NAN FUNG COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 19 LAM LOK STREET, KOWLOON BAY, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 707 7417.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRA! GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON AUGUST 5.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
------0--------
MORE CONCERN OVER CHILDREN'S RIGHTS AND WEI FARE * « » * »
THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO SEE CHILDREN PERMANENTLY PLACED, THAT IS, SETTLED FOR THE LENGTH OF THEIR CHILDHOOD, MRS PATTEN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG STUDENT AID SOCIETY MARK MEMORIAL HOME, MRS PATTEN SAID: "NOWADAYS. Wl ARE LOOKING MUCH MORE TOWARDS CHILDREN’S RIGHTS AND THE WELFARE OF THE CHILD.
"OF COURSE, THE BEST COURSE IS FOR CHILDREN TO GROW UP IN THE CARE OF THEIR OWN PARENTS. WHERE THXT IS NOT POSS I Bl E, THE NEXT CHOICE IS WITH THE EXTENDED FAMILY," SHE SAID.
BUT IF THERE WAS NO MEMBER OF THE FAMILY WHO COULD CARE FOR THE CHILD, AND PARENTS WERE RELUCTANT, OR UNSUITABLE, TO TAKE RESPONS1BILTY FOR THIER CHILD, THE GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO LOOK AT OTHER OPTIONS SUCH AS ADOPTION AND LONG TERM FOSTER CARE IN ORDER TO GIVE THE CHILD THE CHANCE TO GROW UP IN A FAMILY, SHE SAID.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, MRS PATTEN SAID, IN SOME CASES TAKING LEGAL ACTION WAS NECESSARY.
HOWEVER, WHEN NONE OF THESE OPTIONS ARE SUITABLE, CHILD CARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG STUDENT AID SOCIETY WILL OFFER QUALIFIED LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM RESIDENT!Al SERVICES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN.
MRS PATTEN PRAISED THE SOCIETY’S READINESS TO START SMALL GROUP HOMES TO HELP EXPAND ITS NON-INSTITUT1ONAL CHILD CARE SERVICES.
COMPARING WITH THE TRADITIONAL ONE, MRS PATTEN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROVISION OF SMALL GROUP HOMES WAS A NEWER FORM OF CHILD CARE SERVICE WHICH PROVIDED CHILDREN WITH MORE OF A FAMILY FEEL TO THEIR LIVES.
/"THESE HOMES .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
"THESE HOMES ARE SITUATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE UNITS, WHERE ORDINARY FAMILIES LIVE," SHE SAID.
WITH SIX SMALL GROUP HOMES WHERE CHILDREN IN GROUPS OF EIGHT BEING CARED FOR BY HOUSEPARENTS IN A MUCH MORE HOME-LIKE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT, THE NEW MARK MEMORIAL HOME AND ITS NEARBY SMALL GROUP HOMES SUPPLEMENTED EACH OTHER IN PROVIDING THESE ALTERNATIVE TYPES OF CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT NEEDS, MRS PATTEN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
FAMILIES INVITED TO TAKE PART IN GREEN DAY » * * » »
ALL HONG KONG FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO ENROL AS PARTICIPANTS IN A LARGE SCALE "FAMILY GREEN DAY" TO BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNG SPECIAL AREA ON AUGUST 21 (SUNDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), ONE OF THE ORGANISERS OF THE FUNCTION, SAID IT WAS STAGED TO TIE IN WITH THIS YEAR’S "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY".
OTHER ORGANISERS INCLUDE TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED (TVB), FRIENDS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS (FCP) AND THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION FOUNDATION.
"THE OBJECTIVES OF THE 'FAMILY GREEN DAY’ ARE TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS, ENHANCE THE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN PRESERVING THE TERRITORY’S COUNTRY PARKS AND TO FOSTER HARMONIOUS RELATIONS AMONG PARTICIPATING FAMILY MEMBERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARTICIPANTS, IN FAMILY UNITS OF TWO TO FOUR PERSONS, ARE TO PERFORM A SERIES OF NATURE CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING VEGETABLE GROWING, WEEDING, TREE PLANTING, AND APPLYING FERTILISERS AT THE VENUE ON THAT DAY.
AN HOUR OF NATURE CONSERVATION WORK WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A GUIDED VISIT TO THE LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE NEARBY. FREE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE VENUE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PARTICIPANTS BY THE ORGANISERS.
PARTICIPATING FAMILIES WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO A SERIES OF FOLLOW-UP MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS LITTER-FREE BARBECUES, TO BE ORGANISED LATER THIS YEAR BY FCP.
INTERESTED FAMILIES ARE URGED TO APPLY THROUGH TVB AS ENROLMENT HAD COMMENCED YESTERDAY AND WOULD CLOSE ON AUGUST 8. APPLICATION FORMS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE TV WEEK.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID LOTS WOULD BE DRAWN TO DECIDE THE ENTRANTS IF RESPONSE TO THIS OUTDOOR ACTIVITY WAS GOOD.
/21
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
21
POTENTIAL TEACHERS URGED TO REGISTER WITH TRIO
*****
PEOPLE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE TEACHING PROFESSION BY THIS SEPTEMBER ARE URGED TO REGISTER WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S TEACHER RECRUITMENT INFORMATION OFFICE (TRIO).
THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE IS LAUNCHED AS A RESULT OF THE GOVERNOR’S PLEDGES IN HIS TWO POLICY SPEECHES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "ABOUT 620 ADDITIONAL TEACHERS WILL BE REQUIRED IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR. SUCH AN INCREASE DOES NOT INCLUDE REPLACEMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES RESULTING FROM TEACHER WASTAGE.
"PEOPLE WHO WISH TO ENTER THE TEACHING PROFESSION ON A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS SHOULD GRASP THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THEIR PARTICULARS REGISTERED WITH THE TRIO.
"THEIR-PARTICULARS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A COMPUTER DATA BANK WHICH WILL THEN FORM A SOURCE OF POTENTIAL TEACHING FORCE TO SCHOOLS."
DURING THE OPERATING PERIOD OF THE TRIO THIS YEAR, IT HAS SUCCEEDED IN ATTRACTING 4,233 APPLICATIONS.
AMONG THE APPLICANTS ARE 2,587 DEGREE HOLDERS, 658 GRADUATES FROM THE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME IN-SERVICE TEACHER TRAINING COURSES OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND 366 WHO HAVE OBTAINED DIPLOMAS FROM THE APPROVED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES.
THE SPOKESMAN, AT THE SAME TIME, CALLED ON SCHOOLS WITH REGULAR OR TEMPORARY VACANCIES WISHING TO OBTAIN POTENTIAL TEACHERS’ INFORMATION THROUGH THE TRIO TO COMPLETE A FORM, ONE FOR EACH POST, AND RETURN IT TO THE OFFICE BY FAX OR BY POST.
THE TRIO WILL PROVIDE A COMPUTER PRINTOUT OF A LIST OF CANDIDATES HAVING SUITABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND SUBJECT RELEVANCE TO SCHOOLS FOR SELECTION.
SCHOOLS WILL THEN ARRANGE INTERVIEWS WITH SUITABLE CANDIDATES ON THE LIST. WHETHER THE APPLICANTS WILL BE OFFERED APPOINTMENTS WILL BE SOLELY AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SCHOOL.
"IN ORDER TO KEEP THE LIST OF CANDIDATES ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE, SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS SHOULD CANCEL THEIR REGISTRATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF NECESSARY, APPLICANTS ARE WELCOMED TO PHONE THE TRIO AT 783 7345 TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY PERIOD FOR RETAINING OF THIER PARTICULARS IN THE COMPUTER DATA BANK UPON EXPIRY." THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO JOIN THE TEACHING PROFESSION CAN STILL OBTAIN THE REGISTRATION FORMS AT THE TRIO AT ROOM 706, SEVENTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, THE 19 DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S DISTRICT OFFICES OR VIA FAX BY SIMPLY DIALLING THE DEPARTMENT’S AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE ON 891 0088.
------0 - -
Z22 ........
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 22 -
DRUG EDUCATION COURSE FOR TEACHERS
*****
FORTY SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS ON HOW TO HELP PUPILS WITH DRUG ABUSE PROBLEMS AT A NEW THREE-DAY COURSE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NARCOTICS DIVISION FROM MONDAY (JULY 18).
THE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER-SUBSCRLBED COURSE TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE AT PAK FUK ROAD,NORTH POINT, WILL FOCUS ON THE HANDLING OF DRUG PROBLEM AT SCHOOL.
THE COURSE WILL FEATURE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND THE TREATMENT PROCESS; PREVENTIVE DRUG EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS; IDENTIFYING AND HANDLING STUDENTS WITH DRUG PROBLEMS; HONG KONG’S DRUG LAWS AND THE POLICE’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS YOUNG OFFENDERS; THE WOPK OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AND THE USE OF A DRUG EDUCATION TEACHING KIT.
PARTICIPANTS WILL ATTEND TALKS, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS, WHICH WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES.
AMONG THE SPEAKERS WILL BE STAFF OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION; A GOVERNMENT DOCTOR AND AN OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKER; A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE NARCOTICS BUREAU OF THE POLICE.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COURSE WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND. IT WILL HELP TO ENHANCE TEACHERS’ UNDERSTAND I NG OF THE DRUG PROBLEM AND TO EQUIP THEM WITH THE SKILLS REQUIRED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM SUCCESSFULLY.
------0--------
NEW TSEUNG KWAN O POST OFFICE
*****
A NEW BRANCH POST OFFICE IN TSEUNG KWAN O HAS STARTED TO SERVE THE PUBLIC FROM NOON TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TSEUNG KWAN O POST OFFICE IS LOCATED AT SHOP NO. 9, GROUND FLOOR, HAU TAK SHOPPING CENTRE, HAU TAK ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O.
IT PROVIDES A NORMAL RANGE OF COUNTER SERVICES AS WELL AS A POSTAL DELIVERY SERVICE TO THE WHOLE OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O NEW TOWN. THERE ARE 500 POST OFFICE BOXES IN THE NEW OFFICE.
BUSINESS HOURS ARE 9.30 AM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9.30 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 704 9644.
THE NEW POST OFFICE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, MR WILLIAM WAN; AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG.
THERE ARE 124 BRANCH POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG.
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/23 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1994
- 23 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,61 0 0930 -388
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,540 1000 -388
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 -509
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -5 10 1200 -510
LAF TODAY + 4 10 1 500 -510
1600 -510
LAE RATE 2.50 B1D/4.5O OFFER TW1 122.1 ♦+o.n* 15.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.81 17 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 98.17 5.64
1 MONTH 3.94 23 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.60 6.09
3 MONTHS 4.22 28 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.40 6.49
6 MONTHS 4.56 31 MONTHS 3701 4.GO 95.43 6.70
12 MONTHS 5.30 34 MONTHS 3704 6 . 1 5 98.49 6.86
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 23,144 MN
CLOSED 15 JULY 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS MADE BY LOCAL CO-OPERATIVES........... 1
MAXIMUM FINE FOR ENGAGING WOMEN TO WORK OUTSIDE THE NORMAL PERMITTED PERIOD................................... 2
NORMAL RAINFALL IN JUNE.................................... 3
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 6
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
CNTA’S PHONE CENTRE HANDLES OVER 68,000 CALLS.............. 7
NOMINATION INVITED FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES... 8
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AT COUNTRY PARKS..... 9
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1994
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS MADE BY LOCAL CO-OPERATIVES
*****
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE BY LOCAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN VARIOUS AREAS DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 72ND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE DAY, DR LEE SAID THE MOVEMENT CONTINUED TO BRING BENEFITS TO PEOPLE WHO UPHELD THE PRINCIPLES, IDEALS AND PRACTICES OF CO-OPERATION.
REVIEWING THE PROGRESS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT, DR LEE SAID THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR WAS 342.
OF THIS, HE SAID, 65 WERE FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVES, 67 WERE FISHERMEN’S AND THE REMAINING 210 WERE MAINLY URBAN-BASED SOCIETIES. THESE SOCIETIES HAVE A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF 21,357.
ON FARMERS’ CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, DR LEE SAID DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, A TOTAL OF 27 VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES HANDLED 110,000 TONNES OR $425 MILLION WORTH OF FRESH VEGETABLES, REPRESENTING 47 PER CENT OF THE THROUGHPUT OF THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION (VMO).
DR LEE SAID: "THESE SOCIETIES ALSO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN PROMOTING LOCAL VEGETABLE PRODUCTION, AND UNDERTAKE A NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS COVERING SOME 50 HECTARES OF CULTIVATED LAND.
"THEIR FEDERATION HAS PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ESTABLISHING LINKS FOR TECHNICAL INTERFLOW WITH THE CHINESE COUNTERPARTS.
"WITH VMO’S SPONSORSHIP, THE FEDERATION RECENTLY ORGANISED A STUDY TOUR FOR 19 LOCAL VEGETABLE FARMERS TO HOLLAND, SPAIN AND BRITAIN TO UPDATE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN ADVANCED METHODS OF VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING."
REGARDING AGRICULTURAL CREDIT, DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT SOME 22 PER CENT OF $8.6 MILLION LENT TO FARMERS FROM THE VARIOUS LOAN FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY HIS DEPARTMENT WAS CHANNELLED THROUGH THE FARMERS’ COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN 1993/94.
TURNING TO FISHERMEN’S SOCIETIES, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, AS REGISTRAR OF LOCAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, SAID 64,000 TONNES OR $573 MILLION WORTH OF FISH WERE LANDED AT THE MARKETS OPERATED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO).
LOANS TOTALLING $25 MILLION WERE GRANTED TO MEMBERS DURING THE YEAR, MAINLY FOR THE BUILDING OF NEW FISHING VESSELS AND THE PURCHASE OF FISHING EQUIPMENT, HE SAID, ADDING THAT SAVINGS OF MEMBERS CONTINUED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE BUILD-UP OF THE CAPITAL OF THEIR REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS NOW STANDING AT $6.7 MILLION.
/IN AUGUST .......
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1994
- 2 -
IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, SEVEN MEMBERS OF FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES PARTICIPATED IN A NINE-DAY STUDY TOUR TO MEXICO, ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
ON URBAN-BASED SOCIETIES, DR LEE SAID EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE TO HELP INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVANTS’ CO-OPERATIVE BUILDING SOCIETY TO ACHIEVE THE TRANSFER OF TITLES TO FLATS AND LAND FROM THE SOCIETY TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS.
TURNING TO CONSUMER SOCIETIES, HE SAID LAST YEAR SAW A GROSS TRADING SURPLUS OF OVER $2.4 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF FOUR PER CENT OVER 1992/93. THESE SOCIETIES HAVE A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF 3,080.
DR LEE ALSO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO PEOPLE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE TERRITORY’S CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN THE PAST YEARS.
- - 0----------
MAXIMUM FINE FOR ENGAGING WOMEN TO WORK OUTSIDE THE NORMAL PERMITTED PERIOD » * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYERS TO COMPLY WITH LABOUR LEGISLATION AND REFRAIN FROM ENGAGING WOMEN TO WORK OUTSIDE THE NORMAL PERMITTED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT OR THEY WILL FACE HEAVY PENALTIES.
NICE VIEW DYEING AND BLEACHING LIMITED IN TSING YI WAS RECENTLY GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR ENGAGING WOMEN TO WORK OUTSIDE THE NORMAL PERMITTED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE CASE CAME TO LIGHT WHEN LABOUR INSPECTORS CONDUCTED A ROUTINE INSPECTION TO THE FACTORY AND FOUND THREE WOMEN WORKING AFTER 11 PM.
’’THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE CASE OF A WOMAN IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING SHALL NEITHER BEGIN EARLIER THAN 6 AM NOR END LATER THAN 11 PM,” LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) MISS RITA MA SAID.
"IT ALSO REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE FACTORY A PRESCRIBED NOTICE SETTING OUT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT, INTERVALS FOR MEALS OR REST, AND REST DAY FOR WOMAN WORKERS.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK SET OUT IN THE PRESCRIBED NOTICE BECAUSE IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE LAW FOR AN EMPLOYER TO CHANGE THE PRESCRIBED WORKING HOURS OF WOMEN IN INDUSTRY OR TO ENGAGE THEM IN OVERTIME WORK, WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFOREHAND,” SHE ADDED.
MISS MA ALSO POINTED OUT THAT YOUNG PERSONS SHOULD NOT BE EMPLOYED TO WORK OVERTIME IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO BREACHES THE REGULATIONS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
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/3......
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1994
- 3 -
NORMAL RAINFALL IN JUNE
* ♦ ♦ * *
JUNE WAS THE FOURTH CONSECUT1VI- MONTH 1H1S YEAR WITH BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL, A MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID.
THE TOTAL MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 290.2 MILLIMETRES WAS 77 PER CENT OF THE JUNE NORMAL OF 376.0 MILLIMETRES.
RAINFALL IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO 556.9 MILLIMETRES, 4 4 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 992.5 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A WARM AND MOIST SOUTHWEST MONSOON AND ACTIVE LOW PRESSURE TROUGHS, THE MONTH WAS CLOUDIER BUT WARMER THAN NORMAL.
THE TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE AMOUNTED TO 107.8 HOURS WHICH WAS THE SEVENTH LOWEST FOR JUNE.
THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 26.5 DEGREES WAS THE SIXTH HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS WERE HOISTED FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE APPROACH OF SEVERE TROPICAL STORM RUSS.
THE FIRST DAY OF JUNE WAS CLOUDY WITH SOME SHOWERS AT NIGHT BUT THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON JUNE 2 AND THERE WERE PERIODS OF SUNSHINE.
A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE COAST OF GUANGDONG BROUGHT STRONG WINDS TO OFFSHORE AREAS OF THE TERRITORY EARLY ON JUNE 3 AND THE WEATHER REMAINED WINDY Willi RAIN IN THE \'l VI COUPLE OF DAYS.
AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DEVELOPED INTO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION NAMED RUSS ON JUNE 4.
AS RUSS WAS STILL SOME DISTANCE AWAY, LOCAL WEATHER WAS MAINLY FINE ON JUNE 5 AND 6.
WHEN RUSS INTENSIFIED INTO A SEVERE TROPICAL STORM AND MOVED CLOSER TO HONG KONG, WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST AND BECAME STRONG ON JUNE 6.
THE WEATHER STARTED TO DETERORIATE ON JUNE 7 WHEN THE OUTER RAIN BANDS OF RUSS AFFECTED THE TERRITORY.
ALTHOUGH THE WINDS SUBSIDED AND VEERED TO THE SOUTHEAST ON JUNE 8, INTENSE RAIN SQUALLS ASSOCIATED WITH RUSS CONTINUED TO AFFECT HONG KONG.
TEMPERATURES DROPPED TO THE MONTH’S MINIMUM OF 24.3 DEGREES THAT EVENING DURING A HEAVY DOWNPOUR.
RUSS LANDED OVER WESTERN GUANGDONG AND RAIN BEGAN TO EASE OFF ON JUNE 9.
/HOWEVER, THE
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1994
- 4 -
HOWEVER, THE APPROACH OF A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER GUANGDONG AGAIN BROUGHT WIDESPREAD RAIN ON JUNE 10.
DAILY RAINFALL OF MORE THAN 70 MILLIMETRES WERE RECORDED IN SAI KUNG.
WITH PREVAILING SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ESTABLISHED OVER THE TERRITORY, THE MEAN TEMPERATURES ROSE STEADILY FROM JUNE 11 TO 17.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE WEATHER WAS GENERALLY CLOUDY WITH PASSING SHOWERS.
THUNDERY SHOWERS AFFECTED THE TERRITORY IN THE MORNING OF JUNE 18 AS ANOTHER TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE MOVED ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA COAST.
A TOTAL OF 120 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN FELL IN TSUEN WAN ON THAT DAY.
WITH THE TROUGH LINGERING NEAR THE COASTAL REGION, HEA\Y RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS AFFECTED HONG KONG AGAIN DURING THE NIGHT OF JUNE 19 AND THE EARLY MORNING OF JUNE 20.
THE LANDSLIP WARNING WAS ISSUED AT 0:05 AM ON JUNE 20. THE HEAVIEST RAIN OCCURRED IN EAST KOWLOON WHERE A TOTAL OF OVER 150 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED ON JUNE 19. TWENTY NINE FLOODING AND TWO LANDSLIP REPORTS WERE RECEIVED.
SHOWERS CONTINUED ON JUNE 21 BUT THE WEATHER TURNED FINE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.
ANOTHER TROPICAL CYCLONE CALLED SHARON DEVELOPED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON JUNE 23.
ON ITS APPROACH TO WESTERN GUANGDONG, WINDS BEGAN TO FRESHEN AND THERE WERE SHOWERS ON JUNE 24.
THE SHOWERS BECAME HEAVY ON THE MORNING OF JUNE 25 BUT EASED OFF THAT AFTERNOON WHEN SHARON MOVED AWAY FROM HONG KONG.
WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE SUBTROPICAL RIDGE FROM THE PACIFIC TO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, A FINE SPELL DOMINATED THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 26 TO THE END OF THE MONTH.
THE WEATHER STAYED HOT THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD AND THE MONTH’S HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 33.2 DEGREES WAS REACHED ON A SUNNY JUNE 28.
SEVERE TROPICAL STORM RUSS AND TROPICAL STORM SHARON WERE THE ONLY TWO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND SOUTH CHINA SEA IN JUNE.
DURING THE MONTH, EIGHT AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.
DETAILS OF THE ISSUANCE/HOIST I NG AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARN1NGS/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL FOR JUNE ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
/TABLE 1.1 .......
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1994
- 5 -
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN JUNE 1994
WARNINGS / SIGNALS
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS
NAME OF T.C. SIGNAL NO. •
RUSS 1 3 JUN 5 JUN 6 10 10 2030 - JUN - JUN 6 7 2030 1545
SHARON 1 JUN 24 1050 - JUN 25 0630
STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL JUN 3 0545 - JUN 4 1905
LANDSLIP WARNING JUN 20 0005 - .TUN 20 14 35
FLOOD WARNINGS JUN 10 JUN 18 JUN 19 1 4 4 0 0 1 00 2215 - JUN - JUN - JUN 10 18 20 2015 0300 0600
THUNDERSTORM WARN 1NGS JUN 10 1255 - JUN 10 1655
JUN 17 1 1 40 - JUN 17 1440
JUN 1 7 2 3 30 - JUN 18 1 130
JUN 18 1 105 - JUN 18 1805
JUN 19 07 50 - JUN 19 1350
JUN 19 2030 - JUN 20 0800
JUN 20 1425 - JUN 20 1625
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - JUNE 1994
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
107.8 HOURS; 53.3 HOURS
BELOW NORMAL
11.92 MJ/SQM; 1.63 MJ/SQM
BELOW NORMAL
290.2 MM; 85.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
80 PER CENT; 5 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL
82 PER CENT; NORMAL
/MEAN DAILY .......
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1994
- 6
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
30.0 DEGREES CELSIUS; 0.3 BELOW NORMAL DEGREE
28.0 DEGREES CELSIUS; 0.2 ABOVE NORMAL DEGREE
26.5 DEGREES CELSIUS; 0.6 ABOVE NORMAL DEGREE
24.5 DEGREES CELSIUS; 0.1 ABOVE NORMAL DEGREE
87.7 MM; 56.2 MM BELOW NORMAL
REMARKS: ALL MEASUREMENTS WERE MADE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY EXCEPT
SUNSHINE, SOLAR RADIATION AND EVAPORATION WHICH WERE RECORDED AT KING’S PARK.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,540 0930 -440
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 985 1000 -440
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 -440
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -440 1 1 30 -440
LAF TODAY -115 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 B1D/4.5O OFFER TWI 122.4 »+0.0* 16.7.94
---------0-----------
/7........
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1994
- 7 -
CNTA’S PHONE CENTRE HANDLES OVER 68,000 CALLS
* * * * *
THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE (CTEC) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HANDLED A TOTAL OF 68,871 ENQUIRIES FROM JANUARY TO JUNE THIS YEAR, AN INCREASE OF SIX PER CENT OVER THAT RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID MOST OF THF QUESTIONS CONCERNED TYPHOON SITUATIONS; APPLICATION FOR BIRTH, DEATH AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES; AND THE LOCATIONS AND OPENING HOURS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
THE RENT OFFICER SCHEME; STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE; GOVERNMENT JOB VACANCIES; APPLICATION FOR BRITISH PASSPORTS AND PUBLIC HOUSING WERE ALSO HIGH ON THE ENQUIRY LIST.
THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE WAS SET UP IN APRIL, 1991 TO BACK UP THE SERVICES RENDERED BY THE 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES (PESCS) IN VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THE HOTLINE - 835 2500 - OPERATES FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.
MEANWHILE, ABOUT 13,788 PEOPLE APPROACHED THE PESCS TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
AND A TOTAL OF 1,744 REFERRALS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY MADE TO THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY.
THE MAJORITY OF THESE CASES INVOLVED MATRIMONIAL, MONETARY, COMMERCIAL AND EMPLOYMENT MATTERS.
THE FIGURES WERE 13,278 AND 1,427 RESPECTIVELY IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
UNDER THE SCHEME, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CNTA AND THE LAW SOCIETY, LAWYERS GIVE ADVICE ON CIVIL MATTERS AT FIVE DISTRICT OFFICES TO APPLICANTS REFERRED TO THEM BY THE PESC STAFF.
THE DISTRICT OFFICES ARE IN WAN CHAI, YAI' TSIM, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SCHEME CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE CTEC HOTLINE OR FROM ANY OF THE PESCS.
---------0-----------
/8.........
k
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1994
8
NOMINATION INVITED FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS INVITING EMPLOYERS TO NOMINATE DISABLED EMPLOYEES FOR THE OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES AWARD (ODEA) 1994 .
"PRESENTED FOR THE SIXTH YEAR, THE ODEA AIMS AT GIVING FORMAL RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION TO DISABLED EMPLOYEES WITH OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT," ACTING SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT) MR CHEUNG TAK-TSAI SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"WE HOPE THAT THROUGH THIS ANNUAL MEANINGFUL EVENT, MORE EMPLOYERS CAN RECOGNISE THE WORK ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED AND PROVIDE THEM WITH MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACCORDING TO THEIR POTENTIALS AND TALENTS.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, WE ALSO HOPE THAT IT LAN PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR DISABLED EMPLOYEES TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE AT WORK," HE ADDED.
MR CHEUNG NOTED THAT THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO BOTH THE EMPLOYERS AND THE DISABLED.
IN 1993, SOME 1,340 DISABLED JOB SEEKERS WERE SUCCESSFULLY PLACED THROUGH THE EFFORT OF THE DIVISION.
"FINALISTS WILL BE SELECTED ON A NUMBER OF CRITERIA INCLUDING OVERALL PERFORMANCE, EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES, DILIGENCE, DEVOTION AND ACCOMPLISHMENT IN EMPLOYMENT," MR CHEUNG SAID.
"THEY ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW WITH A PANEL OF JUDGES BEFORE THE WINNERS ARE SELECTED."
HE POINTED OUT THAT ODEA WINNERS WILL EACH BE AWARDED A SOUVENIR PLAQUE AND THEIR NOMINATORS WILL ALSO RECEIVE A SOUVENIR.
THEY WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO ATTEND A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY LATER THIS YEAR.
MR CHEUNG SAID NOMINATION FOR THE AWARD WOULD CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 15 AND RESULTS OF THE ODEA WAS EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN OCTOBER.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 852 4809.
/9........
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1994
9
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AT COUNTRY. PARKS
*****
COUNTRYSIDE VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF THE DEEP BLUE SEA THROUGH LENSES IN THE COMING MONTHS AS AN UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION IS TO BE HELD AT TWO OF THE TERRITORY’S POPULAR COUNTRY PARKS.
FROM WEDNESDAY (JULY 20) UNTIL MID-OCTOBER, SOME 80 UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARKS VISITOR CENTRE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOVED TO THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK AFTER THAT.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG UNDERWATER ASSOCIATION (HKUA) AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD).
A SPOKESMAN FOR AFD SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE EXHIBITION WAS TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE ON PROTECTING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT.
"IT IS INDEED A DOUBLE TREAT FOR COUNTRY PARK VISITORS BECAUSE APART FROM ENJOYING THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE, THEY CAN VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE UNDERWATER WORLD TAKEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS.
"THE BEAUTIFUL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN UNDER THE SEA MOSTLY OUTSIDE HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN THANKED HKUA FOR PROVIDING THE PHOTOGRAPHS FOR THE EXHIBITION.
HE ALSO REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO GO TO THE EXHIBITION IF THEY HAD MISSED A SIMILAR FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE HKUA IN MAY THIS YEAR.
------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REGISTRATION OF LOST OF FISHING GROUNDS STARTS NEXT MONTH 1
SWAC ENDORSES THE CREATION OF HEALTH WORKER GRADE........ 2
SMALL INCREASE IN COURT INSOLVENCIES........................ 3
UNCERTAINTY CLEARED OVER SWEATERS ANTI-DUMPING.............. 4
TENDER FOR THE FOURTH ISSUE OF YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES TO BE HELD ON JULY 25....................................... 6
FIRST SPAN FORMED ON RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE.................. 7 ■
EARNINGS AND WAGE STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1994 ................ 8
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 .. 11
REMINDER ON DEADLINE FOR RETURNING SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES 12
FIRST SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT PAIRING PROJECT LAUNCHED.......... 14
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 15
WATER CUTS IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AND SOUTHERN.................. 15
NEW OFFICE FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND RECORDS OFFICE..... 15
CLOSURE OF SAU MAU PING ILLEGAL STRUCTURE.................. 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 16
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
REGISTRATION OF LOST OF FISHING GROUNDS STARTS NEXT MONTH
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL START A REGISTRATION EXERCISE NEXT MONTH TO REGISTER CLAIMS FROM OWNERS OF FISHING VESSELS OVER 15 METRES FOR THE LOSS OF FISHING GROUNDS AS A RESULT OF MARINE ENGINEERING WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT OR TO BE CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG WATERS.
IT WILL COVER ALLEGED LOSS CLAIMS RESULTING FROM RECLAMATION, DREDGING, DUMPING, BACK FILLING AND OTHER MARINE WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
THE EXERCISE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET, PHASE I, WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON FROM AUGUST 30, 1994 AND LAST FOR ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF TO THREE MONTHS, EXCLUDING SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON AND 2 PM AND 4 PM.
ONLY VESSELS FULFILLING ALL THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION:
» GENUINELY ENGAGED IN FISHING ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG WATERS;
» HOLD VALID LICENCES ISSUED FOR FISHING PURPOSES BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AS OF DATE OF THE REGISTRATION EXERCISE (VESSELS LICENSED FOR OTHER PURPOSES, INCLUDING ALL CARRIER/COLLECTOR BOATS, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED);
» EXCEED 15 METRES IN LENGTH AS SHOWN ON THE VALID LICENCE BOOK. FISHING VESSELS UNDER 15 METRES ARE SUBJECT TO SEPARATE ARRANGEMENTS; AND
* BASED IN HONG KONG.
ALL VESSELS OWNERS MUST OBTAIN REGISTRATION BOOKING CHITS FROM THE DISTRICT MARINE OFFICE IN ADVANCE AND COME FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TIME AND DATE SPECIFIED ON THE CHITS.
VESSELS OWNERS WHO COME FOR REGISTRATION WITHOUT VALID BOOKING CHITS MAY NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
THE MONTH-LONG ADVANCE BOOKING FOR THE REGISTRATION WILL START TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND END ON AUGUST 19.
THE REGISTRATION IS TO BE CONDUCTED ON A NO COMMITMENT AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE BASIS.
IT MUST NOT BE CONSTRUED AS BINDING ON GOVERNMENT THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN REGISTERED IS ENTITLED TO THE PAYMENT OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
EACH CLAIM WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERIT AND THE RESULTS WILL BE COMMUNICATED TO CLAIMANTS INDIVIDUALLY.
------0------------
/2.........
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
2 -
SWAC ENDORSES THE CREATION OF HEALTH WORKER GRADE
*****
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) TODAY (MONDAY) ENDORSED THE CREATION OF HEALTH WORKER GRADE AND SALARY SCALE FOR HEALTH WORKERS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT A SALARY SCALE OF MASTER PAY SCALE 7 TO 15 ($9,395 TO $14,935 AT 94/95 LEVEL) BE ESTABLISHED FOR HEALTH WORKERS.
SWAC CHAIRMAN, MR ERIC LI, SAID THE PROPOSALS TO CREATE THIS NEW HIGHER SCALE HAD BEEN MADE IN RESPONSE TO CONCERN RAISED IN THE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES (ELDERLY PERSON) BILL GAZETTED ON OCTOBER 8 LAST YEAR WHICH WAS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL HAD EFFECTIVELY IMPOSED DEMAND FOR MORE AS WELL AS BETTER-TRAINED HEALTH WORKERS TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF SERVICE FOR RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE HOME FOR THE ELDERLY TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL.
SWAC MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT THIS DEMAND COULD NOT BE MET BY REGISTERED NURSES WHO WERE ALSO IN SEVERE SHORTAGE.
"THERE IS THEREFORE AN URGENT NEED TO IMPROVE THE SALARY SCALE OF THIS GRADE OF STAFF SO AS TO IMPROVE THE RECRUITMENT AND TO ATTRACT MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN THE TRADE.
"SWAC MEMBERS RECOGNISED THAT THIS COULD BE AN EFFECTIVE MEASURE TO RELIEVE THE TEMPORARY SHORTAGE OF HEALTH WORKERS BUT THE COMMITTEE STILL FEELS THAT IN THE LONG RUN THESE POSTS SHOULD BE FILLED BY TRAINED NURSES," MR LI SAID.
HE SAID TRAINING COURSES FOR HEALTH WORKERS HAD BEEN RUN SINCE 1989, BUT THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES HAD BEEN ON THE LOW SIDE.
"THERE ARE CURRENTLY 200 HEALTH WORKERS WHO SHOULD BE QUALIFIED FOR REGISTER.
"WHEN THE LEGISLATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES (ELDERLY PERSONS) IS ENACTED IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AN ADDITIONAL SUPPLY OF 900 HEALTH WORKERS ARE IMMEDIATELY REQUIRED IN THE PRIVATE HOMES BEFORE THEY CAN COMPLY WITH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS," MR LI ADDED.
SWAC MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED THE COMMENTS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING AND MANPOWER PLANNING (ACSWTMP) ON THE PROJECTIONS OF THE DEMAND FOR AND SUPPLY OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE FOUR YEARS FROM 1994/95 TO 1997/98 DESCRIBED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE MANPOWER PLANNING SYSTEMS (SWMPS) REPORT NO. 6.
"THEY BASICALLY OUTLINE THE SURPLUS OF SOCIAL WORK GRADUATES BUT A CONTINUOUS SHORTAGE OF DIPLOMA HOLDERS IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE," MR LI SAID.
HE SAID MEMBERS ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF ACSWTMP TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF DIPLOMA GRADUATES BY:
/* BIDDING FOR ........
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
3 -
» BIDDING FOR FUNDS FOR INTRODUCING A BLISTER PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 100 DIPLOMA STUDENTS PLACES PER YEAR IN 1995/96 AND 1996/97;
* EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A SOCIAL WORK SUB-DEGREE PROGRAMME IN LINGNAN COLLEGE;
» EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HONG KONG SHUE YAN COLLEGE BEING ASSISTED TO INCREASE ITS STUDENT INTAKE THROUGH THE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL PLACES IN ITS DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMME; AND
» CONSIDERING WHETHER SOCIAL WORK DEGREE GRADUATES FROM TAIWAN COULD BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT POSTS.
’’MEMBERS GENERALLY CONSIDERED WHETHER TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS
SHOULD BE HIGHER THAN ONE LEVEL WITHOUT DISTINGUISHING DEGREE OR DIPLOMA HOLDERS.
’’THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY IN THE LONG TERM DESPITE ITS COST IMPLICATIONS,” MR LI SAID.
--------0-----------
SMALL INCREASE IN COURT INSOLVENCIES
*****
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, MR ROBIN HEARDER, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1994 SHOWED A SMALL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW INSOLVENCIES REACHING THE COURTS.
THERE WERE 234 NEW COMPULSORY COMPANY LIQUIDATION ORDERS AND 154 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY ORDERS IN JANUARY-JUNE COMPARED WITH THE RESPONDING FIGURES OF 189 AND 167 FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
THERE WERE 121 PETITIONS WITHDRAWN OR DISMISSED, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE OF 111 IN 1993.
IT COULD BE SEEN, THEREFORE, THE TOTAL OF 388 NEW INSOLVENCIES HAD INCREASED BY 8.99 PER CENT WHICH WAS A SMALL INCREASE RATE IN COMPARISON WITH THAT OF THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE BUSINESSES MAINLY AFFECTED BY COMPULSORY COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND BANKRUPTCIES INCLUDED GARMENT AND KNITTING MANUFACTURING, RESTAURANTS AND CANTEENS, COMPANY DIRECTORS GIVING PERSONAL GUARANTEES, CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURING.
PETITIONS WERE FILED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID (46 PER CENT), TRADE CREDITORS (37 PER CENT), BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS (14 PER CENT) AND OTHERS (THREE PER CENT).
v '. •
/MORE COMPLICATED.............
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
4
MORE COMPLICATED OR SIGNIFICANT INSOLVENCIES DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE AMERICAN LAUNDERLAND MANAGEMENT LIMITED, AMERICAN LAUNDERLAND HOLDINGS LIMITED, HONG KONG VIDEO PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED, T S WONG (INVESTMENT AND FINANCE) COMPANY LIMITED, LAWE WILLIAM (CHINA TRADE) LIMITED AND MELBA TRADING COMPANY LIMITED.
DURING THE PERIOD, 42 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED AGAINST DIRECTORS OF COMPANIES IN COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION FOR FAILURE TO SUBMIT STATEMENTS OF AFFAIRS TO THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND TO KEEP BOOKS AND ACCOUNTS FOR WOUND-UP COMPANIES AND 44 DIRECTORS WERE CONVICTED.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURT WAS $339,470, WHICH WAS AN INCREASE OF 67.43 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE IN 1993.
TOTAL DIVIDENDS DECLARED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER DURING THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1994 AMOUNTED TO $34.5 MILLION IN 121 INSOLVENCIES, AS AGAINST $121.1 MILLION IN 125 INSOLVENCIES FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1993.
THERE WERE 11 SCHEMES OF ARRANGEMENT/COMPOSITIONS APPROVED BY THE COURT DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994, AS AGAINST 10 FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE INSOLVENCY CASES BEING HANDLED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE AT THE END OF LAST MONTH WAS 2,180, REPRESENTING 1,335 COMPULSORY COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND 845 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES.
FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AT THE END OF JUNE 1994 (EXCLUDING FUNDS PERTAINING TO THE BCCHK LIQUIDATIONS) TOTALLED $1,168 MILLION COMPARED WITH $1,217 MILLION AT JUNE 30, 1993, REPRESENTING A REDUCTION OF $49 MILLION.
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER ALSO ADMINISTERED THE SUMS OF U.S.$2.1 MILLION (U.S.$2 MILLION AT JUNE 30, 1993) AND JAPANESE YEN 269 MILLION (YEN 13 MILLION AT JUNE 30, 1993).
THE FUNDS OF THE BCCHK LIQUIDATIONS UNDER THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S ADMINISTRATION AMOUNTED TO APPROXIMATELY $2,201 MILLION ($3,248 MILLION AT JUNE 30, 1993).
------0--------
UNCERTAINTY CLEARED OVER SWEATERS ANTI-DUMPING
*****
HONG KONG’S MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES WILL NO LONGER BE SUBJECT TO A 5.86 PER CENT ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES AND THE UNCERTAINTY CREATED BY THE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS IN THE U.S. NOW CLEARED.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MR THOMAS YIU SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) AFTER THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PUBLISHED ON JULY 14 THE REVOCATION ORDER ON THE ANTI-DUMPING ACTION AGAINST MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG.
/’’THE REVOCATION.......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 5 -
"THE REVOCATION ORDER IS A SATISFYING OUTCOME OF OUR FIVE-YEAR BATTLE AGAINST THE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS," MR YIU SAID.
UNDER THE REVOCATION ORDER, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE WILL INSTRUCT THE U.S. CUSTOMS TO PROCEED WITH LIQUIDATION OF THE SUBJECT IMPORTS WITHOUT REGARD TO ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES.
MR YIU SAID: "THE REVOCATION REINFORCES OUR POSITION THAT HONG KONG, GIVEN ITS OPEN MARKET, TOTAL ABSENCE OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF RELATIVELY SMALL FIRMS OPERATING IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT, IS THE MOST UNLIKELY SOURCE OF DUMPING."
HE ADDED: "THE CONCERTED EFFORT MADE BY THE HONG KONG SWEATERS INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT SINCE 1989 TO DEFEND HONG KONG’S TRADE INTERESTS HAS FINALLY PAID OFF.
"IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR HONG KONG TO WIN BACK MARKET SHARE LOST DUE TO THE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS; BUT OUR DETERMINED ACTION AND EVENTUAL VICTORY DO SHOW THAT HONG KONG DOES NOT TAKE UNREASONABLE ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES LIGHTLY AND IS PREPARED TO FIGHT ANY SUCH MEASURES."
MR YIU SAID DURING THE COURSE OF THE ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAD HELD THREE ROUNDS OF BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS WITH THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION, IN MAY 1991, JUNE 1992 AND MAY 1994 RESPECTIVELY.
"A MEETING FOR CONCILIATION UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE WAS ALSO HELD IN JULY 1991," HE ADDED.
IN SEPTEMBER 1990, BASED ON A FINDING BY THE U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION (ITC) THAT THE U.S. DOMESTIC INDUSTRY WAS INJURED BY DUMPED IMPORTS, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ISSUED AN ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ORDER REQUIRING U.S. IMPORTERS OF MAN-MADE FIBRE SWEATERS FROM HONG KONG TO PAY ANTI-DUMPING DUTY AT A RATE OF 5.86 PER CENT.
IN JULY 1992, THE U.S. COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CIT) HANDED DOWN A RULING ON THE CONSOLIDATED APPEALS BROUGHT BY HONG KONG, TAIWAN AND SOUTH KOREAN COMPANIES THAT THE ITC INJURY DETERMINATION WAS "NOT SUPPORTED BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OR OTHERWISE NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW".
THE ITC WAS MANDATED TO REVIEW THE INJURY DETERMINATION. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT REPORTED A "NO INJURY" DETERMINATION TO CIT IN NOVEMBER 1992. CIT UPHELD THIS "NO INJURY" DETERMINATION IN AUGUST 1993.
THE U.S. PETITIONER, THE NATIONAL KNITWEAR AND SPORTSWEAR ASSOCIATION FILED AN APPEAL AGAINST THE CIT DECISION WITH THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FEDERAL CIRCUIT (CAFC) IN OCTOBER 1993.
LAST MONTH, THE CAFC AFFIRMED CIT’S DECISION AND OFFICIALLY PASSED THE JUDGMENT ON JULY 6. BASED ON CAFC’S AFFIRMATION, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PUBLISHED THE REVOCATION ORDER ON JULY 14.
--------0-----------
/6.........
MONDAY,JULY 18, 1994
6
TENDER FOR THE FOURTH ISSUE OF YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES TO BE HELD ON JULY 25 ♦ * * t *
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE TENDER FOR THE FOURTH ISSUE OF THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (JULY 25) FOR SETTLEMENT ON TUESDAY, JULY 26.
SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ISSUE, AN AMOUNT OF $500 MILLION THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE ON OFFER. ANOTHER $100 MILLION FOR EACH ISSUE 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 JULY 28, 1997 AND WILL CARRY INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6.95 PER CENT PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.
THIS WILL BE THE FIRST ISSUE OF EXCHANGE FUND PAPER WHICH MATURES AFTER JULY 1, 1997. THE CHINESE SIDE’S AGREEMENT HAS BEEN OBTAINED ON THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS AND NOTES PROGRAMMES BEING RUN ON A CONTINUING BASIS EVEN IF THE MONEY BORROWED IS FOR REPAYMENT AFTER JULY 1, 1997.
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 AT 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (OR TELEPHONE 878 8150). EACH TENDER MUST BE AN AMOUNT OF $50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF.
TENDER INFORMATION FOR THE FOURTH ISSUE OF 3-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES:
ISSUE NUMBER : 3707
TENDER DATE AND TIME : MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994, 9.30 AM TO 10.30 AM
ISSUE AND SETTLEMENT DATE : TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
AMOUNT ON OFFER I HK$500 MILLION PLUS AN ADDITIONAL
HK$100 MILLION AS RESERVE STOCK FOR THE MONETARY AUTHORITY.
MATURITY : THREE YEARS
MATURITY DATE : JULY 28, 1997
INTEREST RATE : 6.95 PER CENT PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-
ANNUALLY IN ARREARS
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES : JANUARY 26, 1995, JULY 26, 1995
JANUARY 26, 1996, JULY 26, 1996
JANUARY 27, 1997, JULY 28, 1997
/TENDER AMOUNT : .......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
7
TENDER AMOUNT
OTHER DETAILS
: EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF HK$50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE NOTES MAY APPROACH MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST
: PLEASE SEE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM PUBLISHED OR APPROACH MARKET MAKERS OF RECOGNISED DEALERS
---------0-----------
FIRST SPAN FORMED ON RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE
******
THE ROUTE 3 RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE IS TAKING SHAPE AS THE FIRST OF 40 SPANS HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ON ITS EASTERN APPROACH IN KWAI CHUNG.
THIS FIRST SPAN, 50 METRES LONG, IS FORMED BY 15 CONCRETE SEGMENTS USING THE PRE-CAST SEGMENTAL BALANCED CANTILEVER TECHNIQUE.
"THIS MARKS THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TECHNIQUE IN THE BRIDGE DECK CONSTRUCTION, WHICH STARTED ONLY ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS AGO," SAID THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S ROUTE 3 DIVISION, MR C K WONG.
MR WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE PRE-CAST SEGMENTAL BALANCED CANTILEVER TECHNIQUE INVOLVED THE USE OF A LAUNCHING GIRDER, AN ADVANCED PIECE OF SPECIALIST BRIDGE EQUIPMENT PIONEERED IN HONG KONG BY THE LEAD CONTRACTOR OF THE PROJECT, DRAGAGES ET TRAVAUX PUBLICS.
"THIS GIRDER HAS BEEN USED TWICE PREVIOUSLY IN EUROPE AND ONLY ONCE BEFORE IN HONG KONG ON THE KWUN TONG BYPASS PROJECT," HE SAID.
EACH PRE-CAST SEGMENT, WEIGHING BETWEEN 80 AND 120 TONNES, IS POSITIONED BY THE LAUNCHING GIRDER AND DURING THE CANTILEVERING OF THE DECK SEGMENTS, ONE BY ONE ALTERNATIVELY ON BOTH SIDES OF A BRIDGE PIER, EACH SEGMENT IS BOLTED TO THE NEXT ONE UNTIL THE CLOSING OF ONE SPAN IS ACHIEVED.
THE PROCESS IS THEN REPEATED UNTIL THE 1.2 KILOMETRES LONG BRIDGE DECK IS FORMED.
MR WONG SAID THE SECOND SPAN, WITH THE SAME LENGTH AND RUNNING PARALLEL TO THE FIRST ONE ON THE EASTERN APPROACH, WILL BE COMPLETED LATER TODAY (MONDAY).
"WE EXPECT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE BRIDGE DECK WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, AND THE WHOLE PROJECT WILL BE FINISHED IN 1996," HE SAID.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE WILL CARRY A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY.
/THE BRIDGE .......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
8
THE BRIDGE FORMS PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME’S ROUTE 3 PROJECT LINKING TSING YI ISLAND AND KWAI CHUNG, AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF THE HIGHWAYS NETWORK WHICH CONNECTS THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN TO THE URBAN AREAS IN KOWLOON AND CENTRAL HONG KONG.
THE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED IN JUNE LAST YEAR TO DRAGAGES-BSG-PENTA JOINT VENTURE AT A COST OF $669.8 MILLION.
------0-------
EARNINGS AND WAGE STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1994
*****
AVERAGE LABOUR EARNINGS IN ALL MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, AS MEASURED BY PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, RECORDED A NOTABLE INCREASE OF 12.3% IN MARCH 1994 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1993.
STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (MONDAY) TODAY SHOWS, AFTER DISCOUNTING FOR CHANGES IN CONSUMER PRICES, THE INCREASE WAS 4.1% IN REAL TERMS.
IN MARCH 1994, THE OVERALL WAGE INDEX COVERING ALL MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS INCREASED BY 9.9% IN NOMINAL TERMS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1993. AFTER DISCOUNTING FOR CHANGES IN CONSUMER PRICES, THE INCREASE IN REAL TERMS WAS 1.8%.
ANALYSED BY SECTORS, AVERAGE EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 9.6% IN MONEY TERMS OR 1.5% IN REAL TERMS. WAGES SHOWED SIMILAR INCREASES.
FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE INCREASE IN AVERAGE EARNINGS WAS 10.8% IN NOMINAL TERMS, OR 2.6% IN REAL TERMS.
WAGES SHOWED A SMALLER INCREASE OF 8.4% IN NOMINAL TERMS OR 0.4% IN REAL TERMS. THE LARGER INCREASE IN AVERAGE EARNINGS WAS BECAUSE OF THE PAYMENT OF IRREGULAR BONUSES IN MARCH 1994.
FOR THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AVERAGE EARNINGS INCREASED BY 9.3% IN NOMINAL TERMS, OR 1.2% IN REAL TERMS. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN WAGES WERE 10.1% IN NOMINAL TERMS OR 2.0% IN REAL TERMS.
EARNINGS IN THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR RECORDED A MODERATE INCREASE OF 3.5% IN NOMINAL TERMS, BUT A DECLINE OF 4.1% IN REAL TERMS.
THE SMALL INCREASE IN AVERAGE EARNINGS IN NOMINAL TERMS IN MARCH 1994 WAS MAINLY BECAUSE OF A HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN MARCH 1993 WHEN IRREGULAR BONUSES WERE PAID IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.
THE WAGE INDEX FOR THE SECTOR HOWEVER ROSE BY 10.8% IN NOMINAL TERMS OR 2.6% IN REAL TERMS.
/FOR THE .......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 9 -
FOR THE COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR, AVERAGE EARNINGS INCREASED BY 18.8% IN NOMINAL TERMS, OR 10.0% IN REAL TERMS. THE WAGE' INDEX FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR ROSE BY 15.1% IN NOMINAL TERMS OR 6.6% IN REAL TERMS.
CHANGES IN THE AVERAGE EARNINGS BETWEEN MARCH 1993 AND MARCH 1994 FOR SELECTED SECTORS, IN BOTH NOMINAL AND REAL TERMS, ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1. CORRESPONDING CHANGES IN THE WAGE INDICES ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
STATISTICS ON AVERAGE EARNINGS (THAT IS PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED) ARE COMPILED AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE LABOUR EARNINGS SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE WAGE INDICES ARE COMPILED FROM THE SAME SURVEY AT HALF-YEARLY INTERVALS FOR MARCH AND SEPTEMBER OF THE YEAR. THE WAGE INDICES COVER BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS UP TO THE SUPERVISORY LEVEL.
EARNINGS INCLUDE WAGES AS WELL AS ALL OTHER IRREGULAR RECEIPTS SUCH AS BONUSES AND OVERTIME ALLOWANCES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT STATISTICS ON LABOUR EARNINGS TEND TO SHOW LARGER QUARTER-TO-QUARTER CHANGES, AFFECTED BY THE NUMBER OF HOURS ACTUALLY WORKED AND THE TIMING OF PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND BACK-PAY.
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE "QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, MARCH 1994" AND THE "HALF-YEARLY REPORT OF WAGE STATISTICS, MARCH 1994" .
THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY AT $24 AND $32 PER COPY RESPECTIVELY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, PLEASE CONTACT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 5076. AS FOR ENQUIRIES ON WAGE STATISTICS, PLEASE CALL THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4744.
/TABLE 1 : .......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 10 -
TABLE 1: YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE IN PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED BY SELECTED MAJOR INDUSTRY SECTOR
% CHANGE FOR MARCH 1994 OVER MARCH 1993
SELECTED MAJOR INDUSTRY SECTOR IN NOMINAL TERMS IN REAL TERMS
MANUFACTURING + 9.6 + 1.5
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS + 9.3 + 1.2
TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION + 3.5 -4.1
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES + 10.8 + 2.6
COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES +18.8 + 10.0
ALL INDUSTRY SECTORS + 12.3 + 4.1
TABLE 2: YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE IN WAGE INDICES BY SELECTED MAJOR INDUSTRY SECTOR
SELECTED MAJOR INDUSTRY SECTOR % CHANGE FOR MARCH 1994 OVER MARCH 1993
IN NOMINAL TERMS IN REAL TERMS
MANUFACTURING + 9.6 + 1.5
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS + 10.1 + 2.0
TRANSPORT SERVICES* + 10.8 + 2.6
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES + 8.4 +0.4
PERSONAL SERVICES# + 15.1 + 6.6
ALL INDUSTRY SECTORS + 9.9 + 1.8
♦EXCLUDING INDUSTRIES RELATED TO STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION
#EXCLUDING INDUSTRIES RELATED TO COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
---------0---------
/Il .......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 11 -
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 » » * * »
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, AMOUNTED TO $21.6 BILLION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, AND WAS 27.1% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 INCREASED BY 2.9%.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT PRIVATE SECTOR SITES TOTALLED $8.8 BILLION, AND WAS 19.2% AND 10.9% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT PUBLIC SECTOR SITES WAS $6.7 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 38.6% OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 BUT A DECREASE OF 7.0% OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY GENERAL CONTRACTORS AT LOCATIONS OTHER THAN CONSTRUCTION SITES WAS $4.1 BILLION, WHICH WAS 24.0% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 BUT 1.4% LOWER THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.
THIS INCLUDED MINOR NEW CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND RENOVATION WORK AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS AT LOCATIONS OTHER THAN CONSTRUCTION SITES, COMPRISING MAINLY ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL FITTING WORK, TOTALLED $2.0 BILLION, AND WAS 35.9% AND 17.9% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
ANALYSED BY END-USE, RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS (INCLUDING COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL (COMPOSITE) BUILDINGS) CONTINUED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE GREATEST PORTION OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED FOR THESE PROJECTS WAS $5.0 BILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 3.0% AND 1.9% OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
TRANSPORT PROJECTS REMAIN THE SECOND LARGEST CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION SITE WORK.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED FOR THESE PROJECTS WAS $4.7 BILLION.
THIS WAS 96.0% AND 7.0% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
/THE INCREASE .......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 12 -
THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A NUMBER OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING PROJECTS CONSTITUTED THE THIRD LARGEST CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION SITE WORK.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED FOR THESE PROJECTS TOTALLED $1.9 BILLION, WHICH WAS 9.9% AND 9.7% HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
OWING TO THE WIDESPREAD SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, A CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT CAN BE A MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR ONE CONTRACT AND A SUB-CONTRACTOR FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT AT THE SAME TIME.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING BOTH GENERAL AND SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS, COVERS ONLY THOSE PROJECTS IN WHICH THE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT TAKES THE ROLE OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR, BUT NOT PROJECTS IN WHICH IT TAKES ONLY THE ROLE OF A SUB-CONTRACTOR.
HOWEVER, SUB-CONTRACTORS’ CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR WHOM THEY WORKED.
MORE DETAILED STATISTICS ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT ARE GIVEN IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 1ST QUARTER 1994".
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $8 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, WANCHAI TOWER, 19TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3265.
- - 0---------
REMINDER ON DEADLINE FOR RETURNING SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE FOLLOWING SURVEYS IN RESPECT OF 1993 TO RETURN SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES :
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION;
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS;
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS;
/* ANNUAL SURVEY ........
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 13 -
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES; AND
* ANNUAL SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES.
THESE SURVEYS ARE CONDUCTED ANNUALLY BY THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE STATISTICAL DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND FOR ASCERTAINING THEIR COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED IN APRIL - MAY THIS YEAR TO ABOUT 26,000 ESTABLISHMENTS SAMPLED FOR THE 1993 SURVEYS. THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED ARE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE DEPARTMENT BY THE END OF THE MONTH (JULY 31).
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR FREDERICK HO, APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS TO FULFIL THEIR LEGAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES BY RETURNING PROMPTLY THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND CO-OPERATING WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEYS. THOSE WHO FAIL TO DO SO MAY BE COMMITTING AN OFFENCE.
EACH QUESTIONNAIRE OF THESE ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS HAS BEEN SO DESIGNED THAT RESPONDENTS CAN COMPLETE IT BY THEMSELVES.
IF NECESSARY, OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WHO CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE RESPECTIVE SURVEYS, WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT AUDITED ACCOUNTS WERE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR SUPPLYING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED BY THE SURVEYS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE. ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED.
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 14 -
FIRST SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT PAIRING PROJECT LAUNCHED
*****
STUDENTS FROM TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN CANADA WILL TAKE PART IN A PILOT SCHEME TO STUDY HARBOUR WATER QUALITY AND EXCHANGE DATA AND FINDINGS THROUGH COMPUTER AND FACSIMILE NETWORKS.
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND LAUNCHED IN HONG KONG, THE SCHOOL PAIRING PROJECT IS ORGANISED UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SIGNED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF HONG KONG AND CANADA WITH AN AIM TO FACILITATE MUTUAL CO-OPERATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INITIATIVES.
BY PAIRING UP SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG AND CANADA, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN THE TWO PLACES WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO EXCHANGE THEIR IDEAS, VALUES AND SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS ON ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.
FUNDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, THE PROJECT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ( EPD) AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE STUDENTS TO BE ACTUALLY INVOLVED IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECTS.
TWELVE FORM 6 STUDENTS FROM QUEEN’S COLLEGE AND ST PAUL'S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE WILL TAKE PART IN A FIVE-DAY PROGRAMME TO STUDY THE WATER QUALITY OF THE HARBOURS IN HONG KONG.
THEY WILL COLLECT WATER SAMPLES FROM SAI KUNG AND VICTORIA HARBOUR AND WILL CONDUCT TESTS AT THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON VARIOUS WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS SUCH AS THE STRATIFICATION, TRANSPARENCY, DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVEL, ODOUR AND E COLI.
MEANWHILE, STUDENTS IN CANADA TAKING PART IN THE PROJECT WILL ALSO CONDUCT SIMILAR STUDIES. THE FINDINGS WILL BE COMPILED INTO REPORTS WHICH THEY WILL EXCHANGE WITH EACH OTHER. THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE THROUGH TELEPHONE, COMPUTER AND FACSIMILE NETWORKS DURING AND AFTER THE STUDY.
STUDENTS IN HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND EPD’S MARINE WATER MONITORING WORK BY VISITING THE DEPARTMENT’S WATER MONITORING VESSEL "DR CATHERINE LAM" AND THE MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY AT REVENUE TOWER.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE PROJECT AT REVENUE TOWER THIS MORNING (MONDAY), THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR ROBERT LAW, SAID IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH EDUCATION WAS CONSIDERED BY MANY ADVANCED COUNTRIES AS THE BEST LONG TERM SOLUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
HE HOPED THAT AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROJECT, THE STUDENTS WOULD BE ABLE TO "THINK GLOBALLY AND ACT LOCALLY" TO HELP MAKE OUR PLANET A BETTER PLACE ON WHICH TO LIVE.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE SENIOR TRADE COMMISSIONER OF THE COMMISSION FOR CANADA, MR SCOTT MULLIN, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR SIMON HO, AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ENVIRONMENT) MISS MARY CHOW.
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/15 .......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 15 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 79.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 466.738 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 431.016 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 73.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
WATER CUTS IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AND SOUTHERN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 20) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT YU CHAU WEST STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, KWONG SHING STREET, WING HONG STREET, WING MING STREET AND TSAP FAI STREET.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORK, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES IN TIN WAN, ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG AS WELL AS THOSE AT SHOUSON HILL ROAD.
------0--------
NEW OFFICE FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND RECORDS OFFICE
*****
TWO OFFICES OF THE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND RECORDS SECTION WILL START OPERATING FROM THEIR NEW PREMISES ON JULY 25 (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE OFFICES MOVING TO THE NEW PREMISES ARE THE VEHICLE INSPECTION OFFICE (DEFECTIVE VEHICLE) AND THE VEHICLE RECORDS OFFICE.
THE NEW ACCOMMODATION IS AT MEZZANINE FLOOR, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, AND THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 867 4721.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WHEN THE REMAINING OFFICES OF THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICES MOVED TO THEIR NEW ACCOMMODATION AT UNITED CENTRE NEXT MONTH, ALL OFFICES WOULD BECOME CLOSER TOGETHER THUS IMPROVING THEIR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
/16........
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1994
- 16 -
CLOSURE OF SAU MAU PING ILLEGAL STRUCTURE *****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SAU MAU PING SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED FOR STORAGE PURPOSE IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF A BUILDING IN 40-44 HIU KWONG STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON SEPTEMBER 1 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE
» * * * *
$ MILLION
($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 985 0930 + 194
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,920 1000 + 114
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 189
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 190 1200 + 190
LAF TODAY + 745 1500 + 190
1600 + 190
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4 .50 OFFER TWI 122. 4 *+0.0* 18.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.00 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98. 20 5.63
1 MONTH 4.03 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100. 62 6.07
3 MONTHS 4.29 27 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95. 48 6.46
6 MONTHS 4.60 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95. 55 6.65
12 MONTHS 5.31 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98. 61 6.81
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,195 MN
CLOSED 18 JULY 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME TO KEEP HONG KONG SAFE....... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION................. 2
LOCAL WORKERS BETTER EDUCATED.............................. 3
LICENCE APPROVED FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF SATELLITE EARTH STATION.................................................... 7
PUBLIC SAFETY - PRIME CONCERN OF BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT... 7
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MAY 1994 ........ 8
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES INVITED. 10
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED................................ 11
22 CANDIDATES PASS EXAM FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS......... 11
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS................... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
14
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME TO KEEP HONG KONG SAFE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE ASKING THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER AGAIN THE CASE FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE STREETS AND HOUSING ESTATES IN THE TERRITORY. AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.
COMMENTING ON THE BRUTAL KILLING OF THE YOUNG GIRL IN TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY DURING A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION AT THE END OF HIS VISIT TO THE OCEAN PARK, MR PATTEN SAID: "WE HAD A DISCUSSION AT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ABOUT CRIME IN GENERAL AND ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR BRUTAL ATTACK.
"AS I THINK YOU KNOW THE POLICE MANPOWER IN TUEN MUN HAS BEEN THE SAME AS THAT IN OTHER DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG. THERE’RE ABOUT 800 TO 900 POLICE OFFICERS DEPLOYED IN TUEN MUN BUT SINCE THE ATTACK, THE POLICE COMMISSIONER HAS DEPLOYED ADDITIONAL MAN AND WOMAN-POWER AND OBVIOUSLY THE POLICE WILL BE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO FIND WHOEVER. WAS GUILTY OF THIS BRUTAL DEED AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE."
THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE SHOULD GIVE THEIR FULL SUPPORT TO THE POLICE AND SHOULD ACT AS GOOD NEIGHBOURS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
"WE WILL BE ASKING THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER AGAIN THE CASE FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME SO THAT PEOPLE CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER AND CAN CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE AS WELL TO KEEP OUR STREETS AND OUR HOUSING ESTATES AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE," MR PATTEN SAID.
"THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS LOOKING AT SECURITY ON ESTATES. IT’S GOT A PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVING SECURITY, FOR EXAMPLE, INSTALLING GATES AND CAMERAS AND I KNOW THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS KEEN TO SEE THAT PROGRAMME CARRY FORWARD AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE."
MR PATTEN OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE YOUNG GIRL WHO WAS KILLED AND REITERATED HIS HOPE THAT THE ATTACKER COULD BE FOUND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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/2 .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
2 -
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO OCEAN PARK THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM VERY PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COME TO OCEAN PARK TODAY FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE REST OF MY FAMILY. ONE OF MY DAUGHTER’S BEEN HERE PRETTY REGULARLY. IT’S A TREMENDOUS FACILITY FOR HONG KONG, ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL THEME PARKS IN THE WORLD, OBVIOUSLY, ONE OF THE REASONS WHY TOURISTS’VE COME TO HONG KONG BUT ALSO A TREMENDOUS PLACE FOR PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO ENJOY THEMSELVES. AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO THE BOARD FOR MANAGING IT SO SUCCESSFULLY, FOR MANAGING TO KEEP THE PRICES DOWN WHILE INVESTING A GREAT DEAL IN NEW FACILITIES FOR THE FUTURE. SO, I AM VERY PLEASED TO HAVE SEEN IT TODAY FOR MYSELF.
CAN I ADD ONE OTHER THING ON ANOTHER SUBJECT. I THINK THE WHOLE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN SHOCKED BY THE HORRIFIC MURDER OF A YOUNG GIRL IN TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY. THERE WAS ANOTHER ATTACK TODAY BUT I THINK THE YOUNG GIRL IN QUESTION HAS ESCAPED. I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE YOUNG GIRL WHO WAS SO BRUTALLY MURDERED. WE HAD A DISCUSSION AT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ABOUT CRIME IN GENERAL AND ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR BRUTAL ATTACK. AS I THINK YOU KNOW THE POLICE MANPOWER IN TUEN MUN HAS BEEN THE SAME AS THAT IN OTHER DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG. THERE’RE ABOUT 800 TO 900 POLICE OFFICERS DEPLOYED IN TUEN MUN BUT SINCE THE ATTACK, THE POLICE COMMISSIONER HAS DEPLOYED ADDITIONAL MAN AND WOMAN-POWER AND OBVIOUSLY THE POLICE WILL BE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO FIND WHOEVER WAS GUILTY OF THIS BRUTAL DEED AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE. I THINK ONE REASON FOR THE OUTRAGE IS THAT WE ARE USED IN HONG KONG TO LIVE IN ONE OF THE SAFEST COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD, A LOT OF REASONS FOR BEING COMPLACENT BUT OUR CRIME FIGURES PARTICULARLY OUR VIOLENT CRIME FIGURES HAVE BEEN FALLING. THIS IS THE SAFER PLACE TO BE THAN EUROPE OR NORTH AMERICA, SAFER THAN TOKYO, SAFER EVEN THAN SINGAPORE. AND AT THE SAME TIME AS OUR CRIME FIGURES HAVE BEEN FALLING, OUR DETECTION RATES HAVE BEEN RISING SO I THINK THAT’S ONE OF THE REASONS WHY A BRUTAL ATTACK LIKE THIS DOES CAUSE PARTICULAR CONCERN AND ANGUISH IN THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE DON’T WANT TO SEE OUR VERY GOOD SITUATION DETERIORATING.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO ADD A COUPLE OF POINTS TO THAT. FIRST OF ALL, I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE SHOULD GIVE THEIR FULL SUPPORT TO THE POLICE. I KNOW THAT THERE’S GREAT CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE AND SHOULD ACT AS GOOD NEIGHBOURS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. WE WILL BE ASKING THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER AGAIN THE CASE FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME SO THAT PEOPLE CAN HELP ONE ANOTHER AND CAN CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE AS WELL TO KEEP OUR STREETS AND OUR HOUSING ESTATES AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ITSELF IS THE LAST POINT I’VE WANTED TO MAKE. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS LOOKING AT SECURITY ON ESTATES. IT’S GOT A PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVING SECURITY, FOR EXAMPLE, INSTALLING GATES AND CAMERAS AND I KNOW THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS KEEN TO SEE THAT PROGRAMME CARRY FORWARD AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE. BUT I REPEAT ALL OUR THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF THE YOUNG GIRL WHO WAS KILLED AND WE MUST HOPE THAT THE MURDERER CAN BE FOUND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
/QUESTION: .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
3 -
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, HOW WOULD YOU VIEW THE STATE OF SINO-BRITISH RELATION AND THE VIEW OF MR GOODLAD FOR A POOR RECEPTION FROM CHINA?
GOVERNOR: I’M VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MR GOODLAD WHEN HE ARRIVES IN HONG KONG TOMORROW AND DISCUSSING THIS SITUATION WITH HIM. WE ARE KEEN TO CO-OPERATE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE LIVELIHOOD AND WELLBEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. WE HEAR FROM TIME TO TIME THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS SAY THAT THEY ARE KEEN TO CO-OPERATE AS WELL. WELL, THERE’S A SAYING THAT DEEDS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. WE’LL LOOK FORWARD TO SEE DEEDS TOO. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
QUESTION: IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT THE FOREIGN MINISTRY THEN SAID THAT MR LU SAID THAT BOTH SIDES’ POLITICAL PARTS ARE VERY CLEAR SO THERE'S NO REASON FOR A MEETING. ARE YOU VERY KEEN ON MEETING MR LU PING?
GOVERNOR: 1 DON’T THINK THAT MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG BELIEVE THAT IT IS SENSIBLE FOR SENIOR OFFICIALS TO WALK AWAY FROM THE TABLE. I THINK THAT MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD BE TALKING TOGETHER, EVEN WHEN WE DISAGREE, TRYING TO NARROW THE AREAS OF DISAGREEMENT AND TRYING TO FIND ALL THOSE AREAS WHERE WE CAN COOPERATE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG. THAT’S WHY EVERYONE ELSE DOES IN THE WORLD AND I THINK THAT’S WHAT WE SHOULD DO AS WELL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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LOCAL WORKERS BETTER EDUCATED
* * » » »
THE NUMBER OF LOCAL WORKERS WITH TERTIARY EDUCATION IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE FROM 10.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL MANPOWER SUPPLY TN 1991 TO 16.1 PER CENT IN 2001, ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF THE REPORT "MANPOWER 2001 REVISITED".
THE REPORT PRESENTS THE RESULTS OF THE THIRD MANPOWER PROJECTION CONDUCTED BY THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH. THE REPORTS ON THE PREVIOUS PROJECTIONS WERE PUBLISHED IN 1990 AND 1992.
THE LATEST STUDY SHOWS THAT OF THE 2,757,500 WORKERS IN 1991, 279,800 WERE AT TERTIARY EDUCATION LEVELS. THIS COMPARES WITH 3,106,100 WORKERS PROJECTED FOR 2001, OF WHOM 501,000 WILL POSSESS EITHER SUB-DEGREE OR FIRST DEGREE AND ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS.
IT ALSO FINDS THAT SUPPLY OF MANPOWER WITH FIRST DEGREE AND ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS WILL INCREASE FROM 173,000 PERSONS IN 1991 TO 320,800 PERSONS IN 2001.
OF THESE GRADUATE WORKERS, 106,600 WILL BE NEW WORKERS ENTERING THE WORKFORCE DURING 1992 TO 1996 AND THERE WILL BE ANOTHER 116,600 NEW GRADUATE WORKERS DURING 1997 TO 2001.
DURING THESE PERIODS, 39 PER CENT AND 48 PER CENT OF THESE NEW ENTRANTS WILL BE LOCAL GRADUATES RESPECTIVELY.
/WHILE THE .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
4
"WHILE THE MANPOWER SUPPLY AT HIGHER EDUCATIONAL LEVELS IS INCREASING, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS WITH LOWER SECONDARY OR BELOW LEVEL OF EDUCATION IS EXPECTED TO DROP FROM 53.3 PER CENT OF THE MANPOWER SUPPLY RECORDED IN 1991 TO 45.4 PER CENT IN 2001," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ON REQUIREMENT PROJECTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID DEMAND FOR BETTER EDUCATED WORKERS WOULD ALSO GROW RAPIDLY.
"IN THE 1992 EXERCISE, MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT WAS PROJECTED TO DROP BY TWO PER CENT PER ANNUM BUT THE RATE OF DECLINE IS NOW REVISED TO 4.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM BETWEEN 1991 AND 2001, OR BY A TOTAL OF 250,200 WORKERS," HE SAID.
"DURING THE SAME PERIOD, TOTAL EMPLOYMENT IN SERVICES INDUSTRIES WILL INCREASE BY THREE PER CENT A YEAR, COMPARED WITH 2.1 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS PROJECTION," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WOULD GIVE AN EMPLOYMENT GROWTH OF SOME 627,900 WORKERS IN THESE INDUSTRIES.
THE REPORT ALSO PROJECTED A GENERAL UPGRADING OF THE OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE WITHIN INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES, SHIFTING THE EMPLOYMENT DEMAND IN FAVOUR OF HIGH-SKILLED WORKERS.
FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE RELOCATION OF MORE LABOUR-INTENSIVE PROCESSES ACROSS THE BORDER AND THE NEED TO GO FOR HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTION LOCALLY HAVE RESULTED IN AN UPGRADING OF THE OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE.
SIMILARLY, TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS WITHIN THE SERVICES INDUSTRIES WILL LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN THE REQUIREMENT FOR LOW-SKILLED WORKERS.
AS A RESULT, EMPLOYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL WORKERS IS PROJECTED TO GROW RAPIDLY WHILE EMPLOYMENT OF PRODUCTION AND RELATED WORKERS WILL DECLINE.
"THIS MEANS THAT SOME 239,380 MORE WORKERS WILL BE EMPLOYED IN PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL OCCUPATIONS BETWEEN 1991 AND 2001, WITH AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF ABOUT 3.2 PER CENT," THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, PRODUCTION WORKERS AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS ARE PROJECTED TO LOSE ALMOST 162,770 WORKERS, OR AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF TWO PER CENT," HE ADDED.
COMPARING THE PROJECTED MANPOWER SUPPLY AND REQUIREMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID SUPPLY OF MANPOWER WITH LOWER SECONDARY OR BELOW EDUCATION WOULD EXCEED REQUIREMENTS BY 49,800 PERSONS IN 2001.
ON THE OTHER HAND, NEGATIVE MANPOWER BALANCES ARE EXPECTED TO EXIST AT TWO EDUCATIONAL LEVELS IN 2001: MANPOWER SUPPLY AT UPPER SECONDARY AND SIXTH FORM LEVELS WILL FALL SHORT OF THE REQUIREMENTS BY 45,700 AND 48,400 PERSONS RESPECTIVELY.
"THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE WILL BE EXCESS WORKERS WITH LOWER SECONDARY OR BELOW EDUCATION, BUT RATHER IMPLIES THAT SOME OF THESE WORKERS WILL BE WORKING IN JOBS WHICH REQUIRE EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS HIGHER THAN WHAT THEY POSSESS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/SUPPLY OF .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
5 -
SUPPLY OF MANPOWER WITH FIRST DEGREE OR ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS WILL FIRST FALL SHORT OF REQUIREMENTS BY 5,900 PERSONS IN 1996, BUT WILL EXCEED REQUIREMENTS BY 29,200 PERSONS IN 2001.
"HOWEVER, THE PROJECTED POSITIVE BALANCE OF GRADUATE MANPOWER SUPPLY IN 2001, WHICH AMOUNTS TO 10 PER CENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS, SHOULD BE TAKEN AS THE NECESSARY SAFETY MARGIN AGAINST THE UNDERLYING UNCERTAINTIES OF THE SUPPLY PROJECTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN PARTICULAR, AS MUCH AS HALF OF THE NEW SUPPLY OF GRADUATE MANPOWER WILL RELY ON NON-LOCAL SOURCES OF 1MMIGRANTS/RETURNED EMIGRANTS AND OVERSEAS GRADUATES, WHICH CAN FLUCTUATE CONSIDERABLY IN THE YEARS AHEAD," HE ADDED.
"MOREOVER, EVEN IF THE POSITIVE BALANCE IS REALISED, IT COULD BE ONLY A TEMPORARY ONE. DEMAND FOR GRADUATE MANPOWER MAY SOON EXCEED SUPPLY AGAIN BEYOND 2001 AS THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA, AND HENCE HONG KONG, CONTINUES TO EXPAND," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROJECTION OF THE MANPOWER SUPPLY AND REQUIREMENTS STUDY IS AIMED AT ASSESSING WHETHER, UNDER THE EXISTING AND PLANNED EDUCATION PROVISIONS, THE MIX OF MANPOWER SUPPLY IN TERMS OF EDUCATIONAL LEVEL WILL BE BROADLY IN LINE WITH THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE ECONOMY.
IT DOES NOT ADDRESS THE QUESTION OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A LABOUR SHORTAGE OR WHETHER IMPORTATION OF LABOUR IS JUSTIFIED.
IT IS PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH DETERMINING WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION THE POPULATION SHOULD POSSESS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
IN THE LATEST STUDY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE RECENT TRENDS IN SUCH FACTORS AS MIGRATION OF PEOPLE IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG, PATTERN OF INDUSTRIAL AND OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION, WHICH ARE AFFECTING BOTH MANPOWER SUPPLY AND MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AT AN EDUCATIONAL LEVEL.
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
- 6
Manpower Supply: Employed Persons by Educational Level
Educational level Actual 1991 Projected 1996 Projected 2001
Number % Number % • Number %
Lower secondary or below 1 469 600 53.3 1 484 300 49.9 1 410 800 45.4
Upper secondary 785 600 28.5 859 000 28.9 922 100 29.7
Sixth form 163 400 5.9 162 900 5.5 158 700 5.1
Craft level 13 100 0.5 25 700 0.9 33 400' LI
Technician level 46 000 1.7 64 300 2.1 80 100 2.6
Subdegree 106 800 3.9 143 200 4.8 180 200 5.8
First degree and above 173 000 6.2 235 400 7.9 320 800 10.3
All levels 2 757 500 100.0 2 974 800 100.0 3 106 100 100.0
Manpower Balance, 2001
Educational level Supply Requirements Balance
No. As%of requirements
Lower secondary or below 1 410 800 1 361 000 49 800 3.7
Upper secondary 922 200 967 900 -45 700 -4.7
Sixth form 158 700 207 100 -48 400 -23.4
Craft level 33 300 28 200 5 100 18.1
Technician level 80 100 76 900 3 200 4.2
Subdegree 180 200 173 400 6 800 3.9
First degree and above 320 800 291 600 29 200 10.0
All levels 3 106 100 3 106 100 0
---------o-----------
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
7
LICENCE APPROVED FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF SATELLITE EARTH STATION
* » * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED THE GRANT OF A LICENCE, UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE, TO APT SATELLITE COMPANY LIMITED, A COMPANY REGISTERED IN HONG KONG, FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SATELLITE EARTH STATION IN HONG KONG.
APT HAS ALREADY OBTAINED A LICENCE PERMITTING IT TO OPERATE A SATELLITE, APSTAR-1, WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED BY THE CHINA GREAT WALL INDUSTRY CORPORATION FROM XICHANG IN CHINA ON JULY 21 (THURSDAY).
THE COMPANY INTENDS TO ESTABLISH A SATELLITE COMMUNICATION NETWORK IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION SERVICES TO COUNTRIES IN THE REGION.
THE LICENCE APPROVED TODAY IS TO ENABLE THE COMPANY TO ESTABLISH AN EARTH STATION AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE FOR THE CONTROL AND MONITORING OF THE SATELLITE.
APSTAR-1 IS THE SECOND SATELLITE LAUNCHED BY A HONG KONG COMPANY. THE FIRST SATELLITE, ASIASAT-1, WAS LAUNCHED BY ASIA SATELLITE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LIMITED IN 1990.
------0------------
PUBLIC SAFETY - PRIME CONCERN OF BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT
* * * I *
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, STRESSED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT PUBLIC SAFETY WAS THE PRIME CONSIDERATION FOR HER DEPARTMENT IN DEALING WITH UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURES.
THE DIRECTOR ALSO EMPHASISED THAT REHOUSING WOULD BE ARRANGED FOR OCCUPIERS OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TO BE CLOSED.
’’REHOUSING IN RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS OR TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WILL BE OFFERED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, DEPENDING ON THE OCCUPIERS’ ELIGIBILITY.
’’THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES WITH REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS OFFERED MAY APPROACH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING,” SHE SAID.
MRS YU MADE THESE POINTS AT A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A CONCERN GROUP FROM TSUEN WAN.
SHE REITERATED THAT GOVERNMENT POLICY ON UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURES WAS TO REMOVE RISK AND TO PREVENT INJURY TO OCCUPIERS AND TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST:
» UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES WHICH COVER THE WHOLE ROOF OF A BUILDING WITH ONLY ONE STAIRCASE;
/* UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP.........
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
8
* UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURES WHICH OVER-LOAD THE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS OF THE PARENT BUILDING, ENDANGERING LIFE OR PROPERTY;
* AN UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURE WHICH IS IN UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS OR DILAPIDATED CONDITIONS; AND
t UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURES WHICH ARE BEING ERECTED AT TIME OF DISCOVERY.
EXPLAINED MRS YU: "IF A FIRE WERE TO ENGULF THE STAIRCASE, RESIDENTS ABOVE THE FIRE WOULD NEED TO GO UP THE ONLY STAIRCASE TO THE ROOF TO AWAIT RESCUE BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
"WITH MANY UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURES ON THE ROOFTOP, THE RESIDENTS MAY BE TRAPPED.
"OCCUPANTS OF THESE UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURES WOULD THEMSELVES ALSO BE IN DANGER."
MRS YU POINTED OUT THAT WHENEVER THE BUIDLINGS DEPARTMENT SOUGHT TO CLOSE UNAUTHORISED ROOFTOP STRUCTURES, THE HOUSING AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE NOTIFIED WELL BEFOREHAND SO THAT REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE COULD BE OFFERED TO THE OCCUPIERS.
CONCLUDING THE MEETING, MRS YU UNDERTOOK TO ARRANGE FOR THE OCCUPIERS’ REPRESENTATIVES TO MEET EARLY WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO DISCUSS REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS.
--------0-----------
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MAY 1994 * * * t *
THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION IN MAY 1994 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING MAY 1994 WITH MAY 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF OUTSTANDING ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+20%).
MODERATE INCREASES IN ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+9%), FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+8%) AND TEXTILES INDUSTRY (+5%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, ORDERS IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES BOTH DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 21%. THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY ALSO RECORDED A DECREASE IN ORDERS BY 11%.
COMPARED WITH APRIL 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MAY 1994 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
/THE MONTHLY .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
9 -
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A SAMPLE OF SOME 300 MANUFACTURING FIRMS ENGAGING 50 OR MORE WORKERS.
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND REFER TO ORDERS AND PARTS OF ORDERS RECEIVED EARLIER BY MANUFACTURERS FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION WHICH REMAIN UNFILLED AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ORDERS RECEIVED BY TRADERS NOT ENGAGED IN PRODUCTION ARE INCLUDED IF SUCH ORDERS ARE FURTHER PLACED TO MANUFACTURERS FOR PRODUCTION LOCALLY.
HOWEVER, ORDERS PLACED TO MANUFACTURING FIRMS FOR PRODUCTION IN CHINA AND OTHER PLACES OUTSIDE HONG KONG ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES OF ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS.
BEGINNING FROM JANUARY 1994, A NEW SERIES OF STATISTICS ON MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN VALUE TERMS COMPILED IN THE FORM OF AN INDEX IS PRODUCED, TO REPLACE THE OLD SERIES WHICH WAS EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF MONTHS TO COMPLETE THE OUTSTANDING ORDERS.
THE NEW STATISTICAL SERIES PROVIDES A MORE DIRECT MEASURE OF THE OVERALL VALUE OF ORDERS IN THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR THAT LEAD TO THE GENERATION OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FIGURES IN A SINGLE MONTH.
INSTEAD, THE TREND MOVEMENT OF THE SERIES AS DISPLAYED OVER A WIDER SPAN OF TIME POINTS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MAY 1994, AT $4.5 A COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 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 TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 6441.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
- 10 -
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE YEAR-ON-YEAR PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN
APRIL 1994 OVER APRIL 1993 MAY 1994 OVER MAY 1993
(REVISED) (PROVISIONAL
ALL INDUSTRIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY + 1 *
. WEARING APPAREL -16 -21
. TEXTILES + 6 + 5
. ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS + 15 + 20
. ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS -2 + 9
. FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS + 15 + 8
. PLASTIC PRODUCTS -1 -21
. PRINTING AND PUBLISHING -1 -11
» CHANGES WITHIN +/-0.5X
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APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES INVITED
» * t ♦ *
THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM THE FUND’S 1994 CULTURAL SCHEME.
THE AIM OF THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION IS TO ENCOURAGE THOSE RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND RELATED PROJECTS AIMING TO DEVELOP THE INDIVIDUAL AND HIS OR HER INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PAINTING EQUIPMENT, AND THEREBY TO FACILITATE THE ORGANISATION OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING CLASSES.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO ALL KINDS OF NON-PROFIT MAKING ASSOCIATIONS, AND EACH GRANT APPROVED WILL NORMALLY NOT EXCEED $20,000.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT:
* SECRETARIAT, SIR DAVID TRENCH .AND CULTURE BRANCH, ROOM 4015, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI; FUND COMMITTEE, RECREATION 40TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, /* THE HONG
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
11
* THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, 11-13TH FLOORS, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI;
♦ SUBVENTIONS BRANCH OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI; AND
» ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
ALL COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE COMMITTEE ON OR BEFOFE AUGUST 31.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 594 5660.
POLLUTION CASES RELEASED
* » * * *
A TOTAL OF 58 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS LAST MONTH FOR BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THEM, 24 WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), 18 UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO), 13 UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO) AND THREE UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE (WDO), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FINES IMPOSED RANGED FROM $500 TO $100,000, UNITED CIRCUITS (HK) LIMITED WAS FINED $100,000 UPON ITS FOURTH CONVICTION FOR DISCHARGING POLLUTING MATTER IN THE NORTH WESTERN WATER CONTROL ZONE.
22 CANDIDATES PASS EXAM FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS
*****
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCES THAT 22 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED THE FINAL PART OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS WHILE 30 OTHERS HAVE FAILED.
THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION, HELD BETWEEN JULY 5 AND 7, WAS AN ORAL EXAMINATION TO TEST THE ABILITY OF CANDIDATES TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS.
CANDIDATES WERE EXAMINED BY TWO PANELS OF EXAMINERS IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES: MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO AN 18-MONTH OF ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING IN HOSPITALS APPROVED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL, STARTING IN SEPTEMBER 1994.
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/12......
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
12
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (JULY 23) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE:
GA996 GA3328 GA613 GA2280 GA915 FL338 BB5411 GA1681
♦EE131 *2263 ♦ GA3 ♦ FY5
CF1955 GA520 GA810 GA782
GA1686 CC3O2 XX320 GA3380
GA369 GA336 GA 106 GA938
AA203 GA850 FY328 ET3339
»FC12 ♦ FY33 ♦ FY18 ♦GA1000
GA1178 FZ8788 GA7771 GA372
FZ8613 GA3336 GA8256 DA1223
GA3889 GA693 ♦DD9595 GA927
GA1028 GA4898 GA2618 ♦DY656
GA7318 GA7298
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER
50 LUCKY CAR ARE: REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY
GA 129 GA821 GA318 BG7717
GA233 CC360 GA993 GA150
♦FG8822 ♦ AW29 ♦ 810 ♦ FY3
BH1997 GA448 HK320 GA1812
GA663 GA718 GA168 GA273
GA320 CH1113 GA330 GA930
HK2891 GA8828 GA963 BB8831
♦ GA 6 ♦ GA10 ♦ FY88 ♦ FC36
BB3108 GA3038 GA1800 GA3318
GA2331 GA1668 GA5184 DG8990
GA623 GAI 386 ♦FE2332 FH2160
GA529 GA7366 GA8341 ♦GA656
GA1275 GA7921
* 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 THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 234TH AND 235TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
- - 0 - -
/13
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
- 13 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS
* ft ft ft ft
TENDER DATE 19 JUL 94 19 JUL 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q429 H469
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$4,640 MN HK$2,140 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$1,500 MN HKS800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.26 PCT 4.58 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.28 PCT 4.60 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 28 PCT ABOUT 44 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.30 PCT 4.61 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 25 JUL 1994-
TENDER DATE 25 JUL 94 26 JUL 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER 3707 Q430
ISSUE DATE 26 JUL 94 27 JUL 94
MATURITY DATE 28 JUL 97 26 OCT 94
TENOR 3 YEARS 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$1,500 + 300 MN
COUPON 6.95 PCT
- - 0---------
/14........
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1994
14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
t * » » ♦
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE $ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION) 1,920 0930 -715
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,170 1000 -715
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY 1100 -645 -645 1200 -645
LAF TODAY LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER +895 1500 -645 1600 -645 TW1 122.5 *+0.1» 19.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.98 16 MONTHS 251 1 4 . 15 98.29 5.56
1 MONTH 4.04 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.73 6.00
3 MONTHS 4.25 27 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.68 6.36
6 MONTHS 4.56 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.81 6.53
12 MONTHS 5.28 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.87 6.71
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 29,657 MN
CLOSED 19 JUNE 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION................................................... 1
SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME 3
STATEMENT ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME........................... 7
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR JUNE.................. 7
PERMITS FOR SEA WATER SUPPLIERS TO ENTER COUNTRY PARK..... 13
CRANE OPERATORS ARE REMINDED TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES....... 13
TSING YI LOT TO LET......................................... 14
CLOSURE OF MONG KOK ILLEGAL STRUCTURE........................ 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 15
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO INTRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE PIECE OF LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY AGAINST DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY 1995, WILL GIVE PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY THE LEGAL WEAPONS TO FIGHT FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, AND FOR ACCESS TO AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE," MRS WONG SAID.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION RECOGNISED THAT PUBLIC EDUCATION WAS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE IN CHANGING PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION OF THOSE WITH A DISABILITY AND CHANGING THEIR ATTITUDES ON HOW TO TREAT THEM.
"THAT IS WHY WE ARE SPENDING $32 MILLION BETWEEN 1993 AND 1997 ON STRENGTHENING PUBLIC EDUCATION ON INTEGRATION.
"AND, AS IT HAS ELSEWHERE, THE LEGISLATION WILL ITSELF PERFORM A CAUTIONARY AND EDUCATIONAL FUNCTION.
"IT WILL ENSHRINE IN THE LAW THE STANDARDS TO WHICH WE BELIEVE HONG KONG, AS A CIVILISED COMMUNITY, SHOULD ADHERE," SHE SAID.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL CONTAIN PROVISIONS TO COVER DISCRIMINATION ON THE GROUND OF DISABILITY IN, FOR EXAMPLE:
* WORK (BY EMPLOYERS, PROFESSIONAL AND TRADE ORGANISATIONS, AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES);
* MEMBERSHIP OF PARTNERSHIPS, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS, QUALIFYING BODIES AND CLUBS;
« EDUCATION (BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN TERMS OF ADMISSION AND TREATMENT OF STUDENTS);
« ACCESS TO AND USE OF BUILDINGS, PLACES, VEHICLES AND SERVICES;
* ACCOMMODATION (BY LANDLORDS OR AGENTS IN DEALING WITH A PERSON’S APPLICATION FOR COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PREMISES); AND
* RECREATION AND SPORT.
"IN ADDITION, PROVISIONS ON DISCRIMINATION INVOLVING HARASSMENT OR VILIFICATION ON THE GROUND OF DISABILITY, WHICH ARE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE, WILL BE INCLUDED," SHE ADDED.
ON THE DEFINITION OF DISABILITY, MRS WONG SAID IT WAS PROPOSED TO DEFINE "DISABILITY" TO INCLUDE ANY PHYSICAL OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT THAT LIMITED A PERSON’S LIFE ACTIVITIES.
./"PEOPLE WITH .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
- 2 -
"PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS WILL ALSO BE COVERED BY THE LEGISLATION," SHE SAID.
TO ENFORCE THE LEGISLATION, MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE PURVIEW OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION, TO BE SET UP UNDER THE SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION, WOULD BE EXPANDED.
SHE ENVISAGED THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD SETTLE MOST DISPUTES ON, FOR EXAMPLE, DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORK PLACE, THROUGH CONCILIATION.
"ONLY WHERE THIS FAILED WOULD THE COMMISSION HELP COMPLAINANTS TO TAKE THEIR CASES TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL.
"IN CASES INVOLVING DISCRIMINATION IN OTHER AREAS, FOR EXAMPLE MEMBERSHIP OF CLUBS OR EDUCATION, AND WHERE CONCILIATION FAILED, THEIR CASES COULD BE TAKEN TO COURT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AS NECESSARY.
"THE COMMISSION COULD ALSO HELP STEER A TEST CASE OR A CLASS ACTION THROUGH THE COURTS," SHE SAID.
IN KEEPING WITH THE PRAGMATIC APPROACH IN HONG KONG, THE LEGISLATION WILL NOT IMPOSE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ON EMPLOYERS, DEVELOPERS, SERVICE PROVIDERS AND SO ON TO PROVIDE MORE JOBS OR BETTER FACILITIES TO PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY.
' . . ‘ V.
’’RATHER, IT WILL MAKE IT UNLAWFUL FOR THEM TO TREAT SUCH PERSONS LESS FAVOURABLY THAN OTHERS ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR DISABILITY, IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE THE SAME OR NOT MATERIALLY DIFFERENT.
’’THE LEGISLATION WILL THUS PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF SUCH PERSONS NOT TO BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, RATHER THAN REQUIRE THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO MEET THEIR NEEDS,” MRS WONG EXPLAINED.
THE LEGISLATION WILL PROVIDE FOR TWO GENERAL EXEMPTIONS, UNJUSTIFIABLE HARDSHIP AND THE INHERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.
’’EMPLOYERS AND OTHERS, SUCH AS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, LANDLORDS, TRANSPORT OPERATORS ETC. WOULD BE ABLE TO DEFEAT A CLAIM OF DISCRIMINATION BY SHOWING THAT ACTION NECESSARY TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY WOULD IMPOSE ’UNJUSTIFIABLE HARDSHIP’,” SHE SAID.
MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE NEED TO DEMONSTRATE UNJUSTIFIABLE HARDSHIP WOULD ONLY ARISE IN RESPONSE TO A COMPLAINT TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION.
"IN DETERMINING UNJUSTIFIABLE HARDSHIP, ALL OF THE RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES OF A PARTICULAR CASE WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE EMPLOYER OR BUSINESS CONCERNED, FOR EXAMPLE, THE TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY AND COSTS OF PROVIDING THE APPROPRIATE ACCOMMODATION OR SERVICES.
"MOREOVER, THE LEGISLATION WOULD NOT REQUIRE THAT PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY BE GIVEN JOBS WHICH THEY COULD NOT DO.
/"CONSEQUENTLY, THREE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
3
"CONSEQUENTLY, THERE WOULD BE AN EXEMPTION WHICH DOES NOT PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION IF THE PERSON IS NOT ABLE TO PERFORM THE INHERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE PARTICULAR JOB," MRS WONG SAID.
ALSO, IT WOULD NOT BE UNLAWFUL UNDER THE LEGISLATION FOR SPECIAL MEASURES OR SERVICES, SUCH AS SPECIAL SCHOOLS OR SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, TO BE PROVIDED FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY.
"IN OTHER WORDS, THE LEGISLATION WILL NOT REQUIRE ABSOLUTE EQUALITY IN ALL AREAS WHATEVER THE COST, NOR PROHIBIT SPECIAL TREATMENT OR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION WHICH MIGHT APPEAR DISCRIMINATORY, BUT WHICH IS, IN FACT, IN THE INTERESTS OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY," MRS WONG SAID.
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SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME
« » « » »
THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL CASH CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME WILL ACCOUNT FOR ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE SCHEME, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON GOLDEN MILE, MR TSANG SAID: "AS THE SINGLE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE TERRITORY, GOVERNMENT WILL CONTRIBUTE ALMOST $1.2 BILLION IN 1994 PRICES IN RESPECT OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND SUBVENTED SECTOR EMPLOYEES.
"IN ADDITION, WE WILL PLOUGH BACK ALL SAVINGS ON THE STANDARD PAYMENTS TO THE ELDERLY UNDER OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES, WHICH WILL BE SUBSUMED UNDER THE PENSION. THIS WILL AMOUNT TO SOME $3.6 BILLION. AGAIN AT 1994 PRICES."
ON TOP OF THESE, MR TSANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL UP-FRONT CAPITAL INJECTION OF $10 BILLION INTO THE SCHEME.
"THIS WILL ENABLE IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF PENSION TO THOSE ELIGIBLE, WHILE CONTRIBUTORS’ FUNDS ARE BUILDING UP.
"IN ADDITION, IT WILL PROVIDE A CUSHION AGAINST ADVERSE ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES SO THAT, EVEN IF WE WERE TO EXPERIENCE SOME LEAN YEARS, THE RISK OF HAVING TO INCREASE CONTRIBUTION RATES WOULD BE MINIMAL," HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, EMPLOYERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS WERE TO BE TAXDEDUCTIBLE, COSTING SOME $770 MILLION IN THE SCHEME’S FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION.
"ALL TOLD, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BEAR SOME 35 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE SCHEME," HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO COMMENTS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE MORE, MR TSANG STRESSED THAT GOVERNMENT MONEY WAS TAXPAYERS’ MONEY.
/"EVEN GREATER .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
4 -
’’EVEN GREATER GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTIONS WOULD INEVITABLY MEAN INCREASES IN TAXES, OR REDUCED RESOURCES FOR OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC. NONE OF US WANTS THAT," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE PROPOSED PENSION SCHEME WAS "IMAGINATIVE AND BOLD", MR TSANG SAID RECENT INDEPENDENT POLLS CONDUCTED ON THE SCHEME SEEMED TO SUGGEST STRONGLY THAT, DESPITE SOME CRITICAL COMMENTS BY A FEW ACADEMICS AND LEGISLATORS, THERE WAS SOLID COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSAL.
MR TSANG ALSO DISPELLED SOME OF THE FEARS THAT CERTAIN SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY HAD ABOUT THE PROPOSED SCHEME.
"HONG KONG IS AS UNLIKELY TO BECOME A WELFARE STATE AS WE ARE TO WIN THE NEXT WORLD CUP.
"WE INTEND THERE TO ALWAYS BE A CLEAR AND UNBREAKABLE LINK BETWEEN CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS.
"THE SCHEME WILL BE DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT INCREASED CONTRIBUTIONS WILL REQUIRE CLEAR AND CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENT AND SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL.
"THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE GOVERNMENT RAISING THE RATES OF BENEFITS AND CONTRIBUTIONS UNILATERALLY," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE NOTION THAT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROPOSED SCHEME REPRESENTED A NEW TAX "BETRAYS A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF HOW OUR TAX SYSTEM WORKS".
"IN BRIEF, ALL OUR TAX REVENUE GOES INTO THE BIG POT WHICH WE CALL THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT.
"FROM THIS POT WE TAKE WHAT WE NEED TO FUND ON-GOING PUBLIC SERVICES. THOSE DEPARTMENTS WHICH COLLECT TAX AND OTHER MONIES DO NOT GET TO KEEP AND USE THEM FOR THEIR OWN ACCOUNT," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, THE PENSION SCHEME WILL BE TOTALLY SELF-CONTAINED FINANCIALLY. ALL CONTRIBUTIONS WILL GO TO FUNDING PENSION BENEFITS AND NOTHING ELSE. THEY WILL NEVER GO NEAR THE GENERAL REVENUE," HE ADDED.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD GO BROKE, MR TSANG ANSWERED WITH AN UNEQUIVOCAL "NO".
"THE TOTAL COST TO THE GOVERNMENT AT 1994 PRICES. AMOUNTS TO NO MORE THAN JUST OVER THREE PER CENT OF OUR RECURRENT REVENUE. I DO NOT ENVISAGE THAT PROPORTION INCREASING," HE SAID.
AS FOR POSSIBLE WIDER ECONOMIC DISBENEFITS FOR THE BUSINESS SECTOR, MR TSANG SAID THE FEARS WERE GROSSLY EXAGGERATED.
"OUR BUSINESSES ARE NO LONGER OPERATING AT THE MARGIN. THEY ARE SOLIDLY BASED, WELL FINANCED AND ARE ENJOYING AN EFFECTIVE TAX RATE SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW ANY OTHER TERRITORY IN THE REGION.
/"TO SUGGEST ......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
5 -
"TO SUGGEST THAT A CONTRIBUTION OF 1.5 PER CENT OF PAYROLL WOULD PERSUADE COMPANIES TO RELOCATE OR WOULD RENDER THEM IMPOTENT IN TERMS OF COMPETITION, I FIND FANCIFUL TO SAY THE LEAST," HE SAID.
MR TSANG ADDED THAT THE PROPOSED PENSION SCHEME WAS BETTER THAN A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
HE SAID A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WAS A VERY POOR OPTION IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AT LARGE IN HONG KONG.
"SUCH A FUND WOULD REQUIRE CONTRIBUTIONS MANY TIMES MORE THAN THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME HAS CALLED FOR.
"the Housewives who make invaluable sacrifices for our COMMUNITY RECEIVE NO BENEFIT FROM A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND. FURTHERMORE, A CPF WILL NOT YIELD MUCH FOR ITS BENEFICIARIES UNTIL THE FUND MATURES MANY YEARS DOWN THE ROAD.
"IN OTHER WORDS, IT WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THE BULK OF OUR PRESENT GENERATION OF THE ELDERLY. IT IS SIMPLY NOT THE ANSWER TO HONG KONG’S PRESENT NEEDS," HE SAID.
/6 .......
|Government's Cash Contribution Towards OAP Scheme
80
.1
40
5 i
1094 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 . 2001 2008 2011 2016 2036 2056
YEAR
■a Governments Cash Contribution E® OAP Cost
Noles:
I. Contribution tale st 1.5% each for emp’oyer/emptoyw
2. Government oontribiXion Includes $10 btixxt capita! Injection, but excludes tax forgone
3. Percentage figures denote govammanTs cash contribution as percentage ol OAP cost
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
STATEMENT ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME
*****
IN REPLY TO ENQUIRIES ON THE PROPOSAL ANNOUNCED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OE COMMERCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FUND AN ENHANCED OLD AGE ALLOWANCE INSTEAD OF AN OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE OPTION WAS IMPRACTICABLE.
"IT WOULD INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL (OSTS FOR THE TAX PAYERS, AND OUR INITIAL ESTIMATE IS THAT IT WOULD REQUIRE AN INCREASE OF TWO TO THREE PERCENTAGE POINTS IN BOTH SALARIES TAX AND PROFITS TAX.
"IT WOULD ALSO BE IMPOSSIBLE TO FUND SUCH A SUBSTANTIAL LONG-TERM FINANCIAL COMMITMENT THROUGH SURPLUSES," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR JUNE *****
THE GROWTH OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG HAS SLOWED DOWN IN JUNE, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE LATEST FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING MORTGAGE LENDING BY THE 33 INSTITUTIONS IN THE SURVEY GREW BY 1.40 PER CENT IN JUNE FROM $235.0 BILLION TO $238.2 BILLION. THIS COMPARES WITH THE 1.75 PER CENT GROWTH IN MAY.
OVER THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY GROWTH HAD BEEN 1.5 PER CENT.
REFLECTING THE HIGHER GROWTHS IN APRIL AND MAY, THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS RISEN TO 21.4 PER CENT FROM 21.1 PER CENT IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD TO MAY. HOWEVER, THE 12 MONTH AVERAGE GROWTH HAS SLOWED TO AN ANNUALISED RATE OF 17.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 17.9 PER CENT IN MAY.
NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN HAS FALLEN SHARPLY IN JUNE FROM $5.0 BILLION TO $3.6 BILLION.
"WE ARE PLEASED WITH THE JUNE FIGURES," THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (BANKING SUPERVISION) OF THE HKMA, MR ALBERT CHECK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT PROVIDES TANGIBLE PROOF THAT GOVERNMENT MEASURES AND COOPERATIVE EFFORTS OF BANKS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN TAKING THE SPECULATIVE HEAT OFF THE PROPERTY MARKET.
/"HOWEVER, IT ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
8
"HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN A LONG SLOG RESTORING STABILITY TO THE PROPERTY MARKET. WE THEREFORE URGE BANKS TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN CAUTIOUS LENDING POLICIES TO PROTECT THE HARD EARNED RESULTS," HE SAID.
LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA, WHICH WAS MAINLY FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES, HAS ALSO SLOWED IN JUNE. TOTAL LENDING GREW 1.7 PER CENT, FROM $3.9 BILLION TO $4.0 BILLION, COMPARED WITH THE 2.2 PER CENT GROWTH IN MAY.
GROSS LOANS MADE IN JUNE FELL BOTH IN NUMBER (TO 235 FROM 295) AND IN AMOUNT (TO $93 MILLION FROM $142 MILLION). NEW LOANS APPROVED ALSO DROPPED IN AMOUNT (TO $197 MILLION FROM $250 MILLION) AND IN NUMBER (TO 335 FROM 567).
/9........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
- 9
Residential Mortgage Loans in Hong Kong Results of Survey for June 1994
Jun May
1994 1994
(Amount in HK$ mn)
33 authorised institutions
1. Outstanding lending
2. a. Amount b. Monthly change c. Twelve-month change d. Average change (annualized) Latest three months Latest twelve months Gross loans made during month 238,248 1.40% 17.0% 21.4% 17.0% 234,966 1.75% 18.0% 21.1% 17.9%
a. Amount b. Number 7,745 5403 10,007 7482
3. New loans approved during month
a. Amount b. Number 6,222 4172 8,935 6090
4. New loans approved during month but not yet drawn
a. Amount b. Number 3,633 2531 5,043 3404
/Chart A .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
10
gbajlA
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG (33 institutions)
Billion
OuUtsjj.diQg balancc it end of.aoqth
1
£
A2
3-tncath and 12-gPQPtb moving average growth rate on annualised frasis
3
/Chart B
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
11
Chart B
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG (33 institutions)
GROSS LOANS MADE DURING THE MONTH
/Chart C .......
aV
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
12
Chart C
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONg (33 institutions)
NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN
Thousand . Billion
Am on nt
Cl
Number of accounts
- - o - -
/13
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
- 13 -
PERMITS FOR SEA WATER SUPPLIERS TO ENTER COUNTRY PARK * » * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) HAS INTRODUCED A PERMIT SYSTEM TO FACILITATE SEA WATER SUPPLIERS TO ENTER SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK TO DRAW CLEAN WATER FROM KO TONG HAU, SAI KUNG.
WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, SEA WATER SUPPLIERS CAN APPLY FOR THESE PERMITS FOR THEIR WATER TANK TRUCKS DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE VISITOR CENTRE OF THE COUNTRY PARK, NEXT TO THE PAK TAM CHUNG BARRIER GATE.
’’TRUCKS WITH PERMITS CAN ENTER THE COUNTRY PARK TO DRAW SEA WATER EVEN AFTER OFFICE HOURS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE PERMIT, VALID FOR A WEEK, IS FREE OF CHARGE, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE NEW MEASURE WAS INTRODUCED FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT’S INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE VISITOR CENTRE ON TEL 792 7365.
--------0-----------
CRANE OPERATORS ARE REMINDED TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES *****
CRANE OPERATORS ARE REMINDED TO ENROL IN APPROVED TRAINING COURSES TO OBTAIN A VALID CERTIFICATE FOR OPERATING CRANES BEFORE LEGAL REQUIREMENT IS BROUGHT INTO EFFECT EARLY NEXT YEAR.
"AFTER CONSIDERING THAT CRANE OPERATORS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED ENOUGH TIME TO BE TRAINED AND CERTIFIED, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR INTENDS TO BRING THIS PARTICULAR SECTION OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR) REGULATION INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1995," A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"A FORMAL NOTIFICATION OF THE COMMENCEMENT DATE WILL BE GAZETTED IN DUE COURSE."
SECTION 15A OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1993 PROVIDES THAT THE OWNER OF A CRANE SHALL ENSURE THAT IT IS ONLY OPERATED BY A PERSON WHO HOLDS A VALID CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (CITA) OR ANY OTHER PERSON SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
"THE REGULATION HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE REGULATORY MEASURES ON THE USE OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEARS IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND CONSTRUCTION SITES AS WELL AS THE COMPETENCE OF CRANE OPERATORS.
/"AT THE .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
14
"AT THE END OF JUNE, A TOTAL OF 2,640 OPERATORS HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED A VALID CERTIFICATE FOR OPERATING CRANES," HE ADDED.
HE ALSO REMINDED OWNERS OF CRANES THAT ALLOWING OPERATORS TO OPERATE A CRANE WITHOUT A VALID CERTIFICATE WOULD RENDER THEM LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AFTER THIS PARTICULAR SECTION OF THE REGULATION BECAME EFFECTIVE.
------0-----------
TSING YI LOT TO LET
* * * * «
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN TSING KING ROAD, TSING YI.
THE 4,550-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, EXCLUDING HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 5.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KWAI TSING; 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 CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
------0 -------
CLOSURE OF MONG KOK ILLEGAL STRUCTURE
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN MONG KOK SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED AS A SHOP IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 541 SHANGHAI STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OF JULY 28 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
--------0-----------
/15 .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1994
- 15 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,170 0930 -750
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,429 1000 -793
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -741
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -741 1200 -741
LAF TODAY NIL 1500 -741
1600 -741
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.8 *+0.3* 20.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.14 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.33 5.53
1 MONTH 4.08 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.77 5.98
3 MONTHS 4.28 27 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.76 6.33
6 MONTHS 4.60 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.87 6.51
12 MONTHS 5.25 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.03 6.64
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,612 MN
CLOSED 20 JULY 1994
_ _ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GENERAL CHAMBER’S PROPOSALS COST HIGHER: GOVERNOR 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION................. 1
GOVERNOR VISITS NEW FLYING EYE HOSPITAL.................... 4
OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME CAREFULLY STRUCTURED: FS............ 5
INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS ON LAND AUCTION ANNOUNCED 6
INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS ON LAND AUCTION ACCEPTED 8
LEGAL AID POLICY REVIEW REPORT PUBLISHED................... 9
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR JUNE 1994...................... 12
REPORT INTO COLLISION BETWEEN A JETFOIL AND FLOATING PIPELINES PUBLISHED....................................... 18
DFCC MEMBERS VISIT SUPREME COURT.......................... 19
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY............................ 19
ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS ON SALE 23
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 24
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
GENERAL CHAMBER’S PROPOSALS COST HIGHER: GOVERNOR
* » » * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIAL ASSESSMENT ON THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S PROPOSALS WAS THAT ITS COST WOULD PUT AT LEAST TWO PER CENT NOT ONLY ON PROFITS TAX BUT ALSO ON SALARY TAX.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT TO PROJECT ORBIS AND THE AIRPORT FIRE STATION, MR PATTEN SAID: "IT’S OBVIOUSLY NECESSARY FOR US TO LOOK AT THAT PROPOSAL IN DETAIL. BUT WE DID, OF COURSE, CONSIDER THAT APPROACH OURSELVES BEFORE AND WE’LL BE KIDDING OURSELVES IF WE THOUGHT THAT WAS SOMEHOW A CHEAPER OR MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION."
THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE YESTERDAY PUT FORWARD THEIR PROPOSALS FOR NOT HAVING A COMPREHENSIVE OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME BUT FOR INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCES.
"THERE’S CERTAINLY NO SUCH THING AS A FREE-FOR-THE-TAXPAYER INCREASE IN OLD AGE ALLOWANCES," MR PATTEN SAID.
"OUR ASSESSMENT IS THAT THE COSTS OF THAT SCHEME WOULD PUT, AND ARE HIGHER, THE TAX BURDEN ONTO BUSINESS AND ONTO EMPLOYEES.
"I AM SURE THAT CAN’T HAVE BEEN THE INTENTION. I DON’T THINK IT’S WHAT PEOPLE WANT."
THE GOVERNOR REITERATED THAT ONE OF THE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OLD AGE PENSIONS SCHEME WAS THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTELY IRON-LINK BETWEEN CONTRIBUTIONS PUT IN AND BENEFITS TAKEN OUT.
"AND THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH, I BELIEVE IN THE INTEREST OF PRUDENCE, WE HAVE TO STAND BY," HE ADDED.
------0-------
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
» » » » *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO PROJECT ORBIS AND THE AIRPORT FIRE STATION TODAY (THURSDAY):
GOVERNOR: I AM VERY PLEASED TO HAVE SEEN THIS AFTERNOON THE VERY IMPRESSIVE WORK BEING DONE BY ORBIS, THE FLYING EYE HOSPITAL. I HOPE THAT OTHERS WILL PLEDGE THEIR CORNEAS BECAUSE IT IS A VERY PRACTICAL WAY OF ASSISTING THE WORK OF THE OPHTHALMOLOGISTS WHO GIVE SO MUCH BENEFIT TO PEOPLE IN CHINA AND ALL THE OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH NEED OUR ASSISTANCE IN COPING WITH BLINDNESS WHICH CAN BE TREATED. I AM ALSO DELIGHTED THAT I’VE BEEN ABLE TO SEE ONCE AGAIN THE EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE WORK DONE BY OUR FIRE SERVICE WHICH MUST BE ONE OF THE BEST IN THOSE PROFESSIONALS IN THE WORLD AND AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE, I THINK, OF THE SUCCESS OF LOCALISATION POLICY IN THE PAST. I HOPE SOME OF YOU WILL SIGN UP AND PLEDGE YOUR CORNEAS TOO AND OTHER ORGANS FOR THAT MATTER.
/PERHAPS, I ........
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
2 -
PERHAPS, I CAN JUST ADD ONE OR TWO COMMENTS ABOUT ANOTHER SUBJECT WHICH IS CURRENTLY THE SUBJECT OF A GOOD DEAL OF DEBATE. I AM VERY PLEASED THAT WE ARE HAVING IN THE COMMUNITY SUCH A VIGOROUS AND WIDE-RANGING DEBATE ABOUT OUR PROPOSALS TO TAKE SOME OF THE INSECURITY OUT OF OLD AGE BY ESTABLISHING A DECENT AND TOTALLY FINANCIABLE PENSION SCHEME. THE DEBATE IS NOW WELL AND TRULY ON AND I THINK THE GOVERNMENT IS PLEASED BY THE SUPPORT THAT WE’VE BEEN GETTING. WE DO HAVE TO TAKE SOME DECISIONS ABOUT PENSIONS AND HOW TO HELP THE ELDERLY. IN 1997, WE RECKON THAT ABOUT 11 PER CENT OF OUR POPULATION WILL BE 65 OR OVER, SO IT’S 600,000 PEOPLE. WE RECKON THAT OVER THE NEXT 40 YEARS, THE PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION WHICH IS OVER 65 WILL MORE THAN DOUBLE FROM 10 TO 20 PER CENT. SO, THERE IS AN IMPREGNABLE REQUIREMENT FOR US TO FACE UP TO THESE PROBLEMS OF PROVIDING MORE GENEROUS AND COMPREHENSIVE HELP FOR THE ELDERLY. THE SCHEME WHICH WE’VE PUT FORWARD AFTER A GREAT DEAL OF THOUGHTS AND DISCUSSIONS, IS, I THINK, THE BEST OPTION THAT’S ADVANCED THOUGH WE’LL LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT OTHER PROPOSALS.
UNLIKE A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, IT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE NOW RATHER THAN HAVING TO WAIT FOR A GENERATION. UNLIKE A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, IT HELPS THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED WHICH ISN’T THE CASE WITH A CPF. IT’S ALSO MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE THAN A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT CONTRIBUTIONS, AS YOU KNOW, FROM THE EMPLOYERS AND THE EMPLOYEES OF ONE AND A HALF PERCENT WHICH IS CLEARLY WHOLLY AFFORDABLE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF MAKING AN ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION WHICH WILL AMOUNT TO ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE COST OF THE SCHEME AND IN ADDITION, WE ARE PUTTING $10 BILLION INTO THE SCHEME FOR A START SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE MEETING ABOUT 35 PER CENT OF THE COST. I DON’T THINK THAT THOSE WHO SAY THAT WE ARE ON THE SLIPPERY SLOPE TO A BANKRUPT WELFARE STATE, ARE TALKING SENSE. WE ARE ONLY TALKING ABOUT THE TOTAL SCHEME COSTING ABOUT ONE-AND-A-HALF PER CENT OF OUR GDP, TYPICALLY TRANSFER PAYMENT IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES WHERE THEIR COMPREHENSIVE WELFARE PROVISIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 10 TIMES AT ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF GDP.
I SAID EARLIER THAT I WAS GLAD THAT OTHER PEOPLE WERE PUTTING FORWARD PROPOSALS AND NOT JUST CRITICISING AND, OBVIOUSLY, WE NEED TO EXAMINE THOSE PROPOSALS VERY CAREFULLY. THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE YESTERDAY PUT FORWARD THEIR PROPOSALS FOR NOT HAVING A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME BUT FOR INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCES. I THINK IT’S OBVIOUSLY NECESSARY FOR US TO LOOK AT THAT PROPOSAL IN DETAIL. BUT WE DID, OF COURSE, CONSIDER THAT APPROACH OURSELVES BEFORE AND WE’LL BE KIDDING OURSELVES IF WE THOUGHT THAT WAS SOMEHOW A CHEAPER OR MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION. OUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT, AND I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT IT IS NOT FINAL BECAUSE WE’LL WANT TO DO A THOROUGH STUDY, BUT OUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT IS THAT THE COST OF THE GENERAL CHAMBER’S SCHEME WOULD PUT AT LEAST TWO PER CENT NOT ONLY ON PROFIT TAX BUT ON SALARY TAX AS WELL. THERE ISN’T ANY SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH AND THERE’S CERTAINLY NO SUCH THING AS A FREE-FOR-THE-TAXPAYER INCREASE IN OLD AGE ALLOWANCES. SO, OUR ASSESSMENT IS THAT THE COSTS OF THAT SCHEME WOULD PUT, AND ARE HIGHER, THE TAX BURDEN ONTO BUSINESS AND ONTO EMPLOYEES AND I AM SURE THAT CAN’T HAVE BEEN THE INTENTION. I DON’T THINK IT’S WHAT PEOPLE WANT.
/I WANT .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 3 -
I WANT TO REPEAT ONCE AGAIN THAT ONE OF THE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES OF OUR SCHEME IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTELY IRON-LINK BETWEEN CONTRIBUTIONS PUT IN AND BENEFITS TAKEN OUT AND THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH I BELIEVE, IN THE INTEREST OF PRUDENCE, WE HAVE TO STAND BY. I’VE SEEN TODAY THE WORK THAT THE FIRE SERVICE IS DOING IN ORDER TO GIVE US MOKE SECURITY. I’VE SEEN THE WORK THAT ORB1S IS DOING IN ORDER, PARTICULARLY WITH THE ELDERLY BUT WITH OTHERS AS WELL, TO GIVE GREATER HELP. I THINK THAT OUR PENSION SCHEME PROVIDES GREATER SECURITY AND IT PROVIDES MORE HELP TO THOSE WHO REALLY NEED IT. WE DO, AS A COMMUNITY, HAVE OBLIGATIONS .AND RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS OUR OLDER CITIZENS -WHO’VE CREATED THIS EXTRAORDINARY ECONOMIC. MIRACLE AND I HOPE THAT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND MONTHS, WE WILL CONCLUDE THAT WE SHOULD DELIVER ON THOSE OBLIGATIONS AND INTRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WILL YOU DISCUSS WITH JOHN MAJOR THE HONG KONG ISSUE DURING YOUR VACATION BREAK?
GOVERNOR: YES.
QUESTION: AND IN WHAT SCOPE?
GOVERNOR: I’LL BE SAYING A FEW WORDS TOMORROW ABOUT MY TRIP TO UNITED KINGDOM. I’LL CERTAINLY BE SEEING JOHN MAJOR PROBABLY ON MONDAY BUT I’LL CONFIRM THAT FOR YOU TOMORROW.
QUESTION: HOW ABOUT THE CHINESE SIDE TOLD MR GOODLAD THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF THE HIGHER-RANK CIVIL SERVANTS IN HONG KONG ... ENTIRELY’ INTERNAL MATTERS FOR CHINA AND THE SAR GOVERNMENT? TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK THAT THAT STAND WILL AFFECT THE SMOOTH TRANSITION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE?
GOVERNOR: I DON'T THINK THAT’S, AS 1 RECALL FROM THE NOTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THAT ISSUE, ACTUALLY CAME UP. I DON’T THINK MR GOODLAD RAISED IT. HE DID TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE. I THINK THAT’S AN OBJECTIVE THAT WE ALL SHARE BUT I’VE SEEN ONE OR TWO SPECULATIVE ACCOUNTS OF WHAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SAID WHICH DON’T BEAR ANY RESEMBLANCE, I THINK, TO WHAT ACTUALLY TOOK PLACE.
QUESTION: MANY LEGISLATORS SAID THAT ... MR GOODLAD’S VISIT, THERE WAS NO IMPROVED SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP. WOULD IT IN A WAY AFFECT THE TALKS ON THE NEW AIRPORT’S FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS, ANY PROGRESS NOW IN THE TALKS?
GOVERNOR: I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT WILL HELP TO SPEED UP THOSE TALKS BECAUSE THERE IS VERY LITTLE, AS 1 UNDERSTAND IT, BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES. J THINK THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT IF THE CHINESE SIDE IS SINCERE AND WANTS TO REACH AN AGREEMENT VERY QUICKLY. 1 HOPE WE CAN DO THAT. 1 WISH TO THINK IT’S BETTER EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE DISAGREEMENTS TO TALK TO PEOPLE RATHER THAN NOT TALK TO PEOPLE AND THAT SEEMS TO BE THE VIEW OF MOST OF THE WORLD AND I CERTAINLY THINK IT’S THE VIEW OF THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
QUESTION: MR CHRIS PATTEN, HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY COMMENT FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE RETIREMENT SCHEME SO FAR?
GOVERNOR: NO, WE HAVEN’T. I’VE READ ONE OR TWO COMMENTS BY OFFICIALS BUT WE HAVEN’T HAD A COMPREHENSIVE OR OFFICIAL RESPONSE SO FAR. WE TOTALLY RECOGNISE THAT IT’S AN ISSUE WHICH PRC OFFICIALS WILL WANT TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY. I’M SURE THAT THEY ALL WANT TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE DEBATE IN HONG KONG, OF THE ENTHUSIASM FOR A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME IN HONG KONG AND I’M SURE THEY’LL WANT THE HONG KONG, IN THE INTEREST OF THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG AND OF THE SAR, TO GET A MOVE-ON AND TO PUT THINGS IN PLACE AS SOON AS IT’S POSSIBLE. BUT IT IS OF COURSE ENTIRELY RIGHT SINCE WE’RE TALKING ABOUT A MAJOR COMMITMENT FOR THE FUTURE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A PROPER OPPORTUNITY FOR PRC OFFICIALS TO LOOK AT THE SCHEME. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
- - 0---------
GOVERNOR VISITS NEW FLYING EYE HOSPITAL *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) GAVE HIS STRONG SUPPORT TO PROJECT ORBIS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BLINDNESS BY SYMBOLICALLY PLEDGING HIS CORNEAS AFTER DEATH DURING A VISIT TO THE NEW ORBIS FLYING EYE HOSPITAL.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR PETER LOK, THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE NEW DC-10 FLYING EYE HOSPITAL AND SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN ITS FACILITIES INCLUDING THE OPERATING ROOM, LASER TREATMENT ROOM AND AUDIO-VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE.
MR PATTEN LEARNED THAT THE NEW DC-10 WAS PURCHASED WITH THE DONATIONS OF ALMOST US$14 MILLION FROM THREE GENEROUS BENEFACTORS, TWO OF WHOM ARE FROM HONG KONG.
IT REPLACED THE 33-YEAR-OLD DC-8 TO CONTINUE THE MISSION OF BRINGING SIGHT AND RENEWED HOPE TO MILLIONS WHO ARE NEEDLESSLY BLIND.
THE NEW AIRCRAFT IS MORE THAN TWICE THE SIZE OF THE DC-8 ALLOWING FOR EXPANSION OF ITS ORIGINAL FACILITIES.
THE GOVERNOR MET THE ORBIS MEDICAL TEAM OF DOCTORS, NURSES AND TECHNICIANS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE PROJECT’S SIGHT-SAVING MEDICAL PROGRAMMES AND ITS MISSIONS TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
THE NEW ORBIS FLYING EYE HOSPITAL IS CURRENTLY IN HONG KONG FOR A BRIEF STAY BEFORE TAKING OFF TO BEIJING ON JULY 23 FOR A THREE-WEEK MISSION THERE.
SINCE 1982, PROJECT ORBIS HAS RESTORED SIGHT TO MORE THAN 18,000 PATIENTS AND TAUGHT SIGHT-SAVING SKILLS TO 28,000 DOCTORS AND NURSES IN 70 COUNTRIES SINCE 1982.
THE GOVERNOR TODAY ALSO VISITED THE AIRPORT FIRE STATION AND SAW SOME OF THE MODERN FIRE APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT USED FOR FIGHTING AIRCRAFT FIRES AND RESCUING VICTIMS IN EMERGENCIES.
/HE WAS .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 5 -
HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OE FIRE SERVICES, MR JERRY LAM CHEE-YUEN, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR PETER CHEUNG, AND SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER (AIR), MR ALBERT CHAN TING-KAI.
MR PATTEN WAS TOLD THAT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, RECKONED AS ONE OF THE BUSIEST AIRPORTS IN THE WORLD, HOUSES TWO FIRE STATIONS AT BOTH ENDS OF THE RUNWAY TO PROVIDE FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT SEA AND LAND RESCUE SERVICES.
THE 128-STRONG FIRE CONTINGENT, OPERATING AROUND THE CLOCK, IS EQUIPPED WITH 12 MODERN AND POWERFUL RESCUE AND FIRE-FIGHTING VEHICLES, THREE INFLATABLE RESCUE BOATS AND TWO RESCUE LAUNCHES, ONE OF WHICH CAN CARRY 510 PEOPLE.
DURING THE HOUR-LONG TOUR, THE GOVERNOR ALSO OBSERVED FIREMEN DEMONSTRATE FIRE-FIGHTING SKILLS AND THE USE OI SPECIALISED AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND BREAK I NG-IN FQI IPMENT.
------0-------
OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME CAREFULLY STRUCTURED: FS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS CAREFULLY STRUCTURED THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF $10 BILLION UP-FRONT PAYMENT, TO MEET REQUESTS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE ONE-THIRD OF THE COST OF THE SCHEME, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE CHEUNG MUK TAU HOLIDAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDER),Y, SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SEEMED TO BE GETTING OVER THE MESSAGE THAT IT WAS IN FACT CONTRIBUTING MORE THAN ONE-THIRD TO THE SCHEME.
HE WAS HOWEVER DISAPPOINTED THAT SOME CRITICS WERE NOW SHIFTING GROUND BY DEMANDING EVEN MORE.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION, SIR HAMISH SAID HE WAS AMAZED AT THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER’S SUGGESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FUND AN ENHANCED OLD AGE ALLOWANCE INSTEAD OF AN OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME.
IF PEOPLE WERE WORRIED ABOUT WELFARISM, THEN OF COURSE THEIR PROPOSAL WAS PRECISELY WHAT PEOPLE MEANT BY WELFARISM BECAUSE THE ENTIRE BURDEN OF THAT PROPOSAL WOULD GO ON TO THE TAXPAYER, HE SAID.
"THERE IS NO QUESTION OF ANY CONTRIBUTION AS FAR AS 1 CAN SEE IN THE CHAMBER’S SUGGESTION. SO IT WOULD BE ENTIRELY A BURDEN ON THE TAXPAYER,” HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH GAVE A REASSURANCE THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT MOVING TOWARDS WELFARISM -- TOWARDS A SLIPPERY SLOPE OF EVER INCREASING CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE TAX PAYER.
"THAT IS PRECISELY THE MERIT OF THE SCHEME -- SELF CONTAINED, WITH AN IRON LINK BETWEEN CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS."
/SIR HAMISH .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 6 -
SIR HAMISH SAID PROJECTIONS SHOWED THAT THE CONTRIBUTION RATE OF 1.5 PER CENT SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR THE LEVEL OF BENEFITS PROPOSED WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
"IT IS NOW TIME TO FACE SQUARELY OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE A SECURE RETIREMENT FOR OUR ELDERLY. THE COMMUNITY CAN WELL AFFORD TO DO SO," SIR HAMISH ADDED.
f?IR HAMISH SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE SO MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE ENJOYING THEMSELVES AT THE HOLIDAY CENTRE.
"OUR SENIOR CITIZENS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO OUR GROWTH AND PROSPERITY DURING THEIR YOUNGER YEARS. THEY DESERVE A HAPPY AND SECURE RETIREMENT," HE SAID.
DURING THE VISIT, SLR HAMISH WATCHED ELDERLY CAMPERS TAKING PART IN SUCH RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS SWIMMING, INDOOR GATE BALL AND HANDICRAFT.
THE CHEUNG MUK TAU HOLIDAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY WAS OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 1993 FUNDED BY A GRANT OF $80 MILLION FROM THE SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT. IT IS RUN BY HELPING HAND WHICH IS A NON-GOVERNMENT WELFARE AGENCY.
SIR HAMISH WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS LOUISE WONG.
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INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS ON LAND AUCTION ANNOUNCED *****
THE THREE-MEMBER PANEL TASKED TO REVIEW LAND AUCTION
ARRANGEMENTS TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE PANEL RECOMMENDED A SET OF GUIDELINES ON CONDUCT OF AUCTIONS WHICH EMBODIED ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE POWER OF THE AUCTIONEER, SEATING ARRANGEMENTS AND MOVEMENT ABOUT THE AUCTION HALL DURING THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE LAND AUCTION NEXT TUESDAY (JULY 26).
THE GUIDELINES ARE:
1. THE AUCTIONEER SHALL ANNOUNCE THE COMMENCEMENT AND THE CONCLUSION OF THE AUCTION PROCEEDINGS.
2. THE AUCTIONEER MAY GIVE SUCH DIRECTIONS AS TO THE CONDUCT AND PROCEDURE OF THE AUCTION PROCEEDINGS, INCLUDING DIRECTIONS AS TO THE SEATING, MOVEMENTS OR CONDUCT OF ALL PERSONS ATTENDING THE AUCTION, AS HE CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE.
3. PERSONS WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIDDING ARE
ENCOURAGED TO SIT IN THE SECTION OF THE AUCTION HALL TN FRONT OF THE AUCTIONEER AND HIS ASSISTANTS.
/4.
MEDIA
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
7 -
4. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD KEEP TO THE SIDES OF THE AUCTION HALL DURING THE PROCEEDINGS AND SHOULD NOT SEEK INTERVIEWS OF THE AUCTIONEER, BIDDERS OK OTHERS BEFORE THE PROCEEDINGS HAVE CONCLUDED.
5. THERE SHOULD BE NO MOVEMENT ABOUT THE AUCTION HALL DURING THE PROCEEDINGS.
6. ANY PERSON ATTENDING THE AUCTION WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH ANY DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY THE AUCTIONEER MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM THE AUCTION HALL.
7. THE AUCTIONEER SHALL REGULATE THE BIDDING. THE AUCTIONEER MAY REFUSE TO ACCEPT ANY BID AND NO PERSON SHALL AT ANY BID ADVANCE LESS THAN THE AMOUNT FIXED FOR THAT PURPOSE BY THE AUCTIONEER.
8. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY DISPUTE ARISES, WHETHER BETWEEN TWO OR MORE BIDDERS OR OTHERWISE, AS TO ANY BID, THE AUCTIONEER MAY AT HIS DISCRETION FORTHWITH DETERMINE THE DISPUTE OR AGAIN PUT UP THE LOT FOR SALE AT THE LAST UNDISPUTED BID, OR WITHDRAW THE LOT FROM SALE.
9. THE AUCTIONEER MAY STOP THE BIDDING, WITHDRAW ANY LOT FROM AUCTION OR STOP THE AUCTION ALTOGETHER IF, IN HIS OPINION, MOVEMENT ABOUT THE AUCTION HALL OR OTHER ACTIVITY IS AFFECTING THE CONDUCT OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
IN ITS INTERIM REPORT, THE PANEL SAID MEMBERS HAD CONTACTED A RANGE OF PEOPLE, INCLUDING ARCHITECTS, SURVEYORS, LAWYERS, AUCTIONEERS, DEVELOPERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, ON AN INFORMAL BASIS TO SOLICIT THEIR VIEWS.
THE PANEL NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG SYSTEM OF SELLING LAND BY AUCTION WAS REGARDED BY OTHER TERRITORIES AS A SUCCESSFUL METHOD OF LAND DISPOSAL, AND FELT THAT IT SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT RECOMMENDING DRASTIC CHANGES IN RESPONSE TO ONE PARTICULAR OCCURRENCE WITHOUT GIVING FURTHER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
’’THE PANEL RECOGNISES THAT, GIVEN THE SIZE, COMPLEXITY AND COST OF MANY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THERE IS A LEGITIMATE ROLE FOR JOINT VENTURES OR CONSORTIA.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THERE IS A NEED TO ENSURE FAIR AND GENUINE COMPETITION IN LAND AUCTIONS," THE PANEL SAID.
ON OTHER RELATED MATTERS, THE PANEL CONSIDERED THAT THERE WAS NO NEED TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES WITHIN THE AUCTION HALL AS LONG AS THE CONDUCT OF THE AUCTION WAS ORDERLY.
THE PANEL ALSO EXAMINED THE SUITABILITY OF DIFFERENT AUCTION VENUES AND FELT THAT SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS COULD BE MADE IN ALL OF THE VENUES NORMALLY USED, ALTHOUGH SOME MIGHT BE BETTER THAN OTHERS FROM AN OVERALL CONTROL POINT OF VIEW.
THE PANEL WILL CONTINUE TO CONSIDER OTHER ASPECTS OF LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS IDENTIFIED DURING ITS DELIBERATIONS WHICH REQUIRE MORE IN-DEPTH EXAMINATION.
/THESE INCLUDE .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 8 -
THESE INCLUDE PRE-REG1STRATI0N OF BIDDERS, THE NEED FOR SETTING A RESERVE PRICE, THE SIZE OF LOTS FOR AUCTION, THE TIMING OF AUCTIONS AND THE ROLE OF AUCTIONS AS AGAINST OTHER FORMS OF LAND DISPOSAL METHOD SUCH AS TENDER.
THE PANEL EXPECTS TO COMPLETE ITS WORK IN AUGUST.
THE THREE PANEL MEMBERS ARE PROFESSOR C K LEUNG, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE; MS AUDREY EU , QUEEN’S COUNSEL AND MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE; AND MR C N BROOKE, CHARTERED SURVEYOR, AND MEMBER OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND Till* TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
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INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS ON LAND AUCTION ACCEPTED » ♦ * * *
THE INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS B\ THE THREE-MEMBER PANEL SET UP TO REVIEW LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO THE POWER OF THE AUCTIONEER, SEATING ARRANGEMENTS AND MOVEMENT ABOUT THE AUCTION HALL DURING THE PROCEEDINGS WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE FORTHCOMING LAND AUCTION ON NEXT TUESDAY (JULY 26), MR EASON SAID.
AS RECOMMENDED in THE REVIEW PANEL, THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE EMBODIED IN A SET OF GUIDELINES ON THE CONDUCT OF LAND AUCTIONS TO BE ADOPTED FOR THE NEXT LAND AUCTION, HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THE PANEL WOULD CONTINUE TO REVIEW OTHER ASPECTS OF LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING PRE-REGISTRATION OF BIDDERS, THE NEED FOR SETTING A RESERVE PRICE, THE SIZE OF LOTS FOR AUCTION, THE TIMING OF AUCTIONS AND THE ROLE OF AUCTIONS AS AGAINST OTHER FORMS OF LAND DISPOSAL METHOD SUCH AS TENDER.
THE PANEL EXPECTS TO COMPLETE THE WHOLE REVIEW IN AUGUST.
HE THANKED MEMBERS OF THE PANEL FOR THEIR HARD WORK IN WORKING OUT THE INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN SUCH A SHORT TIME.
THE THREE MEMBERS ARE PROFESSOR C K LEUNG, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE; MS AUDREY EU, QUEEN’S COUNSEL AND MEMBER OF THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE LAND AND COMMITTEE, AND MR C N BROOKE, CHARTERED SURVEYOR, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD. 0 BUILDING ADVISORY AND MEMBER OF THE /9
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
9
LEGAL AID POLICY REVIEW REPORT PUBLISHED *****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED ALL THE 25 RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT ON LEGAL AID POLICY REVIEW COMPILED BY AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP RECONVENED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OE ADMINISTRATION AND ('HAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR ALAN LAI, TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID, LADY CHEUNG, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MISS ANNIE TAM.
MR LAI ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SET UP AN INDEPENDENT LEGAL AID SERVICES COUNCIL (LASC) BY STATUTE, WITH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT (LAD) AND DUTY LAWYER SERVICE (DLS) ACTING AS ITS EXECUTIVE AGENTS FOR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL AID SERVICES.
THE LASC WILL MONITOR THE GENERAL PERFORMANCE OF THE LAD AND THE DLS, AND ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON LEGAL AID POLICY AND FUNDING REQUIREMENTS.
"THE LASC WILL BE CHAIRED BY A NON-OFFICIAL WHO IS INDEPENDENT OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION, AND COMPRISE FOUR LAWYERS AND FOUR DISTINGUISHED LAY MEMBERS, IN ADDITION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID (DLA) AND THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DLS," MR LAI SAID.
THE PROPOSED LASC WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS ENHANCING THE INDEPENDENCE OF LEGAL AID ADMINISTRATION. IT WILL PROVIDE GREATER OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF LEGAL AID AND POLICY FORMULATION AND IN THE MONITORING OF ITS COSTEFFECTIVENESS, AND WOULD THEREBY ENHANCE THE TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF LEGAL AID ADMINISTRATION.
MR LAI SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT A CERTAIN SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY HAD URGED FOR GREATER INDEPENDENCE OF LEGAL AID ADMINISTRATION BY ESTABLISHING A NON-GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLICLY-FUNDED LEGAL AID SERVICES. THIS WOULD INVOLVE THE DIS-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAD.
HE DID NOT RULE OUT THIS POSSIBILITY. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF ITS FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS, THE SUBJECT SHOULD BE EXAMINED TN GREATER DETAIL.
HE SAID: "THE LASC WILL BE ASKED TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY AND DESIRABILITY OF ESTABLISHING A NON-GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATION OF ALL PUBLICLY-FUNDED LEGAL AID SERVICES ADMINISTERED BY THE LAD AND THE DLS."
IN RESPECT OF SUGGESTIONS AID, INCLUDING IN BILL OF RIGHTS WILL BE MADE TO EXTEND THE DLA’S THE MEANS TEST IN CRIMINAL CASES
TO IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF LEGAL (BOR) CASES, A LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT PRESENT DISCRETIONARY POWER TO WAIVE TO MERITORIOUS BOR CASES.
"ALL BOR CASES ARE ALREADY COVERED BY THE EXISTING SCOPE OF LEGAL AID. THERE IS THEREFORE NO NEED TO SET UP ANY SPECIAL LEGAL AID SCHEME FOR BOR CASES," MR LAI SAID.
/THE RECONVENED .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 10 -
THE RECONVENED WORKING GROUP ON LEGAL AID POLICY REVIEW HAS REJECTED THE PROPOSAL TO CHARGE AN APPLICATION FEE OE $300 ON EACH APPLICANT UNDER THE STANDARD LEGAL AID SCHEME.
THIS PROPOSAL WAS PUT FORWARD IN THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON LEGAL AID AS A MEANS TO DETER UNDESERVING AND DISINGENUOUS APPLICATIONS.
THE RECONVENED WORKING GROUP DID NOT SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF FRIVOLOUS AND REPEAT APPLICANTS WAS VI’OO INSIGNIFICANT TO JUSTIFY THE IMPOSITION OF THE APPLICATION FEE.
MR LAI SAID THAT THE RECONVENED WORKING GROUP HAD MODIFIED OR REJECTED SOME OTHER PROPOSALS IN RESPECT OF CIVIL LEGAL AID AND LEGAL ADVICE.
FOR EXAMPLES, THERE WERE SOME CHANGES TO THE EXISTING LIST OF EXCEPTED PROCEEDINGS. THE EXISTING EXCEPTED PROCEEDING OF "IN DISTRICT COURT, PROCEEDINGS FOR DAMAGES FOR ASSAULT AND BATTERY" WOULD BE DELETED SO THAT LEGAL AID WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE H)R THOSE PROCEEDINGS.
THE PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A FIXED FEE INTERVIEW SCHEME, IN ADDITION TO THE DLS’S LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME, WAS DROPPED.
THE RECONVENED WORKING GROUP REAFFIRMED THE 13 PROPOSALS IN THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER WHICH HAD BEEN GENERALLY’ WELL-RECEIVED IN THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL 25 RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT OF Till RECONVENED WORKING GROUP WOULD INVOLVE AN ADDITIONAL ANNUALLY RECURRENT COST OF $61.7 MILLION.
"THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES \RE BEING SOUGHT," MR I \l SAID.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MOST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WILL ALSO REQUIRE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS. MR LAI ENVISAGED THAT THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION COULD BE ENACTED IN THE 1994/95 SESSION AND THAT THE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE EFFECT BY APRIL NEXT YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE 13 PROPOSALS IN THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON LEGAL AID REAFFIRMED BY THE RECONVENED WORKING GROUP ON LEGAL AID POLICY REVIEW ARE:
♦ THE UPPER FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY LIMIT FOR THE STANDARD LEGAL AID SCHEME (CURRENTLY $120,000) SHOULD BE REVISED ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS TN THE LIGHT OF INFLATION.
* A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE OVERALL APPROACH TOWARDS ASSESSING THE FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY OF APPLICANTS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS.
/* NO CHANGE ......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
11
* NO CHANGE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE EXISTING LEGAL AID SYSTEM WHEREBY FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS WHO HAVE A REASONABLE CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING IN HONG KONG ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE GRANT OF CIVIL LEGAL AID, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR RESIDENCE AND IMMIGRATION STATUS.
* IN THE CASE OF THOSE LEGALLY AIDED PERSONS WHOSE DISPOSABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES EXCEED $120,000, THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS LEGAL COSTS AT A HIGHER RATE, RANGING FROM 43 PER CENT TO 67 PER CENT OF THEIR DISPOSABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
* THE LAD SHOULD NOT BE ASKED TO SET UP ANY SPECIAL LEGAL AID SCHEMES FOR THE BOR AND CONSUMER PROTECTION CASES.
* THE SCOPE OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY LEGAL AID SCHEME (SLAS) SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MEDICAL AND DENTAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS, AND CLAIMS INVOLVING PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF LAWYERS.
* THE ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURE OF REFUNDING TO AIDED PERSONS UNDER SLAS THEIR APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION FEES, EACH OF $1,000, SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED.
» THE RATE OF CONTRIBUTION FROM A SUCCESSFUL SLAS LITIGANT SHOULD BE INCREASED TO A FLAT RATE OF 15 PER CENT.
* THE DEDUCTIONS FROM CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SLAS LITIGANTS FOR SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS AFTER DELIVERY OF A BRIEF TO COUNSEL SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED.
* THE LEGAL PROFESSION SHOULD BE ASKED TO CONSIDER RELAXING THE RESTRICTION REGARDING LAWYERS WORKING FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, SO AS TO ALLOW THESE AGENCIES TO EMPLOY' QUALIFIED LAWYERS TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL ADVISORY SERVICE on A FULL TIME BASIS.
* THE SCALE OF CONTRIBUTION PAYABLE BY THE LEGALLY-AIDED PERSONS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO BIENNIAL REVIEW TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION.
* OTHER WAYS OF FUNDING LEGAL AID SERVICES SHOULD BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW.
* THE DLS AND THE LAD SHOULD BE KEPT AS SEPARATE ORGANISATIONS AND BOTH SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO THE LASC ONCE IT IS ESTABLISHED.
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/12 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 12 -
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR JUNE 1994 *****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) IN JUNE 1994 WERE 7.5% AND 8.1% RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1993, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE WERE LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES OF 7.8% AND 8.4% IN MAY.
COMPARING. THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE CPI(A) ROSE BY 7.5% AND THE CPI(B) BY 8.0%. THE CORRESPONDING AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASES FOR 1993 WERE 8.5% AND 8.7%.
COMMENTING ON THE LATEST ’’ALTHOUGH PRICES OF SOME FRESH OF JUNE CAUSED BY THE RECENT VEGETABLES SHOWED EVEN SHARPER BY POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH
FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: FOOD ITEMS WENT UP IN THE LATTER PART FLOODING IN SOUTH CHINA, PRICES OF INCREASES IN JUNE LAST YEAR, AFFECTED TYPHOON AND SEVERAL RAINSTORMS.
"AS A RESULT, THE AVERAGE PRICES OF VEGETABLES FOR JUNE 1994 WERE STILL LOWER THAN THAT IN JUNE 1993."
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS HIGHER BY 10.1% IN JUNE 1994 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN MAY 1994 WAS 10.0%.
THE LARGER INCREASE IN THE HANG SENG CPI IN JUNE THAN THE CPI(A) WAS MAINLY BECAUSE OF A FASTER INCREASE IN RENTAL PAID BY HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE HANG SENG CPI.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 8.4% IN JUNE 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. THIS WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.6% IN MAY.
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH JUNE 1993, RELATIVELY SLOWER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (1.6% IN THE CPI(A) AND 2.2% IN THE CPI(B)); DURABLE GOODS (3.1% AND 3.5%); FUEL AND LIGHT (3.7% AND 3.6%); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (5.4% AND 6.1%); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (5.9% AND 5.3%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (7.0% AND 7.3%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (12.3% IN THE CPI(A) AND 11.2% IN THE CPI(B)); HOUSING (11.4% AND 12.0%); AND TRANSPORT (9.1% AND 9.0%).
AS FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE WAS 8.0% IN THE CPI(A) AND 7.8% IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH MAY 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPIfB) INCREASED BY 0.8% AND 0.6% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
/SECONDALLY ADJUSTED .......
I
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 13 -
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE CPIS. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.7% PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 1994.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1-2 AND CHARTS 1-4.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR JUNE 1994, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $16.5 PER 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, WANCHA1 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 TEL 805 6403.
DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LIMITED.
/Table 1 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 14 -
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for June 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Component CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
Index for Jun 94 % change over Jun 93 Index for Jun 94 % change over Jun 93 Index for Jun 94 % change over Jun 93 Index for Jun 94 % change over Jun 93
Food 141.1 +4.9 142.8 +5.6 144.2 +7.2 142.4 +5.6
Meals bought away from heme 151.3 +8.0 151.0 +7.8 150.9 +9.7 151.1 +8.3
Food, excluding meals bought away from home 131.0 +1.6 131.5 +2.2 132.8 -"2.7 131.5 +2.0
Housing 163.5 +11.4 165.4 +12.0 172.3 +15.2 167.0 +12.8
Fuel and light 124.1 +3.7 123.3 +3.6 123.7 +3.6 123.7 +3.6
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 186.6 +5.4 177.5 +6.1 172.9 +6.0 181.5 +5.7
Clothing and footwear 138.2 +7.0 140.4 +7.3 158.7 +12.0 146.1 +8.9
Durable goods 112.6 +3.1 112.6 +3.5 118.1 *3.0 114.2 +3.2
Miscellaneous goods 131.0 +5.9 128.3 +5.3 127.4 +5.2 129.1 +5.^
Transport 148.8 +9.1 147.5 +9.0 145.9 +7.7 147.5 +8.7
Miscellaneous services 155.4 +12.3 150.7 +11.2 141.9 +9.2 149.5 +11.0
All items 146.2 +7.5 146.9 +8.1 151.0 +10.1 147.7 +8.4
Monthly consumer price indices are compiled on the basis of (a) expenditure patterns of relevant households and (b) prices collected currently in the month. Hie expenditure patterns underlying the 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on those patterns derived from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. Hie CPI(A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of 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 households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $1O,OOO-$17,499 in 1989/90. Hie Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,500-337,499 in 1989/90.
Whereas the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consumer price changes on the household sector generally.
/Table 2 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 15 -
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1992 - June 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
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
February 142.7 142.9 144.9 143.3
March 142.5 143.0 145.3 143.4
April 143.8 144.8 147.9 145.2
May 145.0 146.1 150.0 146.7
June 146.2 146.9 151.0 147.7
/Chart 1 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 16 -
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase In CPI(B)
/Chart 3 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 17 -
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
/18........
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 18 -
REPORT INTO COLLISION BETWEEN A JETFOIL AND FLOATING PIPELINES PUBLISHED *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S REPORT INTO THE COLLISION BETWEEN A JETFOIL AND A QUANTITY OF FLOATING PIPELINES TOWED BY A TUG OFF MACAU LAST JULY REVEALED THAT INADEQUATE LIGHTING TO ILLUMINATE THE PIPELINES WAS A CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.
THE REPORT SHOWED THAT IF THE PIPELINES HAD BEEN LIT AS REQUIRED BY THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS, THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DETECTED BY THE VESSEL’S VISUAL AUGMENTATION SYSTEM (VAS) AND ALSO SIGHTED VISUALLY BY THE BRIDGE TEAM OF THE JETFOIL.
THE BRIDGE TEAM OF THE HONG KONG REGISTERED JETFOIL "URZELA" WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE PIPELINES BEING TOWED BY THE TUG "HANG FENG 901” OR IDENTIFY HER AS A TOWING VESSEL, THE REPORT SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY): "I HAVE CONSIDERED THE ADEQUACY OF THE SAFETY ELEMENTS OF THE NIGHT SERVICE REGIME OF HIGH SPEED CRAFT ON HONG KONG-MACAU ROUTE AND AM CONTENT THAT THE EXISTING SYSTEM IS SOUND.
"I CONSIDER THE NIGHT SERVICES SHOULD CONTINUE BUT MITIGATING MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY THE INVESTIGATION WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO HELP PREVENT A REPETITION OF INCIDENTS OF THIS NATURE," MR PYRKE SAID.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WOULD ISSUE NOTICE TO REQUEST MASTERS OF VESSELS TO TAKE EXTRA CARE AT THE APPROACHES TO MACAU HARBOUR WHEN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MACAU AIRPORT WAS IN PROGRESS, HE SAID.
INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS REQUIRE AN ALL ROUND WHITE LIGHT VISIBLE FOR A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST THREE NAUTICAL MILES TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE EXTREME ENDS OF THE TOWED OBJECT AND ONE IN BETWEEN AS THE LENGTH EXCEEDED 100 METRES.
THE LIGHTS FITTED TO THE PIPES WERE APPARENTLY NOT WORKING AT THE TIME THE TOW APPROACHED MACAU, THE REPORT REVEALED.
INVESTIGATION HOWEVER SHOWED THAT THE MASTER OF THE TUG HAD USED FLOOD LIGHTS INSTALLED ON THE TUG TO ILLUMINATE THE FLOATING PIPELINES WHICH WERE SEMI-SUBMERGED WHILE ON TOW.
BUT THE LEVEL OF LIGHTING WAS NOT ABLE TO ILLUMINATE THE PIPES ADEQUATELY FOR THEM TO BE SEEN BY THE OFFICERS OF JETFOIL "URZELA", NEITHER DID THEY COMPLY WITH THE LIGHT SIGNALS FOR ATTRACTING ATTENTION AS PRESCRIBED BY INTERNAT1ONAL REGULATION, THE REPORT NOTED.
THE TUG, REGISTERED IN GUANGZHOU, WAS TOWING TWO LENGTHS OF LARGE FLOATING PIPELINES EACH MEASURED 110 METRES FROM GUANGZHOU TO THE MACAU AIRPORT WORKS SITE.
MR PYRKE SAID STEPS WOULD BE TAKEN TO ESTABLISH (LOSE LIAISON WITH GUANGDONG HARBOUR SUPER INTENDENCV, ZHUHAI AUTHOR J TV AND MACAU MARINE DEPARTMENT TO FIND WAYS TO PREVENT FURTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS NATURE.
/THE ACCIDENT .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 19 -
THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER 8 PM ON JULY 11, 1993 WHEN THE HONG KONG-BOUND JETFOIL WITH 264 PASSENGERS ON BOARD COLLIDED WITH THE LARGE FLOATING PIPELINES TOWED BY THE TUG ABOUT FOUR NAUTICAL MILES OFF MACAU.
FORTY-NINE PASSENGERS ON BOARD THE JETFOIL WERE INJURED. THE JETFOIL SUSTAINED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE AND THREE SECTIONS OF THE FLOATIG PIPELINES WERE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIRS.
---------0----------
DFCC MEMBERS VISIT SUPREME COURT
*****
THE JUDICIARY TODAY (THURSDAY ) COMMENCED A PROGRAMME OF VISITS TO THE SUPREME COURT FOR DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN A BID TO FOSTER LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND TO HELP ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE COURTS.
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WERE MET BY THE JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR, MS ALICE TAI, IHIS MORNING AND TOURED THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING.
THE GROUP WERE BRIEFED BY THE PRINCIPAL JUDICIAL CLERK, MR LIU TIN-LUK, ON COURT PROCEDURES AND ATTENDED A COURT HEARING ON A CRIMINAL CASE TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COURT.
------0-------
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY ♦ t * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES ON THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OE THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO J NEORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OE BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN EOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BI-WEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATERS WERE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
/THE GRADING .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 20 -
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOG I (’AL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER
FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER OVERCAST OR LESS IF THERE IS
QUALITY IS AS ,OLLOWS:
* GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COL1 COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E COL1 COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPE('TEI) HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
» GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E COLT COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "4" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS \FRY POOR. THE E COL1 COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILS IF A GRADE "4" OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES, NAMELY ANGLERS’, (ASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA, AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF RECENT BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
/THE GRADES .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 21 -
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT
GRADING
(AS AT 8.7.94)
(AS AT 21.7.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST. STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
2 2
2
1
1
1
2
1 1
2 2 X
2
2 2
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
2 2 X
3
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW CAFETERIA CASTLE PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
X 2
X 3
4
X 3 X
3 4
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH
HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
2 I
1
1
3
2
/ISLANDS DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 22 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 1
KWUN YAM WAN 1
TONG FUK 1
LO SO SHING 1
PUI 0 2
SILVERM1NE BAY 2
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 1
TUNG 0* 1
1
2 2
2
1
2
1
2 3
2 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 3
TING KAU 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
X
4
3
3
3
3
•I
2
NOTE
”X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
HAIRPIN, MIDDLE BAY, HUNG SHING YEH, TONG FUK, TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU AND TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) FROM ”1" TO "2"; TO TEI WAN, SILVERMINE BAY, SILVERSTRAND AND NEW CAFETERIA FROM "2” TO "3"; AND APPROACH FROM ”3” TO '’4".
MOST OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
THE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF BEACH WATER QUALITY IS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEA WATER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT AC T1 NG PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR K F TANG ON TEL 835 1234.
-------0----------
/23.........
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 23 -
ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS ON SALE *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED THE HONG KONG ENERGY STATISTICS ANNUAL REPORT, 1993 WHICH DESCRIBES THE SITUATION OF ENERGY SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN HONG KONG.
THE REPORT CONTAINS COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION RELATING TO DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY, INCLUDING OIL PRODUCTS, COAL PRODUCTS, ELECTRICITY AND TOWN GAS.
IT ALSO INCLUDES AN OVERALL ENERGY BALANCE WHICH SUMMARISES THE SOURCES AND USES OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF ENERGY, AND DEPICTS THEIR RELATIONSHIPS IN THE ENERGY TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES.
REGARDING VARIOUS OIL PRODUCTS, STATISTICS ON LIST PRICES, STORAGE CAPACITY, TANK STOCK, IMPORTS, RE-EXPORTS, RETAINED IMPORTS, AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OF IMPORTS, AND QUANTITY OF SALES BY TYPE OF USER ARE PRESENTED IN THE REPORT.
FIGURES ON IMPORTS, RE-EXPORTS, RETAINED IMPORTS AND AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OF IMPORTS OF SELECTED COAL PRODUCTS ARE GIVEN.
FOR ELECTRICITY AND TOWN GAS, THE REPORT SHOWS FIGURES ON TARIFF CHARGES, GENERATING CAPACITY, PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION BY TYPE OF USER.
ANNUAL FIGURES FOR THE YEARS 1983 TO 1993 ARE PROVIDED WITH RESPECT TO MOST OF THESE STATISTICS. IN ADDITION, QUARTERLY FIGURES FOR 1992 AND 1993 ARE PRESENTED FOR SELECTED ITEMS.
THE REPORT, AT $28 PER COPY, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CENTRAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE ENERGY STATISTICS PUBLISHED IN THE REPORT CAN BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3246.
--------0-----------
/24 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1994
- 24 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,429 0930 -50
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,659 1000 -50
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -50
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -50 1200 -50
LAF TODAY + 280 1500 -50
1600 -50
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.7 *-0.1* 21.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.15 16 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 98.10 5.72
1 MONTH 4.10 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.45 6.17
3 MONTHS 4.34 27 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.36 6.53
6 MONTHS 4.69 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.49 6.68
12 MONTHS 5.36 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.56 6.84
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,805 MN
CLOSED 21 JULY 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO MEET OFFICIALS IN LONDON ....................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION ................. 2
HEAVY DELUGE CAUSES FLOODING AND LANDSLIPS ................. 5
GOVT'S FINAL ACCOUNTS FOR 1993/94 GAZETTED ................. 7
GUIDELINES ON TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITIONS ................. 7
EDUCATORS URGED TO DO MORE ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ... 8
RESPONSE ON DRIVER TRAINING INDUSTRY ....................... 9
ONE-WAY GYRATORY TRAFFIC SCHEME IN WONG CHUK HANG ......... 11
YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IMPORTANT ..... 12
SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS FOR THE HANDICAPPED ............ 13
RAINSTORM ROUND UP......................................... 14
ROADS AFFECTED BY FLOODING AND LANDSLIDE .................. 15
CNTA MONITORING STORM SITUATION ........................... 15
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING BAD WEATHER URGED ............... 16
NO POSTAL DELIVERY IN YUEN LONG ........................... 16
/NO SECURITY..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
NO SECURITY REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT PREMISES ............. 17
FRENCH BANK GRANTED LICENCE ........................... 17
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT POK FU LAM OUTLINE ZONING PLAN .... 18
VEHICULAR RAMP TO OCEAN TERMINAL ...................... 19
MARINE WORKS AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND ................... 19
CONSTRUCTION OF PIER AT KAU SAI CHAU .................. 20
ROADS TO BE RESUMED AND RECONSTRUCTED ................. 21
BOUNDARY OF TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK TO BE REVISED ........ 21
AMENDMENT TO DRAFT STANLEY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ANNOUNCED ........................................... 22
TWO LOTS FOR SALE ..................................... 24
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA ........ 24
FIRING PRACTICE IN AUGUST ............................. 26
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
27
FRIDAY, JULY 22,
1994
1
GOVERNOR TO MEET OFFICIALS IN LONDON *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL FLY TO LONDON THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING FOR THREE OR FOUR DAYS OF OFFICIAL tlEETINGS ON HONG KONG ISSUES BEFORE GOING ON LEAVE UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY THIS AFTERNOON BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, MR PATTEN SAID: "I’VE GOT A NUMBER OF MEETINGS PLANNED IN LONDON, BEGINNING ON MONDAY WITH MEETINGS WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS AND THE PRIME MINISTER.
"I’LL ALSO BE MEETING DURING THE WEEK, AMONG OTHE.RS , THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS’ FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, DAVID HOWELL, THE LABOUR PARTY’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPOKESMAN’, JACK CUNNINGHAM, THE LEADER OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, PADDY ASHDOWN."
DURING HIS STAY IN LONDON, THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO HAVE LUNCH WITH HONG KONG EXECUTIVES WHO ARE WORKING IN LONDON AND THE ,'JNITED KINGDOM AND WILL MEET ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS ON CHINA AND HONG KONG’.
AT THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, MR PATTEN COMMENTED FURTHER ON THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S PROPOSAL FO11 A TAX-FUNDED OLD AGE PENSION.
"I DON’T THINK THAT THAT IS THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD FOR Ht’NG KONG," HE SAID.
"IT DOES THREATEN PRECISELY THAT SORT OF WELFARE BLACK HOLE WHICH MANY PEOPLE HAVE RIGHTLY WORRIED ABOUT."
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE INITIAL ESTIMATES WHICH HE MADE YESTERDAY ON THE GENERAL CHAMBER’S PROPOSAL WERE ON THE LOW SIDE.
"OUR BEST ESTIMATE IS THAT PAYING FOR A PENSION THROUGH THE TAX SYSTEM WOULD ADD BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR PER CENT TO PROFITS TAX AN1 BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR PER CENT TO SALARIES TAX," MR PATTEN SAID.
"IT’S DIFFICULT TO BE ABSOLUTELY PRECISE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO MAKE ESTIMATES ABOUT TAKE-UP BUT I DON’T THINK THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL REGARD THAT AS AN ACCEPTABLE OR AFFORDABLE OPTION.
"IT ALSO HAS THE DISADVANTAGE OF BREAKING WHAT, IN OUR VIEW, IS THE IMPERATIVE IRON-LINK BETWEEN CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS."
NOTING THAT PEOPLE WERE PUTTING FORWARD ALTERNATIVES RATHER THAN OFFERING CRITICISMS, MR PATTEN SAID: "I DON’T THINK ANY ALTERNATIVE ADVANCED SO FAR HAS A COMPELLING CASE TO BE MADE FOR IT."
THE GOVERNOR REITERATED THAT HE STILL BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL WHICH WAS A PRUDENT, COMPASSIONATE AND WORKABLE SCHEME, WAS THE BEST ON THE TABLE.
"IT’S AFFORDABLE. IT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE HELP AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL ITSELF BE MAKING A CONTRIBUTION WHICH WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 35 PER CENT OF THE COST OF THE SCHEME," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
/2.........
2
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: GOOD MORNING. I THOUGHT IT WOULD HELP YOU IF I SAID A FEW WORDS NOW RATHER THAN DRAGGED YOU OUT TO THE AIRPORT THIS EVENING. I’M, AS I THINK YOU KNOW, GOING TO LONDON THIS EVENING FOR THREE OR FOUR DAYS OF MEETINGS NEXT WEEK BEFORE THEN GOING ON LEAVE UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST. I’VE GOT A NUMBER OF MEETINGS PLANNED IN LONDON, BEGINNING ON MONDAY WITH MEETINGS WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS AND THE PRIME MINISTER. I’LL ALSO BE MEETING DURING THE WEEK, AMONG OTHERS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS’ FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, DAVID HOWELL, THE LABOUR PARTY’S FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPOKESMAN, JACK CUNNINGHAM, THE LEADER OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, PADDY ASHDOWN. I AM HAVING A LUNCH FOR HONG KONG EXECUTIVES WHO ARE WORKING IN LONDON AND THE UNITED KINGDOM AND I’VE GOT A NUMBER OF OTHER MEETINGS, FOR EXAMPLE, ONE WITH ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS ON CHINA AND HONG KONG. SO, IT’S A FAIRLY FULL PROGRAMME. I’LL TRY TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY FOR TALKING TO ANY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PRESS WHO ARE IN LONDON NEXT WEEK AND I’LL BE HAVING A ROUND-UP SESSION FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG MEDIA ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. SO, THAT’S GOING TO BE A PRETTY FULL PROGRAMME AND, OF COURSE, WHILE I AM AWAY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL BE ACTING GOVERNOR AND I HOPE THE WEATHER WILL BE BETTER IN AUGUST THAN THIS.
ONE OTHER THING I’D LIKE TO SAY. CLEARLY, WHILE I AM AWAY, THE DEBATE THAT HAS BEGUN ON TAKING SOME OF THE WORRY OUT OF THE OLD AGE THROUGH INTRODUCING A DECENT, COMPREHENSIVE PENSION SCHEME WILL CONTINUE. I AM PLEASED WITH THE PUBLIC REACTIONS SO FAR TO WHAT WE’VE PROPOSED. THERE’VE BEEN THREE OPINION POLLS SO FAR ON OUR PROPOSALS IN THE ECONOMIC TIMES AND MING PAO AND THE NEXT MAGAZINE. AND ALL OF THOSE WHO’VE GIVEN, I THINK ONE WOULD SAY, RINGING ENDORSEMENTS TO OUR PROPOSALS. BUT THERE ARE SERIOUS QUESTIONS WHICH’RE COMING UP AND WE WILL BE ADDRESSING THEM AND PROVIDING ANSWERS AS THOROUGHLY AS POSSIBLE OVER THE COMING WEEKS BECAUSE WE DO WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IS INVOLVED IN THE DEBATE AND THAT WHEN WE MAKE A FINAL DECISION, WE’VE GOT AS BROAD A CONSENSUS IN THE COMMUNITY AS POSSIBLE.
/THERE IS .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
3 -
THERE IS ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ABOUT ONE OF THE ALTERNATIVES WHICH HAS BEEN PUT FORWARD. THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS, IT SEEMS TO BE UNCLEAR WHETHER IT IS OFFICIAL OR NOT, PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR A TAX-FUNDED OLD AGE PENSION. I DON’T THINK, TO BE HONEST, THAT THAT IS THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD FOR HONG KONG. IT DOES THREATEN PRECISELY THAT SORT OF WELFARE BLACK HOLE WHICH MANY PEOPLE HAVE RIGHTLY, IN MY VIEW, WORRIED ABOUT. WE’VE TRIED WITH THE BEST WILL IN THE WORLD TO PUT A PRICE TAG ON THAT PARTICULAR PROPOSAL. I’VE MADE SOME INITIAL ESTIMATES YESTERDAY WHICH, I THINK, WERE ON THE LOW SIDE. OUR BEST ESTIMATE IS THAT PAYING FOR A PENSION THROUGH THE TAX SYSTEM WOULD ADD BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR PERCENT TO PROFITS TAX AND BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR PER CENT TO SALARIES TAX. IT’S DIFFICULT TO BE ABSOLUTELY PRECISE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO MAKE ESTIMATES ABOUT TAKE-UP BUT I DON’T THINK THAT THE COMMUNITY WILL REGARD THAT AS AN ACCEPTABLE OR AFFORDABLE OPTION. IT ALSO HAS THE DISADVANTAGE OF BREAKING WHAT, IN OUR VIEW, IS THE IMPERATIVE IRON-LINK BETWEEN CONTRIBUTIONS AND BENEFITS. SO, I STILL BELIEVE THAT OUR PROPOSAL IS THE BEST ON THE TABLE. IT’S AFFORDABLE. IT PROVIDES IMMEDIATE HELP AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL ITSELF BE MAKING A CONTRIBUTION, AS YOU KNOW, WHICH WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 35 PER CENT OF THE COST OF THE SCHEME. I THINK IT’S A PRUDENT AND A COMPASSIONATE AND WORKABLE SCHEME AND WHILE I AM PLEASED THAT PEOPLE ARE PUTTING FORWARD ALTERNATIVES AS THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS JUST DONE RATHER THAN OFFERING CRITICISMS, I DON’T THINK ANY ALTERNATIVE ADVANCED SO FAR HAS A COMPELLING CASE TO BE MADE FOR IT. ANYWAY, THAT DEBATE WILL CONTINUE AND IN THE AUTUMN, WE’LL HAVE TO COME TO SOME DECISIONS.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHEN YOU SEE JOHN MAJOR, WHAT PRECISELY WILL YOU TELL HIM ABOUT SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS?
GOVERNOR: I’LL BE TALKING TO HIM ABOUT WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I KNOW THAT HE, LIKE PRETTY WELL EVERYBODY AT WESTMINSTER AND LIKE THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THE MEDIA IN BRITAIN, WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME OF THE VOTE AT THE END OF JUNE BUT WE RECOGNISE THAT’S ONE STEP ALONG THE ROAD AND WE HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD NOW AND TACKLING A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES. I’LL TALKING TO HIM IN PARTICULAR ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ISSUES THAT WE NEED STILL TO RESOLVE ON THE JLG AGENDA. WE ARE VERY KEEN TO SEE POSITIVE CO-OPERATION ON THOSE ISSUES AND I HOPE THAT CHINA IS KEEN TO SEE POSITIVE CO-OPERATION AS WELL AND ISN’T JUST TALKING ABOUT CO-OPERATION.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHAT ......SEEING DOUGLAS HURD ABOUT..?
GOVERNOR: I’LL CERTAINLY BE SEEING DOUGLAS HURD. I AM SEEING DOUGLAS HURD ON MONDAY AFTERNOON AND, OBVIOUSLY, ONE OF THE THINGS WE’LL TALK ABOUT IS THE SORT OF ISSUES THAT HE WILL WANT TO RAISE WITH VICE PREMIER QIAN WHEN THEY MEET IN SEPTEMBER.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHAT SORT OF MESSAGE HAS MR GOODLAD BROUGHT BACK FROM CHINA FOR BRITAIN?
/GOVERNOR .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
4
GOVERNOR: MR GOODLAD HAS BROUGHT BACK A MESSAGE THAT UNITED KINGDOM, AS EVER, IS SINCERE IN WANTING AS COMPREHENSIVE CO-OPERATION AS POSSIBLE IN HONG KONG’S INTERESTS AND WE HOPE THAT CHINA IS SINCERE AS WELL ABOUT CO-OPERATION BECAUSE IF CHINA ISN’T SINCERE ABOUT COOPERATION, THEN THE LOSERS IN THE MEDIUM AND LONG TERM WILL BE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND, I SUSPECT, CHINESE INTERESTS AS WELL. SO, WE WANT TO SEE CO-OPERATION AND I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANT TO SEE CO-OPERATION ACTUALLY ACHIEVING THINGS ON THE GROUND. HAS HAPPENED TO BE FAIR OVER THE DEFENCE LAND’S DEAL RATHER THAN JUST COOPERATION BEING SOMETHING THAT’S TALKED ABOUT BY OFFICIALS.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC THAT WHEN THE TWO FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET IN SEPTEMBER THE AIRPORT TALKS WILL HAVE AN AGREEMENT?
GOVERNOR: AS YOU KNOW, THERE IS AN EXPERTS MEETING GOING ON AT THE MOMENT ON THE AIRPORT. I THINK ONE OR TWO OF THE PAPERS REFERRED TO THAT THIS MORNING. I HOPE THAT THAT MEETING GOES WELL. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES ON THE AIRPORT IS EXTREMELY NARROW, AND I THINK THE SOONER IT’S BRIDGED THE BETTER BUT I’M NOT GOING TO PREDICT PRECISE TIME WHEN I THINK THAT GAP WILL BE FINALLY BRIDGED. I FIND IT IN SOME WAYS DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHY THE GAPS STILL EXIST. SO I’M CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO PREDICT WHEN IT’S GOING TO BE BRIDGED. IN THE MEAN TIME, IF I CAN JUST MAKE THE POINT, THAT IN THE MEAN TIME, THE AIRPORT IS BEING BUILT, BY MOST PEOPLE’S STANDARD, BEING BUILT VERY RAPIDLY AND CERTAINLY VERY COST EFFECTIVELY.
QUESTION: CAN YOU CONFIRM THAT HUANG LIN, SHENZHEN’S SECURITY OFFICIAL WAS INTERCEPTED BY HONG KONG IMMIGRATION PEOPLE, ... HAS BEEN RETURNED TO CHINA?
GOVERNOR: NO, I WOULDN’T COMMENT ON INDIVIDUAL CASE IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
QUESTION: HOW ABOUT JAMES SO’S TRIP, ANY EXPECTATIONS? ARE THERE NEXT ONES?
GOVERNOR: WE WANT TO SEE MORE MEETINGS BETWEEN OFFICIALS. WE WANT TO SEE MORE VISITS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. I AM VERY PLEASED THAT JAMES SO IS MAKING THIS VISIT WITH SOME OF HIS COLLEAGUES AT THE INVITATION OF THEIR OPPOSITE NUMBERS IN PEKING. THERE ARE, I THINK, OTHER PROSPECTS OF VISITS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS IN THE PIPELINE. AND WE’D LIKE TO SEE THOSE CONTINUE AND, INDEED, BE STEPPED UP. I AM VERY KEEN THAT OUR SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD HAVE THE BROADEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE OF MEETING AND WORKING WITH THOSE DOING SIMILAR JOBS IN CHINA, AND I THINK IT’S VERY HELPFUL FOR PRC OFFICIALS TO COME AND SEE HOW WE DO THINGS IN HONG KONG. I THINK WE DO THINGS PRETTY WELL.
QUESTION: SIR, DO YOU THINK AFTER MR GOODLAD’S VISIT TO CHINA, SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP HAS ENTERED ANOTHER NEW PHRASE?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO GREAT NATIONS IS ALWAYS A LIVING, CHANGING THING, AND I HOPE THAT IT WILL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, IN THE FUTURE REFLECT WHAT SHOULD BE OUR JOINT COMMITMENT TO THE WELL-BEING AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. ANY OTHERS?
QUESTION: CONCERNED ABOUT THE PLA ... IN SHENZHEN, IS THAT BEING
ADDRESSED AT ALL?
GOVERNOR: THAT’S A MATTER FOR THE PRC WHERE THEY PLACE THEIR ARMED
FORCES. IT’S NOT A MATTER FOR ME.
/QUESTION .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
- 5 -
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THE VICE PREMIER’S URGE FOR COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION IS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN FOR IMPROVING RELATIONSHIP?
GOVERNOR: WELL, IT’S WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE BUT AS I'VE SAID BEFORE, I THINK WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE KEEN TO SEE IS NOT JUST EXPRESSIONS OF GOOD INTENT ABOUT CO-OPERATION BUT CO-OPERATION ACTUALLY ACHIEVING THINGS ON THE GROUND AS HAPPENED WITH THE DEFENCE LANDS AGREEMENT. I THINK ONE REASON WHY THAT WAS SO WELCOMED IN HONG KONG WAS THAT IT WAS A POSITIVE SIGN OF PROGRESS ON A VERY DIFFICULT ISSUE BUT WE HAD, AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF NEGOTIATION, CRACKED THAT PROBLEM AND THERE ARE OTHER FRANKIV LESS DIFFICULT PROBLEMS THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TACKLE AS WELL. THERE’S AN EXPRESSION IN ENGLISH WITH A SIMILAR EXPRESSION 1 THINK IN CHINESE ABOUT ACTIONS SPEAKING LOUDER THAN WORDS. AND I THINK THAT SHOULD BE OUR MOTTO WHEN IT COMES TO CO-OPERATION FOR THE AUTUMN, BY WHICH TIME I AM SURE I’LL BE EVEN SLIMMER AND MORE BRONZE, AND I READ SOME BOOKS \ND HAD A GOOD HOLIDAY AND 1 HOPE YOU DO AS WELL.
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HEAVY DELUGE CAUSES FLOODING AND LANDSLIPS * * * *
OVERNIGHT HEAVY DELUGE HAS CAUSED FLOODING AND LANDSLIPS, AFFECTED TRAFFIC IN MOST PART OF THE TERRITORY.
BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY DOWNPOUR, THE RED RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL WAS HOISTED TWICE IN TWO SEPARATE PERIODS AFTER MIDNIGHT, FIRST BETWEEN 2.30 AM AND 5.45 AM, AND JO.35 AM THROUGH MOST OF THE AFTERNOON.
A TOTAL OF 336 CASES OF FLOODING HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE 12-HOUR SPAN BETWEEN 3 AM AND 3 PM. THESE CASES WERE REPORTED FROM THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS:
YUEN LONG 80
NORTH |4
TUEN MUN 25
TAI PO 13
SHA TIN 14
SAI KUNG 5
KWAI CHUNG 9
TSUEN WAN 17
KOWLOON 132
HONG KONG ISLAND 26
ISLANDS 1
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 47 CASES OF LANDSLIPS REPORTED UP TO 3 PM.
THE HIGHEST RAINFALL RECORDED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN AN HOUR WAS BETWEEN 2 AM AND 3 AM, 70.4 MM; AND DURING DAY TIME BETWEEN 10 AM AND 11 AM, 61.4 MM.
A TOTAL OF 780 MM WAS RECORDED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 1 PM IN TAI MO SHAN.
SOME 300 HECTARES OF FARMLAND, MOSTLY IN NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES, HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE RAINSTORM. THE ESTIMATED LOSS IS ABOUT $14 MILLION.
/ABOUT 100 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
- 6 -
ABOUT 100 HECTARES OF FRESHWATER FISH FARMS, MOSTLY IN YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICT, WERE ALSO AFFECTED WITH AN ESTIMATED LOSS OF ABOUT $3.5 MILLION.
THE RAIN-AFFECTED ROAD SURFACE ALSO CAUSED TROUBLES FOR MOTORISTS IN THE TERRITORY. THERE WERE ABOUT 50 LOCATIONS, MOSTLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY OR PARTIAL CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING AND LANDSLIP.
BUS SERVICES IN MANY NEW TERRITORIES AREAS WERE DISRUPTED DUE TO FLOODING.
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICES BETWEEN TONG FONG AND YUEN LONG TERMINUS HAD BEEN TEMPORARILY DISRUPTED.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE UPHILL LANE OF MAGAZINE GAP ROAD NEAR MAY ROAD HAS BEEN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE BECAUSE OF LANDSLIP. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE REMAINING LANE IS USED FOR ONE-LANE TWO-WAY OPERATION.
A 22-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, LEE WAI-KWAN, DIED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN
TUEN MUN NEAR TAI HING ESTATE WHERE THE TAXI SHE BOARDED CRASHED INTO A SLOPE AT 1.35 AM.
DURING THE RAINSTORM, FIREMEN RESCUED 51 PEOPLE AND CONVEYED ANOTHER 16 PEOPLE TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF MINOR INJURIES.
FLOODING ALSO CAUSED TWO CASES OF WATER SUSPENSION, ONE IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE OTHER IN YUEN LONG. THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT EXPECTS SERVICE TO BE RESUMED LATER THIS EVENING.
AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, THE DELUGE HAS DELAYED 15 DEPARTURE FLIGHTS, NINE IN-COMING FLIGHTS, DIVERTED SEVEN FLIGHTS TO OTHER DESTINATIONS AND CANCELLED ONE INBOUND FLIGHT FROM BEIJING BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 5 PM.
BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY RAIN, ALL KINDERGARTENS AND SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED TODAY. HOWEVER, ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES, DAY REHABILITATION CENTRES OR ELDERLY SERVICES REMAIN OPEN. PARENTS OR FAMILY MEMBERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE CENTRES TO ARRANGE FOR THE SAFE RETURN OF THEIR CHILDREN, DISABLED OR ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS IF NECESSARY.
AT 5 PM, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS OPENED 29 TEMPORARY SHELTERS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED OF TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION. A TOTAL OF 88 PEOPLE WERE ADMITTED WITH 33 OF THEM STAYING IN SHELTERS IN YUEN LONG, 31 IN NORTH DISTRICT AND 24 IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
- - 0---------
/7........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
7
GOVT’S FINAL ACCOUNTS FOR 1993/94 GAZETTED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S FINAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1993/94, WHICH ENDED ON MARCH 31, 1994, WERE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE GAZETTE.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE YEAR WAS $166.6 BILLION, COMPARED TO THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF $164.4 BILLION GIVEN IN THE 1994 BUDGET SPEECH. TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $147.4 BILLION COMPARED WITH A REVISED ESTIMATE OF $149.3 BILLION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE REFLECTED THE EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IN CERTAIN SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1993/94, PARTICULARLY THE PROPERTY MARKET."
THE UNDERSPENDING OF $1.9 BILLION, JUST OVER ONE PER CENT OF THE REVISED ESTIMATE, IS MADE UP OF A NUMBER OF MINOR VARIANCES.
AS A RESULT, THE OVERALL SURPLUS FOR 1993/94 WAS $19.2 BILLION. THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL FISCAL RESERVES TO $140.2 BILLION AT MARCH 31, 1994.
- - 0 - -
GUIDELINES ON TRANSFER TO LOCAL CONDITIONS
*****
FOLLOWING THE EXPIRY OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS (VARIATION OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE)(TEMPORARY PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DRAWN UP DETAILED GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE MODIFIED ARRANGEMENTS FOR OVERSEAS AGREEMENT OFFICERS TRANSFERRING TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
’’THIS FOLLOWS EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF AND OTHER INTERESTED BODIES,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THE OBJECT OF THE MODIFIED ARRANGEMENTS IS TO BALANCE THE INTERESTS OF ALL OFFICERS. OVERSEAS OFFICERS WHO ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS MAY BE OFFERED AGREEMENTS MODELLED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, WHILE THE REASONABLE ASPIRATIONS OF LOCAL OFFICERS WILL NOT BE UNDULY AFFECTED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE, IF AN OVERSEAS AGREEMENT OFFICER APPLYING FOR TRANSFER MEETS ALL THE CRITERIA AND IS OCCUPYING A PROMOTION RANK, THE TEST OF WHETHER THERE IS A SUITABLE LOCAL REPLACEMENT WILL APPLY TO HIM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”IF IT APPEARS THAT A SUITABLE LOCAL REPLACEMENT IS AVAILABLE, A SELECTION BOARD WILL BE HELD.
"IF A LOCAL CANDIDATE IS RECOMMENDED, THE TRANSFEREE WILL SERVE AT A LOWER RANK BUT WILL RECEIVE PERSONAL SALARY AND LOCAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AT HIS ORIGINAL RANK," HE EXPLAINED.
"IF NO LOCAL REPLACEMENT IS AVAILABLE, THE TRANSFEREE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AT HIS CURRENT RANK. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO REQUIRE THE TRANSFEREE TO SERVE AT A LOWER RANK SO AS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE PROMOTION OF ANOTHER OVERSEAS OFFICER," HE POINTED OUT.
/CONTRACTS OF
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
8
CONTRACTS OF OVERSEAS OFFICERS WILL NOT BE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 28, 1995 AS WAS MOOTED IN AN EARLIER DRAFT.
INSTEAD, TO PROVIDE MORE CERTAINTY FOR OFFICERS, CONDITIONAL AGREEMENTS WILL BE GRANTED TO APPLICANTS FOR TRANSFER AS SOON AS THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (PSC) HAS ADVISED FAVOURABLY ON THE TRANSFER. THE AGREEMENT WILL PROVIDE FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE OFFICER AT A LOWER RANK DURING THE AGREEMENT IF THERE IS A SUITABLE LOCAL REPLACEMENT.
THE GUIDELINES ALSO STATE THAT TRANSFEREES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TRANSFER TO LOCAL PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE TERMS DURING THEIR AGREEMENT MODELLED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS.
"THIS IS BECAUSE THE LONG-TERM DEFINITION OF WHO IS ’LOCAL’ HAS YET TO BE DISCUSSED WITH THE CHINESE SIDE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY STUDYING THE OPENING UP OF POSITIONS OCCUPIED BY AGREEMENT OFFICERS, OVERSEAS AND LOCAL ALIKE, WHEN AN INCUMBENT’S CONTRACT EXPIRES.
"THE INCUMBENT AND OFFICERS ONE RANK BELOW HIM CAN COMPETE FOR THE JOB AND THE MOST MERITORIOUS OFFICER WILL BE APPOINTED."
"WE ARE WORKING ON THE DETAILS OF THIS ARRANGEMENT AND HOPE TO BEGIN STAFF CONSULTATION VERY SOON.
"IT IS LIKELY THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL BE PUT IN PLACE EARLY NEXT YEAR AND THAT AGREEMENTS EXPIRING FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1995 ONWARDS WILL BE TACKLED UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT," HE ADDED.
------0-------
EDUCATORS URGED TO DO MORE ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION
*****
EDUCATORS HAVE A PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THE BEST EDUCATION FOR HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY UNDER THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SHE URGED EDUCATORS TO DO MORE TO ENSURE THAT AS MANY YOUNG PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE SUCCEEDED IN THEIR EDUCATION - THAT THEY SUCCEEDED DEVELOPING THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH AND THAT THEY SUCCEEDED IN LEARNING HOW TO LEARN AND THINK AND USE THEIR IMAGINATIONS.
MRS CHEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST EDUCATION FORUM ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, WHICH WAS HELD TO ENCOURAGE WIDE PUBLIC DEBATE ON THE REPORT RELEASED RECENTLY BY THE WORKING GROUP.
"OUR COMMUNITY HAS BEEN CONCERNED FOR MANY YEARS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION. THESE CONCERNS CAN BE VIEWED FROM TWO ANGLES," SHE SAID.
"FIRST, FROM THE ANGLE OF THE WHOLE SOCIETY, THERE IS A SHORTFALL OF PEOPLE WITH THE RIGHT LEVEL AND MIX OF LANGUAGE ABILITIES - IN CANTONESE, WRITTEN CHINESE, PUTONGHUA, AND ENGLISH."
/"THAT SHORTFALL .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
9
’’THAT SHORTFALL ARISES LARGELY BECAUSE OUR ECONOMY HAS DEVELOPED SO RAPIDLY IN THE PAST 10 TO 15 YEARS," SHE ADDED.
"BUT AS EDUCATION POLICY-MAKERS AND PRACTITIONERS, WE CAN SURELY DO MORE TO PROVIDE OUR COMMUNITY WITH THE KIND OF LANGUAGE SKILLS IT NEEDS."
"SECONDLY, FROM THE ANGLE OF THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENT, WE PLACE HEAVY LANGUAGE-LEARNING DEMANDS ON OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. MANY HAVE DIFFICULTY COPING WITH THOSE DEMANDS."
THIS AFFECTS NOT ONLY THEIR LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY BUT ALSO THEIR WHOLE EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS, SHE SAID.
"IN A WORD, OUR PRESENT APPROACH TO LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IS NOT HELPING ALL OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL. EDUCATORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING THE TALENTS OF ALL YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG COULD DO MORE TO PREVENT FAILURE."
SHE NOTED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SIMPLY THOSE STUDENTS WHO LOST ALL INTEREST IN LEARNING.
"EVEN OUR BETTER STUDENTS MAY NOT BE WELL SERVED BY OUR PRESENT APPROACH TO LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION."
QUOTING FROM THE REPORT, MRS CHEUNG SAID FORM SIXTH STUDENTS, MOST OF WHOM HAD STUDIED THROUGHOUT THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE MEDIUM OF ENGLISH, HAD ENOUGH LANGUAGE SKILLS TO LEARN FACTS, MEMORISE PASSAGES, AND WRITE DOWN SHORT ANSWERS.
"BUT MANY LACK THE HIGHER-ORDER SKILLS NEEDED TO SEE THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG FACTS, TO SYNTHESISE, TO DRAW OUT IMPLICATIONS, TO USE THEIR IMAGINATIONS, AND TO EXPRESS THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES IN CONNECTED WRITING, SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT THE EDUCATION FORUM TODAY WAS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR PROFESSIONALS AND EDUCATORS TO EXCHANGE FRANK VIEWS ON POLICIES AND PRACTICES THAT WERE MOST LIKELY TO GIVE LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE, AND THIS THRIVING COMMUNITY, THE LANGUAGE SKILLS AND THE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES EVERYONE WANTED TO SEE.
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RESPONSE ON DRIVER TRAINING INDUSTRY ♦ * « * »
IN RESPONSE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S STUDY ON THE DRIVER TRAINING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS TODAY (FRIDAY) MADE THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS:
» THERE ARE STRONG PUBLIC INTEREST JUSTIFICATIONS TO PROMOTE SYSTEMATIC OFF-ROAD DRIVER TRAINING, WHICH ARE BENEFICIAL TO ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT.
THE DRIVER TRAINING AND QUALIFYING PROCESSES WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE DUE REGARD TO PREVAILING GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT POLICY, THE DEMAND FOR TRAVEL, AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
* IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE, THE GOVERNMENT POLICY HAS BEEN TO GIVE AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF PREFERENCE TO STUDENTS OF OFFROAD DRIVING SCHOOLS.
/THE OBJECTIVE........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
- 10 -
THE OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING OFF-ROAD DRIVER TRAINING CAN HARDLY BE ACHIEVED IF THE INCENTIVE GRANTED TO STUDENTS OF OFF-ROAD DRIVING SCHOOLS IN THE FORM OF REDUCED WAITING TIME IS ABOLISHED.
* THERE IS ALREADY A REASONABLY LEVEL-PLAYING FIELD FOR PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS AND DRIVING SCHOOLS.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS HAVE BEEN ENJOYING A HIDDEN SUBSIDY BY USING PUBLIC ROADS FREE OF CHARGE WHILE THE GRANTING OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN TERMS OF REDUCED WAITING TIME APPLIES NOT ONLY TO THE STUDENTS OF HONG KONG SCHOOL OF MOTORING (HKSM) BUT ALSO TO STUDENTS OF ANY DRIVING SCHOOLS.
AS THERE IS NO INTENTION TO ALLOW HKSM TO MONOPOLISE THE OFFROAD DRIVER TRAINING MARKET, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SET UP NEW OFF-ROAD DRIVING SCHOOLS.
THE RESULTS SO FAR HAVE NOT BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL AND THIS IS PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF A VARIETY OF FACTORS INCLUDING THE SCARCITY OF LAND IN HONG KONG, THE RELATIVELY HIGH SET-UP COST FOR A DRIVING SCHOOL, STRONG OBJECTIONS FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, PARTICULARLY THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
ONE SUCH EXAMPLE IS THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING SCHOOL AT TSEUNG KWAN O.
* REGARDING CONSUMER PROTECTION, THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE THAT LEARNER DRIVERS DO HAVE A FREE CHOICE BETWEEN LEARNING AT THREE OFFROAD DRIVING SCHOOLS AND FROM PRIVATE DRIVING INSTRUCTORS.
THEY OFFER DIFFERENT PACKAGES IN TERMS OF PRICING, SERVICE, CONVENIENCE, AND COURSE STRUCTURE. THERE IS NO QUESTION OF UNFAIRNESS TO THE CONSUMERS.
NEITHER IS THERE A NEED TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMPETITION.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE DRIVING SCHOOL AND PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS OFFER TWO DIFFERENT MODES OF SERVICE, WITH DIFFERENT FORMS OF INCENTIVES AVAILABLE.
THE INCENTIVE TO DRIVING SCHOOL IS THE RELATIVELY SHORTER WAITING TIME; THE INCENTIVE TO THE PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS IS THE FREE USE OF PUBLIC ROADS FOR DRIVING INSTRUCTION.
* THE GOVERNMENT WILL STUDY THE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS PROPOSED IN THE REPORT IN DETAIL, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION TRANSPORT POLICY, THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT NEEDS OF THE LOCALITY, THE SCARCITY OF SUITABLE LAND RESOURCES FOR DRIVING TRAINING PURPOSES, AND PUBLIC COMMENTS.
/Il .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
11
ONE-WAY GYRATORY TRAFFIC SCHEME IN WONG CHUK HANG t » * » »
A ONE-WAY GYRATORY TRAFFIC SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED IN WONG CHUK HANG TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
THE NEW SCHEME WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY, (JULY 27) UPON THE OPENING OF A NEW ACCESS ROAD LINKING HEUNG YIP ROAD AND POLICE SCHOOL ROAD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, VEHICLES ON WONG CHUK HANG ROAD EASTBOUND, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO NAM LONG SHAN ROAD.
THEY WILL BE DIVERTED TO GO VIA OCEAN PARK ROAD, HEUNG YIP ROAD, THE NEW ACCESS ROAD, POLICE SCHOOL ROAD AND NAM LONG SHAN ROAD.
VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, ON WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WESTBOUND AFTER TURNING INTO NAM LONG SHAN ROAD WILL BE PERMITTED TO TURN LEFT ONLY INTO HEUNG YIP ROAD.
VEHICLES ON WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING TOWARDS NAM LONG SHAN ROAD SOUTH OF HEUNG YIP ROAD SHOULD TAKE EITHER OR THE FOLLOWING ROUTES:
* VIA OCEAN PARK ROAD, HEUNG YIP ROAD, THE NEW ACCESS ROAD, POLICE SCHOOL ROAD AND NAM LONG SHAN ROAD; OR
* VIA NAM LONG SHAN ROAD, HEUNG YIP ROAD, THE NEW ACCESS ROAD, POLICE SCHOOL ROAD AND NAM LONG SHAN ROAD.
THE SIGNALISED JUNCTION AT WONG CHUK HANG ROAD/NAM LONG SHAN ROAD HAS BEEN OPERATING AT CAPACITY AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION FREQUENTLY OCCURS DURING PEAK HOURS.
"WITH THE IMMINENT OPENING OF THE SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE AND THE STAGED COMPLETION OF THE DEVELOPMENTS IN AP LEI CHAU, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THIS JUNCTION IS EXPECTED TO DETERIORATE FURTHER.
"THIS ONE-WAY GYRATORY TRAFFIC SCHEME IS AIMED AT REDUCING THE CONFLICTING MOVEMENTS AT THE JUNCTION AND THUS IMPROVE ITS CAPACITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, A SERIES OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE SAME TIME IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE ONE-WAY GYRATORY SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS, AND APPEALED TO MOTORISTS TO DRIVE WITH CARE.
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
12
YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IMPORTANT ♦ » t ♦ »
PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CAN HELP BROADEN YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIAL NETWORK, ENCOURAGE THEM TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME MEANINGFULLY AND FOSTER THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF CURRENT SOCIAL ISSUES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OF A REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, YOUNG PEOPLE CAN DEVELOP THEIR SENSE OF CIVIC DUTIES AND PREPARE THEMSELVES TO MEET THE CHALLENGES AHEAD,” MR LI SAID.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY, MR LI SAID THE WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP IN JULY 1992 AFTER A SURVEY COMMISSIONED BY THE COMMISSION IN 1991 REVEALED A RELATIVELY LOW LEVEL OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
APART FROM EXPLORING THE REASONS BEHIND THIS PHENOMENON, THE WORKING GROUP HAD ALSO BEEN TASKED TO IDENTIFY WAYS IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE COULD BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF EXISTING CHANNELS OF PARTICIPATION AND WHERE NECESSARY, DEVELOP NEW INITIATIVES FOR PROMOTING YOUTH PARTICIPATION.
TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES, MR LI SAID AN INFORMATION GATHERING EXERCISE HAD BEEN CONDUCTED ON THE LEVEL OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN THE WORK OF THE OFFICES OF DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEMBERS, THE OPERATION OF YOUTH AND YOUTH-RELATED ORGANISATIONS, DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND POLITICAL GROUPS.
INFORMATION ON STUDENTS' PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY CLUBS AND SOCIETIES IN SCHOOLS AS WELL AS FINDINGS OF PREVIOUS RESEARCHES ON THE SUBJECT HAD ALSO BEEN COLLECTED.
"TWO FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WERE ALSO HELD TO SOLICIT YOUNG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON THE INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP,” HE ADDED.
BY YOUTH PARTICIPATION, MR LI EXPLAINED, THEY HAD DEFINED THE TERM AS PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES, OTHER THAN CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THROUGH WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE COULD CULTIVATE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME CONTRIBUTING AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.
TURNING TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS, MR LI HIGHLIGHTED THE PROPOSAL TO FORM A "DISTRICT YOUTH COMMITTEE”.
"WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM SCHOOLS, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES, YOUTH OFFICES AND YOUTH GROUPS FROM WITHIN A DISTRICT, IT IS HOPED THAT IT CAN PROVIDE A FORUM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO YOUTH Hi THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS OTHER ISSUES WHICH ARE OF CONCERN TO THEM.
"DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE INVITED TO CONSIDER SETTING UP SUCH COMMITTEES UNDER THEIR AUSPICES," HE SAID.
/AND THE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
13
AND THE DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE COULD ACT AS A STARTING POINT TO ENHANCE CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES.
ORGANISERS OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAMMES SHOULD ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CHANGING TASTES AND ORIENTATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN DESIGNING PROGRAMMES.
AS TO THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR LI SAID IT COULD BE FURTHER ENHANCED BY STEPPING UP PUBLICITY ON THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY ITS YOUTH OFFICES.
IT COULD ALSO CONSIDER ORGANISING AN AWARD SCHEME, OR EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF PRESENT AWARD SCHEMES FOR OUTSTANDING YOUTH PROGRAMMES, WHICH WAS OPEN TO ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES, YOUTH GROUPS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN HONG KONG, MR LI ADDED.
AS A RECOGNITION OF VOLUNTARY WORK UNDERTAKEN BY YOUNG PEOPLE, THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT TERTIARY INSTITUTES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISES SHOULD CONSIDER DESIGNATING A COLUMN IN THEIR STUDY AND JOB APPLICATION FORMS ON THE APPLICANT’S RECORD OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND CONSIDER TAKING SUCH RECORDS INTO ACCOUNT IN ADMISSION FOR STUDY AND JOBS.
THE COMMISSION WOULD WRITE TO THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, AND EMPLOYER ASSOCIATIONS DRAWING THEIR ATTENTION TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT AND REQUEST THEM TO GIVE FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION TO THEM.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL ALSO BE SENT TO YOUTH GROUPS AND ORGANISATION SUBSCRIBERS TO THE CHARTER FOR YOUTH FOR REFERENCE.
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SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS FOR THE HANDICAPPED
*****
THE DESIGNATION OF 22 SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS FOR THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS MAY APPLY TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, NOT LESS THAN FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE DISTRICT BOARD POLLING DAY ON SEPTEMBER 18, TO VOTE AT THESE SPECIFIED STATIONS, IF NECESSARY.
"UPON APPROVAL, THEY SHALL ONLY BE ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE SPECIFIED POLLING STATION ALLOCATED TO HIM," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE REO ALSO PUBLISHED OTHER NOTICES IN THE GAZETTE TODAY ON THE DESIGNATION OF COUNTING STATIONS.
A TOTAL OF 18 PLACES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED TO BE USED AS COUNTING STATIONS AT THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD AND NEXT YEAR’S URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINARY ELECTIONS.
A NUMBER OF ADDITIONS AND REPLACEMENTS OF THE POLLING STATIONS DESIGNATED WERE ALSO GAZETTED.
A TOTAL OF 442 POLLING STATIONS HAVE NOW BEEN DESIGNATED INSTEAD OF 440 AS GAZETTED ON APRIL 22.
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FR1JAY, JULY 22, 1994
14
RAINSTORM ROUND-UP
*****
VERY HEAVY RAIN HAS BEGUN TO FALL EARLY THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING. AS A RESULT, THE RED RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL WAS HOISTED AT 2.30 AM, LOWERED AT 5.45 AM AND PUT UP AGAIN AT 10.35 AM.
THE HIGHEST RAINFALL INTENSITY WAS 100 MILLIMETRES/HOUR RECORDED AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY BETWEEN 2 AM AND 3 AM. IN GENERAL, HEAVY RAINFALL PREVAILS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE TERRITORY.
A TOTAL OF 101 FLOODING CASES HAVE SO FAR BEEN REPORTED SINCE
3 AM WITH UP THE FOLLOWING DISTRIBUTION:- YUEN LONG 40 NORTH 7 TUEN MUN 9 ' TAI PO 6 SHA TIN 2 SAI KUNG 1 KWAI CHUNG 2 TSUEN WAN 1 KOWLOON 31 HONG KONG ISLAND 1 ISLANDS 1 TILL NOON, 24 LANDSLIPS HAVE BEEN REPORTED.
ONE WOMAN DIED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT DURING THE HEAVY RAIN. A 22-YEAR-OLD FEMALE, LEE WAI-KWAN, WIFE OF A TAXI DRIVER, WHOSE TAXI COLLIDED AGAINST A SLOPE WHEN DRIVING ALONG THE KOWLOON-BOUND LANE OF THE FLOODED CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR TAI HING ESTATE, TUEM MUN, AT 1.35 AM, WAS CERTIFIED DEAD ON ARRIVAL AT THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL AT 2.19 AM.
THERE WAS NO REPORT OF INJURIES SO FAR.
FLOODINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE AFFECTED PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN VARYING DEGREES.
IN YUEN LONG, SOME KMB BUS SERVICES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED WHILE SOME ROUTES IN SHEUNG SHUI, SAI KUNG AND TAI PO HAVE BEEN TRUNCATED AND DIVERTED.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE UPHILL LANE OF MAGAZINE GAP ROAD NEAR MAY ROAD HAS BEEN CLOSED BECAUSE OF LANDSLIP. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE REMAINING LANE IS USED FOR ONE-LANE TWO-WAY OPERATION.
FROM 6.30 AM TO 11.30 AM AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, THE HEAVY RAIN HAS DELAYED SIX DEPARTURE FLIGHTS AND TWO ARRIVAL FLIGHTS AND CAUSED SIX FLIGHTS TO BE DIVERTED.
BECAUSE OF THE HEAVY RAIN, ALL KINDERGARTENS AND SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED TODAY. HOWEVER, ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES, DAY REHABILITATION CENTRES OR ELDERLY SERVICES REMAIN OPEN. PARENTS OR FAMILY MEMBERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE CENTRES TO ARRANGE FOR THE SAFE RETURN OF THEIR CHILDREN, DISABLED OR ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS IF NECESSARY.
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS SO FAR OPENED 28 TEMPORARY SHELTERS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED OF TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION. A TOTAL OF 31 PEOPLE WERE ADMITTED WITH 29 OF THEM STAYING IN SHELTERS IN YUEN LONG AND TWO IN NORTH DISTRICT.
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
15
ROADS AFFECTED BY FLOODING AND LANDSLIDE * * * * *
AS A RESULT OF CONTINUOUS RAINFALL SINCE THE EARLY MORNING, A LARGE NUMBER OF ROADS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY FLOODING OR LANDSLIDE, CAUSING EITHER COMPLETE OR PARTIAL CLOSURE OF THE ROADS AND DIVERSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
UP TO NOW, FLOODING AND LANDSLIDES HAVE AFFECTED ABOUT 50 AREAS, WITH THE MAJORITY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MOST SERIOUSLY AFFECTED LOCATIONS INCLUDE AU TAU NEAR YUEN LONG, SAI SHA ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR CHING CHEUNG ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD AND MAGAZINE GAP ROAD.
IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT THE SITUATION ON THESE ROADS WILL IMPROVE IN THE AFTERNOON, ALTHOUGH EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO CLEAR FLOODING AND LANDSLIDES AS WELL AS TO CONTROL AND DIVERT TRAFFIC.
IN ORDER TO AVOID POSSIBLE CHAOTIC SITUATION LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE EVENING RUSH HOURS, EMPLOYERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO RELEASE THEIR STAFF IN STAGES AT THEIR DISCRETION TO AVOID EXCESSIVE OVERCROWDING OF TRANSPORT SERVICES AND ROAD CONGESTION.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO LISTEN TO RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE TRAFFIC SITUATION FROM TIME TO TIME.
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CNTA MONITORING STORM SITUATION *****
SINCE THE HOISTING OF THE LANDSLIP AND RED RAINSTORM WARNINGS EARLY THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS THROWN OPEN 31 SHELTERS TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE AFFECTED BY THE RAINSTORM.
UP TO 5 PM, A TOTAL OF 120 PEOPLE HAVE SOUGHT REFUGE - 73 IN
YUEN LONG, 23 IN THE NORTH DISTRICT AND 24 IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
AN EMERGENCY CENTRE WAS ACTIVATED AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS AT 3 AM SHORTLY AFTER THE DOWNPOUR TO CO-ORDINATE THE WORK OF ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
WIDESPREAD FLOODING WAS REPORTED IN MANY PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, WITH SAP PAT HEUNG, PING SHAN, HA TSUEN AND TAK YUET LAU TSUEN BEING THE WORST AFFECTED.
IN YUEN LONG AND THE NORTH DISTRICT, FOR INSTANCE, WHERE WATER LEVELS OF UP TO TWO METRES WERE RECORDED, TEAMS OF OUTDOOR STAFF WERE DEPLOYED TO RENDER ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND OFFER HELP WHENEVER AND WHEREVER REQUIRED.
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
16
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING BAD WEATHER URGED * * * * »
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED SITE PERSONNEL AND WORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ON WORKS THAT MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY PROLONGED RAIN.
"SPECIAL CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY SLIPPERY AND WET FLOOR, UNSTABLE WORKING PLATFORMS, DETERIORATED SCAFFOLDS, IRRUPTION OF WATER OR DISLODGMENT OF EARTH IN EXCAVATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"CRANES SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITION IS LIKELY TO ENDANGER ITS STABILITY.
"GOOD HOUSE KEEPING, PROPER STACKING OF MATERIALS, SUITABLE PROTECTION OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENTS ARE ALSO NECESSARY DURING BAD WEATHER," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, STABILITY OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND SCAFFOLDS SHOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY WALL-TIES, BALLASTING, LASHING OR GUY ROPES."
HE ALSO URGED SITE PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON SAFETY MEASURES TO WORKERS WHO WERE REQUIRED TO WORK AT HEIGHT.
NOTING THAT THE STABILITY OF LIFTING APPLIANCES, SCAFFOLDS AND EXCAVATIONS MIGHT BE AFFECTED AFTER EXPOSURE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE SPOKESMAN ASKED CONTRACTORS TO ASSIGN COMPETENT PERSONS TO RE- EXAMINE THESE AREAS OF WORK TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE STABLE, SECURE AND SAFE.
UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
WORKERS WHO BREACH THE LAW WILL FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
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NO POSTAL DELIVERY IN YUEN LONG * * » » »
THE POST OFFICE REGRETS THAT BECAUSE OF HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING, THERE WAS NO DELIVERY TODAY (FRIDAY) IN YUEN LONG AND OTHER ISOLATED AEAS IN THE TERRIROTY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID DELIVERY WOULD RESUME AS SOON AS WEATHER PERMITTED.
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/17........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
17
NO SECURITY REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT PREMISES *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON AN ENGLISH NEWSPAPER REPORT TODAY (FRIDAY) CONCERNING A "MAJOR SECURITY REVIEW OF ALL GOVERNMENT PREMISES" FOLLOWING CONCERNS FOR THE SAFETY OF TOP CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR PROPERTY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REPORT WAS INACCURATE AND MISLEADING.
"NO SUCH REVIEW IS PLANNED OR IN PROGRESS."
HE SAID WHAT WAS UNDERWAY WAS A ROUTINE ASSESSMENT BY THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU TO ADVISE WHAT, IF ANY, MINOR IMPROVEMENTS MIGHT BE MADE TO THE SECURITY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS.
AS THIS WAS EXPLAINED TO THE REPORTER BY THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU AND THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY, IT WAS DISAPPOINTING THAT THIS WAS NOT ACCURATELY REPORTED IN THE ARTICLE, HE SAID.
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FRENCH BANK GRANTED LICENCE *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT BANQUE FRANCAISE DU COMMERCE EXTERIEUR (BFCE) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
BFCE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1947. IT IS THE 14TH LARGEST BANK IN FRANCE AND RANKED 322ND IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.
IT HAS 27 LOCAL BRANCHES IN FRANCE AND AN OVERSEAS NETWORK OF FOUR BRANCHES AND 15 REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES.
IN HONG KONG, BFCE HAS BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE 1985.
THE BANK INTENDS TO UPGRADE THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TO A BRANCH TO STRENGTHEN ITS PRESENCE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION AND PLAY A MORE ACTIVE BANKING ROLE IN THE VARIOUS GROWING ECONOMIES IN THE REGION.
THE PROPOSED BRANCH WOULD ALSO SERVE AS THE BANK’S REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS FOR ITS NORTH EAST ASIA OPERATIONS.
THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE PROPOSED HONG KONG BRANCH WILL INCLUDE LOAN SYNDICATION, CORPORATE FINANCE, TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCE, AND MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.
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 BFCE IS THE EIGHTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED IN 1994.
THERE ARE NOW 179 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 147 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY. OF THESE, NINE ARE FROM FRANCE.
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/18........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
18
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT POK FU LAM OUTLINE ZONING PLAN t » » » «
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT POK FU LAM OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE MAJOR AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN (NO. S/H10/4) IS TO REZONE FIVE "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" SITES TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C>".
THESE INCLUDE A SITE IN SANDY BAY THAT IS BOUNDED BY SHA WAN DRIVE AND VICTORIA ROAD, BAGUIO VILLA AT VICTORIA ROAD, A SITE AT WATERFALL BAY, A SITE TO THE SOUTH OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AT POK FU LAM ROAD AND A SITE NORTH OF POK FU LAM VILLAGE.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THESE SITES ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF THREE AND SITE COVERAGE OF 15 OR THOSE OF THE EXISTING BUILDING, WHICHEVER IS THE GREATER.
TO PRESERVE THE LOCAL CHARACTER AND AMENITY AS WELL AS NOT TO OVERLOAD THE LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPACITIES, A SITE BOUNDED BY VICTORIA ROAD AND MOUNT DAVIS ROAD HAS BEEN REZONED FROM "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C) 3".
IN THIS ZONE, DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM OF THREE STOREYS INCLUDING CARPORTS.
A SITE SOUTH OF EBENEZER HOME FOR THE BLIND AT POK FU LAM ROAD HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED FROM "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)” TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C) 6" TO PRESERVE THE PUBLIC VIEWS, AMENITY AND ENVIRONMENT.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SITE ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM OF 12 STOREYS IN ADDITION TO ONE STOREY OF CARPORTS AND A MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF 137 METERS.
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE REZONING A SITE AT WAH FU ROAD FROM "COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)" TO PRESERVE THE PREDOMINANTLY RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER OF THE AREA; AND REZONING A SITE BOUNDED BY VICTORIA ROAD AND SANDY BAY ROAD FROM "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" TO FACILITATE A SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/H10/5) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL AUGUST 11 AT :
» PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING,
GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; » HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE.
77 LEIGHTON ROAD,
CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG; AND « SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
19
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 11.
COPIES OF THE 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, KOWLOON.
---------------o------- VEHICULAR RAMP TO OCEAN TERMINAL *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE WHARF PROPERTIES LIMITED A SHORT TERN TENANCY TO CONSTRUCT A RAMP STRUCTURE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,000 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AN ) SEA-BED ADJOINING OCEAN TERMINAL, KOWLOON.
THIS IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-WAY SPIRAL PUBLIC VEHICULAR RAMP TO CONNECT OCEAN TERMINAL AND OCEAN CENTRE PRAYA ROAD.
THE WORK WILL START THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT MAY NEXT YEAR.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO BELIEVES THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO CLAIM COMPENSATION BEFORE OR ON JULY 22, 1995.
HE SHOULD STATE THE SUM OF MONEY HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
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MARINE WORKS AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND * * H * »
THE GOVERNMENT WILL DREDGE AND RECLAIM ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF LAND AND CONSTRUCT ABOUT 2,100 METRES OF SEAWALLS AND BREAKWATERS AT THE SOUTH SHORE OF STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
THE WORK, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 80.65 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED, IS TO PROVIDE BERTHING AND LAND FACILITIES AS PART OF THE AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE LANDS REACHED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON JUNE 30, 1994.
IT WILL START IN NOVEMBER ’.994 AND WILL BE FINISHED IN 1997.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE NOTICE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
20
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, WEST COAST INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 290-296 UN CHAU STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON AND AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, KWAJ HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDINGS, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1994.
HE SHOULD DESCRIBE HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
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CONSTRUCTION OF PIER AT KAU SAI CHAU » » * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSTRUCT A PIER COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 320 SQUARE METRES ON THE NORTHWESTERN SHORELINE OF KAU SAI CHAU IN SAI KUNG TO SERVE THE PROPOSED PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE.
THE WORK WILL AFFECT SOME 8,500 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED, AND WILL START LATER THIS MONTH TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MARCH.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO FEELS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER SUCH FORESHORE AND SEA-BED THAT WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE UNDERTAKING MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE JULY 22 OF NEXT YEAR.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS CLAIM THE SUM OF MONEY HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
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/21 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
21
ROADS TO BE RESUMED AND RECONSTRUCTED
* * » » *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED THE RESUMPTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THREE ROADS IN WAN CHAI AND CENTRAL.
CHUNG WO LANE IN CENTRAL AND CHI SHING LANE IN WAN CHAI ARE NOW UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP AND ARE NOT PROPERLY MANAGED OR MAINTAINED.
AS A RESULT, THEY ARE IN POOR REPAIR AND PARTLY OCCUPIED BY STALLS THAT OBSTRUCT PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, GIVING RISE TO CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.
THE PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION WORKS WHICH INVOLVE THE REPAIR OF THE DEFECTIVE FOOTPATH AND DRAINS WITHIN CHUNG WO LANE AND CHI SHING LANE ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER 1995.
ALSO IN WAN CHAI, THE PART OF PATERSON STREET FROM NO. 27 TO NO. 51 WILL BE RESUMED. RECONSTRUCTION WORK WILL INVOLVE THE REPAIR OF THE DEFECTIVE FOOTPATH, CARRIAGEWAY AND DRAINS WITHIN THIS PART OF PATERSON STREET.
UPON RESUMPTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THESE ROADS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL THEREAFTER MANAGE AND MAINTAIN THE ROAD AND DRAINS TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
------0-------
BOUNDARY OF TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK TO BE REVISED
* » * » »
THE BOUNDARY OF THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK WILL BE REVISED TO ENABLE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK SECTION (CPS) AND TO IMPLEMENT PLANS TO ENLARGE THE COUNTRY PARK TO COVER THE TAI TONG AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID PART OF THE ROUTE 3 CPS WOULD ENCROACH UPON 1.8 HECTARES OF COUNTRY PARK LAND NEAR MA ON KONG.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS AT PRESENT COVERED BY LOW SHRUBS AND IS NOT A POPULAR PLACE FOR COUNTRY PARK VISITORS.
ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE COUNTRY PARK AREAS IS EXPECTED TO BE IMPROVED. IN ADDITION, A PUBLIC CAR PARK WILL BE PROVIDED AT MA ON KONG.
THE PROPOSED EXCISION WILL HAVE NO MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS. MITIGATION MEASURES WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO MINIMISE ANY POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
IN RECOMMENDING THE EXCISION OF THIS AREA FROM THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK, THE GOVERNMENT HAD IDENTIFIED A WOODLAND COVERING ABOUT 4.5 HECTARES NEARBY TO BE INCLUDED INTO THE COUNTRY PARK TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOSS OF COUNTRY PARK LAND.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PLANS TO EXTEND THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK AT TAI TONG AREA TO COVER 38 HECTARES OF LAND TO MEET RECRETATIONAL NEEDS IN THE AREA.
/THE AREA .......
22
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
THE AREA TO BE EXTENDED IS FORMERLY A BORROWED AREA. SUCCESSFUL AFFORESTATION WORKS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT AND VARIOUS FACILITIES INCLUDING BARBECUE SITES, PICNIC SITES, NATURE EDUCATION TRAIL, TREE WALK, VIEWING POINTS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
FURTHERMORE, A MANAGEMENT CENTRE, A TREE NURSERY AND A WORKSHOP HAVE ALSO BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE AREA MAKING IT A POPULAR RECREATIONAL PLACE.
THE EXTENSION OF COUNTRY PARK INTO THIS AREA WOULD BRING THE REHABILITATED AREA UNDER FORMAL PROTECTION AND CONTROL OF THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK MAP IS GAZETTED TODAY.
COPIES OF DRAFT MAP WITH THE NEW BOUNDARY ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE AT THE LAND REGISTRY, 18TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG; SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE.
THE DRAFT MAP IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, 12TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT MAP ARE OBTAINABLE AT $25 EACH FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY THE DRAFT MAP MAY SEND IN THEIR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING WITHIN 60 DAYS TO THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY AND TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD STATING THE NATURE OF AND REASONS FOR THE OBJECTION AND PROPOSED ALTERATION IF THE OBJECTION COULD BE REMOVED BY AN ALTERATION TO THE DRAFT MAP.
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AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT STANLEY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ANNOUNCED * * t * »
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT STANLEY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
TO PRESERVE THE LOW DENSITY CHARACTER OF THE AREA, AVOID OVERLOADING THE INFRASTRUCTURAL CAPACITY AND TO ALLOW FOR AN ORDERLY REDEVELOPMENT, THE LAYOUT OF THE STANLEY CENTRAL BAZAAR AREA HAS BEEN REZONED FROM "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUT1ON/COMMUNITY" AND "COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL” TO "COMMERCIAL (GROUP 1)" AND "OPEN SPACE".
TWO SITES NORTH OF STANLEY MAIN STREET AND STANLEY MARKET ROAD HAVE ALSO BEEN REZONED FROM "COMMERCTAL/RESDENTIAL" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)".
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO BUILD A LOOP ROAD AROUND THE BAZAAR AREA TO ALLEVIATE THE TRAFFIC PROBLEM OF THE STANLEY OLD TOWN AREA.
THE STANLEY VILLAGE AREA HAS BEEN REZONED TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)2". COMMERCIAL USES ON FLOORS OTHER THAN THE GROUND FLOOR WILL REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD.
f
/THE INTERNAL.....
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
23
THE INTERNAL STREETS OF THE AREA WILL BE PEDESTRIANISED TO ENHANCE THE EXISTING CHARACTER AS A SHOPPING AREA.
MEANWHILE, A NEW RECLAMATION AREA AT STANLEY BAY HAS BEEN ZONED "OPEN SPACE" TO PROVIDE A WATGERFRONT PROMENADE AND A MINI-SOCCER PITCH.
TO ALLEVIATE THE PARKING AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS IN STANLEY, THE EXISTING STANLEY BUS TERMINUS AREA HAS BEEN RESERVED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FOUR-STOREY PUBLIC CAR PARK.
A SITE TO THE SOUTH OF ST STEPHEN’S COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL AT ST STEPHEN’S BEACH HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED FROM "GREEN BELT" TO "GOVERFNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" TO PROVIDE CAR PARKING SPACES FOR BEACH-GOERS.
IT IS PROPOSED TO LINK UP THE STANLEY LINK ROAD WITH HOI FUNG PATH TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
OPPORTUNITIES HAVE ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO REZONE THL COASTAL STRIP AT STANLEY AND CHUNG HOM KOK TO "COASTAL PROTECTION AREA” IN ORDER TO ENHANCE CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE EXISTING FOOTBALL PITCH AND MARKET AT THE JUNCTION OF STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD AND STANLEY MARKET ROAD HAVE BEEN REZONED FROM "OPEN SPACE" AND "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" TO "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED "URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX" TO ALLOW FOR THE PROVISION OF MARKET, LIBRARY AND INDOOR GAMES HALL.
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE REZONING OF AN AREA OF MA HANG TO "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA" AND "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED "PIER" TO ALLOW FOR THE MA HANG PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT, A SITE SOUTH OF MA HANG HEADLAND TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" FOR A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION AND A STRIP OF LAND AT THE SOUTH-WEST OF MA HANG HEADLAND TO "OPEN SPACE".
THE SHUI SIN TEMPLE HAS BEEN REZONED TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" AND THE STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT CEMETERY SOUTH OF ST STEPHEN’S BEACH HAVE BEEN REZONED TO "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ANNOTATED "CEMETERY" TO REFLECT EXISTING USES.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/H19/4) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL SEPTEMBER 21, DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS AT:-
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE 1 1TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG; AND
» SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
24
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 21, 1994.
■ COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0-------
TWO LOTS FOR SALE
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND NEXT TUESDAY (JULY 26).
THE PUBLIC AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE FIRST LOT IS VACATED IN AREA 30, TAI PO, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 23,800 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 2, TAI PO KAU HUI, TAI PO, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,114 SQUARE METRES FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.
A
PRESS AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED
TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
---------0-----------
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY AT TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA
*****
THE ROVING EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG'S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME THAT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY HELD IN WONG TAI SIN, QUARRY BAY, CENTRAL, TSIM SHA TSUI AND HUNG HOM WILL MOVE TO THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10.30 AM TO 8 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM THE NEXT DAY (SUNDAY).
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW HONG KONG HAS TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
/PANELS WITF^',
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
- 25 -
PANELS WITH CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE PUT UP, SHOWING THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW .AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS -ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, CIVIL ENGINEERING, DRAINAGE SERVICES, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, HIGHWAYS, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES.
SHORT FILMS WILL BE SHOWN ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING NEW TOWNS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS IS A SET OF FIVE PANORAM IC-VH-W PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE CHANGES TO THE SKYLINE OF KOWLOON PENINSULA AND HONG KONG ISLAND OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON THE FIRST FLOOR, TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWONG HON-SANG; THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT; AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO (OVER THE CEREMONY.
- - 0----------
/26 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
- 26 -
FIRING PRACTICE IN AUGUST *****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN RANGE ON 22 DAYS NEXT MONTH. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN HOISTED. - CASTLE RED FLAGS PEAK ARE
• THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE ARE:
DATE TIME
AUGUST 1 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 2 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 3 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 4 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 5 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 6 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 8 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 PM
AUGUST 9 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 PM
AUGUST 11 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 PM
AUGUST 12 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 15 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 16 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 17 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 18 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 19 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 20 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 22 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 23 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 24 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 25 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
AUGUST 26 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
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/27........
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1994
27
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,659 0930 -143
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,856 1000 -93
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -143
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -143 1200 -143
LAF TODAY + 340 1500 -143
1600 -143
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.0 *♦0.3» 22.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.05 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.08 5.74
1 MONTH 4.09 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.46 6.17
3 MONTHS 4.31 27 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.40 6.51
6 MONTHS 4.67 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.50 6.68
12 MONTHS 5.36 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.61 6.82
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,118 MN
CLOSED 22 JULY 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME WILL ENSURE HAPPY AND SECURE RETIREMENT ................................................... 1
DOWNPOUR AFFECTS BUSINESS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES .............. 1
BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING LOWERED .............................. 3
APPLICATION FOR GRANT AND ALLOWANCE FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS ...................................................... 3
PREVENTION AGAINST CHOLERA ................................... 4
DELEGATES AT MANILA REHABILITATION CONFERENCE ................ 5
POSTER ON BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS ................................ 5
CONTESTS TO PROMOTE HISTORICAL HERITAGE ...................... 6
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1994
OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME WILL ENSURE HAPPY AND SECURE RETIREMENT ♦ * * * »
THE MAIN THRUST OF THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME (OPS) IS TO ENSURE A HAPPY AND SECURE RETIREMENT FOR THE ELDERLY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, HISS CHRISTINE CHOW, SAID TONIGHT (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE LIONS CLUB DISTRICT 303, MISS CHOW SAID THE SCHEME WOULD PROVIDE IMMEDIATE CASH BENEFITS TO ALL ELIGIBLE CITIZENS AGED 65 AND OVER AND WHO HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS.
THE SCHEME, SHE BELIEVES, WOULD BEST MEET AND SUIT THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE INCLUDING HOUSEWIVES, LOW INCOME WORKERS AND RETIREES.
DURING THEIR WORKING YEARS, THESE PEOPLE HAVE WILLINGLY CONTRIBUTED TO THEIR FAMILIES AS WELL AS TO SOCIETY AND IN RECOGNITION OF THIS, MISS CHOW SAID A PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY SUCH AS HONG KONG COULD WELL AFFORD TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THEY LEAD A DIGNIFIED LIFE IN THEIR OLD AGE.
’’AND, AS YOU ARE ALL AWARE, TAKING CARE OF OUR ELDERLY IS DEEPLY ROOTED IN OUR CULTURE AND TRADITION.”
IN STRESSING THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THE SCHEME, MISS CHOW POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO AN ANNUAL CASH CONTRIBUTION OF ABOUT 30 PER CENT, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD FORGO TAXES ON EMPLOYERS’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TUNE OF SOMETHING LIKE $0.8 BILLION A YEAR.
FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH THE PROPOSED . SCHEME WITH A START-UP FUND OF $10 BILLION.
”IN OTHER WORDS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BEAR SOME 35 PER CENT TO 40 PER CENT OF THE COST OF THE OPS,” SHE SAID.
IN THIS CONNECTION, SHE ALSO REFERRED TO PROJECTIONS BY CONSULTANTS WHICH SHOWED THAT THE CONTRIBUTION RATE OF 1.5 PER CENT SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR THE LEVEL OF BENEFITS PROPOSED WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
MISS CHOW ALSO CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE LIONS CLUB TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED SCHEME.
------0-------
DOWNPOUR AFFECTS BUSINESS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
*****
BECAUSE OF THE CONTINUOUS DOWNPOUR OVERNIGHT, THE BLACK RAIN
STORM WARNING WAS HOISTED AT 5.50 AM THIS MORNING (SATURDAY),
AFFECTING NORMAL BUSINESS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES IN THE TERRITORY.
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ANNOUNCED THAT BANKS WOULD
BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC BECAUSE OF THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
/THERE WOULD .......
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1994
2
THERE WOULD BE NO SITTINGS IN ALL HONG KONG COURTS TODAY. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE DUE TO ATTEND COURTS SHOULD DO SO AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY.
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IMMIGRATION SERVICES AT HEADQURTERS, BRANCH OFFICES, REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES AND BIRTH, DEATH AND MARRIAGE REGISTRIES HAVE BEEN TEMPORARY SUSPENDED.
IF THE BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING IS CANCELLED LATER IN THE DAY, SERVICES AT THE MARRIAGE REGISTRIES WILL BE RESUMED TWO HOURS THEREAFTER.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED THAT ALL GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND OTHER DAY CLINICS HAD BEEN CLOSED EXCEPT SIX METHALDONE CLINICS.
SERVICES AT ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES, DAY REHABILITATION AND ELDERLY SERVICES CENTRES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS OPENED 29 TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND 63 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ADMITTED SO FAR TODAY.
BETWEEN 4 AM AND 6 AM TODAY MORE THAN 100 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED OVER HONG KONG ISLAND. DURING THE PAST 36 HOURS, OVER 400 MM WERE RECORDED OVER THE TERRITORY.
THERE WERE 21 CASES OF FLOODING REPORTED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 8AM TODAY IN ADDITION TO THE 336 CASES RECORDED YESTERDAY, MAKING A TOTAL OF 357 CASES.
* THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 63 LANDSLIPS SINCE 3 AM YESTERDAY (FRIDAY). ONLY ONE WAS RECORDED THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING AT LOWER SAU MAU PING TSAI VILLAGE WHERE A RETAINING WALL COLLAPSED.
A NUMBER OF ROADS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY FLOODING AND LANDSLIPS CAUSING EITHER COMPLETE OR PARTIAL CLOSURE AND DIVERSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTS SERVICES.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, ONE LANE AT MAGAZINE GAP ROAD JUNCTION HAS BEEN OPENED; VICTORIA ROAD NEAR GOVERNMENT KENNEL IS USED FOR LONE-LANE TWO-WAY OPERATIONS; POK FU LAM ROAD NEAR POKFIELD ROAD HAS BEEN MADE TWO WAY-TWO LANE OPERATION AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD OUTSIDE MING WAH BUILDING HAS BEEN CLOSED.
ON KOWLOON SIDE, PING CHI STREET, A SLIP ROAD OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD OUTSIDE TVB AND HAU MAN STREET IN Of MAN ESTATE HAVE BEEN CLOSED.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR GREENVIEW TERRACE AND SAI SHA ROAD NEAR KEI LING HAR ARE BOTH ON ONE-WAY TWO-LANE OPERATION. LAU FAU SHAN DEEP BAY ROAD AND KWI FUK ROAD ARE BOTH CLOSED.
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/3.........
3
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1994
BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING LOWERED
* * ♦ * *
THE BLACK RAIN STORM WARNING WARNING WHICH HAD BEEN HOISTED SINCE 5.50 AM TODAY (SATURDAY) WAS LOWERED AT 10.50 AM FOLLOWING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WEATHER CONDITION.
THE FLOOD WARNING WAS ALSO LOWERED AT 12.15 PM. SINCE THE HOISTING OF THE FLOOD WARNING AT 3 AM YESTERDAY (FRIDAY), A TOTAL OF 378 CASES OF FLOODING HAVE BEEN REPORTED, WITH 42 OF THEM RECORDED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 11 AM TODAY.
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 82 LANDSLIP CASES SINCE 3 PM YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) TILL NOON TODAY.
MARRIAGE SERVICE AT TSIM SHA TSUI MARRIAGE REGISTRY AND COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL RESUME NORMAL AT 2 PM, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE 30 TEMPORARY SHELTERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OPENED FOR PEOPLE IN NEED ARE ACCOMMODATING 56 PEOPLE.
------0-------
APPLICATION FOR GRANT AND ALLOWANCE FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS *****
APPLICATION FOR CAPITAL GRANT AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE UNDER THE REVISED LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME SHOULD BE MADE BY DECEMBER 31, 1994, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THESE APPLICATIONS WOULD COVER ALL EXPANDED PARTS OF PROHIBITION AREAS 3-9 AND 9A, CONTROL AREAS 10, 12, 13 AND 14, AND RESTRICTION AREAS 10R, HR, PART OF 13R AND 14R.
THE AREAS COVERED INCLUDE NEW TOWNS, PART OF LANTAU ISLAND, PART OF OUTLYING ISLANDS, UPPER SHAM CHUN (SHENZHEN) RIVER AREA, LIU TO VILLAGE AND ENVIRONS, TAI LAM CHUNG, RIVER INDUS AREA, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR EDDIE LUI SAID: ’’LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THESE AREAS WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE SCHEME ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
’’THOSE WHO WISH TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS CAN APPLY FOR CAPITAL GRANTS AND LOW INTEREST LOAN TO COVER THE COST OF POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT, WHILE THOSE WHO PREFER TO CEASE BUSINESS CAN APPLY FOR AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
’’BOTH FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAVE BEEN INCREASED RECENTLY," MR LUI SAID.
LETTERS INVITING FARMERS TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAVE BEEN SENT. AFFECTED FARMERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE LETTERS SHOULD CONTACT EPD’S LOCAL CONTROL OFFICE (TERRITORY NORTH) ON TEL 685 1111.
/MR LUI ........
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1994
4
MR LUI ALSO REMINDED LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THESE AREAS TO RETAIN RELEVANT DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF THEIR FARMING ACTIVITIES (FOR EXAMPLE, RECEIPTS FOR PURCHASE OF FEEDSTUFF OR INVOICES FOR SALE OF LIVESTOCK) IF THEY WISH TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
DETAILED PLANS OF THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LAND REGISTRY AND THE DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL CONTROL OFFICES FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
------------0------- PREVENTION AGAINST CHOLERA *****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE VIGILANT ON THE PREVENTION OF CHOLER/X IN THE SUMMER MONTHS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH (PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES), DR CHAN WAI-MAN, SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT ON THE PREVENTION OF CHOLERA EVEN THOUGH NO NEW CHOLERA CASE WAS REPORTED SINCE JULY 10.
DR CHAN SAID: "FOOD-BORNE DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, VIRAL HEPATITIS A, DYSENTRY, AND TYPHOID ARE COMMON IN THE SUMMER AS A RESULT OF EATING UNCLEAN OR CONTAMINATED FOOD, OR DRINKING CONTAMINATED WATER.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO PATRONISE ILLEGAL HAWKERS AND UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES AS THEIR FOOD MAY BE UNCLEAN AND MAY POSE A SERIOUS RISK TO HEALTH," SHE SAID.
DR CHAN ADVISED: "THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO PREVENT CHOLERA AND OTHER GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES IS TO OBSERVE THE THREE CARDINAL RULES: FOOD, PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
"HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD ALSO KEEP AN EYE ON FOOD HYGIENE WHILE TRAVELLING ABROAD AS THEY CAN MINIMISE THE CHANCE OF CONTRACTING COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA AND HEPATITIS A," SHE SAID.
DR CHAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD STEPPED UP THE PROVISION OF HEALTH EDUCATION ON CHOLERA TO THE PUBLIC.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL GET FOOD HYGIENE AND HEALTHY TRAVELLERS MESSAGES THROUGH TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENT^.
THEY CAN ALSO DIAL THE HEALTH HOTLINE 833 0111 AND LISTEN TO A PRE-RECORDED CHINESE MINI-DRAMA MESSAGE ON CHOLERA.
HEALTH TALKS ON CHOLERA ARE ALSO PROVIDED AT MOST OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES AND GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINCIS.
NOTING THAT THERE ARE STILL PLACES AVAILABLE IN NINE FOOD HYGIENE SEMINARS ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY THIS SUMMER, DR CHAN URGED WORKERS IN THE FOOD BUSINESS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY AS ADMISSION IS FREE.
/ENQUIRIES FROM .......
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1994
5
ENQUIRIES FROM THE FOOD TRADE ON THE SEMINARS CAN BE MADE TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ON TEL 787 1229.
DR CHAN SAID ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN PROVIDING HEALTH MESSAGES ON THE PREVENTION OF CHOLERA TO THEIR CLIENTS OR EMPLOYEES COULD CONTACT THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ON TEL 572 1476 TO OBTAIN VIDEO AND PRINTED MATERIALS ON THE DISEASE.
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DELEGATES AT MANILA REHABILITATION CONFERENCE
* » » * »
A 20-MEMBER HONG KONG DELEGATION ATTENDED THE MANILA CONFERENCE ’’CAMPAIGN '94 ON THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC DECADE OF DISABLED PERSONS” WHICH ENDED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, MR FIDEL V RAMOS, THE CONFERENCE AIMS TO PROMOTE THE OBSERVANCE OF THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC DECADE OF DISABLED PERSONS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGENDA FOR ACTION FOR THE DECADE.
DELEGATES FROM HONG KONG INCLUDED THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN, THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR ALLAN CHOW, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, MS MARIA WAN, AND THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL (ASIA AND THE PACIFIC), MR PETER CHAN.
AT THE CONFERENCE, MR PETER CHAN AND CORE MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION PRESENTED THE PRESIDENT WITH A PUBLICATION COMMEMORATING THE LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS IN HONG KONG IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
’’THE DOCUMENT TESTIFIES TO THE CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN ACHIEVING FULL PARTICIPATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES,” THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ANTHONY CHAN, SAID.
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POSTER ON BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS *****
COPIES OF POSTER ADVISING WELFARE RECIPIENTS TO BE BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS HAVE BEEN POSTED AT ALL THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S (SWD) SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.
THE POSTER, HEADLINED "BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS! GUARD AGAINST TRAP!”, HAS BEEN REPRINTED AND POSTED UP BY THE DEPARTMENT TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID IT HAD BEEN FOUND THAT ELDERLY CUSTOMERS RECEIVING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT COULD EASILY FALL PREY TO IMPOSTERS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
"WE URGE THEM TO BE ON GUARD AND BE WARY OF TRICKSTERS. THEY SHOULD CHECK FOR THE DEPARTMENTAL IDENTITY CARDS OF VISITORS WHO CLAIMED TO BE SWD STAFF," HE SAID.
/HE REITERATED
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1994
HE REITERATED THAT THE SERVICES IN MAKING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS WERE ENTIRELY FREE OF CHARGE AND ANY DEMANDS FOR MONEY FROM PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE SWD STAFF SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OR THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION.
’’THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE NEAREST SOCIAL SECUIRTY FIELD UNIT OR THE SWD HOTLINE 343 2255 WHEN IN DOUBT,” HE CONCLUDED.
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CONTESTS TO PROMOTE HISTORICAL HERITAGE ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF CONTESTS TO ENHANCE AWARENESS ON THE NEED TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE HISTORICAL HERITAGE IN SHA TIN DISTRICT.
ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COORDINATING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE LORD WILSON HERITAGE TRUST, THEY INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION, A MODEL-MAKING CONTEST AND A QUIZ.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHA TIN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN.
ALL WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AND TROPHIES. ENTRY IS FREE.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE CONTESTS IS AUGUST 20. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON TEL 604 8078 EXT 33.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
• ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR CONDOLES FAMILIES OF LANDSLIDE VICTIMS 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION ... 2
SHENZHEN TO DISCHARGE WATER FROM RESERVOIR ............... 2
INCLEMENT WEATHER BRINGS LANDSLIPS AND FLOODING .......... 3
18 PROSECUTED FOR UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS .............. 4
EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLY WITH SAFETY LAWS.................... 4
NEW VIDEO TAPES TO PROMOTE PROPER BUILDING MANAGEMENT . 5
1
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1994
DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR CONDOLES FAMILIES OF LANDSLIDE VICTIMS *****
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING EXPRESSED HER DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO UNFORTUNATELY DIED IN THE SMITHFIELD LANDSLIDE WHICH OCCURRED LATE YESTERDAY, AND TO THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY HOSPITALISED BECAUSE OF THIS TRAGIC EVENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HER VISIT TO THE LANDSLIDE SITE AND TO THE NEARBY TEMPORARY SHELTERS FOR AFFECTED RESIDENTS, MRS CHAN SAID: "EVERYBODY HAS BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO TRY AND RESCUE AS MANY AS POSSIBLE FROM THE LANDSLIDE BUT THAT OPERATION WAS STOPPED EARLY THIS MORNING.
"I THINK, UNFORTUNATELY, THE CHANCES OF FINDING ANYBODY STILL ALIVE, BURIED UNDER THE MUD, IS PROBABLY VERY VERY SLIM. AND IT’S NOT, AT THE MOMENT, SAFE TO CONTINUE THE DIGGING."
SHE SAID THE EXPERT HAD HAD A LOOK AT THE BLOCKS CONCERNED AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER TOMORROW MORNING FOR BLOCKS C AND D BECAUSE THESE TWO BUILDINGS WERE AT RISK.
"FOR RESIDENTS OF BLOCKS A AND B WHICH ARE CONSIDERED SAFE, THEY WILL BE ALLOWED BACK INTO THEIR FLATS LATER TODAY AND THE POLICE WILL ARRANGE FOR THIS," MRS CHAN SAID.
"AS SOON AS WE’VE APPLIED FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER TOMORROW AND ASSUMING THAT IT WILL BE A LITTLE WHILE BEFORE WE CAN DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS SAFE TO RE-OPEN THESE TWO BLOCKS, THE RESIDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED BACK INTO THEIR FLATS TO COLLECT THEIR BELONGINGS UNDER POLICE ESCORT."
SHE URGED PEOPLE CONCERNED, BOTH THE AFFECTED RESIDENTS AND OTHERS, TO CO-OPERATE FULLY WITH THE POLICE ON THESE ARRANGEMENTS.
ON REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AFFECTED RESIDENTS, MRS CHAN SAID ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE HOUSING SOCIETY AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WERE WORKING TOGETHER TO TRY AND PROVIDE TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION.
"I AM INFORMED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY THAT FOR THOSE RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE CLOSURE OF BLOCKS C AND D, THE HOUSING SOCIETY WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION IN VACANT BLOCKS THAT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE IN HAND," SHE SAID.
"THEY ARE ALSO IN DISCUSSION WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO SEE WHETHER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CAN TAKE THOSE WHOM THE HOUSING SOCIETY CANNOT TAKE.
"AND IF AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE’S NOT SUFFICIENT, THEN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL OBVIOUSLY DO THEIR VERY BEST TO TRY AND FIND TEMPORARY SHELTERS."
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/2........
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1994
2
TRANSCRIPT OF THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AFTER HER VISIT TO THE SMITHFIELD LANDSLIDE SITE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING:-
MRS CHAN: GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. I’LL SAY IT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO, YOU KNOW, BE WORRIED. FIRST OF ALL, I THINK WE ARE ALL VERY SADDENED BY THIS VERY TRAGIC EVENT THAT HAPPENED LATE YESTERDAY. EVERYBODY HAS BEEN WORKING VERY HARD TO TRY AND RESCUE AS MANY AS POSSIBLE FROM THE LANDSLIDE BUT THAT OPERATION WAS STOPPED EARLY THIS MORNING. I THINK, UNFORTUNATELY, THE CHANCES OF FINDING ANYBODY STILL ALIVE, BURIED UNDER THE MUD, IS PROBABLY VERY VERY SLIM. AND IT’S NOT, AT THE MOMENT, SAFE TO CONTINUE THE DIGGING.
THE EXPERTS HAVE HAD A LOOK AT THE BLOCKS CONCERNED AND WE WILL BE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER TOMORROW MORNING FOR BLOCKS C AND D BECAUSE THESE TWO BUILDINGS ARE AT RISK. FOR RESIDENTS OF BLOCKS A AND B WHICH ARE CONSIDERED SAFE, THEY WILL BE ALLOWED BACK INTO THEIR FLATS LATER TODAY AND THE POLICE WILL ARRANGE FOR THIS. I DO ASK FOR EVERYBODY CONCERNED WITH THIS, BOTH THE RESIDENTS AND OTHERS, TO COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE POLICE. AS SOON AS WE’VE APPLIED FOR THE CLOSURE ORDER TOMORROW AND ASSUMING THAT IT WILL BE A LITTLE WHILE BEFORE WE CAN DETERMINE WHETHER IT IS SAFE TO RE-OPEN THESE TWO BLOCKS, THE RESIDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED BACK INTO THEIR FLATS TO COLLECT THEIR BELONGINGS UNDER POLICE ESCORT. BUT, AGAIN, THE POLICE WILL ARRANGE FOR THIS.
AS YOU CAN SEE, ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE HOUSING SOCIETY AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO TRY AND PROVIDE TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION. I AM INFORMED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY THAT FOR THOSE RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE CLOSURE OF BLOCKS C AND D, THE HOUSING SOCIETY WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION IN VACANT BLOCKS THAT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE IN HAND. THEY ARE ALSO IN DISCUSSION WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO SEE WHETHER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CAN TAKE THOSE WHOM THE HOUSING SOCIETY CANNOT TAKE. AND IF AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE'S NOT SUFFICIENT, THEN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL OBVIOUSLY DO THEIR VERY BEST TO TRY AND FIND TEMPORARY SHELTERS. I’D ALSO, OF COURSE, LIKE TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO UNFORTUNATELY DIED IN THIS ACCIDENT AND TO THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY HOSPITALISED. I HOPE THAT THEY WILL RECOVER VERY SOON.
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SHENZHEN TO DISCHARGE WATER FROM RESERVOIR
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON DISCHARGING WATER FROM SHENZHEN RESERVOIR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"HONG KONG HAS BEEN INFORMED BY THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITY THAT WATER WOULD BE DISCHARGED FROM THE SHENZHEN RESERVOIR FROM ABOUT 9 PM TODAY (SUNDAY).
/"THE GOVERNMENT .......
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1994
3
"THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT EMERGENCY CO-ORDINATION CENTRE (GSECC) HAS INFORMED VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING DISTRICT OFFICE (NORTH), DRAINAGE SERVICES, POLICE, FIRE SERVICES, WATER SUPPLIES AND SOCIAL WELFARE IN ORDER THAT THEY CAN TAKE NECESSRY MEASURES AS APPROPRIATE.
"THE DISTRICT OFFICE (NORTH) IS MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO INFORM LOCAL RESIDENTS OF APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO TAKE."
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INCLEMENT WEATHER BRINGS LANDSLIPS AND FLOODING * » * t »
INCLEMENT WEATHER HAS CONTINUED TO CAUSE LANDSLIPS AND FLOODING IN THE TERRITORY TODAY (SUNDAY).
A TOTAL OF 24 CASES OF LANDSLIPS HAVE BEEN REPORTED UP TO 6 PM, 10 IN HONG KONG, FIVE IN KOWLOON, FIVE IN NEW TERRITORIES AND FOUR IN ISLANDS DISTRICT.
TWO CASES OF FLOODING HAVE BEEN REPORTED FROM YUEN LONG AND NORTH POINT DISTRICTS THIS MORNING WHILE ABOUT 60 AND 100 CASES OF FLOODING REPORTED EARLIER RESPECTIVELY IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE BEING CLEARED BY THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HEAVY RAIN HAS DELAYED FIVE DEPARTURE FLIGHTS AND ONE IN-COMING FLIGHT, AND DIVERTED FOUR FLIGHTS TO OTHER DESTINATIONS.
SERVICES OF 11 BUS ROUTES AND THREE GREEN MINI-BUS ROUTES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.
AT 7 PM, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS OPENED 34 TEMPORARY SHELTERS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED OF TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION. A TOTAL OF 365 PEOPLE ARE STAYING IN THESE SHELTERS WITH 284 IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN, 30 IN YAU TSIM, 19 IN YUEN LONG, 13 IN NORTH DISTRICT, NINE IN SHA TIN, SIX IN MONG KOK AND FOUR IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
RESCUE OPERATION AT THE SCENE OF LANDSLIDE IN SMITHFIELD CEASED THIS MORNING AND RESUMED AT 7 PM. AT PRESENT, 280 AFFECTED RESIDENTS ARE STAYING IN THE URBAN COUNCIL SHEK TONG TSUI COMPLEX INDOOR GAMES HALL.
AFTER THOROUGH INVESTIGATION, BLOCKS A AND B OF KWUN LUNG LAU HAVE BEEN DECLARED SAFE WHILE CLOSURE ORDER FOR BLOCKS C AND D WILL BE APPLIED TOMORROW. THE HOUSING SOCIETY IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION.
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/4 ........
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1994
4
18 PROSECUTED FOR UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS * * * * *
IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS PROSECUTED UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING 18 OFFENDERS IN 15 UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT CASES.
"THIS IS THE RESULT OF THE STEPPING UP OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE NOVEMBER 1993," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT SETS UP AN INTERIM CENTAL ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION SECTION IN LAST NOVEMBER TO STREAMLINE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS.
THOSE WHO HAVE UNDERTAKEN UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS IN DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREAS ARE PROSECUTED IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT NECESSARILY GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS OF SERVING NOTICES. ONCE CONVICTED, OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $100,000.
"THE MAJORITY OF THE 18 OFFENDERS HAD CHANGED AGRICULTURAL LAND FOR OPEN STORAGE OF VEHICLES AND CONTAINERS WITHOUT OBTAINING THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD'S PERMISSION.
"AMONG THEM, 13 HAVE BEEN CONVICTED AND FINED FROM $30,000 TO $90,000. THE REMAINING FIVE WILL TAKE PLEA IN DUE COURSE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROSECUTE OFFENDERS OF UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT GIVING PRIOR WARNING," HE NOTED.
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EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLY WITH SAFETY LAWS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDED EMPLOYEES IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTORS TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY LAWS OTHERWISE THEY ARE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
CITING A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A WORKER WAS FINED $750 FOR BREACHING THE NO-SMOKING REQUIREMENT INSIDE A FACTORY, DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR KAN HON-SANG SAID: "FULL CO-OPERATION AND COMMITMENT OF ALL EMPLOYEES IS THE KEY ELEMENT IN IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING THE STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK."
MR KAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS HAD CLEARLY SPELT OUT THE LEGAL OBLIGATIONS OF PROPRIETORS OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND THOSE WHO WORKED IN THESE PLACES.
"UNDER THE SAFETY LAW, EVERY PROPRIETOR HAS THE DUTY TO PROTECT THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK, SAFE PLANT, NECESSARY TRAINING AND INSTRUCTIONS, AND SUITABLE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT," HE SAID.
"MEANWHILE, AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO TAKE REASONABLE CARE FOR THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF HIMSELF AND OF OTHERS BY CO-OPERATING WITH HIS EMPLOYER IN THE ADOPTION OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND IN THE PROPER USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
/"THE LABOUR
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1994
5 -
"THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ALWAYS COMMITTED TO MINIMISING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL NOT HESITATE TO PROSECUTE ANY WORKER WHO FAILS TO OBSERVE HIS GENERAL DUTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE,” MR KAN SAID.
"PROSECUTION OF A WORKER WILL BE TAKEN OUT WHEN OUR INSPECTORS ARE SATISFIED THAT THE EMPLOYERS HAVE FULFILLED THEIR PART IN MEETING THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS BUT THE EMPLOYEES DO NOT CO-OPERATE OR RESPOND.
"IN FACT, SIX WORKERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THE FIRST-HALF OF 1994, FIVE OF THEM WORKED IN CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THE REMAINING ONE IN A FACTORY," HE ADDED.
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NEW VIDEO TAPES TO PROMOTE PROPER BUILDING MANAGEMENT *****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS ADDED TWO NEW TITLES TO ITS SERIES OF VIDEO FILMS TO PROMOTE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS.
THE FILMS, IN CANTONESE AND ENTITLED "ORGANISATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE" AND "IMPROVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND OWNERS TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT", ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR LOAN FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CNTA SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS (OC) AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MAC) ARE WELCOME TO BORROW THE FILMS.
THREE OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES, NAMELY "THE ROLE OF A CARETAKER", "RECOVERY OF OVERDUE MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER CHARGES" AND "BUILDING INSURANCE" ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CALLED ON OFFICE-BEARERS OF OCS AND MACS TO INTRODUCE THESE FILMS TO RESIDENTS OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
"THESE CAN ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT," HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ON PROCEDURES FOR BORROWING THE TAPES CAN BE MADE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF DISTRICT OFFICES.
MEANWHILE, THE CNTA HAS PUBLISHED A PAMPHLET ON "HOW TO FORM AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT", WHICH SERVES AS A GUIDE TO THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE.
THE PAMPHLETS, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S DOORSTEP INTERVIEW OUTSIDE FCO ....................................................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION OUTSIDE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE .................................... 3
SLOPE STABILISATION WORK IN HAND .......................... 3
GOOD MARKET RESPONSE TO TENDER FOR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES 5
WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING RAINSTORMS URGED ................. 5
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DB ELECTIONS TO START NEXT MONDAY .................................................... 7
PROPOSALS TO AMEND LABOUR LAWS DISCUSSED .................. 7
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR MAY 1994 ... 8
CNTA OFFERING TEMPORARY SHELTERS ......................... 11
SEA TURTLE SPECTACLE FRAMES SEIZED ....................... 11
THREE CAS VOLUNTEERS ATTEND UK MOUNTAIN RESCUE COURSE .... 12
MAIL DELIVERY RESUMES NORMAL ............................. 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................... 13
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS....... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 14
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S DOORSTEP INTERVIEW OUTSIDE FCO
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE DOORSTEP INTERVIEW OF THE GOVERNOR OUTSIDE THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ON JULY 25:
GOVERNOR: I HAVE HAD TWO VERY GOOD MEETINGS WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, WITH MR GOODLAD AND SENIOR OFFICIALS AT WHICH WE HAVE REVIEWED A NUMBER OF ISSUES IN THE LIGHT OF THE SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF OUR BILL ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994 AND 1995.
AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, WE BELIEVE THAT THAT IS NOW DONE. WE HAVE DRAWN A LINE ON THE PAGE AND WE WANT TO GET ON AND SEE AS MUCH CO-OPERATION ACROSS THE BOARD IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AS POSSIBLE. WE, AND THE MINISTERS, WERE VERY PLEASED BY THE AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE LANDS WHICH REPRESENTED THE OUTCOME OF NEARLY SEVEN YEARS OF DIFFICULT DISCUSSION AND NEGOTIATION.
I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND MR GOODLAD ABOUT THE AIRPORT WHERE WE SEEM TO BE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT. THERE ARE STILL ONE OR TWO ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE CRACKED BUT THEY ARE PRETTY SMALL IN COMPARISON WITH SOME OF THE ISSUES ON WHICH I THINK WE HAVE AGREED. I HOPE THAT WE CAN GET AHEAD WITH THAT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
WE WANT TO MAKE PROGRESS ON THE CONTAINER TERMINAL BECAUSE WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT OUR PORT BECOMING TOO CROWDED. WE WANT TO SEE THE PORT DEVELOPED AS SUCCESSFULLY AS POSSIBLE AND THERE IS A RANGE OF JOINT LIAISON GROUP (JLG) ISSUES ON WHICH WE NEED TO MAKE AS RAPID PROGRESS AS POSSIBLE. THERE HAVE BEEN 29 MEETINGS OF THE JLG SO FAR. THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT NINE LEFT AND THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WORK TO DO. WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THAT AS WELL.
I WILL BE SEEING THE PRIME MINISTER LATER ON THIS EVENING AND WILL BE TALKING TO HIM ABOUT A NUMBER OF THESE ISSUES. LATER IN THE WEEK, I AM SEEING THE LABOUR PARTY’S SPOKESMAN, JACK CUNNINGHAM. I AM SEEING PADDY ASHDOWN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE, SO I HAVE A PRETTY FULL PROGRAMME.
QUESTION: WOULD YOU NOMINATE DEMOCRATS INTO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO THANK THEM FOR SUPPORTING YOU?
GOVERNOR: SINCE THE AUTUMN OF 1992, I HAVE SAID THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS RIGHT TO SEPARATE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THIS POINT IN HONG KONG’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT. I SAID ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THAT THAT WAS THE DECISION THAT WE HAD TAKEN FOR THE TIME BEING. I ALSO SAID THAT COME THE AUTUMN OF NEXT YEAR I AM SURE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY WOULD HAVE VIEWS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXCO AND LEGCO. I HAVE SAID THOSE THINGS ON MANY OCCASIONS AND THEY DO NOT REPRESENT ANY SHIFT IN POLICY.
QUESTION: ON THE AIRPORT FINANCIAL PACKAGE, REGARDING THE $23 BILLION TO BE RAISED BY THE PAA OR ITS SUCCESSOR AND THE MTRC, WILL THE GOVERNMENT COMMIT IT IN BLACK AND WHITE TO ASSURE THE CHINESE THAT THE $23 BILLION WILL NOT IN ANY WAY BECOME A GOVERNMENT LIABILITY?
/GOVERNOR .......
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
- 2 -
GOVERNOR: WE ARE DISCUSSING THE OVERALL FINANCING INCLUDING THE SIZE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EQUITY INVESTMENT AND THE SIZE OF BORROWING WITH OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES AT THE MOMENT, AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WHICH IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. IN THE MEANTIME, OF COURSE, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS, I AM PLEASED TO SAY, GONE ON VOTING FUNDS FOR THE AIRPORT, SO THAT AIRPORT IS BEING BUILT VERY RAPIDLY, CERTAINLY IN COMPARISON WITH WHAT WOULD BE DONE IN OTHER COMMUNITIES.
WE HAVE COMPLETED ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE SITE FORMATION WHICH IS A CONSIDERABLE ACHIEVEMENT, BUT OBVIOUSLY IF WE COULD GET AN OVERALL AGREEMENT WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS INCORPORATING AGREEMENT ON EQUITY INVESTMENT AND BORROWING, THAT WOULD BE AN EXCELLENT OUTCOME. I DO NOT THINK YOU WOULD EXPECT ME TO DISCUSS OR NEGOTIATE THE DETAILED FIGURES PUBLICLY.
QUESTION; BUT GOVERNOR, DID YOU NOT ALSO DISCUSS TODAY SOME OF THE PERSPECTIVES WHICH SEEM TO HAVE ARISEN FROM MR GOODLAD’S VISIT TO CHINA RECENTLY, PARTICULARLY, APPARENTLY CHINESE RESERVATIONS ABOUT BEING ABLE TO SAY THAT THEY WOULD SEPARATE POLITICAL CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS ENTIRELY FROM THE PRACTICAL ISSUES?
GOVERNOR: IT IS FOR CHINESE OFFICIALS TO EXPLAIN WHAT THEY MEAN OR WHAT THEY WANT TO DO. WE ARE VERY CLEAR ABOUT WHAT WE WANT. WE WANT TO HAVE THE MAXIMUM CO-OPERATION BECAUSE WE THINK THAT THAT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE OFTEN IN THE PAST TALKED ABOUT WANTING CO-OPERATION. THERE IS AN EXPRESSION IN ENGLISH AND A SIMILAR EXPRESSION IN CHINESE THAT ’’DEEDS ACT LOUDER THAN WORDS". I THINK THAT WHAT WE LOOK FOR IS AS MUCH CO-OPERATION AS POSSIBLE. WHERE WE CANNOT AGREE, WE HAVE TO PUT THAT ON ONE SIDE AND GET ON WITH ALL THE MATTERS WHERE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANT TO SEE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA.
QUESTION: WHEN YOU SEE MR MAJOR LATER TODAY AFTER YOU HAVE DISCUSSED THE VERY IMPORTANT BUSINESS OF HONG KONG, WILL YOU BE OFFERING HIM ANY WORDS OF ADVICE ABOUT FUTURE GOVERNMENT STRATEGY, PARTICULARLY AFTER THE WORST ELECTION RESULTS IN THE TORY PARTY’S HISTORY?
GOVERNOR: NO, I WOULD NOT BE OFFERING HIM ANY ADVICE ON THOSE MATTERS, I USED TO DO THAT IN A PREVIOUS OCCUPATION, IN A PREVIOUS JOB I HAD. 1 WAS OFTEN TOLD THAT THE OUTLOOK WAS DISASTROUS AND THAT THINGS WERE GOING TO GO FRIGHTFULLY BADLY, AND AS I RECALL, THOUGH IT IS A LONG TIME AGO SO MY MEMORY MAY BE FAILING ME, THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY WON THE LAST GENERAL ELECTION.
BUT THOSE ARE NOT MATTERS FOR ME TODAY. I WILL TALK TO THE PRIME MINISTER ABOUT HONG KONG - MAY BE CRICKET AS WELL - BUT HONG KONG CERTAINLY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0-------
/3.........
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
- 3 -
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
OUTSIDE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR SPEAKING TO REPORTERS OUTSIDE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON TODAY (MONDAY):
GOVERNOR: GOOD MORNING. I THINK YOU KNOW THAT I AM PROPOSING TO SAY A FEW WORDS TO YOUR AFTER MY MEETINGS AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE THIS AFTERNOON, BUT I DID JUST WANT TO SAY A WORD ABOUT THE DISASTER AT SMITHFIELD ROAD.
I HAVE BEEN SPEAKING THIS MORNING TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WHO IS DEPUTY AND ACTING GOVERNOR, ABOUT THE DISASTER. I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THOSE WHO WERE KILLED, THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LOST IN THE DISASTER.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO COMMEND THE WORK DONE BY THE EMERGENCY SERVICES TO HELP DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISASTER. ANSON CHAN TOLD ME ON THE PHONE THAT OBVIOUSLY THE GOVERNMENT ARE REVIEWING AS A MATTER OF URGENCY THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE ON THE DANGEROUS SLOPES AND WE MUST LEARN EVERY LESSON FROM THIS DISASTER AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE AND TRY TO PREVENT THE SAME SORT OF THING HAPPENING AGAIN.
OBVIOUSLY THE WEATHER CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN ALMOST UNIQUELY APPALLING WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE DISASTER.
QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE AREAS AFFECTED?
GOVERNOR: IT IS SMITHFIELD ROAD, IN KENNEDY TOWN.
QUESTION: YOU DON’T KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER AREAS AFFECTED AT ALL?
GOVERNOR: NO. OBVIOUSLY THE GOVERNMENT IS REVIEWING ALL THE WORK THAY HAS BEEN DONE ON THE DANGEROUS SLOPE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE TAKEN ADQUATE MEASURES. THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS IS OBVIOUSLY IN THE KEY POSITION TO DO THAT.
THANK YOU.
------0-------
SLOPE STABILISATION WORK IN HAND
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) EMERGENCY WORK HAD BEEN UNDERTAKEN TO STEM THE WATER INFLOW AND STABILISE THE SURFACE OF THE SLOPE BEHIND A MASONRY WALL WHICH COLLAPSED AT KWUN LUNG LAU ESTATE LAST SATURDAY NIGHT.
MR BLAKE SAID: "ENGINEERS FROM BOTH THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE AND THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT ARE ON SITE ROUND THE CLOCK TO SUPERVISE THE EMERGENCY WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN BY CONTRACTORS HIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
/"WE HAVE .......
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
4
"WE HAVE SUCCEEDED JN DIVERTING SERVICE WATER PLOW EROM A BROKEN PIPE AWAY EROM THE SLOPE AND ARE IN THE PROCESS OF COVERING THE SLOPE FACE WITH PLASTIC SHEETS AND REMOVING DEBRIS. IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT THE MAJOR STRUCTURE OF THESE BLOCKS IS SUPPORTED BY DEEP CONCRETE COLUMNS.
"OUR ENGINEERS ARE ASSESSING THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE OF AN ACCESS STAIRCASE NEAR BLOCK D WHICH HAS BEEN UNDERMINED,” HE SAID.
MR BLAKE SAID WHILE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WAS BEING DONE TO RESTABILISE THE SLOPE, MORE IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION OF THE STRUCTURE OF BLOCKS C AND D WOULD BE REQUIRED BEFORE THE CLOSURE ORDER GRANTED BY COURT TODAY COULD BE RECONSIDERED.
ON SLOPE SAFETY LN GENERAL, MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY COMMISSIONED CONSULTANCIES TO REVIEW INFORMATION ON SLOPES INCLUDED IN THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE’S CATALOGUE OF SLOPES.
HE SAID THE LIST OF SLOPES WOULD BE UPDATED AND WHERE NECESSARY IMMEDIATE WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT TO FURTHER MINIMISE POTENTIAL RISK THAT THESE SLOPES NIGHT POSE.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT SINCE THE LAUNtH OF THE SLOPE STABILISATION PROGRAMME JN 1976, THE GOVERNMENT HAI) SPENT MORE THAN $1 BILLION ON THESE WORKS.
”WE HAVE DEALT WITH ALL OF THE HIGH-RISK SLOPES AND IS NOW UNDERTAKING A PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE LOW-RISK SLOPES,” HE SAID.
ON THE SAFETY OF PRIVATE SLOPES, MR BLAKE SAID: "APART FROM THE STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY OF DEVELOPERS AND OWNERS/OCCUPIERS TO SAFEGUARD THEIR OWN PRIVATE SLOPES, THE GOVERNMENT APPLIES STATUTORY MEANS TO MONITOR THESE SLOPES AND TO REQUIRE ACTION TO DEAL WITH ANY DEFECTS."
MR BLAKE SAID THE STATUTORY PROCEDURE AND MONITORING WOULD ENSURE THAT STANDARDS SET B\ THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED.
HE NOTED THAT IN ADDITION TO THE GOVERNMENT’S OWN SLOPE IMPROVEMENT WORK, OVER 300 PRIVATE SLOPES HAD BEEN STABILISED FOLLOWING FORMAL NOTIFICATION TO PRIVATE DEVELOPERS AND OWNERS/OCCUPIERS.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT SINCE 1992, THE GOVERNMENT HAD LAUNCHED REGULAR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS TO ALERT OWNERS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING SLOPES IN GOOD CONDITION.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S MAINTENANCE TEAMS ALSO REPORT ON ANY SLOPE OR SUPPORTING STRUCTURE DEFICIENCIES FOUND ON THEM FOR ACTION TO BE TAKEN,” MR BLAKE SAID.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
5
GOOD MARKET RESPONSE TO TENDER FOR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES
*****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) SAID THE MARKET RESPONSE TO THE TENDER TODAY (MONDAY) FOR THE FOURTH ISSUE OF $500 MILLION THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES, THE FIRST BATCH TO MATURE AFTER JULY 1, 1997, WAS GOOD.
THE NOTES, WHICH CARRIED A COUPON RATE OF 6.95 PER CENT, WERE ABOUT 4.5 TIMES OVER-SUBSCRIBED.
THE AVERAGE ACCEPTED PRICE WAS 100.43, GIVING AN ANNUALISED YIELD OF 6.9 PER CENT. THE YIELD WAS ABOUT 14 BASIS POINTS ABOVE THAT FOR THE THIRD ISSUE.
THE DIFFERENE IN YIELDS BETWEEN THE THIRD AND SECOND ISSUE ALSO WAS ABOUT 14 BASIS POINTS, REFLECTING THAT THE MARKET DEMANDED NO ADDITIONAL PREMIUM FOR THE LATEST ISSUE.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HKMA, MR JOSEPH YAM, SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE RESULT OF THE TENDER.
’’THE TENDER OF THE ISSUE WENT WELL, SHOWING THAT THE MARKET DEMANDED NO ADDITIONAL PREMIUM ON THE ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT IS FOR REPAYMENT AFTER JULY 1, 1997,” HE ADDED.
"THIS PROVIDES SOLID EVIDENCE THAT THE MARKET HAS GIVEN A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL STRENGTH BEYOND 1997."
MR YAM ADDED THAT THE FACT THAT HKMA HAD SECURED THE AGREEMENT FROM THE CHINESE SIDE TO RUN THE EXCHANGE FUND BILLS AND NOTES PROGRAMMES ON A CONTINUING BASIS EVEN IF THE MONEY BORROWED WAS FOR REPAYMENT AFTER JULY 1, 1997 HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE CONFIDENCE OF THE MARKET.
IN VIEW OF THE GOOD MARKET RESPONSE TO THE LATEST THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES, HKMA SAID IT WOULD ACTIVELY CONSIDER THE ISSUE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES LATER THIS YEAR.
------0-------
WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING RAINSTORMS URGED *****
PRIOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WITH REGARD TO WORK ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTINGENCY MEASURES IN TIMES OF RAINSTORMS ARE IMPORTANT IN AVOIDING UNNECESSARY MISUNDERSTANDING AND DISPUTES.
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE ACTING CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR RELATIONS), MR WILLIAM SIU, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT STATUTORY REGULATIONS OF WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN TIMES OF RAINSTORMS WOULD NOT BE PRACTICABLE BECAUSE OF THE DIVERSITY IN NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS OF JOB IN VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES.
"EMPLOYERS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN DRAWING UP WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER," MR SIU SAID.
/"DUE CONSIDERATION.......
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
6
"DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY IN WORK PLACE AS WELL AS THEIR JOURNEY TO AND FROM WORK," HE SAID.
MR SIU POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD PUBLISHED A BILINGUAL BOOKLET ENTITLED "CODE OF PRACTICE IN TIMES OF TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS" WHICH SERVED AS A REFERENCE GUIDE TO FACILITATE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO MAKE EARLY WORK ARRANGEMENTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER.
"BRIEFLY SPEAKING, AN AGREEMENT ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD COVER RULES REGARDING REPORT OF DUTY, RELEASE FROM WORK, RESUMPTION OF WORK AND WAGES CALCULATION," HE SAID.
"THE AGREEMENT TO BE MADE BETWEEN THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD STATE CLEARLY THE COLOUR CODE OF RAINSTORM UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO WORK AND THE TIME OF ISSUE OF SUCH SIGNALS WHEN THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT FOR DUTY."
NOTING THAT SOME INDUSTRIES MAY REQUIRE EMPLOYEES TO WORK UNDER THE BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING, MR SIU SAID SUCH A REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE CLEARLY STATED BEFORE THE EMPLOYMENT COMMENCES OR SUFFICIENT NOTICE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE EMPLOYEES.
"THE WORK ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE RELEASE OF EMPLOYEES WHEN RAINSTORM SIGNALS ARE IN FORCE DURING WORKING HOURS," MR SIU SAID.
"EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD ALSO MAKE PRIOR AGREEMENTS ON CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES SHOULD RETURN TO WORK WHEN RAINSTORM WARNINGS ARE LOWERED DURING WORKING HOURS."
MR SIU ALSO URGED EMPLOYERS TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH IF EMPLOYEES HAD GENUINE DIFFICULTIES IN RETURNING TO WORK.
"AS RAINSTORMS ARE NATURAL CALAMITIES, DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ABSENT FROM OR LATE FOR WORK SO THAT EMPLOYEES’ EARNINGS, INCLUDING ATTENDANCE BONUS, ARE NOT ADVERSELY AFFECTED," HE SAID.
TO BETTER PROTECT WORKERS, MR SIU SAID THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AMENDED TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO WORKERS WHO WERE INJURE WHILE TRAVELLING BETWEEN THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE AND THEIR PLACE OF WORK WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 OR ABOVE, OR RED OR BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL WAS ISSUED.
HE SAID EMPLOYEES WHO REQUIRED ASSISTANCE COULD APPROACH THE NEAREST LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE BRANCH OFFICE.
------0------------
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
7
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DB ELECTIONS TO START NEXT MONDAY *****
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL START NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 1) AND LAST UNTIL AUGUST 15.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, WAN CHAI AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
OTHER FORMS WHICH CANDIDATES WILL NEED ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION, FOR EXAMPLE, NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE, NOTICES OF APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION AGENT, ELECTION EXPENSE AGENT AND AUTHORISATION TO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES, DECLARATION OF ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, CONSENT OF SUPPORT, STANDARD FORM OF RECEIPT FOR DONATIONS, ADVANCE RETURN OF DONATIONS, AND RETURN AND DECLARATION OF ELECTION EXPENSES AND DONATIONS.
THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 346 DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES OPEN FOR CONTEST. THE CONSTITUENCIES WILL GENERALLY BE SMALLER THAN BEFORE, EACH WITH AN AVERAGE OF 7,000 ELECTORS.
------0-------
PROPOSALS TO AMEND LABOUR LAWS DISCUSSED *****
A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO AMEND EXISTING LABOUR LEGISLATION WERE DISCUSSED AT A LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) MEETING HELD AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
DURING THE MEETING CHAIRED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, BOARD MEMBERS AGREED TO REVISE THE LEVELS OF MAXIMUM FINES FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE (ECO) WHICH WOULD BE CATEGORISED AS "MINOR”, ’’SERIOUS” AND "VERY SERIOUS”.
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE EXISTING MAXIMUM FINES, RANGING FROM $5,000 TO $20,000, SHOULD BE RAISED TO BETWEEN $10,000 AND $100,000.
ALSO ON EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, LAB MEMBERS AGREED ON A PROPOSAL TO ADOPT A SINGLE CERTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR PAYMENT OF EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION. AS A RESULT, THE PAYMENT OF EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION WILL BE SPED UP.
ON EMPLOYMENT MATTERS, BOARD MEMBERS ACCEPTED A PROPOSAL TO STANDARDISE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR ALL MINOR OFFENCES UNDER PART XII OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE (EO) AND THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS AT $10,000.
THEY ALSO AGREED TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES FROM $20,000 TO $50,000.
A PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE LICENCE FEE OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS WAS ALSO ENDORSED BY THE MEMBERS.
/THEY AGREED .......
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
8
THEY AGREED THAT THE FEE FOR ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY LICENCE BE REVISED FROM $1,000 TO $1,400 WHILE THE FEE FOR ISSUE OF A DUPLICATE LICENCE FOR OPERATING A BRANCH OFFICE FROM $200 TO $280.
.MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AGREED IN THE PRINCIPLE AND THE DIRECTION ON A PROPOSAL, SUBMITTED BY SIX EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, TO INTRODUCE THE GENERAL DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AT WORK PLACES TO NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, BUT SHOULD PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY.
THEY SUGGESTED THAT A TRIPARTITE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE SET UP TO STUDY THE ISSUE.
MR YIU TOLD MEMBERS THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE PROPOSAL BUT HAD TO KEEP IN VIEW THE PRIORITY FOR THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WHICH WAS MUCH MORE HAZARDOUS.
"AS REGARDS THIS SPECIFIC PROPOSAL, WE NEED TO CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS CAREFULLY IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR BROADER REVIEW TO EXTEND THE SAFETY AND HEALTH LAWS TO NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS," MR YIU ADDED.
MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE ISSUE CONCERNING THE REMOVAL OF $180,000 CEILING FOR SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT WOULD BE DISCUSSED AT A SPECIAL LAB MEETING TO BE HELD IN MID-AUGUST.
------0-------
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR MAY 1994
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN MAY 1994, ESTIMATED AT $16.4 BILLION, INCREASED BY 10% WHEN COMPARED WITH MAY 1993, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 3% IN VOLUME TERMS IN MAY 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
WHEN COMPARED WITH APRIL, BUT BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES SHOWED A NOTABLE INCREASE IN MAY, BY 8% IN VALUE TERMS OR 6% IN VOLUME TERMS.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE INCREASE IN MAY 94 WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO GROWTH IN SALES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (23% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME); OTHER FOODSTUFFS (11% IN VALUE AND 9% IN VOLUME); AND MOTOR VEHICLES (10% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME).
MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SALES IN SUPERMARKETS, OF 8% IN VALUE (BUT VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN VOLUME); AND SALES OF FUELS, OF 6% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES AND SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES BOTH INCREASED BY 5% IN VALUE, BUT DROPPED BY 1% AND 3% IN VOLUME RESPECTIVELY.
/ON THE .......
MONDaf, iULY 25, 1994
9
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY 1% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO MAY 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 16% IN VALUE AND 9% 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.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR APRIL 1994 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR MAY 1994.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES IN APRIL AND MAY 1994 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 MAY 1994 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR APRIL 1994 AND THOSE FOR MAY 1993, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO MAY OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE MAY 1994 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 PER 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.
/TABLE 1 .......
MONDnx', JULY 25, 1994
10
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for May 1994 (Provisional Figure) = HK$16,370.4 million for April 1994 (Revised Figure) = HKS15,198.7 million
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR APRIL 1994 AND MAY 1994
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
Type of Outlet Index of Retai I Sales Apr i I 1994 May 1994 May 1994 compared with May 1994 Jan.-May 1994 compared with Jan.-May 1993
compared May 1 with 993
April 1994
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS (Revised figures) (Provisional figures) (Points) (X) (Points) (X) (Points) (X)
Value 161.8 174.3 ♦12.5 ♦7.7 ♦ 15.2 ♦9.5 ♦23.0 ♦15.5
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET Volume 129.0 137.2 ♦8.2 ♦6.3 ♦4.4 ♦3.3 ♦ 11.8 ♦9.3
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 128.6 130.4 ♦1.7 ♦ 1.3 ♦13.2 +11.2 ♦10.5 +8.8
drinks and tobacco (other than supermarkets) Volune 102.4 103.1 ♦0.7 ♦0.7 ♦8.8 ♦9.4 ♦6.0 ♦6.2
Supermarkets 0 Value 141.9 150.7 ♦8.8 ♦6.2 ♦ 11.3 +8.1 ♦ 18.2 ♦13.5
Volune 102.4 107.6 ♦5.2 ♦5.1 ♦0.2 ♦0.2 +7.0 ♦6.6
Fuels Value 146.9 152.7 ♦5.8 ♦3.9 +8.7 ♦6.1 ♦2.8 ♦2.1
Volume 105.6 108.0 ♦2.4 ♦2.2 ♦3.0 +2.8 -0.6 -0.6
Clothing, footwear and Value 234.9 265.5 ♦30.7 ♦ 13.1 ♦49.9 +23.2 ♦58.1 ♦31.0
allied products Volume 165.3 181.1 ♦15.8 ♦9.6 ♦20.8 +13.0 ♦32.8 ♦22.0
Consuner durable goods Value 169.7 179.4 ♦9.7 ♦5.7 ♦4.9 ♦2.8 ♦15.2 ♦9.1
Volume 144.5 150.3 ♦5.7 ♦4.0 -2.8 -1.8 ♦7.4 ♦5.1
- Motor vehicles Value 147.0 175.2 ♦28.2 + 19.2 ♦15.2 ♦9.5 ♦7.2 ♦4.1
and parts Volune 108.6 128.5 ♦ 19.9 ♦18.3 ♦3.6 ♦2.8 -4.7 •3.4
- Consumer durable Value 186.2 182.5 -3.7 -2.0 -2.5 -1.4 ♦21.0 ♦13.0
goods other than motor vehicles and parts Volume 170.5 166.1 -4.5 -2.6 -7.3 -4.2 ♦16.2 ♦ 10.7
Department stores Value 134.7 150.1 ♦ 15.4 ♦ 11.4 ♦6.4 ♦4.5 ♦15.2 ♦11.0
Volume 99.4 107.5 ♦8.2 ♦8.2 -3.1 -2.8 ♦5.2 ♦4.6
Jewellery, watches Value 156.1 177.9 ♦21.8 ♦ 14.0 ♦8.3 ♦4.9 ♦25.7 ♦17.4
and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 148.1 169.7 ♦21.6 ♦ 14.6 -2.0 -1.2 ♦10.5 ♦6.7
Other consumer goods Value 179.3 182.4 ♦3.1 ♦1.7 ♦25.4 ♦16.2 ♦33.4 ♦22.5
not elsewhere classified Volune 143.1 144.7 ♦ 1.6 ♦ 1.1 ♦15.7 ♦12.2 ♦23.0 ♦ 18.6
NOTE : $ Not including supermarkets operating in department stores. ----------------------------------------------------------------0--------------
/Il .......
11
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
CNTA OFFERING TEMPORARY SHELTERS * * * »
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS NOW OPENED 34 TEMPORARY SHELTERS FOR PEOPLE IN NEED OF TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION.
BEFORE MIDNIGHT TODAY (MONDAY), 380 PEOPLE ARE STAYING IN THESE SHELTERS, WITH 336 IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN, 15 IN WAN CHAI, THREE IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT, THREE IN EASTERN, EIGHT IN YUEN LONG, FIVE IN NORTH DISTRICT, 10 IN SHA TIN.
A TOTAL OF 59 PEOPLE FROM 11 HOUSEHOLDS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED FOLLOWING A WALL COLLAPSE AT 6 KENNEDY STREET, WAN CHAI, THIS AFTERNOON.
THEY ARE NOW TEMPORARILY STAYING AT THE NEARBY HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ARE CONTINUING TO OFFER ASSISTANCE AND A SPECIAL HOTLINE - 835 1996 - HAS BEEN SET UP TO DEAL WITH ENQUIRIES RELATED TO THIS INCIDENT.
MEANWHILE, 356 FAMILIES OF BLOCKS C AND D OF KWUN LUNG LAU IN KENNEDY TOWN RETURNED HOME TO COLLECT THEIR BELONGINGS UP TO 7.30 PM.
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT STAFF WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST THE HOUSING SOCIETY AND THE POLICE WITH THIS OPERATION TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT TWO HOTLINES -852 3477 AND 858 0433 - ARE OPERATING AND THEY MAY USE THEM TO MAKE URGENT ENQUIRIES ON THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE.
------0--------
SEA TURTLE SPECTACLE FRAMES SEIZED * * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) SEIZED MORE THAN 70 PAIRS OF SUSPECTED SEA TURTLE SPECTACLE FRAMES DURING AN OPERATION THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
ACTING SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF AFD MR CHAN PING-KWONG SAID SEA TURTLES WERE HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES.
THE POSSESSION, IMPORT AND EXPORT OF THEM AND THEIR PRODUCTS WERE PROHIBITED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
THE OPERATION, INVOLVING SOME 40 AFD OFFICERS, TOOK PLACE AROUND 11 AM THIS MORNING.
IN SEARCHES CONDUCTED ON 10 RETAIL OUTLETS OF A SPECTACLE CHAIN STORE, AFD OFFICERS SEIZED 71 PAIRS OF SUSPECTED SEA TURTLE SPECTACLE FRAMES.
’’THIS IS THE LARGEST SEIZURE OF SUCH ITEMS MADE BY AFD SINCE THE CONTROL CAME INTO EFFECT IN 1976," MR (HAN SAID.
THE SEIZED ITEMS WOULD HAVE A MARKET VALUE OF ABOUT $1.6 MILLION.
/FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS .......
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
12
FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ON THE CASE ARE STILL IN PROGRESS. PROSECUTION WILL BE INITIATED WHEN INVESTIGATIONS ARE COMPLETED.
MR CHAN SAID THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 273 SEIZURES IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. OF THEM, 29 WERE RELATED TO SEA TURTLES.
OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $50,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE.
MR CHAN URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON ANY SUCH ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES TO THE DEPARTMENT BY CALLING 733 2117.
------0-------
THREE CAS VOLUNTEERS ATTEND UK MOUNTAIN RESCUE COURSE » » » * *
THREE CIVIL AID SERVICES MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT (MRU) VOLUNTEERS LEFT FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM TODAY (MONDAY) TO ATTEND INTENSIVE MOUNTAIN RESCUE/LEADERSHIP TRAININGS AND ATTACHMENTS FOR EIGHT WEEKS.
THEY ARE MOUNTAIN RESCUE OFFICERS, MR JOSEPH TANG KING-KUM AND MR CATDUL LEUNG KWOK-WAH, AND THEIR TEAM LEADER, MR KWONG SHAN-MAN.
THE COMMANDER OF THE MRU, MR FONG CHEUNG-KEE, SAID THE OVERSEAS TRAINING WOULD ENABLE THE CAS TO HAVE MORE WELL-TRAINED STAFF TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF MRU’S OVERSEAS TRAINING PROGRAMME WAS TO REINFORCE KEY MOUNTAIN RESCUERS IN MOUNTAIN CRAFT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
THE TRAINING WOULD ALSO ENHANCE MRU’S MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES, HE ADDED.
THE TRAINING PROGRAMME INCLUDES THE MOUNTAIN LEADER TRAINING (SUMMER AWARD) AT THE GLENMORE LODGE SCOTTISH NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (RAF) MOUNTAIN RESCUE SERVICE SUMMER COURSE AND ADVANCE COURSE AT THE BRITISH FORCES JOINT SCHOOL FOR ADVENTUROUS TRAINING IN NORTH WALES.
DURING THEIR STAY IN THE UK, THE THREE CAS MEMBERS WILL ALSO JOIN THE RAF MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAMS FOR ATTACHMENT TRAININGS.
UPON THE COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING AND RETURN TO HONG KONG, THE THREE WILL BE TASKED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TRAINING NEW RECRUITS IN THE CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT’S INDUCTION TRAINING COURSES. THEY WILL ALSO ASSIST IN THE EVALUATION AND DESIGN OF THE UNIT’S ADVANCED TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
------0-------
/13........
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
13
MAIL DELIVERY RESUMES NORMAL
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGL1ARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT MAIL DELIVERY WHICH HAD BEEN INTERRUPTED BY THE TORRENTIAL RAIN OVER THE WEEKEND WAS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO NORMAL TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
HOWEVER, BECAUSE OP ROAD CONDITIONS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE TERRITORY MAINLY SAI KUNG DISTRICT AND LANTAU ISLAND, MAIL DELIVERY MAY STILL BE SUBJECT TO SOME DELAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE DELIVERY STATUS TO INDIVIDUAL AREAS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON TEL 9221 2222.
MR PAGL1ARI SAID: ’’DELIVERY WORK TO BLOCKS C AND D OF KWUN LUN LAU IN KENNEDY TOWN HAS BEEN SUSPENDED BUT ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOW BEING MADE WITH THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY TO RESUME DELIVERY OF MAIL TO THE RESIDENTS WHO ARE NOW STAYING AT THE TEMPORARY SHELTER AT SHEK TONG TSUI."
HE ADDED THAT OFFICERS OF THE POST OFFICE WOULD VISIT THE TEMPORARY SHELTER TOMORROW TO ASSIST THE RESIDENTS IN SECURING THE DELIVERY OF MAIL ADDRESSED TO THEIR FORMER ADDRESSES AT THE AFFECTED BLOCKS.
-----0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 88.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 519.978 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 433.050 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 73.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE FUND TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 25 JULY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES
ISSUE NUMBER 3707
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$2,760 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$500 MN
AVERAGE PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 100.43 (6.90 PCT)
LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 100.42 (6.91 PCT)
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 40 PCT
AVFKAUK IKNIH.U PR I fit (Y1ICI.lt) i no . » i r< r i
--------0----------
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1994
14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONFY MARKET OPFRATTONS
t ♦ ♦ ♦ t CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,856 0930 -78
(LOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,660 1000 + 7
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1 100 -358
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -313 1200 -312
LAF TODAY + 1 17 1500 -313
1600 -313
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 122.8 *-0.2* 25.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.06 16 MONTHS 251 1 4.15 98. 10 5.73
1 MONTH 4.07 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.50 6.14
3 MONTHS 4.27 27 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.46 6.49
6 MONTHS 4.64 30 MONTHS 3701 1.60 95.55 6.66
12 MONTHS 5.35 33 MONTHS 3704 6; 15 98.68 6.79
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,134 MN
CLOSED 25 JULY 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION OUTSIDE THE 1
HOUSE OF COMMONS ........................................
GOVT RESPONSE TO CONSUMER COUNCIL’S BANKING INDUSTRY STUDY ....................................................... 3
TWO GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $1,225 MILLION ....................... 5
$8M GRANTED FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN RWANDA ................... 5
TAC ENDORSES CITYBUS FARE INCREASE .......................... 6
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN 1993/94 ........................ 8
HK CONCERNED OVER NEW MEXICAN CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTS ................................................. 9
ELEVEN-MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED ................... 10
REPORT ON THE 1992 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND 11
REAL ESTATE SECTORS NOW ON SALE
CNTA OPENS 38 TEMPORARY SHELTERS DURING RAINSTORM .......... 12
EYE WITNESSES OF LANDSLIP REQUESTED TO CALL GEO 13
AWARDS FOR GURKHA HEROES ................................... 13
121 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME ................................. 14
FRESH WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND SAI KUNG.................. 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS ................ 16
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ******
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AT NOON ON JULY 26:
GOVERNOR: GOOD MORNING. I HAVE HAD TWO VERY GOOD MEETINGS THIS
MORNING WITH THE LEADER OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS, PADDY ASHDOWN, AND ALSO WITH DAVID HOWELL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE.
THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN VERY UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTIVE OF OUR EFFORTS IN HONG KONG TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE CLEAN AND FAIR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN 1994 AND 1995. THEY HAVE SHOWN AS WELL, AS YOU KNOW, A BROADER INTEREST IN THE WELFARE AND LIVELIHOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND I WAS VERY PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO BRIEF THEM THIS MORNING ON DEVELOPMENTS, ON OUR VIEWS ON THE WAY FORWARD, THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING AS MUCH CO-OPERATION IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AS POSSIBLE OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, IN PARTICULAR, OF COURSE, OVER THAT LONG LIST OF JLG ISSUES WHICH, ALAS, STILL REMAIN UNRESOLVED.
QUESTION: HAVE THEY BEEN CRITICAL OF YOU OVER THE ISSUE OF HUMAN
RIGHTS?
GOVERNOR: THEY WERE NOT CRITICAL DURING MY MEETINGS, BUT I MUST OBVIOUSLY LEAVE IT TO THEM TO SET OUT IN DETAIL THEIR OWN VIEWS. I WAS ABLE TO EXPLAIN TO THEM WHAT WE ARE DOING IN DETAIL TO ENSURE THE MAXIMUM SAFEGUARDS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG. I TOLD THEM ABOUT OUR DECISIONS ON THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION, ABOUT OUR DECISIONS ON THE FUTURE OF LEGAL AID, ABOUT OUR DECISIONS ON OPENING UP GOVERNMENT AND MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE TRANSPARENT. THEY WERE OBVIOUSLY INTERESTED IN ALL THOSE DEVELOPMENTS.
QUESTION: HOW WAS YOUR MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER LAST NIGHT?
GOVERNOR: 1 HAD A VERY INTERESTING MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER,
AND IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE WEATHER HAS BEEN GOOD ENOUGH FOR US TO HAVE A MEETING IN THE GARDEN I HE WAS VERY INTERESTED IN THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS SINCE I LAST TALKED TO HIM. I WAS ABLE TO SET OUT FOR HIM, AS I DID FOR THE FOREIGN
SECRETARY, MY THOUGHTS ON THE WAY FORWARD IN HONG KONG. I WAS ABLE TO
TELL THEM ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF OUR ECONOMY IN HONG KONG, ABOUT THE
IMPORTANT DEBATE WE ARE HAVING ABOUT PROVISION FOR THE ELDERLY AND
ALSO TO TALK TO THEM IN SOME DETAIL ABOUT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AGENDA. THEY WERE VERY INTERESTED AND NOT LEAST IN HEARING MY THOUGHTS ABOUT MY PRIORITIES FOR MY SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER.
QUESTION: WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE SOME OF YOUR VIEWS ON THE FUTURE
EVOLUTION OF HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, I WILL BE DOING THAT IN MY LEGCO SPEECH IN
OCTOBER, BUT I WANTED TO SKETCH OUT FOR THEM IN GENERAL SOME OF THE THEMES THAT I WOULD WANT TO BE TAKING FORWARD, FOR EXAMPLE, THE REMAINING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PRIORITIES BETWEEN NOW AND 1997, AND OUR DETERMINATION TO WORK IN AS CO-OPERATIVE A WAY WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS AS POSSIBLE.
/QUESTION ......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
2
QUESTION: THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND HAS JUST CONCLUDED ITS MEETING IN HONG KONG. WOULD YOU BE KEEN TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS DONATIONS TO RWANDA AT THIS TROUBLED TIME?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT THERE WILL BE A HUGE AMOUNT OF SYMPATHY FOR
THAT PARTICULAR CAUSE IN HONG KONG AND I AM SURE THAT THEY WILL CONSIDER VERY SYMPATHETICALLY THE REQUIREMENTS OF RWANDA. IT IS AN ISSUE WHICH HAS TOUCHED THE WORLD'S CONSCIENCE AND HAS OBVIOUSLY TOUCHED THE CONSCIENCES OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AS WELL.
QUESTION: ARE YOU GOING TO SEE TONY BLAIR WHILE YOU ARE HERE?
GOVERNOR: NO, I AM NOT GOING TO ON THIS VISIT, BUT I HOPE I WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HIM ON A FUTURE VISIT. WHILE HONG KONG IS IMPORTANT FOR THE LABOUR PARTY AS FOR OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES, I WOULD JUDGE THAT MR BLAIR HAS OTHER PRIORITIES ON HIS BOOK IN HIS FIRST WEEK AS LABOUR LEADER.
I AM GOING TO SEE JACK CUNNINGHAM TOMORROW WHO IS THE SHADOW FOREIGN OFFICE SPOKESMAN IN THE LABOUR PARTY AND I WILL OF COURSE SAY DURING MY MEETING WITH JACK THAT, WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT FOR TONY BLAIR, I WOULD LIKE TO MEET HIM AGAIN AND TELL HIM AT FIRST HAND WHAT OUR VIEWS ARE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG.
QUESTION: YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO HIM SEVERAL TIMES -
GOVERNOR: I KNOW HIM PRETTY WELL. ON THE WHOLE I HAVE GOT TO KNOW
HIM IN THE WAY THAT ONE GETS TO KNOW MEMBERS OF ANOTHER PARTY BY DOING PROGRAMMES LIKE QUESTION TIME AND DEBATES WITH HIM, BUT I DO NOT KNOW HIM AS MUCH AS, FOR EXAMPLE, JACK CUNNINGHAM, WHO WAS MY SHADOW FOR SOME TIME, AND YOU ESTABLISH QUITE A CLOSE PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP IN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES. I DO NOT KNOW HIM AS WELL AS I KNEW BRYAN GOULD, WHO WAS NOT ONLY MY SHADOW, BUT I WAS AT UNIVERSITY WITH HIM ON THE SAME STAIRCASE AS I THINK YOU KNOW. I HAVE MET HIM ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS AND DEBATED AND DISCUSSED MATTERS WITH HIM ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.
QUESTION: ON HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: I AM SURE THAT HE WILL BE AS GOOD AND SENSIBLE AS JACK
CUNNINGHAM HAS BEEN ON HONG KONG, YES.
WHAT IS INTERESTING IS THAT THERE IS PRETTY MUCH A CONSENSUS
ACROSS BRITISH POLITICS ON HONG KONG AND THERE ARE NOT MANY SUBJECTS
ON WHICH YOU COULD SAY THAT. I REGARD THAT AS A SOURCE OF
CONSIDERABLE STRENGTH. IT IS IMPORTANT, SO FAR AS POSSIBLE, TO KEEP IT LIKE THAT OF HONG KONG. THERE MAY WELL BE DIFFERENCES ABOUT
DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF POLICY FROM TIME TO TIME. BY AND LARGE THERE IS A REMARKABLE AND CONSIDERABLE DEGREE OF CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT ON HONG KONG AND I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.
I DID NOT WANT TO ASK MR BLAIR FOR A MEETING THIS WEEK BECAUSE HE HAS ONLY JUST BECOME LEADER AND HE HAS MANY OTHER THINGS ON HIS BOOK, BUT I HOPE I WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HIM IN THE FUTURE AS I SAW JOHN SMITH IN THE PAST.
QUESTION: HAVE YOU ANYTHING TO SAY ON THIS REPORT AT 16 SPECIAL
BRANCH OFFICERS HAVE NOT BEEN GRANTED BRITISH PASSPORTS?
GOVERNOR: I WILL READ MY COPY OF THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST WITH
INTEREST AND READ THE REPORT. THANK YOU.
------0--------
/3 .....
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
3
GOVT RESPONSE TO CONSUMER COUNCIL’S BANKING INDUSTRY STUDY *****
THE GOVERNMENT AGREES WITH THE BROAD DIRECTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL THAT THERE SHOULD BE INCREASED COMPETITION IN RETAIL DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES AND MORE DISCLOSURE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY THE BANKING SECTOR, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
POSITIVE STEPS FORWARD WOULD BE TAKEN ON BOTH FRONTS, SAID MR CARTLAND ON THE PUBLICATION TODAY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL'S INDUSTRY STUDY ON THE BANKING SECTOR.
THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE IS BASED ON A STUDY PRODUCED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) WHICH HAS CARRIED OUT AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE ARGUMENTS AND SUPPORTING DATA IN THE CONSUMER COUNCIL REPORT PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
THE HKMA ALSO PUBLISHED ITS STUDY TODAY.
MR CARTLAND SAID RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL DEALING WITH FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE COINCIDED LARGELY WITH THE PACKAGE RECOMMENDED BY A WORKING PARTY ESTABLISHED BY THE HKMA IN JANUARY 1994. THERE ARE ONLY MINOR DIFFERENCES IN EMPHASIS AND TIMING.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PACKAGE WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE TRANSPARENCY OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STRENGTH, MR CARTLAND SAID.
THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED FULL DISCLOSURE OF BANKS PROFITS AND MORE DETAILED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION.
in certain Areas, such as the disclosure of transfers to or FROM INNER RESERVES IN RESPECT OF THE 1994 ACCOUNTS, THE PACE WILL BE FASTER THAN THAT PROPOSED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
DETAILS OF THE ITEMS FOR DISCLOSURE IN THE 1994 ACCOUNTS WILL BE FINALISED IN AUGUST 1994.
ON DISCLOSURE OF BALANCE SHEET INNER RESERVES, THE HKMA WOULD UNDERTAKE A REVIEW IN MID-1995. THIS WOULD NOT PRECLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF DISCLOSURE IN THE 1996 ACCOUNTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
ON THE QUESTION OF DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES, MR CARTLAND SAID: "IN LINE WITH OUR FIRM BELIEF IN FREE MARKETS, THE GOVERNMENT AGREES THAT MORE COMPETITION IN RETAIL INTEREST RATES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AS IT WOULD BE CONDUCIVE TO PRODUCT INNOVATION AND GREATER EFFICIENCY.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE ACCEPTED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE THE INTEREST RATE CAP ON TIME DEPOSITS IN 1995."
HE ADDED THAT FURTHER STEPS IN LIBERALISING THE INTEREST RATE REGIME WOULD BE CONSIDERED ONLY WHEN THE IMPACT OF THE CHANGE IN 1995 HAD BEEN FULLY ASSESSED AND THE TRANSITIONAL ISSUES AFFECTING HONG KONG SHOULD NO LONGER BE A FACTOR THAT WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. IN PRACTICAL TERMS, THIS WOULD NOT BE BEFORE 1997.
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
4
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS IT IMPORTANT, WHILE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE MORE COMPETITION IN THE MARKET, TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED TO MAINTAIN STABILITY OF THE MONETARY AND BANKING SYSTEMS.
MR CARTLAND SAID EXPERIENCE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD HAD SHOWN THAT DEREGULATION OF INTEREST RATES CARRIED DOWNSIDE RISKS AS INDIVIDUAL BANKS TRIED TO EXPAND OR PROTECT THEIR MARKET SHARE.
DESPITE THE CONSIDERABLE STRENGTHENING OF HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF BANKING SUPERVISION OVER THE PAST YEARS, NO SYSTEM COULD GUARANTEE THAT BANKS WOULD NOT RUN INTO DIFFICULTIES, PARTICULARLY IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.
IN RESPECT OF MONETARY STABILITY, THE HKMA CONCLUDED THAT THE INTEREST RATE RULES PLAYED A HELPFUL, THOUGH NOT CRUCIAL, ROLE IN MAINTAINING EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY AND THAT THE POWER TO IMPOSE NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES UNDER THE RULES HAD TO BE RETAINED.
THE HKMA STUDY ALSO ADVISED THAT PRUDENCE WAS CALLED FOR AT A TIME WHEN WORLD FINANCIAL MARKETS WERE UNDERGOING SIGNIFICANT CHANGES.
INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL FLOWS AND FINANCIAL MARKETS HAVE BECOME MUCH MORE VOLATILE AND LARGER IN VOLUME. THE U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES ARE NOW ON AN INCREASING TREND, WHICH MAY DAMPEN GENERALLY THE LEVEL OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.
IT IS THUS ADVISABLE NOT TO ASSUME UNDUE RISK IN THE MONETARY AND BANKING SYSTEMS AS INSTABILITY WOULD UNDERMINE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE.
MR CARTLAND SAID THERE WERE ALSO NO COMPELLING REASONS FOR FULL-SCALE LIBERALISATION OF INTEREST RATES AT THIS TIME.
CONTRARY TO COMMON BELIEF, SMALL DEPOSITORS MIGHT BE WORSE OFF AS BANKS WOULD PROBABLY REACT BY INTRODUCING ADDITIONAL CHARGES AND TIERED INTEREST RATES IN FAVOUR OF LARGER DEPOSITORS, AS WELL AS SCALING DOWN ON SERVICES.
THE HKMA STUDY ALSO CONCLUDED THAT THE POTENTIAL FOR BANKS TO EARN EXCESSIVE PROFITS FROM THE INTEREST RATE RULES HAD BEEN ERODED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUBSTITUTES FOR DEPOSITS GOVERNED BY THE RULES, BY THE COSTS OF NON-PRICE COMPETITION AND BY A DECLINE IN DEPOSIT MARGINS.
COMMENTING ON THE PUBLICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THE GOVERNMENT'S ENDORSEMENT OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S PROPOSAL TO ABOLISH THE INTEREST RATE CAP ON TIME DEPOSITS IN 1995 AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY BANKS REPRESENTED POSITIVE STEPS FORWARD.
THE HKMA WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE OPERATION OF THE INTEREST RATE RULES TO ENSURE THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE APPLIED IN A MANNER THAT WOULD STIFLE INNOVATION OR COMPETITION WITHIN PRUDENT BOUNDARIES, Slfe HAMISH SAID.
IN RESPECT OF THE LINK BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE U.S. DOLLAR, SIR HAMISH SAID THE LINK WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CRUCIAL TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING THE LINK AND WOULD HAVE TO ENSURE THAT THE NECESSARY TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ACHIEVING THIS OBJECTIVE, HE SAID.
---------0-----------
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
5
TWO GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $1,225 MILLION
*****
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $1,225 MILLION AT THE PUBLIC LAND AUCTION HELD BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 30, TAI PO, WAS BOUGHT BY CHOLLOW INVESTMENTS LIMITED AT $890 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $600 MILLION. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 23,800 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 11,424 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1998.
THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED AT AREA 2, TAI PO KAU HUI, TAI PO, AND HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,114 SQUARE METRES, WAS BOUGHT BY LANDSTAR INVESTMENT LIMITED AT $335 MILLION, WITH BIDDING OPENING AT $200 MILLION.
IT IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES EXCLUDING GODOWN.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 7,600 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1988.
THE AUCTION WAS HELD IN THE CONCERT HALL OF HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, AND WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR NIGEL BURLEY.
------0-------
$8M GRANTED FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN RWANDA
*****
THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) RECOMMENED THAT THREE GRANTS TOTALLING $8 MILLION BE MADE FROM THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO RWANDANS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE IN RESPONSE TO THREE SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FROM HONG KONG RED CROSS, MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES HONG KONG AND HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND.
"THE THREE RELIEF ORGANISATIONS HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR RESPECTIVE PROPOSALS ON PROVIDING RELIEF SERVICES FOR THE RWANDAN REFUGEES FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
"THE COMMITTEE IS SATISFIED THAT THE THREE PROPOSALS ARE IN LINE WITH THE GUIDELINES FOR GRANTS FROM THE FUND. THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS THAT EACH PROPOSAL HAS ITS OWN MERITS AND CAN CATER FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HAVING REGARD TO THE ESTIMATED BUDGET OF EACH PROPOSAL, THE NATURE OF THE RELIEF SERVICES AND THE LIKELY NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THE APPLICATION BE SUPPORTED TO THE FOLLOWING EXTENT IN TERMS OF MONEY:
HONG KONG RED CROSS $2 MILLION
MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES HONG KONG $4 MILLION
HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR UNITED $2 MILLION
NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND
/"THE COMMITTEE ......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
6
"THE COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT THESE GRANTS WILL BE AN APPROPRIATE MEANS TO EXPRESS SYMPATHY AND OFFER ASSISTANCE ON THE COMMUNITY’S BEHALF TO THE RWANDAN VICTIMS. THE COMMITTEE HOPES THAT THESE WILL STIMULATE FURTHER RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC AT LARGE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TO ENSURE THAT THE GRANTS WILL BE USED FOR THE DESIGNATED PURPOSES, HONG KONG RED CROSS, MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES HONG KONG AND HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AN EVALUATION REPORT AND AN AUDITED ACCOUNT ON THE USE OF THE GRANT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GRANTS WOULD BE PROCESSED IMMEDIATELY AND THIS WOULD BE THE THIRD TIME THAT GRANTS HAD BEEN MADE FROM THE FUND SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN DECEMBER 1993.
A GRANT OF $2 MILLION WAS MADE TO OXFAM HONG KONG IN JUNE AS A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE RELIEF PROGRAMME FOR RWANDAN REFUGEES IN TANZANIA.
THREE GRANTS TOTALLING $20 MILLION WERE MADE TO THREE RELIEF ORGANISATIONS EARLIER THIS MONTH FOR CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THEIR RELIEF PROGRAMMES FOR THE FLOOD-AFFECTED POPULATION IN CHINA.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PUBLIC DONATIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE WERE THE MAIN SOURCES OF THE FUND.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO DONATE TO THE FUND FOR GENERAL RELIEF PURPOSES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY TO THE DISASTER RELIEF FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT ROOM 553, EAST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR CALL 810 3503.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY. OTHER MEMBERS ARE MS ROSANNA WONG, DR RAYMOND CH’IEN, MRS ELSIE TU, MR HUI YIN-FAT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY.
-----0----- -
TAC ENDORSES CITYBUS FARE INCREASE
*****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSES THE ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION TO GIVE CITYBUS A FARE INCREASE BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 13.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.
THE RECOMMENDED INCREASE IS LOWER THAN THE 15.5 PER CENT SOUGHT BY THE COMPANY.
EXCLUDING THE INCREASE FOR CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES WHICH WAS INTRODUCED ON APRIL 1 TOGETHER WITH THE FARE RISE FOR KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, THE PROPOSED NEW FARES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND ROUTES OF CITYBUS WOULD GO UP BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 14 PER CENT.
THE PROPOSED FARE RISE WILL MEAN THAT ABOUT 85 PER CENT OF THE DAILY COMMUTERS WILL ONLY PAY 20 TO 50 CENTS MORE PER TRIP.
/AN ANALYSIS .......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
7
AN ANALYSIS OF THE RATE OF INCREASE IN RESPECT OF INDIVIDUAL ROUTES INDICATES THE FOLLOWING:
RATE OF PER CENT INCREASE
INCREASE IN MONEY TERMS
14 NON AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS
11.1 PER CENT TO
14.3 PER CENT
20 CENTS TO 40 CENTS
18 SHORT DISTANCE AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS
13.9 PER CENT TO
16.0 PER CENT
40 CENTS TO 60 CENTS
3 LONG DISTANCE SERVICES FOR DAILY COMMUTERS
13.3 PER CENT TO
14.1 PER CENT
80 CENTS TO 90 CENTS
3 RECREATIONAL SERVICES
17.2 PER CENT TO
18.2 PER CENT
$1.0
THE PROPOSED FARE RISE HAS A NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) - A MERE 0.01 PER CENT.
IN CONSIDERING THE FARE INCREASE APPLICATION, MEMBERS TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN OPERATING COST, QUALITY OF SERVICES, FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AND PUBLIC AFFpRDABILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT OPERATING COSTS OF THE CITYBUS HAD INCREASED BY 23.6 PER CENT IN 1994 AND WERE FORECAST TO INCREASE BY 27.6 PER CENT IN 1995, MAINLY BECAUSE OF HIGHER STAFF COST, FUEL AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES AND INTEREST AND DEPRECIATION CHARGES.
MEMBERS HELD THE VIEW THAT CITYBUS IS A NEW OPERATOR AND WOULD REQUIRE A REASONABLE RETURN AS AN INCENTIVE FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT, THE COMPANY HAS PLANS TO ACQUIRE MORE NEW BUSES TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED GROWTH IN PATRONAGE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT SERVICES PROVIDED BY CITYBUS TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED TO BE SATISFACTORY SINCE THE COMPANY COMMENCED NEW SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 1993.
PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ON NON AIR-CONDITIONED ROUTES OF CITYBUS HAVE BEEN PAYING THE SAME FARES SINCE LAST APRIL AND THE ESTIMATED INFLATION RATE BETWEEN APRIL 1993 AND THIS AUGUST IS 12 PER CENT.
THE MEETING WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE COMPANY’S FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME BETWEEN 1994 AND 1998.
MEMBERS LEARNT THAT CITYBUS WAS PLANNING TO INTRODUCE NEW ROUTES AND IMPROVEMENT AND RATIONALISATION OF SERVICES TO MEET CHANGES AND DEMAND IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
/THE COMPANY'S
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
8
THF COMPANY’S FLEET SIZE WOULD BE INCREASED FROM 245 BUSES IN 1994 TO 337 IN 1998. HIGHER QUALITY SERVICE WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH
THE USE OF MORE AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NEW LANTAU BUS COMPANY’S FORWARD PLANING PROGRAMME WAS ALSO PRESENTED TO THE MEETING. MEMBERS TOOK NOTE OF THE PROPOSED NEW ROUTES AND EXPANSION OF FLEET.
--------0-----------
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN 1993/94 *****
THE NUMBER OF SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN 1993/94 INCREASED BY 27.5 PER CENT TO 13,498 COMPARED WITH 10,583 IN 1992/93.
THE INCREASE WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRANSPORT TRIPS MADE, GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF TCU’S ROLE, AND HIGHER PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES REMAINED THE MAIN AREA OF CONCERN, ACCOUNTING FOR 59.3 PER CENT OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY COMPLAINTS RELATED TO ENFORCEMENT MATTERS (17.6 PER CENT) AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS (15.4 PER CENT).
OF THE 8,002 COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES RECEIVED BY TCU IN 1993/94, 3,604 (45 PER CENT) WERE RELATED TO TAXI SERVICE. THE FIGURE REPRESENTED A 32 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, w
THERE WERE ALSO MORE COMPLAINTS AGAINST GREEN MINI-BUS (FROM 524 TO 777); YAU MA TEI FERRY (FROM 111 TO 152); KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (FROM 1,028 TO 1,363); CHINA MOTOR BUS (FROM 718 TO 850); MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (FROM 20 TO 34) AND STAR FERRY (FROM 1 TO 12).
THERE WERE 403 COMPLAINTS AGAINST CITYBUS DUE LARGELY TO THE INITIAL TEETHING PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF ITS OPERATION OF 26 NEW ROUTES ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1993.
THERE WERE FEWER COMPLAINTS AGAINST KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY (FROM 25 TO 15); TRAMS (FROM 86 TO 58) AND LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (FROM 49 TO 44 CASES).
MOST OF THE 2,380 COMPLAINTS AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS RELATED TO ILLEGAL PARKING WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 56.8 PER CENT.
AMONG THE 2,075 COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, 45 PER CENT, OR 939 CASES, WERE RELATED TO ROAD CONGESTION.
ALL THE COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN REFERRED BY TCU TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES FOR CONSIDERATION AND FOLLOW-UP ACTON WHERE APPROPRIATE.
DURING THE YEAR, INVESTIGATIONS WERE COMPLETED ON 12,463 COMPLAINTS. ABOUT 65 PER CENT OF THESE CASES WERE SUBSTANTIATED, AND APPROPRIATE ACTION WAS TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.
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/9 ......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
9
HK CONCERNED OVER NEW MEXICAN CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTS *****
TRADE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS, HEADED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL MR THOMAS YIU, TODAY (TUESDAY) MET A VISITING MEXICAN DELEGATION AND EXPRESSED HONG KONG’S CONCERN OVER THE NEW MEXICAN CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS ANNOUNCED IN MAY FOR ALL IMPORTS SUBJECT TO MEXICAN ANTI-DUMPING (AD) OR COUNTERVAILING (CV) DUTIES.
THE MEXICAN DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF MEXICO, MR EDUARDO PEREZ MOTTA.
"WE EXPLAINED TO THEM THE DIFFICULTIES WE HAVE IN PRINCIPLE AND IN PRACTICE WITH THE MEXICAN REQUIREMENTS, AND MADE CLEAR OUR REQUEST THAT HONG KONG BE EXEMPTED FROM THEM," MR YIU SAID AFTER THE MEETING.
DURING THE MEETING, THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THERE WOULD BE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON THE MATTER. MR YIU SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT A MUTUALLY SATISFACTORY SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND.
IN THE MEANTIME, HE ADDED, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIVE GOVERNMENT APPROVED CERTIFICATION ORGANISATIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE USUAL CERTIFICATION SERVICES.
ON MAY 31, THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN A GAZETTE NEW COUNTRY OF ORIGIN ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPORTS OF MERCHANDISE CLASSIFIED IN SUCH TARIFF ITEMS THAT WERE SUBJECT TO MEXICAN AD OR CV DUTIES.
ORIGINALLY SET TO COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 15 BUT SUBSEQUENTLY DEFERRED TO SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS APPLY NOT ONLY TO SUCH IMPORT FROM THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE ATTRACTED MEXICAN AD OR CV DUTIES, BUT ALSO SUCH IMPORTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
IN EFFECT, THEY REQUIRE EXPORTING COUNTRIES TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT THESE MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES FOR THEIR EXPORTS TO MEXICO. AT PRESENT, NO MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES APPLY TO HONG KONG IMPORTS.
AS FOR CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES, THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TWO SETS OF REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIED TEXTILES, APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS FOR ALL OTHER GOODS.
FOR THE FORMER, THE PROCEDURES REQUIRE THE USE OF A SPECIFIED CERTIFICATION FORM, TO BE FILLED IN SPANISH OR IN ANY OTHER LANGUAGE WITH SPANISH TRANSLATION.
AS FOR OTHER GOODS, THE CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN CAN BE IN ANY FORM BUT MUST INCLUDE CERTAIN SPECIFIED INFORMATION.
MR YIU EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG HAD DIFFICULTIES WITH BOTH THE NEW MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES AND THE NEW CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
FIRST, NO MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES CURRENTLY APPLY FOR IMPORTS
FROM HONG KONG; THE APPLICATION OF MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES, UNLESS THEY ARE IDENTICAL TO OUR OWN RULES, COULD AFFECT TRADE BETWEEN MEXICO AND HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/"SECONDLY, HONG
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
10
"SECONDLY, HONG KONG HAS DIFFICULTY IN PRINCIPLE WITH ANY REQUESTS FROM OUR TRADING PARTNERS FOR OUR CERTIFICATION SYSTEM TO BE AMENDED TO FOLLOW THEIR SPECIFICATIONS.
"HONG KONG ACTIVELY TRADES WITH MANY COUNTRIES AND THERE ARE AS MANY DIFFERENT ORIGIN RULES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS; IT IS SIMPLY IMPOSSIBLE IN PRACTICE FOR US TO HAVE A CERTIFICATION SYSTEM THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF ALL OF THEM.
"IT WOULD NOT BE DESIRABLE IN PRINCIPLE EITHER. OUR SYSTEM WOULD BE SO COMPLICATED AND CONFUSING THAT ENFORCEMENT AND CONTROL WOULD BE DIFFICULT."
DURING THE MEETING, THE MEXICAN SIDE EXPLAINED THAT THE AIM OF THEIR NEW MEASURES WAS TO TACKLE ORIGIN FRAUDS. MR YIU POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD TAKEN A TWO-PRONGED APPROACH TO COMBAT SUCH FRAUDS.
"FIRST, WE MAINTAIN A SET OF ORIGIN RULES WHICH ARE BASED ON INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED PRINCIPLES AND WHICH ARE APPLIED UNIFORMLY TO ALL MARKETS," HE SAID.
"IN PARALLEL, WE OPERATE A TIGHT CERTIFICATION SYSTEM UNDER WHICH WE CO-ORDINATE ALL CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES AND ENSURE THAT THE SAME PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES IN THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN ARE ADOPTED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIVE GOVERNMENT APPROVED CERTIFICATION ORGANISATIONS.
"ALL THE CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN ISSUED BY THESE BODIES IS GOVERNED BY LAW. TO BACK UP THE SYSTEM, VIGOROUS CONTROL IS ENFORCED THROUGH CHECKS AND INSPECTIONS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE."
MR YIU CONTINUED: "THEN WITHIN THIS FRAMEWORK, WE GIVE EVERY CO-OPERATION WE CAN TO OUR TRADING PARTNERS IN JOINT EFFORTS TO COMBAT CONTROL PROBLEMS SUCH AS ORIGIN OR CERTIFICATION FRAUDS.
"SO FAR WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE TO OUR TRADING PARTNERS THAT THIS APPROACH IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE, AND HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE TO BEST CONTRIBUTE TO THE INTERNATIONAL EFFORT AGAINST ORIGIN FRAUDS BY MAINTAINING THE EFFECTIVENESS AND INTEGRITY OF ITS CERTIFICATION SYSTEM."
------0-------
ELEVEN-MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED
*****
TEN MEN AND AN INFANT WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (JUNE), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV-INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 461 .
TWO NEW AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 107 WITH 68 DEATHS REPORTED.
/OF THE ........
11
OF THE 461 HIV-INFECTED, 175 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL OR BISEXUAL SEX AND 171 THROUGH HETEROSEXUAL SEX, 11 WERE INJECTING DRUG USERS, ONE WAS MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION AROUND THE TIME OF BIRTH, 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 329,173 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, 1,433,075 UNITS OF BLOOD HAVE BEEN TESTED AND 32 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
------0-------
REPORT ON THE 1992 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS NOW ON SALE *****
THE REPORT ON THE 1992 SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW ON SALE AT $34 PER COPY.
THE REPORT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF REPORTS PUBLISHED ANNUALLY ON THE SURVEY.
IT CONTAINS DETAILED STATISTICS ON THE COST STRUCTURE AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS FOR THE REFERENCE YEAR 1992, BASED ON DATA COLLECTED FROM ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THESE ACTIVITIES.
BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS REFER TO THE INDUSTRIES OF:
* BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION
* REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
* ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING SERVICES
EXAMPLES OF THE STATISTICAL ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE :
* NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES
* GROSS OUTPUT, BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND OTHER INCOMES
* VALUE ADDED (A MEASURE OF CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) AND GROSS SURPLUS
« CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
/OTHER OPERATING .....
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
12
* OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
♦ GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS
APART FROM STATISTICS RELATING TO THE YEAR 1992, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS SOME SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE YEARS 1990 AND 1991 TO SHOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE INDUSTRIES IN RECENT YEARS.
THE STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR POLICY FORMULATION, DECISION MAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
COPIES OF THE REPORT MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3204.
---------0-----------
CNTA OPENS 38 TEMPORARY SHELTERS DURING RAINSTORM
*****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS OPENED A TOTAL OF 38 TEMPORARY SHELTERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY SINCE THE HOISTING OF THE RED RAINSTORM WARNING IN THE EARLY HOURS LAST FIRDAY (JULY 22).
A TOTAL OF 624 PEOPLE HAVE SOUGHT REFUGE IN THESE CENTRES, A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
REGARDING THE KWUN LUNG LAU RESIDENTS NOW STAYING IN THE SHEK TONG TSUI INDOOR GAMES HALL, HE SAID THE HOUSING SOCIETY WAS MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO OFFER THEM ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A HOUSING SOCIETY HOLTINE - 858 0433 - IS STILL OPERATING FOR ENQUIRIES.
AT PRESENT, ABOUT 240 RESIDENTS ARE STAYING IN THE GAMES HALL.
SO FAR, 551 FAMILIES OF BLOCKS C AND D HAVE RETURNED HOME TO COLLECT THEIR BELONGINGS.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WAN CHAI HAS CLOSED AS THE 59 PEOPLE SEEKING REFUGE THERE HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO RETURN HOME.
THEY MOVED INTO THE TEMPORARY SHELTER PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOLLOWING THE COLLAPSE OF A WALL OF A THREE-STOREY BUILDING AT 6 KENNEDY STREET YESTERDAY (MONDAY) MORNING.
------0-------
/13......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
13
EYE WITNESSES OF LANDSLIP REQUESTED TO CALL GEO *****
THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE (GEO) OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS ANXIOUS TO CONTACT ANY EYE WITNESSES OF THE LANDSLIP WHICH OCCURRED AT KWUN LUNG LAU, KENNEDY TOWN, LAST SATURDAY (JULY 23) .
"INFORMATION THAT MAY BE PROVIDED BY EYE WITNESSES OF THE INCIDENT WILL BE USEFUL TO THE INVESTIGATION BEING CONDUCTED BY GEO.
"ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN THE OCCURRENCE OF THE LANDSLIP OR ANYTHING PERTINENT TO THE LANDSLIP IS REQUESTED TO CALL GEO AT 762 5353 DURING OFFICE HOURS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
------0-------
AWARDS FOR GURKHA HEROES
*****
TWO GURKHA SOLDIERS WHO, IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS, DISPLAYED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE AND INITIATIVE, WILL RECEIVE COMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL SIR JOHN FOLEY, AT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
LANCE CORPORAL KHEMBAHADUR GALAMI WAS CYC),TNG THROUGH TAM MEI MARRIED QUARTERS WHEN HE SPOTTED SMOKE COMING FROM AN UPSTAIRS WINDOW.
HE ALERTED THE OCCUPANTS AND EVACUATED THE BUILDING. HAVING ISOLATED THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, HE GAVE ORDERS TO CALL THE FIRE SERVICES.
IN THE MEANTIME, HE CLIMBED THE STAIRS, TAKING A HOSE PIPE WITH HIM AND ENTERED THE BURNING ROOM TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.
BY HIS PROMPT, COURAGEOUS AND SELFLESS ACTION, HE UNDOUBTEDLY MINIMISED THE DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING AND THE POSSESSIONS OF THE OCCUPANTS.
CORPORAL INDRAPRASAD GHALE, SIXTH GURKHA RIFLES, WAS ON EXERCISE IN THE LABI AREA OF THE JUNGLE IN BRUNEI WHEN, DURING A VIOLENT TROPICAL STORM, HE HEARD CRIES FOR HELP.
THREE SOLDIERS HAD BEEN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING AND WERE TEMPORARILY PARALYSED.
HE LOCATED THEM IN THE DARKNESS AND ADMINISTERED FIRST AID.
UNABLE TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE BECAUSE OF DAMAGE TO THE RADIO BY THE LIGHTNING, HE DECIDED TO MOVE THE CASUALTIES SOME 50 METRES TO A LOGGING TRACK WHERE THE LIGHT WAS BETTER AND HE COULD ASSESS AND TREAT THEIR INJURIES.
HE REMAINED AWAKE ALL NIGHT, COMFORTING AND ASSISTING THE CASUALTIES UNTIL 4.30 AM WHEN THE WEATHER BEGAN TO IMPROVE.
CPL INDRAPRASAD THEN COVERED TWO KILOMETRES THROUGH THE JUNGLE TO CONTACT ASSISTANCE AND AT 8.45 AM THE THREE CASUALTIES WERE EVACUATED.
/NOTE TO .......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
14
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE CAN PHOTOGRAPH AND INTERVIEW THE TWO SOLDIERS FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF THE COMMENDATIONS.
THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE AT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS NO LATER THAN 10.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
------0-------
121 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME
*****
A GROUP OF 121 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 52 MEN, 30 WOMEN, 23 BOYS AND 16 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 212TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,000 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,613 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0-------
FRESH WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN AND SAI KUNG
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (JULY 28) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD (TSUEN WAN SECTION), CHUNG ON STREET, SHA TSUI ROAD AND KWAN MUN HAU STREET.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORK, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 29) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES IN MANG KUNG UK, HANG HAU WING LUNG ROAD, NG FAI TIN, PAN LONG WAN, SHEUNG YEUNG, HA YEUNG, MIU TSAI, MAU PO, TAI AU MUN, LEUNG FAI TIN, SHEUNG SZE WAN, SIU HANG HAU, TAI HANG HAU, LUNG HA WAN ROAD, TSIU WO, TAI WAN TAU, TAI O MUN ROAD, SHEUNG LAU WAN, TIN WAN TSAI, TIN HA, TAI WONG KUNG, PO TOI O, TAI MIU AU, CLEAR WATER BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB AS WELL AS TIN HAU TEMPLE.
- - 0-----------
/15........
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » » » » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,660 0930 -318
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,626 1000 -224
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 -144
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -143 1200 -143
LAF TODAY 4-1,109 1.500 -143
1600 -143
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.8 ♦ 4-0.0t 26.7.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.77 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.12 5.72
1 MONTH 3.87 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.44 6.18
3 MONTHS 4.21 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.52 6.68
6 MONTHS 4.59 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.60 6.82
12 MONTHS 5.28 36 MONTHS 3707 6^95 100.29 6.96
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 32,829 MN "
CLOSED 26 JULY 1994
--------0-----------
/16........
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1994
16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED AMOUNT ALLOTTED AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED PRO RATA RATIO AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 26 JUL 94 EF BILLS Q430 HK$5,820 MN HK$1,500 MN 4.22 PCT 4.23 PCT ABOUT 23 PCT 4.26 PCT '/ • .4 , r ?
TENDERS TO BE HELD TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER ISSUE DATE MATURITY DATE TENOR AMOUNT ON OFFER HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY JN THE WEEK BEGINNING 1 AUG 1994- 2 AUG 94 EF BILLS Q431 3 AUG 94 2 NOV 94 91 DAYS HK$1,500 + 300 MN 2 AUG 94 EF BILLS H470 3 AUG 94 3 FEB 95 184 DAYS HK$800 + 160 MN
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NG,
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS BRIEFING ................ 1
RUBBISH IN HARBOUR A DISGRACE .............................. 6
TRANSCRIPT OF DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION ........... 7
FIRST REVIEW OF LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S WORK PUBLISHED .......... 8
SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE TO CATER FOR GROWING DEMAND ... 10
MUNICIPAL COUNCILS TO TAKE OVER MUSIC OFFICE .............. 11
RESPONSE TO REPORTS ON AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT ............. 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 13
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S PRESS BRIEFING ♦ ♦ ♦ t »
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS BRIEFING BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, IN LONDON ON JULY 27:
GOVERNOR: IT HAS BEEN A VERY USEFUL VISIT TO LONDON. IT HAS BEEN MY FIRST VISIT SINCE THE SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE OF OUR PROPOSALS ON ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS ON JULY 29 THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THAT DAY MARKED THE COMPLETION OF AN IMPORTANT STAGE IN HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT.
I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REVIEW THE POSITION SINCE THAT VOTE WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND OTHER OFFICIALS AND WE HAVE DISCUSSED AT SOME LENGTH THE WAY FORWARD OVER THE N$XT THREE YEARS. WE ARE PARTICULARLY CONCERNED TO SEE AS MUCH RAPID PROGRESS AS POSSIBLE IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG IN THE WHOLE RANGE OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES WHICH REMAIN TO BE RESOLVED.
WE HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY LOOKING AT THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE IN 29 MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND CONSIDERING HOW WE CAN MAKE CONSIDERABLY FASTER PROGRESS IN THE NINE OR SO MEETINGS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH REMAIN TO BE HELD BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997. THERE IS A FORMIDABLE RANGE OF WORK WHICH STILL HAS TO BE DONE AND WE WANT TO SEE THAT AGENDA ADDRESSED AS RAPIDLY AND AS VIGOROUSLY AS POSSIBLE.
I HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO A NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE IN LONDON, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE OPPOSITION PARTIES. I HAD A USEFUL DISCUSSION TODAY WITH JACK CUNNINGHAM, THE SHADOW FOREIGN SECRETARY AND YESTERDAY I MET PADDY ASHDOWN, THE LEADER OF THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY, AS WELL DAVID HOWELL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE WHICH PRODUCED SUCH AS INTERESTING REPORT ON HONG KONG AND SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS.
I AM VERY PLEASED THAT WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY SUCH SOLID CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT AT WESTMINSTER FOR OUR APPROACH TO OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN HONG KONG AND TO OUR DETERMINATION TO DO EVERYTHING WE POSSIBLY CAN TO SECURE THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG STAYS SPECIAL. WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT IT CONTINUES TO ENJOY ITS UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PLURAL, OPEN SOCIETY. THAT IS WHAT HAS MADE HONG KONG SO SUCCESSFUL AND WE WANT TO KEEP THINGS THAT WAY. THAT IS WHAT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS ALL ABOUT.
I ALSO REPORTED TO THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND OTHER MINISTERS THE LATEST ASSESSMENT OF OUR ECONOMIC PROSPECTS. I WAS ABLE TO REPORT TO THEM THAT OUR SURPLUS IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR WAS EVEN LARGER THAN WE HAD EXPECTED, AND I WAS ABLE TO DISCUSS WITH : ,THEM OUR PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPING A DECENT SCHEME FOR LOOKING AFTER THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND OF COURSE I MENTIONED TO THEM THAT IN THE LATEST POLLS OUR PROPOSALS ENJOYED 75 PER CENT - 80 PER CENT SUPPORT WHICH SEEMS A PRETTY GOOD SCORING RANGE.
/IT HAS .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
2
IT HAS BEEN A GOOD VISIT, DRIER AND HOTTER THAN HONG KONG. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY ONCE AGAIN HOW SAD I WAS AT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FLOODING IN HONG KONG, AND HOW GRATEFUL I AM FOR THE WORK DONE BY THE EMERGENCY SERVICES. I EXTEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOST FRIENDS AND-RELATIVES, AND WE WILL OBVIOUSLY BE SEEKING TO LEARN ALL WE CAN FROM THAT TRAGEDY TO TRY TO PREVENT SIMILAR TRAGEDIES IN THE FUTURE, ALTHOUGH OBVIOUSLY WITH DIFFICULT WEATHER, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PREVENT ANY UNTOWARD EVENT EVER HAPPENING.
QUESTION: DID YOU AGREE WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OR MR HOGG ANY TACTICS FOR SPEEDING UP THE PROGRESS IN THE JLG?
GOVERNOR: WE HAVE SOME THOUGHTS ON THAT, BUT WE WILL BE HAVING FURTHER MEETINGS BOTH HERE AND IN KONG KONG OVER THE COMING WEEKS. I WILL OBVIOUSLY WANT TO HAVE THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CONSULTATIONS WITH, FOR EXAMPLE, AMBASSADOR DAVIS WHO RUNS OUR JLG OPERATION AND WITH AMBASSADOR APPLEYARD, BUT WE WANT TO SEE MORE PROGRESS. I WOULD VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE COULD GIVE AN AUTUMN PUSH A GOOD SEND-OFF BY AGREEING SOONER RATHER THAN LATER ON THE AIRPORT. THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES ON THE AIRPORT NARROW RAPIDLY AND I REALLY THINK WE SHOULD TRY TO GET THAT AGREED, THOUGH WE CONTINUE TO MAKE VERY RAPID PROGRESS IN BUILDING THE AIRPORT.
QUESTION: WILL YOU HAVE MORE TALKS IN LONDON ON YOUR WAY BACK FROM HOLIDAY?
GOVERNOR: NO. UNLESS ANYTHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS I INTEND TO GO BACK PRETTY WELL STRAIGHT AWAY WHEN I GET BACK FROM MY HOLIDAY.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WOULD YOU SATISFY THE DEMANDS OF THE AGENTS IN HONG KONG WHO FELT LEFT BEHIND TO GRANT THEM BRITISH PASSPORTS OR MAKE A KIND OF ARRANGEMENT WITH THEM?
GOVERNOR: THEIR SITUATION HAS BEEN EXHAUSTIBLY REVIEWED BOTH WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION AND WITHIN THE COURTS. THE COURTS HAVE MADE THEIR DECISION CLEAR AND SO FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, THAT IS THAT.
THE QUESTION OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY APPLY FOR POSITIONS UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME IS A DIFFERENT MATTER.
QUESTION; YOU HAVE IN THE PAST SUGGESTED, NOTABLY TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, THAT IF THIS BLOCK IN THE JLG WAS TO CONTINUE, YOU WOULD HAVE TO GO AHEAD UNILATERALLY AS IT WERE TO THE LOCALISATION ... IS THAT STILL ON THE CARDS OR IS THERE SOME SORT OF THOUGHT THAT THAT COULD BE AN INCENTIVE, OR HAS THAT BEEN PUT BEHIND US NOW?
GOVERNOR: IF YOU ARE MAKING THE PROGRESS YOU WOULD LIKE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OPTIONS. YOU CAN EITHER SAY ’WE HAD BETTER, IN GOOD FAITH, DO THE BEST WE CAN ON OUR OWN’ AND THEN CHINA AND THE SAR GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO TAKE A VIEW ON THAT PROGRESS ON JULY 1, 1997. BUT IT WOULD NOT BE AS CONDUCIVE AS ONE WOULD LIKE TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION. IT WOULD NEVERTHELESS BE RESPONSIBLE IF OTHER ATTEMPTS TO EXPEDITE PROGRESS HAD FAILED.
THE SECOND COURSE, I SUPPOSE, IS SIMPLY TO THROW UP OUR HANDS IN DESPAIR AT THE INADEQUATE PROGRESS, BUT I DO NOT THINK THAT IS SENSIBLE AS WE WANT TO DO AS WELL AS WE CAN FOR HONG KONG.
/THIRDLY, WE ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
3
THIRDLY, WE COULD MAKE MORE PROGRESS IN CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA, AND THAT IS OUR PREFERRED WAY FORWARD, BUT IT WILL TAKE EFFORTS - IF 1 PUT THE POINT MILDLY - ON BOTH SIDES.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHAT WILL BE THE FOCUS OF DOUGLAS HURD’S
MEETING WITH QIAN QICHEN IN SEPTEMBER?
GOVERNOR: I WOULD BE A LITTLE RELUCTANT TO SPELL THAT OUT SO FAR
AHEAD, BUT CLEARLY THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WILL BE WANTING, I AM SURE AMONGST OTHER THINGS, TO REVIEW WITH VICE PREMIER QIAN THE PROGRESS THAT WE HAVE MADE ACROSS THE BOARD IN TRYING TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS SATISFACTORILY BEFORE 1997, AND THAT WILL OF COURSE INCLUDE THE JLG AGENDA.
THERE IS ALWAYS, OF COURSE, A NON-HONG KONG ELEMENT IN THEIR DISCUSSIONS, BECAUSE CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE BOTH PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL OF THE UNITED NATIONS, SO THERE ARE A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL ISSUES WHICH THE VICE PREMIER AND THE FOREIGN SECRETARY ALWAYS NEED TO COVER. BUT IN THE SPECIFICALLY HONG KONG-RELATED ISSUES THE PROGRESS ON THE JLG WILL LOOM VERY HIGH. T
QUESTION: WILL THAT BE PART OF YOUR AUTUMN PUSH? IS THAT PART OF
THE CAMPAIGN TO GET THINGS MOVING AGAIN?
GOVERNOR: I AM SURE THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WILL WANT HIS MEETING TO
HELP SPEED THINGS UP RATHER THAN SLOW THINGS DOWN.
QUESTION: ACCORDING TO REPORTS THAT HAVE GONE AROUND CHINESE
PAPERS, ONE OF THE REASONS THEY EXPLAINED WHY QIAN QICHEN FELT HE SHOULD SAY TO ALASTAIR GOODLAD THAT WAS THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SPEARATE POLITICAL FROM FACT.... WAS THAT BEIJING STILL FEARS THAT.
THERE IS A CONSTITUTIONAL AGENDA WHICH STILL EXISTS IN HONG KONG AND THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE VOTING ISSUE IS TO ENHANCE THE POWERS OF LEGCO TO THE POINT AT WHICH THE FREEDOM OF MANOEUVRE OF THE 5“ FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE AFTER 1997 WOULD BE INHIBITED. THAT COULD EITHER BE A SMOKESCREEN OR IT COULD BE A REASONABLE SUPPOSITION. YOU CAN IMAGINE THE CHINESE THINKING ABOUT THAT. IS THERE ANY TRUTH IN THAT? ARE YOU GOING.. TO MOVE ON TO THE POINT AT WHICH LEGCO WOULD HAVE SUCH POWERS THAT, AS IT WERE, THE EXECUTIVE-LED GOVERNMENT IN THAT CONSULATE WOULD BE THAT THREATENED? c ,
GOVERNOR: THE POWERS OF LEGCO ARE PERFECTLY CLEAR IN THE BASIC LAW
AND IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE JOINT DECLARATION TALKS ABOUT AN EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTABLE TO A LEGISLATURE WHICH IS WHOLLY ELECTED. NOW I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ACCOUNTABILITY MAKES A GOVERNMENT LESS EFFECTIVE OR LESS STRONG. I DO NOT THINK CRITICISM BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE EXECUTIVE UNDERMINES A SELF-CONFIDENT EXECUTIVE. I DO NOT THINK THAT A PUBLIC AND POLITICAL DIALOGUE ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATURE MEANS THAT GOVERNMENT IS LESS STRONG.' ., ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT IS MORE STRONG. ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT PURSUES BETTER POLICIES BECAUSE IT HAS TO EXPLAIN AND DEFEND THOSE POLICIES.
/ALL THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
4
ALL THAT IS TO GIVE FORM TO THE WORDS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, AND THAT IS ALL WE SEEK TO DO. IT IS NOT A HIDDEN AGENDA. TRYING TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS A VERY PUBLIC AND OPEN AGENDA. WE HAVE SEEN WITH A LEGISLATURE LARGELY ELECTED SINCE 1991 THE GOVERNMENT SUCCESSFULLY GETTING ITS LEGISLATION THROUGH. WE HAVE SEEN SINCE 1991 THE GOVERNMENT GETTING FUNDING FOR ITS PRINCIPAL PROGRAMMES, LIKE THE AIRPORT, SO I DO NOT HEAR ANYBODY SAYING WE DO NOT HAVE EFFECTIVE EXECUTIVE-LED GOVERNMENT TODAY. USUALLY THEY SEEM TO BE CRITICISING THE EXECUTIVE DECISIONS THAT I TAKE AND THE GOVERNMENT TAKES. LOOK AT THE ISSUE OF PENSIONS; THAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE GOVERNMENT GIVING A STRONG AND DECISIVE LEAD.
PEOPLE CANNOT PICK AND CHOOSE. I AM NOT SURE THAT IF THE LEGISLATURE HAD VOTED OTHERWISE ON JUNE 29 WE WOULD HAVE HEARD GREAT CRITICISMS FROM SOME OF THOSE WHO MAKE THE REMARKS THAT YOU MENTIONED OF THE WAY THAT LEGISLATURE HAS CARRIED OUT ITS ROLE. THERE HAVE BEEN ONE OR TWO PEOPLE WHO HAVE CRITICISED US FROM TIME TO TIME WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN METAPHORICALLY THROWING THEIR HATS INTO THE AIR, IF HATS THEY POSSESSED.
SO WE SHOULD STICK TO WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN HONG KONG, AND WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN HONG KONG IS THAT WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT WHICH IS IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT WHICH GIVES A DECISIVE LEAD TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC POLICY THAT IS DELIGHTED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR ALL ITS WORKS, ALL ITS ACTIONS, ALL ITS DEEDS, TO A LEGISLATURE WHICH REFLECTS THE VIEW OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND WILL DO SO EVEN MORE ACCURATELY AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN 1995, WHEN IT IS WHOLLY ELECTED BY ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE FAIR AND OPEN, AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK CHINA SEES IT LIKE THAT?
GOVERNOR: YOU SHOULD ASK CHINESE OFFICIALS HOW THEY SEE IT, AND IF THEY DO NOT SEE IT LIKE THAT IT WOULD BE NICE TO KNOW HOW THEY INTERPRET THE WORDS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT NATIONALITY WILL COME MORE TO THE FORE IN THE FUTURE IN HONG KONG, AND WAS THERE MUCH MENTION OF IT IN YOUR MEETINGS?
GOVERNOR: YES, IT WAS MENTIONED IN MY MEETINGS WITH DR CUNINGHAM AND MR ASHDOWN AND DAVID HOWELL, ALL OF WHOM WERE INTERESTED IN NATIONALITY ISSUES, PARTICULARLY OF COURSE IN RELATION TO THE POSITION OF THE ETHNIC MINORITIES, ON WHICH THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FOR THE CONCERNS WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED IN HONG KONG.
MORE GENERALLY THERE IS A RANGE OF ISSUES WHICH ARE BEING CONSIDERED BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH ARE DIFFICULT AND REQUIRE EARLY AGREEMENT. I WILL NOT GO THROUGH THEM ALL BUT THEY ALL TOUCH IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER ON VISAS, ON NATIONALITY, ON TRAVEL, ON ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, ON RIGHT OF ABODE, AND WE DO NEED TO GET ON AND TACKLE THEM AND SETTLE THEM, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
QUESTION: WOULD YOU CONSIDER A MEETING BETWEEN YOU AND LU PING A GOOD WAY OF PUSHING AHEAD THE WORK OF THE JLG AND THE AIRPORT, AND GENERAL RELATIONSHIPS? DO YOU SEE THAT HAPPENING?
/GOVERNOR .......
5
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
GOVERNOR: I DO THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD WAY AHEAD. WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL HAPPEN IN THE AUTUMN IS VERY MUCH A MATTER FOR DIRECTOR LU AND PRC OFFICIALS. SO FAR AS I AM CONCERNED I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE DIRECTOR LU OR ANY OTHER CHINESE OFFICIALS WHENEVER THEIR DIARIES ALLOW THEM A SPARE SLOT. I HAVE MADE THAT PLAIN OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
QUESTION: THERE IS AN OBLIGATION FOR THE GOVERNOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE TO MEET TWICE A YEAR, SO WHO IS BREAKING THE MOU?
GOVERNOR: THERE ARE 365 DAYS IN MOST YEARS AND 366 FROM TIME TO TIME, AND EACH OF THEM IS A DAY ON WHICH I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO SEE DIRECTOR LU OR ANY OF HIS OFFICIALS.
QUESTION: IN YOUR OCTOBER SPEECH, WILL YOU BE CONCENTRATING ON THE PENSION SCHEME ISSUES?
GOVERNOR: I WILL OBVIOUSLY BE SAYING A GOOD DEAL ABOUT PENSIONS BECAUSE IT WILL BE MORE OR LESS AT THE END OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, AND WE WILL WANT TO RESOLVE MATTERS ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN DISCUSSING PENSIONS FOR, WHAT, 30 YEARS I SUPPOSE, AND SOONER OR LATER WE HAVE TO TAKE A DECISION. YOU CANNOT GO ON PUTTING IT OFF FOR EVER.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MEANTIME? MORE PEOPLE GROW OLD -NOT JUST GOVERNMENTS. MORE PEOPLE GROW VERY OLD, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE OLD HAVE FINANCIAL WORRIES WHICH THEY SHOULD BE SPARED. COME 1997 11 PER CENT OF OUR POPULATION WILL BE 65 OR OVER - 600,000 PLUS. THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHO ARE VERY ELDERLY WILL DOUBLE OVER THE PERIOD AHEAD, OVER THE NEXT DECADES, SO WE NEED BETTER AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND WE NEED TO TAKE THE WORRY AND ANXIETY OUT OF RETIREMENT.
QUESTION: [INAUDIBLE] REGARDING THE $23 BILLION TO BE RAISED BY THE PAA AND THE MTRC, WILL GOVERNMENT COMMIT IN BLACK AND WHITE TO ASSURE THE CHINESE THAT $23 BILLION WILL NOT IN ANY WAY BECOME GOVERNMENT LIABILITY?
GOVERNOR: THAT IS THE SORT OF ISSUE WHICH IS BEING DISCUSSED BETWEEN EXPERTS AT THE MOMENT. AS HAS BEEN THE CASE IN ALL THE DISCUSSIONS ON THE AIRPORT, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL BE ENDLESSLY IMAGINATIVE IN TRYING TO FIND SOLUTIONS. THINGS HAVE MOVED FORWARD REASONABLY WELL BECAUSE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE VERY SENSIBLY GONE ON FUNDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT, BUT WE WOULD LIKE A COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT. WE THINK THAT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG, AND QUITE FRANKLY IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF CHINA AS WELL, AND WE ARE PREPARED TO CONTINUE TO BE IMAGINATIVE IN SEEKING SUCH AN OUTCOME.
I SHOULD JUST ADD THAT THERE IS NOT A COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD WHICH HAS SUCH A GOOD RECORD IN FUNDING BIG PROJECTS PRUDENTLY, IN BUILDING THEM TO COST AND IN COMPLETING THEM ON TIME OR BEFORE TIME, SO WE LISTEN TO THE CRITICISMS OF OTHERS WITH INTEREST AND CONTINUING HUMILITY.
QUESTION: AS YOU ARE HAVING FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON HOW TO PUSH AHEAD WITH WORK WITH THE JLG, PRESUMABLY THE NORMAL CONTACTS THAT TAKE PLACE ON JLG MATTERS ARE NOT WORKING SATISFACTORILY. SO WHAT AREAS ARE YOU LOOKING AT TO PROMOTE THE WORK OF THE JLG? ARE YOU LOOKING AT TAKING THINGS TO A HIGHER LEVEL?
/GOVERNOR .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
6
GOVERNOR: THERE ARE MANY CONTACTS WITHIN THE EXISTING JLG PARAMETERS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THEY DO NOT PRODUCE THE RESULTS WHICH WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE, AND I ASSUME THE RESULTS THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS WOULD LIKE TO SEE.
SO MUCH OF THIS AGENDA IS TECHNICAL; IT IS A MATTER OF DETAIL RATHER THAN A MATTER OF GREAT POLITICAL ISSUES, BUT ALL OF IT MATTERS TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, AND WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO WORK IN AS SUCCESSFUL AND A EXPEDITIOUS WAY AS POSSIBLE.
I WOULD JUST ADD ONE OTHER POINT: I WILL PROBABLY BE MAKING MY NEXT VISIT TO LONDON IN LATE OCTOBER, WHICH WILL BE AFTER MY LEGCO SPEECH AND AFTER THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS SEEN VICE PREMIER QIAN, SO WE WILL OBVIOUSLY BE ABLE TO LOOK AT HOW THINGS STAND THEN. I WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE VISITS FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR TO LONDON. IT IS EXTREMELY VALUABLE, AND OF COURSE HAS THE ADDITIONAL BENEFIT THAT IT ENABLES ME TO MEET YOU AGAIN.
I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A NICE HOLIDAY!
QUESTION: WHERE ARE YOU GOING ON HOLIDAY?
GOVERNOR: I AM GOING TO FRANCE. A FORMER LABOUR LORD CHANCELLOR SAID THAT A YEAR WITHOUT A HOLIDAY IN FRANCE WAS LIKE A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE! AS YOU KNOW, ENGLISHMEN ARE ALWAYS FRANCOPHILES!
--------0-----------
RUBBISH IN HARBOUR A DISGRACE
♦ » » ♦ ♦
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE AMOUNT OF REFUSE IN THE HARBOUR WAS A TOTAL DISGRACE TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A VISIT TO INSPECT THE MARINE REFUSE COLLECTION OPERATIONS IN THE HARBOUR, MRS CHAN SAID THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WAS DOING A VERY VALIANT JOB BUT THEY COULD NOT TACKLE THE PROBLEM SINGLE-HANDEDLY.
"PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING OUR HARBOUR IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE AND WE NEED THE CO-OPERATION OF NOT ONLY THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BUT ALSO INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS," MRS CHAN SAID.
"I AM DETERMINED THAT WE SHOULD- DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND WE ARE GOING TO LOOK INTO WHAT IS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME IN CONSULTATION WITH VARIOUS BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS."
SHE SAID THE ACTIONS WHICH NEEDED TO BE TAKEN SHOULD, ON THE ONE HAND, COVER MEASURES TO ERADICATE POLLUTIONS BY THE PUBLIC AND, ON THE OTHER HAND, COVER EDUCATION AND PENALTY FOR OFFENDERS.
MRS CHAN STRONGLY URGED THE PUBLIC TO STOP POLLUTION AT SOURCE.
/" I AM .........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
7
"I AM ADVISED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT THAT IN FACT, 80 PER CENT OF THE REFUSE IN THE HARBOUR ACTUALLY COMES FROM LAND," SHE SAID.
"WE CAN STOP THE POLLUTION AT SOURCE AND THEN, OBVIOUSLY, THE HARBOUR WILL BE MUCH CLEANER."
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER HER INSPECTION OF MARINE REFUSE COLLECTION OPERATIONS THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
MRS CHAN: THIS MORNING, I WENT OUT WITH A FEW LEGCO MEMBERS AND MARINE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER OFFICIALS TO LOOK AT THE REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE IN THE HARBOUR. I MUST SAY THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE REFUSE IN HARBOUR IS A TOTAL DISGRACE TO THE COMMUNITY AND WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS DOING A VERY VALIANT JOB BUT THEY CANNOT TACKLE IT SINGLE-HANDEDLY. AS YOU KNOW, PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING OUR HARBOUR IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE AND WE NEED THE CO-OPERATION OF NOT ONLY THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BUT ALSO INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS. I AM DETERMINED THAT WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND WE ARE GOING TO LOOK INTO WHAT IS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME IN CONSULTATION WITH VARIOUS BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS. I DO URGE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO
STOP POLLUTING AT SOURCE BECAUSE I AM ADVISED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT
THAT IN FACT, 80 PER CENT OF THE REFUSE IN THE HARBOUR ACTUALLY COMES FROM LAND. WE CAN STOP THE POLLUTION AT SOURCE AND THEN, OBVIOUSLY,
THE HARBOUR WILL BE MUCH CLEANER. WE WILL, OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS,
IN CONSULTATION WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, DECIDE WHAT IS THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE PROGRAMME.
QUESTION: CAN YOU REPEAT IN ENGLISH (ABOUT CONSULTING THE CHINESE OVER THE ALLOCATION OF A FURTHER 50 HECTARES OF LAND)?
MRS CHAN: I THINK WE’VE PREVIOUSLY MADE KNOWN OUR DESIRE TO DISCUSS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE LAND COMMISSION THE ALLOCATION OF A FURTHER 15 HECTARES OF LAND IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE ON PROPERTY.
QUESTION: MRS CHAN, DO YOU THINK THAT KWUN LUNG LAU....PLAN OF CHECKING RETAINING WALLS REGULARLY?
MRS CHAN: NOT AT ALL. I THINK THAT THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS HAS MADE IT QUITE PLAIN. WE LOOK AT DANGEROUS SLOPES ALL THE TIME. WE HAVE A CONSULTANCY AT THE MOMENT WHO IS, IN FACT, UPDATING THE LIST OF SLOPES. I THINK YOU NEED TO BEAR IN MIND THAT WE SUSPECT THAT THE MAIN CAUSE, BUT THIS IS STILL TO BE ESTABLISHED, BUT THE MAIN CAUSE FOR THE COLLAPSE IN KENNEDY TOWN IS BECAUSE OF THE VERY, VERY HEAVY DOWNPOUR OF RAIN. BUT I AM EXPECTING A PRELIMINARY REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS BEFORE THIS WEEKEND AND IN THE LIGHT OF THAT REPORT, WE WILL DETERMINE WHAT REMEDIAL WORKS NEED TO BE DONE AND WHAT ELSE NEEDS TO BE DONE IN TERM OF ENSURING THE STABILITY OF VARIOUS SLOPES.
--------0-----------
/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
8
FIRST REVIEW OF LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S WORK PUBLISHED * ♦ * ♦ »
LAWYERS ACTING FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT PROSECUTED A TOTAL OF 4,970 CASES IN THE VARIOUS LEVELS OF COURTS, AND HANDLED 4,125 CIVIL ACTIONS DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE "LEGAL DEPARTMENT 1994”, THE FIRST REVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE LARGE AMOUNT OF CASES AND SUMMONSES ' HANDLED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S COURT PROSECUTORS IN THE MAGISTRATES COURTS - AMOUNTING TO 570,000 - IN 1993.
AMONG THE 4,970 CASES PROSECUTED IN THE 1993/94 FINANCIAL YEAR, 864 CASES WERE HEARD IN MAGISTRATES COURTS, 1,507 IN THE DISTRICT COURT, 673 IN THE HIGH COURT, AND 1,926 IN THE COURT OF APPEAL.
THE CONVICTION RATE WAS 78.2 PER CENT IN CASES HANDLED BY COURT PROSECUTORS AND 59 PER CENT BY COUNSEL IN MAGISTRATES COURTS; 67.4 PER CENT IN THE DISTRICT COURT; AND 70.1 PER CENT IN THE HIGH COURT, ACCORDING TO THE REPORT.
WRITING IN THE FOREWORD OF THE REPORT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT THERE WAS GROWING INTEREST IN THE WORK OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE MEDIA, AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WERE INCREASINGLY SEEKING INFORMATION FROM HIM AND HIS COLLEAGUES, HE SAID.
SINCE BECOMING ATTORNEY GENERAL IN 1988, HE SAID HE HAD, THROUGH SPEECHES, ARTICLES, AND ANSWERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, FREQUENTLY EXPLAINED ASPECTS OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S WORK.
LAST YEAR, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT PUBLISHED A BOOKLET SETTING OUT THE BASIS ON WHICH DECISIONS IN RESPECT OF PROSECUTIONS WERE MADE.
"I AM NOW PLEASED TO INTRODUCE THIS BOOKLET, ’LEGAL DEPARTMENT 1994’, WHICH ATTEMPTS TO EXPLAIN THE WORKINGS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ALL SECTIONS OF MY DEPARTMENT," MR MATHEWS SAID.
"I HOPE THIS PUBLICATION WILL HELP THE COMMUNITY TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE VITAL LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY MY DEPARTMENT," HE ADDED.
THE PUBLICATION, IN ADDITION TO EXPLAINING THE ORGANISATION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, ALSO ILLUSTRATES THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SIX DIVISIONS.
ON THE WORK OF THE CIVIL DIVISION, THE REVIEW SAID IT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 4,125 CIVIL LITIGATION CASES DURING 1993/94.
AMONG THESE CASES, SOME WERE SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN TO COURT AND 82.9 PER CENT OF THEM, OR 334 CASES, WERE DECIDED IN FAVOUR OF THE CROWN.
/IN RESPECT .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
9
IN RESPECT OF LAW DRAFTING, THE REVIEW NOTED THAT THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DRAFTING OF ALL LEGISLATION PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT, PREPARED 96 ORDINANCES, 106 BILLS AND 608 PIECES OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, WHICH WAS ABOUT FIVE PER CENT MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
AS REGARDS TRANSLATION OF EXISTING LAW, ABOUT 5,400 PAGES OF LEGISLATION HAD BEEN EXAMINED AND APPROVED BY THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE OUT OF A TOTAL OF ABOUT 22,000 PAGES WHICH REQUIRE TO BE TRANSLATED INTO CHINESE.
WHERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR A PARTICULAR PIECE OF NEW LEGISLATION, COUNSEL IN THE DEPARTMENT’S LEGAL POLICY DIVISION WILL TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN THE PREPARATION OF THE BILL AND ITS PRESENTATION TO THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, THE PUBLICATION NOTED.
IN 1993/94, THE DIVISION WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR A NUMBER OF NEW BILLS, INCLUDING THE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION BILL, THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL, AND THE BILLS OF LADING AND ANALOGOUS SHIPPING DOCUMENTS BILL.
IN ADDITION TO FORMULATING LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS, THE DIVISION IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE GOVERNMENT WHETHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION, OR A PARTICULAR POLICY, IS CONTRARY TO ESTABLISHED PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
EXAMPLES OF LEGISLATION THAT THE DIVISION WAS CONSULTED ON ARE THE ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES BILL AND THE DRAFT LEGISLATION TO PREPARE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL.
THE SECRETARIAT SERVING THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION ALSO OPERATES ADMINISTRATIVELY UNDER THE LEGAL POLICY DIVISION.
DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, THE COMMISSION COMPLETED WORK ON TWO REFERENCES: COPYRIGHT AND INCHOATE OFFENCES, AND REPORTS ON THESE TWO ISSUES WERE PUBLISHED.
THE COMMISSION ALSO CONTINUED TO WORK ON A NUMBER OF OTHER PROJECTS DURING THE YEAR. A CONSULTATION PAPER ON INFORMATION PRIVACY WAS ISSUED IN FEBRUARY 1993 BY THE COMMISSION’S PRIVACY SUB-COMMITTEE.
IN JULY 1993, THE INSOLVENCY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION ISSUED ITS PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS ON BANKRUPTCY, PROMPTING RESPONSES FROM A WIDE RANGE OF ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS.
THE PROBLEM OF MISDESCRIPTION OF FLATS ON SALE WAS ALSO STUDIED BY THE COMMISSION AND ONE OF ITS SUB-COMMITTEES PUBLISHED ITS INTERIM PROPOSALS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
ON THE INTERNATIONAL LAW FRONT, THE DEPARTMENT’S INTERNATIONAL LAW DIVISION CONTINUED TO PROVIDE LEGAL SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH TEAM OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP (JLG).
/THE LAW.........
10
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
THE LAW OFFICER (INTERNATIONAL LAW) IS THE LEGAL ADVISER TO THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE JLG AND ALSO HEADS THE BRITISH SIDE IN THE INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS (IRO) SUB-GROUP.
DURING THE YEAR THE JLG MET THREE TIMES (AND THE IRO SUB-GROUP THREE TIMES) AND AGREED ON THE CONTINUED APPLICATION TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997 OF VARIOUS MULTILATERAL TREATIES, INCLUDING THE HAGUE CONVENTION ON THE TAKING OF EVIDENCE ABROAD, THE HAGUE CONVENTION ON THE SERVICE OF JUDICIAL AND EXTRA JUDICIAL DOCUMENTS AND SIX TREATIES IN RESPECT OF MERCHANT SHIPPING.
------0-------
SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE TO CATER FOR GROWING DEMAND
*****
THE SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE WAS BUILT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CAPACITY TO CATER FOR HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS ON AP LEI CHAU, THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWONG HONG-SANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW BRIDGE, MR KWONG SAID THE NEW BRIDGE WOULD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EXISTING BRIDGE, SERVE TO FORM A DUAL TWO-LANE TRAFFIC LINK BETWEEN AP LEI CHAU AND ABERDEEN.
HE SAID IN ANTICIPATION OF THE GROWTH IN TRAFFIC GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENTS ON AP LEI CHAU, GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONED MAUNSELL CONSULTANT ASIA LIMITED IN 1988 TO IDENTIFY AND INVESTIGATE ALL PRACTICAL LOCATIONS FOR A SECOND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE, AND TO DETERMINE THE OPTIMUM BRIDGE LOCATION.
THE CONSULTANT RECOMMENDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND BRIDGE ALONG THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE EXISTING AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE. DETAILED DESIGN OF THE NEW BRIDGE WAS CARRIED OUT IN 1991 AND WORK STARTED IN 1992 AT A COST OF $110 MILLION.
THE NEW BRIDGE IS BASICALLY DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS, NAMELY, THE MAIN BRIDGE OVER ABERDEEN HARBOUR, THE NORTH APPROACH ON THE ABERDEEN SIDE, AND THE SOUTH APPROACH ON AP LEI CHAU SIDE.
THE MAIN BRIDGE IS OF THREE-SPAN BALANCED CANTILEVER CAST-IN-SITU CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, 230 METRES IN LENGTH WITH A CENTRE SPAN OF 115 METRES ACROSS ABERDEEN HARBOUR.
THE NORTH APPROACH IS A FIVE-SPAN 190-METRE LONG POST-TENSIONED CONTINUOUS BRIDGE DECK AND THE SOUTH APPROACH IS A TWO-SPAN 60-METRE LONG POST-TENS IONF.D CONTINUOUS BRIDGE DECK WITH A 125-METRE LONG WIDENED ROAD SUPPORTED BY CAISSON RETAINING WALL.
THE APPROACH BRIDGES WERE FORMED BY CAST-IN-SITU CONSTRUCTION WITH CONVENTIONAL FORMWORK AND FALSEWORK, WHEREAS THE MAIN BRIDGE WAS BUILT BY CAST-IN-SITU BALANCED CANTILEVER CONSTRUCTION, CHOSEN FOR MAINTAINING THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL WITH A MINIMUM CLEARANCE OF 16 METRES UNDER THE BRIDGE AT ALL TIMES DURING CONSTRUCTION.
STARTING FROM THE PIERS NEAR THE TWO BANKS, THE BRIDGE DECKS OF THE MAIN BRIDGE WERE FORMED BY CASTING SUCCESSIVE REINFORCED CONCRETE SEGMENTS UNTIL THE CANTILEVERED SPANS WERE CONNECTED RIGHT ABOVE THE MIDDLE OF THE ABERDEEN HARBOUR.
/AN EXISTING ......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
11
AN EXISTING PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY ADJACENT TO HARBOUR MISSION SCHOOL HAS BEEN EXTENDED ACROSS THE SOUTH APPROACH ROAD TO MAINTAIN A GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING FACILITY AT THIS LOCATION.
A 2.5-METRE WIDE WALKWAY IS PROVIDED ALONG THE WESTERN EDGE OF THE BRIDGE FOR PEDESTRIANS. UNDERNEATH THE WALKWAY IS A UTILITY TROUGH WHICH ACCOMMODATES ADDITIONAL UTILITY SERVICES TO AP LEI CHAU.
AS THE NEW BRIDGE RUNS ALONGSIDE THE EXISTING BRIDGE AND THEIR LANDFALLS ARE AT MATCHING LEVELS, THE STRUCTURES OF THE NEW BRIDGE HAS TAKEN SIMILAR FORMS AS THE EXISTING BRIDGE STRUCTURES FOR AESTHETIC REASONS.
THE NEW BRIDGE WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY). UPON THE OPENING OF THE NEW BRIDGE, THE EXISTING BRIDGE WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TOWARDS AP LEI CHAU WHILE THE NEW BRIDGE WILL BE ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TOWARDS ABERDEEN.
EMERGENCY MEDIAN OPENINGS AND CROSS-OVERS ARE PROVIDED BETWEEN THE TWO BRIDGES SUCH THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL CLOSURE OF EITHER BRIDGE, TRAFFIC CAN BE DIVERTED ONTO THE UNAFFECTED BRIDGE WHICH WOULD OPERATE IN A TWO-WAY MODE TEMPORARILY.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE OPENING OF THE NEW BRIDGE, TOGETHER WITH THE ONE-WAY GYRATORY SCHEME BEING INTRODUCED IN WONG CHUK HANG, WILL IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
JOINING MR KWONG TO OFFICIATE AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR MAN HON-MING; THE DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN), MRS ROSANNA URE; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF DIRECTOR BOARD AND PRESIDENT OF CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION, MR ZHU ZHENLIANG.
- - 0 - -
MUNICIPAL COUNCILS TO TAKE OVER MUSIC OFFICE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO HAND OVER THE WORK OF THE MUSIC OFFICE TO THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AFTER SOME MONTHS OF CAREFUL DELIBERATION.
FOLLOWING THE ARTS POLICY REVIEW CONDUCTED LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION TO TRANSFER THE WORK OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, CURRENTLY UNDER THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, TO A NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION.
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT A NON-GOVERNMENT BODY SHOULD BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT THE WORK OF THE MUSIC OFFICE MORE EFFECTIVELY, FLEXIBLY AND CREATIVELY.
THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMITTED FORMAL PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNMENT, EXPRESSING THEIR INTEREST IN TAKING OVER THE WORK OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
/THE PROPOSALS
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
12
THE PROPOSALS WERE ASSESSED ON THE FOLLOWING BASIC CRITERIA:
* THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT THE PRESENT LEVEL AND IF POSSIBLE TO EXPAND ON THEM;
» THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING MUSIC PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AT THE PRESENT LEVEL, AND IF POSSIBLE TO EXPAND ON THEM;
* THE NEED OF RETAIN THE EXISTING REGIONAL MUSIC CENTRES AND TO OPEN MORE CENTRES WHEREVER POSSIBLE; AND
* THE NEED TO MAINTAIN A LOW AND AFFORDABLE FEE STRUCTURE FOR BOTH THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING PROGRAMME AND THE MUSIC INSTRUMENTS HIRE SCHEME.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS FULLY ASSESSED ALL THE PROPOSALS AND OVERALL, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ARE CONSIDERED THE MOST SUITABLE ORGANISATION TO TAKE OVER THE WORK OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
THE OBJECTIVES AND EXISTING ACTIVITIES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WOULD BE MAINTAINED AND ENHANCED AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSFER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CUTLURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY): "THE PARTICULAR STRENGTHS OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ARE THEIR RELEVANT EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE, ACCESS TO SUITABLE VENUES AND THE WIDEST COMMUNITY LIAISON NETWORK FOR MUSIC PROMOTION.”
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WOULD BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING LEVEL, SCOPE AND STANDARD OF MUSIC TRAINING, AND WOULD ALSO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF EXPANDING THE GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF MUSIC CENTRES AND UPGRADING TRAINING STANDARDS AND FACILITIES.
THEY WOULD ALSO MAINTAIN REASONABLE AND AFFORDABLE FEES, THE FEE REMISSION SCHEME AND THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS HIRE SCHEME.
IN ORDER TO EXERCISE ECONOMY IN ESTABLISHMENT AND OBTAIN FLEXIBILITY IN STAFF MANAGEMENT, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WILL ENGAGE FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL TRAINING STAFF ON CONTRACT TO UNDERTAKE TEACHING DUTIES WITH THE SUPPORT OF PART-TIME PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS.
THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS HAVE INDICATED THAT A GOOD NUMBER OF THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE ENGAGED ON CONTRACT BY THE NEW MUSIC OFFICE.
SUBJECT TO FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND BARRING ANY UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS IN THE HANDING-OVER, IT IS TENTATIVELY PLANNED THAT THE FUNCTIONS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE EFFECTIVELY TRANSFERRED TO THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS IN APRIL 1995, WHEN THERE WILL BE A NORMAL BREAK IN CLASSES TO FACILITATE THE CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT.
"WE SHALL ENSURE THAT THE TRANSFER IS EFFECTED SMOOTHLY WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO THE SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE," THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.
/13.........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
13
RESPONSE TO REPORTS ON AN * * *
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT * *
ASSOCIATION
KAM-HONG, CAUSE OF ACCIDENT
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS REPORTS QUOTING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE --------- RIGHTS OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT VICTIMS, MR CHAN AS CRITICISING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ATTRIBUTING THE TO THE TWO VICTIMS WHO DIED IN AN INDUSTRIAL LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S THE COMMENTS MADE BY
FOR THE
ACCIDENT
IN SHEUNG
SHUI LAST WEEK, THE
FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID
CHIEF MR CHAN
KAM-HONG WERE TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE.
CHAN’S
LABOUR VICTIMS,
’’DURING YESTERDAY’S (TUESDAY) MEETING WITH MR DELEGATION, OUR COLLEAGUES HAD CLEARLY ADVISED HIM THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD NEVER ATTRIBUTED THE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT TO THE NOR TO ANYBODY,” THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR SAID.
INVESTIGATING INTO BE DISCLOSED BEFORE MAY JEOPARDISE THE
”IN FACT, HE WAS ADVISED THAT WE ARE STILL THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT, AND THE RESULTS CANNOT A DEATH INQUEST IS BEING CONDUCTED BECAUSE IT
HEARING.
"THE DELEGATION WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THERE GOVERNING THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS AT WORK SITES AND THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT HESITATE TO TAKE AGAINST THOSE WHO MIGHT BREACH THE SAFETY LAW.
ARE REGULATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION OUT PROSECUTION
”1 REGRET THAT MR CHAN KAM-HONG MADE USE OF THE TRAGEDY TO MISLEAD THE GENERAL PUBLIC DESPITE OUR EFFORTS TO CLARIFY THE SITUATION,” THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR ADDED.
---------0 - -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,626 0930 -1,086
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,874 1000 -1,086
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -1,128
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,122 1200 -1,128
LAF TODAY +1,370 1500 -1,122
1600 -1,122
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.7 ♦-0.1* 27.7.94
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1994
14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.75 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.15 5.70
1 MONTH 3.45 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.45 6.17
3 MONTHS 4.08 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.54 6.67
6 MONTHS 4.53 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.64 6.81
12 MONTHS 5.28 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.32 6.95
TOTAL TURNOVI i?R of bills AND BONDS - 47,574 MN
I
CLOSED 27 JULY 1994
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO
LEGCO’S CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION .... 1
ANOTHER ACP CONTRACT AWARDED .............................. 3
MORE LAND SUPPLY IN THE PIPELINE .......................... 3
CLOSE WATCH ON U.S. PROPOSALS TO CHANGE ORIGIN RULES FOR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING ..................................... 5
NO NECESSARY FOUNDATION FOR REVIEW OF SENTENCE IN MANSLAUGHTER CASE ......................................... 7
BCCHK ANNOUNCES SIXTH DIVIDEND TO CREDITORS ............... 8
CONSULTANTS TO STLDY RIVER TRADE .......................... 9
PENSION SCHEME THE BEST OPTION ........................... 10
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JUNE 1994 ...... 11
COMPUTERISING SPEEDPOST SERVICES ......................... 13
REPORT ON REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO BE PUBLISHED ................................................ 14
NO OBJECTION TO GAS PIPELINE THROUGH COUNTRY PARK ........ 14
MOST OF THE BLOCKED ROADS RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC ........... 15
/GARMENT TRADER....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GARMENT TRADER FINED FOR FALSE DECLARATION ON EXPORT NOTIFICATION ..............................................
SEMINAR TO PROMOTE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED
LONG SERVING MARKETING STAFF RETIRE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AWARDED LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA ........
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
1
LEGCO’S CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION
*****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) HAS PROVISIONALLY DETERMINED THE BOUNDARIES OF THE 20 GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GENERAL ELECTIONS IN 1995 AND ARE INVITING PUBLIC VIEWS.
THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION WILL START TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND CLOSE ON AUGUST 27. THE FINAL REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE BEC PROPOSES TO DEMARCATE FOUR CONSTITUENCIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN IN KOWLOON AND NINE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY) ON THE BOUNDARY DELINEATION AND THE LAUNCHING OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION, THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID THE COMMISSION WAS FACED WITH TWO MAIN DIFFICULTIES WHEN DRAWING UP THE BOUNDARIES:
* STRIKING A FAIR BALANCE BETWEEN THE CONSIDERATIONS OF COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND PRESERVATION OF LOCAL TIES AGAINST THE STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE POPULATION QUOTA; AND
» DELINEATION OF THE LEGCO CONSTITUENCIES WITHIN THE STRAIT-JACKET OF THE FIXED NUMBER OF 20 CONSTITUENCIES.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID THE LEGCO ELECTION, BEING THE HIGHEST OF THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, WOULD BE ON A LARGE REGIONAL BASIS, UNLIKE THE LOCALISED DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE POPULATION QUOTA FOR A LEGCO CONSTITUENCY IS ABOUT 300,000, 17 TIMES LARGER THAN THAT OF A DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY AND THREE TIMES OF THAT FOR A MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY.
"IN VIEW OF THE LARGE SIZE OF THE CONSTITUENCY, BY AREA AND BY POPULATION, MIXING OF COMMUNITIES WILL BE INEVITABLE. COMMUNITY IDENTITY CONSIDERATIONS ARE LESS DISTINCT AND OF LESS IMPORTANCE IN THE DELINEATION OF LEGCO CONSTITUENCIES," MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
"EACH LEGCO CONSTITUENCY IS FORMED BY GROUPING A NUMBER OF DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES TOGETHER.
"COHESIVENESS OF A LARGER NUMBER OF PEOPLE OR COMMUNITIES IS BOUND TO BE WEAKER. IT IS INEVITABLE THAT HETEROGENEITY OF COMMUNITIES WILL RESULT," HE ADDED.
IN ORDER TO RESPECT COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND PRESERVE LOCAL TIES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, A LEGCO CONSTITUENCY AREA WILL ONLY CONSIST OF DISTINCT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES FROM NOT MORE THAN TWO DISTRICTS.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID THE COMMISSION WAS ALSO OF THE VIEW THAT ONLY ADJOINING DISTRICTS SHOULD BE COMBINED TO FORM A CONSTITUENCY, NOT ONLY TO ALLEVIATE TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY DISTANCE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THE COMMUNITIES OF NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS WOULD LIKELY HAVE CLOSER TIES THAN THOSE SEPERATED BY SEA OR LARGE LAND MASSES.
/HE SAID ......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
2
HE SAID THE COMMISSION ANTICIPATED THAT COMBINING DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES FROM TWO DIFFERENT DISTRICTS TO FORM A LEGCO CONSTITUENCY WOULD MEET THE OPPOSITION FROM RESIDENTS OF BOTH DISTRICTS, BECAUSE THEY CONSIDERED THEMSELVES RESIDENTS FROM TWO DISTINCT DISTRICTS.
POLITICIANS OF THE DISTRICTS CONCERNED WOULD ALSO BE EXPECTED TO RAISE STRONG OBJECTIONS, FOR SUCH A NEW LEGCO CONSTITUENCY MIGHT ADVERSELY AFFECT THEIR POLITICAL INFLUENCE.
"MATTERS RELATING TO MAINTAINING POLITICAL INFLUENCE OR ADVANTAGE ARE NOT ONLY IRRELEVANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE COMMISSION, BUT THE COMMISSION SHOULD AVOID EVEN GIVING ANY SEMBLANCE OF FAVOURING ANY ONE POLITICIAN OR POLITICAL PARTY AS AGAINST OTHERS,” MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
HE ELABORATED ON THE DIFFICULTY ENCOUNTERED IN THE DEMARCATION EXERCISE WHERE THE POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AMONG THE DISTRICTS WAS UNEVEN.
FOR INSTANCE, IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG ISLAND, THERE WAS A CONCENTRATION OF POPULATION IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT, ARGUABLY JUSTIFYING TWO CONSTITUENCIES ON ITS OWN.
HOWEVER, IF TWO CONSTITUENCIES WERE ALLOCATED TO THE DISTRICT, THERE WOULD ONLY BE TWO CONSTITUENCIES LEFT TO BE SHARED AMONG THE OTHER THREE DISTRICTS - CENTRAL AND WESTERN, WAN CHAI AND SOUTHERN.
CARVING UP AT LEAST ONE OF THESE DISTRICTS WOULD BE UNAVOIDABLE, BUT IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DECIDE WHICH DISTRICT SHOULD BE SPLIT.
MR JUSTICE WOO SAID ANY DECISION MIGHT VERY WELL BE ARBITRARY, NOT SUPPORT BY LOGIC.
DURING THE ONE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN INSPECT THE PROPOSED BOUNDARY MAPS DURING OFFICE HOURS AT OVER 400 LOCATIONS:
* THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE;
* THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINSITRATION HEADQUARTERS;
* ALL THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THEIR SUB-OFFICES;
» THE ESTATE OFFICES OF ALL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES;
» ALL POST OFFICES;
* ALL URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL LIBRARIES; AND
* THE GOVRNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE.
THE CHAIRMAN ENCOURAGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO LET THE COMMISSION HAVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
NOT ONLY THOSE WHO HAD DISSENTING VIEWS SHOULD MAKE KNOWN THEIR OPINIONS, THOSE WHO WERE IN AGREEMENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD ALSO LET THE COMMISSION KNOW, SO THAT THE COMMISSION MIGHT TAKE A WELL CONSIDERED AND BALANCED DECISION ON THE MATTER BEFORE FINALISING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
/THOSE WHO .......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
3
THOSE WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE COMMISSION’S PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD SEND THEIR REPRESENTATIONS TO THE COMMISSION ON 10TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, WAN CHAI.
REPRESENTATIONS MADE AFTER AUGUST 27 OR ANONYMOUS
REPRESENTATIVES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
DURING AUGUST 13 TO 19, THE COMMISSION WILL MEET, BY
APPOINTMENT, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ORAL
REPRESENTATIONS AT THE COMMISSSION’S OFFICE AT THE 10TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR CENTRE. APPOINTMENTS MAY BE MADE ON TEL 827 7144.
------0 - ----
ANOTHER ACP CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT UNDER THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) TO BUILD THREE RADAR AND NAVIGATIONAL AID STATIONS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT $74.2 MILLION, WILL BE AWARDED TO REALTY CHENG AND PARTNERS CONSTRUCTION LIMITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPANY WILL BE REPONSIBLE FOR BUILDING A TWO-STOREY RADAR STATION AT SHA CHAU AND TWO NAVIGATIONAL AID STATIONS AT LUNG KWU CHAU AND SIU MO TO.
ALL THREE STATIONS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY FACILITIES AND HELIPADS FOR ACCESS.
WORK WILL COMMENCE NEXT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1996.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED SO FAR TO 59, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF $50.6 BILLION.
THESE INCLUDE 46 CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $32.8 BILLION AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, 11 CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $11.5 BILLION AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, A $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, AND A $0.6 BILLION AIRPORT RAILWAY IMMERSED TUBE CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
------0-------
MORE LAND SUPPLY IN THE PIPELINE *****
ABOUT 186.6 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED AROUND GREEN ISLAND BETWEEN 1995 AND 2000, ACCORDING TO A FEASIBILITY STUDY.
THE RECLAMATION WILL EXTEND WESTWARDS FROM THE EXISTING SHEK TONG TSUI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND INCORPORATES BOTH GREEN ISLAND AND LITTLE GREEN ISLAND.
THE DETAILED STUDY OF THE FEASIBILITY OF THE GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION WAS COMMISSIONED IN MAY 1988 BY THE THEN URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
/OVE ARUP .........
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
4
OVE ARUP AND PARTNERS TOGETHER WITH PETER Y S PUN AND ASSOCIATION UNDERTOOK THE STUDY TO PLAN A COMPREHENSIVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT SCHEME AND TO CONFIRM THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSALS.
THE FINAL REPORT OF THE STUDY WAS COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1993.
A PAPER ON THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY WAS PRESENTED TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (THURSDAY).
EXPLAINING THE STUDY RESULTS, TDD’S HONG KONG ISLAND AND ISLANDS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE ACTING SENIOR ENGINEER MR CHAU SAU-MING SAID THE NEW RECLAMATION WOULD PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR A LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT ACCOMMODATING A TARGET POPULATION OF 103,465.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RECOMMENDED OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (RODP) HAD EVOLVED FROM THE WIDER OBJECTIVES OF METROPLAN, THE NEED TO PROVIDE STRATEGIC HIGHWAY LINKS AND THE REQUIREMENT TO RELOCATE SOME OF THE EXISTING WATER-FRONT USERS ONTO THE NEW RECLAMATION.
"ACCORDING TO THE RODP, 53.41 HECTARES OF THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE USED FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE, 21.6 HECTARES FOR GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY USE, 28.3 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRY AND OTHER USES, 18.78 HECTARES FOR URBAN FRINGE PARK USE AND 37.9 HECTARES FOR ROAD, PAVEMENTS, PLANTING PURPOSES," MR CHAU SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE RODP ROAD NETWORK HAD BEEN DICTATED BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF ROUTE 7 (SAI YING PUN TO KENNEDY TOWN); BELCHER BAY LINK; kOUTE 7 (KENNEDY TOWN TO ABERDEEN), AND GREEN ISLAND LINK.
"THE HIGHWAY NETWORK CONSISTS OF ROUTE 7 AND THE GREEN ISLAND LINK.
"INTERCHANGES BETWEEN THESE TWO ROUTES AND THE NEW RECLAMATION AREA PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE LOCAL ROAD NETWORK.
"ROUTE 7 WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON AN ELEVATED STRUCTURE TO PROVIDE LINKS BETWEEN EXISTING KENNEDY TOWN AND THE NEW DEVELOPMENT AREA WHILE THE GREEN ISLAND LINK IS BROUGHT INTO A TUNNEL TO MINIMISE ITS IMPACT ON THE NEW DEVELOPMENT," MR CHAU SAID.
ON LOCAL ROAD NETWORK, MR CHAU SAID AN EAST-WEST PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR WOULD SERVE THE RECLAMATION AND TWO DISTRICT DISTRIBUTORS ACT AS NORTH-SOUTH CONNECTIONS.
"IT IS PROPOSED THAT PART OF THE PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR WILL BE IN TUNNEL TO MAXIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS AND LAND VALUES," HE ADDED.
REGARDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT DEMANDS, THE STUDY PROPOSED THAT THEY BE MET BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR), TRAM, FRANCHISED BUSES, AND GREEN MINI-BUSES.
THE MTR RESERVE FROM SHEUNG WAN TO KENNEDY TOWN SHOULD BE RETAINED.
LAND USE CONSIDERATIONS POINT TO BENEFITS FOR COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL DEVELOPMENT IF THE MTR EXTENSION TO KENNEDY TOWN WERE TO PROCEED.
/THE OPPORTUNITIES .......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
5
THE OPPORTUNITIES CAN BE MAXIMISED IF THE STATION WERE TO BE RELOCATED FROM FORBES STREET TO THE SITE VACATED BY THE WHOLESALE MARKET AND ABATTOIR.
THE TRAM NETWORK SHOULD BE EXTENDED ONTO THE RECLAMATION, ALONG THE NEW WATERFRONT, TO A TERMINUS NEAR THE URBAN FRINGE PARK.
NEW FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES TO FOUR DESTINATION AREAS ARE PROPOSED, THEY ARE: CROSS HARBOUR, CENTRAL AND EASTERN, POK FU LAM AND SOUTHERN, AND LOCAL WITHIN WESTERN.
GREEN MINI-BUSES SHOULD BE USED ONLY TO FILL IN GAPS IN THE FRANCHISED BUS NETWORKS ON THE RECLAMATION.
MEANWHILE, MR CHAU NOTED THAT THE RECLAMATION WOULD PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR URBAN RENEWAL IN KENNEDY TOWN AS DEVELOPMENT ON THE NEW RECLAMATION WOULD FACILITATE AND ENCOURAGE UPGRApiNG.
"OPTIONS FOR THE MTR AND A STATION LOCATION IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE AN IMPORTANT CATALYST FOR URBAN RENEWAL.
’’THE BELCHER BAY AREA WILL PROVIDE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE SHORTFALLS IN GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY AND OPEN SPACE PROVISION IN KENNEDY TOWN.
"SITES RELEASED BY THE REPROVISIONING OF THE WHOLESALE MARKET, THE ABATTOIR, INCINERATOR, GREEN ISLAND CEMENT COMPANY AND OTHER WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES WILL STIMULATE THE POTENTIAL FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY WILL BE ACHIEVED BY THE RELOCATION OF THESE SOURCES OF NUISANCE. •
SHORT AND LONG TERM AMENDMENTS WILL HELP INTEGRATE KENNEDY TOWN WITH THE NEW RECLAMATION AND ITS URBAN COMMUNITY.
RECLAMATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN PHASES COMMENCING NEXT YEAR.
THE TOTAL COST FOR THE RECLAMATION, DRAINAGE AND ROAD NETWORK, EXCLUDING THE GREEN ISLAND LINK IS ESTIMATED AT $7,250 MILLION AT 1991 COSTS.
------0-------
CLOSE WATCH ON U.S. PROPOSALS TO CHANGE ORIGIN RULES FOR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING t * ♦ ♦ » »i.
THE GOVERNMENT IS DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH AND CLOSELY MONITORING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECENT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS MADE IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO CHANGE U.S. RULES OF ORIGIN FOR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING GOODS, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"WE NEED TO ASSESS VERY CAREFULLY THE POSSIBLE IMPACT ON HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND APPAREL TO THE U.S. AND OUR RIGHTS UNDER THE EXISTING BILATERAL AGREEMENT," HE SAID.
/AMENDMENTS WERE........
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
6
AMENDMENTS WERE RECENTLY PUT FORWARD IN I BE U.S. CONGRESS TO THE DRAFT IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION FOR THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENTS WHICH WOULD FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGE THE U.S. RULES OF ORIGIN FOR TEXTILES AND APPAREL GOODS.
IF ADOPTED, THE PROPOSALS WOULD MEAN A BREAK WITH CURRENT U.S. PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE. FOR MOST TEXTILE PRODUCTS, THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN WOULD BE DETERMINED BY WHERE THE GOODS ARE ASSEMBLED, IN CONTRAST TO THE EXISTING RULES WHICH USE CUTTING OF FABRIC AS THE MAIN DETERMINANT OF ORIGIN.
MR MILLER SAID: "THIS IS CHANGING THE RULES AFTER THE GAME HAS STARTED; IT WILL QUITE CLEARLY DISRUPT TRADE AND INVESTMENT BY CUTTING ACROSS ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
"CHANGING TO ASSEMBLY AS ORIGIN-CONFERRING WOULD DISRUPT TRADE PATTERNS AND FUNDAMENTALLY AFFECT THE BALANCE OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT," HE SAID.
"WHAT WE FIND DISAPPOINTING IS THAT WHILE THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED BY INDIVIDUAL CONGRESSMEN, THEY HAVE RECEIVED THE EXPLICIT SUPPORT OF ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS.
"HONG KONG HAS MADE CLEAR TO THE U.S. ITS SERIOUS CONCERN WITH SUCH A UNILATERAL MOVE, AND OUR WASHINGTON OFFICE HAS APPROACHED RELEVANT U.S. OFFICIALS FOR THIS PURPOSE."
MOST RECENTLY, HE ADDED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, AND THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER FOR ECONOMIC AND TRADE AFFAIRS, USA, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, HAVE WRITTEN SEPARATELY TO SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS AND THE CHAIRMEN OF THE U.S. SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE.
"THEY HAVE MADE REFERENCE TO THE MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE U.S. AS WELL AS OUR RIGHTS UNDER THE RELEVANT AGREEMENTS, AND HAVE URGED THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO ITS POSITION ON THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS," HE SAID.
MR MILLER SAID THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS WERE CONSIDERED BY MANY COMMENTATORS IN THE U.S. AS A DISGUISE FOR PROTECTIONISM, AND IT WAS UNDERSTOOD THAT MAJOR U.S. TEXTILE TRADING PARTNERS, INCLUDING AUSTRALIA AND ASEAN COUNTRIES, HAD ALSO EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERNS OVER THE DEVELOPMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS, IF ADOPTED, WOULD DEPART FROM THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE U.S. IN AT LEAST THREE WAYS.
"FIRST, THEY WOULD UPSET THE BALANCE OF THE EXISTING BILATERAL AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING; SECONDLY, THEY WOULD ALTER A KEY PART OF THE PACKAGE ON WHICH THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING WAS BASED," HE EXPLAINED.
"THIRDLY, THEY WOULD FLY IN THE FACE OF AN UNDERTAKING BY ALL PARTIES IN THE MARRAKESH DECLARATION TO REFRAIN FROM TAKING NEW TRADE RESTRICTING OR DISTORTING MEASURES IN ADVANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION."
ADOPTED IN 1985, THE EXISTING U.S. ORIGIN RULES PROVIDE THAT CUTTING OF FABRIC IS THE ORIGIN-CONFERRING PROCESS FOR APPAREL OTHER THAN KNIT-TO-SHAPE GARMENTS.
/THESE RULES .......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
THESE RULES HAVE BEEN THE BASIS OF HONG KONG-U.S. TRADE IN THE RELEVANT PRODUCTS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, AND THE BASIS OF TWO SUCCESSIVE BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE U.S.
BOTH THE 1986 PROTOCOL OF EXTENSION OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT AND THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT ON TEXTILE AND CLOTHING PROVIDE FOR CONSULTATIONS AND EQUITABLE ADJUSTMENTS IN THE EVENT OF CHANGES WHICH AFFECT THE ABILITY OF A PARTICIPANT TO BENEFIT FULLY FROM A BILATERAL AGREEMENT OR DISRUPT TRADE.
- - 0 - -
NO NECESSARY FOUNDATION FOR REVIEW OF SENTENCE IN MANSLAUGHTER CASE *****
IN RESPONSE TO REPRESENTATIONS CALLING FOR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE IN RESPECT OF A CASE IN WHICH THE DEFENDANT WAS SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MANSLAUGHTER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS DECIDED THAT THE NECESSARY FOUNDATION DOES NOT EXIST TO ENABLE HIM TO SEEK A REVIEW OF THE SENTENCE IMPOSED, A LEGAL DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
WHILE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAD THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILY OF THF VICTIM IN THE CASE OVER THE TRAGIC BEREAVEMENT THEY HAD SUFFERED, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S DECISION HAD ONLY BEEN REACHED AFTER THE MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND A FULL EXAMINATION OF THE CASE.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE DEFENDANT IN THE CASE WAS NOT CONVICTED OF .MURDER, BUT OF THE LESSER OFFENCE OF MANSLAUGHTER.
HE SAID: ’’THE JURY, BY THEIR VERDICT, EXPRESSLY FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO INTENTION TO KILL, AND THUS NO PREMEDITATION.
’’THAT WAS THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION WITH WHICH THE JUDGE WAS CONFRONTED, AND IT WAS AGAINST THAT BACKGROUND THAT THE JUDGE PASSED A SENTENCE OF SIX YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT,” HE SAID.
"IN SENTENCING THE DEFENDANT, THE JUDGE COULD NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHAT WAS DONE TO THE BODY AFTER DEATH; THAT WAS NOT PUNISHABLE IN LAW,” HE STRESSED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS SATISFIED THAT THE JUDGE, IN ARRIVING AT THE SENTENCE HE DID, WAS FULLY AWARE OF ALL THE RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE TRAGIC CASE TURNED ON ITS OWN FACTS, AS DID MOST MANSLAUGHTER CASES, AND IT SET NO PRECEDENT FOR THE FUTURE, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT SENTENCING WAS A FUNCTION OF THE INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY AND THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL COULD ONLY SEEK A REVIEW OF SENTENCE IF THAT SENTENCE WAS MANIFESTLY INADEQUATE OR WRONG IN PRINCIPLE.
IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE SENTENCE IMPOSED IN THE CASE WAS WITHIN THE PROPER RANGE FOR A CASE OF THIS TYPE, HE NOTED.
- - 0 - -
RSDAY. JULY 28, 1994
BCCHK ANNOUNCES SIXTH DIVIDEND TO CREDITORS
» » » ♦ *
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND LIQUIDATOR OF BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE HONG KONG LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION), MR ROBIN HEARDER, TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED A SIXTH DIVIDEND TO CREDITORS OF THREE PER CENT OF THEIR ADMITTED CLAIMS.
THE THREE PER CENT ANNOUNCED TODAY IS THE SIXTH DIVIDEND TO CREDITORS OWED MORE THAN 5100,000 AND BRINGS DIVIDENDS DECLARED TO 70 PER CENT. CREDITORS OKED 5100,000 OR LESS HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL FOLLOWING A SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER, 1992.
CHEQUES WILL BE DESPATCHED FROM TOMORROW (JULY 29) AND ALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN BE SENT BY AUGUST 5.
THIS WILL BE THE FOURTH DIVIDEND PAYMENT OVER THE PERIOD OF THE LAST NINE MONTHS. THIS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH MR HEARDER’S ESTIMATED TIMETABLE OF DIVIDEND PAYMENTS EVERY THREE MONTHS, SUBJECT TO THE TIMING OF ASSET REALISATIONS AND THE RESOLUTION OF SIGNIFICANT CLAIMS.
IN THE PERIOD SINCE THE LAST DIVIDEND PAYMENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR, THE JOINT SPECIAL MANAGERS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DEFENDING A NUMBER OF MAJOR CLAIMS MADE BY CREDITORS, IN PARTICULAR:
* A MAJOR CREDITOR HAS WITHDRAWN ITS CLAIM THAT A U.S.$10 MILLION DEPOSIT HELD BY BCCHK WAS HELD ON TRUST. AS A RESULT OF THE CREDITOR ACCEPTING ITS POSITION AS AN UNSECURED CREDITOR, BCCHK WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE PROVISION RELATING TO THE CLAIM.
* IN WINNING TWO COURT OF APPEAL ACTIONS IN WHICH THE APPELLANT CREDITOR SOUGHT TO ESTABLISH THE RIGHT OF SET-OFF OF DEPOSITS HELD BY BCCHK IN THE NAME OF ONE ENTITY WITH
MONIES OWED BY A SEPARATE BUT RELATED ENTITY. THE COURTS
RULED THAT THE CLAIMANTS HAD NO RIGHT OF SET-OFF. THE
CLAIMANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY MAY APPEAL TO THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN WHICH CASE IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE MATTER WILL
NOT BE FINALISED UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
RECOVERIES IN THE PERIOD WERE HEALTHY - CASH RECEIPTS FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1994 TOTALLED S196 MILLION. MAJOR RECOVERIES IN THE PERIOD INCLUDED THE FIRST INTERIM DIVIDEND OF 35 PER CNET RECEIVED FROM BCCI FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ($51 MILLION) AND MAJOR SETTLEMENTS FROM TWO DEBTOR BANKS IN BANGLADESH TOTALLING $66 MILLION.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
MR A R HEARDER 867 2426
MR N P ETCHES 826 7236
MR G C K TAM 826 7259
JOINT SPECIAL MANAGERS
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
- 9 -
CONSULTANTS TO STUDY RIVER TRADE * t * * *
THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD (PDB) TODAY (THURSDAY) SIGNED A $1.45 MILLION CONSULTANCY CONTRACT TO OBTAIN ACCURATE STATISTICS ON CARGO MOVEMENTS BETWEEN PEARL RIVER PORTS AND HONG KONG.
THE CONSULTANTS, MARKETING DECISION RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY (MDR), WILL START WORK NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 1) AND ARE DUE TO COMPLETE THE STUDY BY MAY 31, 1995.
PDB SECRETARY TONY CLARK SAID THE FIGURES COMPILED WOULD BE A VITAL PART OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR RIVER TRADE FACILITIES.
OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS RIVER TRADE HAS GROWN RAPIDLY BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC BOOM IN SOUTHERN CHINA.
TOTAL CARGO THROUGHPUT INCREASED BY 56 PER CENT IN 1992 AND 30 PER CENT LAST YEAR. MORE SIGNIFICANT WAS THE GROWTH IN RIVER CONTAINER TRADE; 41 PER CENT IN 1993 AND 54 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
NEW RIVER TRADE FACILITIES ARE NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE GROWTH. MR CLARK POINTED OUT THAT DETAILED AND COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICS WERE ESSENTIAL IN DEVISING SHORT TO LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR SUCH FACILITIES.
PRESENTLY, THE ONLY FIGURES AVAILABLE ARE THE INWARD AND OUTWARD TOTAL OF RIVER CARGO IN TONNES AND THE RIVER CONTAINER THROUGHPUT.
THESE DO NOT MEET PLANNING NEEDS FOR THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RIVER TRADE WHICH DEMAND DIFFERENT FACILITIES SUCH AS PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, FEEDER BERTHS AND RIVER TRADE TERMINALS.
TO PLAN THESE REQUIRES ACCURATE FIGURES ON SHIPMENT TYPE, COMMODITIES, CARGO TYPE AND PORT OF LOADING AND DISCHARGE.
MEMBERS OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD, AND ITS VARIOUS COMMITTEES, HAVE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A RIVER CARGO STATISTICS SYSTEM AS PRICE AND COMPREHENSIVE AS THAT OPERATING FOR OCEAN CARGO.
THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTANCY WILL BE USED TO SET UP SUCH A SYSTEM.
AS PART OF ITS PLANS TO COPE WITH GROWING RIVER TRADE THE GOVERNMENT WILL, LATER THIS YEAR, CALL TENDERS FOR THE BUILDING AND OPERATING OF HONG KONG’S FIRST DEDICATED RIVER TRADE TERMINAL (RTT). THIS WILL BE BUILT AT TUEN MUN AND THE FIRST BERTH SHOULD BE OPERATING SOMETIME IN 1997.
BASED ON AVAILABLE STATISTICS THE PDB ESTIMATES THAT THE 20.7 MILLION TONNES OF FREIGHT CARRIED BY RIVER IN 1993 WILL DOUBLE BY 2001 AND QUADRUPLE BY 2011.
IF THE RTT DOES NOT BEGIN OPERATING THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WILL LOSE $13.3 BILLION BETWEEN 1997 AND 2011. IT WILL MEAN THAT 7.4 MILLION 20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) OF CONTAINERISED FREIGHT AND 15.2 MILLION TONNES OF BREAK-BULK CARGO DOES NOT MOVE THROUGH THE PORT.
/THERE IS .......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
10
THERE IS ALSO A GROWING NEED FOR DEDICATED CONTAINER HANDLING FACILITIES FOR RIVER TRADE. ALTHOUGH CONTAINERISATION ACCOUNTED FOR ONLY 10 PER CENT OF RIVER CARGOES IN 1991 THE PROPORTION INCREASED TO 20 PER CENT IN 1993. PRESENT FORECASTS SHOW IT WILL REACH 41 PER CENT BY 2011.
RIVER CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES, MAINLY PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, ARE EXPECTED TO REACH CAPACITY BY 1996.
MORE ACCURATE STATISTICS WILL PERMIT MORE DETAILED PLANNING OF FUTURE FACILITIES. ----------------------------------0--------
PENSION SCHEME THE BEST OPTION
* * * * »
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS LOUISE WONG, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME PROPOSAL HAD THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING AFFORDABLE, RESPONSIBLE, PRACTICAL AND COMPASSIONATE.
SPEAKING TO A GROUP OF ELDERLY PEOPLE AT THE LOK MAN ALICE KWOK INTEGRATED SERVICES CENTRE OF DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL, SHE SAID WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AT JUST 1.5 PER CENT OF ASSESSABLE INCOME LOCAL RESIDENTS WOULD THEN BE ABLE TO DRAW A PENSION AT $2,300 PER MONTH ON REACHING 65 YEARS OF AGE.
COMMENTING ON A PROPOSAL TO RESORT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO HELP THE NEEDY ELDERLY, SHE SAID THERE WAS GENERAL CONSENSUS THAT THE ELDERLY PERSONS WOULD PREFER THE DIGNITY OF HAVING A NON-MEANS-TESTED PENSION RATHER THAN RELYING ON A SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME.
"AS TO THE ALTERNATIVE OF INCREASING OLD AGE ALLOWANCE TO $2,300 PER MONTH FOR THE ENTIRE ELDERLY POPULATION, THIS WILL IMPOSE A SERIOUS TAX BURDEN ON OUR WAGE EARNERS AND MAY BE SOMETHING WHICH THE ELDERLY WOULD NOT HAVE WISHED."
"ON THE OTHER HAND, SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WILL NOT HELP THE PRESENT GENERATION OF 590,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE, THE MAJORITY OF WHOM HAVE RETIRED AND HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME. IT WILL NOT BENEFIT THE LARGE NUMBER OF HOUSEWIVES.
"THE OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME, THEREFORE, REMAINS THE BEST OPTION," MRS WONG STRESSED.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PLEDGED MAJOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE SCHEME BY AGREEING TO PLOUGH BACK ALL THE SAVINGS IN EXISTING OLD AGE BENEFITS AT $3.6 BILLION IN 1994, AND BY CONTRIBUTING AS AN EMPLOYER, AT A COST OF ABOUT $1.2 BILLION IN 1994.
TOGETHER WITH THE $10 BILLION CASH INJECTION AS A START-UP FUND, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALREADY BE MEETING MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE SCHEME, MRS WONG EXPLAINED.
SHE INVITED MEMBERS TO GIVE THE VIEWS ON THE SCHEME IN THE CONSULTATION PERIOD BEFORE THE END OF OCTOBER.
------0--------
/Il .....
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994 - 11 -
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JUNE 1994
*****
BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS CONTINUED TO RECORD SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN JUNE 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWING A MODERATE INCREASE.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JUNE RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $80.3 BILLION IN JUNE 1994, WAS $13.3 BILLION OR 20% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY $1.2 BILLION OR 6.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $19.7 BILLION IN JUNE.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY $14.4 BILLION OR 17% TO $100.0 BILLION IN JUNE 1994. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $21.5 BILLION OR 24% TO $110.8 BILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN JUNE 1994 WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $10.8 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 9.7% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $3.7 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN JUNE 1993.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 10% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF REEXPORTS ROSE BY 14%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 4.3%.
SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE CONTINUED EXPANSION IN HONG KONG’S REEXPORT TRADE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 13%.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $45.8 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 8.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $27.8 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE LATEST TRADE FIGURES OF 1994, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS, HAVING MODERATED SINCE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR, SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT PICK-UP IN JUNE.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO RETURNED TO MODERATE INCREASE, AFTER HAVING DECLINED FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
MEANWHILE, RETAINED IMPORTS IN JUNE 1994 PICKED UP FURTHER TO SHOW A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 31% OVER JUNE 1993.
FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, RETAINED IMPORTS WAS 12% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER. THIS SUGGESTS THAT DOMESTIC DEMAND SHOULD REMAIN ROBUST, WHILE EXTERNAL DEMAND IS LIKELY TO IMPROVE FURTHER IN THE COMING MONTHS.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JUNE 1994, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MID-AUGUST.
/PROVISIONAL FIGURES .......
Tl.JRSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
12
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JUNE 1994
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports Re-exports Total Exports Imports Trade balance
$19,688 million
$80,300 million
$99,988 million
$110,753 million
-$10,765 million
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Latest 3 months Apr 94 to Jun 94 HKS Mn. Apr 93 to Jun 93 HKS Mn. Change
HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 53,999 54,473 -474 -0.9
(% of Total Exports) (18.9%) (21.3%)
Re-exports 231,028 201,591 +29,437 + 14.6
Total Exports 285,028 256,064 +28,964 + 11.3
Imports 316,943 273,672 +43,271 + 15.8
Trade balance -31,916 -17,608 -14,307
June June Change
Same month last year 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 19,688 18,509 +1,179 +6.4
(% of Total Exports) (19.7%) (21.6%)
Re-exports 80,300 67,041 +13,258 + 19.8
Total Exports 99,988 85,551 +14,437 + 16.9
Imports 110,753 89,295 +21,458 + 24.0
Trade balance -10,765 -3,744 -7,021
June May Change
Last month 1994 1994
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 19,688 17,705 +1,983 + 11.2
(% of Total Exports) (19.7%) (18.9%)
Re-exports 80,300 75,909 +4,390 +5.8
Total Exports 99,988 93,615 +6,373 + 6.8
Imports 110,753 104,297 +6,456 +6.2
Trade balance -10,765 -10,683 -83
Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Change
Calendar year to-date 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 98,743 103,182 -4,439 -4.3
(% of Total Exports) (18.7%) (21.5%)
Re-exports 428,285 375,789 +52,496 + 14.0
Total Exports 527,028 478,971 +48,057 + 10.0
Imports 572,863 506,726 +66,137 + 13.1
Trade balance -45,835 -27,755 -18,080
Jul 93 to Jul 92 to Change
Last 12 months Jun 94 Jun 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. %
Domestic Exports 218,588 230,364 -11,776 -5.1
(X of Total Exports) (20.0%) (23.3%)
Re-exports 875,720 757,387 +118,333 +15.6
Total Exports 1,094,307 987,751 +106,557 + 10.8
Imports 1,138,734 1,019,375 +119,359 + 11.7
Trade balance -44,427 -31,624 -12,803
28 July 1994
CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT --------0-----------
/13 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
13
COMPUTERISING SPEEDPOST SERVICES
*****
THE ACCEPTANCE AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES OF THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE COMPUTERISED WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 1), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
’'SPEEDPOST IS A PREMIUM POSTAL SERVICE WHICH PROVIDES A SPEEDY AND RELIABLE SERVICE FOR TRANSFERRING DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS,” MR PAGLIARI SAID.
’’THE COMPUTERISED SPEEDPOST ACCEPTANCE SYSTEM WILL STREAMLINE ITS ACCEPTANCE OPERATION, ACCOUNTING, ENQUIRY AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES, SO THAT CUSTOMERS CAN ENJOY SPEEDIER SERVICES IN POSTING ITEMS, ENQUIRY AND SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.
"IT REPRESENTS PART OF THE POST OFFICE’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE POSTAL SERVICE WHICH HAS BEEN PLAYING A VITAL PART IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.”
THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM CONSISTS OF A HOST COMPUTER LINKED TO THE TERMINALS PROVIDED AT THE 37 SPEEDPOST ACCEPTANCE. OFFICES, THE SPEEDPOST PICK-UP CENTRES AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE, THE AIR MAIL CENTRE WHICH DESPATCHES SPEEDPOST ITEMS TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS THE ACCOUNTING DIVISION AT THE POST OFFICE HEADQUARTERS.
ALL POSTING DATA WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CAPTURED BY THE SYSTEM WHEN SPEEDPOST ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED AND PROCESSED AT ANY TERMINAL.
SPEEDPOST DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE MANUALLY PREPARED AT PRESENT WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCED BY THE COMPUTERISED SYSTEM, WHICH WILL SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE.
STARTING FROM AUGUST 1, 1994, SPEEDPOST CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE AGREEMENTS WITH THE POST OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO TENDER SPEEDPOST ITEMS FOR POSTING AT ANY OF THE 37 SPEEDPOST ACCEPTANCE OFFICES, INSTEAD OF BEING LIMITED TO ONLY ONE OR TWO DESIGNATED OFFICES AS UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT.
THESE CUSTOMERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ISSUED NEW SPEEDPOST AUTHORITY CARDS BEARING NEW AGREEMENT NUMBERS AND BAR CODE LABELS TO BE AFFIXED ON SPEEDPOST ITEMS FOR CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PURPOSE.
THEY ARE REMINDED TO USE THEIR NEW AGREEMENT NUMBERS AND NEW SPEEDPOST AUTHORITY CARDS FOR THEIR PICK-UP ORDERS AND POSTINGS AT COUNTER WITH EFFECT FROM THAT DATE.
BAR-CODE LABELS BEARING THEIR NEW AGREEMENT NUMBERS SHOULD BE AFFIXED ON EVERY SPEEDPOST ITEM THEY POST.
OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT HAVE AGREEMENTS WITH THE POST OFFICE WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A POSTING DOCKET (FORM POS 481 OR POS 481A) WHEN POSTING THEIR SPEEDPOST ITEMS OVER THE COUNTER.
THIS FORM IS OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT ANY OF THE 37 SPEEDPOST ACCEPTANCE OFFICES.
/IT CONSISTS .......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
14
IT CONSISTS OF TWO PAGES WHICH ARE CARBONATED. IT WILL BE MACHINE-PRINTED WITH FULL DETAILS OF POSTING UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THE SPEEDPOST ITEM AND THE UNDERCOPY WILL BE RETURNED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR RETENTION AS A CERTIFICATE OF POSTING.
CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE ANY ENQUIRY ON THE REVISED POSTING ARRANGEMENTS AND INDEED ON ANY MATTER RELATING TO SPEEDPOST MAY CONTACT THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE ON TEL 9221 2277.
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REPORT ON REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO BE PUBLISHED *****
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE REGULATION OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS HELD ITS NINTH MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) TO FINALISE ITS DRAFT REPORT WHICH IS DUE TO BE PUBLISHED IN ABOUT TWO WEEKS’ TIME.
THE REPORT, TO BE PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AND THE PAMPHLET CONTAINING THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC WITH A VIEW TO CANVASSING PUBLIC OPINION ON ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO REGULATE REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
IN THE LIGHT OF VIEWS COLLECTED DURING THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE, THE WORKING GROUP WILL THEN FINALISE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS AND ITS FINAL REPORT.
------0-------
NO OBJECTION TO GAS PIPELINE THROUGH COUNTRY PARK
*****
THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD (CPB) DECIDED AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (JULY 26) THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF ALTERNATIVES AND IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY, NOT TO OBJECT A PROPOSAL BY THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LIMITED TO LAY AN UNDERGROUND GAS PIPELINE ACROSS THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK.
THE DECISION WAS REACHED AFTER DETAILED DELIBERATION INCLUDING POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES, MITIGATION MEASURES AND THE COMMUNITY NEED AT LARGE. HOWEVER, ONE CPB MEMBER HAD RESERVATION ON THE PROPSAL.
THE PROPOSAL WAS FIRST PRESENTED TO THE BOARD IN 1992. IT HAD SINCE BEEN CONSIDERED VERY CAREFULLY BY MEMBERS OF THE CPB AND ITS PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. SEVERAL SITE VISITS WERE CONDUCTED AND PUBLIC CONSULATION WAS ALSO CARRIED OUT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CPB SAID THE PROJECT WOULD LINK THE EXISTING GAS PIPELINE ON ROUTE TWISK TO LANTAU TO FACILITATE THE SUPPLY OF TOWN GAS TO THE NEW AIRPORT.
' IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE ROUTING AND CONSTRUCTION APPROACH HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO MINIMISE DISTURBANCE TO WOODLAND AND LANDSCAPE, AND THAT ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICERS WILL BE EMPLOYED TO MONITOR THE WORK.
THE CPB ALSO RECOMMENDED TO IMPOSE A WIDE RANGE OF CONDITIONS, INCLUDING ENHANCEMENT PLANTING, LANDSCAPE RESTORATION, RECONSTRUCTION OF FOREST TRACK AND MITIGATION MEASURES TO MINIMISE DISTURBANCE TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
IN ADDITION, THE COMPANY HAD TO RESTORE THE WHOLE ROUTE OF THE PIPELINE TO A HIKING TRAIL FOR PUBLIC USE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
15
MOST OF THE BLOCKED ROADS RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC
* » « * *
MOST OF THE. ROADS WHICH HAVE BEEN EITHER COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING OR LANDSLIP DURING THE TORRENTIAL RAIN IN THE PAST FEW DAYS HAVE BEEN RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID MORE THAN 300 INCIDENTS HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT'S EMERGENCY COORDINATION CENTRE SINCE JULY 22.
OVER 80 PER CENT OF THESE CASES WERE CLEARED AND ROAD TRAFFIC HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL GRADUALLY. »
SOME OF THE CASES ARE MORE COMPLICATED AND IT WOULD TAKE A BIT MORE TIME BEFORE THE ROADS CAN BE RE-OPENED.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, A LANDSLIP OCCURED AT MAGAZINE GAP ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH MAY ROAD. AS A RESULT, ONE LANE HAS TO BE CLOSED FOR A FEW WEEKS TO ENABLE REMEDIAL WORK TO PROCEED. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED.
A KUNG NGAM ROAD FRONTING MING WAH DAI HA IN SHAU KEI WAN IS BLOCKED BY LANDSLIP. ACCESS TO PREMISES ALONG A KUNG NGAM ROAD CAN BE MADE FROM EITHER CHAI WAN ROAD OR SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET. REPAIR WORK IS IN PROGRESS AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE ROAD WOULD BE REOPENED TO ONE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ON AUGUST 3 AND RESUME NORMAL TWO-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC IN MID-AUGUST.
SOUTH BOUND OF REPULSE BAY ROAD NEAR HOUSE NO.36 HAS BEEN CLOSED AS A RESULT OF LANDSLIP. TEMPORARY SLOPE PROTECTION WORK WAS IN PROGRESS AND THE ROAD WOULD BE RE-OPENED TO NORMAL TWO-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TOMORROW.
IN KOWLOON, HAU MAN STREET IN HO MAN TIN WILL HAVE ONE LANE TO REMAIN CLOSED FOR TWO TO THREE WEEKS FOR REMEDIAL WORKS.
CONSTRUCTION OF SAFETY FENCE AT SAU MAU PING ROAD JUNCTION OF SAU MAU PATH IS IN PROGRESS. IT IS EXPECTED TWO LANES WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AFTER THE SAFETY FENCE HAS BEEN ERECTED IN ABOUT FOUR DAYS.
THE DOWNHILL CARRIAGEWAY OF NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD IS AFFECTED BY LANDSLIP. ONLY THE FAST LANE IS OPENED TO TRAFFIC AND REMEDIAL WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A FEW WEEKS TO COMPLETE.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SAI SHA ROAD IN KEI LENG HA, SAI KUNG, IS EXPECTED TO BE FULLY RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO. AT PRESENT, ONE LANE IS OPENED FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR MILESTONE 10, ONE LANE HAS BEEN REOPENED TO TRAFFIC THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, AND ONE LANE NEAR MILESTONE 14-1/2 IS EXPECTED TO RE-OPEN EARLY NEXT WEEK FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
ON LANTAU ISLAND, ONE LANE OF KEUNG SHAN ROAD NEAR NGONG PING ROAD IS RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN THE MORNING OF TODAY. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE ROAD WILL BE FULLY RE-OPENED IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO.
ON SOUTH LANTAU ROAD NEAR CHEUNG SHA, ONE LANE IS OPENED TO TRAFFIC. CLEARANCE OF DEBRIS AT REMAINING LANE IS IN PROGRESS AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TN ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
16
GARMENT TRADER FINED FOR FALSE DECLARATION ON EXPORT NOTIFICATION * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED A GARMENT TRADER FOR MAKING FALSE DECLARATION ON EXPORT NOTIFICATION.
THE HEAD OF CUSTOMS TRADE CONTROLS, MR Y Y LEUNG, TODAY REMINDED TEXTILES TRADERS NOT TO ABUSE THE TEXTILES TRADERS REGISTRATION SCHEME (TTRS).
THE TTRS, INTRODUCED IN 1993, PROVIDES A CONVENIENT ALTERNATIVE TO TRADERS IN IMPORTING AND EXPORTING TEXTILES.
NOTIFICATIONS IN PLACE OF LICENCES CAN BE USED TO COVER ALL TEXTILES IMPORTS AND EXPORTS TO COUNTRIES WITHOUT QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON HONG KONG.
TRADERS REGISTERED UNDER THE TTRS ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO PROVIDE FULL AND CORRECT PARTICULARS OF THE CONSIGNMENTS ON THE NOTIFICATIONS AND THEN SUBMIT THEM TO THE TRADE DEPARTMENT THROUGH CARRIERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORTING THE GOODS.
THE DEFENDANT, SHINE CREATION GARMENTS LIMITED, WAS FINED $6,178 AT TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY TODAY FOR MAKING FALSE DECLARATION ON AN EXPORT NOTIFICATION WHICH COVERS 528 MEN’S COTTON SHIRTS.
THE SHIRTS, VALUED AT $20,000, WAS ARRANGED TO BE CUT AND SEWN [N CHINA BUT WAS LATER EXPORTED BY THE DEFENDANT UNDER COVER OF AN EXPORT NOTIFICATION ON WHICH THE DEFENDANT FALSELY DECLARED ITSELF TO BE THE MANUFACTURER OF THE SHIRTS AND THE GOODS WERE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN.
MR LEUNG ALSO SAID THAT PREVIOUS DEFENDANTS’ NOTIFICATION FRAUD HAD RECEIVED MUCH HEAVIER PENALTIES.
EARLIER THIS YEAR, A GARMENT FACTORY WAS FINED $40,000 FOR FALSELY DECLARED THE ORIGIN OF 2,300 BABIES’ COTTON BIB AND BRACE ON AN EXPORT NOTIFICATION. ANOTHER COMPANY WAS ALSO FINED $15,000 FOR MAKING FALSE DECLARATION ON IMPORT NOTIFICATION OF 6,804 SQUARE METRES OF FABRIC INTENDED TO BE RE-EXPORTED TO TAIWAN AS IMPORTED FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION.
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT THE CUSTOMS WAS TAKING VIGILANT ACTION ON NOTIFICATION CHECKING AND THEIR EFFORT HAD BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE COURTS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OTHER REGION) OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN TSANG, SAID: "THE CONVENIENCE OF THE TTRS SHOULD NOT BE MISINTERPRETED AS A RELAXATION OF CONTROL.
"DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE, CONVICTED TEXTILES TRADERS ARE LIABLE TO ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION WHICH MAY TAKE THE FORM OF DEREGISTRATION FROM THE SCHEME AND POSSIBLY DENIAL OF LICENSING FACILITIES, IN ADDITION TO THE PROSECUTION ACTION INSTITUTED AGAINST THEM."
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/17........
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
17
SEMINAR TO PROMOTE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED
★ * ★ * ★
MORE THAN 60 EMPLOYERS, PERSONNEL MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS EXCHANGED THEIR VIEWS ON WAYS TO ENHANCE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY DURING A SEMINAR HELD THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
"THE SEMINAR, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) AND THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION LIMITED, AIMED AT INCREASING PARTICIPANTS’ UNDERSTANDING ON THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED, " THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT), MRS JENNIE CHOR, SAID.
NOTING THAT THE SHIFTING OF INDUSTRIAL WORK PROCESSES TO CHINA HAD CREATED DIFFICULTIES FOR THE DISABLED IN FINDING JOBS. MRS CHOR SAID: "WE HOPI' THAT THROUGH DIREC T CON TAl I WITH EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS IN DIFFERENT TRADES, WE CAN FIND MORE JOBS FOR THE DISABLED."
AT THE SEMINAR, GUEST SPEAKERS MS VIVIAN HO, COUNSELLOR OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF, AND MRS MARIAN CHEUNG, SUPERVISOR OF THE REHABILITATION DIVISION OF ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT, GAVE TALKS ON THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DEAF AND DUMB AND THAT OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED RESPECTIVELY.
MEANWHILE, MS JEANNY LUKE, TRAINING CONSULTANT OF WING ON DEPARTMENT STORES (HONG KONG) LIMITED, AND MS SANDRA NG, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND LOSS PREVENTION OF J W MARRIOTT HOTEL HONG KONG, SHARED THEIR WORKING EXPERIENCE WITH DISABLED COLLEAGUES WITH OTHER EMPLOYERS.
"BOTH MS LUKE AND MS NG ARE OF THE SAME VIEW THAT DISABLED WORKERS ARE GENERALLY DEDICATED AND RESPONSIBLE, AND THEY ARE COMPETENT TO PERFORM THE DUTIES IF EMPLOYERS FIND THEM A SUITABLE JOB," MRS CHOR SAID.
DURING THE SEMINAR, A NUMBER OF HEARING IMPAIRED, VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED EMPLOYEES ALSO SHARED THEIR FEELINGS AND WORKING EXPERIENCE TO HELP PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK TO THE DISABLED.
VIDEOS DESCRIBING THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED WERE PRESENTED TO PARTICIPANTS AND A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY ON EMPLOYERS’ VIEWS WAS CONDUCTED AT THE SEMINAR TO HELP SPD IN FURTHER ENHANCING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY.
SHE ALSO URGED EMPLOYERS IN ALL TRADES TO EXPLORE SUITABLE JOB VACANCIES FOR THE DISABLED SO THAT THEY COULD MAKE GOOD USE OF THEIR POTENTIALS AND TALENTS.
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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
18
LONG SERVING MARKETING STAFF RETIRE
*****
THIRTEEN STAFF MEMBERS OF THE FISH AND VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATIONS (F/VMO), WHO HAVE AMONG THEMSELVES CHALKED UP A TOTAL OF 293 YEARS OF SERVICE, RETIRED TODAY (THURSDAY).
NINE OF THEM ARE FROM THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) AND THE REST FROM THE THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION (VMO). THEY HAVE SERVED AN AVERAGE OF OVER 22 YEARS EACH.
TWO FMO STAFF MEMBERS AND ONE VMO EMPLOYEE HAVE EACH SERVED FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. THE VMO STAFF, MR SO CHI-KEI, HAS SERVED 42 YEARS IN THE ORGANISATION.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, PRESENTED THEM WITH SOUVENIRS AND PRAISED THEM FOR THEIR LOYALTY AND SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS.
’’THEIR HARD WORK AND DEVOTION TO THE JOB HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF BOTH ORGANISATIONS,” DR LEE SAID.
’’THEIR FINE PERFORMANCE IN THEIR WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE, INDEED, SET GOOD EXAMPLES TO OTHER COLLEAGUES OF THE TWO ORGANISATIONS,” HE ADDED.
AT THE CEREMONY, DR LEE ALSO PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $2,000 AND A COMMENDATION CERTIFICATE TO A VMO EMPLOYEE, MR WAN CHAN-WAH, IN RECOGNITION FOR HIS MERITORIOUS SUGGESTIONS UNDER THE F/VMO STAFF SUGGESTIONS SCHEME.
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IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AWARDED LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA
*****
SIXTEEN MEMBERS OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE WERE AWARDED THE LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, A PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS AND OFFICIATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR JOHN YEUNG HIN-CHUNG, TODAY (JULY 28).
CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER MR STEPHEN HUNG KWOK-WAH WAS AWARDED THE SECOND CLASP TO HIS MEDAL FOR HIS 30 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE.
PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER MR MAK KWAI-YUN AND 14 OTHERS WERE EACH PRESENTED THE FIRST CLASP SIGNIFYING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE.
AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR YEUNG SAID THE AWARD OF THE HONG KONG SERVICES MEDAL WAS TO HONOUR THOSE WHO HAD RENDERED LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS MEMBERS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
HE ALSO CONGRATULATED ALL RECIPIENTS AND THANKED THEM FOR THEIR MANY YEARS OF LOYAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE.
/19 .......
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1994
19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
CUMULATIVE CHANGE ) ($ MILLION)
TIME
$ MILLION (HOURS
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,874 0930 -1 ,298
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,095 1000 -1 , 149
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -1 ,119
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,119 1200 -1 ,119
LAF TODAY +1,340 1500 1600 -1 -1 , 119 ,119
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 122.7 *+0.0* HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY 28.7 .94
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.10 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.11 5.73
1 MONTH 3.75 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.31 6.25
3 MONTHS 4.20 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.42 6.73
6 MONTHS 4.62 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.46 6.88
12 MONTHS 5.33 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 60,082 MN 100.16 7.01
CLOSED 28 JULY 1994
_ _ 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPERT TO LOOK AT KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE........................ 1
CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCED............ 2
STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM ISSUES TENTH
REPORT.......................................................... 2
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JUNE 1994................................ 3
SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 ....................................... 8
JOINT OPERATIONS AGAINST SALE OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATION SUCCESSFUL.................................................... 12
TOUGHER FINES FOR NOISE OFFENCES FROM NEXT MONTH............ 15
THREE LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED ..................................... 15
PORT FACILITIES FOR TSEUNG KWAN O....................................................... 16
GREEN LIGHT FOR SEWAGE TUNNEL WORKS............................. 17
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN..................................................... 17
DEMANDING AND CHALLENGING JOB OF CSD............................ 19
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED................... 20
REVISED FEE FOR VALUATION LIST DATA............................. 21
REVISED FEE FOR RATES/CROWN RENT ENQUIRY........................ 22
/HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.......
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO BE IMPROVED......................... 22
TENDERS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN ROADWORKS................. 23
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING IN SAI KUNG.. 23
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
24
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
1
EXPERT TO LOOK AT KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE # * * * ♦
THE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING OFFICE (GEO) WILL INVITE AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED EXPERT TO COME TO HONG KONG TO REVIEW ALL ASPECTS OF ITS INVESTIGATION INTO THE LANDSLIDE AT KWUN LUNG LAU ON JULY 23, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR BLAKE SAID THE EXPERT WILL REPORT INDEPENDENTLY TO THE GOVERNMENT AND FINDINGS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC.
HE SAID: "ALL PARTIES INVOLVED ARE COLLABORATING TO ENSURE THAT THE GEO IS ABLE TO DELIVER ITS INTERIM FINDINGS IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME WITH THE FINAL DETAILED INVESTIGATION TO FOLLOW AFTER THE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF ALL RELEVANT DATA.”
HE NOTED THE HOUSING SOCIETY OPERATED A PREVENTIVE SLOPE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME FOR THE ESTATE.
"IT IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT TO FIND OUT THE CAUSE OF THE LANDSLIDE AND AN INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL EXPERT WILL HELP THE GEO COMPLETE THEIR INVESTIGATION THOROUGHLY,” MR BLAKE SAID.
MR BLAKE NOTED THE CURRENT TERRITORY-WIDE PROGRAMME OF LANDSLIDE PREVENTIVE MEASURES HAD BEEN REVIEWED PRIOR TO THE KWUN LUNG LAU INCIDENT AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BEEN DEPLOYED TO SPEED UP SLOPE IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT SINCE 1977 TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW PANEL ON FILL SLOPES INVOLVING INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL.
’’WITHOUT THE EXTENSIVE WORK CARRIED OUT SINCE THEN, THE UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF RAINFALL RECORDED THIS MONTH WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN FAR GREATER LOSS TO HONG KONG.
"WE ARE NOT HOWEVER COMPLACENT AND ANY INCIDENT INVOLVING LOSS OF LIFE DEMANDS THE FULLEST INVESTIGATION. THIS IS WHY WE WILL BRING IN AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERT TO REVIEW THE GEO’S INVESTIGATION INDEPENDENTLY.”
REFERRING TO THE REMEDIAL WORK BEING CARRIED OUT ON SITE AT KWUN LUNG LAU, MR BLAKE NOTED THAT GEO ENGINEERS WERE WORKING CLOSELY WITH BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT, TO SUPERVISE THE TEMPORARY SLOPE STABILISATION WORK.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED: “BLOCK C WILL BE RE-OPEN THIS AFTERNOON AND BLOCK D UPON COMPLETION OF MORE SUBSTANTIAL STABILISATION WORK.”
ON GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE INCIDENT, MR BLAKE STRESSED THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY DELAY IN DEALING WITH THE EMERGENCY.
HE NOTED THAT THE POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES ARRIVED AT THE SCENE WITHIN THREE MINUTES AND A COMMAND POST WAS SET UP WITHIN 20 MINUTES AT THE NEARBY USD SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
THE RESCUE AND REMEDIAL WORK WAS WELL CO-ORDINATED AND DURING THE COURSE OF THE EMERGENCY, OVER 300 STAFF FROM THE POLICE, FIRE SERVICES, CNTA, SWD, GEO AND BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WERE DEPLOYED.
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
2
CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCED * * » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MR SZETO WAH AS CHAIRMAN OF THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF THREE NEW MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE. THEY ARE MR LI SHIU-TSANG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LI PO CHUN ESTATES LIMITED; MISS SO YAN-LAP, PRINCIPAL OF POOI TO MIDDLE SCHOOL; AND MR CLIFF SUN KAI-LIT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KIN HIP METAL AND PLASTIC FACTORY LIMITED.
SEVEN INCUMBENT MEMBERS WERE ALSO REAPPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE. THEY ARE MR CHAN TING-LAP, MR CHOI CHEE-CHEONG, DR KENNETH HO PUI-HUNG, DR VICTOR MOK HOI, DR TANG PAK-LAI, DR BENJAMIN TSOU KA-YIN AND MR WONG WAI-WAH.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS) AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS.
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM AUGUST 1, 1994 TO JULY 31, 1996.
THE COMMITTEE IS FORMED TO REVIEW THE DEMAND FOR CHINESE TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS, INCLUDING TEXTBOOKS FOR THE TEACHING OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE, IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO USE CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO ENSURES THE AVAILABILITY OF A VARIETY OF GOOD SECONDARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS WRITTEN IN CHINESE IN DIFFERENT SUBJECTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS ON THE MARKET TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, IT OFFERS ADVICE ON MEASURES FOR ENHANCING PROFICIENCY IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS, INCLUDING THE RANGE OF PUBLICATIONS WHICH SHOULD BE PRODUCED, AND ON RELEVANT RESEARCH PROJECTS WHICH MAY BE CONDUCTED.
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STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM ISSUES TENTH REPORT » » » » »
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM HAS SUBMITTED ITS TENTH REPORT, COVERING THE YEAR 1993, TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) A LARGE VARIETY OF SUBJECTS CONCERNING THE COMPANIES, SECURITIES, AND PROTECTION OF INVESTORS ORDINANCES HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
A TOTAL OF SEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS TO AMEND THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION HAD BEEN MADE IN THE PAST YEAR.
AMONG THE RECOMMENDATIONS IS THE PROPOSAL TO ENLARGE THE INVESTIGATORY POWER OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION FOR PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AS A PRECURSOR TO A POSSIBLE FULL-SCALE INSPECTION.
/THE SECURITIES .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
3
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994, WHICH CONTAINED THIS PROPOSAL, WAS PASSED INTO LAW ON JULY 6, 1994 .
ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION IS THE PROPOSAL TO DO AWAY WITH CERTAIN UNNECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR A LIQUIDATOR IN ADMINISTERING A LIQUIDATION.
THESE CHANGES HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO FORCE BY THE COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1994 AND THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994.
DRAFT BILLS FOR TWO OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PROTECTION OF AUDITORS TO REPORT SUSPECTED FRAUD AND THE INCORPORATION OF CHARTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS RESPECTIVELY ARE BEING FINALISED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ON THREE OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE WERE ALSO BEING PREPARED.
"THESE INCLUDE AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 48B(1) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR ’MERGER RELIEF’ IN CASES OF ACQUISITIONS, MERGERS AND RECONSTRUCTIONS, ALONG THE LINES OF SECTIONS 130-134 OF THE 1985 UK COMPANIES ACT.
"THE SECOND RECOMMENDATION IS TO PERMIT A COMPANY TO PURCHASE INDEMNITY INSURANCE FOR EITHER ITS AUDTOR OR ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS OR OFFICERS.
"THE THIRD ONE IS TO REMOVE AN OPPORTUNITY BY A FLOATING CHARGE TO AVOID PRIORITY FOR PREFERENTIAL CREDITORS," HE SAID.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1984, THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAS PRODUCED 10 ANNUAL REPORTS.
OF THE TOTAL 52 RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH THE COMMITTEE HAS MADE, 38 HAVE SO FAR BEEN IMPLEMENTED AND A FURTHER SIX ARE INCLUDED IN PROPOSALS FOR LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS BEING PREPARED.
COPIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY’ LAW REFORM ON TEL 867 2819 OR ON FAX 869 6817 OR 596 0585, OR IN PERSON FROM THE COMPANIES REGISTRY, 15/F, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
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MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JUNE 1994
*****
PROGRESSIVE FALL IN THE INTEREST RATES OF SOME MAJOR FOREIGN CURRENCIES CASHED A FURTHER SHIFT OF NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS TO HONG KONG DOLLAR AND U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS IN JUNE 1994, STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY SHOWS.
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS HAD MODERATE GROWTH OF 1.4% IN JUNE, WITH SAVINGS DEPOSITS AND DEMAND DEPOSITS RECORDING SMALL CHANGES OF -0.3% AND +1.1% RESPECTIVELY.
/THE GROWTH .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
4
THE GROWTH OF TIME DEPOSITS MODERATED TO 2.4% AFTER A RAPID GROWTH OF 5.5% IN MAY.
THE GROWTH OF FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS SLOWED DOWN TO 3.2% DURING THE MONTH COMPARED WITH 7.5% IN MAY AS THE INTEREST RATE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND SWAP DEPOSITS NARROWED AFTER THE RISE IN DEPOSIT RATES GOVERNED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS IN LATE MAY.
AGAINST THE PROGRESSIVE FALL IN THE INTEREST RATES OF SOME MAJOR NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND THE RISING HONG KONG DOLLAR AND U.S. DOLLAR INTEREST RATES, SHIFTING OF NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS TO HONG KONG DOLLAR AND U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS CONTINUED.
NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.4% IN JUNE. YEAR-ON-YEAR, SUCH DEPOSITS DECREASED DRASTICALLY BY 10.7%. THE DECLINE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE SERIOUS IF THE EXCHANGE RATE APPRECIATION EFFECT OF SOME MAJOR FOREIGN CURRENCIES, SUCH AS JAPANESE YEN AND DEUTSCHEMARK, WERE DISCOUNTED.
GROWTH OF U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS PICKED UP 1.6% IN JUNE AND BY 11.0% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
HK$M1 WAS UP 0.9% IN JUNE. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS SMALL INCREASE, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH OF HK$M1 PROGRESSIVELY SLOWED DOWN FROM A HIGH OF 33.4% IN FEBRUARY TO 6.2% IN JUNE AFTER SUCCESSIVE DECLINE IN DEMAND DEPOSITS AND CASH IN CIRCULATION IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS.
HK$M3 GREW BY 1.8% IN JUNE AND ITS YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO 25.8%. HK$M2 REGISTERED SIMILAR MOVEMENTS.
THE MOVEMENT OF TOTAL Ml FOLLOWED CLOSELY THAT OF HK$M1 AND INCREASED YEAR-ON-YEAR BY 6.1%.
OWING TO THE DECLINE IN NON-U.S. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, THE GROWTH OF TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 WERE MUCH SLOWER THAN THEIR HONG KONG DOLLAR COUNTERPARTS. THEIR ANNUAL GROWTH WERE 12.7% AND 13.3% RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS IN HONG KONG PICKED UP STRONGLY BY 4.0% IN JUNE COMPARED WITH A 0.3% DECLINE IN MAY. THE LARGE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A 5.6% GROWTH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS.
HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS INCREASED BY 1.0% IN JUNE, SLOWER THAN THE 1.4% GROWTH IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS. AS RESULT, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR LOAN-TO-DEPOSIT RATIO DECLINED SLIGHTLY TO 113.5%.
THE GRADUAL DECLINE OF THIS RATIO SINCE MARCH 1994 INDICATES THAT THE BANKING SECTOR HAS BEEN MORE PRUDENT IN THEIR LENDINGS RECENTLY.
FURTHER TREND DEVELOPMENT ALONG THIS DIRECTION CAN BE A CONSTRAINT FACTOR ON FUTURE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY GROWTH.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG CONTINUED WITH A SOLID GROWTH OF 3.9% IN JUNE, FOLLOWING A 4.1% INCREASE IN MAY. LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ALSO RECORDED STRONG GROWTH OF 5.9% IN JUNE, REFLECTING MAINLY THE GROWTH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS.
/DURING THE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
5
DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994, TOTAL LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG (EXCLUDING THOSE FOR TRADE FINANCING) INCREASED BY 4.7%.
OF THESE, LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) GREW BY 5.0%.
THE STRONG INCREASE WAS IN PART REFLECTING THE BUOYANT PROPERTY MARKET IN EARLY 1994 SINCE LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN IN THE FIRST QUARTER WERE CARRIED FORWARD TO THE SECOND QUARTER.
AS THE PROPERTY MARKET COOLED DOWN IN THE SECOND QUARTER, THESE LOANS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE LITTLE GROWTH IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
OUTSTANDING LOANS FOR ALL MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS RECORDED STEADY GROWTH IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THE LARGEST INCREASE WAS FOUND IN MANUFACTURING (+8.7%), FOLLOWED BY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT (+5.3%), TRANSPORT (5.2%), WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE (+4.9%) AND FINANCIAL CONCERNS (+2.6%).
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 173. THE NUMBER OF RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS ROSE BY THREE TO 59 WHILE THAT OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY ONE TO 138.
ENQUIRIES ON THE MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JUNE 1994 MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS SECTION, HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, ON TEL 878 1687.
/TABLE 1 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
6
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - JUNE 1994
(HKSmn)
Jun 1994 Earlier months (% change to Jun 1994)
May 1994 Mar 1994 Jun 1993
Money Supply
Ml - HKS 165,678 164,236 ( 0.9 ) 171358 ( -3.4) 156,012 ( 6.2)
Foreign currency 19,540 18,671 ( 4.7) 19,051 ( 2.6) 18,629 ( 4.9 )
Total 185,218 182,907 ( 1.3) 190,609 ( -2.8 ) 174,641 ( 6.1 )
M2 - HKS* 1,011355 992,935 ( 1.9) 950329 ( 6.4 ) 800,744 ( 26.3 )
Foreign currency* 834,084 829340 ( 0.5) 835,787 ( -0.2 ) 836,454 ( -0.3 )
Total 1345,640 1322,475 ( 1.3) 1,786,315 ( 3.3) 1,637,199 ( 12.7 )
M3 - HKS* 1,028,462 1,009,864 ( 1.8) 967,405 ( 6.3) 817,479 ( 25.8)
Foreign currency* 882,243 874,645 ( 0.9 ) 878313 ( 0.4 ) 869,001 ( 1.5)
Total 1,910,705 1384309 ( 1.4) 1,845,918 ( 3.5 ) 1,686,481 ( 13.3 )
Notes and coins in circulation 72,613 72,444 ( 0.2) 77,767 ( -6.6 ) 65,453 ( 10.9 )
of which held by public 64,605 64,260 ( 0.5) 67304 ( -4.7) 58,026 ( 11.3)
•?i • Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 120,613 118,647 ( 1.7) 122,805 ( -1.8) 116,615 ( 3.4)
Total Savings deposits 408340 405,100 ( 0.8 ) 401373 ( 1.7) 385.631 ( 5.9)
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1,214,229 1,202,783 ( 1.0) 1,164,915 ( 4.2) 1,058,291 ( 14.7 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 31,911 28,818 ( 10.7 ) 26,607 ( 19.9 ) 28376 ( 12.9 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 16,726 17,742 ( -5.7) 17,720 ( -5.6) 17363 ( -6.4 )
HKS deposits* 935397 922,695 ( 1.4) 879,416 ( 6.4) 745,951 ( 253 )
USS deposits* 446314 439,458 ( 1.6) 418,942 ( 6.6 ) 402,439 ( 11.0 )
Other foreign currency deposits* 409,408 410,937 ( -0.4 ) 435,262 ( -5.9) 458,286 ( -10.7 )
All deposits 1,791,819 1,773,090 ( 1.1) 1,733,620 ( 3.4) 1,606,675 ( 11.5 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 90,740 87393 ( 3.2 ) 80,209 ( 13.1 ) 60,975 ( 48.8 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 119,487 114,973 ( 3.9 ) 106,309 ( 12.4 ) 102,422 ( 16.7)
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,881 11359 ( 2.8 ) 10,624 ( 11.8 ) 12,612 ( -5.8)
Other loans for use in H.K. 1,193,135 1,178,128 ( 1.3) 1,139,415 ( 4.7) 1,000,948 ( 19.2 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,814,030 1,713,264 ( 5.9) 1,719,082 ( 5.5) 1,619,041 ( 12.0)
Other loans where the place of use is not known 46314 45,142 ( 3.7) 43,946 ( 6.5) 42,678 ( 9.7)
Loans in HKS 1,061,987 1,051,640 ( 1.0) 1,011343 ( 5.0) 894,935 ( 18.7)
Loans in foreign currencies 2,123,361 2,011,427 ( 5.6) 2,007333 ( 5.8) 1382,765 ( 12.8 )
Totalloans and advances 3,185,348 3,063,067 ( 4.0 ) 3,019.376 ( 5.5) 2,777,701 ( 14.7 )
• Adjusted for foreign currency swap deposits. Starting from April 1991, swap deposits can further be broken down into US dollar and non-US dollar foreign currency swap deposits.
Note : ’Restricted licence banks’ and ’deposit-taking companies’ were known as ’licensed deposit-taking companies’and ’registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.
/TABLE 2 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
7
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR - JUNE 1994
Sectors Jun 1994 Earlier quarters (% change to Jun 1994)
Mar 1994 Dec 1993 Jun 1993
Manufacturing 86,693 79,787 ( 8.7 ) 73,719 ( 17.6 ) 74.589 ( 16.2 )
Transport and transport equipment 67368 64,211 ( 5.2 ) 62362 ( 8.5 ) 62,586 ( 8.0 )
Building, construction, property 202,579 192356 ( 53 ) 181,836 ( 11.4 ) 159,024 ( 27.4 )
development and investment
Wholesale and retail trade 113,155 107,901 ( 4.9 ) 99,288 ( 14.0 ) 98369 ( 14.8 )
Financial concerns * 159,951 155.865 ( 2.6 ) 156,096 ( 2.5 ) 136344 ( 17.3 )
Individuals:
to purchase flats in the Home 38,085 35,853 ( 6.2 ) 34,740 ( 9.6 ) 26357 ( 44.5 )
Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme
to purchase other residential 255370 243,269 ( 5.0 ) 233305 ( 9.5 ) 217,112 ( 17.6 )
property
other purposes 113,026 114305 ( -1.1 ) 102,979 ( 9.8 ) 95,276 ( 18.6 )
Others 156,708 145,868 ( 7.4 ) 131,059 ( 19.6 ) 131,091 ( 19.5 )
Total 1,193,135 1,139,415 ( 4.7 ) 1,075,184 ( 11.0 ) 1,000,948 ( 19.2 )
This excludes funds advanced to authorized institutions.
--------0-----------
/8........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
8
SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 *****
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, 8,262 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 36.7 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS (NRT) ARRIVED AT HONG KONG.
THIS INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE "HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT, JANUARY - MARCH 1994" PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE FIGURES REFLECT AN INCREASE OF 8% IN NUMBER OF VESSELS AND 7% TN CAPACITY OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 8,368 OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 36.5 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 7% IN NUMBER AND 6% IN CAPACITY OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, 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 16.1 MILLION TONNE, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 9% OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF (ARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC' EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 6.9 MILLION TONNE, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 22%.
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, 83% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE SEABORNE IMPORTS AND 17% WERE SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT, AND 51% IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE CONTAINERISED CARGO.
OF THOSE LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, 62% TN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE SEABORNE EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS) AND 38% WERE SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT, AND 86% TN TERMS OF TONNAGE WERE CONTAINERIZED CARGO.
THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, 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 17% IN TONNAGE TERMS), JAPAN (14%), CHINA (12%), TAIWAN (11%) AND THE U.S.A. (8%).
THE TOP FIVE COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS (INCLUDING SEABORNE EXPORTS AND SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT) WERE CHINA (21%), THE U.S.A. (18%), TAIWAN (9%), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (5%) AND SINGAPORE (5%).
THE TOP FIVE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS TN TONNAGE TFRMS INCLUDE PETROLEUM. PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (19%); COAL, COKE AND BRJQUET'IES (10%); IRON AND STEEL (9%); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (8%); AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (6%).
/THE TOP
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
9
THE TOP FIVE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEANGOING VESSELS IN TONNAGE TERMS INCLUDE OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (11%); MACHINERY (11%); OTHER MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (7%); PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (6%); AND ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (5%).
CHANGES IN THE TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED AND LOADED ANALYSED BY THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF LOADING AND DISCHARGE BETWEEN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 AND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 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.
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 FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 ARE CONTAINED IN THE ’’HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT, JANUARY - MARCH 1994".
THE 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 WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT $52 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, JULY 29, 1994
10
TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF SHIPPING AND CARGO STATISTICS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS
■* % CHANGE OVER
1ST QUARTER 1ST QUARTER
1994 1993
INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSEL NUMBER CAPACITY (MN. NRT) CARGO DISCHARGED (MN. TONNE) SEABORNE IMPORTS (MN. TONNE) SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT (MN. 8,262 +8 36.7 +7 16.1(51) +9 13.3 (43) +5 TONNE) 2.8 (92) +32
OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSEL NUMBER CAPACITY (MN. NRT) CARGO LOADED (MN. TONNE) SEABORNE EXPORTS (MN. TONNE) (INCLUDING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) SEABORNE OUTWARD TRANSHIPMENT (MN 8,368 + 7 36.5 +6 6.9 (86) +22 4.3 (78 +17 . TONNE) 2.6 (98) +31
NOTE: FIGURES IN BRACKETS DENOTE THE EXTENT OF CONTAINERISATION IN PERCENTAGE.
TABLE 2: CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS BY THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF LOADING
COUNTRY OF LOADING 1ST QUARTER 1994 % CHANGE OVER 1ST QUARTER 1993
(’000 TONNE)
SINGAPORE 2,735 + 52
JAPAN 2,192 + 8
CHINA 1,929 -3
TAIWAN 1 ,735 + 3
U.S.A. 1 ,272 + 47
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,151 *
AUSTRALIA 1,061 -22
INDONESIA 413 -14
MALAYSIA 371 + 116
UNITED KINGDOM 305 + 74
NOTES: (I) CARGO DISCHARGED INCLUDES SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD TRANSHIPMENT.
(II) * LESS THAN 0.5%.
/TABLE 3 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
11
TABLE 3: CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS BY THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE
COUNTRY OF DISCHARGE 1ST QUARTER 1994 % CHANGE OVER 1ST QUARTER 1993
(’000 TONNE)
CHINA 1,442 + 42
U.S.A. 1,274 + 18
TAIWAN 609 + 33
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY 367 + 19
SINGAPORE 320 + 25
JAPAN 305 -2
NETHERLANDS 295 + 30
PHILIPPINES 188 -3
THAILAND 174 + 18
UNITED KINGDOM 172 + 28
NOTE: 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
1ST QUARTER % CHANGE OVER
1994 1ST QUARTER 1993
( ’000 TONNE)
PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 3,029 + 24
AND RELATED MATERIALS COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES 1,624 -29
IRON AND STEEL 1,387 -3
ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC 1,342 + 26
MATERIALS PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS 959 + 62
MACHINERY 881 + 15
CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER 86 2 + 66
OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED 827 + 33
CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP 536 + 9
ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS OTHER CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 360 + 23
NOTE: CARGO DISCHARGED INCLUDES SEABORNE IMPORTS AND SEABORNE INWARD
TRANSHIPMENT.
/TABLE 5 .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
12
TABLE 5: CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING OCEAN-GOING VESSELS BY THE TOP 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES
1ST QUARTER % CHANGE OVER
COMMODITY GROUP 1994 1ST QUARTER U)93
(’000 TONNE)
OTHER MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED 735 + 37
CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL
MACHINERY 730 + 15
OTHER MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 482 - 1
PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 405 + 162
AND RELATED MATERIALS
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING 351 + 16
ACCESSORIES
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP 342 -9
ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS
FOOTWEAR 285 + 22
TOYS 265 + 10
OTHER CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 258 + 43
ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS 245 + 29
NOTE: CARGO LOADED INCLUDES SEABORNE EXPORTS AND SEABORNE OUTWARD
TRANSHIPMENT.
0 - - — —
JOINT OPERATIONS AGAINST SALE OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATION SUCCESSFUL *****
JOINT OPERATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE POLICE AND THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL TN TACKLING THE SALE AND DISPLAY OF PORNOGRAPHIC PUBLICATIONS, VIDEOTAPES AND LASER DISCS, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, MR NG HON-WAH, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR NG WAS SPEAKING IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE (COIAO).
"THE IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MOST SIGNIFICANT IN DISTRICTS SUCH AS MONG KOK AND SHAM SHU1 PO.
"AS A RESULT OF POLICE/TELA JOINT OPERATIONS EARLY THIS YEAR AND THE SUBSEQUENT EFFORTS BY THE POLICE, MANY OF THE STALLS SELLING PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEOTAPES HAVE DISAPPEARED.
"SHOPS SELLING INDECENT ARTICLES HAVE ALSO TAKEN STEPS TO PREVENT THE DISPLAY OF INDECENT MATTERS AND TO COVER UP OFFENSIVE PARTS OF PACKAGINGS OF VIDEOTAPES.
"THE IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO NOTICEABLE IN OTHER DISTRICTS. IN GENERAL, WE OBSERVE THAT NEWSPAPER STALLS HAVE REFRAINED FROM DISPLAYING OBJECTIONABLE COVERS OF MAGAZINES," MR NG SAID.
/MR NG.........
13
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
MR NG SAID IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE POLICE SEIZED A TOTAL OF 5,500 OBSCENE (AS DISTINCT FROM INDECENT) ARTICLES FROM 127 SHOPS AND NEWSPAPER STALLS.
A TOTAL OF 138 PERSONS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED BY EITHER THE POLICE OR TELA FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE COIAO.
THESE FIGURES, HE EMPHASISED, RELATED TO THE JOINT OPERATIONS AND DID NOT INCLUDE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN BY THE POLICE, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND TELA INDEPENDENTLY.
MR NG SHARES THE CONCERN OF SOME COMMUNITY GROUPS ABOUT THE SALE OF INDECENT ARTICLES, IN PARTICULAR INDECENT COMIC BOOKS, TO CHILDREN.
HE SAID: "OF THE 138 PERSONS MENTIONED EARLIER, 14 ARE PROSECUTED FOR SELLING OR HIRING INDECENT ARTICLES TO PERSONS BELOW THE AGE OF 18. HOWEVER, THE FIGURE DOES NOT REFLECT THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEMS."
MR NG EXPLAINED THE DIFFICULTIES IN COLLECTING EVIDENCE OF SUCH AN OFFENCE.
HE SAID: "THE SELLER HAS TO BE CAUGHT RED-HANDED. IT OFTEN TAKES A POLICE OFFICER AND A TELA OFFICER SEVERAL HOURS OF SURVEILLANCE BEFORE THEY WITNESS THE SALE OF AN INDECENT PUBLICATION TO A JUVENILE.
"THE JUVENILE THEN HAS TO BE PERSUADED TO HAND OVER THE PUBLICATION TO THE POLICE OFFICER BECAUSE THERE IS NO PROVISION IN THE COIAO TO EMPOWER THE OFFICER TO SEIZE THE PUBLICATION EVEN THOUGH IT IS REQUIRED FOR USE AS EVIDENCE IN COURT.
"ALSO, WE HAD A FEW CASES WHERE THE PARENTS OF THE JUVENILES DID NOT WANT THEIR CHILDREN TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN COURT. AS A RESULT, WE HAD TO DROP THE CASE.
"EVEN THOUGH WE MAY REQUEST THE COURT TO SUBPOENA THE JUVENILES, WE DID NOT DO SO BECAUSE WE RESPECTED THE WISH OF THE PARENTS AND WE WISHED TO AVOID CAUSING DISTRESS TO THE JUVENILES.”
MR NG SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO NOTE THAT THE COURTS HAD ALSO TAKEN NOTE OF THE COMMUNITY’S CONCERNS.
"IN ALL PROSECUTIONS FOR SALE OF INDECENT ARTICLES TO JUVENILES, WE ASK THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST THE COURT TO IMPOSE A HEAVY PENALTY TO REFLECT THE COMMUNITY’S CONCERNS.
"LAST YEAR, THE PENALTY' METED OUT BY THE COURTS FOR SUCH AN OFFENCE RANGED FROM A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS TO ABOUT A THOUSAND DOLLARS.
"IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS, WE HAD TWO CASES WHERE THE CONVICTED SELLERS WERE EACH FINED $10,000 FOR SELLING ONE INDECENT BOOK TO ONE PERSON BELOW THE AGE OF 18," SAID MR NG.
MR NG SAID TELA WOULD CONTINUE TO LIAISE WITH THE POLICE TO CONDUCT FURTHER JOINT OPERATIONS IN THE FUTURE. THE TWO DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID, HAD BEEN HAVING EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION.
/UNDER THE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
14
UNDER THE EXISTING COIAO, TELA OFFICERS DO NOT ENJOY ENFORCEMENT POWERS AND THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ARE THE PRINCIPAL ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
MR NG SAID WHILE THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WOULD CONTINUE WITH ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, HE BELIEVED IT WAS EQUALLY, IF NOT MORE, IMPORTANT TO DO PUBLICITY AND PUBLLC EDUCATION.
ABOUT ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS, TELA SENDS CIRCULAR LETTERS TO NEWSPAPER STALLS TO REMIND THEM OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE COTAO AND PROVIDE THEM WITH LISTS OF PUBLICATIONS CLASSIFIED BY THE OBSCENE ARTICLES TRIBUNAL AS OBSCENE OR INDECENT.
"WE HAVE ALSO ARRANGED FOR APIS (ANNOUNCEMENTS LN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) TO BE BROADCAST ON TELEVISION AND RADIO TO INVITE THE PUBLIC TO USE OUR 24-HOUR COMPLAINT HOTLINE 594 5836.
"WE HAVE ALSO DISTRIBUTED LEAFLETS AND POSTERS TO SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES AND INVITED STUDENT GROUPS FOR BRIEFING ON THE ORDINANCE AND OUR WORK," MR NG SAID.
HE APPEALED TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO MONITOR MORE CLOSELY THE PUBLICATIONS, ESPECIALLY COMIC BOOKS, READ BY THEIR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS.
THERE WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING, HE SAID, THAT ONLY BOOKS AND MAGAZINES WRAPPED UP IN PLASTIC BAGS WERE UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.
"IN FACT, A LOT OF PUBLICATIONS, INCLUDING COMIC BOOKS, NOT SO WRAPPED UP ARE ALSO INDECENT AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE READ BY JUVENILES.
"UNDER THE LAW, THERE MUST BE CLEARLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY DISPLAYED ON AN INDECENT ARTICLE A WARNING NOTICE THAT THE ARTICLE CONTAINS OFFENSIVE MATERIAL AND MUST NOT BE SOLD OR HIRED TO ANY PERSON BELOW THE AGE OF 18.
"THEREFORE, BEFORE A NEWSVENDOR SELLS A BOOK TO A JUVENILE OR A PARENT BUYS A BOOK FOR HIS CHILDREN, THEY MUST MAKE SURE THAT IT IS NOT ONE WITH SUCH A WARNING NOTICE.
"OR, IN CASE THEY FIND ANY INDECENT BOOKS WITHOUT SUCH A WARNING NOTICE, THEY SHOULD TELL US BY CALLING OUR COMPLAINT HOTLINE," MR NG CONTINUED.
TO FACILITATE MORE EFFECTIVE ACTIONS AGAINST OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES, TELA HAS PROPOSED TO THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH THAT THE COIAO BE AMENDED.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS INCLUDE GIVING ENFORCEMENT STAFF THE POWER TO SEIZE INDECENT ARTICLES REQUIRED AS EVIDENCE FOR PROSECUTION, MAKING IT MANDATORY FOR INDECENT ARTICLES TO BE ENCLOSED IN PLASTIC WRAPPERS AND STIPULATING AN OBJECTIVE, MINIMUM SIZE FOR THE WARNING NOTICE TO BE DISPLAYED ON AN INDECENT ARTICLE.
A TIME SLOT FOR INTRODUCING THESE AMENDMENTS INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS BEING AWAITED.
------0--------
/15........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
15
TOUGHER FINES FOR NOISE OFFENCES FROM NEXT MONTH
*****
THE GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR VARIOUS NOISE OFFENCES WOULD BE DOUBLED FROM NEXT MONDAY (AUGUST 1).
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR RAYMOND LEUNG, SAID THE INCREASE OF FINES WAS MADE UNDER SECTION 9 OF THE NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994 AND THE NOISE CONTROL (AMENDMENT) GENERAL REGULATIONS 1994.
HE SAID: "IT IS NECESSARY TO DOUBLE THE MAXIMUM FINES BECAUSE THE CURRENT LEVEL OF FINES HAS PROVED TO BE GENERALLY INADEQUATE TO DETER NOISE OFFENDERS."
UNDER THE AMENDED ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS, THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR COMMITTING NEIGHBOURHOOD TYPE NOISE OFFENCES, SUCH AS THOSE INVOLVING BLASTING LOUD MUSIC IN DOMESTIC PREMISES AND PUBLIC PLACES, WILL BE INCREASED FROM $5,000 TO $10,000.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR CARRYING OUT WORK WITHOUT A CONSTRUCTION NOISE PERMIT, OR VIOLATING CONDITIONS OF IT, WILL BE INCREASED FROM $50,000 TO $100,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $100,000 TO $200,000 FOR REPEATED OFFENCES.
MEANWHILE, THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TYPE NOISES, ARE ALSO INCREASED FROM $50,000 TO $100,000 ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $100,000 TO $200,000 FOR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE INCREASED FINES WILL HAVE A GREATER DETERRENT EFFECT ON NOISE OFFENDERS AND RESULT IN A LESS NOISY ENVIRONMENT FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE," MR LEUNG SAID.
--------0-----------
THREE LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED
*****
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ON AUGUST 23 (TUESDAY), IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN KWAI FUK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,350 SQUARE METRES FOR GODOWN USE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 19,095 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.
THE SECOND LOT, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,435 SQUARE METRES IN HONG YIP STREET, TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, YUEN LONG, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN USE, EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADES.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 11,688 SQUARE METRES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.
/THE REMAINING .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
16
THE REMAINING LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 7, TAI PO, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 15,250 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 15,140 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1998.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK 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, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
------0--------
PORT FACILITIES FOR TSEUNG KWAN 0 *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL UNDERTAKE A RANGE OF PORT DEVELOPMENT AND MARINE WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 TO PROVIDE LAND AND PORT FACILITIES FOR DEEP WATERFRONT INDUSTRIES AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STORAGE FACILITIES.
THE WORK WILL START IN OCTOBER 1995 AND BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT JUNE 2000.
IT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 2,400 METRES OF SEAWALL, 4,800 METRES OF ROADS AND 3,700 METRES OF BOX CULVERT.
ABOUT 100 HECTARES OF LAND WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 140 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT AREA 137 WILL ALSO BE DREDGED AND RECLAIMED.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED 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 SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 29.
HE SHOULD DESCRIBE HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
/17........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
17
GREEN LIGHT FOR SEWAGE TUNNEL WORKS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS HAS AUTHORISED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE RIGHTS ON THE LAND SITUATED ON THE ROUTE OF THE PROPOSED SEWAGE TUNNEL FROM TSEUNG KWAN O AND CHAI WAN TO KWUN TONG FOR CARRYING OUT SEWAGE WORKS.
THE SEWAGE TUNNEL FORMS PART OF STAGE 1 OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME TO COLLECT AND TREAT SEWAGE FROM KOWLOON BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND TSEUNG KWAN O AND FROM THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN 30 MONTHS.
THE LAND WHICH IS AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTORISATION GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS SUFFERED LOSS OR DAMAGE TO LAND OR PROPERTY SITUATED ON LAND RESULTING FROM THL CREATION OR EXERCISE OF RIGHTS BY THE AUTHORISATION MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION WITHIN THE PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE.
-----0--------
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT ABERDEEN AND
AP LEI CHAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THREE INDUSTRIAL AREAS AT SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, TIN WAN CLOSE AND ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD HAVE BEEN REZONED FROM ’’INDUSTRIAL” TO "INDUSTRIAL (GROUP 1)". WITHIN THIS ZONE, ’’FLAT" USE MAY BE CONSIDERED UPON APPLICATION TO THE BOARD.
THIS AIMS AT ENCOURAGING COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT TO SOLVE THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL/RESIDENT I AL INTERFACE PROBLEM IN THE LONG TERM.
TO ENHANCE CONSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, THE COASTAL STRIP AT AP LEI CHAU SOUTH, AP LEI PAI AND OCEAN PARK HAS BEEN REZONED FROM "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUN1TY", "OPEN SPACE" AND "GREEN BELT" TO ’’COASTAL PROTECTION AREA".
A SITE AT AP LEI CHAU NORTH RECLAMATION HAS BEEN REZONED FROM ’’COMMERCI AL/RESIDENTIAL” AND "GOVERNMENT/INSTI TUT J ON/COMMUNTTY" TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)" TO FACILITATE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
A "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY” SITE AT ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)".
THE "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" SITE To THE EAST OF HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB AT ISLAND ROAD HAS BEEN REZONED TO "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)" TO PRESERVE THE CHARACTER AND AMENITY OF THE SHOUSON HILL AND DEEP WATER BAY AREA.
/WITHIN THIS .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
18
WITHIN THIS ZONE, DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF THREE STOREYS WITH A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.75 AND SITE COVERAGE OF 25.
TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF ENVIRONMENT, A ’’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)” SITE TO THE EAST OF SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE AND A "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY” SITE AT ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD HAVE BEEN REZONED TO ’’GREEN BELT”.
THE PORTION OF ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK WITHIN THE PLANNING SCHEME AREA HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED TO "COUNTRY PARK".
A SITE OFF AP LEI CHAU DRIVE HAS BEEN REZONED FROM "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUT1ON/COMMUNITY” TO "GREEN BELT" WHEREAS THE "GREEN BELT” SITE IN AP LEI CHAU WEST HAS BEEN REZONED TO "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY”.
MEANWHILE, OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN HAVE BEEN MADE TO REFLECT EXISTING USES.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/H15/6) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL AUGUST 19 IN THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG; AND
* SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE,
PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING BEFORE AUGUST 19.
COPIES OF THE 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, KOWLOON.
------0------------
/19........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
19
DEMANDING AND CHALLENGING JOB OF CSD
*****
A MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR JUSTEIN WONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) DESCRIBED THE WORK OF A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICER AS ’’A DEMANDING AND CHALLENGING” ONE.
SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S (CSD) STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY THIS AFTERNOON, MR WONG SAID THE COMMON PERCEPTION OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ONLY RELATED TO THE CUSTODY OF OFFENDERS; HOWEVER, THE SERVICES HAD ALREADY EXTENDED WELL BEYOND PUTTING OFFENDERS BEHIND BARS.
"I AM AWARE THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS, OVER THE YEARS, DEVELOPED A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES CATERING FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF INMATES, WITH THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE OF REINTERGRATING THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY AS LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.
’’COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAMMES RANGE FROM PRE-SENTENCE ASSESSMENT, IN-CENTRE TREATMENT, TO POST-RELEASE GUIDANCE AND SUPERVISION,” HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SUCCESS OF THESE PROGRAMMES WAS DEMONSTRATED BY STATISTICS WHICH SHOWED THAT A GREAT MAJORITY OF INMATES RELEASED AFTER TREATMENT REMAINED CRIME AND DRUG FREE THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF AFTER-CARE SUPERVISION.
HE SAID THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD LONG ADVOCATED THE SETTING OF A POST RELEASE SUPERVISION SCHEME THROUGH WHICH CARE AND CONTROL COULD BE EXTENDED TO ADULT PRISONERS UPON THEIR RELEASE.
"I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN ACTIVE STEPS TO SEEK FUNDS AND INTRODUCE LEGISLATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS SCHEME,” HE NOTED.
"THE JOB OF A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER IS A DEMANDING AND CHALLENGING ONE,” MR WONG SAID.
"DEMANDING BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH INMATES WHO HAVE COMMITTED CRIMINAL OFFENCES AND NOW FACE LONG PERIODS OF DETENTION AND CHALLENGING BECAUSE REFORMING THESE CRIMINALS TO BECOME LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS UPON THEIR RELEASE IS A DIFFICULT BUT REWARDING TASK,” HE SAID.
HE CITED AN EXAMPLE THAT THE AVERAGE PASS RATE FOR INMATES WHO SAT FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION LAST YEAR EXCEED 81 PER CENT.
"SUCH IMPRESSIVE RESULTS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE DEDICATED WORK OF THE STAFF CONCERNED," HE COMMENDED.
MR WONG SAID WHEN THE PUBLIC CAME TO APPRECIATE THE SUCCESS THE INMATES USUALLY ACHIEVED IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, CSD STAFF’S EFFORTS IN MOTIVATING GUIDING AND TEACHING THESE CANDIDATES WERE ALSO GIVEN*. DUE RECOGNITION.
"WITH THE FIRM COMMITMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT IN RETURNING ALL VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TO THEIR PLACE OF ORIGIN, THE CSD WILL FACE INCREASING PRESSURE FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE DETENTION CENTRES.
/"ON ONE .......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
20
"ON ONE HAND, CSD’S ROLE IS TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER AND TO PROVIDE A STABLE AND PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT IN THE DETENTION CENTRES AND ON THE OTHER HAND, IT HAS A MAJOR ROLE IN REPATRIATION EXERCISE," HE POINTED OUT.
"IT HAS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND EMPHASISED THAT THERE ARE EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT TASKS FOR THE DEPARTMENT.
"I AM FULLY CONVINCED THAT THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE DOES APPRECIATE THIS,” MR WONG ADDED.,
A TOTAL OF 112 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE 23-WEEKS’ BASIC TRAINING TOOK PART IN TODAY’S PARADE.
<------0--------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED *****
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN 1994/95 WHICH AIMS AT IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF SAFETY AND HEALTH IN WORK PLACES IN HONG KONG AND TO REDUCE THE OCCURRENCE OF ACCIDENTS AND ILL-HEALTH AT WORK IS BEING LAUNCHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID: ’’THROUGH THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN, WE HOPE TO DEVELOP A PROPER SAFETY CULTURE AMONG THE MANAGEMENT, THE WORKFORCE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.”
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS ALWAYS COMMITTED TO CUTTING DOWN ACCIDENTS AT WORK.
"HOWEVER, TO RELY WHOLLY ON FACTORY INSPECTORS TO SOLVE ALL THE SAFETY PROBLEMS IS NEITHER COST-EFFECTIVE NOR PRACTICABLE," HE SAID.
"EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAVE TO DO A LOT MORE TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES.”
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR NOTED THAT OVER THE YEARS, A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS HAD BEEN PRODUCED TO PROMOTE SAFETY. CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
HE SAID THAT ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE WERE GIVEN TO MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS ON WAYS TO IMPROVE THEIR SAFETY PERFORMANCE, RANGING FROM DEVELOPING SAFETY POLICY TO ENSURE AN ORGANISED SYSTEMATIC APPROACH IN ENHANCING SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENTS TO ADVISING ON PROPER USE OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON CONSTRUCTION SAFETY, AND PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS ARISING FROM THE USE OF MACHINERY AND HARMFUL OR FIRE-HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS.
IN ADDITION, THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE HELPS INDUSTRIES TO DEVELOP IN-PLANT SAFETY COMMITTEES TO ADDRESS THEIR OWN SAFETY AND HEALTH PROBLEM IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE CONCEPT OF SELF-REGULATION TO CURB ACCIDENTS IN A DO-IT-YOURSELF MANNER.
' ’ MV ’ . ■ ■ ■'
"IT IS ONLY THROUGH MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION OF THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENSURING SAFETY AND HEALTH AT THEIR PLACE OF WORK CAN BE MADE AND MONITORED," MR CHAN SAID.
/HE SAID ......
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
21
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PERSONS AT WORK RESTED WITH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS NONETHELESS DOING ITS UTMOST TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SAFETY CAUSE THROUGH IMPLEMENTING ITS COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PROGRAMME.
"SAFETY LAWS HAVE BEEN MADE OR AMENDED TO COPE WITH THE NEED OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRY WITH REFERENCE TO THE LATEST INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND PRACTICES.
"AT THE SAME TIME, TOUGH ENFORCEMENT ACTION IS ALSO BEING MAINTAINED OR FURTHER STEPPED UP WHERE NECESSARY.,” HE ADDED.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT AS ACCIDENTS WERE MAINLY CAUSED BY THE ABSENCE OF ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT CONTROL, THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WOULD CARRY FORWARD A RANGE OF ACTIONS TO ENCOURAGE THE PURSUIT OF HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AS AN INTEGRAL OBJECTIVE OF "QUALITY” APPROACHES TO MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING.
ACTION WILL INCLUDE:
* PROMOTION OF STRUCTURED SAFETY AUDIT SYSTEMS;
* INCREASED EMPHASIS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH RISKS AND POSITIVE PROMOTION OF HEALTH OF WORK; AND
» INITIATIVES TO RAISE THE PROFILE AND INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AND HEALTH TRAINING.
’’MORE RESOURCES WILL BE PUT ON INDUSTRIES AND PROCESSES WHICH HAVE POOR ACCIDENT AND ILL-HEALTH RECORDS. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS AN EXAMPLE OF THEM," MR CHAN SAID.
"WE SHALL CONTINUE TO APPEAL TO THE EMPLOYERS TO TAKE UP THEIR FULL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROVIDING A SAFE WORK PLACE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, WE SHALL ALSO URGE WORKERS TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND THE OTHERS, INCLUDING THEIR FELLOW WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION OF THE THREE PARTIES - EMPLOYER, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT, HONG KONG WILL BE MADE A SAFER AND HEALTHIER PLACE TO WORK," MR CHAN ADDED.
------0-------
REVISED FEE FOR VALUATION LIST DATA
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THE FEE FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE ADDRESS OR DESCRIPTION, AND RATEABLE VALUE OF ANY TENEMENT CONTAINED IN A VALUATION LIST WOULD BE REVISED FROM $55 TO $60 WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 1, 1994.
THE REVISION HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SECTION 15(4) OF THE RATING ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE PAYMENT OF SUCH FEE.
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/22........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
22
REVISED FEE FOR RATES/CROWN RENT ENQUIRY * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE FEE FOR ENQUIRY OF AN OUTSTANDING RATES OR CROWN RENT ACCOUNT WOULD BE REVISED FROM $50 TO $55 WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST 1, 1994.
THE INCREASE IS TO RECOVER THE COSTS INCURRED IN PROVIDING SUCH SERVICE.
- - 0 - -
HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO BE IMPROVED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF THE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ALIGNMENT AND SIGHT LINE OF THE HIRAM’S HIGHWAY BETWEEN THE PETROL STATION AND PO TUNG ROAD.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL PROVIDE A NEW JUNCTION CONNECTING ROAD 3A TO ACCESS THE RECLAMATION OF SAI KUNG CREEK WHICH IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
THE BASIC ROAD WIDTH WILL BE 7.3 METRES WITH WIDENING TO PROVIDE RIGHT TURN LANES AT THE PETROL STATION AND JUNCTION WITH ROAD 3A.
ALLOWANCE WILL BE MADE IN THE DESIGN FOR THE POSSIBLE FUTURE DUALLING OF HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND THOSE AREAS FORMED AS PART OF THE WORKS WILL BE LANDSCAPED FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENT WHEN REQUIRED.
DETAILED OF THE PROPOSED WORKS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
PLANS OF THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
» THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG, THIRD FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, IS REQUIRED TO ADDRESS HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 27.
- - 0 - -
/23
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
23
TENDERS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN ROADWORKS
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORY WEST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN TUEN MUN.
THE CONTRACT IS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ROADS, THE ASSOCIATED DRAINS AND DRAINAGE CHANEL IMPROVEMENT.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN 14 MONTHS.
A NOTICE OF THE TENDER INVITATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULRS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFFICE OF THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, MESSRS SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, 38TH FLOOR, METROPLAZA, TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD,
KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON AUGUST 19.
-----0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR WATER MAINS LAYING IN SAI KUNG * * * » »
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 10 KILOMETRES OF DUCTILE IRON FRESH WATER MAINS IN HIGH ISLAND, SAI KUNG TO SUPPLY TREATED WATER TO THE VILLAGES IN LEUNG SHUEN WAN, PAK A, PAK LAP, TUNG A AND SHA KIU.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN OCTOBER FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 44TH FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDERS OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON AUGUST 19.
* •' -‘T Arj;
------o--------
/24........
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1994
24
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* » ♦ * *
CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
TIME
$ MILLION (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,095 0930 -1,311 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,134 1000 -1,111 CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -1,191 MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +810 1200 -1,191 LAF TODAY -771 1500 +527 1600 +810 LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.1 *+0.4* 29.7.94 HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS •
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.98 16 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.11 5. 74
1 MONTH 3.78 22 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100,36 6. 22
3 MONTHS 4.20 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.45 6. 72
6 MONTHS 4.62 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.55 6. 85
12 MONTHS 5.30 36 MONTHS TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS CLOSED 29 JULY 1994 3707 6.95 - 26,566 MN 0 100.20 6. 99
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORT OF THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SUCCESS HOLDINGS LIMITED CASE.............................................. 1
MOU BETWEEN HK AND CANADA................................. 2
PENSION SCHEME ENSURES SECURE OLD AGE..................... 3
APPEAL TO SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD DROPS..................... 4
PERFORMANCE PLEDGE OF OFTA................................ 5
SITE SAFETY AFTER BAD WEATHER URGED....................... 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
6
SATURDAY, JULY 30,
1994
1
REPORT OF THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SUCCESS HOLDINGS LIMITED CASE *****
THE REPORT OF THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL INQUIRY INTO SUSPECTED INSIDER DEALINGS IN THE SHARES OF SUCCESS HOLDINGS LIMITED (SHL) HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE TODAY (SATURDAY).
IN DECEMBER 1993, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REFERRED A CASE TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL, FORMED UNDER SECTION 15 OF THE SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) ORDINANCE, INVOLVING DEALING IN THE SHARES OF SHL IN MID-1992.
IN LATE MARCH 1994, THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED TWO LAY MEMBERS TO THE TRIBUNAL TO HEAR THE CASE.
THE SUBSTANTIVE TRIBUNAL HEARINGS LASTED FROM MAY 2 TO 18 AND THE TRIBUNAL SUBMITTED ITS REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON JUNE 24, 1994.
’’BEING THE FIRST INQUIRY INSTITUTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE TRIBUNAL DELIBERATED ON SOME IMPORTANT ISSUES OF PRINCIPLE RELATING TO THE STANDARD OF PROOF TO BE ADOPTED FOR ITS INQUIRIES AND THE CALCULATION OF PROFITS GAINED OR LOSSES AVOIDED,” THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID.
"THE TRIBUNAL FOUND THAT INSIDER DEALING TOOK PLACE DURING MAY 15 TO JUNE 12, 1992 INVOLVING MR LAU HON-CHUNG PASSING INSIDE INFORMATION TO MS CHAN DAN-NAR WHO IN TURN DEALT IN SHL SHARES ON THE BASIS OF THAT INFORMATION.
"THE TRIBUNAL THEREFORE EXERCISED ITS POWERS UNDER SECTION 23 OF THE ORDINANCE TO MAKE ORDERS FOR MR LAU AND MS CHAN TO PAY FINANCIAL PENALTIES OF $473,934 AND $236,967 RESPECTIVELY AND TO DISQUALIFY THEM FROM BEING A DIRECTOR OF LIQUIDATOR OR A RECEIVER OR MANAGER OF THE PROPERTY OF ANY LISTED COMPANY, OR BE CONCERNED IN OR TAKE PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANY LISTED COMPANY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM JULY 15, 1994," MR CARTLAND SAID.
MR CARTLAND ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MR LAU HAD BEEN ORDERED BY THE TRIBUNAL TO PAY $439,360 OF EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE TRIBUNAL FOR THE INQUIRY.
"IN CONSIDERING THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, PURSUANT TO SECTION 22(4) OF THE ORDINANCE, DECIDED TO TAKE OUT ONE OF THE APPENDICES WHICH IS RELATED TO A PRIVATE HEARING HELD BY THE TRIBUNAL.
"THE CONTENTS OF THE APPENDIX ARE CONSIDERED TO BE TANGENTIAL TO THE INQUIRY AND THEIR DELETION WILL NOT AFFECT THE REPORT," MR CARTLAND SAID.
"THE UNDERLYING IMPORTANCE OF THIS CASE IS THAT IT IS THE FIRST INQUIRY OF THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL, THE EXPERIENCE OF WHICH SETS THE SCENE FOR FUTURE INQUIRIES.
"I AM GLAD THAT THE TRIBUNAL SYSTEM HAS PROVED TO WORK WELL SO FAR AND IN A MANNER THAT APPEARS TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT THAN THE CRIMINAL SYSTEMS ADOPTED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS.
/"I WOULD .......
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1994
2
"I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE TRIBUNAL FOR HAVING CONDUCTED A THOROUGH ENQUIRY IN A METICULOUS MANNER," MR CARTLAND SAID,
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
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MOU BETWEEN HK AND CANADA
*****
THE GOVERNMENTS OF HONG KONG AND CANADA WILL SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) AIMED AT STRENGTHENING CULTURAL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.
THE MOU WILL BE SIGNED AT ABOUT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1) BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE CANADIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR ANDRE OUELLET, IN THE SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES ANNEXE, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE MOU FOLLOWS AN EARLIER ONE SIGNED IN 1991, BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS ON FILM AND TELEVISION CO-OPERATION.
HONG KONG AND CANADA HAVE CLOSE TIES, WHICH HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY CEMENTED BY RECIPROCAL FESTIVALS, HELD IN THE TWO PLACES, WHICH FEATURED SPORTING AND CULTURAL EVENTS.
THE SIGNING OF THE MOU ON CULTURAL CO-OPERATION WILL GIVE IMPETUS TO FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THIS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIP.
UNDER THE MOU THE THINGS THAT HONG KONG AND CANADA WILL ENDEAVOUR TO DO WILL INCLUDE:-
* FACILITATION OF EXCHANGES OF ARTISTS AND SPORTSMEN IN CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES;
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF ORGANISATION OF CULTURAL AND SPORTS PROGRAMMES TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS IN THESE FIELDS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES;
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF EXCHANGES AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN ARTS AND SPORTS ORGANISATIONS;
» PROMOTION OF THE PROVISION OF SPONSORSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE PERFORMANCE, STUDY, TRAINING AND RESEARCH OF ARTS AND SPORTS;
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF TEACHING, RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION IN ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS;
» PROVISION OF EASY ACCESS TO EACH OTHER’S CULTURAL VENUES AND FACILITIES;
* FACILITATION OF CULTURAL AND INTELLECTUAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE APPROPRIATE ORGANISATIONS OF BOTH SIDES THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS;
/* PROMOTION OF........
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1994
3
* PROMOTION OF THE TRANSLATION AND DISSEMINATION OF LITERARY WORKS BUT COPYRIGHTS PROTECTED;
» FACILITATION OF EXCHANGES IN CINEMATOGRAPHY, BROADCASTING AND BOOK PUBLISHING; AND
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF EXCHANGES AND VISITS OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN VARIOUS FORMS OF ARTS AND CULTURAL WORK.
TO CELEBRATE THE SIGNING OF THE MOU, AND TO BID FAREWELL TO THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE XV COMMONWEALTH GAMES, A RECEPTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2) MORNING IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF CITY HALL.
AT THE RECEPTION, THE HONG KONG AMATEUR GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION WILL GIVE A RHYTHMIC GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCE.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY MUSIC TO BE PERFORMED BY STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WHO WILL ALSO PERFORM AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES TO BE HELD IN VICTORIA, CANADA NEXT MONTH.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SIGNING CEREMONY OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON CULTURAL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1), AND THE RECEPTION ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE SIGNING CEREMONY ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES ANNEXE, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL BY 10.15 AM ON MONDAY AND THE RECEPTION BY 11.15 AM ON TUESDAY.
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PENSION SCHEME ENSURES SECURE OLD AGE
*****
THE OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME IS A PROPOSAL TO ENSURE OLD AGE FOR EVERYONE, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS LOUISE WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE MADE THE ABOVE REMARK AT A DISTRICT BRIEFING ON SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES AT KWONG YUEN COMMUNITY HALL IN SHA TIN.
SHE SAID THE PENSION SCHEME WOULD DEFINITELY AFFECT THE PRESENT 560,000 ELDERLY CITIZENS AGED 65 AND OVER.
"IT WILL ALSO AFFECT OTHER NON-ELDERLY CITIZENS, NOT JUST BECAUSE AS EMPLOYERS OR EMPLOYEES THEY WILL BE CONTRIBUTING 1.5 PER CENT OF THEIR ASSESSABLE INCOME TOWARDS THE SCHEME, BUT BECAUSE EVERY ONE OF US WILL EVENTUALLY REACH OLD AGE SOME TIME IN LIFE," MRS WONG ADDED.
SHE NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD HELP TO MAKE THE SCHEME KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT’S CLIENTS SO THAT IT WOULD BE WIDELY DISCUSSED AND THOUGHT UPON.
SHE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD HOLD FORUMS ON THE SUBJECT AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
/"WE SHALL .......
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1994
4
"WE SHALL ALSO BRING UP THIS SUBJECT IN OUR DISTRICT SERVICES CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEES SO THAT THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION OF THE SCHEME AMONG THEIR SERVICE USERS," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE INVITED MEMBERS OF THE PULIC TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS, NOTING THAT THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY WERE VERY IMPORTANT IN HELPING THE ADMINISTRATION FORMULATE A SCHEME WHICH WOULD PROVIDE A SECURE OLD AGE FOR THE PUBLIC.
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APPEAL TO SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD DROPS
*****
THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 137 APPEALS IN 1993/94, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 24 CASES, OR 15 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING YEAR.
OF THE 137 APPEALS, 25 WERE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE CASES, 108 WERE SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE CASES, AND FOUR WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD.
ALL APPEALS WERE HEARD BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WHO ARE ALL UNOFFICIALS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THEY ACT AS AN INDEPENDENT BODY TO PROVIDE A MEANS OF REDRESS FOR PERSONS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF ELIGIBILITY AND PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.
THE BOARD HAD SO FAR HEARD 70 CASES FOR THE YEAR AND ANOTHER 49 CASES BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE PRECEDING YEAR.
OF THESE 119 APPEALS HEARD DURING THE YEAR, THE BOARD SUBSTANTIATED THE DECISION OF THE DEPARTMENT IN 54 CASES AND OVERRULED ITS DECISION IN 65 CASES.
TO KEEP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WELL AWARE OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD, POSTERS ABOUT THE APPEAL BOARD ARE DISPLAYED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION. LEAFLETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THESE OFFICES.
FURTHERMORE, WHENEVER A PERSON IS NOTIFIED IN WRITING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE RESULT OF HIS APPLICATION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS, HE IS ALSO INFORMED OF HIS RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE BOARD IF HE IS DISSATISFIED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S DECISION.
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/5........
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1994
5
PERFORMANCE PLEDGE OF OFTA
*****
THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA) ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE FOR ITS SERVICES FOR 1994/95.
"EVER SINCE OUR ESTABLISHMENT IN JULY 1993, OFTA HAS BEEN STRIVING TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICE TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
"THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE REPRESENTS ANOTHER MAJOR STEP TAKEN BY OFTA IN ENSURING AN EFFICIENT, RELIABLE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO BE PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY," SAID THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MR ALEX ARENA.
"OFTA WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
PERFORMANCE PLEDGE AND PUBLISH THE RESULTS ANNUALLY," MR ARENA ADDED.
THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES OF OFTA IN THE AREAS OF PROCESSING OF LICENCE APPLICATIONS, INVESTIGATION OF RADIO INTERFERENCE AND TYPE APPROVAL OF RADIO EQUIPMENT.
LEAFLETS INTRODUCING OFTA’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND CAN BE OBTAINED AT:
OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY
29TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE
213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST
WAN CHAI
HONG KONG
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SITE SAFETY AFTER BAD WEATHER URGED
*****
CONTRACTORS AND SITE MANAGEMENT STAFF ARE URGED TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY SAFETY MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT THE WORK SITE ON THE WHOLE AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL WORK PROCESSES ARE SAFE BEFORE ALLOWING WORKERS TO START WORK.
"THOUGH MANY OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES MIGHT HAVE SUSPENDED THEIR WORK DURING THE INCLEMENT WEATHER, IT WOULD BE MOST IMPORTANT TO CHECK THE SITE CONDITIONS, INCLUDING VARIOUS PLANTS ON THE SITE, AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SITE IS SAFE BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL WORK IN ORDER TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM ACCIDENTS," THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"DURING THIS WEEK, OUR FACTORY INSPECTORS HAVE STEPPED UP INSPECTIONS TO SITES TO BRING THE MESSAGE TO THE MANAGEMENT AND WARNED THEM OF ANY POSSIBLE HAZARDS WHICH REQUIRED IMMEDIATE RECTIFICATIONS BEFORE RESUMPTION OF NORMAL OPERATION,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE INSPECTIONS, SOME COMMON HAZARDS WERE FOUND AT SITES AFTER THE HEAVY RAINSTORM.
/THEY INCLUDE .....
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1994
6
THEY INCLUDE :
» FLOODED EXCAVATIONS OR CAISSONS;
» DAMAGED BAMBOO SCAFFOLDS OR DAMAGED WORKING PLATFORMS ON THESE SCAFFOLDS;
» CAVING IN OF THE SIDES OF EXCAVATIONS AND DAMAGE TO THE SHORING;
« ANCHORAGE OF LIFTING APPLIANCES MAY COME LOOSE;
» LEAKAGE OF ELECTRICITY FROM ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS; AND
» MISSING SAFETY FENCINGS.
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR REITERATED THAT UNDER THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A SAFE PLANT AND A SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
MEANWHILE, EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS AND ASSIST THEM TO DISCHARGE THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION BY USING SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS.
"OUR FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION TO ENSURE THAT CONTRACTORS HAD THE HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS DULY RECTIFIED BEFORE SENDING ANY’ WORKER TO RESUME WORK," MR CHAN SAID.
"WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO PROSECUTE ANY EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE WHO BREACHES THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS,
"AN EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO OBSERVE THE GENERAL DUTIES REQUIREMENTS WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $200,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS WHILE AN EMPLOYEE WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS," HE ADDED.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
• $ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,134 0930 4390
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,482 1000 4390
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 4390
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY 4390 1130 4390
LAF TODAY -1,042 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 123.0 ♦-0.1« 30.7.94
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
NOMINATION FOR DB ELECTIONS TO START TOMORROW............... 1
PUBLICATION OF 1994 FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS.............. 1
AMENDMENT EMPOWERS DIRECTOR TO REFER PUPILS................. 2
RENTAL INFORMATION FOR LANDLORDS AND TENANTS................ 2
PUBLIC GIVES PESC SERVICES A HIGH SCORE..................... 3
LAND REGISTRY STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 ........ 4
WARNING AGAINST WATER THEFT................................. 5
WARNING ON USING FALSE DOCUMENTS............................ 5
FUND-RAISING BODIES FOR AUGUST.............................. 6
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
1
NOMINATION FOR DB ELECTIONS TO START TOMORROW *****
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER WILL START TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND LAST UNTIL AUGUST 15.
NOMINATION MUST BE HANDED IN BY THE NOMINATED CANDIDATE IN PERSON AND RECEIVED BY THE RETURNING OFFICER OR ONE OF HIS ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERS AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICE DURING OFFICE Hours on any day other than a general holiday or a Saturday.
ANOTHER MEANS OF DELIVERY OF NOMINATIONS MAY BE ALLOWED ON APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER.
FORMS OF NOMINATION MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE DURING OFFICE HOURS ON ANY DAY OTHER THAN A GENERAL HOLIDAY FROM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO), 10TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, OR ANY DISTRICT OFFICE.
AN REO SPOKESMAN SAID IN RESPECT OF EACH CONSTITUENCY, UNLESS THE NUMBER OF VALIDLY NOMINATED CANDIDATE WAS LESS THAN TWO, A POLL WOULD BE HELD ON THE ELECTION DAY ON SEPTEMBER 18, 1994.
THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 346 SINGLE-SEAT DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES OPEN FOR NOMINATION. IN THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 274 SEATS FROM 210 CONSTITUENCIES.
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PUBLICATION OF 1994 FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS *****
THE 1994 FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (MONDAY), AND IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS ON ANY WORKING DAY.
THERE ARE 2.45 MILLION ELECTORS ON THE NEWLY PUBLISHED GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL.
THESE INCLUDE THE 520,000 NEWLY REGISTERED ELECTORS RECRUITED FROM THIS YEAR’S VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WHICH HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ON JULY 1, OF WHICH 108,000 ARE BETWEEN THE AGE OF 18 AND 21 YEARS, ELECTORS WHO HAVE FOR THE FIRST TIME BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE LOWERING OF THE VOTING AGE TO 18.
ABOUT 13,000 ELECTORS HAVE BEEN DELETED FROM THIS YEAR’S FINAL REGISTER. THESE ARE MAINLY CASES OF DEATH AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE REGISTRATION OFFICER.
THE SIZE OF THE ELECTORATE IN 1994 REPRESENTS SOME 26 PER CENT INCREASE COMPARED WITH THE 1.94 MILLION IN 1993. THE REGISTRATION RATE HAS ALSO SOARED FROM LAST YEAR’S 52 PER CENT TO THIS YEAR’S 62 PER CENT.
ELECTORS WHOSE NAMES APPEAR ON THE 1994 FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AT THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ORDINARY ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18, AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ORDINARY ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN MARCH 1995.
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SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
2
AMENDMENT EMPOWERS DIRECTOR TO REFER PUPILS ♦ * * ♦ ♦
AN AMENDMENT TO THE CODES OF AID FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION WITH CLEAR AUTHORITY TO DIRECT AIDED SCHOOLS TO ADMIT PUPILS REFERRED BY HIM TO FILL VACANT PLACES IN THESE SCHOOLS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1994.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR TSUI SEEMING, SAID THE AMENDMENT WOULD ALSO APPLY TO GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, CAPUT SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME.
HE SAID AN ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR HAD BEEN SENT TO SCHOOLS AND SUPERVISORS TO THIS EFFECT. HEADS OF SCHOOL ARE REQUESTED TO TAKE NOTE OF THE IMPENDING AMENDMENT.
MR TSUI EXPLAINED THAT ADDITIONAL PROVISION 12 (AA) HAD BEEN INSERTED AFTER PARAGRPAH 12 (A) OF APPENDIX 1 OF THE CODES OF AID FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNDER THE ADMISSION OF PUPILS.
THE NEW PARAGRAPH READS: ’’NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISION IN PARAGRAPH 12 (A) ABOVE, THE DIRECTOR MAY DIRECT AN AIDED SCHOOL TO ADMIT TO THAT SCHOOL AS A PUPIL A CHILD WHO IS REFERRED BY THE DIRECTOR TO FILL AN AVAILABLE VACANT PLACE.”
MR TSUI ASSURED THAT IN IMPLEMENTING THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES:
» CHILDREN REQUIRING PLACEMENT WILL BE GIVEN INITIAL
SCREENING BY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF TO ASSESS THEIR LEVEL OF ABILITY AND TO SEE IF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES ARE NEEDED.
» CHILDREN PLACED IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS WHO REQUIRE SUPPORT SERVICES WILL BE REFERRED TO STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS/STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHERS OR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AS APPROPRIATE FOR ASSISTANCE.
* THE ABILITY OF THE CHILDREN TO BE PLACED, IN TERMS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION BANDING, SHOULD NOT BE TOO DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE PUPILS OF THE RECEIVING SCHOOLS.
* THE RESIDENCE OF THE CHILDREN TO BE PLACED WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
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RENTAL INFORMATION FOR LANDI,ORDS AND TENANTS
*****
BOTH TENANTS AND LANDLORDS OF DOMESTIC PREMISES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON MARKET RENTS FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID FOR A FEE OF $570, AN APPLICANT COULD OBTAIN INFORMATION OF UP TO SIX COMPARABLE RENTALS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS OF SIMILAR SIZE IN NEARBY AREAS.
/HE ADDED .......
3
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
HE ADDED HOWEVER THAT THIS INFORMATION WOULD ONLY BE MADE AVAILABLE TO LANDLORDS AND TENANTS, OR THEIR AUTHORISED PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS, WHO APPLIED TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR TENANCY RENEWAL UNDER PART IV OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.
UNDER THESE PROVISIONS, LANDLORDS AND TENANTS OF DOMESTIC PREMISES MAY, PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF A CURRENT TENANCY, FREELY AGREE ON THE RENEWAL OF THE TENANCY.
BUT IF THE PARTIES CANNOT AGREE ON THE RENT, THEY MAY APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR A DECISION.
"THE RENTAL DATA PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT CAN SERVE AS A REFERENCE TO THE LANDLORDS AND THEIR TENANTS SO THAT THEY CAN NEGOTIATE AN AMICABLE SETTLEMENT OR CAN BASE THE RENTAL FIGURES IN PRESENTING THEIR CASES BEFORE THE LANDS TRIBUNAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THOSE WISHING TO ACCESS THIS INFORMATION SHOULD FILL IN A FORM WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT THE LANDS TRIBUNAL AND THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD THEN BE SENT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, HENNESSY CENTRE, 17TH FLOOR, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE TO A RENT OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 7666 OR 805 7888.
- - 0 - -
PUBLIC GIVES PESC SERVICES A HIGH SCORE *****
THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRES (PESCS) OPERATED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HAVE BEEN GIVEN A HIGH RATING, ACCORDING TO AN OPINION SURVEY CONDUCTED IN APRIL.
AN OVERWHELMING 90 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS SAID THEY HAD OBTAINED THE REQUIRED SERVICES, EITHER WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY.
MOREOVER, 95 PER CENT SAID THEY WERE SATISFIED WITH THE STAFF’S WORKING ATTITUDE.
THE FIGURES WERE 82 PER CENT AND 93 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST SURVEY IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
AND ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10, THE SCORE GIVEN TO THE OVERALL STANDARD OF PESC SERVICES WAS 7.7 AS COMPARED TO 7.5 IN THE PREVIOUS POLL.
THE SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT BETWEEN APRIL 18 AND 29 IN 11 PESCS AND INVOLVED 858 PEOPLE.
THESE CENTRES WERE LOCATED AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN, SOUTHERN, YAU TSIM, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN IN THE URBAN AREA; AND MUI WO, CHEUNG CHAU, SAI KUNG, TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE POLL FINDINGS THEMSELVES SHOULD GIVE NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY AS THE DEPARTMENT WAS COMMITTED TO FURTHER IMPROVING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
/ACCORDING TO
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
4
ACCORDING TO THE APRIL SURVEY, A LARGE MAJORITY - 91 PER CENT -OF THE RESPONDENTS SAID THE CENTRES HAD FULFILLED THEIR PLEDGE TO ATTEND TO PEOPLE WITHIN THREE MINUTES.
AND 94 PER CENT SAID THEY FOUND THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT OF THE CENTRES ACCEPTABLE, WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THE LAST SURVEY.
THE TWO POLLS ARE PART OF A SERIES TO BE CONDUCTED AT INTERVALS TO GAUGE PUBLIC’S VIEWS TOWARDS PESC SERVICES SINCE THE PROMULGATION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IMPROVEMENTS WERE BEING CARRIED OUT AT A NUMBER OF PESCS AT A COST OF $2.3 MILLION.
UP TO THE PRESENT, WORKS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT THE SERVICE CENTRES OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN, WAN CHAI, SHAM SHUI PO, TUEN MUN, KWAI TSING AND YUEN LONG WHILE THAT AT WONG TAI SIN IS NEAR COMPLETION.
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LAND REGISTRY STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 *****
THE LAND REGISTRY REGISTERED 70,752 SALES AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
THE FIGURE REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT AND 12.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PRECEDING SIX MONTHS AND THE FIRST HALF OF 1993.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED IN THESE AGREEMENTS WAS $277.86 BILLION, WHICH WAS UP BY 45.4 PER CENT AND 76 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THE SECOND AND FIRST HALVES OF 1993.
DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1994, 75,675 ASSIGNMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, THE MAJORITY BEING RESIDENTIAL, WERE SUBMITTED FOR REGISTRATION.
WHEN COMPARED WITH 89,163 AND 62,338 RECORDED RESPECTIVELY DURING THE SECOND AND FIRST HALVES OF 1993, THE FIGURE SHOWED A DECREASE OF 15.1 PER CENT AND AN INCREASE OF 21.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED, AMOUNTING TO $208.37 BILLION, INDICATES INCREASES WHEN COMPARED WITH THE TWO PRECEDING SIX-MONTH PERIODS.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER MORTGAGES (OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES) WAS $49.82 BILLION, SHOWING A DECREASE OF 10.6 PER CENT AND AN INCREASE OF 3.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE PRECEDING SIX MONTHS AND THE FIRST HALF OF 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
SEARCHES OF LAND RECORDS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 TOTALLED 1,962,127, UP BY 11.6 PER CENT AND 25 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SECOND AND FIRST HALVES OF 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROPERTY OWNERS ROSE BY 3.2 PER CENT FROM 1,532,459 IN JUNE 1993 TO 1,580,877 IN DECEMBER 1993, AND AGAIN BY 2.4 PER CENT TO 1,618,934 IN JUNE 1994.
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SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
5
WARNING AGAINST WATER THEFT
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT (WSD) TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDS THE PUBLIC THAT ANYONE WHO UNLAWFULLY TAKES WATER FROM FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS WILL BE PROSECUTED.
"EXCEPT WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE WATER AUTHORITY, NO PERSON SHALL TAKE WATER THROUGH A FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN FOR FIRE FIGHTING," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
ONCE CONVICTED, OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT TWO MEN WERE CONVICTED AND FINED BY THE COURT $1,000 AND $500 RESPECTIVELY FOR UNLAWFULLY TAKING WATER FROM FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS FOR CLEANSING PURPOSE.
THE FIRST DEFENDANT WAS A CLEANSING CONTRACTOR FOR A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX IN A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE. THE OTHER WAS AN EMPLOYEE OF A ROAST-MEAT STALL IN A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE MARKET.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS INFORMED THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT OF THE INCIDENTS AND URGED THAT ACTION BE TAKEN TO PREVENT SUCH INCIDENTS FROM RECURRING.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT ANY PERSON CONTRAVENING THE PROVISIONS OF THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE WILL BE PROSECUTED.
STATISTICS KEPT BY THE PROSECUTION UNIT OF WSD INDICATE THAT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS THERE WERE OVER 20 CONVICTIONS FOR THE MISUSE OF WATER FROM FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND THE OFFENDERS WERE FINED FROM $800 TO $4,500.
THE OFFENCES MOSTLY OCCURED IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND CAR PARKS OF RESIDENTIAL PREMISES.
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WARNING ON USING FALSE DOCUMENTS *****
PEOPLE WHO SUBMIT FALSE DOCUMENTS TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS AN ELECTRICAL WORKER UNDER THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, AN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) SPOKESMAN WARNED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE WARNING FOLLOWED THE CONVICTION AT THE EASTERN MAGISTRACY LAST WEEK OF A 34-YEAR-MAN FOR USING A COPY OF A FALSE INSTRUMENT IN HIS APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION.
THE DEFENDANT PLEADED GUILTY AND WAS FINED $1,000.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT EMSD WOULD SCRUTINISE ALL APPLICATIONS, ESPECIALLY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATIONS.
"PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST THOSE APPLICANTS WHO KNOWINGLY MAKE A STATEMENT WHICH IS FALSE IN A MATERIAL PARTICULAR," HE SAID.
UNDER THE ELECTRICITY AND ORDINANCE, ALL WORKERS ENGAGED IN WORK ON FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH EMSD.
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
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FUND-RAISING BODIES FOR AUGUST *****
TEN ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS NEXT MONTH (AUGUST), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THEY WILL EITHER SELL FLAGS, TOKENS OR SIMILAR ITEMS, OR PLACE DONATION BOXES IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES.
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 APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.
’’SELLERS SHOULD DISPLAY THE PERMIT OR CARRY COPIES OF THE PERMIT FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST IF THE FUND-RAISING IS MOBILE," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO 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.
PERMITS ARE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR RAISING FUNDS NEXT MONTH:
FLAG DAY
EVENT DATE ORGANISATION
AUGUST 6 CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE
AUGUST 13 LUTHERAN CHURCH - HONG KONG SYNOD LIMITED
AUGUST 20 ARTS WITH THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION HONG KONG
/PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION .......
7
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1994
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
EVENT DATE
AUGUST 1 TO 14, 18 TO 21
AUGUST 1 TO 5, 13, 14, 20 AND 21
AUGUST 1 TO 5, 12 TO 14, 25 TO 31
AUGUST 6 AND 7
AUGUST 7, 14, 21 AND 28
AUGUST 13, 14, 20, 21, 27
AND 28
AUGUST 28
ORGANISATION
HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF
HONG KONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION
FRIESLAND FOODS LIMITED
ART FETE BRINGS HOPE
JESUS IS LORD SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (HONG
KONG) LIMITED
WORLD VISION OF HONG KONG
LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LIMITED
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