港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1996 - AUG

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Thursday, August 1,1996

Contents Page No,

Acting Governor’s transcript.............................................. 1

Acting Governor sees action on NT environmental black spots............... 1

Results of applications for students financial assistance................. 3

Secondary 6 admission procedure........................................... 4

Factory inspectors checked 1,502 sites.................................... 6

Red light camera proves effective......................................... 7

Grading of beach water quality............................................ 8

Letter collection service on holidays.................................... 12

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 12

Acting Governor’s transcript

*****

Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to the media by the Acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after inspecting environmental black spots in Yuen Long this (Thursday) afternoon:

Question: When will you officially quit your existing post to help the Chief Executive (Designate) to form the future SAR ...?

Mrs Chan: Can I say that there is no foundation to these rumours that I am about to quit my job to join this CE (Designate) and his team. I would only stress this: we have said on many occasions - the Governor and myself and other senior officials have said that we will co-operate fully with the Chief Executive when this person has been selected. As to the mode of co-operation, it’s something that Mr Lu Ping and I touched on when I saw him earlier in Beijing about two or three months ago. And we both agreed that this is a matter that should be discussed once the Chief Executive has been selected, we can then discuss exactly how the Government can co-operate. We will be prepared to provide all the human resources and any other practical help that we can give to the Chief Executive (Designate).

End

Acting Governor sees action on NT environmental black spots

*****

The Acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, today (Thursday) inspected the latest work progress achieved by the Lands Department’s Task Force Black Spots (TFB) in cleaning up environmental black spots in Yuen Long.

She was met on arrival at the TFB office in Sheung Shui by the Chairman of the Special Committee overseeing the TFB, Dr Samuel Wong; the Director of Lands, Mr Bob Pope; and the Government Land Agent (TFB), Mr Allan Hay.

Mrs Chan was told that since its formation in August 1994, the TFB had successfully cleared a total of 313 sites with a total area of 186,800 square metres of government land.

She was also briefed on the 10-year rolling programme which was being launched for the open storage action areas and container action areas in the north and north-west New Territories.

On her way to a vantage point in the Pat Heung Pilot Action Area, Mrs Chan was briefed by Dr Samuel Wong on the terms of reference and membership composition of the Special Committee and how the Committee operated and issues discussed so far.

On Kam Tin Road, Mrs Chan took a closer look at an existing car breaking yard. The site, on which there was a typical environmental nuisance generated by car-related activity, was undergoing in-situ environmental improvement works requested by the TFB.

Mrs Chan was then briefed on the findings of a general survey on all industrial undertaking in the Pat Heung Pilot Action Area. She also noted that the TFB had initiated a scheme for environmental improvement of Kam Tin Township aimed at enhancing the value of this historic rural town as a tourist attraction point in the New Territories.

After leaving Pat Heung and on her way to Lau Fau Shan, the Acting Governor went through a group of unauthorised container depots at San Wai to see the magnitude and extent of the container depot in Ha Tsuen and other depots along Ping Ha Road.

Mrs Chan was briefed on the distribution of and the reasons for concentration of container depots in the area and its relationship to the whole of Hong Kong in term of the holding capacity and impacts on traffic, drainage and environment. She also noted that the voluntary Code of Practice for container depots had proved to be successful in improving the environment.

The Acting Governor also went to Lau Fau Shan where she was met by the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shirley Lau, and was briefed on the drainage improvement project in the area and other projects being undertaken by the Rural Projects Improvement Strategy.

End

Results of applications for students financial assistance ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Some 4,500 tertiary students applying for financial assistance under the Local Student Finance Scheme (LSFS) for the next academic year have been informed of the results of their applications.

Application results of a further 7,000 to 8,000 students will be made known within the next few weeks, a spokesman for the Student Financial Assistance Agency announced today (Thursday).

The spokesman noted that tertiary institutions, in response to the request of the Joint Committee on Student Finance, have introduced measures to assist needy students who might have difficulties in paying tuition fees before the results of their applications were known.

Following is a summary of improved tuition fee collection arrangements introduced by tertiary institutions for new students in 1996-97:-

University of Hong Kong : A deposit of $5,000 to be paid in September and the balance of the first semester tuition fee to be paid in October.

Chinese University of Hong Kong : An interest free bridging loan will be offered to new students who have difficulties in paying tuition fees.

Hong Kong Institute of Education : At the time of registration in September, students will be allowed to pay 50 per cent of the first semester tuition fee and to pay the balance in November.

Lingnan College : Needy new students, upon application at registration, will be allowed to pay only 50 per cent of the first semester tuition fee in the first instance and to pay the remaining 50 per cent in September.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University : Needy new students, upon application at registration, will be allowed to pay 1/4 of the first semester tuition fee and to pay the remaining 3/4 together with the second semester tuition fee in February.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology : Students will be required to pay $5,000 as deposit in August and to pay the balance of the first semester tuition fee in October.

City University of Hong Kong : New students may initially pay 10 per cent of the annual tuition fees. Forty per cent of the annual tuition fee has to be paid in October and the remaining 50 per cent will be paid in the second semester.

Hong Kong Baptist University : Students may pay $5,000 as deposit at registration and to pay the balance of the first semester tuition fee in November. Deferred payment is allowed for students who might have financial problems.

The spokesman reminded new tertiary students who wish to apply for financial assistance under the LSFS to approach their respective institution upon enrolment.

End

Secondary 6 admission procedure ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Education Department today (Thursday) announced details of the five-stage Secondary 6 Admission Procedure to tie in with the release of the results of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) next Wednesday (August 7).

An acting senior education officer, Mr Tang Fat-yuen, said: "A total of about 24,060 places in government, aided or bought-place secondary school will be available in September 1996 for application.

"This year, the Education Department will continue to provide the media with a floppy diskette containing a list of schools with vacancies at Stage II (August 8) and Stage IV (August 12). Some newspapers have indicated that they will publish the lists on these two days.

"The list with S6 vacancies in Stage II and Stage IV will also be displayed at all District Education Offices throughout the territory as in previous years."

Students from the following types of schools are reminded to find out which schools they are linked to:

* schools which do not operate S6 classes

* schools which operated only one stream of S6

♦ private schools

* evening schools

A perforated S6 admission slip will be attached to the HKCEE results notice. It should be noted that once a student accepts the offer of an S6 place, the admission slip will be detached and retained by the admitting school as a record of admission. Therefore students should consider carefully before accepting an offer. No school will admit a student without the S6 admission slip.

Application for S6 places will begin on August 7. Students with at least 14 points from the best six subjects in one sitting of the HKCEE can apply to own or linked school (Stage I) or apply to other schools on August 8 (Stage II).

Students who satisfy minimum A-level entry requirements should apply to own or linked schools on August 9 (Stage III) or apply to other schools on August 12 (Stage IV).

The registration of all these students (Stage I - IV) will be done on the day they apply-

Students who still have not secured an S6 place after Stages I to IV can apply for central allocation at one of the following specified centres on August 13 (Stage V):

Kowloon

Kwun Tong Government Secondary Technical School 90 Kung Lok Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon.

Homantin Government Secondary School

8 Perth Street, Kowloon.

Kowloon Technical School

332 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.

Hong Kong

Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Technical School Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai.

New Territories

Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

70 Hoi Pa Street, Tsuen Wan

Sha Tin Government Secondary School 11-17 Man Lai Road, Sha Tin.

NT Heung Yee Kuk Yuen Long District Secondary School 123 Kau Yuk Road, Yuen Long.

NT Heung Yee Kuk Tai Po District Secondary School Tai Yuen Estate, Tai Po.

Results of central allocation will be displayed at specified centres and District Education Offices on August 17 from 9 am. Successful candidates should register with schools before 1 pm that day.

Details on the five stages will be available at the Education Department’s 24-hour Automatic Telephone Enquiry System on 2891 0088 one day before each stage.

Students are also welcome to contact officers of the District Education Offices for assistance.

A central hotline at enquiries telephone numbers 2782 7037 to 2782 7039 or 2782 7340 will be set up from August 7 to August 17 to help students seek advice or clarification about admission procedures, and handle any complaints. They will be operating from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to noon on Saturdays.

End

Factory inspectors checked 1,502 sites *****

The Labour Department’s factory inspectors have checked 1,502 sites in their six-week long territory-wide special industrial safety operation.

The operation, which was completed yesterday (Wednesday), resulted in the issuing of a total of 482 summonses to building contractors for breaching industrial safety laws.

The special task force comprising 10 factory inspectors checked 63 sites in the last week of the operation and recommended the issuing of 30 summonses.

The breaches detected over the sixth week related mainly to failing to provide suitable working platforms or scaffolds; failing to provide proper fencing of dangerous places; failing to ensure the use of personal protective equipment by workers and failing to provide adequate safety measures in the use of lifting appliances. These were similar to the first five weeks' findings.

Commenting on the results of the operation, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Mak Sai-yiu, said today (Thursday) that the overall safety situation in construction sites inspected was under control.

"Factory inspectors in various districts will maintain regular inspections to construction sites despite the completion of the recent special inspection operation," said Mr Mak.

He added that factory inspectors have been told to keep a close watch on the industrial safety situation in work sites, especially those with unsatisfactory safety records.

"They would not tolerate building contractors who fail to provide safety measures as this may result in serious or fatal accidents," said Mr Mak.

He also urged construction workers to be more mindful of the hazards and dangers at work.

"To protect their own lives, all employees should fully co-operate with their employers by taking safety measures as required by law," Mr Mak added.

He said that all workers engaged in industrial work activities, especially construction workers, should make use of the 24-hour industrial safety hotline 2815 0678 when they encounter any dangerous situation or unsafe practice.

End

Red light camera proves effective ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

There has been a sharp drop in the number of motorists jumping red lights following the installation of red light cameras in different parts of Hong Kong. This was disclosed at the Road Safety Council meeting held at Police Headquarters yesterday (31 July).

According to site survey, an average of 43 per cent drop was recorded at those sites equipped with red light cameras.

The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Peter Wong Tsan-kwong, was informed that there were plans to install nine additional red light cameras, bringing the total number of red light camera throughout the territory to 28 by September this year.

"This is a very encouraging enforcement action," a spokesman for the Council remarked.

The spokesman stressed that the Government would continue to develop the scheme which would deter motorists from the highly risky and sometimes fatal behaviour of red light jumping.

The meeting, however, expressed concern over the large number of incidence of red lights jumping in the LRT junctions, as recorded by the recently installed red light cameras.

There has been a total of 89 prosecutions of motorist jumping red lights in the LRT junctions since the implementation of red light cameras in these areas on June 6 and there are plans to install additional cameras in LRT areas, the spokesman said.

End

Grading of beach water quality ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (Thursday) announced the latest gradings of Hong Kong’s beaches, based on the bacteriological water quality, for the 1996 swimming season.

The purpose of the grading system is to inform swimmers and the general public about the state of bacteriological pollution at various beaches.

The grading will be announced biweekly during the bathing season to coincide with the frequency at which beach waters are usually sampled.

The grading is based on the most recent E. coli data obtained by EPD in its routine monitoring programme.

As with last year, the grading also includes an estimate of the risk of suffering some minor skin or gastrointestinal complaints as a result of swimming at a beach which has some degree of pollution.

The estimate is based on a 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 suggested 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”, Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Patrick Lei 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 whether or not to close a beach to swimmers is based on a judgement of what degree of pollution is acceptable.

Normally, the closure of a beach would only be considered by the Urban or Regional Council if a grade ”4” occurred repeatedly, so that the average health risk over the bathing season exceeded 15 cases per 1,000 swimmers.

At present five gazetted beaches, namely Anglers’, Approach, Castle Peak, Rocky Bay and Ting Kau, are closed to swimmers, while Old Cafeteria is re-opened. The decision to open or close the beaches has been made by the Regional and Urban Councils on the basis of beach water quality monitoring data for 1995. The public are advised not to swim at the closed 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 :

Beach Previous Grading (as at 18.7.96) Present Grading (as at 1.8.96)

Hong Kong South

Big Wave Bay (S) 3 2

Chung Hom Kok (S) 1 1

Deep Water Bay (S) 1 1

Hairpin (S) 2 2

Middle Bay (S) 3 2

Repulse Bay (S) 1 1

Shek O (S) 2 2

South Bay (S) 1 1

St. Stephen’s (S) 2 2

Turtle Cove (S) 2 2

Stanley Main (S) 2 2

Rocky Bay X X

Tuen Mun District

Golden Beach 2 2

Old Cafeteria 3 3

New Cafeteria 2 2

Castle Peak X X

Kadoorie (S) 3 3

Butterfly (S) 3 3

Sai Kung District

Clear Water Bay 1st Beach (S) 2 2

Clear Water Bay 2nd Beach (S) 2 2

Hap Mun Bay (S) 1 1

Kiu Tsui (S) 1 1

Silverstrand (S) 3 3

Trio (Hebe Haven) (S) 2 2

Islands District

Cheung Sha Upper 1 1

Cheung Sha Lower 3 3

Discovery Bay* 2 2

Hung Shing Yeh 1 1

Kwun Yam Wan 1 I

Tong Fuk 1 2

Lo So Shing 1 1

Pui O 1 2

Silvermine Bay 3 3

Tung Wan, Cheung Chau (S) 1 1

Tsucn Wan District

Anglers’ X X

Approach X X

Casam (S) 3 3

Gemini 4 4

Hoi Mei Wan 3 3

Lido (S) 4 4

Ting Kau X X

Tung Wan, Ma Wan 2 2

Note : ”X” The beach has been closed for swimming purposes.

♦ Non-gazetted beaches.

(S) The beach has a shark-prevention net installed.

The following beaches have changed grading on this occasion:

Big Wave Bay and Middle Bay from ”3” to "2"; Tong Fuk and Pui O from ”1" to ”2”.

The changes are within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of these beaches.

End

Letter collection service on holidays ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The acting Postmaster General, Mr P C Luk, announced today (Thursday) that with effect from August 4, one collection will be arranged for all street posting boxes on Sundays and public holidays except for those which are located on outlying islands and at remote areas.

The time of collection will be shown on the time-plate of each posting box.

Mr Luk said: "The introduction of the service on Sundays and public holidays, which serves to advance the processing of letters posted at street posting boxes, is one of our initiatives to improve quality of letter service to the public."

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1.886 0930 +72

Closing balance in the account 1,918 1000 +72

Change attributable to : 1100 +72

Money market activity +72 1200 +72

LAF today -40 1500 +72

1600 +72

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 *+0.0* 1.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.01 2 years 2805 6.30 100.13 6.31

1 month 5.06 3 years 3907 6.80 100.38 6.77

3 months 5.25 5 years 5106 7.23 99.96 7.37

6 months 5.45 7 years 7305 7.60 100.21 7.70

12 months 5.82 5 years M502 7.30 99.68 7.52

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $6,615 million

Closed August 1, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Friday, August 2,1996

Contents Page No,

Survey on telephone need of elderly................................... 1

Land resumption in Sheung Wan......................................... 2

Consultation on proposed regulation of Internet materials............. 3

Registration of new rice stockholders invited......................... 4

Commissioner of Insurance appointed................................... 5

Land Registry announces new performance pledges....................... 6

Performance pledge targets met with good results...................... 7

Employment agencies must be licensed.................................. 7

Record fine for employing Two-Way Permit visitor...................... 8

Tender for rural improvement works.................................... 9

Construction of treatment and disposal facilities.................... 10

/Water treatment...

Contents Page No.

Water treatment plant planned for north-west NT........................... 11

Tenders invited for slope upgrading work.................................. 11

. . ’ ' 1 P 4

Proposed works for infrastructure in Tung Chung........................... 12

Tenders for mainlaying in Kowloon South................................... 13

Reprovisioning of fire services installation at Stonecutters.............. 14

Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund for overseas studies....................... 14

21 -Gun Salute to mark birthday of Queen Mother........................... 15

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................... 16

Survey on telephone need of elderly *****

The Social Welfare Department will launch a four-month survey next Monday (August 5) on telephone requirement by single elderly people who are receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA).

Announcing this today (Friday), the Assistant Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Rachel Cartland, said the purpose of the survey was to reach out to some 40,000 single elderly CSSA recipients who had not applied for grant to meet telephone charges.

She pointed out that under the CSSA Scheme, elderly recipients who need a telephone are eligible to receive a special grant to cover the installation and recurrent costs.

"However, many eligible recipients have not in fact applied for this grant and the experience of the cold spell earlier this year suggested that elderly people living alone are not always aware of the importance of effective communication in an emergency," she said.

"So before the cold weather begins we will aim to contact all our single elderly recipients who are not already receiving the grant to encourage and assist them to apply for it," she added.

During the next few months, staff of the Social Security Field Units will contact the elderly people either by visits or telephone to assess their need.

The visits, she said, would be carried out on weekdays, mostly during day time.

"The staff will also take the opportunity to introduce to them the networking service for the elderly and the grant available for an emergency alarm system for those in special need," Mrs Cartland said.

The whole exercise is expected to be completed by the end of November.

To avoid imposters, Mrs Cartland called on elderly people to take heed of the following advice:

(a) Do not allow a caller into your home until he has proved his identity;

- 2 -

(b) SWD staff will prove their identity by showing a Hong Kong Government Identity Card with the holder’s name, photograph and identifying his or her office in the Social Welfare Department;

(c) Check this Identity Card but if you still have any doubts about the caller contact the Social Security Field Unit concerned or the SWD hotline on 2343 2255;

(d) Never give anyone claiming to be SWD staff money or valuables. Do not go with the caller to draw money from your bank account. Genuine SWD staff will never make such a request. If a caller claiming to be SWD staff makes such a request you should contact the Police, any Social Security Field Unit or the SWD hotline.

End

Land resumption in Sheung Wan * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Lands Department announced today (Friday) plans to resume 797.5 square metres of land at Queen’s Road West and Queen Street in Sheung Wan.

The land will be resumed under the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance for the implementation of a development scheme by the Land Development Corporation (LDC).

Details of the land lots affected are contained in the Government Gazette published today.

A Government spokesman said that the Government was satisfied that the LDC had taken all reasonable steps to acquire these interests on terms that were fair and reasonable, as required by the LDC Ordinance.

”A total of 28 interests in Heung Hing Lane, Ko Shing Street, Pan Kwai Lane, Queen’s Road West, Tsung Sau Lane East and Tsung Sau Lane West will revert to the Government when the Resumption Notice expires in three months' time.

’’Owners and tenants affected may make statutory claims under the Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance and, if the claim cannot be settled by agreement, may apply to the Lands Tribunal for adjudication.

"Eligible domestic occupiers will be offered rehousing or ex-gratia cash allowance in lieu of rehousing by LDC," he said.

The spokesman added that upon completion of the resumption and clearance, a total of about 8,010 square metres of land would be granted by land exchange to the LDC for redevelopment.

The site will be developed as multi-storey residential and commercial buildings with Govemment/Institution/Community facilities including a hostel for single persons, a care and attention home, a day nursery, a multi-service centre for the elderly and a hostel for the moderately mentally handicapped persons.

"A public open space with an area of about 1,200 square metres will also be provided for environmental improvement," he said.

End

Consultation on proposed regulation of Internet materials ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Comments and views on the Government’s proposed measures to control materials transmitted on the Internet should be sent to the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch before the consultation period ends next Saturday (August 10).

"The proposals are contained in a paper which was published on July 10 for consultation with Internet Services Providers (ISPs)," a spokesman for the Branch said today (Friday). These include:

* the introduction of a self-regulatory scheme, which encompasses the promulgation of a code of practice and the institution of a complaints handling mechanism by a self-regulatory body with members drawn from the industry;

* the amendment to the law to establish beyond doubt that obscene and indecent materials transmitted on the Internet should be brought within the ambit of the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance; and

* the setting up of an industry body to represent the interests of ISPs and to liaise with the Government on industry-wide issues; such a body can also help to develop, maintain and enforce any code of practice adopted by industry members.

"The paper can be obtained from our office on 41st floor, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong, or from the Government Home Page on the Internet (http://www.info.gov.hk/)," the spokesman added.

Submissions should be sent to the Branch by fax 2511 1458 or by e-mail, rcbase2@hkstar.com.

End

Registration of new rice stockholders invited ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Trade Department is inviting applications for the registration of new rice stockholders.

Announcing this today (Friday), the Director-General of Trade, Mr Alan Lai, said that the Department intended to register no less than four additional rice stockholders and allocate each with about eight to ten units.

Rice in Hong Kong is subject to control under a Rice Control Scheme. Under the Scheme, the quantity of rice to be imported into Hong Kong per quarter for local consumption is subject to a quota which is divided into 1,000 units, each representing 90 tonnes of rice. Out of the 1000 units, 960 units have already been allocated to 45 rice stockholders with the remaining 40 units are available for allocation.

"As part of Government’s plan to open up the rice trade in Hong Kong, more new rice stockholders, initially no less than four, will be introduced. This is to enhance competition in the rice trade, and we believe that addition of newcomers should be beneficial to consumers in the long run," Mr Lai said.

Those who wish to apply for registration may obtain the application form from the Trade Department’s Reserved Commodities Section, Room 401, 4th floor, Trade Department Tower, Mong Kok, Kowloon.

No application will be considered unless each of the application criteria, as briefly listed below, is satisfied:

* the applicant is registered with the Business Registration Office;

* it must have capital of not less than HK$4 million;

* it must have an annual turnover of business of not less than HKS15 million in the past three years;

♦ it must have bank credits of not less than HK$6 million for trading in rice; and

♦ it has made contact with an overseas supplier capable of supplying rice on a continuous basis.

Mr Lai reminded that applications must be lodged with the Trade Department on or before September 20, 1996.

End

Commissioner of Insurance appointed *****

The Government today (Friday) announced the appointment of Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong as the Commissioner of Insurance with effect from tomorrow. Following is the biographic note of Mr Wong:

Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong. JP

Aged 41. Mr Wong joined the Government in 1979 as an Administrative Officer and was promoted to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B in January 1995.

Since joining the Administrative Service, Mr Wong had served in various policy branches and departments, including the Home Affairs Branch, Civil Service Branch, the then New Territories Services Department, City and New Territories Administration and Recreation and Culture Branch. He had also served as District Officer (Yuen Long), Commissioner for Rehabilitation and Deputy Secretary-General of the former University and Polytechnic Grants Committee. He had been a Deputy Secretary for Trade & Industry since October 1994.

End

Land Registry announces new performance pledges

*****

The Land Registry, stepping into its fourth year of operation as a trading fund, announced its new performance pledges for 1996/97.

Speaking at the Land Registry Trading Fund’s third anniversary reception yesterday (Thursday), the Land Registrar, Mr Kenneth Pang, said that the Land Registry had had another successful year in meeting its performance targets and delivering quality service to customers.

Mr Pang attributed the success to staff dedication and teamwork as well as the Registry's commitment to automate its services by utilising modem technology .

"With the introduction of on-line land search Direct Access Services in September 1994, and the optical-based Document Imaging System in July this year, the Land Registry has made significant progress in automating its land registration and search services," he said.

In addition to enhancing the performance targets of existing pledges to 97 per cent, new performance pledges had been drawn up for the Direct Access Services and the Registry’s telephone enquiry services, said Mr Pang.

Copies of a pamphlet listing the Registry's new performance pledges are now available at all offices of the Land Registry and the District Offices.

Mr Pang also announced that, as a continuing commitment to improving services to customers, a new Central Search Office on the 19th floor of the Registry's Queensway Government Offices would be opened this month.

"This office will centralise, by phases, all land search services at the Urban Land Registry on a single floor and will provide a convenient 'one-stop' search service to customers," he added.

End

Performance pledge targets met with good results ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Lands Department had met its performance targets introduced in November last year successfully, the Director of Lands, Mr Bob Pope, said today (Friday).

Speaking at the department’s prize presentation ceremony for sports and staff motivation competitions, Mr Pope said 1995 was a challenging and fruitful year for the department.

’’The various sports and staff motivation competitions were organised to encourage staffs involvement in the department’s Vision and Mission Statement and to instil a greater sense of belonging," he said.

Mr Pope later presented prizes to winners of the badminton competition, tabletennis competition, best results in processing building plans competition, best work aids design competition, best achievement in performance pledges competition and best customer service slogan competition.

End

Employment agencies must be licensed *****

The Employment Agencies Administration of the Labour Department had conducted investigation into recent reports of tuition centres charging students a registration fee of $20 to $30 for introducing them to work as private tutors.

Tuition centres would be regarded as employment agencies if their work involves arranging job-seekers to be employed by the students’ parents, or in recruiting tutors for the parents. They should therefore apply for an employment agency licence and must comply with Part XII of Employment Ordinance.

"Operators have to apply for employment agency licence from the Labour Department at least one month before starting the recruitment business. Employment agencies with branch office are also required to apply for a duplicate licence for each branch office. The licence fee is $1,400 for a main office and $280 for a branch office," Labour Officer (Employment Agencies Administration), Miss Corrina Cheng, said today (Friday).

"Under the Employment Agency Regulations, an employment agency can only charge a successful job-seeker a commission of not more than 10 per cent of his first month's salary. Charging any other fees, such as processing fee or registration fee, is strictly prohibited," she said.

Operating an unlicensed employment agency or overcharging a job-seeker is an offence under the Employment Ordinance. The maximum penalty for each offence is $50,000.

An updated list of employment agencies in Hong Kong is available for public reference at the Employment Agencies Administration on 12th floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central.

Enquiries and complaints on the operation of employment agencies can be made to the Employment Agencies Administration in person or by telephone on 2852 3535.

End

Record fine for employing Two-Way Permit visitor

*****

A restaurant operator was fined $50,000 for employing a Chinese Two-Way Permit visitor, an Immigration Department spokesman said today (Friday).

The defendant was convicted of being the employer of a person not lawfully employable and was sentenced at Western Magistracy today.

The sentence marked a record high penalty for offence in relation to being the employer of a person not lawfully employable, the spokesman added.

Immigration officers took over the case after the police raided the restaurant located at Wan Chai on September 26, 1995 where a Two-Way Permit visitor was found working at the restaurant.

The arrested person admitted that he had been working at the said restaurant as a waiter since July 23, 1995 earning daily wage of HK$300. He was charged for breaching his condition of stay and was sentenced to two months imprisonment suspended for two years on September 29, 1995.

The Immigration Department spokesman warned that it is an offence in law for anyone to employ someone who is not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment.

"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration," said the spokesman.

"Those who breach the conditions of stay are liable to prosecution and upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for two years," the spokesman added.

End

Tender for rural improvement works ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Home Affairs Department is inviting tenders for a package of minor rural improvement works to be carried out under the Rural Planning & Improvement Strategy.

The package comprises the following eight projects:-

(i) Widening of a footpath at Sai Wan. Cheung Chau.

(ii) Paving and Surface Drains for Sheung Shui Village Expansion Area Phase I. Po Sheung Tsuen. Sheung Shui.

(iii) Reconstruction of a footbridge at Ho Sheung Heung, Sheung Shui,

(iv) Reconstruction of a footbridge at Ho Chung, Sai Kung,

(v) Reconstruction of two footbridges adjacent to Pak fam Road at I sak Yue Wu, Sai Kung,

(vi) Reconstruction of a footbridge at Pak Ah. Sai Kung.

(vii) Reconstruction of Existing Vehicular Bridge at Sung Shan San Tsuen. Shap Pat Heung, Yuen Long,

(viii) Reconstruction of Existing Vehicular Bridge and Van Track at Cheung Ngau Shan, Yuen Long.

Construction is expected to commence in October 1996 and will take 12 months to complete. Upon completion of the works, it will improve the roads in these areas.

The works have been designed and construction will be supervised by the Consulting Engineer, Mouchel Asia Limited.

The tender notice was gazetted today (Friday).

End

Construction of treatment and disposal facilities *****

The Water Supplies Department is inviting tenders for the construction of sludge treatment and disposal facilities at the Aberdeen, Eastern and Redhill Water Treatment Works.

The project will include construction of six sludge thickening tanks, three sludge holding tanks and ancilliary works.

Construction will commence in November this year for completion in about 12 months.

On completion of the project, the disposal of waterworks sludge from the water treatment works will comply with the requirements of the Water Pollution Control Ordinance especially regarding the suspended solids content.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the office of Montgomery Watson Hong Kong Limited. 1911 Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

The deadline for tender offers is noon on September 13.

End

Water treatment plant planned for north-west NT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Government plans to build water treatment and water transfer facilities in Ngau Tam Mei, Yuen Long to ensure the supply of treated water for developments in north-west New Territories particularly the 20 hectares reserved land bank in Tin Shui Wai.

The project, estimated to cost about $2.5 billion, will include the construction of a water treatment plant and other associated facilities, a primary service reservoir, a raw water pumping station, a treated water pumping station, a service road, a 500-metre long raw water tunnel and the laying of 3,600-metre long pumping and delivery mains to join the trunk mains in Castle Peak Road.

Construction work will commence in November this year for completion in about 30 months.

To enable the works to be carried out, the Government will need to resume 58 private agricultural lots with a total area of over 41,320 square metres in Ngau Tam Mei.

Details of the land lots affected are contained in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

Plans of the affected area can be inspected at the Yuen Long District Lands Office, ninth floor, Yuen Long Government Offices and Tai Kiu Market, 2 Kiu Lok Square. Yuen Long. New Territories.

End

fenders invited for slope upgrading work ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Civil Engineering Department is inviting tenders for upgrading 30 slopes and retaining walls throughout the territory under its Accelerated Landslip Preventive Measures (LPM) programme.

The works are expected to start in early November for completion in 24 months.

Chief Geotechnical Engineer of the department's Geotechnical Engineering Office, Mr Allan Watkins, said the contract would be the tenth to be offered under the five-year Accelerated LPM Programme which commenced in April last year.

"A total of six contracts which involve the upgrading of about 140 slopes and retaining walls will be let this year," he said.

"Under the Accelerated LPM Programme, upgrading works to government-owned man-made slopes in the 1977 Slope Catalogue will be speeded up.

"Studies of private slopes and retaining walls have also been accelerated considerably and over 300 slopes will be studied in the current fiscal year.

"A statutory notice will be served by the Buildings Department requiring owners to carry out upgrading works if a slope or a retaining wall is identified by the studies as not meeting the required standards."

Tender forms for the slope upgrading works contract and further particulars can be obtained from the office of Chief Geotechnical Engineer/Works, Geotechnical Engineering Office, LG1 floor, Civil Engineering Building, 101, Princess Margaret Road, Kowloon.

Tender offers will close at noon on August 30.

End

Proposed works for infrastructure in Tung Chung

*****

The Territory Development Department has proposed a series of road and drainage works in Tung Chung on Lantau Island to support proposed private housing development and community facilities there.

Works will involve construction of about four kilometres of roads including a vehicular bridge, a pedestrian and cycle bridge, footpaths and cycle tracks, amenity areas, drainage system and other ancillary works.

Construction will start in March next year for completion in 30 months.

Appropriate traffic and pedestrian accesses will be maintained during the construction to minimise inconvenience to the public.

Details of the proposed works are contained in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

Plans can be inspected at the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Central and Western District Office, the Islands District Office and the Islands District Lands Office at Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong; and at the Mui Wo Sub-office of the Islands District Lands Office, ground floor, Mui Wo Government Offices, 2 Ngan Kwong Wan Road, Larrtau Island.

Any person who wishes to object to the works should submit a written objection to the Secretary for Transport, Central Government Offices, East Wing, second floor, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong not later than Tuesday, October 1, 1996.

End

Tenders for mainlaying in Kowloon South ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Water Supplies Department is inviting tenders for the mainlaying works to improve the fresh water distribution system in Kowloon South and the salt water flushing system in Kowloon Central area.

The contract will include the laying of about 4.4 kilometres of fresh water mains and 0.6 kilometre of salt water mains in Kowloon South.

Works will commence in November this year for completion in about 22 months.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Water Supplies Department, 44th floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Tender offers will close at noon on August 23.

End

Reprovisioning of fire services installation at Stonecutters ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Civil Engineering Department is inviting tenders for the reprovisioning of fire service installations at the Stonecutters Island Explosives Depot.

The project comprises the replacement of the existing sea water street hydrant system and the installation of fire alarms to existing buildings at the depot.

Works will start in October this year for completion in April 1997.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the TBV Consult Asia Ltd, 20th floor, East Asia Aetna Tower, 308 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

Tender offers will close at noon on August 23.

End

Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund for overseas studies * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council today (Friday) hosted a sending-off party at the China Club to congratulate and bid farewell to an outstanding group of Hong Kong students who under the Fund have been awarded either fellowships or scholarships to pursue their overseas studies.

The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund (SEYMF) was established in April 1987 with public donation to commemorate the late Hong Kong Governor Sir Edward Youde. The purpose of the Fund is to provide for and encourage the education or learning of, or research by, the people of Hong Kong.

Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships & Scholarships for Overseas Studies and Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship/Scholarship for Disabled Students are two of the seven major existing award schemes instituted and administered by the SEYMF Council.

Appropriate traffic and pedestrian accesses will be maintained during the construction to minimise inconvenience to the public.

Details of the proposed works are contained in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

End

Tenders for mainlaying in Kowloon South ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Water Supplies Department is inviting tenders for the mainlaying works to improve the fresh water distribution system in Kowloon South and the salt water flushing system in Kowloon Central area.

The contract will include the laying of about 4.4 kilometres of fresh water mains and 0.6 kilometre of salt water mains in Kowloon South.

Works will commence in November this year for completion in about 22 months.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Water Supplies Department, 44th floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Tender offers will close at noon on August 23.

End

Reprovisioning of fire services installation at Stonecutters ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Civil Engineering Department is inviting tenders for the reprovisioning of fire service installations at the Stonecutters Island Explosives Depot.

The project comprises the replacement of the existing sea water street hydrant system and the installation of fire alarms to existing buildings at the depot.

Works will start in October this year for completion in April 1997.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the TBV Consult Asia Ltd, 20th floor, East Asia Aetna Tower, 308 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

Tender offers will close at noon on August 23.

End

Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund for overseas studies ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The schemes aim at encouraging the achievement of scholastic excellence by Hong Kong students in overseas studies leading to a postgraduate degree or undergraduate studies leading to a first degree and financing an outstanding disabled Hong Kong student for overseas postgraduate/undergraduate studies. For 1996-97, thirteen awards including one to a disabled student are offered for overseas postgraduate and undergraduate studies.

During the period 1988/89 to 1995/96, a total of 39 fellowships and 45 scholarships including two for disabled students have been granted. Many of the fellows and scholars who have studied overseas have now returned to contribute towards the betterment of Hong Kong. They have formed the Sir Edward Youde Scholars Association with the objectives to promote solidarity, scholarship and social awareness among its members.

End

21-Gun Salute to mark birthday of Queen Mother *****

The Royal Navy patrol craft, HMS Plover, will fire a 21-Gun Salute on Monday (August 5) to mark the birthday of Her Majesty The Queen Mother. The Salute, the last one scheduled to be fired in 1996, will begin at precisely 12 noon. It will be fired as HMS Plover steams through Victoria Harbour between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Gun Salute can be best viewed from the shore from the waterfront at Queen's Pier, or from the approach road to the Outlying Islands ferry piers. Alternative sites include the waterfront road, east of Fenwick Pier, Wan Chai North.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,918 0930 +41

Closing balance in the account 2,352 1000 +41

Change attributable to : 1100 +41

Money market activity +34 1200 +38

LAF today +400 1500 +43

1600 +34

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.7 ♦-0.1* ' 2.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.04 2 years 2805 6.30 100.35 6.18

1 month 5.07 3 years 3907 6.80 100.74 6.63

3 months 5.23 5 years 5106 7.23 100.62 7.20

6 months 5.40 7 years 7305 7.60 101.14 7.52

12 months 5.72 5 years M502 7.30 100.27 7.35

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $8,896 million

Closed August 2, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Saturday, August 3, 1996

Contents

Page Nth

Broadcasting Authority to review exemption granted to Metro..........

Purpose-built hostel a milestone in serving "bedspace" lodgers.......

Nominations of outstanding disabled employees invited................

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................

Sunday, August 4,1996

Contents

Page No-

Transport Department's homepage on Internet.............................

Classical Chinese imperial gardens seminar to be held in Beijing........

35 new building plans approved in June..................................

Land Registry statistics for July released..............................

AFD subsidies for secondary studies.....................................

English language programme for eligible S5 students.....................

Broadcasting Authority to review exemption granted to Metro

*****

A spokesman for the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch said the Branch had approached the management of Metro Broadcast Corp Ltd today (Saturday) to find out the reasons of its decision to cut three daily news bulletins.

The management of Metro has assured the Branch that it understands fully its licence obligations and is committed to fulfilling them.

The spokesman noted that Metro applied in March 1991 to the Broadcasting Authority (BA) for waiver of its licence requirements in respect of news programmes. The application was approved on the following grounds:

* Metro already operated a 24-hour news service at that time. The information needs of the listeners would not be unduly compromised.

* In line with BA's general policy not to interfere with a broadcaster's programming arrangements, some flexibility should be allowed.

BA reviewed the above exemption in 1993.

"The Branch will invite BA to review the exemption granted to Metro to see if the justifications and considerations given to the exemption are still valid," the spokesman said.

End

a /

Purpose-built hostel a milestone in serving "bedspace" lodgers ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Shun Ning Road Singleton Hostel, the first purpose-built hostel planned and constructed by the Home Affairs Department (HAD), is a milestone in its efforts to solve the housing problem of bedspace apartment (BSA) lodgers, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, said today (Saturday).

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the hostel project in Sham Shui Po, Mr Suen said HAD had spared no efforts in improving the living environment of BSAs in the past few years.

- 2 -

’’Since the enactment of the Bedspace Apartments Ordinance in 1994, staff of the HAD Licensing Authority have conducted regular inspections to these apartments, and gave the operators the advice on fire and building safety in order to ensure the BSAs meet the safety standards," Mr Suen said.

"Apart from introducing legislative measures, we have also made efforts in various aspects to provide accommodation for BSA lodgers so that they will not be rendered homeless as a result of the licensing scheme under the Bedspace Apartments Ordinance.

"The Shun Ning Road Singleton Hostel is planned with this aim in mind and the completion of this project will mark a great step forward in our work in improving the living conditions of BSA lodgers," he said.

Costing over $60 million and funded by the Land Development Corporation (LDC), the 16-storey hostel will provide 312 places for eligible single persons in an environment better than any existing facilities. Each lodger will be provided with a partitioned room, equipped with basic facilities.

Mr Suen noted that the hostel will also include a multi-service centre for the elderly and a sitting-out area. These are important community facilities which will serve both the BSA lodgers and residents in the district.

"Construction of the hostel will commence in September and is expected to be completed in mid-1998 to tie in with the full implementation of the licensing scheme," Mr Suen added.

Mr Suen said the materialisation of the hostel project was a result of the concerted efforts of various departments and community organisations. It also serves as a good example of what can be achieved by involving the community.

He expressed his gratitude to LDC for funding the project, the constructive comments made by the Sham Shui Po District Board, and the Urban Council for releasing the site of the temporary sitting-out area for the construction of the hostel.

Mr Suen also revealed that plans are in hand to build a similar hostel at High Street, Sai Ying Pun. Designed by the Architectural Services Department, it has gained the support of the Central and Western District Board and other organisations. Subject to the availability of funds, construction of the hostel will be completed in a few years’ time.

’’Moreover, with the subsidy from the General Chinese Charities Fund and LDC, HAD has purchased suitable flats in the urban area for conversion into singleton hostels.

"There are at present 23 such hostels with a combined capacity of 364 places. We are indeed grateful to the Agency for Volunteer Services for managing these hostels for us.

"In solving the problems associated with BSAs, we not only have to provide accommodation for the lodgers, but also make efforts to enhance their quality of life.

"You are all most welcome to express your views on the management of the hostel, as well as suggestions on how to encourage the lodgers to integrate and participate in the community when the Shun Ning Road Singleton Hostel opens," he said.

Mr Suen said with the assistance of various departments and organisations, HAD had played a crucial role in solving the housing problems of many BSA lodgers in the past few years.

"Through the arrangements of the Housing Department and the Social Welfare Department, BSA lodgers aged 60 or above are eligible for compassionate rehousing in public housing flats," he noted.

Also speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, said one of HAD’s priorities was to improve the living conditions of BSA lodgers.

"We have made a lot of efforts in this respect over the past few years, and with the support of the Home Affairs Branch, relevant Government departments, district boards and concern groups, we are confident that we will make further achievements in improving the living conditions of BSA lodgers," she said.

Other officiating guests included Director of Housing, Mr Tony Miller; Chairman of Sham Shui Po District Board, Mr Wong Chung-ki; Managing Board Member of LDC, Mr Pao Bing-wing; and Director of Society for Community Organisation, Mr Ho Hei-wah.

End

- 4 -

Nominations of outstanding disabled employees invited ♦ * ♦ * ♦

The Labour Department's Selective Placement Division (SPD) is inviting employers to nominate disable employees for the Outstanding Disabled Employees Award (ODEA) 1996.

"The ODEA, which is held annually, 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 (Saturday).

"We hope this event can help to promote public awareness of the working abilities of the disabled and hence to provide them with more employment opportunities.

"On the other hand, we hope it can provide an incentive for disabled employees to further improve their performance at work."

The criteria for selection include the disabled employees' overall performance, efforts and achievements in overcoming difficulties, diligence, devotion and accomplishment in employment.

They are also required to attend an interview with a panel of judges.

"Successful nominees will each be awarded a souvenir plaque and their nominators will receive a souvenir. They will also be invited to attend a souvenir presentation ceremony later this year," said Mr Chung.

Deadline for nominations is August 19. Re-nomination of candidates who were unsuccessful in previous attempts is welcomed.

Interested parties can contact Miss Cindy Yung of the Publicity and Promotion Unit of SPD on 2852 4803 for more information and nominations.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ Million Time (Homs) Cumulative Change ($ Million)

Opening Balance in the account 2,352 09:30 -400

Closing Balance in the account 1,512 10:00 -400

Change Attributable to: 11:00 -400

Money Market Activity -400 11:30 -400

Laf Today -440

Laf Rate 4% Bid/6% Offer TWI 123.7 ♦+0.0* 3.8.96

End

Transport Department's homepage on Internet

*****

The Transport Department (TD) will launch its homepage tomorrow (Monday) to provide an alternative access to the public on transport related information.

The homepage contains general information on Hong Kong's public transport, their fares and charges, licensing, facts and figures as well as a documentary film "Transport In Hong Kong".

The 13-minute documentary is a special feature on this homepage to allow world-wide net users to download the video clips for a visual brief on transport in Hong Kong.

TD's Homepage is stored in Hong Kong Government Information Centre (GIC) computer. The address is http://www.info.gov.hk/td.

In launching the homepage, a spokesman for the department said today (Sunday) the uploading of information to the Internet would be another move to serve the community better.

"The Home Page provides an information service to the public who may be interested to obtain facts and figures on transport related matters, such as the number of licensed vehicles and how to apply for a driving licence.

"For users who are commuters of public transport, they can find very detailed fare tables of buses, ferries, trains and taxis.

"We shall identify areas in which we can improve in the future the provision of information to better serve the community," the spokesman said.

Information on the homepage will be updated regularly to provide Internet users the latest available facts and figures related to Hong Kong's transport system.

End

Classical Chinese imperial gardens seminar to be held in Beijing ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ - - •»

■ ..

The Architectural Services Department and the Institute of Chinese Landscape Architects are jointly organising a seminar on classical Chinese imperial gardens.

• . » 'h *.

The seminar, the first of its kind organised by the two parties, will be held in Beijing from August 20 to 24.

It will include in-house discussions, film presentations, photographic displays , < and visits to various imperial gardens in the Chinese capital such as the Imperial Garden in Museum Forbidden City, Beihei Park and many other historical monuments.

Through these activities, participants will have a chance to know more about classical Chinese imperial gardens, including their history, special art and techniques as well as impacts on Chinese culture.

Speakers will include the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Kenneth Chan, Professor Zhou Wai-quan of the Qing Hua University, Professor Meng Zhao-zhon of the Beijing Forestry University, Senior Engineers Liu Da-ke and Ma Bing-jian and Senior Architect of the Architectural Services Department, Mr S K Tse.

Interested parties can telephone 2374 5459 for details.

End

35 new building plans approved in June ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Buildings Department approved 35 building plans in June this year.

Of the plans, seven are for Hong Kong Island, six for Kowloon and 22 for the New Territories.

The approved plans include 17 for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, eight for commercial developments, three for factory and industrial developments, and seven for community services developments.

In the same month, consent was given for work to start on 33 building projects, which involve 98,618 square metres of usable domestic floor area and 67,325 square metres of usable non-domestic floor area.

During the same period, the Department also issued 23 occupation permits -seven for Hong Kong Island, 11 for Kowloon and five for the New Territories.

Of the buildings certified for occupation in the month, the usable floor areas for domestic and non-domestic uses are 52,348 square metres and 146,633 square metres respectively.

The declared cost of new buildings completed in the month totalled about $2,477 million.

In addition, 18 demolition consents involving 32 buildings and structures were

issued.

In the same month, the Buildings Department's Control and Enforcement Division received 693 complaints of unauthorised building works, and issued 249 removal orders on unauthorised works.

End

Land Registry statistics for July released ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A total of 12,710 sale and purchase agreements for building units, which include both residential and non-residential properties, were lodged with the Land Registry last month.

The figure represents an increase of 15 per cent over June 1996 and an increase of 43.4 per cent compared with July 1995.

The total consideration of these agreements in July is $42.2 billion, up 21.3 per cent and 99.3 per cent compared with the amounts for June 1996 and July 1995 respectively.

The figures are contained in the monthly statistics released today (Sunday) by the Land Registry on deeds relating to property transactions received for registration in the Urban and New Territories Land Registries in July 1996.

Relevant statistics for June 1996 and July 1995 were provided for comparison. Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months and the year-on-year rate of change were also released.

• ' ».

These statistics generally relate to land transactions executed up to four weeks prior to their submission for registration, as there is usually a time lag between the execution of deeds and their lodgement for registration.

End

AFD subsidies for secondary studies * ♦ * * ♦

Children of farming and fishing families in need of financial assistance to complete their secondary education are reminded to apply early for the Agricultural Products and Marine Fish Scholarship Funds.

A spokesman for the Agriculture and Fisheries Department said applications for the scholarships and grants will close on August 15.

Application forms are obtainable from the department's headquarters on the 12th floor of Canton Road Government Offices, 393 Canton Road, Kowloon, and from various district agricultural and fisheries liaison offices.

Applicants must be students in forms 4 to 7 and the awards can be tenable at any secondary school in Hong Kong.

Scholarships may be awarded to students who have achieved a standard of academic excellence, the spokesman said.

"Students may also apply for grants to cover tuition fees and purchase of books. Such submissions will be considered on a financial-need basis," he said.

Enquiries about application procedures may be directed to the Secretary of the Agricultural Products and Marine Fish Scholarship Funds Advisory Committee on 2733 2244.

End

English language programme for eligible S5 students

*****

Secondary 5 students who have taken at least half of the subjects in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) in Chinese may apply for the pre-S6 course of the Intensive English Language Programme (IELP) this August.

Senior Education Officer, Mr Ip Po Kuen, said students who would promote to Secondary 6 this September were invited to apply for the course.

"The purpose of the course is to help students studying through the medium of Chinese to attain the standard of English required by local tertiary institutions," he said.

IELP, operated by the British Council, will be conducted in three stages, he said.

• A '-fi

The first stage is a two-week whole-day pre-S6 course held from August 19 to 30.

The second stage is a four-week post-S6 course to be held next summer, and the last stage, a four-week post-S7 course, will be held in the summer of 1998 before they enter local tertiary institutions.

Mr Ip said current S5 students who were eligible for the pre-S6 course 1996 might obtain application forms from their schools.

Private candidates may get the form from district education offices.

To be eligible for the pre-S6 course, students must:

I) have been admitted to S6 in the 1996-97 school year;

II) have satisfied the requirements for taking the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination in 1998; and

III) have taken in at least 50 per cent of the subjects in HKCEE in Chinese apart from Chinese subjects, English subjects, mathematics, additional mathematics, computer studies, religious studies, Buddhist studies, shorthand, typewriting and principles of accounts.

Applicants obtaining S6 places should return the application forms to the Education Department through the schools offering them S6 places before 5 pm on August 12.

Students obtaining secondary 6 places through the Central Allocation should return the application forms through schools principals before 3 pm on August 17.

Those obtaining school places in a non-bought-place private school where admission is not governed by the secondary 6 admission procedure, should return the application forms through their schools not later than 3 pm on August 17.

Meanwhile, applicants taking HKCEE as private candidates are required to submit completed application forms through the schools offering them S6 places, together with a copy of their HKCEE admission slips and a copy of the HKCEE result notice.

The list of the first batch of successful applicants will be posted at the following places at 10 am on August 17:

* The British Council Head Office, 255 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; and

* Education Department Kowloon Sub-Office, 405 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

Eligible applicants who are late to obtain a secondary 6 place through the central allocation or from a non-bought-place private school will be advised of the results as soon as possible.

They are reminded that their application forms must be returned to the Education Department through principals of the schools admitting them not later than 3 pm on August 17.

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Monday, August 5,1996

Contents Page Nth

Olympic team returns with gold medal.................................... 1

Survey findings on new arrivals from China released..................... 2

Storybook on Basic Law for children published........................... 3

Gross domestic product for first quarter of 1996 ....................... 4

Tender for 14th issue of 2-year exchange fund notes..................... 9

Water storage figure................................................

Fresh water cut in Fanling............................................. 10

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations................ 11

Olympic team returns with gold medal ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Members of Hong Kong's Olympic team, including gold medallist Lee Lai-shan. will return on Wednesday (August 7) evening.

Ms Lee. together with fellow windsurfer Mr Wong Tak-sam and coach Mr Rene Appel are due to arrive at 7.30 pm while other team members are scheduled to touch down just after 9 pm.

The Government, with help from the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic C ommittee (ASF & OC). will arrange for Ms Lee's family to meet her in the VIP room at Kai Tak airport. She will also be greeted by ASF & OC and Government officials as well as a representative from the Sport Development Board.

Ms Lee and representatives of ASF & OC will hold a press conference at the airport.

The Government will arrange transport from the airport to Tsim Sha Tsui for Ms Lee and her family The party will travel via Olympic Avenue, the To Kwa Wan elevated roadway and Salisbury Road.

Members of the public wishing to greet her may congregate at the Hong Kong C ultural Centre piazza and in Tsim Sha Tsui East.

Ms Lee and her family are expected to arrive in Tsim Sha Tsui at about 9 30 pm and will walk through the piazza at the Cultural Centre to the Kowloon Public Pier They will leave for Cheung Chau at about 10 pm

End

Survey findings on new arrivals from China released *****

A Home Affairs Department (HAD) survey has found that most of the new arrivals from China are aged between 11 and 40 and nearly all of them came to Hong Kong to reunite with their families, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau. said today (Monday).

Releasing the findings of the survey conducted between February and April. Mrs Lau said first hand information on them was essential in helping the Government identify their special needs, which might vary from one district to another as the new arrival population was not evenly spread throughout the territory.

In order to establish the profiles of them, she said, HAD had arranged with Immigration Department for new arrivals aged 11 and above to complete a simple questionnaire when they applied for their Hong Kong identity cards at the Registration of Persons' Office in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Among the 5,733 newcomers who have completed the questionnaire, 78.7 per cent were aged between 11 and 40 while 73.9 per cent were female. As to their provincial origin, about 55 7 per cent came from Guangdong and 25.3 per cent from Fujian.

On linguistic skills, over 65.8 per cent of them can speak Cantonese. 65.9 per cent Putonghua and 22.9 per cent Fujianese. About 86.9 per cent of the Fujianese new arrivals comprehend Putonghua and 21.2 per cent are conversant in Cantonese.

Mrs Lau noted the relatively high education level of the respondents, with 70 per cent having completed secondary school education or above and 26.2 per cent having received primary schooling.

Almost all the respondents (99.5 per cent) said they came to Hong Kong for reunion purpose, either to join their spouse (57.1 per cent), parents (35.1 per cent) or children (21.3 per cent).

Regarding the districts they reside, the first five being Eastern (11.8 per cent). Kowloon City (11.3 per cent). Kwun Tong (10.2 per cent). Sham Shui Po (10 per cent) and Yau Tsim Mong (8.6 per cent).

Among the 3,192 respondents whose provincial origin was Guangdong, quite a number of them have settled themselves in Sham Shui Po (14.6 per cent), Yau Tsim Mong (11.7 per cent), and Kwun Tong (10.6 per cent).

For the 1,448 Fujianese respondents, most of them are living in the Eastern district (26.4 per cent), Kowloon City (16.9 per cent), Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan (11.6 per cent for both districts).

End

Storybook on Basic Law for children published ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A fun yet educational storybook on the Basic Law for children is now available free of charge at all district offices, a spokesman for the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) said today (Monday).

The spokesman said: "The storybook, written in Chinese, features the mascot of CPCE - Elite Owl - as the main character.

"With colourful illustrations, the storybook explains the Basic Law through everyday life scenarios, so that children can easily understand the importance of the Basic Law and how it relates to their daily lives

"The content touches on a wide range of subjects including the promulgation of the Basic Law; the relationship between China and Hong Kong; the basic rights and duties of residents; the use of Chinese and English as the official languages; the design of the Special Administrative Region's flag and emblem; the political structure and the economy, etc."

Copies of the storybook are now available for collection at the public enquiry centres of all district offices; the Civic Education Resource Centre on the second floor. Tung Sun Commercial Centre, 194-200 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; and the Information Services Department's Marketing Office, 17th floor, Siu On Centre, 176-192 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai.

Free copies will be distributed to public libraries, tertiary education institutions, voluntary agencies and educational bodies in Hong Kong. They will also be offered to primary and secondary schools at the beginning of the new academic year, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, a bilingual guidebook on the Basic Law for youngsters - An ABC Guide to the Basic Law - will be released in September, the spokesman said.

End

Gross domestic product for first quarter of 1996 *****

According to the preliminary estimates released today (Monday) by the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 1996 over the same quarter in 1995.

Amongst the major GDP components, re-exports registered a moderate growth of 7.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 1996 over a year earlier.

On the other hand, domestic exports decreased by 7.4% in real terms over the same period. However, these should be viewed against a particularly high base of comparison in the same quarter last year, when re-exports grew by 19.2% and domestic exports by 10.8%.

Exports of services continued to be supported by strong growth in tourism and offshore trading activities. An increase of 14.4% in real terms was recorded in the first quarter of 1996 over a year earlier.

Imports of goods and services increased by 5.2% and 7.6% respectively in real terms in the first quarter of 1996 over a year earlier.

Consumer spending showed some signs of improvement compared with earlier quarters. Private consumption expenditure grew by 3.5% in real terms in the first quarter over a year earlier. Analysed by major component, spendings on food, consumer goods and services all rose, by 4.6%, 2.5% and 5.1% respectively in real terms.

On investment spending, gross domestic fixed capital formation recorded an increase of 9.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 1996. Within this component, construction output in the public sector rose by 12.6%.

In the private sector, a smaller decline of 2.3% was recorded in the first quarter, compared with a decline of around 8% in 1995.

Taken together, overall expenditure on construction returned to a growth of 4.6% in the first quarter, having been on a decline in the preceding two quarters. Expenditure on machinery and equipment remained robust, registering an increase of 16.8% in the first quarter.

Government consumption expenditure increased by 3.8% in real terms in the first quarter of 1996 over a year earlier.

The implicit price deflator of GDP, as a broad measure of overall inflation in the economy, rose by 6.3% in the first quarter of 1996 over a year earlier.

Along with the release of the preliminary GDP estimates for the first quarter of 1996, GDP estimates for 1994 and 1995 have been revised, taking into account latest data sources, including the results of the 1994 annual economic surveys and the 1995 Survey of Re-export Trade. The real growth rate of GDP is revised from 5.5% to 5.3% for 1994, and from 4.6% to 4.7% for 1995.

Production-based GDP estimates for 1994 by economic activity have also been revised.

Based on the latest estimates, financing, insurance, real estate and business services accounted for the largest share of GDP (26.7%), followed by wholesale, retail and import/export trades, restaurants and hotels (26.2%), and community, social and personal services (15.8%).

Summaries of the latest expenditure-based GDP figures are presented in tables 1 and 2. The revised production-based GDP figures for 1994 are presented in table 3.

More detailed annual and quarterly estimates of GDP are published in a report -Quarterly Report of Gross Domestic Product Estimates First Quarter 1996. This issue of the report is a new edition with enhanced contents and longer data series.

This bilingual report is now on sale at $14 per copy at the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, ground floor, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong; and at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Telephone enquiries may be directed to the National Income Branch (1) of the Census and Statistics Department on 2582 5077.

- 6 -

Table 1

Expenditure-based GDP Estimates first quarter of 1994 to first quarter of 1996

Year/quarter GDP at Current Market Prices GDP at Constant (1990) Market Prices JUSJg (-AAO$) rniSi+M

HKSMn % change over same period of the preceding year ttgOiSW HKSMn sso % change over same period of the preceding year

1994 1,012,585 12.8 726,709 5.3

1995 1,105,461 9.2 760,728 4.7

1994 1 232,832 15.2 169,811 6.6

2 244,954 13.9 174,093 5.5

3 264,152 11.2 190,386 4.2

4 270,649 11.5 192,419 5.0

1995 1 255,677 9.8 180,047 6.0

2 267,902 9.4 183,072 5.2

3 287,664 8.9 198,841 4.4

4 294,218 8.7 198,769 3.3

1996 1 280,310 9.6 185,690 3.1

Table 2 Expenditure-based GDP Estimates

Year-on-year growth rates, first quarter of 1995 to first quarter of 1996

% change over same period of the preceding year

___________________________________________________________________________________

Expenditure Components of GDP ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Private Government Total Gross

consumption consumption exports of Imports of Exports of Imports of Domestic

expenditure expenditure Gross domestic fixed capital ormation goods goods services services Product jt»3SD J!gi5S!±l AKKRA 4:^3?

Total of which:

«gf

Construction Machinery and equipment

At Current Market prices Year/quarter 1995 10.2 14.7 11.4 7.9 35.5 14.9 19.2 18.5 14.9 9.2

1995 1 10.5 14.6 10.6 3.2 47.6 20.1 . 27.5 17.2 17.5 9.8

2 11.7 13.1 14.5 18.1 33.9 16.7 21.5 19.8 16.8 9.4

3 10.5 16.0 14.7 7.5 51.0 15.3 18.9 20.1 14.4 8.9

4 8.5 15.2 6.0 4.9 16.3 8.9 11.3 17.0 11.1 8.7

1996 1 10.1 12.6 10.2 13.0 16.1 5.7 6.4 21.9 10.5 9.6

At Constant (1990) market prices

JUSje rpflU+M

Year/quarter

1995 0.7 4.9 8.6 0.2 24.2 12.0 13.8 11.1 5.5 4.7

1995 1 0.4 4.1 9.9 •2.2 - 37.2 17.6 21.7 9.6 6.5 6.0

2 1.2 2.9 8.0 9.7 15.3 12.7 13.6 12.3 6.1 5.2

3 1.0 ’ 6.6 13.7 •1.4 39.3 12.2 13.5 12.7 5.2 4.4

4 0.4 6.0 3.2 •3.6 11.3 6.8 8.0 9.9 4.4 3.3

1996 1 3.5 3.8 9.9 4.6 16.8 4.9 5.2 14.4 7.6 3.1

- 8 -

Table 3

Production-based GDP Estimates at Current Price

Percentage shares of various economic activities, 1994

Revised (August 96) Estimates for 1994

Economic activity

% share

Agriculture and fishing 0.2

Industry 16.4

Mining and quarrying #

Manufacturing sag 9.?

Electricity, gas and water 2.3

Construction 4.9

Services 83.4

Wholesale, retail and fits ■ ■ 26.2

import/export trades, restaurants and hotels

Transport, storage and communications ii® - 9.7

Financing, insurance, 26.7

real estate and

business services •

Community, social and its' 15.8

personal services

Ownership of premises 12.2

Adjustment for financial -7.2

intermediation services

indirectly measured 100.0

# Less than 0.05. * 0.05 •

End

Tender for 14th issue of 2-year exchange fund notes ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (Monday) announces that the tender for the fourteenth issue of 2-year exchange fund notes will be held on August 12 for settlement on August 13.

Similar to the previous issue, an amount of $500 million 2-year notes will be on offer.

In addition to that, another $100 million will be held as reserve by HKMA for supply to market makers in the secondary market. The notes will mature on August 13. 1998. and will carry interest at the rate of 6% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears.

Members of the public who wish to tender for the notes may do so through any of the market makers or recognised dealers on the published list which can be obtained from HKMA on 30th floor, 3 Garden Road, Hong Kong, or telephone 2878 8150. Each tender must be for an amount of $50,000 or integral multiples thereof.

Tender information for the 14th issue of 2-year eExchange fund notes:

Issue number : 2808

fender date and time : Monday. August 12. 1996. 9.30 am to 10.30 am.

Issue and settlement date : Tuesday. August 13. 1996

Amount on offer : $500 million plus an additional $100 million as reserve stock for the Monetary Authority

Maturity : Two years

Maturity date : August 13. 1998

Interest rate : 6% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears

Interest payment dates : Feb 13, 1997, Aug 13, 1997, Feb 13. 1998, Aug 13. 1998

Tender amount

Other details

: Each tender must be for an amount of $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 or recognised dealers

End

Water storage figure

*****

Storage in Hong Kong's reservoirs at 9 am today (Monday) stood at 95.4 per cent of capacity or 559.168 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 503.131 million cubic metres of water, representing 85.9 per cent of capacity.

End

Fresh water cut in Fanling *****

The fresh water supply to some premises in Fanling will be temporarily suspended between 9 am and 5 pm on August 8 (Thursday) to facilitate watermains connection works.

The suspension will affect Kan Tau Tsuen, Leng Pei Tsuen, Leng Tsui Tsuen, San Uk Tsai Tsuen, Tan Chuk Hang, Tan Chuk Hang Lo Wai, Kwai Tau Leng, Hok Tau Wai and Tung Shan Ha.

End

- 11 -

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,512 0930 +446

Closing balance in the account 1,838 1000 +446

Change attributable to : 1100 +446

Money market activity +446 1200 +446

LAF today - 120 1500 +446

1600 +446

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.6 *-0.P 5.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.95 2 years 2805 6.30 100.62 6.01

1 month 5.01 3 years 3907 6.80 101.18 6.46

3 months 5.13 5 years 5106 7.23 101.34 7.02

6 months 5.26 7 years 7305 7.60 102.06 7.34

12 months 5.55 5 years M502 7.30 100.78 7.21

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $29,259 million

Closed August 5, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Tuesday, August 6,1996

Contents Page No,

Code of Practice on use of debt recovery agencies issued................ 1

Secondary 6 admission procedure begins tomorrow......................... 2

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results............................. 4

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 5

Code of Practice on use of debt recovery agencies issued ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

Two chapters of the Code of Banking Practice (the Code) on personal referees and the use of debt collection agencies were issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (Tuesday) to provide further guidance to authorised institutions.

"The publication of these detailed guidelines should help promote best practices among authorised institutions and substantially reduce the complaints about improper behaviour of debt collection agencies appointed by authorised institutions.

"Institutions are expected to comply as quickly as possible with the requirements of the two chapters," said acting Deputy Chief Executive of HKMA, Mr Y K Choi.

The Code states clearly that referees have no legal or moral obligation to repay the liabilities of an institution's customers unless they have entered into a formal agreement to guarantee such liabilities.

It also requires authorised institutions to ask their customers to obtain prior consent of the referees for their names to be used. Institutions are not allowed to pass information about referees to their debt collection agencies.

On the use of debt collection agencies, the Code requires authorised institutions to specify in contract or by written instructions that their agencies must not resort to intimidation or violence, either verbal or physical, against any person in their debt recovery actions.

It also sets out practices which institutions should adopt in appointing and managing debt collection agencies, including the need to establish effective procedures.to monitor the performance of their agencies and to respond promptly to complaints about their agencies.

"We believe that the problems relating to these two issues would largely subside.

’’But if the public has any further complaints about improper behaviour of debt collection agencies appointed by authorised institutions, they can call the HKMA complaint hotline at 2878 1378.

"To remind the public of this channel, we have readvertised the HKMA complaint hotline to coincide with the release of the two chapters,” said Mr Choi.

The Code of Banking Practice is developed by a working group comprising representatives of HKMA and the industry Associations. It aims to promote good banking services and a fair and cordial relationship between authorised institutions and their customers.

In view of the public concern on the issues of personal referees and the use of debt collection agencies, the working group has earlier agreed that these two chapters should be prepared and released in advance of the rest of the Code.

In preparing these chapters, the working group has taken account of the comments of the Consumer Council, industry associations and other relevant organisations. The provisions of the two chapters have also been agreed and endorsed by industry associations.

"The working group will continue its work on the development of the rest of the Code.

"The full Code is expected to be completed by the end of 1996, and the two chapters issued, which may be further refined, will be incorporated into the Code when it is ready," said Mr Choi.

End

Secondary 6 admission procedure begins tomorrow ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Students wishing to apply for some 24,060 places in government, aided or bought-place secondary school are reminded to follow the five-stage secondary six admission procedure.

Acting senior education officer, Mr Tang Fat-yuen, today (Tuesday) said: "Students from schools without S6 classes or with only one stream of S6 class, private schools and evening schools are reminded to find out from their own school what their linked school is."

Application for S6 places will begin tomorrow when the results of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) are released.

Students with at least 14 points from the best six subjects in one sitting of HKCEE can apply to their own or linked schools (Stage I) or apply to other schools on August 8 (Stage II).

Those satisfying minimum A-level entry requirements should apply to their own or linked schools on August 9 (Stage III) or apply to other schools on August 12 (Stage IV).

The registration of all these students (Stage I - IV) will be done on the day they apply.

Students who still have not secured an S6 place after Stages I to IV can apply for central allocation at eight specified centres on August 13 (Stage V).

Results of central allocation will be displayed at specified centres and district education offices at 9 am on August 17. Successful candidates should register with schools before 1 pm that day.

Students meeting the minimum A-Level requirements but are unable to secure an S6 place after the completion of Stage V may be able to get one at the beginning of the school year because some successful students may decide not to take up their places.

A list of these vacancies will be displayed and updated weekly at all district education offices up to the end of September. Applications should be made to these schools direct but admission will be entirely at the discretion of the school authorities.

Details on the five stages will be available at the Education Department's 24-hour automatic telephone enquiry system on 2891 0088 one day before each stage.

Students are also welcome to contact officers of the district education offices for assistance.

A central hotline at enquiries telephone numbers 2782 7037 to 2782 7039 or 2782 7340 will be set up from tomorrow to August 17 to provide students with advice or clarification about admission procedures, and to handle any complaints.

An educational counsellor will offer assistance to students with emotional problems at the department's Careers Education Centre at Room 206, Mong Kok Government Offices at 30 Luen Wan Street. Mong Kok, during the opening hours of the centre from tomorrow to August 12.

Students can also contact the educational counsellor on 2712 7958.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results

*****

Tender date 6 Aug 1996 6 Aug 1996

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q632 Y692

Issue date 7 Aug 1996 7 Aug 1996

Maturity date 6 Nov 1996 6 Aug 1997

Amount applied HK$6,186MN HK$2,060 MN

Amount allotted HK$ 1,500 MN HKS500 MN

Average yield accepted 5.10 PCT 5.56 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.11 PCT 5.57 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 24 PCT About 51 PCT

Average tender yield 5.12 PCT 5.59 PCT

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the week beginning 12 Aug 1996

Tender date 12 Aug 1996 13 Aug 1996 13 Aug 1996

Paper on offer EF notes EF bills EF bills

Issue number 2808 Q633 H671

Issue date 13 Aug 1996 14 Aug 1996 14 Aug 1996

Maturity date 13 Aug 1998 13 Nov 1996 12 Feb 1997

Tenor 2 years 91 days 182 days

Amount on offer HKS500+100MN HK$l,500+500MN HKS800+160MN

Coupon 6.00 PCT

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations * * ♦ * ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,838 0930 +120

Closing balance in the account 1,835 1000 + 120

Change attributable to: 1100 +120

Money market activity +112 1200 +118

LAF today -115 1500 +118

1600 +112

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.7 ♦+0.1* 6.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.96 2 years 2805 6.30 100.55 6.05

1 month 4.99 3 years 3907 6.80 101.07 6.50

3 months 5.10 5 years 5106 7.23 101.13 7.07

6 months 5.25 7 years 7305 7.60 101.79 7.39

12 months 5.55 5 years M502 7.30 100.68 7.23

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $10,003 million

Closed August 6, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Wednesday, August 7,1996

Contents Page No.

Acting Governor welcomes Japan Foreign Minister's visit................... 1

Changes in matrimonial proceedings recommended............................ 1

Over 10,000 S6 places still available after Stage I....................... 3

Inmates attain good results in HK.CEE..................................... 4

Pre-qualification for smart card parking system........................... 5

Dangerous roof-top structures to be demolished............................ 6

90 per cent students got S4 and post-S3 craft course places............... 7

Transfer of VMs from Whitehead Detention Centre today..................... 8

Kwai Chung lot to let..................................................... 9

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 10

Acting Governor welcomes Japan Foreign Minister’s visit ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, today (Wednesday) welcomed the visit of the Foreign Minister of Japan, Mr Yukihiko Ikeda, to Hong Kong from August 28 to 29.

Mrs Chan said the visit by the Foreign Minister would further strengthen the close ties which already exist between the two places.

Japan is Hong Kong's third largest trading partner. Total Hong Kong/Japan trade last year amounted to $303.2 billion. Japan is also the second largest external investor in the territory with realised direct investment amounting at end 1994 to $151 billion.

■' '•• ■ Iuj

c ■ ■ • z, t . lf

There are now some 2,000 Japanese companies in Hong Kong which have a significant stake in most sectors of the local economy. Over 25,000 Japanese nationals live and work in the territory.

Mr Ikeda will call on the acting Governor on August 28. He is visiting Hong Kong on his way back to Japan from the Middle East.

End

Changes in matrimonial proceedings recommended *****

The working group to review practices and procedures relating to matrimonial proceedings has recommended that all uncontested divorce cases shall fall under the special procedure list in the Family Court so that parties need not attend the court hearing dissolving the marriage.

This is one of the recommendations contained in the report by the working group which was appointed by the Chief Justice in November 1994 to review the •<> • practices and procedures relating to matrimonial proceedings and to make recommendations for changes where appropriate.

At present, only some of the uncontested divorce petitions fall into the special procedure list under which parties to the cases need not attend the court hearing in person.

The working group recommended that all uncontested divorces should fall under this list, no matter what the grounds of divorce are and whether or not there are children of the family. Such arrangement will save parties concerned from an emotional, embarrassing and sometimes humiliating experience.

If matters of custody, ancillary relief or costs are still to be resolved, the solicitors acting for the petitioners will be required to seek a separate private hearing date for those issues.

The proposed arrangement for uncontested cases would allow the court to focus on the substantive issue of children's welfare by having a private hearing during which that matter can be canvassed in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere.

On the duration of the maintenance orders for children, the working group noted that existing legislation stipulates a period until the children reach 16, or where the court thinks it right in the circumstances of the case, a longer period which may be specified in the order.

With the development of the education system in Hong Kong, most children now remain financially dependent at the age of 16.

As the court seldom specifies a longer duration in the maintenance order, it is necessary for applications for an extension of the duration of such orders to be lodged with additional costs on the paying party.

The working group therefore recommended legislative amendment so that the duration of maintenance orders for children would be from the date of application to the date when the children attain the age of 16 or until such time they complete full time education, whichever is the later.

Other recommendations include empowering the court to make orders for attachment of earnings in matrimonial proceedings and to order the sale of matrimonial property in cases where it deems fit.

The working group also considered a proposal to introduce mediation in family disputes.

Members of the working group strongly supported the concept of promoting mediation services as an option in contested matrimonial proceedings because mediation offers an alternative to adjudication through the court and it could help reduce the need for further litigation. This is also in line with procedures in other countries.

Since training for qualified mediators had just begun, members of the working group feels that there is probably insufficient qualified mediators to support an efficient mediation policy at this stage. Members were therefore of the view that the option should be examined again when a reasonable pool of professionally qualified mediators are available in Hong Kong.

The working group has submitted the report to the Chief Justice who has accepted the recommendations in principle.

End

Over 10,000 S6 places still available after Stage I *****

Stage I of the secondary 6 admission procedure, which ended at 3.30 pm today (Wednesday), resulted in about 13,000 secondary 5 leavers being successful in acquiring S6 places.

Acting senior education officer, Mr Tang Fat-yuen, said 10,879 S6 places would be available at Stage II which would begin tomorrow.

He said a list of schools with vacancies would be displayed at all district education offices from 9 am tomorrow. Students may also obtain the information in some newspapers which will publish the list on the same day.

Students with 14 points or more from the best six subjects in one sitting of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) may apply to one or more of these schools before 1 pm tomorrow.

Prevocational school students who satisfy minimum A-level entry requirements may apply to their own or other prevocational schools. If they have obtained 14 points or more, they may apply to other schools as well.

Mr Tang said private and evening school students candidates with 14 points or more could apply to PLK Vicwood K T Chong Sixth Form College or any other school.

Schools with vacancies may offer S6 places to eligible applicants instantly. Some of them, however, may notify the applicants of the results by 2.30 pm. Successful applicants should register with only one school before 4.30 pm.

The Education Department has received four complaints today about schools not following the admission procedure.

Meanwhile, the department's central hotline, 2782 7037-9 and 2782 7340 and the 19 district education offices handled about 230 and 257 enquiries respectively on the admission procedure today.

The hotline will continue to operate from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to noon on Saturdays.

rhe department's Careers Education Centre had received 372 visitors and handled 208 telephone enquiries on matters relating to the release of HKCEE results up to 5.30 pm today.

The centre at Room 206 of the Mong Kok Government Offices at 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, provides students with materials on opportunities for further studies and training and information on various professions.

Students are reminded that the centre will extend its opening hours without a break from 8.45 am to 5.30 pm until August 12 and that an educational counsellor can be reached on 2712 7958 during that period.

End

Inmates attain good results in HKCEE *****

Inmates from six correctional institutions who worked hard at their studies have obtained good results in this year's Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE).

A total of 48 inmates, aged between 17 and 44, took a total of 143 papers in 20 subjects and gained a pass rate of 65.73 per cent.

Seventeen credits and 77 passes were obtained. They performed best in the subjects of mathematics and principles of accounts.

The majority of inmates who sat for this year's HKCEE are from Pik Uk Correctional Institution, with 34 inmates, the rest are from Stanley Prison, Tung Tau Correctional Institution, Lai King Training Centre, Cape Collinson Correctional Institution and Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution.

A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said: "It is always the department's policy to encourage and to assist inmates to sit for the HKCEE and other public examinations.

"Since 1985, some 352 inmates have been arranged to sit for HKCEE and the pass rate is always encouraging although it varies every year."

.• -in

End

Pre-qualification for smart card parking system *****

The Government is inviting interested parties to apply for inclusion in a prequalification list to tender for the supply and installation of a Smart Card operated parking system (SCOPS) in Hong Kong.

A notice on the invitation will be published in the Government Gazette on Friday (August 9).

The Government is going to replace by phases in three years from 1997 all street mechanical parking meters with electronic parking devices to be activated by pre-paid contact type smart cards.

t! O; t. . । • i... ,

A spokesman for the Transport Department said today (Wednesday) that only those who had been shortlisted in the pre-qualification exercise would be invited to tender for the contract.

The successful tenderer for the contract will be required to undertake the design, manufacture, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning, documentation and maintenance of all electronic parking devices, electronic payment terminals, smart cards, ancillary equipment and associated software forming SCOPS.

By producing a company letter indicating their interest in bidding the contract, interested parties including joint ventures may obtain the pre-qualification booklet during office hours from:

* Procurement Division, Government Supplies Department at 12 Oil Street, North Point, Hong Kong;

* Central and Western District Office, ground floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong; and

* Yau Tsim Mong District Office, Mong Kok Government Offices, ground floor, 30 Luen Wan Street, Kowloon.

Application should be prepared in accordance with the requirements stated in the booklet and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tender Board.

It should be placed in the Government Secretariat tender box at the lift lobby of the lower ground floor of the Central Government Offices, East Wing, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong, by noon on October 4.

Late submission will not be accepted.

End

Dangerous roof-top structures to be demolished ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

The Buildings Department today (Wednesday) announced that three unauthorised roof-top structures at No 89 to 99 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan, would be demolished for public safety.

A notice of intention was issued to the occupants this morning informing them that a closure order would be obtained from Hong Kong District Court on December 11.

The department's Chief Building Surveyor (Control and Enforcement), Mr Tong Kam-man, said the means of escape leading to the roof of the building was completely blocked by the illegal structures.

"It is necessary to remove the structures because they have posed an imminent danger to all the residents of the building in case of fire.

’’Government contractor will carry out the demolition work once the closure order is obtained,” he said.

The Housing Department would arrange rehousing to the affected occupants according to their eligibility. The Social Welfare Department and Tsuen Wan District Office would also offer assistance to them if necessary, Mr Tong added.

End

90 per cent students got S4 and post-S3 craft course places ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

Over 90 per cent students had been allocated subsidised secondary 4 and postsecondary 3 craft course places this year, Senior Education Officer, Mrs Doris Ho, said today (Wednesday).

A total of 80,470 students participated in the junior secondary education assessment system this year. Apart from 653 students who have opted out during the year, 67,468 students have been allocated subsidised secondary 4 places. Among them, 58,861 students have been promoted to their own schools.

In addition, 4,432 students have been allocated full-time post-secondary 3 craft course places.

’’Students should return to their original schools to check the allocation results tomorrow (Thursday),” Mrs Ho said.

Those students who have been allocated to other schools or technical institutes/industry training centres will be given a registration form which must be given to the allocated school during registration on Friday (August 9), she said.

If a student is unable to collect the registration form tomorrow or register on Friday, the parent should authorise, in writing, a representative to collect the form or register at the allocated school.

The letter of authorisation for registration must have been endorsed by the original school, she added.

■ v

For registration, a student must bring the following documents:

(a) registration form;

(b) his/her Hong Kong Identity Card; and

(c) two recent passport-size photographs and money for paying one month’s school fees which may be required by the school.

If a student fails to register on August 9, he/she would be deemed to have given up the subsidised school place.

Students who have not been allocated subsidised secondary 4 or post-secondary 3 craft course places will be provided with information sheets on the post-secondary 3 craft courses and alternative opportunities open to them.

Meanwhile, a small number of secondary 4 places are available in the government evening secondary school operated by the Adult Education Section of the Education Department.

Applicants should apply in person to the section at Room 1106, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, on August 8 and 9.

They should bring along the student’s particulars slip issued by the department's education records and Junior Secondary Education Assessment (ER and JSEA) Section and a photocopy of the slip for retention by the Adult Education Section.

For information regarding the other courses operated by the adult education centres, please call 2892 6669.

Enquiries concerning the allocation results should be directed to the ER and JSEA Section on 2832 7770.

End

Transfer of VMs from Whitehead Detention Centre today ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A group of about 650 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) will be transferred from Section 6 of Whitehead Detention Centre (WHDC) to Victoria Prison (VP) today (Wednesday) in preparation for their return to Vietnam under the Orderly Repatriation Programme.

They will join a small group of VMs in VP for pre-flight documentation and medical checks.

- 9 -

A total of about 670 VMs will be repatriated to Vietnam in six flights on August 12, 15 and 22.

Meanwhile, about 540 VMs were transferred from Section 6 to Section 5 of WHDC yesterday, and another group of about 1,000 VMs will be transferred to High Island Detention Centre (HIDC) today. After these transfers, Section 6 of WHDC will be vacated.

The transfers to VP and HIDC will be observed by independent monitors.

i ■

End

Kwai Chung lot to let ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Lands Department is inviting tenders for the short-term tenancy of a piece of government land at Container Port Road South, Kwai Chung.

The lot, with an area of about 44,700 square metres, is intended for use as a feepaying public car park for the parking of goods vehicles, container tractors and trailers.

The tenancy is for one year, renewable monthly.

aoi

The closing date for submission of tenders is noon on August 23.

• «G(f . .

Tender form, tender notice and conditions can be obtained from the Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road ,and the district lands offices of Kowloon and Kwai Tsing.

Tender plan can also be inspected at these offices.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

S million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,835 0930 +123

Closing balance in the account 1,924 1000 +123

Change attributable to : 1100 +123

Money market activity +124 1200 +127

LAF today -35 1500 +127

1600 +124

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.2* 7.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.98 2 years 2805 6.30 100.51 6.07

1 month 5.04 3 years 3907 6.80 101.03 6.51

3 months 5.15 5 years 5106 7.23 101.06 7.09

6 months 5.27 7 years 7305 7.60 101.71 7.41

12 months 5.63 5 years M502 7.30 100.53 7.28

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $22,086 million

Closed August 7, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Thursday, August 8,1996

Contents Page No,

Transcript of remarks by acting Governor.................................. 1

Refinements to New Territories land resumption system..................... 1

New cargo working area to be opened on Saturday........................... 2

Seafarers must be re-registered under new law............................. 3

5O,OOOth VM to return home voluntarily.................................... 4

New Director of Drainage Services appointed............................... 5

Volume and price movements of external trade in May....................... 6

Monitors’ report submitted to CS......................................... 12

Monitors’ report on transfer of VMs clarified............................ 12

Over 6,800 S6 places still available after Stage II...................... 12

Immigration officers on overseas training................................ 14

Roving exhibition to celebrate Arch SD's 1 Oth Anniversary............... 15

Best time to visit ACP Exhibition Centre................................. 15

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 17

- 1 -

Transcript of remarks by acting Governor ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ j ■ ■ *

Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to reporters by the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after visiting the Junior Police Call Camp in Sai Kung this (Thursday) afternoon:

Question: Mrs Chan, what do you think of Lo Tak-shing’s article saying the Governor had damaged Hong Kong and set up obstacles for the SAR Government?

Acting Governor: I think Hong Kong people are well labelled to distinguish between facts and myths and distortions and propaganda. We’re at a critical stage of our transition and I think what we most need at this stage is for Hong Kong people to stand united, to defend our autonomy and to co-operate and work together to achieve a smooth transition. The facts are that we have an economy that continues to grow; we have a civil service that is highly regarded and supported by the community and recognised world-wide as an extremely efficient civil service. Despite all the challenges and uncertainties that civil servants face, morale is remarkably high and we will continue to do our best to respond to community needs and to work towards faithful implementation of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. That is not only the wish of the Governor; it is my wish and it is the wish of all senior officials and other members of the civil service. The facts also are that we have very strong reserves, so there is no question that we are recklessly spending our reserves. Our financial management principles and operations are well-known and very prudent and we intend to continue to adhere to these principles. So all told, I think things are coming along remarkably well even though from time to time there are difficulties. But provided all parties concerned work together for the common cause and good of Hong Kong, I’m sure we will all succeed.

End

Refinements to New Territories land resumption system ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Government has completed a review of the ex-gratia zonal compensation system for land resumption in the New Territories and recommends some refinements to the system, which in general has been working satisfactorily.

One of the recommendations put forward by a Lands Department working group set up to review the system is that the definition of Zone A in the system should be refined to cover areas affected by essential projects with territory-wide significance.

"At present, Zone A covers New Town Development areas only," a government spokesman said today (Thursday).

"It is considered justified to treat areas affected by essential projects with territory-wide significance the same as New Town Development areas in the system, in view of the scale of the development and importance of the projects to Hong Kong.

"It is not practicable to lay down guidelines on what constitutes an essential project in this category. Each case has to be considered on its individual merits, with reference to precedent cases."

The working group also recommends some refinements to the Government's internal procedures for reviewing zonal boundaries and re-affirms the current practice of applying a uniform rate across different compensation zones in land resumption for a single project.

The recommendations in the review have been endorsed by the Govemor-in-Council. Approval will be sought from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for adopting a new definition of Zone A and continuing the practice of applying a uniform rate across different compensation zones in land resumption for a single project.

The system currently consists of four compensation zones, namely A to D, with ex-gratia compensation rates in descending order. The zonal compensation rates and boundaries are subject to regular review by the Government.

End

New cargo working area to be opened on Saturday ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The public cargo working area (PCWA) in Area 16 of Tuen Mun will be opened on Saturday (August 10) as fast working berths to ensure every cargo operator to have a fair chance to use the facilities funded by the public, a Marine Department spokesman said today (Thursday).

Some operators have objected to the new PCWA to be operated as such and demand a first-come-first-served system.

Studies conducted by the department and a consultant it commissioned, however, showed that first-come-first-served system in PCWAs has led to undesirable practices. Among them is the monopolisation of the berths by a handful of cargo operators.

"The findings are echoed in studies by the Director of Audit, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Police,” the spokesman said.

"Under the first-come-first-served system anyone can monopolise a berth as long as they are able to deploy sufficient barges to occupy the berth. By rotating their barges at the berth, they can circumvent the law to prevent monopolisation.

"But the genuine cargo operators stand a better chance to use the facilities if they are operated as fast working berths because hiring a fast working berth is limited to one day.

"We are aware that some genuine cargo operators may need more than a day to work their cargo and so we will continue to discuss with the operators to allow some flexibility to the one-day rule."

The Marine Department intends to bring in new management reform for the nine existing PCWAs to eliminate undesirable practices associated with the first-come-first-served system and to improve the productivity at these facilities.

In essence, the new reform is to lease out the berths at PCWAs by restricted tender under which only the existing operators are eligible to submit their bids.

To enable new comers to join the business, a very small percentage of berths will be leased out by open tender.

End

Seafarers must be re-registered under new law ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

All Hong Kong seafarers must be re-registered under the new Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance if they want to continue serving in the seafaring profession, a Marine Department spokesman said today (Thursday).

The ordinance, which is to replace the Merchant Shipping (Recruiting of Seamen) Ordinance, will come into operation on September 2.

Under the ordinance, all Hong Kong seafarers currently registered under the Merchant Shipping (Recruiting of Seamen) Ordinance and those unregistered seafarers now being employed on coastal-going ships must be re-registered if they intend to continue serving in the seafaring profession.

They should apply to the Superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office, Marine Department, for registration between September 2, 1996, and September 1, 1997. If they are employed on foreign-going ships, they should apply within one month after being discharged from a ship returning to Hong Kong.

The spokesman stressed that the re-registration was a must to keep the seafarers in the profession.

He said: "Employers and families of Hong Kong seafarers are advised to inform Hong Kong seafarers of the changes if they are now serving on board foreign-going ships."

Further details concerning the re-registration are available at the Mercantile Marine Office of the Marine Department on 2852 3061 during office hours.

End

50,000th VM to return home voluntarily ♦ * * ♦ ♦

The 50,000th Vietnamese voluntary returnee from Hong Kong will be departing for Hanoi tomorrow (Friday).

The Government is pleased to note that by then, over 50,000 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) from Hong Kong will have returned to Vietnam under the UNHCR's Voluntary Repatriation Programme since the programme started in March 1989.

A government spokesman today (Thursday) thanked UNHCR for successfully operating the Voluntary Repatriation Programme over the last seven years.

"The programme is a key element in the resolution of the VM problem," he said.

The plane carrying the 50,000th voluntary returnee will be seen off tomorrow at the Hong Kong International Airport by the acting Chief of Mission of the UNHCR, Mr Nikola Mihajlovic, and Head of UNHCR's Durable Solution Section, Ms Preeta Law.

The acting Refugee Co-ordinator, Mr Gordon Leung, and the Assistant Director of Immigration (Vietnamese Refugees), Mr Choy Ping-tai, will also be present.

The spokesman stressed that all VMs in Hong Kong had no other option but to return to Vietnam. He urged the VMs still in the territory to join the Voluntary Repatriation Programme and return home with the financial assistance provided as soon as possible.

End

New Director of Drainage Services appointed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

The Government announced today (Thursday) the appointment of Mr J Collier to succeed Mr Ng Yee-yum as the Director of Drainage Services with effect from August 19.

Mr Ng will proceed on pre-retirement leave on August 10.

• < . • • z. I .

Commenting on the appointment, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr W K Lam, said: "I am confident that Mr Collier will lead the department to face the challenges ahead."

* • •• •• V * • T. t

Mr Lam also thanked Mr Ng for his dedicated and valuable service to the civil service in the past 36 years.

Followings are biographical notes of Mr Collier and Mr Ng:

Mr J Collier. J£

Aged 54. Mr Collier joined the Hong Kong civil service as an Electrical and Mechanical Engineer in July 1974.

I a t.

He was promoted to Government Electrical and Mechanical Engineer in October 1989 and to Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services in February 1993. He has served as the Deputy Secretary for Works since September 1994.

Mr Ng Yee-yum. OBE.JE

Aged 60. Mr Ng joined the Hong Kong civil service as an Apprentice Engineer in September 1960. He was promoted to Principal Government Engineer in September 1989 and to Director of Drainage Services in May 1994.

On his retirement, Mr Ng will have completed 36 years of service with the Hong Kong Government.

End

Volume and price movements of external trade in May

* ♦ * * *

In the first five months of 1996, the volume of re-exports increased by 8.8% over the same period last year, while the volume of domestic exports decreased by 6.9%, according to the statistics released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

Taking re-exports and domestic exports together, the volume of total exports increased by 6.1%. Meanwhile, imports increased by 4.9% 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 reexports and domestic exports increased by 0.6% and 1.4% respectively. Import prices increased by 0.3%.

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, recorded an increase of 0.5% in the first five months of 1996 over the same period last year.

Comparing May 1996 with May 1995, the volume of re-exports increased by 4.7%, while that of domestic exports decreased by 12%. Taken together, the volume of total exports increased by 1.8%. Meanwhile, the volume of imports decreased by 1.3%.

Over the same period of comparison, the prices of re-exports decreased by 0.5%, while domestic exports increased by 0.2%. Import prices decreased by 1.2%.

The changes in the value, unit value and volume of re-exports by end-use category are shown in Table 1.

Comparing May 1996 with May 1995, increases in volume were recorded for all the end-use categories of re-exports: fuels (+30%); foodstuffs (+22%); capital goods (+14%); raw materials and semi-manufactures (+2.8%); and consumer goods (+1.4%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases in the prices of re-exports were noted of fuels (+14%) and consumer goods (+0.8%).

On the other hand, the re-export price of raw materials and semi-manufactures decreased by 3.0%, while those of foodstuffs and capital goods both decreased by 0.6%.

The changes in the value, unit value and volume of domestic exports by principal commodity group are shown in Table 2.

Comparing May 1996 with May 1995, commodity groups which recorded significant increases in volume of domestic exports included domestic electrical appliances (+49%) and textile yam and thread (+27%).

On the other hand, the volume of domestic exports of footwear and radios of all kinds decreased by 60% and 56% respectively.

Commodity groups which recorded increases in domestic export prices included metal ores and scrap (+13%); and radios of all kinds (+9.7%).

* m 1.

On the other hand, the domestic export price of domestic electrical appliances and footwear decreased by 4% and 3.5% respectively.

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 7.2% in May 1996 compared with May 1995.

Significant increases in the import volume were noted of meat and meat preparations; and milk, butter, cheese and eggs. However, decreases were recorded in the import volume of animals of the bovine species, live; and soya bean oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil and lard.

Over the same period of comparison, the import volume of consumer goods decreased by 4%.

Decreases in import volume were recorded in passenger motor cars; and miscellaneous made-up articles of textile materials. However, increases in the import volume were noted of household-type electrical appliances; and alcoholic beverages.

The import volume of raw materials and semi-manufactures decreased by 5.9% in May 1996 compared with May 1995.

Decreases in import volume were recorded in most of the raw materials and semi-manufactures. Significant decreases in the import volume were noted of raw cotton and silk fabrics. However, increases were noted of iron and steel; and woven fabrics of wool and mixtures.

Imports of fuels increased by 36% in volume in May 1996 compared with May 1995.

As regards capital goods, the import volume increased by 8.6% in May 1996 over May 1995.

Notable increases were recorded in the import volume of office machinery; and textile machinery. The import volume of construction machinery; and electrical machinery however decreased.

Comparing May 1996 with May 1995, the import prices of fuels, consumer goods and foodstuffs increased by 5.1%, 2.4% and 0.2% respectively.

On the other hand, the import prices of capital goods; and raw materials and semi-manufactures decreased by 4.2% and 3.9% respectively.

Details of the above statistics are published in the May 1996 issue of the Hong Kong Trade Index Numbers.

The report will be on sale around August 10 at $14 per copy at either the Government Publications Centre on the ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway; or the Publications Section of the Census and Statistics Department on the 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

Enquiries regarding regular subscription to this report may be directed to the Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department at 28th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Tel 2598 8194, and enquiries on trade indices to the Census and Statistics Department on 2582 4918.

- 9 -

Table 1 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category

Comparing MAY 1996 with MAY 1995 Comparing JAN-MAY 1996 with JAN-MAY 1995 % changes

i • £ * End-use category % changes

Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume

Foodstuffs 21.9 -0.6 21.9 10.0 -0.1 10.0

Consumer goods 2.9 0.8 1.4 5.6 1.5 3.7

Raw materials and semi-manufactures -0.1 -3.0 2.8 8.9 -0.4 9.3

Fuels 43.0 13.6 29.6 36.5 13.7 22.1

Capital goods 9.7 -0.6 13.7 16.2 -0.7 20.2

ALL COMMODITIES 3.8 -0.5 4.7 8.9 0.6 8.8

- 10

Table 2 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group

Comparing MAY 1996 Comparing JAN-MAY 1996 with MAY 1995 with JAN-MAY 1995

% changes % changes

Commodity group Unit Value Unit Value Volume

Value Value Volume

Clothing -10.9 1.1 -11.3 -6.0 1.8 -7.4

Textile fabrics -7.0 -0.9 -8.0 ' -3.2 0.5 -5.1

Textile yarn and thread 33.0 5.5 27.0 22.4 7.1 14.9

Textile made-ups and related articles -12.1 0.2 -16.2 -19.4 0.2 -20.4

Radios of all kinds -49.8 9.7 -56.4 26.5 6.9 8.5

Electronic components -12.0 -0.3 -12.9 -3.7 * -5.0

Footwear -58.7 -3.5 -60.0 -63.6 -3.6 -63.3

Metal manufactures -22.4 5.2 -26.4 -7.7 6.7 -13.8

Metal ores and scrap 1.9 13.5 -10.2 -1.6 8.2 -5.9

Watches and clocks -14.8 -0.4 -14.5 -9.3 -0.2 -8.9

Travel goods, handbags and similar articles 3.2 0.4 0.2 -0.6 2.5 -3.8

Domestic electrical appliances 41.4 -4.0 49.3 46.2 -3.1 53.1

ALL COMMODITIES -12.0 0.2 -12.0 -5.9 1.4 -6.9

* less than 0.05%

- 11 -

Table 3 : Changes in imports by end-use category

Comparing MAY 1996 Qomparing JAN-MAY 1996 with MAY 1995 with JAN-MAY 1995

End-use category % changes % changes

Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume

Foodstuffs 6.7 0.2 7.2 5.6 0.6 5.0

Consumer goods -2.0 2.4 -4.0 2.3 2.2 0.2

Raw materials and semi-manufactures -9.5 -3.9 -5.9 3.0 -0.9 4.4

Fuels 40.1 5.1 36.0 x 33.8 8.1 24.2

Capital goods 5.5 -4.2 8.6 10.2 -2.2 12.9

ALL COMMODITIES -2.6 -1.2 -1.3 4.8 0.3 4.9

End

Monitors’ report submitted to CS

*****

The monitors appointed to observe the transfer of Vietnamese migrants (VMs) from the Whitehead Detention Centre yesterday (Wednesday) have submitted their report to the Chief Secretary.

Yesterday's operation covered the transfer of VMs selected for the Orderly Repatriation Programme from Whitehead to Victoria Prison and the transfer of the remaining VMs in section 6 of Whitehead to High Island Detention Centre.

The four monitors comprised two non-official Justices of the Peace, Mr Tang Kwai-nang and Professor Lee Pui-leung; and representatives from two nongovernment organisations, Mr Christopher Stokes from Medecins Sans Frontieres and Ms Dawn Li from Oxfam.

End

Monitors' report on transfer of VMs clarified * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In response to press enquiries concerning a Vietnamese migrant (VM) woman who claimed to have been granted legal aid and was transferred to Victoria Prison (para 4 of the monitors' observations), a government spokesman today (Thursday) clarifies the Government's position.

"It is always the Government's position that an application for legal aid or an approval of such an application does not constitute a reason for staying the return of the VM concerned," the spokesman said.

End

Over 6,800 S6 places still available after Stage II

*****

A total of 6,896 S6 places are still available for S5 students to apply at Stage III of the S6 admission procedure which begins tomorrow (Friday).

Up to present, about 17,000 students were successful in acquiring S6 places.

Day school students with results satisfying the minimum A-Level entry requirements may apply to their own or linked school which still has vacant places before 3.30 pm tomorrow. Successful applicants should register with the schools on the same day.

Private candidates and evening school students with results which satisfy the minimum A-Level entry requirements may apply to PLK Vicwood K T Chong Sixth Form College if there are still vacancies.

Prevocational school and past students, however, should not apply at this stage.

The Education Department has received nine complaints today about schools not following the admission procedure.

Meanwhile, the department's central hotline, 2782 7037-9 and 2782 7340 and the 19 district education offices handled about 225 and 614 enquiries respectively on the admission procedure today.

The hotline will continue to operate from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to noon on Saturdays.

The department's Careers Education Centre had received 522 visitors and handled 377 telephone enquiries on matters relating to the release of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination results up to 5.30 pm today.

End

Immigration officers on overseas training *****

Seven officers of the Immigration Department will receive training in Europe and USA starting this month.

Acting Assistant Principal Immigration Officer, Mr Leung Ping-kuen; Chief Immigration Officer, Messrs Chan Yiu-sang and Chan Kwok-hung; and acting Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Kwong Ki-shun, will leave for the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Germany on an eight-week study of the immigration procedures in those countries.

Acting Assistant Principal Immigration Officer, Mr Leung Ka-ching, and Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Huen Shu-sum, will spend four months in the study of programme and project development at the University of California, Berkeley, USA. Senior Immigration Officer, Mr Chan Man-pok, will also spend four months at the same University in the study of administrative skills.

At a briefing before the officers' departure, acting Director of Immigration, Mr Christopher Lee Ka-keung, said he attached great importance to officers of the department receiving overseas training as well as establishing contacts with and learning from the experience of foreign immigration services.

He noted that the study trips would assist officers in self development and enable them to have a better understanding of the different social and cultural background of overseas visitors whom they would meet in the course of their duties.

Mr Lee emphasised that the department fully recognised the long-term benefits that could be achieved through these overseas trips and courses and that every effort would be made to provide officers with such opportunities.

He urged the officers to make the best use of the opportunity to widen their horizon and to achieve self enrichment.

End

Roving exhibition to celebrate Arch SD’s 10th Anniversary ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

Members of the public will have a chance to understand more about the services provided by the Architectural Services Department (Arch SD) and the many public projects they have developed in the last decade.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Arch SD is launching a series of exhibitions throughout the territory introducing the important role played by the department in the development of Hong Kong and its close involvement with the daily livelihood of the general public.

The first of these exhibitions will be held tomorrow (Friday) at the covered piazza on the ground floor of Times Square in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

It will last for three days and will be open daily between 10 am and 8 pm until August 11 (Sunday). Admission is free.

Through photographic and model displays, the exhibition will show the many public projects designed and completed by Arch SD in the last 10 years.

These include hospitals, schools, office buildings, recreational facilities such as parks and swimming pools, facilities of the two municipal councils such as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, market complex and town halls, as well as the latest Air Traffic Control Complex in the new airport at Chek Lap Kok.

Architectural awards won by the department during the last 10 years will also be displayed.

The exhibition will be held later at the New World Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui between August 31 to September 2 and at the Metroplaza in Kwai Chung from September 13 to 15.

End

Best time to visit ACP Exhibition Centre ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

The New Airport Projects Co-ordination Office (NAPCO) today (Thursday) advised members of the public that weekdays and Saturdays are the best time to visit the Airport Core Programme Exhibition Centre.

A NAPCO spokesman said the exhibition centre attracts more visitors on Sundays.

"As many as 12,500 visitors have visited the centre on Sundays. As a result, many visitors have to queue up for almost an hour before they can enter the centre on Sundays. Inside they also have to wait for up to an hour before they can watch the audio-visual show on the ACP projects.

"If visitors want to avoid queuing up and to have more time to view the centre's exhibits, make use of its facilities and view the Tsing Ma Bridge - and to do all these at a leisurely pace, we advise them to visit the centre on weekdays or Saturdays, " the spokesman said.

The spokesman also reminded visitors who might drive to the centre that the centre's car park was always full on Sundays.

"Besides queues of visitors, there were also long queues of cars waiting to enter the car park on Sundays. As the car park has limited parking spaces, car owners are advised to use public transport when they visit the centre," the spokesman said.

The exhibition centre has been well received by the public, drawing more than 180,000 visitors since its opening in January this year.

Located on Castle Peak Road where it faces the main span of the Tsing Ma Bridge, the centre provides the latest information on the physical progress of the 10 ACP projects through photographs, models, charts, write-ups and video presentations.

Telescopes have been installed on the rooftop and viewing platform for visitors to view the Tsing Ma and Kap Shui Mun bridges.

The centre opens from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and from 10 am to 6.30 pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. It closes on Mondays for maintenance purpose.

NAPCO organises guided tours of the centre for primary and secondary schools, as well as other organisations on weekdays and Saturdays. Enquiries about the tours can be made to NAPCO's Community Relations Division on 2829 6282 or fax 2827 8446.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,924 0930 +36

Closing balance in the account 1,956 1000 +36

Change attributable to : 1100 +36

Money market activity +37 1200 +37

LAF today -5 1500 +37

1600 +37

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.0* 8.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.99 2 years 2805 6.30 100.48 6.09

1 month 5.04 3 years 3907 6.80 101.02 6.52

3 months 5.16 5 years 5106 7.23 101.07 7.08

6 months 5.26 7 years 7305 7.60 101.72 7.40

12 months 5.63 5 years M502 7.30 100.63 7.25

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $7,919 million

Closed August 8, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Friday, August 9,1996

Contents Page No.

Government to set up special fund for athletic development................. 1

Public urged to donate to athletes fund.................................... 2

Consultation on draft codes of practice on employment starts............... 3

Government to monitor IV solutions investigation........................... 5

Government secondary school tuition fee revised............................ 6

Majority confident of HK's continuous prosperity: HAB poll................. 7

Water Supplies handles complaints fairly................................. 8

Economic co-operation committee to hold meeting............................ 9

Stage IV of S6 admission procedure begins next Monday..................... 10

Third issue of MTRC notes tender to be held........................... 11

Youth talents exhibition to be held....................................... 12

Taxpayer fined for making incorrect tax returns........................... 13

Contents

Page No-

Tenders invited for Yuen Long to Tuen Mun trunk sewer................... 13

Construction of bridge over Siu Lek Yuen nullah......................... 14

Tenders for roads and drains for Ma On Shan invited..................... 15

Ho Man Tin Recreation Ground site formation tenders invited......... 15

Construction of slipway at Sha Tau Kok Hoi.............................. 16

Shenzhen River improvement works........................................ 17

Tenders to operate new ferry routes invited......................... 18

Dangerous roof-top structures to be removed......................... 18

Fresh water cut in Aberdeen............................................. 19

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 20

Government to set up special fund for athletic development * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, announced today (Friday) the setting up of a special fund for athletic development in recognition of Hong Kong's Olympic success.

Speaking at a reception in honour of the 1996 Hong Kong Olympic Team, Mrs Chan said the purpose of the fund was to provide for the training and educational needs of individual athletes, allowing them to concentrate on the pursuit of excellence in their chosen sport.

Mrs Chan said Hong Kong's first medal success in 44 years of participation at the Olympics was richly deserved, both by Ms Lee Lai-shan, the gold medallist, and the whole team.

"You will all go down in history as Hong Kong's first ever Olympic medalwinning team," she said.

She said the hard work of the coaches, the managers, and above all, the Hong Kong's Olympic Committee have contributed hugely to Hong Kong's athletes' achievements.

The fund will tentatively be known as the Hong Kong Athlete's Fund and the details of its scope, purpose and procedures will be drawn up by the Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport.

Mrs Chan said to encourage the community to contribute generously to the fund, the government has decided to match, dollar for dollar, donations to the fund.

11.

"Government's own commitment would be capped initially at $8 million, although we do not propose to limit the eventual size of the fund itself," Mrs Chan said.

She urged private sector sponsors to support generously Hong Kong's athletes, in the light of the Olympic success.

"As we have seen clearly over the past few days, the positive effect of international sporting success on the morale of our athletes and on our whole community is a repayment many times over of the money that we invest in nurturing the sports environment," she said.

Donations to the fund can initially be made directly to the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch.

"With the support of the sporting fraternity and the Hong Kong community as a whole, I am confident that our athletes will again bring pride and honour to Hong Kong in Sydney in the year 2000," Mrs Chan said.

About 60 guests attended the reception, including athletes of the Hong Kong Olympic Team, Olympic delegation officials and coaches, members of the Sports Development Board and Management Committee of the Hong Kong sports Institute.

End

Public urged to donate to athletes fund

*****

Following the announcement and appeal by the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, for contributions to the special fund set up for Hong Kong athletes, the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch has immediately put in motion the arrangements for the collection of community donations.

The Government has pledged a commitment of up to $8 million on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

"But this does not mean thdt we will stop when we reach $16 million," the Deputy Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mr Benjamin Tang, said today (Friday).

"The more the community contributes, the more resources will be available in enabling our athletes to pursue their chosen sport and educational development."

Mr Tang noted that the broad aim of the fund was to provide money to help support athletes pursue their career goals, while allowing them to concentrate on achieving a high standard of athletic achievement.

The Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch will announce as soon as possible further details of the fund's scope and administrative procedures.

"In the meantime, I would echo the acting Governor's call to the community to give generously to the fund," Mr Tang said.

Members of the public wishing to donate money to the athletes’ fund should send a cheque, payable to Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch (athletes fund), to the following address:

17:

BCSB (athletes fund),

40th floor, Revenue Tower,

5 Gloucester Road,

Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Donations can also be paid directly into the following bank accounts:

Hang Seng Bank account number: 267-393999-668

Hong Kong Bank account number: 002-6-375741

Enquiries related to donations to the fund should be directed to Ms Connie Wong on 2594 5658.

End

Consultation on draft codes of practice on employment starts * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (Friday) issued draft codes ( of practice on employment under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO) and the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO) respectively for a month-long consultation with the employment sector, women's and rehabilitation groups.

Comments received will be carefully analysed. A revised draft of the codes, incorporating comments as appropriate, will then be published for general consultation > with members of the public in late September. Thereafter, the codes of practice will be finalised for introduction to the Legislative Council for approval in November.

"The primary objective of the draft codes is to provide practical guidance to employers, employees and the general public to facilitate understanding and compliance with the employment provisions of the SDO and the DDO," said the Chairperson of EOC, Dr Fanny Cheung Mui-ching.

The two draft codes of practice on employment contain various sections for the purpose of:

* explaining the meaning of the relevant provisions of the ordinances in the context of employment;

♦ laying down practical guidelines for employers in various areas including recruitment, terms of employment, promotion, transfer and training, dismissal, grievances and victimisation; and

* encouraging employers to formulate their own equal employment opportunities policies and highlighting the role to be played by employees in eradicating discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sex and disability in employment.

For instance, in the area of recruitment, the draft codes set out what amounts to genuine occupational qualifications (GOQs) which include the type and length of experience required for a specific job.

Job advertising and the shortlisting of applicants should be based on GOQs of a job. Following job interviews, employers or personnel staff are advised to record the assessment of each candidate’s ability to match GOQs.

Employers are also recommended to avoid questions, which could lead to discrimination under the two ordinances, to be printed on application forms or asked during interviews. Information essential for personnel records could be collected after a job offer has been made.

• ..f • .• - J . • >fi

Furthermore, in determining the terms of employment, employers are advised to maintain the principle of equal pay for equal work and equal pay for work of equal value. For example, one should look at what job-holders actually do in determining pay rather than simply look at job titles which may sometimes be discriminatory.

Besides the above recommendations, each of the draft codes of practice also addresses issues specific to the respective ordinance. In the one under SDO, a section explains the meaning of sexual harassment in employment and provides guidance on preventing and dealing with such unlawful acts.

Similarly, the draft code of practice under DDO contains relevant factors for assessing inherent requirements of a job, and reasonable accommodation that could be provided to facilitate the work of an employee with a disability. Unjustifiable hardship which may result from the provision of such adjustment is also included.

“Complying with the two ordinances in the employment field is a complex task. Thus the Commission believes that this consultation exercise provides a good opportunity for people in the employment field to familiarise themselves with the ordinances, and adhere to fair and lawful employment practices.

“Employers and employees alike will then be much better placed to follow the employment provisions of the two ordinances when they are brought into force by the end of this year," said Dr Cheung.

"The Commission welcomes comments from employees, employers, and concern groups on the two draft codes. The Commission looks forward to meeting these organisations during the consultation period to facilitate the exchange of views in relation to the draft codes of practice."

Employees, employers and concern groups are invited to give their comments in writing on the draft codes to EOC by September 7 to EOC office at Unit 2002, 20th floor, Office Tower, Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. The telephone number and fax number of the EOC office is 2511 8165 and 2511 8142 respectively.

Additional copies of the draft codes of practice may be obtained from the EOC

office.

End

Government to monitor IV solutions investigation ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

In response to an announcement by B Braun Medical (HK) Ltd today (Friday) that it would temporarily stop supplying a number of intravenous (IV) solutions and one item of metronidazole produced by its Malaysian plant and to collect these products from all hospitals and users, a spokesman for the Department of Health said:

"The department has been in close contact with the company in the investigation of recent reports on contamination of IV solutions.

"We consider that the decision announced by the company today a reasonable and appropriate step to take in the interest of patients and to facilitate thorough investigation.

"While the supplier has agreed to immediately notify all hospitals and users of its decision, private hospitals and users are advised to check their stock and co-operate with the company in the collection.

"Products to be collected include 26 items of intravenous solutions in plastic bottles which contain 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml and 1000 ml and one item of Metronidazole INJ 500 mg/lOOml Plasc, all produced in Malaysia. Enquiries can be made direct to the B Braun (HK) Ltd.

"The Department of Health will continue to monitor the collection and investigation processes conducted by the B Braun Medical (HK) Ltd."

End

Government secondary school tuition fee revised ♦ * * * ♦

The tuition fee for government secondary grammar and technical schools for S4 to S5 and S6 to S7 will be revised to $4,450 and $7,800 per annum respectively in the 1996-97 school year.

No tuition fee will be charged to SI to S3 students in those schools.

The revision is published in the government gazette today (Friday).

Tuition fee should be paid in 10 equal instalments each to be paid on the first day of the months from September to June in the following year.

A student admitted during any of these calendar months will be required to pay the full instalment for that month.

The Education Department reminded students that if their fees remain unpaid 15 days after due date, their name will be deleted from the register.

End

Majority confident of HK's continuous prosperity: HAB poll ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A public opinion survey conducted in July by the Home Affairs Branch (HAB) has shown that 61 per cent of the respondents are confident that Hong Kong will continue to be prosperous and stable.

The figure represented an increase of six percentage points from 55 per cent in May, an HAB spokesman said today (Friday) when releasing the latest findings of the bimonthly survey.

There was also a slight improvement in the general positive perception of the present situation with 72 per cent of the respondents expressing satisfaction, up from 70 per cent.

On the future, 45 per cent of the respondents expected the situation to stay about the same in the next 12 months, representing an increase of one percentage point, and 14 per cent believed it would improve, up by three percentage points.

As for the performance of the Government, the civil service impressed 47 per cent of the respondents as an efficient force, a rise from 45 per cent recorded in the last survey.

Of the three most often mentioned problems facing the territory, housing issues had replaced labour problems to top the list with 34 per cent, which represented an increase of two percentage points.

Among this group of respondents, 42 per cent were worried about the price of private housing of being too high. The corresponding figure in the last survey was 36 per cent.

The percentage of respondents concerned about labour-related problems continued to drop from 35 per cent to 32 per cent while Hong Kong’s future, at 27 per cent, was the third most often mentioned issue, compared with 26 per cent previously.

The survey was the 65th in the series to gauge the trend of public opinion on perceived problems in Hong Kong, Government’s overall performance and the community’s views of the general situation.

Through a random sampling of residential telephone numbers, 1,526 persons aged between 15 and 64 were surveyed.

End

Water Supplies handles complaints fairly ♦ ♦ * * *

In response to a recent newspaper editorial remarking that it was unfair for the public utilities to require the consumers to settle their bills first when lodging complaints about electricity, water or gas bills and that the Water Supplies Department (WSD) would disconnect the water supply of complainants if they did not settle the water bills first, a department spokesman said today (Friday):

"Under the Waterworks Ordinance, registered consumers are responsible for the maintenance of their inside services and pay for the water consumption recorded by their water meters.

"If the water bills are, in their opinion, unreasonable, they may enquire or raise queries at any of the WSD's Consumer Enquiry Centres in person, in writing or by telephone.

"On receiving customer complaints, the water bills will be frozen. Under certain circumstances, the department will request the consumers to pay an "interim charge" which is equivalent to their normal amount of water charges while the remaining amount will be frozen temporarily until investigations are completed.

"During investigation, no action will be taken to disconnect the water supply of the complainants.

"Enquiries on water bills should be made, as far as possible, seven days before the deadline of payment, otherwise if results of investigation showed that the customers are required to pay the charges, they might have to pay an extra five per cent of the overdue surcharges.

"This measure is designed to avoid the abuse of complaint procedures by individual customer to delay the payment of water charge.

"There are many reasons for high water charges. The most common ones are leakage of water, illegal connection which leads to high water consumption and negligence such as failing to turn faucet tight and misrecording of meter readings. Malfunction of meters will also cause improper readings.

"On receiving customers' complaints, staff members will be sent to record the meter readings again. If the readings are found to be correct, consumer services inspectors will be deployed to the premises concerned to investigate the inside services and meters so as to find out the cause of high water consumption. If the meters are suspected to be damaged, new meters will be replaced.

"If result of the investigation indicates that the consumer should be held responsible for all or part of the frozen water bill, the consumer concerned will be informed in writing.

"In case the consumer is not satisfied with the department's reply, he may write to the Director of Water Supplies to lodge an appeal. The case will then be reviewed and the information and explanation given by the consumer will be considered.

"The department will attach importance to every complaints made by consumers concerning water bills and are determined to treat all complaints in a fair and impartial manner."

End

Economic co-operation committee to hold meeting

*****

The 18th meeting of the Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (HKCPEC) will be held on August 14 (Wednesday) at 3 pm in the Trade Department Conference Room, 18th floor, Trade Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

HKCPEC Chairman and group Managing Director of Li and Fung Ltd, Mr William Fung, will chair the meeting.

The meeting is open to members of the public. However, in view of limited seating capacity in the meeting venue, admission to the meeting is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Enrolment with HKCPEC Secretariat in advance, latest by August 13, is required. For enquiries, please contact the HKCPEC Secretariat on 2398 5447.

The agenda and papers of the meeting, unless classified as restricted or confidential, can be provided on request.

HKCPEC was established in March 1990 to co-ordinate Hong Kong's participation in the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECC).

The Committee, in line with the nature of PECC, is tripartite, comprising members from academic, business and government sectors. Currently, HKCPEC has 24 members, eight from each of the three sectors.

PECC was founded in 1980 to promote regional economic co-operation. At present, it has a membership of 22 member committees representing the economies of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, Vietnam and the Pacific Island Nations.

End

Stage IV of S6 admission procedure begins next Monday ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

Stage III of the S6 Admission Procedure ended at 3.30 pm today (Friday) with 4,392 S6 places left vacant for S5 students meeting the minimum A-Level entry requirements to apply on Monday (August 12).

Up to now, more than 19,000 S6 places have been filled.

A list of schools with vacancies will be published in some newspapers and displayed at all district education offices tomorrow to allow students more time to choose among them.

Students should not apply tomorrow and neither should schools accept applications.

Students satisfying the minimum A-Level entry requirements, including those from prevocational schools, evening schools and private candidates, may apply to one or more of these schools before 1 pm on Monday.

Schools may offer admission to students instantly or notify the applicants of the results by 2.30 pm.

Successful applicants should accept only one offer and register with the school before 4.30 pm.

The Education Department has received five complaints today about schools not following the admission procedure.

Meanwhile, the department's central hotline (2782 7037-9 and 2782 7340) and the 19 district education offices handled about 256 and 712 enquiries respectively on the Admission Procedure today.

Uijj > I i j »

The hotline will continue to operate from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to noon on Saturdays.

Up to 5.30 pm today, the department's Careers Education Centre had received 667 visitors and handled 317 telephone enquiries on matters relating to the release of the HKCEE results.

The centre at Room 206 of the Mongkok Government Offices at 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, provides students with materials on opportunities for further studies and training and information on various professions.

End

Third issue of MTRC notes tender to be held ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

Tender for the third issue of Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) notes will be held on August 15 (Thursday), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (Friday).

An amount of $500 million in MTRC notes will be offered for settlement on August 16. The 5-year notes, which mature on August 16, 2001, will carry interest at the fixed rate of 7.35% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears. Terms and conditions of the issue are described folly in the information memorandum.

The $500 million MTRC notes issue is the third tranche of the MTRC Note Issuance Programme in which HKMA acts as the arranger, custodian, agent and operator.

The MTRC notes, which are denominated in $50,000, will be cleared through the Central Money Markets Unit and will qualify as eligible securities for repo under the liquidity adjustment facility operated by HKMA.

MTRC will use the proceeds for general working capital, debt refinancing and other corporate requirements.

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 HKMA at 30th floor, 3 Garden Road, Hong Kong, or telephone 2878 8150. Each tender must be for an amount of $50,000 or integral multiple thereof.

End

Youth talents exhibition to be held *****

A two-day exhibition of the winning entries of the Hong Kong Youth Cultural and Arts Competitions will be held at the Exhibition Hall, Lower Block, City Hall, from tomorrow (Saturday).

On display are winning entries by local young people in various contests, including calligraphy, writing, painting, photography and paper clay modelling.

Video tapes showing some of the outstanding performances by contestants in the inter-school quiz and speech contests will also be screened at the venue. Renowned artists will be invited to demonstrate their talents and their work will be given to visitors.

The exhibition will open from 2.30 pm to 6 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. Admission is free.

End

Taxpayer fined for making incorrect tax returns ♦ * * * ♦

A woman who pleaded guilty in Eastern Magistracy to making incorrect statements in her tax returns without reasonable excuse, contrary to Section 80(2)(b) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance, was fined a total of $31,432 today (Friday).

The defendant, Lai Yim-fong, was charged with making incorrect claims for dependent parent allowance in her tax returns for the years of assessment 1993-94 and 1994-95.

Despite the fact that her father had died on August 31, 1992, Lai still put his name down on her tax returns and claimed allowance.

A spokesman of the Inland Revenue Department reminded taxpayers that they must filed correct tax returns.

Under the Inland Revenue Ordinance, on conviction, a tax evader is liable to a maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment and a fine of $50,000 on each charge, in addition to a further fine equivalent to three times the amount of tax undercharged.

End

Tenders invited for Yuen Long to Tuen Mun trunk sewer

*****

The Drainage Services Department is inviting tenders for the construction of a trunk sewer along the Yuen Long to Tuen Mun Corridor.

A spokesman for the department said works would involve construction of a trunk sewer of about 1,200 metres in length with diameters ranging from 600 mm to 900 mm, together with ancillary works.

"The trunk sewer, which will collect the sewage generated in the region for proper treatment and disposal, will help to improve the water quality of Tuen Mun River Channel," he said.

Work will start in November for completion in 18 months.

Details of the tender are contained in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

Tender forms and further particulars may be obtained from the office of the Chief Engineer, Sewerage Projects Division, Drainage Services Department, 44th floor. Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Tenders must be clearly marked and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tender Board. They must be placed in the Government Secretariat tender box at the lift lobby on the lower ground floor, Central Government Offices (East Wing), Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong, before noon on August 30.

Late tenders will not be accepted.

End

Construction of bridge over Siu Lek Yuen nullah *****

The Territory Development Department is inviting tenders for the construction of On Ming Street bridge over Siu Lek Yuen nullah and pedestrian subway across Siu Lek Yuen Road.

Works will involve construction of a dual carriageway with five lanes bridge over Siu Lek Yuen nullah and a pedestrian subway across Siu Lek Yuen Road together with associated footpaths, stairs, cycletracks and amenity area.

Construction will start in November for completion in two years.

Details of the tender are contained in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

Tender forms and further particulars may be obtained from the Consulting Engineers, Messrs Maunsell Consultants Asia Limited, 4 Fung Wo Lane, Wo Che, Sha Tin, New Territories.

Tenders must be clearly marked and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tender Board. They must be placed in the Government Secretariat tender box at the lift lobby, lower ground floor. Central Government Offices (East Wing), Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong, before noon on September 6.

Late tenders will not be accepted.

End

Tenders for roads and drains for Ma On Shan invited

*****

The Territory Development Department is inviting tenders for formation, roads, and drains in areas 77 and 86 in Ma On Shan as part of the continuing programme for its development.

Works will involve construction of peripheral roads, road bridge, pedestrian subway and drainage systems for the development of planning areas 77 and 86 in Ma On Shan together with associated engineering works.

Construction will start in November for completion in about 30 months.

Details of the tender are contained in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

Tender forms and further particulars may be obtained from the Consulting Engineers, Messrs Maunsell Consultants Asia Limited, 4 Fung Wo Lane, Wo Che, Sha Tin, New Territories.

Tenders must be clearly marked and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tender Board. They must be placed in the Government Secretariat tender box at the lift lobby, lower ground floor, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong, not later than noon on Friday, August 30, 1996.

Late tenders will not be accepted.

End

Ho Man Tin Recreation Ground site formation tenders invited *****

The Architectural Services Department is inviting tenders for site formation works for the construction of a recreation ground in Ho Man Tin.

The recreation ground will include a leisure centre, a basement plant room and a basement car park.

Works will commence in November for completion in April 1997.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Architectural Services Department, 34th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway , Hong Kong.

Tender offers will close at noon on August 30.

End

Construction of slipway at Sha Tau Kok Hoi *****

The Government intends to construct a slipway at Sha Tau Kok Hoi within an area of about 89 square metres of foreshore and seabed at Sha Tau Kok.

This will improve the loading and unloading facilities for fishermen.

Work will commence in October for completion in December this year.

The extent of the area affected is contained in a notice in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

Any person who considers that he has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands on or before October 9.

The notice of such objection should describe the interest, right or easement of the objector and the manner in which he alleges he will be affected.

The notice together with related plans can be seen at the Lands Department, Survey and Mapping Office, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong (where copies can be purchased on order), and at the North District Office, third floor, North District Government Offices, 3 Pik Fuk Road, Fanling, New Territories.

End

Shenzhen River improvement works ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

The Government proposes improvement works at Shenzhen River to reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

Works will involve construction of river channel and to transform part of the existing river into wetland affecting an area of about 107.5 hectares of foreshore and seabed at the Shenzhen River.

The project will also implement environmental mitigation measures as recommended in an Environmental Impact Assessment Study.

? - *• -i ... • •. .

Work will start in the first half of 1997 for completion by the end of 2000.

The extent of the area affected is contained in a notice published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).

Any person who considers that his interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved will be injuriously affected may deliver a written claim for compensation to the Director of Lands on or before August 9, 1997.

He should state in his submission the sum of money he is willing to accept in full and final settlement of his claim and should submit such particular which he possesses to substantiate his claim.

>■

The notice with related plans can be seen at the Lands Department, Survey and Mapping Office, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong (where copies can be purchased on order); the North District Office and North District Lands Office at North District Government Offices, 3 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, New Territories; the Yuen Long District Office, ground floor, Yuen Long District Office Building, 269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long, New Territories; and the Yuen Long District Lands Office 9th-l 1th floors, Yuen Long Government Offices and Tai Kiu Market, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long New Territories.

End

Tenders to operate new ferry routes invited t * * * *

The Transport Department is inviting interested parties to apply for licences to operate one or both of the two new ferry services to Central.

The new routes offered for tender included ferry services between Tsuen Wan (Tsing Lung Tau) and Central (Queen's Pier) and between Lamma Island (Pak Kok Tsuen) and Central (Queen's Pier).

A notice on the invitation was published in the Government Gazette today (Friday). |

Tender documents and further particulars can be obtained during office hours from the following offices of the department:

* Ferry and Paratransit Branch, 40th Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong; and

* New Territories Regional Office, seventh Floor, Mongkok Government Offices, 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.

Sealed tenders should be submitted in duplicate and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tender Board.

All applications should be placed in the Government Secretariat tender box at the lift lobby of the lower ground floor of Central Government Offices, East Wing, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong, on or before noon on August 30.

Late submissions will not be accepted.

End

Dangerous roof-top structures to be removed ♦ ♦ * * ♦

The Buildings Department announced today (Friday) that the unauthorised roof-top structures at No 69-71 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan, will be closed for demolition early next year.

A notice of intention was issued to the owners of the building this morning informing them that a Closure Order would be applied from the Hong Kong District Court on February 26 next year.

The department's Chief Building Surveyor (Control and Enforcement), Mr Tong Kam-man, said the illegal structures, constructed of timber, metal sheets or bricks, were in a dilapidated condition.

"It is necessary to remove the structures because they pose a potential danger to the occupants. The government Contractor will carry out the demolition work once the closure order is obtained.

• 'In line with the government's intention that no person will be rendered homeless by its actions, arrangements have been made with Housing Department, Social Welfare Department and Home Affairs Department to offer rehousing and social assistance to the affected occupants.

" A total of 18 households will be affected by the demolition. We have met them on three occasions and explained to them our enforcement action and the rehousing criteria," Mr Tong said.

End

Fresh water cut in Aberdeen ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The fresh water supply to some premises in Aberdeen will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on August 12 (Monday) to 6 am the following day for waste detection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect:

* all even number premises between Nos 2 and 232 and odd number premises between Nos 153-201, Aberdeen Main Road;

♦ all even number premises between Nos 2 and 28 Chengtu Road;

♦ Wu Nam Street;

♦ Wu Pak Street;

♦ Tung Sing Road;

* Sai On Street;

* Lok Yeung Street;

♦ Tsung Man Street;

* Nos 10 and 11 Aberdeen Reservoir Road; and

♦ Old Main Street Aberdeen.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,956 0930 +3

Closing balance in the account 1,959 1000 +3

Change attributable to : 1100 +3

Money market activity +3 1200 +3

LAF today Nil 1500 +3

1600 +3

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 ♦-0.1* 9.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.00 2 years 2805 6.30 100.49 6.09

1 month 5.05 3 years 3907 6.80 101.01 6.52

3 months 5.17 5 years 5106 7.23 101.07 7.08

6 months 5.30 7 years 7305 7.60 101.71 7.41

12 months 5.64 5 years M502 7.30 100.64 7.25

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $11,327 million

Closed August 9, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Saturday, August 10,1996

Contents Page No,

Protests will not halt health project................................... 1

Fair cargo area management system must be maintained.................... 2

Use of hotline to report indecent and obscene articles urged............ 3

Stranded waste to leave Hong Kong....................................... 4

Flushing water cut in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok......................... 5

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 5

Sunday, August 11,1996

Contents Page No,

New Wong Tai Sin District Officer appointed............................ 6

Protests will not halt health project *****

A Government spokesman today (Saturday) reaffirmed that the construction work on the Kowloon Bay Primary Health Care Centre and the Nursing Home for the Elderly project would proceed as scheduled.

"We want to stress once again that this is going ahead," the spokesman said . "We hope the residents of Richland Gardens will accept the reality and co-operate with Government to ensure much needed health facilities are provided without further delay."

The spokesman also noted the Police are tasked with the duty to maintain law and order. While residents are free to express their views in a peaceful and lawful manner, any breach of the peace will not be tolerated.

Since the work on site started in May this year, 10 arrests had been made with three convictions. The Police will continue to take appropriate enforcement action to ' ensure the work of the project would proceed without delay.

Anyone found to be causing obstruction to the construction of the centre would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. Injunction orders may also be served to prevent any obstructive act.

If protesters are causing further obstruction to the construction workers or lorries entering or leaving the site, the Government will have no alternative but to close the nearby roads once again. The spokesman hoped that this would not be necessary as this measure had proved to cause inconvenience to other residents and road users.

He called on residents to liaise with the Kwun Tong District Officer whose door is always open to them. Richland Gardens residents are also urged to participate in the Patients Liaison Group of the Kowloon Bay Primary Health Care Centre to play an active role in the management of the centre when it comes into operation.

End

Fair cargo area management system must be maintained

* * * * ♦

The Marine Department would not forgo the fair and open principle in its management of public cargo working areas (PCWAs) which were built and managed by public funds, Assistant Director of Marine (Planning and Local Services), Mr Raymond Tang, said today (Saturday).

Commenting on the blockade staged by some cargo operators to show their objection to the department operating all the berths in the new cargo handling area in Area 16 in Tuen Mun as fast working berth, Mr Tang said the arrangement would maximum the usage of berths.

Under the old system, berths are occupied by barges not engaging in any cargo handling activities.

Some operators demand the department to replace the fast working berth arrangement with the first-come-first-served system for the new cargo working area which is open today.

"There are flaws with the old system as anyone can monopolise a berth as long as they are able to deploy sufficient barges to occupy the berth. By rotating their barges at the berth, they can circumvent the law to prevent monopolisation," Mr Tang said.

"Genuine cargo operators stand a better chance to use the new facility because hiring a fast working berth is limited to one day.

"We are aware that some genuine cargo operators may need more than a day to work their cargo and so we will continue to discuss with the operators to allow some flexibility to the one-day rule."

The fast working berth arrangement for the new PCWA is an interim measure as the Marine Department intends to bring in new management reform for the PCWAs to eliminate the undesirable practices associated with the old system, which is subject to abuse, and to improve the productivity at these facilities.

In essence, the new reform is to lease out the berths at the PCWAs by restricted tender under which only the existing operators are eligible to submit their bids.

To enable new comers to join the business, a very small percentage of berths will be leased out by open tender.

In an attempt to stop the operations of the new PCWA, some operators have deployed 13 unmanned barges to block the two entrances to the Tuen Mun Typhoon Shelter and the new PCWA which is within the typhoon shelter area, stopping not only cargo operators to the new PCWA but also vessels entering or leaving the typhoon shelter.

"This is a total disregard to the well-being of the floating community which needs to get into an out the Tuen Mun Typhoon Shelter for business," Mr Tang said.

"The unmanned barges also threaten the safety of other marine traffic and ignoring public safety."

Launches from the Marine Department and the Marine Police are directing traffic in the area. The department is making arrangement to remove the unmanned barges to resume free access to the typhoon shelter and the new PCWA.

End

Use of hotline to report indecent and obscene articles urged ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

The Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) has set up a 24-hour complaint hotline - 2676 7676 - to enable the public to report possible contravention of the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance.

The ordinance prohibits the sale and rental of obscene articles. It also provides that indecent articles must be enclosed in wrappers bearing the statutory warning notice and particulars of the publisher, a spokesman for TELA said.

"Indecent articles must not be sold or rented to young people under the age of 18," the spokesman added.

Articles covered by the ordinance include newspapers, magazines, comics, CD-ROMs, as well as video tapes and laser discs which have not been classified under the Film Classification Ordinance.

Members of the public are urged to make use of the hotline to complain against any unlawful publication of obscene and indecent articles.

End

Stranded waste to leave Hong Kong ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The plastic waste earlier rejected by China and stranded in Hong Kong will be returned shortly to the United States for disposal, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announces today (Saturday).

EPD has requested the assistance of Swire BFI Waste Services Limited, which was not involved in the export of this material, in finding a solution to the problem.

As a result, Swire BFI has offered, in conjunction with their parent company, Browning-Ferris Industries, to provide an appropriate disposal solution.

Agreement has also been reached with Hong Kong trader, Chiang’s Brothers Company, that they will make arrangement for the repackaging and transportation of the waste to the United States.

’’The post consumer plastic waste was mixed with household waste to an extent that recycling was not considered suitable.

"Returning it to the exporting country for disposal is the best solution to this problem," Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Dr Ellen Chan, said.

"We also acknowledge the assistance by the United States Consulate in Hong Kong in liaising with relevant authorities regarding the return of the waste."

The 200-tonne plastic waste has to be rebaled and containerised before shipment, which will be carried out in two lots.

The first shipment is scheduled to leave Hong Kong this (Saturday) evening and the next shipment in about two weeks’ time.

End

Flushing water cut in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The flushing water supply to some premises in Sham Shui Po and Mong Kok will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Monday (August 12) to 7 am the following day for connection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect the area bounded by Boundary Street, Cheung Sha Wan Road,Tonkin Street, Po On Road, Camp Street, Shun Ning Road, Kiu Kiang Street, Castle Peak Road and Tai Po Road; as well as the area bounded by Boundary Street, Portland Street, Lai Chi Kok Road, Nathan Road, Mong Kok Road, Tong Mei Road, Cherry Street and the sea front.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change ($ million)

Opening balance in the account 1,956 09:30 NIL

Closing balance in the account 1,619 10:00 NIL

Change attributable to: 11:00 NIL

Money market activity NIL 11:30 NIL

LAF today -340

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 *+0.0* 10.8.96

End

New Wong Tai Sin District Officer appointed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Miss Diane Wong Shuk-han will assume duty as the new Wong Tai Sin District Officer tomorrow (Monday) to replace Mr Richard Luk Fong-chun.

Miss Wong, aged 33, joined the Government as Administrative Officer in 1985 and was promoted to Senior Administrative Officer in April 1993.

She has served in the former City and New Territories Administration, the Education and Manpower Branch and the Transport Branch.

Miss Wong's last posting was Assistant Secretary for Housing.

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Monday, August 12,1996

Contents Page No,

Telecommunication law amendment proposal consultation begins........... 1

261 S6 places left for central allocation.................................. 1

221 VMs depart on orderly repatriation flights............................. 3

Monitors' report submitted to CS....................................... 4

External trade statistics by country and commodity for June................ 4

Water storage figure...................................................... 14

Tender for 4th issue of 7-year exchange fund notes........................ 14

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results............................... 16

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................... 17

Telecommunication law amendment proposal consultation begins ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A consultation paper on the proposed amendments to the Telecommunication Ordinance was released today (Monday) by the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA).

’’Due to the rapid technological developments in the telecommunications sector and in order for the Telecommunications Authority (TA) to implement more effectively the government’s pro-competition policy, the TA has conducted a review of the Telecommunication Ordinance and formulated proposals for amending it,” said a government spokesman.

"It is government's commitment to consulting the industry and other interested parties on the proposals for amending the Ordinance before introducing the amendment bill into the Legislative Council."

The industry and other interested parties are invited to submit their comments on the amendment proposals set out in the consultation paper on or before September 16 to the:

Office of the Telecommunications Authority

29th floor, Wu Chung House

213, Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai

[Attn: Senior Administrative Officer (Legislation and Planning)]

(Fax: 2803 5112)

(E-mail: bill@ofta.gov.hk)

The consultation paper can be obtained by accessing OFTA's Bulletin Board Service on 2834 0119 and OFTA's Internet homepage <http://www.ofta.gov.hk> or from OFTA's public enquiry counter.

End

261 S6 places left for central allocation ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A total of 261 S6 places are still available for central allocation when Stage V of the S6 Admission Procedure begins tomorrow (Tuesday).

Among the vacancies, 78 arc in arts, 24 in science and 17 in commercial stream using English as the medium of instruction: two in arts, 16 in science and one in commercial stream using Chinese as the medium of instruction; 86 in engineering and 37 in commercial stream in prevocational schools.

Current year Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) candidates with minimum A-Level entry requirements may apply before 3.30 pm tomorrow for central allocation at one of the following centres:

Kowloon

Kwun Tong Government Secondary Technical School

90 Kung Lok Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

Homantin Government Secondary School

8 Perth Street, Kowloon

Kowloon Technical School

332 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon

Hong Kong

Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Technical School

Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai

New Territories

Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School

70 Hoi Pa Street, Tsuen Wan

Sha Tin Government Secondary School

11-17 Man Lai Road, Sha Tin

NT Heung Yee Kuk Yuen Long District Secondary School

123 Kau Yuk Road, Yuen Long

NT Heung Yee Kuk Tai Po District Secondary School

Tai Yuen Estate, Tai Po

At the time of application, students will be provided with a list of schools with vacancies and they should indicate their choices.

Priority will be based solely on students’ HKCEE results.

The results would be displayed at 9 am on Saturday (August 17) at the same centre where students applied for central allocation and the district education offices.

Successful candidates should register with the allocated school before 1 pm on the same day.

The Education Department had received four complaints today about schools not following the admission procedure.

Meanwhile, the department’s central hotline, 2782 7037-9 and 2782 7340 and the 19 district education offices had handled about 206 and 469 enquiries respectively on the admission procedure today.

The hotline will continue to operate from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

The department’s Careers Education Centre had received 402 visitors and handled 245 telephone enquiries on matters relating to the release of HKCEE results up to 5.30 pm today.

It will resume normal office hours tomorrow from 8.45 am to 12.45 pm and 2.15 pm to 4.45 pm on weekdays and 9.15 am to 11.45 am on Saturdays.

End

221 VMs depart on orderly repatriation flights

*****

Two groups of Vietnamese migrants (VMs), totalling 221, returned by air to Hanoi, Vietnam, today (Monday) on the 49th and 50th flights under the Orderly Repatriation Programme (ORP).

All of the returnees, comprising 105 men, 50 women, 40 boys and 26 girls, are from North Vietnam.

The majority of them arrived in Hong Kong in 1988, with the remaining in 1989 and 1995.

The two groups brought the total number repatriated on ORP flights to 4,590 since November 1991.

End

Monitors' report submitted to CS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The monitors appointed to observe the Orderly Repatriation Programme operation this (Monday) morning have submitted their report to the Chief Secretary.

The two monitors comprised a non-official Justice of the Peace, Mr William Wan Hon-cheung; and a representative from a non-governmental organisation, Mr Anthony Wong from Caritas Hong Kong.

End

External trade statistics by country and commodity for June ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Detailed statistics on external trade with breakdown by country/territory and commodity for June as well as for the first half of 1996 were released by the Census and Statistics Department today (Monday).

As were already published on July 26, the value of re-exports decreased slightly by 2.2% over a year earlier to $91.9 billion, the value of domestic exports by 18% to $16.9 billion, and the value of imports by 4% to $123.8 billion in June 1996.

Changes in the value of Hong Kong's re-exports to ten main destinations are shown in Table 1.

Comparing June 1996 with June 1995, decreases were recorded in the value of re-exports to Taiwan (-20%), Germany (-4.8%), China (-4.1%), the Netherlands (-3%) and the United States (-1.7%).

However, the value of re-exports to Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, France and South Korea increased by 14%, 6.3%, 4.8%, 4.8% and 4.3% respectively.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, increases were recorded in the value of re-exports to Japan (+26%), the United Kingdom (+14%), France (+12%), Singapore (+8.4%), Germany (+8.3%), China (+8.1%), the Netherlands (+7.5%) and South Korea (+6.3%).

However, the value of re-exports to Taiwan and the United States decreased by 4.1% and 0.6% respectively.

Taking all destinations together, the value of re-exports in the first half of 1996 was $550.8 billion, 6.9% higher than that in the same period in 1995.

Table 2 shows changes in the value of re-exports of 10 principal commodity divisions.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, increases were registered for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $5.9 billion or 11%); office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $5.6 billion or 21%); clothing (by $3.9 billion or 9.9%); miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods (by $3.5 billion or 5.9%); photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks (by $2.4 billion or 10%); and footwear (by $2.3 billion or 7.8%).

Over the same period, a decrease in the value of re-exports was registered for telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $1.1 billion or 1.9%).

Changes in the value of domestic exports to 10 main destinations are shown in Table 3.

Comparing June 1996 with June 1995, the value of domestic exports to most main destinations showed decreases of various magnitudes: Taiwan (-29%), the Netherlands (-27%), Germany (-22%), Canada (-20%), France (-19%), the United States (-18%), China (-17%), the United Kingdom (-17%) and Singapore (-13%).

The value of domestic exports to Japan nevertheless increased by 2.6%.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, the value of domestic exports to most main destinations showed decreases of various magnitudes: the United States (-12%), the Netherlands (-11%), Canada (-11%), Singapore (-10%), France (-10%), Germany (-8.9%), China (-5.6%), Taiwan (-4.7%) and Japan (-1.3%).

Taking all destinations together, the value of domestic exports in the first half of 1996, at $99.3 billion, decreased by 8.2% over the same period in 1995.

Table 4 shows changes in the value of domestic exports of 10 principal commodity divisions.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, decreases in the value of domestic exports were registered for office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $2.7 billion or 28%); clothing (by $2.4 billion or 7.6%); telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $1.1 billion or 21%); miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares (by $948 million or 10%); and photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks (by $663 million or 8.2%).

Over the same period, increases in the value of domestic exports were recorded for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $907 million or 6.3%); and machinery specialised for particular industries (by $113 million or 8%).

Changes in the value of imports from 10 main suppliers are shown in Table 5.

Comparing June 1996 with June 1995, decreases were recorded in the value of imports from Japan (-18%), Taiwan (-12%), the United Kingdom (-11%), South Korea (-9.1%), Germany (-6.3%), China (-2.3%) and Italy (-1.5%).

However, the value of imports from the United States, Singapore and Malaysia increased by 9.1%, 4.1% and 1.9% respectively.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, increases were recorded in the value of imports from Malaysia (4-20%), Italy (+18%), the United Kingdom (+12%), the United States (+10%), Singapore (+9.6%), China (+4.7%), Germany (+1.9%), and South Korea (+0.2%).

However, the value of imports from Japan and Taiwan decreased by 8% and 3.6% respectively.

Taking all sources together, the value of imports in the first half of 1996, at $733.8 billion, increased by 3.2% over the same period in 1995.

Table 6 shows changes in the value of imports of 10 principal commodity divisions.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, increases in the value of imports were registered for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $7.5 billion or 8.7%); office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $6 billion or 19%); clothing (by $2.2 billion or 5.1%); miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods (by $2.1 billion or 4.5%); general industrial machinery and equipment, and machine parts (by $1.8 billion or 7.9%); and footwear (by $1.5 billion or 5.9%).

Over the same period, a decrease in the value of imports was recorded for textiles (by $3.7 billion or 5.4%).

All the trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison.

A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external trade for June 1996 will be released in early September 1996.

Detailed trade statistics analysed by commodity and by country/territory are published in trade statistics reports.

The June 1996 issue of the Hong Kong External Trade with detailed analyses on the performance of Hong Kong’s external trade in June 1996 will be on sale at $129 per copy around August 20.

The report can be purchased at either the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, or the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Enquiries regarding regular subscription to this report may be directed to the Publications (Sales) Office, 28th Floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Tel 2598 8194, and enquiries on trade statistics to the Census and Statistics Department on 2582 4915.

- 8 -

TABLE 1 • RE-EXPORTS TO TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS

DESTINATION JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JUN 96 OVER JUN 95 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 96 OVER JAN-JUN 95 (% CHANGE)

CHINA 31,707 - 4.1 199,436 + 8.1

UNITED STATES 20,166 - 1.7 104,118 - 0.6

JAPAN 5,553 + 13.6 37,597 + 25.7

GERMANY 3,654 - 4.8 22,404 + 8.3

UNITED KINGDOM 2,842 + 6.3 15,474 + 13.6

SINGAPORE 2,330 + 4.8 13,068 ’. s + 8.4

TAIWAN 1,958 - 19.9 12,831 - 4.1

SOUTH KOREA 1,621 + 4.3 9,876 + 6.3

FRANCE 1,453 + 4.8 8,827 + 12.0

NETHERLANDS 1,361 - a.o 8,308 + 7.5

- 9 -

TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JUN 96 OVER JUN 95 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 96 OVER JAN-JUN 95 (% CHANGE)

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 12,445 + 6.6 62,942 + 5.9

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9,209 - 4.3 58,054 + 11.3

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 8,694 - 6.7 53,211 - 1.9

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,496 - 11.3 46,508 - 0.1

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 7,773 , + 7.2 43,657 + 9.9

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES * 4,892 + 7.3 31,930 + 21.0

FOOTWEAR 5,565 ♦ 1.6 31,296 + 7.8

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,017 - 0.6 25,536 + 10.2

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 3,048 - 3.9 17,507 + 2.9

GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 2,650 + 3.8 16,461 + 9.5

10 -

TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS

DESTINATION JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JUN 96 OVER JUN 95 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 96 OVER JAN-JUN 95 (% CHANGE)

CHINA 4,724 - 17.1 28,952 - 5.6

UNITED STATES 4,440 - 17.5 23,637 - 11.6

JAPAN 926 + 2.6 5,765 - 1.3

SINGAPORE 904 - 13.4 5,489 - 10.4

GERMANY 967 - 22.0 5,082) - 8.9

UNITED KINGDOM 840 - 17.1 4,752 ★

TAIWAN 467 - 29.2 3,444 - 4.7

NETHERLANDS 374 - 26.8 2,114 - 11.3

CANADA 345 - 20.1 1,772 - 11.1

FRANCE 237 - 19.2 1,324 - 10.1

* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.05%

- 11 -

TABLE 4 ! DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JUN 96 OVER JUN 95 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 96 OVER JAN-JUN 95 (% CHANGE)

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,028 - 13.2 28,885 - 7.6

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,290 - 16.9 15,336 + 6.3

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,350 - 23.1 8,515 - 10.0

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,118 - 15.0 • 7,384 - 8.2

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,013/ - 30.5 6,708 - 28.4

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,032 - 21.2 6,672 - 5.4

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 640 - 26.5 4,0'31 - 21.1

MANUFACTURES OF METALS 328 - 24.6 2,056 A - 10.3

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 270 - 25.7 1,896 - 16.7

MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 210 - 13.5 1,524 + 8.0

- 12 -

TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS ,

SUPPLIER JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JUN 96 OVER JUN 95 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 96 OVER JAN-JUN 95 (% CHANGE)

CHINA 45,381 - 2.3 260,953 + 4.7

JAPAN 16,219 - 17.6 100,842 - 8.0

TAIWAN 9,578 - 11.8 60,240 - 3.6

UNITED STATES 10,571 + 9.1 59,873 + 10.1

SINGAPORE 6,755 + 4.1 40,830 x + 9.6

SOUTH KOREA 6/140 - 9.1 37,292 + 0.2

GERMANY 2,622 - 6.3 16,353 + 1.9

MALAYSIA 2,454 + 1.9 16,258 + 20.2

UNITED KINGDOM 2,430 ' - 10.7 / 15,767 + 11.8

ITALY 2,239 - 1.5 14,719 + 18.0

- 13 -

TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JUN 96 OVER JUN 95 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 96 OVER JAN-JUN 95 (% CHANGE)

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 15,240 - 5.6 93,268 + 8.7

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 10,720 - 8.9 67,476 + 0.6

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 10,822 - 11.7 64,190 - 5.4

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 9,262 + 6.7 48,162 + 4.5

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING

ACCESSORIES 8,060 , - 1.4 45,635 + 5.1

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA

PROCESSING MACHINES 5,929 + 1.6 37,306 + 19.1

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,611 - 13.6 29,6167 - 2.4

FOOTWEAR 4,663 + 3.3 27,080 + 5.9

GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 3,893 + 0.3 24,949 + 7.9

NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 3,419 - 17.3 21,176 - 4.5

End

Water storage figure *****

Storage in Hong Kong's reservoirs at 9 am today (Monday) stood at 95.4 per cent of capacity or 559.302 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 524.634 million cubic metres of water, representing 89.5 per cent of capacity.

End

Tender for 4th issue of 7-year exchange fund notes ♦ * * * *

Tender for the fourth issue of 7-year exchange fund notes will be held on August 19 for settlement on August 20, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announces today (Monday).

An amount of $500 million 7-year notes will be offered. Another $100 million will be held as reserve by HKMA for supply to market makers in the secondary market.

The notes will mature on August 20, 2003, and will carry interest at the rate of 7.24% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears. Terms and conditions of the issue are described fully in the information memorandum.

Tender information for the fourth issue of 7-year exchange fund notes is as follows:

Issue number : 7308

Tender date and time : Monday August 19, 1996,

9.30 am to 10.30 am

Issue and settlement date : Tuesday August 20, 1996

Amount on offer : $500 million plus an additional $100 million as reserve stock for the Monetary Authority

Maturity : Seven years

Maturity date : August 20, 2003

Interest rate : 7.24% per annum payable semi annually in arrears

Interest payment dates : Feb 20, 1997, Aug 20, 1997, Feb 20, 1998, Aug 20, 1998, Feb 22, 1999, Aug 20, 1999, Feb 21, 2000, Aug 21, 2000, Feb 20, 2001, Aug 20, 2001, Feb 20, 2002, Aug 20, 2002, Feb 20, 2003, Aug 20, 2003

Tender amount : Each tender must be for an amount of $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

Other details : Please see information memorandum published or approach market makers or recognised dealers

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Tender date 12 Aug 1996

Paper on offer EF notes

Issue number 2808

Issue date 13 Aug 1996

Maturity date 13 Aug 1998

Coupon 6.00 PCT

Amount applied HKS4.710MN

Amount allotted HKS500 MN

Average price accepted (yield) 99.94 (6.12 PCT)

Lowest price accepted (yield) 99.94 (6.12 PCT)

Pro rata ratio About 24 PCT

Average tender price (yield) 99.92 (6.13 PCT)

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

Smillion Time (hours) Cumulative change (Siniilion)

Opening balance in the account 1,619 0930 +339

Closing balance in the account 1,888 1000 +339

Change attributable to : 1100 +334

Money market activity +344 1200 +334

LAF today -75 1500 +344

1600 +344

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.7 *-0.1* 12.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.97 2 years 2805 6.30 100.56 6.04

1 month 5.03 3 years 3907 6.80 101.13 6.47

3 months 5.18 5 years 5106 7.23 101.32 7.02

6 months 5.31 7 years 7305 7.60 102.05 7.34

12 months 5.63 5 years M502 7.30 100.78 7.20

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $7,326 million

Closed August 12, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Tuesday, August 13,1996

Contents

PageN&

Guidelines for civil servants on Selection Committee issued............

Over 2,000 students go for S6 places in central allocation.............

The weather of July....................................................

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results............................

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................

Guidelines for civil servants on Selection Committee issued ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A Civil Service Branch (CSB) circular has been sent to the staff sides of the four central consultative councils to give them advance notice about government’s policy on participation by civil servants in the Selection Committee, a spokesman for the branch said today (Tuesday).

The circular sets out that, in line with the existing rules on participation in political activities, four groups of civil servants would not be permitted to serve on the Selection Committee: all directorate officers, administrative officers, police officers and information officers.

Civil servants may decide for themselves whether they wish to put their names forward as Selection Committee candidates or to accept nominations made by civil service unions, staff associations or their respective professional bodies to serve on the Selection Committee. Service on the Selection Committee will be strictly in an individual capacity and will be subject to there being no actual or potential conflict of interest and all relevant Civil Service Regulations and Civil Service Branch Circulars being observed.

The spokesman said these rules already existed, were clearly defined and were well understood and accepted by staff. The rules aimed to strike the right balance between allowing civil servants to participate in the conduct of public affairs, and ensuring that the public had confidence that civil servants in important roles or relevant positions were politically neutral in their judgments and work.

End

Over 2,000 students go for S6 places in central allocation ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A total of 2,294 students have today (Tuesday) applied for central allocation to fill the remaining 261 S6 places.

The Education Department reminded applicants to check at the centres where they applied for central allocation and the district education offices on Saturday (August 17) to see if they have been allocated an S6 place.

Application results will be displayed at 9 am. Successful candidates should register with the allocated school before 1 pm on the same day.

Place was allocated on the basis of the applicants' Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) results under central allocation at Stage V.

If students are still unable to secure a place after the completion of Stage V, they may be able to get a place at the beginning of the new school year because some successful students may decide not to take up their places.

A list of schools with S6 vacancies will be displayed and updated weekly at all district education offices throughout September.

Students should apply to these schools direct but admission will be entirely at the schools' discretion.

Meanwhile, the department's central hotline, 2782 7037-9 and 2782 7340 and the 19 district education offices handled about 169 and 205 enquiries respectively on the Admission Procedure today. This brings to 1,086 and 2,257 the total number of enquiries made at the hotline and the district education offices.

At the same time, the Careers Education Centre had received 169 visitors and handled 161 telephone enquiries on matters relating to the release of the HKCEE results up to 5.30 pm today.

So far, 2,132 members of the public visited and 1,308 callers telephoned the centre since August 7 when the results of HKCEE were released.

End

The weather of July * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

July was hotter and drier than normal. The mean temperature of 29.2 degrees was the sixth highest for the month of July.

The mean minimum of 27.1 degrees and the maximum of 34.3 degrees were the seventh and the ninth highest temperature respectively recorded for July.

The total rainfall of 230.3 millimetres in the month was 29 per cent below normal, making the accumulated rainfall since January 1 of 1,288.5 millimetres two per cent below the normal for the same period.

The standby signal No 1 was hoisted on two occasions in the month.

With south to south-westerly airstream dominating the first half of the month, it started mainly cloudy with some showers. Isolated thunderstorms occurred on the morning of July 3 but it became fine and sunny in the afternoon. The generally fine condition prevailed until July 10.

The approach of a trough of low pressure from the north brought showery weather to the territory on July 11 and heavy thundery showers on the following day brought the temperature down to 24.4 degrees, the lowest in the month.

The trough of low pressure weakened and retreated northwards later that day and the weather became generally cloudy with sunny periods apart from some isolated showers up to July 17.

Winds turned easterly on July 18 and showers became more frequent. Heavy showers associated with thunderstorms occurred the next morning.

As tropical cyclone Frankie developed over the South China Sea, thunderstorms and heavy showers in its outer rainband affected the territory on July 21. Winds also freshened and was occasionally strong offshore on the following day.

Showers eased off on July 24 as Frankie dissipated over Vietnam and it became fine locally during the day.

Winds turned westerly on July 25 under the influence of typhoon Gloria. It was hazy that afternoon.

The hottest day in the month occurred the next day as Gloria crossed Taiwan and the high temperature of 34.3 degrees was attained under a hot continental airstream. There were some isolated squally showers in the evening.

Gloria made landfall over southeast China early on July 27. Under the influence of the remnant of this typhoon, winds became more southerly and the weather was cloudy with periods of rain for the next couple of days.

Winds became south-easterly on July 29 and there were some thunderstorms the next morning.

Under the influence of typhoon Herb which was approaching Taiwan, winds turned westerly again on July 31 and the weather was fine and hot.

Seven tropical cyclones occurred in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in the month.

Details of the issuance/hoisting and cancellation/lowering of various wamings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1.1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal of July are tabulated in Table 1.2.

Table 1.1 Warnings and signals in July

Wamings/Signals Effective date and time

Tropical cyclone warning signals

Name of T C Signal No

Frankie 1 21 Jul 1430-22 Jul 2230

Gloria 1 26 Jul 1130-27 Jul 0645

Flood warnings 12 Jul 0115- 12 Jul 0430 12 Jul 0820- 12 Jul 1005 19 Jul 0710- 19 Jul 0830

Thunderstorm warnings ■ 3 Jul 0535 - 3 Jul 0735 11 Jul 1515- 11 Jul 1715 11 Jul 2310- 12 Jul 1100 19 Jul 0250- 19 Jul 0900 21 Jul 1155-21 Jul 1355 21 Jul 1815-21 Jul 2015 21 Jul 2245 -22 Jul 0745

22 Jul 1215-22 Jul 1415 23 Jul 0710-23 Jul 1030 23 Jul 1305 - 23 Jul 1505 26 Jul 1550-26 Jul 2300 27 Jul 2050-28 Jul 1000 28 Jul 2245 - 29 Jul 0645 30 Jul 0415 -30 Jul 0815

Table 1.2 Figures and departures from normal - July

Total bright sunshine 216.4 hours; 14.7 hours below normal

Mean daily global solar radiation 17.63 MJ/SQM; 1.52 MJ/SQM below normal

Total rainfall 230.3 mm; 93.2 mm below normal

Mean cloud amount 71%; 6% above normal

Mean relative humidity 79%; 1% below normal

Mean daily maximum temperature 31.8 degrees Celsius; 0.3 degree Celsius above normal

Mean air temperature 29.2 degrees Celsius; 0.4 degree Celsius above normal

Mean daily minimum temperature 27.1 degrees Celsius; 0.5 degree Celsius above normal

Mean dew point 25.1 degrees Celsius; 0.2 degree Celsius above normal

Total evaporation 148.6 mm; 23 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.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results

*****

Tender date 13 Aug 1996 13 Aug 1996

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q633 H671

Issue date 14 Aug 1996 14 Aug 1996

Maturity date 13 Nov 1996 12 Feb 1997

Coupon - -

Amount applied HK$6,540 MN HK$2,810MN

Amount allotted HK$l,500MN HKS800 MN

Average yield accepted 5.15 PCT 5.29 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.16 PCT 5.29 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 43 PCT About 96 PCT

Average tender yield 5.18 PCT 5.30 PCT

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the week beginning 19 Aug 1996

Tender date 19 Aug 1996 20 Aug 1996

Paper on offer EF notes EF bills

Issue number 7308 Q634

Issue date 20 Aug 1996 21 Aug 1996

Maturity date 20 Aug 2003 20 Nov 1996

Tenor 7 Years 91 Days

Amount on offer HK$500+100MN HK$1,5OO+3OOMN

Coupon 7.24 PCT

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations * ♦ * * ♦

S million Time (hours) Cumulative change (^million)

Opening balance in the account 1,888 0930 +77

Closing balance in the account 1,527 1000 +77

Change attributable to : 1100 +72

Money market activity +84 1200 +72

LAF today -445 1500 +84

1600 +84

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 *+0.1 * 13.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.95 2 years 2808 6.00 99.91 6.14

1 month 5.01 3 years 3907 6.80 101.06 6.50

3 months 5.17 5 years 5106 7.23 101.27 7.03

6 months 5.28 7 years 7305 7.60 101.95 7.36

12 months 5.61 5 years M502 7.30 100.56 7.27

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $9,599 million

Closed August 13, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Wednesday, August 14,1996

Contents Page No.

Guidelines on Selection Committee strike a balance....................... 1

Agreement on water prices endorsed....................................... 1

Two lots sold for $552 million at land auction........................... 2

ED to follow up on S6 admission cases.................................... 3

Hong Kong to participate in child abuse congress......................... 3

New HKMA Executive Director (Reserves Management) appointed.......... 4

'’Backbone” of Route 3-Kwai Chung Viaduct in place....................... 5

Night closure of Tuen Mun Road for blasting modified..................... 7

Business prospects for the second half of 1996 .......................... 8

Fresh water cut in Yau Tong.............................................. 9

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 10

Guidelines on Selection Committee strike a balance *****

In response to press enquiries about comments made by the NCNA on the Civil Service Branch circular on participation by civil servants in the Selection Committee, a government spokesman said today (Wednesday) that the government was satisfied that the guidelines did not go against the Bill of Rights and strike the right balance.

He said that it was necessary on the one hand to ensure that the public remained confident that those civil servants who were involved in policy formulation and promulgation; enforcement of public order and policy making roles, were seen not to be involved in political activities, which might lead to conflict of interest situations.

"On the other hand, the government does not want to restrict unnecessarily the ability of civil servants to participate in public affairs. The Government therefore has issued to civil servants guidelines on who can and who cannot sit on the Selection Committee," the spokesman said.

Noting that those restrictions in the guidelines were nothing new, the spokesman said: "They have been promulgated in 1990 and are well understood and accepted by staff. There is no need to make an exception to them on this occasion".

End

Agreement on water prices endorsed

*****

The agreement reached on water prices by the two parties representing Hong Kong Government and the Guangdong Provincial Government during their meeting in late June in Hong Kong has been endorsed by the respective Governments, a spokesman for the Water Supplies Department said today (Wednesday).

The agreed unit prices for the next three years are:

* $2,613 per cubic metre for the period January 1, 1997, to December 31,

1997;

* $2,839 per cubic metre for the period January 1, 1998, to December 31,

1998;

* $3,085 per cubic metre for the period January 1, 1999, to December 31,

1999.

The cunent water price is $2,405 per cubic metre and the new prices represent an annual increase of 8.65 per cent in the next three years, said the spokesman.

"The increase is due to an escalation in the operation costs of the Guangdong Authority," he explained.

"The annual price increase was very close to the 1995 inflation figure of 8.7 per cent in the territory."

End

Two lots sold for $552 million at land auction ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Two lots of Government land were sold for a total of $552 million at a public land auction held by the Lands Department this (Wednesday) afternoon. This was the first land auction held this fiscal year.

Of the lots sold, the first one, located in area 30, Tai Po, was sold to Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd. at $535 million, with bidding opening at $380 million. It has an area of about 21,200 square metres for private residential use. The developer has to complete a gross floor area of not less than 10,176 square metres on or before September 30, 2001.

The second lot in Shek O Headland, Shek O, was bought by Sino Land Company Limited at $ 17 million, with bidding opening at $12 million.

With an area of about 276 square metres, this lot is also for private residential use.

The developer has to complete a gross floor area of not less than 124 square metres on or before September 30, 1999.

Held in the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, the auction was conducted by Government Land Agent, Mr Allan Hay.

End

ED to follow up on S6 admission cases ♦ * * * ♦

Officers of the Education Department will brief the Salesian English School (Secondary Section) in the Eastern District on how the School Management Initiative (SMI) can help the school to handle the recent S6 admission cases which have aroused public concern.

Assistant Director of Education (Schools), Mr Kwan Shu-tsun, today (Wednesday) said: ”SMI can strengthen the management of a school in terms of transparency of its administration. Views from concerned parties such as teachers, parents and alumni can be sought before making important decisions.

’’The two students who were not admitted to S6 in their own school have secured places in other schools. Counselling services by our educational psychologists have been proposed to one of the students, but his parents declined our offer. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep closely in touch with the student and his parents. We are ready to give help at any time.

’’With regard to complaints about the school’s disciplinary and counselling services, the department will maintain contact with the school to look into the cases. We will offer professional advice accordingly.

”We are following up the two cases with the school but we do not comment on individual cases.”

Mr Kwan noted that a total of 289 schools have joined the SMI since 1991 when the initiative was first launched. The concept and spirit of SMI are well received by members of the public.

End

Hong Kong to participate in child abuse congress ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong will take part in the 11th International Congress of the Internationa! Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect to be held in Dublin, Ireland, from August 18 to 21.

A 12-member delegation, led by the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Ian Strachan, left for Belfast late last (Tuesday) night prior to attending the congress.

- 4 -

The delegates, comprising social workers from both government and nongovernment sectors, a clinical psychologist, a police officer and a Crown counsel, are all specialised in child abuse cases.

During their short stay in Belfast, they will visit child care and family centres, and a police unit that deals in sexual offences investigations.

In the Dublin congress which will be attended by representatives from many countries, the Hong Kong team will present a paper on multi-disciplinary approach to child protection.

End

New HKMA Executive Director (Reserves Management) appointed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

The Financial Secretary has appointed Miss Amy Yip York-tak as the new Executive Director to head the Reserves Management Department of Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), it is announced today (Wednesday).

Miss Yip will replace Mr John Nugee, who will leave HKMA tomorrow (Thursday) to return to the Bank of England, from where he has been on secondment to the Hong Kong Government and HKMA since 1992.

Chief Executive of HKMA, Mr Joseph Yam, thanked Mr Nugee for the considerable contribution he had made in the management of the Exchange Fund over the past 3-3/4 years.

"We have benefited a great deal from the expertise and experience of Mr Nugee. The HKMA’s management of the Exchange Fund is professionally run and widely respected." he said.

"The Fund and our Foreign Exchange Reserves have shown excellent and sustained growth in the last few years. Much of the credit for this should go to Mr Nugee and the team he has built at the HKMA."

In welcoming Miss Yip to HKMA, Mr Yam said: "Miss Yip has many years of solid experience and distinguished record in the financial industry, with a specialisation in investment and fund management in the last 10 years.

"Her wide experience will undoubtedly be valuable to the HKMA, and her private sector experience will add to the HKMA’s expertise."

Miss Yip is currently a vice president of Citibank N A She will join HKMA on October 1.

Following is a curriculum vitae of Miss Yip:

Miss Yip was educated in Hong Kong and the US. She received her MBA degree from Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts.

She spent eight years with J P Morgan before joining Rothschild Asset Management in 1988 as Executive Director.

In 1991, Miss Yip joined Citibank N A and was Business Manager for five years before taking up her current post in March this year as Planning Director, Citibank Private Bank, Asia Pacific.

End

"Backbone" of Route 3-Kwai Chung Viaduct in place *****

The "backbone" of the Route 3-Kwai Chung Viaduct (KCV) has been formed after the last of the 954 precast U-shape overhead beams for the elevated expressway was lifted into position today (Wednesday).

The KCV is part of the Airport Core Programme and will form part of the expressway link to the new airport being built at Chek Lap Kok. With all the 954 U-beams in place, construction of the dual four-lane three-kilometre viaduct has reached a major milestone since work began in 1993.

The KCV straddles the busy Kwai Chung Road and Container Port Road from Lai King to Mei Foo. With a width of up to 65 metres, it is the widest viaduct structure ever built in Hong Kong.

Work on lifting the heavy concrete U-beams into position started 18 months ago, and this was by no means an easy job.

The U-beams are up to 160 tonnes in weight and 38 metres in length. Due to their size and weight, manoeuvring them, mainly at night, required skill and expertise.

Highways Department’s Chief Engineer in charge of the Route 3 project, Mr Duncan Siu, said that an innovative manoeuvring method had been adopted for the job. The method required a special transport vehicle to move the U-beams from the casting yard to the location of beam erection under police escort. Then a 103-metre long tailor-made launching girder was used for lifting and positioning the U-beams. The girder is self-propelled and can be moved along the column crossheads to suit job requirements.

’’This method has removed the need for a lot of temporary supports which would otherwise be required for traditional cast-in-situ construction which would cause disruption and inconvenience on the busy Kwai Chung Road. Using this method, the U-beams have been put in place more quickly with up to nine beams placed in one night, thereby shortening the total construction period. It also has the advantage of minimising disruption to vehicular traffic and allowing all lanes to remain open to traffic during the day,” Mr Siu noted.

With all the U-beams in place, overhead construction works for the bridge deck will continue, and extensive ground-level works, such as drainage connections, laying of the road surface and landscaping will now commence.

In conjunction with the viaduct construction, an elevated airport railway structure of total length 3.6 kilometres comprising some 2,000 precast segmental units, each of weight up to 80 tonnes, was completed last month for handing over to the MTRC for track-laying works.

The KCV will also greatly ease traffic flow in the Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi and Container Port areas when it is opened to traffic.

The viaduct will provide an expressway link to the West Kowloon Expressway and the Western Harbour Crossing to the south leading to Hong Kong Island. To the west, the KCV will link up with the Lantau Fixed Crossing via the Route 3 Rambler Channel Bridge and Cheung Ching Tunnel, leading to the new airport at Chek Lap Kok and Tung Chung new town.

End

Night closure of Tuen Mun Road for blasting modified *****

The night closure of Tuen Mun Road Ting Kau section for rock blastings will be modified from Friday (August 16) after a review on a trial scheme held between 1 am and 1.30 am on August 1 and 2, the Transport Department announces today (Wednesday).

The closure is to facilitate rock blasting operation under the Ting Kau Bridge and Approach Viaduct Project.

The traffic diversion operation for rock blastings will begin 30 minutes earlier and finish 15 minutes later. The modified programme will commence on Friday.

Under the modified scheme, Tuen Mun Road Tuen Mun-bound between Tsuen Wan and Sham Tseng Interchange will be fully closed from 0.30 am to 1.45 am on the day.

Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound between Sham Tseng Interchange and Tsuen Wan will be fully closed between 0.30 am and 5 am on Friday for the clearing road surfaces after blasting.

As a result of the full closure of Tuen Mun Road, the following access roads to Tuen Mun Road will also be temporarily closed on Friday for the periods specified:

* Tsuen Wan Road Tuen Mun-bound between its exit slip road to Hoi Hing Road Roundabout and Tuen Mun Road between 0.30 am and 1.45 am;

* the slip road from Hoi Hing Road Roundabout to Tsuen Wan Road Tuen Mun-bound between 0.30 am and 1.45 am;

♦ the slip road from Castle Peak Road to Tuen Mun Road Tuen Mun-bound between 0.30 am and 1.45 am; and

* the slip road from Castle Peak Road to Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound at Sham Tseng Interchange between 0.30 am and 5 am.

During the closure of Tuen Mun Road Tuen Mun-bound between 0.30 am and 1.45 am, all vehicles including public buses, green minibuses and New Territories taxis in Tsuen Wan heading for Tuen Mun should use Hoi Hing Road, Hoi On Road and Castle Peak Road until reaching Sham Tseng Interchange where they can access to Tuen Mun Road Tuen Mun-bound.

Motorists on Castle Peak Road heading for Tuen Mun should remain on the road until reaching Sham Tseng Interchange for access to Tuen Mun Road Tuen Mun-bound.

When the Kowloon-bound carriageway of Tuen Mun Road closes between 0.30 am and 5 am, all vehicles including public buses, green minibuses and New Territories taxis on Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound heading for Tsuen Wan will be diverted to Castle Peak Road via Sham Tseng Interchange.

At the same time, motorists on Castle Peak Road heading for Tsuen Wan should remain on the road as access to Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound at Sham Tseng Interchange will be banned.

To better prepare for the blastings, a section of the Kowloon-bound slow lane of Tuen Mun Road near Ting Kau will be closed from 8 pm on Friday to 6 am the next morning.

End

Business prospects for the second half of 1996 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Manufacturers generally expect the volume of orders to remain stable in the second half of 1996 compared with the same period in 1995, according to the results of a recent half-yearly business prospects survey released today (Wednesday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

Analysed by manufacturing industry, manufacturers in the electronic and electrical products and electrical machinery industries, the printing industry and the fabricated metal products industry expect a moderate increase in volume of orders.

On the other hand, manufacturers in the wearing apparel industry and the textiles industry anticipate a slight decrease in volume of orders.

In general, manufacturers expect capacity utilisation to remain stable in the second half of 1996 compared with the first half. Profit margins, however, are foreseen to be lower in the second half of 1996 compared with the same period a year ago.

Exporters anticipate a slight increase in both the values of domestic exports and re-exports in the second half of 1996 compared with the same period last year. Bankers are generally more optimistic than exporters. They expect a more notable increase in the value of total exports in the second half of 1996.

Looking ahead, construction firms generally expect a moderate increase in the volume of construction output in the second half of 1996 compared with the same period in 1995.

The Business Prospects Survey is held on a half-yearly basis, covering about 300 firms from major manufacturing industries, the import/export trades, the banking industry and the construction sector.

•. ।

It collects views of firms on the short-term prospects of the various major business sectors covered and aims at providing a quick reference, with a minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term future economic performance of Hong Kong.

A spokesman of the department pointed out that in a survey of this nature, the results should be interpreted with caution as it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents' perception of the future accords with the underlying trends.

The survey results are published in greater detail in the Report on Half-yearly Business Prospects Survey, July 1996, which is now available for sale at $13 a copy at the Government Publications Sales Centre, Low Block, ground floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

It is also available at the Census and Statistics Department Publications Unit, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Regular subscription may also be arranged.

Enquiries about the survey results may be made to the General Economic Surveys Section of the Census and Statistics Department on 2805 6642.

End

Fresh water cut in Yau Tong *****

The fresh water supply to some premises in Yau Tong will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Saturday (August 17) to 6 am the following day for waste detection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect all premises in Ko Fai Road, Shung Tak Wai, Tung Yuen Street, Shung Wo Path and Yan Yue Wai.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (^million)

Opening balance in the account 1,527 0930 +435

Closing balance in the account 1,952 1000 +435

Change attributable to : 1100 +435

Money market activity +425 1200 +435

LAF today NIL 1500 +435

1600 +425

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 *+0.0* 14.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.96 2 years 2808 6.00 99.84 6.18

1 month 5.03 3 years 3907 6.80 100.93 6.55

3 months 5.17 5 years 5106 7.23 101.09 7.08

6 months 5.30 7 years 7305 7.60 101.63 7.42

12 months 5.62 5 years M502 7.30 100.27 7.35

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $13,118 million

Closed August 14, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Thursday, August 15,1996

Contents Page No.

Transcript of the acting Governor’s media session............................ 1

Two countries resume acceptance of HKCI...................................... 2

Acting Governor sees Highways Department’s work.............................. 2

Statistics on trade involving outward processing in China.................... 3

214 VMs depart on orderly repatriation flights............................... 7

Monitors’ report submitted to CS............................................. 7

Grading of beach water quality............................................... 7

Air quality report for July............................................ 11

Post offices to close on Liberation Day holidays............................ 12

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results................................. 12

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations........................ 13

Transcript of the acting Governor's media session ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to reporters by the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after visiting the Highways Department this (Thursday) afternoon:

Question: Why was the meeting between you and Liu Zhenwu cancelled?

Acting Governor: This is a working visit like previous military visits. The arrangements have been made through the Joint Liaison Group on both sides. And the last visit by General Liu was very successful. I'm sure this one will be equally successful. The main purposes of these visits are of course to give the Chinese side -General Liu and his colleagues - a better understanding of how the Government operates and in particular how the British garrison operates in Hong Kong. I'm afraid that on this occasion there won't be an opportunity to meet with General Liu, but I'm sure he will be visiting Hong Kong quite regularly in future and I'm sure that at some time soon we will meet.

Question: (on guidelines issued to civil servants)

Acting Governor: Several points I want to make. First of all I think the important thing from the civil service point of view and from the wider community's interest point of view is that we maintain the political neutrality of the civil service. What we attempt to do within the civil service is to strike a proper balance -- it's not an easy balance to strike -- but I think we've got the balance just about right between the rights of individual civil servants and the public interest. I'm particularly keen not to place civil servants in an invidious position; I'm particularly keen to avoid any potential conflict of interest. The guidelines that we have issued have of course applied ever since 1990 I believe, so they are nothing new. And on the whole judging from the comments of those groups involved, I would just repeat that I think we’ve got the balance about right.

End

Two countries resume acceptance of HKCI *****

Two countries - the United Arab Emirates and Hungary - have resumed acceptance of the Hong Kong Certificate of Identity (HKCI) for visa purposes, the Government announces today (Thursday).

"With immediate effect, the HKCI is acceptable to the United Arab Emirates Government for visit visa purpose for up to 14 days," the spokesman said.

"As for Hungary, the Hungarian authorities will enter visas directly in HKCI with effect from next month (September) on a date yet to be determined.

"As an interim measure, Hungarian embassies will issue visas to holders of HKCI on separate 'Confirmations of Identity'."

The spokesman welcomed the measures taken by the governments of the two countries.

"The efforts made by the Hong Kong Government in securing the recognition of the HKCI by other countries reflect the great importance it attaches to the convenience of travel for Hong Kong residents which has an important bearing on the economy of Hong Kong.

"The measures are beneficial to the development of trade, business and tourism between Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates as well as Hungary," he said.

The spokesman stressed that the Government would continue to strive for a greater degree of travel convenience for holders of the British National (Overseas) and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports and HKCI.

End

Acting Governor sees Highways Department's work

*****

The acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, visited the Highways Department this (Thursday) afternoon to see for herself the work of the department.

She was greeted by the Director of Highways, Mr Leung Kwok-sun, and the Deputy Director of Highways, Mr Hsu Tse-lin.

While touring the offices, she was briefed by the department’s directorate staff on the works of their respective areas, including airport and port access projects, Lantau fixed crossing project and major works projects such as Tuen Mun Road improvement works. Hung Hom bypass and Lung Cheung Road/Ching Cheung Road improvement works.

Models of some of these projects were also inspected by Mrs Chan.

Mrs Chan was also briefed on the recent and future development of railway developments in the territory and called on the department’s Reporting Centre and Emergency Control Centre.

After the tour in Highways Department headquarters, Mrs Chan went to the Princess Margaret Hospital Government School of General Nursing and Quarters to obtain an updated brief from Highways officials on Airport Core Programme works in Kwai Chung.

End

Statistics on trade involving outward processing in China *****

In the first quarter of 1996, 43% of Hong Kong’s total exports to China were for outward processing; the figure was 71% for domestic exports, and 39% for re-exports.

On the other hand, 82% of Hong Kong’s imports from China were related to outward processing, according to statistics released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

Over the same period, 86% of Hong Kong’s re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China were produced through outward processing in China.

The corresponding proportions in the first quarter of 1995 were 49% for total exports to China, 68% for domestic exports to China, 45% for re-exports to China, 76% for imports from China and 83% for re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China.

To provide a better understanding of the nature and importance of outward processing in China initiated by Hong Kong firms, the Census and Statistics Department has been conducting a sample survey as from the third quarter of 1988 to distinguish Hong Kong’s exports to China into those which are for outward processing and those which are not.

The scope of the survey has been extended as from the first quarter of 1989 to segregate Hong Kong’s imports from China into those which are related to outward processing and those which are not. Starting from the first quarter of 1991, the scope of the survey has further been extended to cover Hong Kong's re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China.

The results for the first quarter of 1996 are now available.

In value terms, $45,483 million of Hong Kong's total exports to China in the first quarter of 1996 were for outward processing, representing a decrease of 4% over the first quarter of 1995. The value of domestic exports to China for outward processing decreased by 1% to $8,915 million while the value of re-exports to China for outward processing dropped by 4% to $36,568 million.

Over the same period of comparison, the value of imports from China related to outward processing increased by 12% to $98,117 million. On the other hand, $116,587 million of Hong Kong's re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China were produced through outward processing in China, representing an increase of 11%.

For the purpose of the survey, exports to China for outward processing refer to raw materials or semi-manufactures exported from or through Hong Kong to China for processing with a contractual arrangement for subsequent re-importation of the processed goods into Hong Kong.

Imports from China related to outward processing refer to processed goods imported from China of which all or part of the raw materials or semi-manufactures have been under contractual arrangement exported from or through Hong Kong to China for processing.

Re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China involving outward processing in China refer to processed goods re-exported through Hong Kong of which all or part of the raw materials or semi-manufactures have been exported from or through Hong Kong to China for processing with a contractual arrangement for subsequent re-importation of the processed goods into Hong Kong.

In interpreting the statistics, it should be noted that the value and proportion of imports from China and re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China involving outward processing in China refer to those of the entire goods instead of just the value added contributed by outward processing in China.

A sample of trade declarations in respect of Hong Kong's trade with China (domestic exports and re-exports to China, and imports from China) as well as Hong Kong's re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China is selected for enumeration to obtain the required information from the establishments concerned.

A spokesman for the Census and Statistics Department explained that under the internationally accepted system of recording trade flows, all movements of goods (except transhipments and goods-in-transit) across the border, whether for outward processing or not, were recorded as external trade. Thus the movements of goods associated with outward processing are correctly included in the regular trade statistics.

The findings of the survey, however, facilitate a more informed analysis of the nature of Hong Kong-China trade. In this respect, the survey results are a useful supplement to the regular trade statistics.

The above survey results will be included in the June 1996 issue of the Hong Kong External Trade. This report will be on sale by the end of August at the Government Publications Sales Centre, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, ground floor, 66 Queensway, and at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, at $122 a copy.

Enquiries on the survey results may be directed to the Trade Surveys and Research Section of the Census and Statistics Department on 2582 5037.

- 6 -

The estimates for the first quarter of 1996 and the corresponding changes over the same period in 1995 are summarized in the following table :-

ESTIMATED VALUE AND PROPORTION OF TRADE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, 1ST QUARTER OF 1996_____________________

1st atr. -1996 (HKD Mn.) Percentage change over 1st otr. 1995

(%)

Total trade value * :

Total exports to China 105,274 + 8.0

Domestic exports to China 12,622 - 4.7

Re-exports to China 92,652 + 10.0

Imports from China 119,743 + 4.3

Re-exports of China origin 135,772 + 7.4

to all countries ocher than China

Estimated value involving outward

Total exports to China

Domestic exports to China

Re-exports to China

Imports from China

Re-exports of China origin to all countries other than China

processing in China :

45,483 - 3.8

8,915 - 1.4

36,568 - 4.4

98,117 +11.8

116,587 +10.5

Estimated proportion involving outward processing in China :

1st 1st

qtr. qtr.

1996 1995

(%) (%)

Total exports to China 4 3.2 48.5

Domestic exports to China 70.6 68.3

Re-exports to China 39.5 45.4

Imports from China 81.9 76.5

Re-exports of China origin 85.9 83.4

to all countries other

than China

* The value excludes commodities and transactions not classified according to kind.

End

214 VMs depart on orderly repatriation flights ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Two groups totalling 214 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) returned by air to Hanoi, Vietnam, today (Thursday) on the 51st and 52nd flights under the Orderly Repatriation Programme (ORP).

All of the returnees, comprising 96 men, 48 women, 41 boys and 29 girls, are from North Vietnam.

The majority of them arrived in Hong Kong in 1988 and 1989, with the remaining in 1991.

The two groups brought the total number repatriated on ORP flights to 4,804 since November 1991.

End

Monitors' report submitted to CS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The monitors appointed to observe the Orderly Repatriation Programme operation this (Thursday) morning have submitted their report to the Chief Secretary.

The two monitors comprised a non-official Justice of the Peace, Mr Lo King-man; and a representative from a non-government organisation, Mr Thierry Taveaux from Medecins Sans Frontieres.

End

Grading of beach water quality ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (Thursday) announced the latest gradings of Hong Kong's beaches, based on the bacteriological water quality, for the 1996 swimming season.

The purpose of the grading system is to inform swimmers and the general public about the state of bacteriological pollution at various beaches.

The grading will be announced biweekly during the bathing season to coincide with the frequency at which beach waters are usually sampled.

The grading is based on the most recent E coli data obtained by EPD in its routine monitoring programme.

As with last year, the grading also includes an estimate of the risk of suffering some minor skin or gastrointestinal complaints as a result of swimming at a beach which has some degree of pollution.

The estimate is based on a large body of statistical information gathered in Hong Kong in recent bathing seasons.

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 suggested 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,” Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Patrick Lei, 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 whether or not to close a beach to swimmers is based on a judgement of what degree of pollution is acceptable.

Normally, the closure of a beach would only be considered by the Urban or Regional Council if a grade "4" occurred repeatedly, so that the average health risk over the bathing season exceeded 15 cases per 1,000 swimmers.

At present five gazetted beaches, namely Anglers', Approach, Castle Peak, Rocky Bay and Ting Kau, are closed to swimmers, while Old Cafeteria is re-opened.

The decision to open or close the beaches has been made by the Regional and Urban Councils on the basis of beach water quality monitoring data for 1995. The public are advised not to swim at the closed beaches.

The grades of the bacteriological water quality of various beaches in Hong

Kong today are listed below :

Beach Previous Grading (as at 1.8.96) Present Grading (as at 15.8.96)

Hong Kong South

Big Wave Bay (S) 2 3

Chung Hom Kok (S) 1 1

Deep Water Bay (S) 1 1

Hairpin (S) 2 2

Middle Bay (S) 2 2

Repulse Bay (S) 1 1

Shek O (S) 2 3

South Bay (S) 1 1

St Stephen’s (S) 2 1

Turtle Cove (S) 2 2

Stanley Main (S) 2 2

Tuen Mun District

Golden Beach 2 3

Old Cafeteria 3 3

New Cafeteria 2 3

Kadoorie (S) 3 3

Butterfly (S) 3 3

Sai Kung District

Clear Water Bay 1st Beach (S) 2

Clear Water Bay 2nd Beach (S) 2

Hap Mun Bay (S) 1

Kiu Tsui (S) 1

Silverstrand (S) 3

Trio (Hebe Haven) (S) 2

2 2

Islands District

Cheung Sha Upper 1 1

Cheung Sha Lower 3 3

Discovery Bay* 2 2

Hung Shing Yeh 1 1

Kwun Yam Wan 1 2

Tong Fuk 2 1

Lo So Shing 1 1

Pui O 2 2

Silvermine Bay 3 3

Tung Wan, Cheung Chau (S) 1 1

Tsuen Wan District

Casam (S) 3 4

Gemini 4 4

Hoi Mei Wan 3 3

Lido (S) 4 4

Tung Wan, Ma Wan 2 2

Note : * Non-gazetted beaches.

(S) The beach has a shark-prevention net installed.

The following beaches have changed grading on this occasion:

St Stephen's and Tong Fuk from "2" to "1"; Silverstrand from "3" to "2"; Kwun Yam Wan from "1" to ”2"; Big Wave Bay, Shek (), New Cafeteria and Golden Beach from "2" to "3"; Casam from "3" to "4".

The changes are within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of these beaches.

End

Air quality report for July ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Environmental Protection Department today (Thursday) released air quality information for July.

The purpose of the announcement is to keep the public informed of the air quality levels in the territory and to explain the measurements.

The announcement contains monitoring results from Mongkok, Central/Westem and Kwai Chung, which represent three important land use types in the territory:

♦ locations close to road traffic in built-up urban areas,

♦ combined commercial and residential districts, and

♦ districts close to industrial areas.

The reported air pollutants include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total suspended particulates (TSP) which comprise all sizes of dust particles, and the respirable fraction of the dust (RSP). All these pollutants can affect respiratory health in sufficient concentration.

Air quality was poor on July 26. The Mongkok station recorded the highest TSP and RSP levels of the month. On the same day, the air pollution index (API) for the industrial area reached 118 and those for the urban and new development areas approached the unhealthy limit of 100.

The elevated API level was due to a high level of ozone, which was formed by the reaction of vehicle emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, in the presence of strong sunlight.

The gases and particles described originated 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, and by the atmospheric oxidation of nitric oxide (NO), also a product of combustion.

Vehicle exhaust is an important source of NO and NO2 in terms of impact on local air quality. It is also a major source of airborne particulate matter, especially the smaller respirable particles.

Diesel-engined vehicles such as taxis, public light buses, passenger coaches, franchised buses and light and heavy goods vehicles are the greatest contributor of particulate matter. Other sources include industry, furnaces and boilers, construction activities, the sea and the soil.

It is worth noting that while 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.

End

Post offices to close on Liberation Day holidays ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The acting Postmaster General, Mr P C Luk, today (Thursday) announced that all post offices would be closed during the forthcoming Liberation Day holidays from August 24 to 26.

A special mail delivery will be made on August 24, but not on August 25 and 26.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results

*****

Tender date 15 Aug 1996

Paper on offer MTRC notes

Issue number M503

Amount applied HK$ 1,205 MN

Amount allotted HKS500 MN

Average price (yield) accepted 99.89 (7.513 PCT)

Lowest price (yield) accepted 99.80 (7.535 PCT)

Pro rata ratio About 68 PCT

Average tender price (yield) 99.70 (7.560 PCT)

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

S million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,952 0930 +8

Closing balance in the account 1,886 1000 +8

Change attributable to : 1100 +8

Money market activity +24 1200 +8

LAF today -90 1500 +24

1600 +24

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.1* 15.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.92 2 years 2808 6.00 99.83 6.18

1 month 5.00 3 years 3907 6.80 100.94 6.55

3 months 5.15 5 years 5106 7.23 101.05 7.09

6 months 5.28 7 years 7305 7.60 101.65 7.42

12 months 5.60 5 years M502 7.30 100.40 7.31

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $4,976 million

Closed August 15, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Friday, August 16,1996

Contents Eagfelk.

Government statement on possible judicial review by SNEOA.............. 1

Report on MTRC incidents published........................................... 2

Gross national product preliminary estimates released........................ 3

Access to TV and radio air time by Preparatory Committee............... 9

New postage rates effective from September 2........................... 9

Domestic export statistics by industrial origin........................ 11

Sir Roger Lobo re-appointed as BA Chairman............................. 14

Exhibition on slope maintenance to start on Sunday..................... 15

/Study on......

Contents Page No,

Study on metals and light engineering industries underway................. 16

Release of S6 central allocation results.............................. 17

Stamp sheetlet to mark HK Olympic Team's success to be issued......... 18

Engineering works for Peng Chau development........................... 18

Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan amended..................................... 19

Construction of rest garden in Kwun Tong tenders invited.................. 20

Shenzhen River flood prevention works tenders invited..................... 21

Fresh water cut in Causeway Bay........................................... 22

Construction of CSD quarters in Sai Kung ................................. 23

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................... 23

Government statement on possible judicial review by SNEOA

*****

The Government regrets the decision of the Senior Non-Expatriate Officers Association to seek a judicial review of the guidelines issued by the Civil Service Branch about civil servants serving on the Selection Committee, a government spokesman said this (Friday) evening.

He said the government considered it was important that senior, and certain other groups of civil servants, should refrain from participating in overt political activities.

"Civil service must remain politically neutral to ensure that government business is and is seen to be conducted impartially. An impartial and apolitical civil service is a cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. This is a point widely recognised by all sides," he said.

The spokesman emphasised that participation in the Selection Committee was overt political activity. It was not simply voting anonymously with tens of thousands of others. Persons wishing to serve needed to nominate themselves and would go through a selection procedure, he pointed out.

"And by serving, they accept the role of choosing a candidate for Chief Executive and of choosing people to serve on a provisional legislature.

"Members of the Selection Committee would also be constantly in the spot light, asked for their views on candidates and policies," he said.

The spokesman reiterated that the government guidelines were fair, struck a reasonable balance and were lawful.

He said the government would need to see the terms of the challenge before it could comment further.

End

Report on MTRC incidents published ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The report of the independent investigation conducted by the Deputy Chief Inspecting Officer of the United Kingdom Railway Inspectorate, Mr Alan Cooksey, was released by the Government today (Friday).

Mr Cooksey was in Hong Kong at the request of the Government to look into the Mass Transit Railway Corporation’s (MTRC) recent train disruptions including the incident of a rail crack on July 25. He had also reviewed MTRC’s maintenance programme and assessed the system’s reliability and safety.

The acting Secretary for Transport, Mr Paul Leung, said he welcomed the findings and recommendations made by Mr Cooksey.

Mr Leung said he had forwarded a copy of the report to the MTRC Chairman and requested his response as soon as possible.

Mr Leung was pleased to note the railway expert’s opinion that the MTR system was efficient and safe.

He acknowledged, however, that it was reasonable for commuters to expect the best possible service from any public transport operator.

In this regard, he was confident MTRC would take on board the railway expert’s recommendations with a view to providing an even safer and a more reliable and efficient train service.

In his report, Mr Cooksey recommends, inter alia, that MTRC should:

(a) respond to incidents as expeditiously as possible through improved procedures;

(b) improve the ventilation system and passenger information and assistance provisions;

(c) develop a separate and less disruptive system to the existing Passenger Alarm Plunger to cater for passengers taken ill;

(d) continue to re-assess and revise their maintenance arrangements in the light of experience and technical developments;

(e) when embarking on major renewal and replacement, explain in advance the likelihood of some disruption and delay; and

(f) work with the relevant government departments to develop the MTR system to meet future demands.

Copies of the report, in English and Chinese, will be available for public inspection at public enquiry counters of all district offices next Friday.

End

Gross national product preliminary estimates released ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The preliminary estimates of Hong Kong's overall gross national product (GNP) for 1994 was $1,020.5 billion, the Government releases the figure today (Friday), also announces that an investigatory study on compiling a complete balance of payments (BoP) account for the territory will soon be launched.

The estimate is obtained by adding the estimate of Hong Kong residents' net income from abroad for 1994 ($7.9 billion) to the GDP estimate for 1994 ($1,012.6 billion).

Comparing 1994 with 1993, GNP in nominal terms shows a growth of 12.4%. This compares with the nominal growth of 12.8% for GDP over the same period.

GNP is compiled by adjusting GDP by: (a) adding total income earned by Hong Kong residents from outside Hong Kong, and (b) subtracting total income earned by non-Hong Kong residents from within Hong Kong.

Estimates of real gross national product (RGNP), which are obtained from GNP estimates by discounting changes in prices, show a growth of 4.9% between 1993 and 1994. This is slightly lower than the growth rate of 5.3% in GDP at constant prices over the same period.

"GNP figures were released last year for the first time, in respect of the reference year 1993. With figures now available for 1994. growth rates can be worked out for both nominal GNP and RGNP.

’’When a longer time series of GNP is available, it will become a useful explanatory variable in studies on various income related economic phenomena such as consumption demand, investment intention and inflation,” said the Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Frederick Ho.

With reference to the estimated mid-year population of Hong Kong in 1994, per capita GNP for that year was $168,353. The corresponding figure for per capita GDP was $167,055.

Based on the latest results of the survey of external factor income flows, which is the main source of data for compilation of GNP, total factor income inflow into Hong Kong in 1994 was $374 billion (or 36.9% of GDP), representing an increase of 18.1% in nominal terms over 1993, while total factor income outflow in 1994 was $366.1 billion (or 36.2% of GDP), representing an increase of 19.5% in nominal terms.

’’The fast increase in income inflow and outflow reflects the ever increasing economic linkage between Hong Kong and the rest of the world," said Mr Ho.

Of total income earned in 1994 by Hong Kong residents from outside the territory, direct investment income (DII) accounted for 30.5% (or $114 billion), portfolio investment income (PII) for 17.9% (or $67 billion), other investment income (Oil) for 51.6% (or $192.9 billion) and compensation of employees (CE) for 0.04%.

Of total income earned in 1994 by non-Hong Kong residents from within the territory, DII accounted for 46.2% (or $169.2 billion), PII for 6.1% (or $22.3 billion), Oil for 47.7% (or $174.6 billion) and CE for 0.04%.

"The above estimates of GNP and external factor income flows for 1994 are only preliminary figures based on survey results obtained so far. Minor revision is expected in due course and final figures for 1994 will be available by March 1997," Mr Ho said.

With a view to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre with a high degree of transparency, and enhancing such image, the Government is considering to compile a complete BoP account for Hong Kong, and it has been decided that an investigatory study will be launched very soon to establish methods for the compilation.

"For many years, Hong Kong has been compiling statistics on external transactions of goods and services, and from 1993 statistics on external factor income flows.

’’While the availability of data on external factor income flows and GNP estimates represents a big step towards providing a better coverage of key economic and financial data, there has been an increasing demand for complete BoP statistics for Hong Kong,” Mr Ho continued.

A BoP account can be broadly described as a systematic statistical record of an economy’s external transactions during a specific period, typically a year or quarter.

A complete BoP account comprises (a) current account, that is all the goods and services, incomes and current transfers an economy receives from or provides to the rest of the world; and (b) capital and financial account, that is capital transfers and changes in an economy’s financial claims and liabilities.

"The existing statistical system already provides most of the data required for compiling the current account of the BoP account, with the exception of data on current transfers. With some further extension, a complete current account can be established," said Mr Ho.

"Current transfers refer to transactions in which an economy makes payments or gives donations or gifts, whether in cash or in kind, to another economy without receiving any value in return.

"Examples are workers’ remittances sent or received by residents to or from non-residents, and donations or gifts given or received by the government or residents to or from other governments or non-residents.

"The capital and financial account includes transfer of capital assets; transactions in an economy’s non-produced, non-financial assets such as patents and copyrights; and transactions in an economy’s external financial assets and liabilities.

"Thus data on the outflow and inflow of various kinds of investments (that is direct investment, portfolio investment and other investment) are needed.

"In this regard, relatively little data are available at present, apart from inward external direct investment and changes in foreign exchange reserves of the Exchange Fund.

"The investigatory study will aim at ascertaining the appropriate methods for collecting the necessary data, and the associated costs to the government, for the compilation of a complete BoP account for Hong Kong.

"BoP statistics are important for monetary and financial monitoring and policy deliberations in both territorial and international contexts.

"Such data are useful for analytical studies on income growth, external orientation of the economy, relationship between trade in goods and services and direct investment flows, links between the exchange rate and the current and financial accounts, and so on."

BoP statistics are now produced regularly in all industrialised economies and in most economies in the Asia-Pacific region. International organisations and research bodies as well as major credit rating agencies have repeatedly questioned the absence of a complete BoP account for Hong Kong.

Although data of transactions such as investment and transfers may be regarded as rather sensitive, Mr Ho stressed that the collection of such data would be purely for statistical and economic analysis purposes.

Hong Kong’s long standing policy of free flow of funds into and out of the territory will not be affected in any way by any statistical operation. Data relating to individual persons, households and establishments will be kept strictly confidential and only aggregate statistical information will be released.

Reporting burden may be another concern. Accordingly, appropriate reporting methods will be worked out by the Census and Statistics Department with prospective respondents to minimise reporting efforts required.

Mr Ho said the experience of the department in the collection of data for compiling GNP estimates indicated that through extensive consultation with relevant parties, respondents' concerns could be dispelled and their co-operation secured.

"The investigatory study will be launched in September and will take about 18 months to complete, incurring about $5.4 million.

"During the study, relevant business organisations in the local business community, including banks, securities dealers and other commercial and industrial establishments, will be fully consulted.

"Based on the study results, the Government will determine the way forward as regards implementation.

"Since it takes considerable time for making the necessary preparations, it is expected that new surveys for collecting the necessary data for completing the BoP account would not be launched earlier than 1998," said Mr Ho, urging all parties selected for consultation to give every co-operation to the investigatory study team.

Table 1 : Estimates of Gross National Product (GNP) and External Factor Income Flows (EFIF) by Income Component by Type of Transactors for 1993 and 1994 (At Current Market Prices)

tt ()

Type of Income Components Type of Transactors 1993 HKS million 1994* HKS million Yr-on-Yr % change

Direct Investment Income

Inflow Total 80,743 114,042 41.2

Banking 6,610 6,244 -5.5

Others* Mm* 74,133 107,798 45.4

Outflow Total 153,550 169,167 10.2

Banking 59,074 56,475 -4.4

Others* Mm* 94,475 112,692 19.3

Portfolio Investment Income

Inflow Total 68,656 66,963 -2.5

Banking 32,767 21,545 -34.2

Others* Mm* 35,889 45,418 26.6

Outflow Total 10,838 22,253 105.3

Banking 2,476 3,839 55.0

Others* Mm* 8,362 18,414 120.2

Other Investment Income Mm&»#A

Inflow Total 167,196 192,873 15.4

Banking san 163,696 187,189 14.4

Others* 3,500 5,684 62.4

Outflow Total 141,863 174,590 23.1

Banking iRfr 137,295 169,342 23.3

Others* Mm* 4,567 5,248 14.9

Compensation of Employees

Inflow Total 100 139 39.0

Outflow Total 100 139 39.0

Banking ssn 11 10 -9.1

Others* Mm* 89 129 44.9

Total EFIF

Inflow Total 316,696 374,017 18.1

Banking 203,073 214,978 5.9

Others* Mm* 113,622 159,039 40.0

Outflow Total 306,350 366,149 19.5

Banking IWf 198,857 229,665 15.5

Others* Mm* 107,494 136,484 27.0

Net Flow Total wao 10,345 7,868 i

Banking 4,217 -14,688 • «

Others* Mm* 6,129 22,556

GDP (HKS million) 897,463 1,012,585 12.8

Per capita GDP (HKS) 151,624 167,055 10.2

GNP (HKS million) 907,808 1,020,453 12.4

Per capita GNP (HKS) 153,372 168,353 9.8

(^7t)

Note: * Including households, government units, non-profit StW : institutions and companies other than those in the t$£B] •

banking business.

# Preliminary estimates. # •

< A?

Preliminary Estimates of Gross National Product (GNP) for 1994 (At Current Market Prices)

External Factor Income Flows

Gross Domestic Product HK$Bn

Net External Factor Income Inflow

HK$Bn

DII - Direct Investment Income

PH - Portfolio Investment Income

Oil - Other Investment Income

K'SSjflftA Note

CE - Compensation of Employees

HK$Bn

• j -t . ‘^r-

■' '■—•.I

» '"Fi

: Figures for compensation of employees are less than 0.5 HKSBn and not shown in the charts

End

Access to TV and radio air time by Preparatory Committee ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In response to press enquiries, a government spokesman today (Friday) said the Administration had received a request from the Preparatory Committee for provision of air time on radio and TV to publicise the formation of the Selection Committee.

"We have considered the request on the basis of our three established parameters for co-operation with the Preparatory Committee, and have informed the Preparatory Committee Secretariat that we could agree to their request," he said.

End

New postage rates effective from September 2 * ♦ * * ♦

The acting Postmaster General, Mr P C Luk, today (Friday) reminded the public that new postage rates would come into effect from September 2.

The basic rates for local letters and printed papers will be increased by 10 cents, that is, from $1.20 to $1.30 for letters and $1.10 to $1.20 for printed papers. The basic surface letters and printed papers rates to China, Macau and Taiwan will be increased by 10 cents to $1.60 and $1.40 respectively.

For surface mail to other destinations, a two-zone system similar to air mail will be introduced. For Zone 1 (mainly Asian countries except Japan), the basic rate for letters will be $2.30. For Zone 2 (rest of the world), the basic rate will be $2.60. For air mail, the basic rates for air letters will be $2.50 for Zone 1 and $3.10 for Zone 2. Aerogrammes will cost $2.30 each.

Mr Luk further announced that the parcel postage rates will also be revised with effect from the same date. The overall weighted average increase for parcel postage will be 9.3 per cent, which is 6 per cent below inflation since the last increase in September 1994.

The increase is necessary to meet the rising cost over the past two years due to inflation, increased staff costs and higher payments to overseas postal administrations.

Details of the revised letter and parcel postage rates can be obtained at branch post offices or by telephoning the Post Office Telephone Enquiry Bureau on 2921 2222.

• i

Arising from the postage revision, four new denominations of the current definitive stamps will be introduced on September 2. They are: $1.40, $1.60, $2.50 and $3.10.

On the same day, four reel stamps sold through the electronic stamp vending machines at the face value of $1.30, $1.60, $2.50 and $3.10 will be introduced. Also, three new types of stamp booklets, each containing 10 pieces of $1.30, $2.50 or $3.10 definitive stamps at a price of $13, $25 and $31 respectively, will be available on sale at all 7-Eleven convenience stores.

A first day cover to commemorate the issue of the four new denominations will be put on sale at all post offices from next Monday (August 19) at $1 each. Advance orders for serviced first day covers affixed with the four new stamps, cancelled with the September 2 postmark will be accepted at all post offices from August 19 to 28.

The minimum number of covers per order is five. Customers may also place advance order for special positions of the four new denominations at the following eight philatelic offices between August 19 and 21, and collect their orders on September 2 at the office where they have placed their orders:

Airport Post Office General Post Office Granville Road Post Office Harcourt Road Post Office Peak Post Office

Sha Tin Central Post Office Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office Tsuen Wan Post Office

Two presentation packs will be put on sale at all post offices on September 2. A low value presentation pack containing 13 low value definitive stamps, viz 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1, $1.20, $1.30, $1.40, $1.60, $2, $2.10, $2.50, $3.10 and $5 will be sold at $40 each.

A full range presentation pack containing all the low value definitive stamps and the $10, $20 and $50 stamps will be sold at $135.

Hand back service will be provided at all post offices on September 2 to all official and privately-made covers bearing the first day of issue indication.

As on previous occasions of first day issue of new stamps, the following 22 post offices will open at 8 am on September 2:

Hong-Kong

General Post Office, Aberdeen, Shau Kei Wan, Sai Ying Pun, Tsat Tse Mui, Wan Chai, Wah Fu

Outlying Islands

Cheung Chau

Kowloon

Tsim Sha Tsui, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon Central, Kowloon City, Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, To Kwa Wan.

New Territories

Yuen Long, Sha Tin Central. Sai Kung, Shek Wu Hui, Tuen Mun Central, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan.

End

Domestic export statistics by industrial origin

*****

In the second quarter of 1996, the four major industries of textiles; wearing apparel; machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components; and consumer electrical and electronic products together accounted for 67% of Hong Kong’s total domestic exports of manufactured goods, according to statistics released today (Friday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

In the second quarter of 1996, domestic exports of consumer electrical and electronic products, textiles, machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components, and wearing apparel decreased by 15%, 14%, 9% and 4% over a year earlier to $6.4 billion, $9.7 billion, $9.1 billion and $9.4 billion respectively.

More notable decreases in the value of domestic exports were also recorded for basic metals and fabricated metal products (-$258 million or -10%); professional and optical equipment(-$254 million or -6%); chemicals and chemical products (-$174 million or -8%).

For the footwear industry, although the change in absolute value was not as large, a marked percentage decrease of 54% was recorded.

Nevertheless, for the transport equipment industry and the petroleum and coal products industry, although the changes in absolute value were not as large, marked percentage increases of 32% and 31% were recorded respectively.

The above statistics of domestic exports classified by industrial origin are derived by re-grouping the merchandise export items originally grouped under the external trade classification system according to the industries in which these merchandise items are normally produced. Transactions in gold and specie are excluded.

The industrial classification used is the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HS1C). HSIC is to be distinguished from the United Nations Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) used in the regular trade statistics reports.

In comparison, HSIC is more related to production processes whereas SITC is more geared to end uses of products.

Caution should be taken when referring to these domestic export statistics classified by industrial origin. There may be several intermediate processing stages in the production of certain merchandise export items.

In compiling the above statistics, the total value of such an item has however been wholly related to the industry in which the item is finally produced. The above domestic export statistics of a particular industry may include products which are secondary products by establishments of other industries.

Further details of merchandise domestic export statistics classified by industrial origin may be found in the attached table which is obtainable from the General Economic Surveys Section of the Census and Statistics Department. Tel 2805 6642.

A table showing more detailed breakdowns of similar statistics for major manufacturing industries is also included in the Hong Kong External Trade, June 1996. report.

Domestic exports of manufactured goods classified by industrial origin for the second quarter of 1996

$ Million

Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports

1996 2nd qtr. 1995 2nd qtr. Value change % change

Food 677.1 686.4 -9.4 -1.4

Beverages 157.6 205.2 -47.6 -23.2

Tobacco manufactures 599.9 587.8 +12.1 +2.1

Textiles (including knitting) 9,734.0 11,305.1 -1,571.1 -13.9

Wearing apparel, except footwear 9,371.4 9,750.0 -378.6 -3.9

Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel 373.1 424.8 -51.7 -12.2

Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear 10.0 21.8 -11.7 -54.0

Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures 63.2 89.4 -26.3 -29.4

Paper and paper products, printing and publishing 2,108.9 2,157.5 -48.7 -2.3

Chemicals and chemical products 2,058.6 2,232.4 -173.8 -7.8

Products of petroleum and coal 8.6 6.6 +2.1 +31.3

Rubber products 17.3 22.3 -5.0 -22.2

Plastic products 1,205.6 1,281.9 -76.3 -6.0

Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal 97.9 128.3 -30.4 -23.7

Basic metals and fabricated metal products 2,348.1 2,606.0 -257.9 -9.9

Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components 9,087.6 9,974.9 -887.3 -8.9

Consumer electrical and electronic products 6,412.0 7,577.9 -1,165.9 -15.4

Transport equipment 31.1 23.6 +7.5 +31.6

Professional and optical equipment 3,814.2 4,068.1 -253.9 -6.2

Other manufacturing industries 3,306.3 3,413.9 -107.7 -3.2

Total 51,482.3 56,563.8 -5,081.5 -9.0

Notes: 1. Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated from unrounded figures.

2. The statistics presented in the above table are derived by re-grouping the merchandise export items (except gold and specie) under the external trade classification system according to the industries in which these items are normally produced. As from 1992, the Standard International Trade Classification, Revision 3 (SITC R3) has been adopted in place of the Revision 2 (SITC R2) for the classification of trade statistics. The above statistics may not be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.

General Economic Surveys Section, Census & Statistics Department, Hong Kong.

Tel. : 2805 6642

August 1996

’■’.ad

Sir Roger Lobo re-appointed as BA Chairman *****

The Governor has approved the re-appointment of Sir Roger Lobo as the Chairman of the Broadcasting Authority (BA), a spokesman for the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Branch said today (Friday).

"The re-appointment of the Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport as the Vice-chairman, and three other incumbent members have also been approved. Five new members have been appointed to replace retiring ones," he said.

The above appointments are published in the Government Gazette today and will take effect from September 1.

Expressing his gratitude to the five outgoing members, the Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mr Chau Tak-hay, said they had contributed a great deal to the work of BA.

BA's main functions are to make recommendations to the Govemor-in-Council on the licensing of broadcasting services and to maintain proper programme and advertising standards for television and radio broadcasting in Hong Kong.

The membership list of BA, with effect from September 1 is as follows:

Chairman

Sir Roger Lobo

Vice-chairman

Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport

Members

Mr Norman Leung Nai-pang

Mr Clement Tao Kwok-lau

Mrs Joyce Tai Poon Ching-sheung

Mr Johannes Chan Man-mun *

Mr William Francis Archambaud-Chao *

Mr Raymond Choy Wai-shek *

Mr John Lee Luen-wai ♦

Dr Sarah Mary Liao Sau-tung *

Deputy Secretary for Home Affairs

Director-General of Telecommunications

* New members

End

Exhibition on slope maintenance to start on Sunday

*****

A three-day exhibition on slope maintenance will be held at the China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui starting Sunday (August 18).

Organised by the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) of the Civil Engineering Department, the exhibition aims at promoting public awareness of the importance of regular slope maintenance.

Various aspects of proper slope maintenance will be introduced by means of colourful illustrations, photographs, charts and graphs.

Displays prepared by the Buildings Department to advice members of the public on how to handle Dangerous Hillside Orders will also be featured.

An educational video highlighting the need for property owners to maintain slopes within their lots will also be shown.

Visitors can take home leaflets on slope maintenance and GEO's hotline service, and the Layman's Guide to Slope Maintenance.

The exhibition will be open from 11.30 am to 9 pm on Sunday and from 10 am to 9 pm on Monday and Tuesday (August 19 and 20).

The same exhibition will be staged later at Hang Fa Chuen in Chai Wan (September 16 to 22). Luk Yeung Sun Chuen in Tsuen Wan (November 11 to 17) and Cheung Fat Estate in Tsing Yi (December 2 to 8).

End

Study on metals and light engineering industries underway ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Industry Department has commissioned the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and a consulting firm, Arthur D Little, to conduct a techno-economic and market research study on Hong Kong’s metals and light engineering industries (MLEI).

A contract for the study was signed today (Friday) by Assistant Director-General of Industry, Mr Sidney Chan, Branch Director (Material and Process) of HKPC, Dr S W Lui, and Manager of Arthur D Little, Mr Jeffrey MacCorkle.

Speaking at the contract-singing ceremony, Mr Chan said: ’’Increasing competition has made it necessary for Hong Kong's manufacturers to aggressively pursue measures for strengthening their capabilities, productivity and competitiveness.”

Mr Chan said the objectives of the study were to identify the strength and weakness of Hong Kong's MLEI and to find out the local, regional and global trends affecting the industries.

"It also seeks to identify opportunities to expand markets internationally for Hong Kong's MLEI products and to leverage technology and product development for increased value added," he said.

Under this study, the Hong Kong MLEI which include 13 industries are categorised into four groups, namely existing MLEI product industries, other product industries, components industry and supporting industries.

The existing MLEI product manufacturing sector incorporates machinery and equipment (industry and office machinery), watches and clocks, jewellery, optical goods, metal products and mould and die making.

Other product industries are normally not classified as MLEI, but require strong support from the components industry. These include office automation equipment, photographic goods, electrical appliances, audio and video equipment.

The components industry produces precision components by various manufacturing processes such as metal cutting, forming, and casting fabrication supported by mould and die making, metal finishing, the treatment and basic metals.

The techno-economic and market research study features, among other things, an "international market analysis" and "international assessment of competitors".

The study will not only review the receptiveness to Hong Kong's products by traditional markets such as North America, Europe and Japan but will also examine the opportunities in the potential of the other emerging markets such as Asia, People's Republic of China and South America. It will also analyse the competition with neighbouring countries.

In order to assist the MLEI to move up market and compete internationally, the study intends to adopt a "follow the world leader" strategy and will review the latest product and technology development from industry leaders such as USA, Europe, Japan.

The research study, to be completed in eight months' time, is the third of its kind initiated by the Industry Department.

Supported by a funding of $4.4 million from the department, the study will include desk research, statistical and financial analysis, interviews, mail surveys, meetings, presentations and recommendations.

End

Release of S6 central allocation results * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Current school year Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) students who applied for S6 central allocation are reminded to check their application results at any of the eight registration centres or district education offices from 9 am tomorrow (Saturday).

A total of 2,294 S5 students satisfying the minimum A-Level entry requirements have applied for the remaining 261 S6 places at Stage V.

Place was allocated on the basis of the applicants' HKCEE results, choice of school, match of streams and subjects, and requirements set out by the schools.

The Education Department reminded successful candidates should register with the allocated school before 1 pm tomorrow.

Students who were still unable to secure a place after the completion of Stage V might be able to get one at the beginning of the new school year in September because some successful students might decide not to take up their places by that time.

A list of schools with S6 places will be displayed and updated weekly at all district education offices throughout September.

Students should apply to these schools direct but admission will be entirely at the schools’ discretion.

End

Stamp sheetlet to mark HK Olympic Team’s success to be issued * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Post Office will issue a definitive stamp sheetlet in early October to congratulate the outstanding achievements of the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong at the Centennial Olympic Games, 1996, the acting Postmaster General, Mr P C Luk, announced today (Friday).

The Hong Kong Olympic Team, among other success, has won a gold medal in winsurfing (mistral).

As design and printing of stamp sheetlets took considerable lead time, it would be the earliest possible time the Post Office could achieve to release the stamp sheetlet, he said.

Further details and the exact date of release will be announced later.

End

Engineering works for Peng Chau development

*****

The Government intends to construct about 1,100 metres of seawalls and reclaim about 1.3 hectares of land within an area of about 9.4 hectares of foreshore and sea-bed at the east and south-west of Peng Chau.

A government spokesman said this would provide land for the proposed open space and road works.

Construction would start in late 1997 for completion in late 1999.

The extent of the area affected is described in a notice published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).

Any person who considers that he has an interest, right of easement in or over the foreshore and sea-bed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands on or before October 16.

The notice of such objection should describe the interest, right or easement of the objector and the manner in which he alleges he will be affected.

The notice (in both English and Chinese) together with related plans can be seen on notice boards posted near the site.

The plan can also be seen at the Lands Department Survey and Mapping Office, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road. Hong Kong (where copies can be purchased on order), and at the Islands District Office, 20th floor. Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong.

End

Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan amended

*****

The Town Planning Board today (Friday) announced amendments to the approved Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan.

The amendments involve the rezoning of two sites.

A site located at the junction of Yeung Uk Road and Ma Tau Pa Road, with an area of about 1.24 hectares, has been rezoned from 'commercial' to 'other specified uses' annotated 'hotel' to facilitate hotel development.

Another 0.96 hectare site which is located in Lo Wai, has been rezoned from 'open space' to 'village type development' to facilitate the implementation of a village expansion area.

The amendments also involve the notes for the 'commercial' zone have been deleted and a new set of notes for the 'other specified uses' annotated 'hotel' has been added.

The amendment plan (No S/TW/7) is available for public inspection until October 16 during normal office hours at:

Planning Department 16th floor, Murray Building Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong;

Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing and Sham Shui Po District Planning Office 27th floor, Tsuen Wan Government Offices

38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories; and

Tsuen Wan District Office

first floor, Tsuen Wan Station Multi-storey Carpark Building 174-208 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories.

Any person affected by the amendment plan may submit written objections to the Secretary of the Town Board, c/o Planning Department, 13th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, before October 16.

Copies of the draft plan can be purchased at the Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, and the Kowloon Map Sales Office, ground floor, 382 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

End

Construction of rest garden in Kwun Tong tenders invited

*****

The Architectural Services Department is inviting tenders for the construction of a rest garden at Shing Yip Street in Kwun Tong.

The project involves the development of a rest garden with an area of about 4,410 square metres and the erection of a single-storey public toilet building including electrical and mechanical installations.

Works will commence in November for completion in September 1997.

Tender forms and further particulars of both projects can be obtained from the Architectural Services Department, 34th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

Tender offers will close at noon on September 6.

End

Shenzhen River flood prevention works tenders invited

*****

The Drainage Services Department is inviting tenders for the second stage, Phase I works of the Shenzhen River training scheme which is aimed at preventing flooding in north-east New Territories.

A spokesman for the department said today (Friday) that works under the second stage would comprise widening and deepening of 6.6 kilometres of the river.

"To achieve this, a section of the existing border road between Lok Ma Chau and Tam Kon Chau and its security facilities are required to be relocated in advance," he said.

Works will involve construction of a 3.6 kilometre new border road, security fence and ancillary drainage works.

Construction will start in November for completion in September 1998.

Measures will also be implemented to minimise impact on the environment.

Details of the tender are contained in the Government Gazette published today.

The spokesman said since works of the first stage of the Shenzhen River Regulation project commenced in May last year, much progress had been made and over 60 per cent of Stage 1 works had so far been completed.

"Preparation for the Stage II of the project has been carried out in full cooperation with the Shenzhen Municipal Government." he added.

Tender form and further particulars may be obtained from the Chief Engineer, Land Drainage Division, Drainage Services Department, Kowloon Government Offices, 11th floor, 405 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

Tenders must be clearly marked and addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tender Board. They must be placed in the Government Secretariat tender box in the lift lobby on the lower ground floor, Central Government Offices (East Wing), Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong, before noon on September 6.

Late tenders will not be accepted.

End

Fresh water cut in Causeway Bay * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The fresh water supply to some premises in Causeway Bay will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on August 19 (Monday) to 6 am the following day for waste detection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect the following:

* Nos 1 and 2 Sports Road;

♦ Canal Road East;

* all even number premises between Nos 432 and 472 Hennessy Road;

* all odd number premises between Nos 53 and 99 Pervical Street;

* all even number premises between Nos 36 and 66 and odd number

premises between Nos 9 and 77 Leighton Road;

* No 6 Leighton Lane;

* Tang Lung Street;

* Russell Street;

♦ Sharp Street East;

♦ Yiu Wa Street; and

* Matheson Street.

End

Construction of CSD quarters in Sai Kung ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Architectural Services Department is inviting tenders for the construction of Correctional Services Departmental quarters at Pik Uk in Sai Kung.

The project comprises construction of three five-storey blocks to provide 60 departmental quarters with a total gross floor area of about 5,400 square metres, together with associated external and drainage works.

Construction is expected to commence in October for completion in January 1998. w' f k'' '

Forms of tender and further particulars can be obtained from the Architectural Services Department, 34th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

The closing date for tenders is noon on September 6.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,886 0930 +77

Closing balance in the account 2,160 1000 +77

Change attributable to : 1100 +74

Money market activity +74 1200 +74

LAF today +200 1500 +74

1600 +74

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 ♦+0.0* 16.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills Term EF notes/MTRC

Terms Yield Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.92 2 years 2808 6.00 99.78 6.21

1 month 5.01 3 years 3907 6.80 100.86 6.58

3 months 5.16 5 years 5106 7.23 100.91 7.12

6 months 5.30 7 years 7305 7.60 101.42 7.46

12 months 5.61 5 years M503 7.35 99.70 7.56

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $ 5,162 million

Closed August 16, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Saturday, August 17,1996

Contents Pa&e No,

Hong Kong people should know more about Basic Law................. 1

Clean and green gift design competition a success................. 2

Floating holiday reminder......................................... 3

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.............. 4

Sunday, August 18,1996

Contents Page No.

Redevelopment projects to help ease prison over-crowding.......... 5

Schools urged to help immigrant children from China............... 7

Office space for AIDS work application invited.................... 8

DGT to attend APEC Senior Officials Meeting in Davao.............. 9

Bulletin board system on careers information be introduced....... 10

Reservoir fishing season to begin next month.................. 11

Pavilion at Siu Sai Wan morning walk trail opens today........... 12

Fresh water cut in Kwai Chung.................................... 12

Flushing water cut on Tsing Yi Island............................ 13

Slope maintenance exhibition opens in Tsim Sha Tsui.............. 13

Hong Kong people should know more about Basic Law ♦ * * ♦ ♦

People in Hong Kong should acquaint themselves with the Basic Law as its provisions have a direct bearing to their way of life after 1997, the Convenor of the Publicity Sub-committee of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education, Mr Peter Lam, said today (Saturday).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Basic Law roving exhibitions organised by the Committee, Mr Lam said the Basic Law laid down the principles for the operation of the future Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

"The Basic Law includes a preamble, 160 articles and three annexes and prescribes the relationship between the central authorities and the HKSAR as well as the HKSAR's political, social, economic and cultural systems and policies.

"As the legal basis of the future HKSAR, the Basic Law is analogous to our mini-constitution," he said.

Mr Lam said one of the work emphases of the Committee this year was the promotion of the Basic Law.

A series of publicity programmes to arouse people's interest in understanding more about the Basic Law had been planned, of which the roving exhibitions would be the curtain-raisers, he said.

"The exhibitions will tour around Hong Kong in 18 locations including large shopping complexes, housing estate shopping centres as well as government office buildings in the next three months.

"Using colourful graphics and cartoons, the exhibitions aim to give people a general understanding of the provisions of the Basic Law in a direct and interesting way," Mr Lam said.

To enable the message to reach a wider cross-section of the community, a teleline service on the Basic Law and a number of civic education-related subjects will also be launched today.

"With the generous support of the Hong Kong Telecom, the public can dial the number 187 8816 to listen to a total of four stories on the Basic Law, good citizenship and equal opportunities free of charge," he said.

Mr Lam said work on other publicity programmes to promote the Basic Law was in full swing, adding that a TV publicity film and a radio programme would be in place later in the year.

"I hope that this year’s promotional efforts by the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education can serve as a catalyst to stimulate people’s awareness of the importance of the Basic Law to their future lives in the HK.SAR," Mr Lam said.

’’ While the promotional programme introduces the essentials of the Basic Law, the public should take the initiative to understand more by visiting the Civic Education Resource Centre which has a handsome collection of reference material on a wide range of civic education subjects.”

End

Clean and green gift design competition a success ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

One of the major activities organised under this year’s Clean and Green Scheme - the gift design competition - has been a success.

This was stated by the District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 303, Mr Phileas Fok, when speaking at the contest’s prize presentation ceremony this (Saturday) morning.

He said many participants not only took part in the physical work of keeping the countryside clean and green, but also joined the competition with the objective to promote proper use of resources and litter reduction.

"They had used waste material to design gift which could help members of the public to gain a better understanding on the importance of reducing litter and upkeeping a green countryside," said Mr Fok, thanking winners for their contribution to environmental protection.

The champion of the contest's youth section went to Ma Chi-wing, while Law Wing-yan and Wong Ka-man were first and second runners-up respectively.

In the children's section, Wong Yin-ping took top honours with Law Yuen-ting and Wong Hung-hung came second and third respectively.

The winning designs will be displayed at country park visitor centres and some of them may be used for souvenir production in the future.

Turning to the Clean and Green Scheme, Mr Fok said it had become increasingly popular among young people. A total of 9,700 youngsters had taken part in this year's scheme.

The Scheme is an educational and publicity programme organised by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) to enhance public awareness of keeping country parks clean and green.

Apart from the gift design competition, other activities organised between last December and April included the cleaning of country parks, guided tours and quizzes.

Also present at today’s presentation ceremony was AFD assistant director, Mr Frank Lau.

End

Floating holiday reminder ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Labour Department today (Saturday) reminded employers that the second floating holiday of this year falls on August 26, the last Monday of the month.

Under the Employment Ordinance, all employees should be granted their second floating holiday on this date if the employer has not fixed a date for it or if he has not requested it to be added to his paid annual leave.

In addition, an employee is entitled to be paid for that holiday if he has worked for his employer continuously for three months or longer before the holiday.

Holiday pay should be equivalent to an employee’s earnings on a full working day and should include basic wages as well as allowances that can be expressed in money terms such as meals and cost of living allowances.

Where the earnings vary from day to day, holiday pay should be the average daily earnings during every complete wage period, which could be between 28 and 31 days, preceding the holiday.

If an employee is required to work on a statutory holiday, he must be given an alternative day off within 60 days before or after that day.

Enquiries about statutory holidays can be made at the Labour Department's General Enquiry Telephone Service on 2717 1771.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change ($ million)

Opening balance in the account 2,160 09:30 -200

Closing balance in the account 1,655 10:00 -200

Change attributable to: 11:00 -200

Money market activity -200 11:30 -200

LAF today -305

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.0*

17.8.96

End

Redevelopment projects to help ease prison over-crowding

* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Construction work is underway on two major projects which will provide some relief in the next few years to chronic overcrowding in Hong Kong's penal institutions.

The redevelopment at Stanley Prison area is being carried out in two phases at a total cost of around $1.15 billion and will provide accommodation for an additional 775 prisoners.

Overcrowding is serious in Stanley Prison, which was built in the 1930s, where the current prison population is 2,004 - about 27 per cent over the certified prison accommodation of 1,575.

A Correctional Services Department spokesman said it had long been considered essential that additional prison accommodation in Stanley Prison area should be provided to reduce the current shortfall.

"We have carried out minor redevelopment and upgrading works in other penal institutions to increase their capacity as far as possible. However, due to various constraints, mainly space limitations, it is neither possible nor cost-effective to cany out large-scale redevelopment works in other penal institutions.

"When the entire project is completed we will provide a medium security accommodation for 624 prisoners and additional accommodation for 151 category A prisoners, and this will allow us to alleviate the overcrowding in other prisons by redistributing inmates among various institutions," he said.

Under Phase One of the project, estimated to cost $204.5 million, an annex will be built at the Tung Tau Correctional Institution, which is a medium security prison next to Stanley Prison, to provide additional accommodation for 200 prisoners.

The existing dog kennels have been reprovisioned earlier this year to make way for this project which is scheduled for completion in September next year.

The existing hospital block inside Stanley Prison will also be reprovisioned to make way for the construction of a self-contained unit for category A prisoners.

This work is programmed to be completed in early 1998 as will refurbishment and alteration works to the main gate lodge of Stanley Prison to improve existing visiting access, reception and security facilities.

The football pitch adjacent to Stanley Prison is to be reprovisioned to make way for the construction of a new medium security prison. This work and site formation and preparatory works for the construction of departmental quarters and barracks accommodation are scheduled to be finished in early 1997.

Phase Two, estimated to cost $946.1 million, of the project, includes the construction of a self-contained unit for 256 category A prisoners, which is expected to be completed in early 1999, as will the new medium security prison for 424 prisoners.

Linking blocks for six existing cell blocks will also be built to upgrade security and improve operational efficiency. This work, scheduled to be finished in early 2000, will provide communal facilities including dining/day rooms with associated staff duty rooms, showers and stores.

Construction work on new staff quarters is scheduled to be completed in early 1999 and will provide accommodation for over 700 junior personnel and officers and their families.

The sewers of existing buildings at Stanley Prison and the new buildings under the project will be connected to the Stanley main sewers and treatment plant.

Meanwhile, the conversion of the Chi Ma Wan (Lower) Detention Centre into a drug addiction treatment centre (DATC) for women, at an estimated cost of nearly $15 million, will provide much-needed relief to the severe over-crowded situation in women penal institutions.

The Tai Lam Centre for Women which currently holds 594 prisoners is 126 per cent above its certified accommodation, while the Chi Ma Wan Correctional Institution with 665 inmates is 83 per cent above its certified accommodation and Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution with 251 prisoners is 57 per cent above its occupancy rate.

Work on the project at Chi Ma Wan Lower started at the beginning of this year and is scheduled to be completed at the end of this year. It is expected to become operational in early 1997 and will provide accommodation for 250 inmates.

Various facilities in the former detention centre have been renovated and upgraded to provide a vocational training/education complex, three workshops, improved kitchen facilities, a sick bay and clinic, shower rooms and changing space.

’’Among the female prison population, about 14 per cent are drug addicts and the number of such prisoners has been on the increase in recent years.

- 7 -

"We have noticed that there is a daily average of about 20 to 40 female offenders on remand in DATCs for assessment of their suitability for detention there.

"The increasing number of female offenders in this category has further stretched the existing staff resources and facilities at DATCs of Tai Lam Centre for Women and Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution," said the spokesman.

Chi Ma Wan Lower Detention Centre was originally a football field and was converted into a detention for Vietnamese migrants since 1978. It comprises 10 dormitories which will be converted into prison accommodation, workshops and other essential facilities required of a DATC.

"The open ground is ideal for the physical training of female drug addicts," the spokesman said.

End

Schools urged to help immigrant children from China ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Schools are encouraged to give appropriate assistance to pupils immigrated from China to help them overcome transient difficulties they may encounter.

Principal Education Officer (Services), Mr Chong Kwok-kit, said: "Given time and appropriate help, most of the difficulties faced by these children, such as speaking Cantonese dialect, understanding English or adjusting to the environment, can be overcome.

"Schools should be sensitive to their needs and potential problems before they become aggravated. Teachers should also be aware of the factors leading to learning or adjustment difficulties and provide appropriate assistance."

Support services including school guidance and counselling services, and remedial teaching are already available in schools to help these pupils, he said.

"School heads are also requested to inform them about induction and an extension programme on remedial teaching of English designed for new immigrant children from China.

"The courses are run by the Education Department through voluntary organisations which aim at helping them adapt to the local and school environment," said Mr Chong.

To help pupils experiencing more serious learning difficulties to cope with the curriculum, the department’s Services Division has organised resource classes, peripatetic teaching service, resource teaching centres and adjustment programmes.

Other support/assessment services provided by the division include psychological services, audiological services, services for pupils with visual problems and speech therapy services.

School heads are urged to make use of these services to help immigrant pupils overcome learning difficulties and adjustment problems.

They should also give parents of these children information on the services available so that they can seek appropriate support/assessment services whenever necessary.

Schools are encouraged to enlist parents’ co-operation and support and inform them of what they are doing or trying to do for their children, Mr Chong said.

End

Office space for AIDS work application invited ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Department of Health is inviting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on AIDS to apply for the use of office space in the Red Ribbon Centre scheduled to open in the third quarter of this year.

The Centre is a new project developed to promote community participation in AIDS education and research, to facilitate the development of research and quality education programmes on HIV/AIDS, and to provide an avenue to fight against the disease.

NGOs which organise activities or conduct programmes aiming at achieving either of the above objectives can submit their applications to the AIDS Unit of the Department of Health before September 16.

Applications will be judged mainly by the nature and scale of the activities, the applicants’ experience in organising activities, and their source of funding.

Interested parties can obtain a copy of the guide to the application for use of office space in Red Ribbon Centre from the AIDS unit for further information. Enquiries can be made on 2780 8622.

End

DGT to attend APEC Senior Officials Meeting in Davao ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Director-General of Trade, Mr Alan Lai, will depart for Davao, the Philippines, tomorrow (Monday) to attend this year's third senior officials meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to be held between August 21 and 23 to review progress in implementing the Osaka action agenda on free trade and investment.

Mr Lai will lead a Hong Kong delegation comprising officials from the Trade and Industry Branch, the Financial Services Branch, the Industry Department, the Department of Health and the Trade Department.

The Osaka action agenda sets a goal for free trade and investment in the Asia Pacific region by 2010-2020 for industrialised and developing economies respectively.

To implement this agenda, all 18 APEC member economies submitted their draft individual action plans in this year's second senior officials meeting held in Cebu in May.

The third meeting will further review these individual action plans and informal consultations will be conducted in Davao with a view to improving them.

The meeting will also review progress about the preparation for the collective action plans by member economies and will consider ways to strengthen economic and technical co-operation among them.

The third senior officials meeting will be preceded by a series of meetings including those of the Expert Group on Mutual Recognition Arrangements on food products, the Sub-committee on Standards and Conformance, the Economic Committee, and the Committee on Trade and Investment. These various APEC forums will report to the senior officials meeting.

APEC will hold the fourth senior officials meeting in October before this year's ministerial meeting and economic leaders meeting in November.

Member economies of APEC are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States.

End

Bulletin board system on careers information be introduced *****

The Labour Department's Careers Advisory Service (CAS) would introduce a new service - Careers Info Express Bulletin Board System (BBS) - tomorrow (Monday) to facilitate members of the public to gain easy access to a wide collection of careers information.

"Through computers equipped with modems, the public may visit the BBS free of charge by simply dialling either 2573 6874 or 2838 9614," acting Senior Labour Officer (Careers Advisory Service), Mr Leung Chi-kin, said today (Sunday).

"They can download over 30 titles of careers pamphlets and over 200 titles of job sheets produced by the CAS. Also, they can have access to the catalogues of various reference materials kept by the Careers Information Centres."

These include audio-visual materials and other publications namely reference books, company/govemment reports, manpower survey reports as well as professional bodies publications.

"By reading the 'announcement', users can keep abreast of the latest careers activities organised by the CAS. Moreover careers teachers can share their views and experience on careers guidance through a 'Forum' area," said Mr Leung.

The Careers Info Express will be opened from 9 am to 5.30 pm on weekdays, from 9 am to noon on Saturdays and closed on public holidays.

CAS is dedicated to promote career education through the provision of careers information to facilitate young people and job-seekers in choosing a career best suited to their talents, interests and abilities. It also provides careers teacher with information back-up in conducting their careers guidance duties.

Currently, there are two careers information centres operated by CAS: one on 16th floor, Southom Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, and the other on second floor, Mongkok Government Offices, 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok.

All members of the public are welcome to visit either one of the two centres which are equipped with a reference library consisting of publications on careers and training opportunities, an audio-visual unit and an enquiry service on careers information.

End

Reservoir fishing season to begin next month ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Anglers wishing to indulge their hobby in local reservoirs during the coming fishing season may apply for a licence from the Water Supplies Department, starting tomorrow (Monday), before the next season begins on September 1.

Those who wish to apply can call at the customer enquiry centre on the first floor of Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.

Applications can also be made at the ground floor office of the department's mainland depot at the junction of Sai Yee Street and Argyle Street in Mong Kok, customer enquiry centres on the second floor of Ngau Tau Kok Government Offices at 21, On Wah Street, and on the ground floor of Perfect Mount Gardens in Po Man Street, Shau Kei Wan.

Applicants will be required to produce their identity cards and pay a licence fee of $24. A licence would normally be issued immediately upon submission of the application.

Applications can also be made by post to the department's headquarters at Immigration Tower, giving the applicant's name, address, photocopy of his identity card, together with a crossed cheque for $24 payable to the Hong Kong Government.

A licence will then be sent to the applicant by ordinary mail. It will not be issued to people under the age of 13.

Anglers have to observe certain rules while fishing in reservoirs. They should not use a net or tools other than rod and line.

Explosives and toxic substances are prohibited. The use of a boat, dinghy or raft is also banned.

End

Pavilion at Siu Sai Wan morning walk trail opens today

*****

Morning walkers on the hill behind Fullview Garden in Siu Sai Wan will be able to take a rest and enjoy a panorama view of Lei Yue Mun and Tseung Kwan O with the opening of a pavilion today (Sunday).

As part of the district-based Urban Environmental Improvement (UEI) scheme under the Home Affairs Department (HAD), work on this $290,000 project began in January and was completed in March.

HAD has been implementing UEI projects under the scheme to improve the living environment in urban areas since 1994. These included improvement works for local roads and paths, amenity planting and other environmental projects identified and endorsed by the district boards.

A total of 16 UEI projects costing over $5.3 million have been undertaken by HAD's Urban Works Section in 1995-96. Of these, 10 projects costing about $2.5 million were carried out in the Eastern district.

The acting Director of Home Affairs, Mr Lee Lap-sun, and the Eastern District Board Chairman, Mr Chan Bing-woon officiated at the opening ceremony this morning.

End

Fresh water cut in Kwai Chung

*****

Fresh water supply to some premises in Kwai Chung will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Wednesday (August 21) to 6 am the following day for waste detection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect all premises in Lai Yiu Estate and Tsui Yiu Court.

End

Flushing water cut on Tsing Yi Island ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The flushing water supply to all premises on Tsing Yi Island will be temporarily suspended from 9 pm on Wednesday (August 21) to 8 am the following day for maintenance work on watermains.

End

Slope maintenance exhibition opens in Tsim Sha Shui ♦ * * ♦ ♦

The first of a series of slope maintenance exhibition begins today (Sunday) at the China Hong Kong City in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Organised by the Civil Engineering Department, the display aims at promoting public awareness of the importance of slope maintenance.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Civil Engineering, Mr Bernard Lam, said regular maintenance was essential for ensuring the safety of slopes and retaining walls.

’’Since 1992, the Civil Engineering Department started a series of promotional and educational activities to promulgate slope safety and to alert owners of their responsibility to carry out regular maintenance of slopes within their property,” he said.

These included a 24-hour hotline on slope safety, leaflets "keep your slopes safe" and the layman’s guide to slope maintenance, seminars and educational videos .

Today’s exhibition features various aspect of proper slope maintenance through display of colourful illustrations and photographs.

In addition, a presentation by the Buildings Department on what action to take when a dangerous hillside order is posted is also on display.

During the opening ceremony, colourful balloons carrying the slogan "keep your slopes safe" and the slope maintenance hotline 2762 5165, were distributed to children. They are also encouraged to participate in games stalls at the venue.

A multimedia information kiosk has been set up to give visitors a hands-on experience on the slope maintenance hotline service.

The exhibition will be open daily between 10 am and 9 pm until August 20 (Tuesday) at the atrium, upper ground level of the China Hong Kong City .

Also officiating at today's opening ceremony were the Principal Government Geotechnical Engineer, Dr Andrew Malone, District Officer of Yau Tsim Mong, Mr Barton Ireland, and other guests.

Similar exhibitions will be mounted at Heng Fa Chuen between September 16 and 22, Luk Yeung Sun Chuen between November 11 and 17 and Cheung Fat Estate between December 2 and 8.

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Monday, August 19,1996

Contents Page No,

New permit control on waste import/export introduced...................... 1

Unemployment and underemployment statistics............................... 2

Food recall guidelines published.......................................... 3

Professional guidance on building maintenance work........................ 4

Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Hong Kong.............................. 5

Food surveillance results announced....................................... 6

Annual report on environment released................................

Arrangements for holiday clinic service................................... 8

Water storage figure...................................................... 8

Fresh water cut in Tsuen Wan.............................................. 9

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results............................. 9

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 10

New permit control on waste import/export introduced ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

The Government will introduce a permit scheme with effect from September 1 to regulate the import and export of wastes in line with requirements set out in the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous waste and their disposal.

The scheme will require waste importers/exporters to apply for a permit from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) prior to the commencement of a waste shipment in a manner specified in the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Ordinance 1995.

A government spokesman said: "The scheme will enable us to put under proper control shipment of hazardous or contaminated waste into, from and through Hong Kong.

"At the same time it will facilitate the legitimate trade in non-hazardous waste which is contributing to conservation through waste recycling."

The spokesman said in the light of concern about the recent return of waste consignments from China, the Government was now bringing forward the implementation date of the scheme from the end of this year to September 1.

The scheme will enable EPD to issue either a multiple-shipment permit, which is valid for a period up to 12 months, or a single shipment permit. EPD will have control on the total quantity of waste to be shipped under a multi-shipment permit.

The waste to be subject to control is set out in schedules 6 and 7 to the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Ordinance.

Wastes listed in Schedule 6 are those with minimal environmental effect and will only be subject to permit control if they are contaminated or imported or exported for purposes other than recycling, recovery or reprocessing.

Wastes listed in Schedule 7 are those likely to create a significant health hazard and risk of pollution unless properly handled, and their import and export will be subject to control regardless of purposes.

A person, who imports and/or exports waste subject to control without a permit after September 1, will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment upon first conviction.

Permit application forms are now available either from EPD Headquarters, 28th floor, Southom Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, or the office of its Waste and Water Management Group, ninth floor, World Trade Square, Tower 1, 123 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong.

End

Unemployment and underemployment statistics

*****

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the period April to June 1996 was 3.1%, and the underemployment rate was 1.8%, according to the latest labour force statistics released today (Monday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

For the period May to July 1996, the provisional seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell further to 2.9%, while the provisional underemployment rate was also lower, at 1.6%.

Commenting on the latest figures, a government spokesman said labour market conditions continued to improve in recent months. In particular, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell below 3% for the first time in the past 14 months.

For the latest period May to July 1996. decreases in the unemployment rate were mainly observed in the wholesale, retail and import/export trades and transport sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases occurred mainly in the construction and transport sectors.

The unemployment and underemployment rates in the other major sectors remained generally stable.

In the three months ending June 1996, total employment continued to show an appreciable growth, by 3.1% over a year earlier. The growth in total labour supply was also 3.1%.

With the growth rate of total labour supply coming down to a level close to the growth rate of total employment, and with the latter growth continuing to be robust, this helped to lower the overall unemployment rate.

During the period April to June 1996, the number of unemployed persons with previous jobs was estimated at 86,200. Another 6,400 unemployed persons were first time job seekers. The number of underemployed persons was estimated at 56,900.

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were obtained from a continuous General Household Survey.

The survey for April to June 1996 covered a quarterly sample of some 23,400 households or 79.300 persons, selected scientifically to represent the land-based civilian non-institutional population in Hong Kong. Data were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the households sampled.

In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organisation.

'Seasonally adjusted' refers to adjustment for seasonal variations in the proportion of first time job seekers in the labour force.

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 1996 will be on sale at the Government Publications Centre at ground floor. Low Block, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, by the end of September.

End

food recall guidelines published * * * ♦ ♦

A food recall guidelines which sets out actions that should be taken when food products have to be removed from supply or use by consumers was recently published by the Department of Health (DH) and issued to major food suppliers in Hong Kong.

Introducing the guidelines. DH's Senior Administrative Officer (Hygiene), Mr Patrick Li, said similar to other consumer products, food might be recalled due to presence of defects or the possibility of causing harm to the consumer.

The guidelines recognise that companies supplying the food products carried the prime responsibility of implementing the recall and require them to notify DH immediately after the recall had been initiated and to inform its consumers of the recall at the earliest possible moment, he said.

The supplier also needs to prepare a report on the recall exercise, based on which, DH will assess the effectiveness of the recall.

Copies of the guidelines are available to the public at environmental hygiene district offices of the two Municipal Services departments and Health Education Resource Centre of DH at eighth Floor, Urban Council Fa Yuen Street Complex, 123A Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.

End

Professional guidance on building maintenance work

*****

Major maintenance or repair works to buildings should be co-ordinated and supervised by authorised persons to ensure public safety, the acting Director of Buildings, Mr Cheng Wei-dart, said today (Monday).

Mr Cheng made the appeal when commenting on an incident happened earlier today when a portion of external wall tiles fell off from a building in North Point.

Mr Cheng said the Buildings Department staff arrived at the scene soon after the accident and required the building owner to remove immediately other loose tiles from the external wall.

Public safety has now been restored and no structural danger on the building was found.

The department will carry out an investigation into the incident and will later issue a statutory order to require the building owner to employ an authorised person to carry out the necessary repair works.

Mr Cheng also noted that several cases of falling concrete from external walls had occurred in the last few days.

"The best way to prevent the occurrence of these accidents is to carry out regular building maintenance and repair works.

"If building owners or occupants have identified some irregularities in their buildings, such as spalled concrete, structural cracks with stains, or loose or bulging rendering, they should immediately engage building professionals to carry out proper repair works.

"It is also important that old buildings are inspected regularly. Building professionals can do a lot to help and I suggest that building owners seriously consider seeking professional services in building inspections." Mr Cheng said.

End

Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Hong Kong ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong Principal Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Mr David Lan, extended a warm welcome to the forthcoming visit to Hong Kong later this month by the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Yukihiko Ikeda, when he called on Mr Ikeda's office today (Monday).

Extending the welcome on behalf of Hong Kong, Mr Lan told the Foreign Minister that: "We are very happy that you are visiting Hong Kong during this important period of Hong Kong's transition.

"You will notice that Hong Kong is looking positively towards the change of sovereignty next year, and when you arc in Hong Kong you can feel the vitality and high spirit of Hong Kong people."

Mr Ikeda told Mr Lan that he was looking forward to discussing various aspects of Hong Kong's transition with the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan.

The Foreign Minister was also quoted as noting that: "The continuing stability and prosperity of Hong Kong as the regional trade and financial centre is of vital importance not only to China or Japan, but also for Asia as well as Hong Kong's trading partners throughout the world."

Mr Ikeda will visit Hong Kong on August 28 and 29 after his Middle East trip. During his stay in Hong Kong, he will meet Mrs Chan and other senior officials as well as Hong Kong people at the dinner reception to be held at the Victoria House.

A helicopter tour will also be arranged for Mr Ikeda to view the new airport developments as well as other programmes now being planned.

End

Food surveillance results announced ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Department of Health (DH) today (Monday) announced at a press conference the results of its regular food surveillance for the first six months of 1996.

A total of 21,122 samples were collected during the period for chemical, bacteriological and radioactivity tests.

The food surveillance programme is conducted by the department’s Hygiene Division to monitor that food supplied to the community is wholesome, unadulterated and properly labelled.

Commenting on the results, Assistant Director for Health (Hygiene), Dr Leung Pak-yin, said: "The overall trend for January to June 1996 was similar to the corresponding period in 1995 and was within acceptable levels."

Of the 12,518 samples for chemical analyses, only 199 (1.6%) yielded unsatisfactory results. The majority of these unsatisfactory cases were vegetable samples containing prohibited pesticide residues.

Dr Leung attributed the increase in the number of unsatisfactory vegetable samples to the fact that a much larger number of samples were collected following Man Kam To Food Control Office came into operation earlier in the year.

"This provided much better import control at the border and better safeguard for public health." he said.

As for the 8,191 samples for bacteriological examinations, 526 (6.4%) gave unsatisfactory results. Sashimi and sushi samples yielded the highest unsatisfactory rates, 42.8% and 51.8% respectively.

”To improve the situation, actions have been taken by the two Municipal Services departments to put premises preparing, serving and selling sashimi and sushi under licensing control,” Dr Leung said.

All the 413 samples for radioactive examination were found to be within acceptable level.

During the same period, DH had received 67 reports of food poisoning cases compared with the 97 reports received during the same period last year. The number of people affected had also dropped from 583 to 395.

The number of food poisoning cases due to pesticide contaminated vegetables had decreased from 13 in the first half of 1995 to two in the corresponding period this year. The number of persons affected had also decreased from 24 to six.

More than half of the food poisoning cases were due to bacterial contamination, fhe public are reminded to observe strict personal and environmental hygiene when preparing food, particularly in the summer months.

To enhance its public health education efforts, DH’s Hygiene Division today launched a computerised telephone system for public to obtain food hygiene information.

Through the interactive voice and response system on "Hygiene Information For You", Tel 2380 2580, members of the public can get to know more about selected hot topics for the month, food safety, food hygiene, environmental hygiene, current health education campaign as well as procedures for import and export of food.

The hot topic for the month is E Coli 0-157:117.

End

Annual report on environment released *****

The Environmental Protection Department has handled some 10,000 pollution complaints, set up an air pollution index and forecast system, and completed more than 30 major environmental impact assessment studies last year.

These are all part of the information contained in the annual report "Environment Hong Kong 1996" released by the department today ( Monday ).

The 153-page report covers a wide range of environmental programmes carried out by the Government, illustrated with diagrams and tables of technical information.

They include the phasing out of ozone depleting substances, noise control on construction, industrial and commercial activities and environmental monitoring work.

Both the Chinese and English versions of the report are now on sale at the Government Publications Centre, Low Block, ground floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

End

Arrangements for holiday clinic service

*****

The Department of Health today (Monday) announced that eight general outpatient holiday clinics will be open from 9 am to 1 pm on August 25 and 26 (Sunday and Monday), which are public holidays.

The eight clinics are Violet Peel Health Centre and Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club Clinic on the Hong Kong Island; Kwun Tong Jockey Club Health Centre, Robert Black Health Centre and Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Clinic in Kowloon; and Lady Trench Polyclinic, Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club Clinic and Yuen Long Jockey Club Health Centre in the New Territories.

There will be no holiday out-patient clinic service on August 24 (Saturday).

All other general out-patient and evening clinics will be closed during the three days of holidays.

End

Water storage figure

*****

Storage in Hong Kong's reservoirs at 9 am today (Monday) stood at 97.1 per cent of capacity or 568.949 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 543.410 million cubic metres of water, representing 92.7 per cent of capacity.

End

Fresh water cut in Tsuen Wan ♦ * * * *

The fresh water supply to some premises in Tsuen Wan will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Thursday (August 22) to 6 am the following day for waste detection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect Chung On Street, the Tsuen Wan Section of Castle Peak Road, Tai Ho Road, Sha Tsui Road including Sze Pei Square and Nos 271 to 295 Sha Tsui Road.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results

*****

Tender date 19 Aug 1996

Paper on offer EF notes

Issue number 7808

Issue date 20 Aug 1996

Maturity date 20 Aug 2003

Coupon 7.24 PCT

Amount applied I1KS2.795 MN

Amount allotted IIKS500 MN

Average Price accepted (yield) 99.74 (7.42 PCT)

Lowest price accepted (yield) 99.74 (7.42 PCT)

Pro rata ratio About 96 PCT

Average tender price (yield) 99.66 (7.43 PCT)

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

S million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,655 0930 +309

Closing balance in the account 1,574 1000 +309

Change attributable to : 1100 +309

Money market activity +309 1200 +309

LAF today -390 1500 +309

1600 +309

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.0* 19.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.88 2 years 2808 6.00 99.92 6.13

1 month 4.98 3 years 3907 6.80 101.03 6.51

3 months 5.14 5 years 5106 7.23 101.14 7.06

6 months 5.27 7 years 7305 7.60 101.80 7.39

12 months 5.57 5 years M503 7.35 99.99 7.49

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $4,804 million

Closed August 19, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Tuesday, August 20, 1996

Contents Page No,

Value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand in June......................... 1

73 convicted pollution cases in July................................... 2

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results............................ 3

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations................... 4

- 1 -

Value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand in June ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand for local production in June 1996 decreased by 6% over a year earlier, according to the provisional results of a monthly survey released today (Tuesday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

Comparing June 1996 with June 1995, a significant increase in the value of orders was registered in the fabricated metal products industry (+25%).

On the other hand, decreases in the value of orders were recorded in the printing and publishing industry (-14%), the plastic products industry (-13%), the textiles industry (-9%), the electrical products industry (-9%), the electronic products industry (-7%) and the wearing apparel industry (-3%).

Compared with May 1996, and bearing in mind that this comparison may be affected by seasonal factors, the value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand in June 1996 • decreased by 2%.

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.

A spokesman of the department said 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 June 1996, at $7 a copy, is now on sale at the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, ground floor. Queensway, and at the Census and Statistics Department Publications Unit, 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 2805 6441.

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

May 1996 June 1996

over May 1995 over June 1995

(Revised) (Provisional)

All industries covered in the survey - 7 - 6

* Wearing apparel - 5 - 3

♦ Textiles -11 - 9

* Electronic products - 8 - 7

* Electrical products - 6 - 9

* Fabricated metal products +25 +25

* Plastic products - 12 - 13

* Printing and publishing - 10 - 14

End

73 convicted pollution cases in July *****

A total of 73 convictions were recorded in the courts in July for breaching antipollution legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Department.

Among them, 21 were convictions made under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance, 18 under the Noise Control Ordinance, eight under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance and 26 under the Waste Disposal Ordinance.

The fines imposed on the offenders ranging from $500 to $100,000. Gammon Construction Ltd was fined $100,000 for permitting the use of powered mechanical equipment without a valid permit.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Tender date 20 Aug 96

Paper on offer EF bills

Issue number Q634

Issue date 21 Aug 96

Maturity date 20 Nov 96

Coupon -

Amount applied HK$4,677 MN

Amount allotted HK$ 1,500 MN

Average yield accepted 5.14 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.15 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 77 PCT

Average tender yield 5.16 PCT

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the week beginning August 27, 1996 -

Tender date 27 Aug 96 27 Aug 96

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q635 H672

Issue date 28 Aug 96 28 Aug 96

Maturity date 27 Nov 96 26 Feb 97

Tenor 91 days 182 days

Amount on offer HK$ 1,500+300 MN HKS800+160MN

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

S million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,574 0930 +386

Closing balance in the account 1,918 1000 +386

Change attributable to : 1100 +384

Money market activity +384 1200 +384

LAF today -40 1500 +384

1600 +384

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 *-0.1* 20.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.93 2 years 2808 6.00 99.88 6.16

1 month 4.99 3 years 3907 6.80 100.96 6.54

3 months 5.15 5 years 5106 7.23 101.00 7.10

6 months 5.27 7 years 7308 7.24 99.48 7.47

12 months 5.59 5 years M5O3 7.35 99.83 7.53

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $6,755 million

Closed August 20, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Wednesday, August 21,1996

Contents Page No.

Government's support for small and medium businesses outlined........ 1

Formal inquiry into ferry collision ordered.............................. 3

Record high ozone pollution level........................................ 3

Guesthouses for locals come under licensing control...................... 4

Kwun Tong roof-top structures to be demolished........................... 5

Re-export trade statistics in first half of 1996 ........................ 6

Three lots to let....................................................... 10

Advanced welfare payment............................................. 11

Firm fined for sacking pregnant employee............................. 11

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 12

Government’s support for small and medium businesses outlined

*****

The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, said the Government would continue to offer meaningful support services which were particularly beneficial to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking at a luncheon of the Harvard Club of Hong Kong today (Wednesday), Mr Tsang said SMEs accounted for 98 per cent of all businesses in Hong Kong and they were the major beneficiaries of the government support programme.

SMEs are defined in Hong Kong as manufacturing enterprises employing less than 100 people or service enterprises employing less than 50 people. In 1995, nearly 300,000 establishments in Hong Kong belonged to the SME category.

’’This shows quite clearly that the dynamism and agility of SMEs has been the foundation of Hong Kong's economic success," Mr Tsang said.

He said while the Government did not accord special treatment based on the size of businesses, it did offer support to industry and business in Hong Kong.

Mr Tsang said there were three myths regarding the perceived lack of support by Government for SMEs.

The first myth was that Government did nothing to help lower the cost of doing business for SMEs, he said.

’’The fact is that it is against our fundamental economic philosophy to single out specific sectors of businesses for special treatment.

"However, we make sure that, within the framework of a free market economy and of high integrity in our local markets, we are sustaining the best possible business-friendly environment in the world."

He said corporate tax rate in Hong Kong was among the lowest in the region and no tax was payable on dividend income, interest, value-added or capital gains.

The Government had also done its bit to dampen property price inflation and keep down rentals to contain the costs of accommodation.

"While costs of doing business in the East Asia region are rising and matching Hong Kong’s levels, the crucial element for a foreign firm to decide where in Asia it should establish its base is not costs. It is profit," he said.

The second myth was that the Government did not provide appropriate training for employees, Mr Tsang said.

"Apart from our traditional higher education institutes that provide a wide range of general academic and professional subjects to 15,000 students annually, there are a number of specialised institutions that teach knowledge required in trade, industry and commerce.

"In my last Budget, I gave a special tax incentive for any employee who wants to improve through further education," he said.

The third myth was that the Government had not assisted the manufacturing and service industries in facing increasing competition, said Mr Tsang.

"The fact is that while it is against our market driven philosophy to directly subsidise favoured industries and help protect them with selective tariff barriers, we indirectly assist SMEs by providing them with the best possible environment in which to grow, upgrade and fight off competition," he said.

The Government was providing the hard and soft infrastructure to help businesses to improve productivity, technology management and business practices to add more value to their products and services, he added.

This included government’s funding support for research and development such as the Industrial Support Fund and the newly set up Services Support Fund for projects to enhance the competitiveness of the service sector.

Mr Tsang said within the framework of "minimum interference", there was always room for improvement and fine-tuning.

"That is why we set up a Small and Medium Enterprises Committee last month to help us identify more clearly the issues that affect the development of SMEs," he said.

In concluding his speech, the Financial Secretary said Hong Kong had become a "commercial nerve centre" in the Asia Pacific Region and excelled as an active packager and integrator of commerce for the local, regional and global economy.

"With appropriate support, SMEs can ride the wave of globalisation trend and prosper," said Mr Tsang.

End

Formal inquiry into ferry collision ordered ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, today (Wednesday) ordered a preliminary inquiry into the collision between a passenger catamaran and a Chinese vessel off Fan Lau Kok, Lantau, last Sunday (August 18).

The order was made under section 51(1) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance after Mr Dale studied the investigation report submitted to him by a Marine Department surveyor, a department spokesman said.

Surveyor of Ships (Nautical), Mr Kenneth Yeomans, was appointed to inquire into the circumstances attending the collision between Hong Kong registered passenger catamaran "HKF II” and Chinese vessel ”455” at around 5.13 pm about one and a half nautical miles off Fan Lau Kok, Lantau, the spokesman said.

End

Record high ozone pollution level *****

Ozone pollution recorded by the Environmental Protection Department yesterday (Tuesday) reached record high level of 320 microgrammes per cubic metre.

"The high level, which was caused by chemical reaction of air pollutants in the atmosphere and under sunlight, only lasted for a short period of time.

”As the wind picked up, air pollution returned to moderate level," the acting Assistant Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Raymond Leung, said today (Wednesday).

"Because of the dramatic change in today's weather, which brings down the ozone level and improves the overall air quality, air pollution indices (API) for the territory' today have been reduced to 64 for the urban area, 61 for the industrial area and 63 for new development area.

"The calculation of API usually includes air quality measurements made after 4 pm the day before. But today's API has not taken the high ozone level into account because of the significant improvement in air quality.”

K ■

- 4 -

Air quality is expected to further improve and API forecast for the territory tomorrow (Thursday) is from 30 to 40.

Members of the public can check the API readings on 2827 8541.

End

Guesthouses for locals come under licensing control

*****

All guesthouses for local people are required to operate with a valid licence starting September 1, a spokesman for the Home Affairs Department said today (Wednesday).

The Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance was enacted in May 1991 to provide for a licensing scheme to ensure that all hotels and guesthouses comply with requirements for fire and building safety, health and hygiene.

The spokesman reminds operators of guesthouses for local residents that the exemption period will expire at the end of August and that they are then required to operate with a licence.

Any operator who fails to do so may be subject to a fine of $200,000 and two years’ imprisonment, and to a further fine of $20,000 for each day during which the offence continues.

The spokesman also appeals to members of the public to patronise only licensed guesthouses for their own safety.

End

Kwun Tong roof-top structures to be demolished *****

The Buildings Department today (Wednesday) announced that the roof-top structures at No 10-24 and 10A-24A Yan Oi Court, Kwun Tong, would be demolished early next year for public safety.

A notice of intention was issued to the building owners this morning informing them a closure order would be obtained from the District Court on February 19, 1997, for closing the unauthorised structures for demolition.

The department’s Chief Building Surveyor (Control and Enforcement), Mr Tong Kam-man, said the roof of the building was completely covered with the unauthorised structures.

’’With the absence of a proper means of escape, they are posing a great hazard to the structures' occupants as well as other residents of the building in case of fire.

’’Furthermore, a structural assessment also reveals that the wide extent of the illegal structures have increased tremendous loading to the building. This has posed an imminent danger to the building structure.

"It is necessary to remove all the structures to protect the safety of the residents. The Government contractor will carry out the demolition work when the closure order is obtained," he said.

Noting that a total of 14 households will be affected by the operation, Mr Tong said arrangements had been made with Housing Department, Social Welfare Department and Home Affairs Department to offer rehousing and social assistance to the affected occupants.

"A meeting has been held with the residents to explain our enforcement action and the rehousing criteria.

"I wish to reiterate that it is government's policy that no person will be rendered homeless by its actions," Mr Tong said.

End

Re-export trade statistics in first half of 1996 ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

Re-exports accounted for 85% of the value of total exports and 40% of the total value of external trade of Hong Kong in the first half of 1996. In the same period of 1995, the corresponding shares were 83% and 39% respectively.

These figures, affirming the importance of re-export trade, are amongst the detailed re-export statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department today (Wednesday).

China remained the largest partner for Hong Kong’s re-export trade. Of the total $550.8 billion of re-exports going through Hong Kong in the first half of 1996, 89% or $489.9 billion involved China in either direction.

As a source, re-exports originating in China accounted for 56% of Hong Kong's re-export value in the first half of 1996. As a destination, China's share was 36%.

It is noted that much of the re-export trade involving China is related to outward processing, as raw materials and semi-manufactured goods are exported to China for processing, with the final products subsequently returned to Hong Kong, and re-exported to overseas markets.

Other main origins of Hong Kong's re-exports in the first half of 1996 included Japan (accounting for 11%), Taiwan (7.3%), the United States (5.5%) and South Korea (3.3%).

The main destinations in the first half of 1996, besides China, included the United States (accounting for 19%), Japan (6.8%), Germany (4.1%) and the United Kingdom (2.8%).

Table 1 shows the changes in the value of re-exports from the ten main origins in the first half of 1996 compared with the same period in 1995.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, increases of various magnitudes were recorded in the value of re-exports from most main origins: the United Kingdom (+24%), Malaysia (+19%), Singapore (+18%), Germany (+17%), the United States (+17%), Italy (+13%), China (+7.6%). A slight increase of 1.0% in the value of re-exports from South Korea was also recorded. However, slight decreases of 1.9% and 1.7% were recorded in the value of re-exports from Taiwan and Japan respectively.

Of the value of re-exports originating in China in the first half of 1996, 31% went to the United States, 10% to Japan and 6.8% to Germany.

For goods of Japan origin, 73% of the value of re-exports through Hong Kong in the first half of 1996 went to China, 3.7% to the United States and 3.5% to South Korea.

For re-exports originating in Taiwan, an overwhelming proportion (92% of the value in the first half of 1996) went to China.

As regards re-exports originating in the United States, 72% of the value in the first half of 1996 were shipped to China, 3.8% to Taiwan and 2.9% to South Korea.

Table 2 shows the changes in the value of re-exports to the ten main destinations.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, increases of various magnitudes were recorded in the value of re-exports to most main destinations: Japan (+26%), the United Kingdom (+14%), France (+12%), Singapore (+8.4%), Germany (+8.3%), China (+8.1%), the Netherlands (+7.5%), South Korea (+6.3%). However, slight decreases of 0.6% and 4.1% were recorded in the value of re-exports to the United States and Taiwan respectively.

Analysed by commodity, increases in the value of re-exports to China were recorded for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $2.9 billion or 20%), iron and steel (by $2.8 billion or 40%) and textiles (by $1.7 billion or 5.3%).

However, decreases in the value of re-exports to China were recorded for telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $586 million or 4.0%) and road vehicles (by $525 million or 11.2%).

As regards re-exports to the United States, increases in value were recorded for miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods (by $863 million or 3.5%); photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks (by $733 million or 16%) and office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $393 million or 6.9%).

However, decreases in the value of re-exports to the United States were recorded for clothing (by $1.2 billion or 12%); and telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $ 966 million or 8.9%).

Detailed statistics of Hong Kong’s re-export trade are published in the June issue of the Hong Kong External Trade report which is now available for sale at $129 per copy.

The report can be purchased at either the Government Publications Sales Centre on the ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong; or the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department on the 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

Enquiries regarding subscription to this report may be directed to the Publications (Sales) Office, 28th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Tel 2598 8194; and enquiries on trade statistics to the Census and Statistics Department, Tel 2582 4915.

TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS FROM THE TEN MAIN ORIGINS

ORIGIN JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 1995 (HKD Mn.) YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

(HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE)

CHINA 308,822 286,902 + 21,920 + 7.6

JAPAN 62,714 63,803 - 1,089 - 1.7

TAIWAN 40,154 40,930 - 776 - 1.9

UNITED STATES 30,565 26,155 + 4,410 + 16.9

SOUTH KOREA 18,129 17,953 + 175 + 1.0

SINGAPORE 11,915 10,101 + 1,814 + 18.0

GERMANY 8,061 6,891 + 1,170 + 17.0

MALAYSIA 7,721 6,486 + 1,235 + 19.0

UNITED KINGDOM 6,134 4,933 + 1,202 + 24.4

ITALY 5,667 4,997 + 670 + 13.4

TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS

DESTINATION JAN-JUN 1996 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUN 1995 (HKD Mn.) YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

(HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE)

CHINA 199,436 184,527 + 14,909 + 8.1

UNITED STATES 104,118 104,799 - 681 - 0.6

JAPAN 37,597 29,918 + 7,679 + 25.7

GERMANY 22,404 20,697 ♦ 1,708 + 8.3

UNITED KINGDOM 15,474 13,627 + 1,848 + 13.6

SINGAPORE 13,068 12,058 + 1,010 ♦ 8.4

TAIWAN 12,831 13,384 — 553 - 4.1

SOUTH KOREA 9,876 9,287 + 589 + 6.3

FRANCE 8,827 7,880 + 946 + 12.0

NETHERLANDS 8,308 7,726 + 583 + 7.5

End

Three lots to let ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Lands Department is inviting tenders for the short-term tenancies of three pieces of government land in Tsing Yi and Yuen Long.

•»

Two lots are located at Tsing Yi Road, Area 20, Tsing Yi, and have an area of about 2,550 and 3,960 square metres respectively.

Both are intended for storage of non-dangerous and non-offensive goods, excluding storage, loading and unloading of empty or filled containers, and stuffing or de-stuffing of containers.

The tenancies for both lots are for three years, renewable quarterly.

The third lot, situated in Area 32, Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long, covers an area of about 6,110 square metres.

It is earmarked for use either as a car park the tenant's motor vehicles or as a fee-paying public car park for motor vehicles, excluding container vehicles except container tractors without container trailers.

The tenancy is for 12 months, renewable quarterly.

The closing date for submission of tenders is noon on September 6.

Tender forms, tender notices and conditions can be obtained from the Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, and the respective District Lands Offices of Kowloon, Kwai Tsing and Yuen Long.

Tender plans can also be inspected at these offices.

End

Advanced welfare payment

*****

Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) under the bank payment system may receive their payments on Friday (August 23) if their paydays fall on the coming public holidays (August 24 to 26).

’’Special payment arrangements will also be made for recipients of Social Security Allowance whose pay-days fall within this period”, a Social Welfare Department spokesman said today (Wednesday).

’’Those who have bank accounts in Hongkong Bank or Hang Seng Bank will receive their payments on Friday whereas those with accounts in other banks will get their payments next Tuesday (August 27).”

In case of doubt, recipients are advised to contact their respective social security field units.

End

Firm fined for sacking pregnant employee ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Labour Department today (Wednesday) warned employers not to dismiss any female employee who had given notice of her intention to take maternity leave.

Shiatos Limited was recently fined $20,000 at the Western Magistracy for sacking a pregnant employee after she had submitted a notice of intention to take maternity leave.

"Under the Employment Ordinance, a female employee is protected from termination of her employment from the date on which she gives notice of her intention to take maternity leave to the date on which she is due to return to work, if she has completed 12 weeks' service with the same employer," a spokesman for the Labour Department said.

A female employee who has worked for the same employer under a continuous contract for not less than 26 weeks immediately before the expected date of her commencement of maternity leave is entitled to maternity leave.

She is also eligible for maternity leave pay if she has worked continuously for the same employer for not less than 40 weeks immediately before the expected date of her commencement of maternity leave and if she has no more than two surviving children.

The spokesman said failure to comply with these provisions could incur a maximum fine of $100,000.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,918 0930 +39

Closing balance in the account 1,957 1000 +39

Change attributable to : 1100 +39

Money market activity +39 1200 +39

LAF today NIL 1500 +39

1600 +39

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.1 * 21.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes/MTRC

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.96 2 years 2808 6.00 99.94 6.12

1 month 4.99 3 years 3907 6.80 101.05 6.50

3 months 5.14 5 years 5106 7.23 101.10 7.07

6 months 5.25 7 years 7308 7.24 99.65 7.44

12 months 5.55 5 years M503 7.35 99.95 7.50

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $14,168 million

Closed August 21, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Thursday, August 22,1996

Contents

Policy on double taxation explained.................................. 1

US invited to observe HK's textiles export control systems........... 3

Measures to enhance COMAC’s services to CSD inmates.................. 5

Paralympic team returns with gold medals............................. 6

231 VMs depart on orderly repatriation flights....................... 6

Monitors' report submitted to CS..................................... 7

Consumer price indices for July...................................... 7

Statistics digest for August now on sale............................. 14

Special stamps on HK mountains for sale.............................. 15

Speedpost service extended to six countries.......................... 17

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations................. 18

Policy on double taxation explained ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Secretary for the Treasury, Mr K C Kwong, said today (Thursday) that the Government enters into negotiations on double taxation relief for airline income to address the unique situation of international airline operations and will not regard this as creating a precedent for taxing non-Hong Kong sourced income.

He said that Hong Kong adopts a ’’territorial source” principle and only profits or income which arise in or are derived from Hong Kong are liable to tax here.

”We have no intention to depart from our well-tried and tested territorial source principle - the cornerstone of our taxation system," he emphasised.

Speaking at the luncheon meeting of the Society of Chinese Accountants & Auditors today (Wednesday), Mr Kwong explained that in simple terms, "double taxation" occurs when comparable taxes are imposed in two jurisdictions on the same person in respect of his same income for identical periods.

"A double taxation agreement avoids that by clearly demarcating the respective taxing rights of the jurisdictions concerned. It provides relief for individual taxpayers who may otherwise suffer from double taxation. It also provides the taxpayers with a higher degree of certainty on how their operations in the jurisdictions concerned will be taxed."

He pointed out that taxes in Hong Kong are low; and many countries offer their residents unilateral relief for Hong Kong tax paid on Hong Kong sourced income.

With regard to double taxation agreements relating to the airline industry, Mr Kwong said that in view of the special characteristics of the industry and requests from local airlines and overseas countries, Hong Kong seeks to follow the international practice of negotiating double taxation agreements on airline income.

"It is now our policy to incorporate provisions on double taxation relief for airline profits in Air Service Agreements negotiated between Hong Kong and our bilateral aviation partners on a case by case basis."

"The standard double taxation provisions normally provide that Hong Kong will tax the income generated from the international traffic of Hong Kong airlines derived from the agreement country and which has been granted full tax relief by that country.

"In return, Hong Kong will forgo the right to tax the income of airlines of that agreement country derived from Hong Kong if such income is subject to tax in the agreement country.

"We have already amended the Inland Revenue Ordinance to enable us to implement the provisions of double taxation agreements on airline income.

He said that Hong Kong has entered into the first such an agreement with the Republic of Korea which was signed earlier this year.

"Similar agreements with three other countries, namely, New Zealand, Canada and the Netherlands have also been reached and formal signature is expected in the next few months. In the meantime, negotiations on double taxation provisions in ASAs are being held with a number of other countries as well.

Mr Kwong emphasised that double taxation relief provisions are bilateral arrangements between Hong Kong and each of the agreement countries. Only Hong Kong airlines and airlines of the agreement country are bound by the provisions.

He described as completely groundless claims made by some writers in recent press articles that "a number of airlines in Asia and Australia are believed to be facing higher tax bills in Hong Kong or even double taxation following the signing of the double taxation agreement on airline income with the Republic of Korea".

Mr Kwong said: "An airline which is not covered by a double taxation agreement will continue to be taxed in Hong Kong on exactly the same basis as at present, irrespective of whether it has any business in the corresponding agreement country or not.

"Nor is there any question of 'overseas international airlines paying more tax in Hong Kong, or they may have to pay Hong Kong taxes they have not been liable for before' - another concern raised by some tax practitioners recently."

Commenting on the desirability of negotiating comprehensive double taxation agreements, in the broader context, with other countries which may cover other sectors of business than the airline industry, Mr Kwong said that this is a complex subject and the Government will need to examine the implications carefully.

"But to prepare ourselves, we are now developing a model text for a comprehensive double taxation agreement. This is based on the model adopted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

"We will also draw reference from agreements concluded by countries in the region, including China, with appropriate modifications to suit our own circumstances," said Mr Kwong.

End

US invited to observe HK's textiles export control systems ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

The Customs and Excise Department is inviting US Customs officers to visit Hong Kong to observe its textiles export control systems.

The invitation, made in response to the additional import measures imposed with effect from June 17 on 10 categories of Hong Kong apparel products, is part of the territory’s continuing effort to persuade the US Customs that these extra measures are unnecessary.

’’The visit programme will last for 30 days, starting from September 2. Eight US Customs officers will observe the operation of our various textiles export control systems, including our new Production Notification System (PNS), in respect of the 10 categories in question,” a government spokesman said today (Thursday).

"These US Customs officers will join four teams of Hong Kong Customs officers and visit factories which have submitted production notifications (PNs) and which have agreed to such joint visits.”

The joint teams will also visit factories which have consignments in the 10 categories that are currently in transit or awaiting clearance at US ports, or have entered US after the additional import measures came into effect. Again, the visits will be subject to the factories’ consent.

"In the invitation, we told the US side that we hope that after having observed our systems at work under the programme, the US Customs will share our view that Hong Kong has an effective and vigorous system against illegal textiles transhipment, and that the additional import measures imposed on our 10 categories are unnecessary and should be terminated," the spokesman said.

"We hope that the visit programme will prove a constructive way of getting round the two sides' difference over the matter of joint verification. If not, we will consider other options, including referring the matter to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).”

The spokesman explained that the joint teams would only visit factories with the factories' consent, and would not undertake any enforcement activities. Any enforcement activities, including the examination of factory books and records, would be conducted by Hong Kong Customs officers on their own, and separately from the joint visits.

"The results of Hong Kong Customs' enforcement actions will be shared with the US Customs.

"If the joint teams confirm that a consignment is of Hong Kong origin, the US Customs will lift the single entry bond requirement for the consignment; or if the single entry bond has already been submitted, the US Customs will liquidate the entry and the importer will be relieved of all conditional release obligations," the spokesman said.

The 10 categories in question are dresses (Categories 336/636), skirts (Categories 342/442/642), nightwear (Category 351), underwear (Categories 352/652) and suits (Categories 443/643).

Since June 17, these categories of Hong Kong products have been subject to additional import measures imposed by the US Customs. Such measures include additional requirements in import documentation, the requirement for a single entry bond, and the requirement for joint verification by Hong Kong and US Customs of the origin of consignments.

Hong Kong has objected to unilateral imposition of the additional requirements, pointing out that they are applied to the relevant products only from Hong Kong and are therefore discriminatory.

These measures adversely affect legitimate Hong Kong and US traders, and disrupt Hong Kong/US trade in those products, and infringe on Hong Kong's rights under WTO.

"In the invitation to the US Customs to the 30-day visit programme, Hong Kong maintains this position," the spokesman added.

Traders who wish to have further information on the joint visit programme may refer to the Trade Department's Notice to Exporters No 47/96 and Certificate of Origin Circular No 10/96 issued today, or enquire with the department's Americas Division.

End

Measures to enhance COMAC’s services to CSD inmates * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (Thursday) welcomed the package of measures announced by the Office of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (COMAC) to raise the awareness of COMAC’s services to inmates in Hong Kong’s penal institutions.

A CSD spokesman said the department would facilitate COMAC in the implementation of these measures which did not infringe on either the discipline or security of the penal institutions.

"In an open society, it is important that the channel of communication remain accessible between various groups of the community, including the penal population, and that is why the CSD ensures that all prisoners are made aware of the numerous channels for them to complain.

"These are: Justices of the Peace, members of the Legislative Council, the Office of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Commissioner of Correctional Services and the Governor, to name a few," he said.

"We also have a very effective means of investigating these complaints through our Complaints Investigation Unit.

"However, if an inmate is not satisfied with the outcome of our investigation they are free to take their complaints to any of the other channels mentioned. The department is duty-bound to assist prisoners to take their complaints elsewhere.

"It should be noted that the excellent work done by the Justices of the Peace through the years is very much appreciated by everyone in the Department and I'm sure by the inmates themselves."

End

Paralympic team returns with gold medals

*****

The Government will welcome the Hong Kong Paralympic Team when they return from the Atlanta Paralympic Games next Tuesday (August 27).

A government spokesman said today (Thursday) it was encouraging to learn of the brilliant achievements of the team, in particular Mr Ben Cheung Wai-leung who had done exceedingly well by winning four gold medals.

The Deputy Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mr Benjamin Tang, as well as representatives from the Hong Kong Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SAP) and the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (ASF and OC) will greet the delegation at the airport upon their arrival.

The acting Director of Fire Services, Mr John Tsang, and the acting Deputy Director of Fire Services, Mr Hsu King-ping, will also be present to receive Mr Cheung who is a Senior Station Officer of the department.

A press conference will be held at the airport.

The team is scheduled to arrive at 6.50 pm on UA805. Members of the public wishing to greet the team may assemble outside the group passenger holding lounge which is outside the Terminal Building at the eastern end of the arrival level.

End

231 VMs depart on orderly repatriation flights *****

Two groups totalling 231 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) returned by air to Hanoi, Vietnam today (Thursday) on the 53rd and 54th flights under the Orderly Repatriation Programme (ORP).

All of the returnees, comprising 76 men, 56 women, 49 boys and 50 girls, are from North Vietnam.

The majority of them arrived in Hong Kong in 1988, with the remaining in

1989.

The two groups brought to 5,035 the total number repatriated on ORP flights since November 1991.

End

Monitors’ report submitted to CS *****

The monitors appointed to observe the Orderly Repatriation Programme operation this (Thursday) morning have submitted their report to the Chief Secretary.

The two monitors comprised a non-official Justice of the Peace, Mrs Gertrude Judy Lee Kan Oi-ha; and a representative from a non-govemment organisation, Mr Tai Kie-ying of Christian Action.

End

Consumer price indices for July *****

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for July 1996 were released by the Census and Statistics Department today (Thursday).

The year-on-year rate of increase in CPI(A), by reference to the new 1994/95-based series, was 6.1% in July 1996. This was the same as the increases recorded in both May and June based on the same series. (The corresponding rates of increase by reference to the old 1989/90-based series were 6.5% in July, and 6.4% in both May and June.)

CPI(B) increased by 6.4% in July by reference to the new 1994/95-based series (7% by reference to the old 1989/90-based series), same as the increase recorded in June. The Hang Seng CPI, on the other hand, rose by 6.1% (6.6%) over a year earlier, considerably slower than the corresponding increase of 6.6% (7.1%) in June.

The Composite CPI, which is compiled based on the combined expenditure pattern of all households, showed a slower year-on-year rate of increase of 6.2% (6.7%) in July 1996. against 6.4% (6.8%) in June.

A government spokesman said inflation remained generally stable in recent months. Prices of basic food and private housing rentals showed slower year-on-year increases in July than in June.

Against these, the prices of women’s outerclothing showed a faster rate of increase; and the prices of some Chinese newspapers were raised back to the original level before the earlier price reduction. Taken together, the year-on-year rates of increase in CPI(A) and CPI(B), at 6.1% and 6.4% respectively in July, were unchanged from those in June.

As for the Hang Seng CPI, the year-on-year increase decelerated further mainly due to a less rapid year-on-year increase in private housing rentals and prices of men's outerclothing.

Analysed by component, faster year-on-year increases than the overall average in July were recorded for housing (9% in CPI(A), 9.7% in CPI(B), 11% in the Hang Seng CPI and 9.9% in the Composite CPI); and alcoholic drinks and tobacco (6.7%, 6.9%, 6.3% and 6.7%).

Meanwhile, those components with slower year-on-year increases in prices than the overall average were durable goods (1.8% in CPI(A), 2% in CPI(B), 2.3% in the Hang Seng CPI and 2% in the Composite CPI); miscellaneous goods (3.8%, 3.2%, 2.3% and 3.1%); fuel and light (3.9%, 3.9%, 5.3% and 4.1%); meals bought away from home (4.2%, 3.8%, 3.4% and 3.9%) and food (excluding meals bought away from home) (5.2%, 5.1%, 5.1% and 5.1%).

As from the reference month of July 1996, the new, 1994/95-based CPI series, which is more reflective of the latest household expenditure pattern, has replaced the 1989/90-based CPI series in analysing consumer price inflation.

The new 1994/95-based CPI has been backdated to October 1994. Year-on-year comparisons of CPIs based on the new 1994/95 series are available starting from the reference month of October 1995 (see Table 2).

Consumer price inflation rates compiled based on the new (1994/95-based) and the old (1989/90-based) CPI series differed only slightly.

Comparing July 1996 with June 1996, the 1994/95-based CPI(A) CPI(B) both increased by 0.2%. The Hang Seng CPI decreased by 0.4%, while the Composite CPI remained unchanged.

Taking the first seven months of 1996 together, the increase in the 1994/95-based CPI(A) averaged at 6.3% over a year earlier. (The corresponding increase in the 1989/90-based CPI(A) was slightly higher, at 6.5%.)

Over the same period, the increases in the 1994/95-based CPI(B), Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI were 6.7% (7.2%), 7% (7.6%) and 6.7% (7%) respectively.

For the three months ended July 1996, CPI(A) and CPI(B) were, on average, higher by 6.1% and 6.5% respectively over a year earlier. The corresponding increases for the Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI were 6.5% and 6.4% respectively.

For the 12 months ended July 1996, CPI(A) and CPI(B) were, on average, higher by 6.9% and 7.4% respectively than the preceding 12-month period. The corresponding increases for the Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI were 7.7% and 7.3% respectively.

The seasonally adjusted monthly rates of increase in CPI(A), CPI(B), Hang Seng CPI and Composite CPI all averaged at 0.3% during the three months ended July 1996.

Further details are shown in Tables 1-2 and Charts 1-4.

More details are given in the Consumer Price Index Report for July 1996, which is on sale at $37 per copy from the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, ground floor, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

It is also available at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

For local and overseas mailings, contact should be made with the Information Services Department, 28th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

For enquiries about the indices, please telephone the Consumer Price Index Section of the Census and Statistics Department on 2805 6403.

- 10 -

•n

Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for July 1996

Component (Oct. 94 - Sep. 95 = 100) Hanq J Seng CPI Composite CPI

CPI(A) CPI(B)

Index for July 96 % change over July 95 Index for July 96 % change over July 95 Index for July 96 % change over July 95 Index for July 96 % change over July 95

Food 106.2 +4.6 106.0 +4.3 105.3 +3.9 106.0 +4.4

.Meals bought away fran heme 106.3 +4.2 105.9 +3.8 104.8 +3.4 105.9 +3.9

Food, excluding meals bought 106.0 +5.2 106.1 +5.1 106.3 +5.1 106.1 +5.1

away fran heme

Housing 112.0 +9.0 113.4 +9.7 115.4 +11.0 113.6 +9.9

Fuel and light 106.3 +3.9 106.2 +3.9 107.0 *5.3 106.4 +4.1

.Alcoholic drinks 109.1 +6.7 109.4 +6.9 108.8 *6.3 109.1 +6.7

and tobacco

Clothing and 110.3 +8.7 111.3 +9.5 103.5 +0.4 108.5 +6.3

footwear

Durable goods 102.6 +1.8 102.3 +2.0 102.6 +2.3 102.5 +2.0

Miscellaneous 104.5 +3.8 103.9 +3.2 103.1 +2.3 103.9 +3.1

goods

Transport 109.3 +6.1 109.0 +6.0 108.1 +5.8 108.8 +6.0

Miscellaneous 107.3 +6.6 107.5 +6.4 105.8 +4.4 106.9 +5.8

services

All items 108.0 +6.1 108.5 +6.4 108.6 +6.1 108.4 +6.2

.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 1994/95-based consumer price indices are based on tliose patterns derived from the 1994/95 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of households in Hong Kong, wliich had an average monthly expenditure of $4,000-$15,999 in 1994/95. The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $16,000-$29,999 in 1994/95. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $30,000-859,999 in 1994/95.

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 inpact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the impact of consuner price changes on the household sector generally.

Table 2 Consumer Prico Indices and Year-on-ycar Rates of Change for October 1995 - July 1996 (Oct. 94 - Sep. 95 = 100)

Year/month CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI

1995 October November December Index 104.3 104.3 103.9 Year-on-year rate of change Index 104.5 104.7 J 04.6 Year'-on-year rate of change ft) Index 104.7 105.4 101.9 Year-on-year rate of dianqe ft) Index 104.5 104.7 104.5 Year-on-year rate of dianqe ft)

ft) 8.0 7.8 6.4 (8.4) (8.2) (6.6)

8.4 8.1 7.2 (8.8) (8.3) (7.3) 8.7 8.2 7.2 (9.4) (8.9) (7.9) 8.4 8.1 7.0 (8.8) (8.4) (7.2)

1996 January 104.1 5.8 (5.9) 104.8 6.6 (6.8) 105.1 7.3 (7.9) 104.7 6.5 (6.8)

February 105.4 6.4 (6.6) 105.9 7.0 (7.3) 105.7 7.5 (8.2) 105.7 6.9 (7.3)

March 106.1 6.5 (6.7) 106.4 7.0 (7.3) 106.3 7.6 (8.2) 106.3 7.0 (7.3)

April 107.3 6.8 (6.9) 107.8 7.0 (7.4) 107.5 7.1 (7.7) 107.6 7.0 (7.3)

May 107.1 6.1 (6.4) 107.9 6.6 (7.2) 108.5 6.9 (7.4) 107.8 6.5 (6.9)

June 107.8 6.1 (6.4) 108.3 6.4 (7.0) 109.1 6.6 (7.1) 108.4 6.4 (6.8)

July 108.0 6.1 (6.5) 108.5 6.4 (7.0) 108.6 6.1 (6.6) • 108.4 6.2 (6.7)

Note: Figures in brackets refer to die old 1989/90-based series.

- 12 -

Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A) (1994/95-based)

1995 1996

Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B) (1994/95-based)

- 13 -

Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI (1994/95-based)

Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI

End

Statistics digest for August now on sale ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Two feature articles - trading firms with manufacturing-related functions, and the recent unemployment and underemployment situation in Hong Kong - are published in the August issue of the Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics, which is now on sale.

With the opening up of China’s economy, coupled with low labour and land costs there, Hong Kong manufacturers have been relocating their manufacturing processes rapidly across the border through sub-contract processing arrangement in China (SPAC).

In some cases, essentially all labour-intensive manufacturing processes are moved to China, and the local manufacturing firms have hence shifted their operational status from that of manufacturing to that of trading.

Besides, many traditional import/export firms have also become engaged in SPAC to take advantage of cheap, abundant resources in China.

There are views that manufacturing firms and trading firms with manufacturing-related functions should be considered similar for certain analytical purposes.

The feature article, Trading firms with manufacturing-related functions, provides an updated version of the discussion of this development.

The Census and Statistics Department has been conducting the general household survey on a continuous basis since August 1981 to collect information on the labour force, unemployment and underemployment.

The feature article - the recent unemployment and underemployment situation in Hong Kong - aims to analyse in greater depth the latest unemployed and underemployed population of the territory.

The August 1996 issue of the Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics is now on sale at $50 a copy. Apart from the above two feature articles, it contains the most up-to-date information on Hong Kong’s development regarding economic growth, labour market, inflation and many other social and economic issues.

This publication can be purchased at the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

It is also on sale at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Regular subscription can also be arranged with the Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department, Tel 2598 8194.

End

Special stamps on HK mountains for sale ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The acting Postmaster General Mr P C Luk, announced today (Thursday) that a set of special stamps on the theme of Hong Kong Mountains will be issued on September 11 (Wednesday).

This set of stamps depicts four famous mountains in Hong Kong. The $1.30 stamp depicts the crest of the Pat Sin Leng escarpment. The $2.50 stamp depicts Ma On Shan. The $3.10 stamp depicts Lion Rock peak and the $5 stamp depicts Lantau Peak, which is also known as Fung Wong Shan.

The stamps were designed by Mr. Arde Lam and printed by Harrison and Sons of the United Kingdom.

As from August 28 (Wednesday), the stamps will be on display for the advance information of the public at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Sha Tin Central Post Office.

Official first day covers will be put on sale at all post offices at $1 each as from the same day. Advance orders for serviced first day covers will be accepted at all post offices from August 28 to September 4. The minimum number of covers per order is five.

A restriction of 100 stamps of each denomination (viz. 100 sets of stamps) per customer queuing will be imposed on the first day of issue.

A beautifully designed presentation pack containing the four stamps will be available for sale at $20 each at all post offices as from September 11.

Serviced first day covers affixed with the set of stamps and cancelled with the first day of issue postmark will be placed on sale on September 11 at the following eight philatelic offices at $15.40 each :

Airport Post Office

General Post Office

Granville Road Post Office

Harcourt Road Post Office

Peak Post Office

Sha Tin Central Post Office

Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office

Tsuen Wan Post Office

On the first day of issue, hand-back service will be provided at all post offices to official and privately-made covers bearing indication of the first day of issue on September 11.

As on previous occasions of first day issue of new stamps, the following 22 post offices will open at 8 am on September 11 :-

Hong Kong p: •

General Post Office. Aberdeen, Shan Kei Wan. Sai Ying Pun. Tsai Tse Mui. Wan Chai, Wah Fu

Outlying Islands

Cheung Chau

• • r

Kowloon

Tsim Sha Tsui. Cheung Sha Wan. Kowloon Central. Kowloon City. Kwun Tong, Tseung Kwan O, To Kwa Wan

New Territories

Yuen Long. Shatin Central. Sai Kung. Shek Wu Hui. Tuen Mun Central. Tai Po. Tsuen Wan

End

Speedpost service extended to six countries ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Reciprocal speedpost service will be extended to Ethiopia, Fiji, Ghana, Mauritius, Nepal and Solomon Islands as from Tuesday (August 27), the acting Postmaster General Mr P C Luk, announced today (Thursday).

This will bring the total number of overseas destinations served by speedpost to 80.

The postage rates and delivery standards are as below:

Postage Ethiopia Fjji (ihana Mauritius Nepal Solomon Islands

first 250g $165 $85 $150 $190 $125 $85

first 500g $200 $90 $190 $210 $140 $90

each addition 500g (up to total weight of 8 kg) $65 $45 $80 $95 $30 $45

each additional 500g (in excess of 8 kg) $60 $45 $75 $90 $30 $45

Kilopak $255 $125 $260 $295 $160 $125

Delivery 1-4 1-4 2-5 1-2 1-2 3-5

Standards (No of working days required)

Speedpost is a fast and reliable service for sending urgent documents, samples and merchandise. It provides next day delivery to most major cities world-wide and reaches more than 1,500 cities in China.

Customers may register for pick-up service or post the speedpost items at any one of the 49 strategically located post offices.

"Hong Kong ranks the third among postal administrations world-wide in terms of the quantity of speedpost items handled, just after USA and Japan," said Mr Luk.

’’Customers have found speedpost convenient and reliable. Customs documentation for speedpost items is simple and pick-up service for account customers covers all of Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.

’’Furthermore, charges and delivery standards of Speedpost compare very favourably with the private couriers. Hence the speedpost service has continued to expand in spite of strong competition.”

Enquiries about the service should be made to the postal services representatives on 2921 2277.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

Cumulative

$ million Time (hours) change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1.957 0930 NIL

Closing balance in the account 1.940 1000 NIL

Change attributable to : 1100 NIL

Money market activity +3 1200 +3

LAF today -20 1500 +3

1600 +3

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.0* 22.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes/MTRC

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.02 2 years 2808 6.00 99.86 6.17

1 month 5.02 3 years 3907 6.80 100.92 6.55

3 months 5.15 5 years 5106 7.23 100.89 7.13

6 months 5.27 7 years 7305 7.24 99.35 7.50

12 months 5.58 5 years M503 7.35 99.88 7.51

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $6,732 million

Closed August 22. 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Friday, August 23,1996

Contents Pagefro,

Transcript of acting Governor's media session............................ 1

CJ concerned by reports.................................................. 2

FS to visit Indonesia and New Zealand.............................. 2

Board amends draft Ma On Shan Outline Zoning Plan.................. 3

Draft Area Plan for Ganges Drainage Basin gazetted................. 4

Tenders invited for sewerage improvement works..................... 6

Tenders invited for slope upgrading works.......................... 6

Kwai Chung government land for sale by tender...................... 7

Sale of land by Letter A/B or cash tender.......................... 8

Tuen Mun government land for sale by tender........................ 9

Tenders invited for works in Sha Tin villages...................... 9

Replacement of artificial turf to soccer pitch in Tai Po........... 10

Issue of new pictorial aerogramme.................................. 10

Last Liberation Parade for British Forces.......................... 11

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations............... 12

Transcript of acting Governor's media session * * ♦ * *

Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to reporters by the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after attending the Dress Casual Day 1996 Launching Ceremony this (Friday) afternoon:

Acting Governor: I want first of all just to extend through you my warmest congratulations to Mr Ben Cheung and other members of the Paralympic Team for their outstanding success at the Paralympic Games these last few days, particularly to congratulate Mr Ben Cheung on obtaining four gold medals. I think everyone in Hong Kong is extremely proud of their achievements. And I think taken together with the outstanding results achieved by the other Olympic Team - Ms Lee Lai-shan and the others -- this can be said to be an outstanding year for Hong Kong insofar as our participation in international sporting activities is concerned. After consulting with the Physically Handicapped Sports Association and also taking into account the wishes of the individual members of the team, we have made appropriate arrangements for the team to be warmly received back when they return next Tuesday. We will be facilitating their immigration and customs clearance and also making it easy for them to meet with members of the media. And the Governor will be delighted to host a reception for the returning team as well as for the Olympic Team when he himself returns and this reception will take place on the fourth of September.

Question: Arc you worried that the case of.Judge Caird would affect the confidence of Hong Kong people towards the independence of the judiciary?

Acting Governor: I can well understand the concern of the community, but as you all know the judiciary is totally independent of the administration so it is not for me to comment. But you will also have seen from the statement by the Chief Justice that he is equally concerned about this matter. He has instructed that an internal investigation should be carried out. And I'm sure he will consider appropriate statements following the completion of that investigation. In the meantime of course the trial continues and it is sub judice to comment.

End

CJ concerned by reports *****

The Chief Justice, Sir Ti Liang Yang, and the acting Chief Justice, Mr Justice Power, are gravely concerned by the press reports suggesting improper pressure upon District Judge Caird in relation to the exercise of his judicial duties in the trial of Aaron Nattrass. They saw a number of people involved yesterday, and called for relevant reports. The matter is being fully and carefully investigated. It would not be proper to make any further comment during the trial of Aaron Nattrass.

End

FS to visit Indonesia and New Zealand *****

The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, will leave Hong Kong on Sunday (August 25) to visit Jakarta, Wellington and Auckland.

The visit to Indonesia and New Zealand represents the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and other participants of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC). Mr Tsang had visited Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in May.

In Jakarta, Mr Tsang will call on President Soeharto on August 27 and meet the press afterwards.

Before leaving in the evening for Wellington, New Zealand, he will have separate sessions with the Minister of Finance, H E Mar'ie Muhammad, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Ali Alatas, and Minister of Trade and Industry, H E Tungki Ariwibowo. He will also meet the Governor of Bank Indonesia, H E Soedradjad Djiwandon, and visit the Jakarta Stock Exchange.

On August 29, he will meet the press with the Minister of Finance, the Rt Hon Bill Birch, after having a working breakfast with him and the Treasury officials.

Mr Tsang will then call on the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt Hon James Bolger, and Deputy Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Don McKinnon.

In the afternoon, Mr Tsang will have discussions with Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank, Mr Murray Sherwin, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition and spokesperson on finance, Mr Michael Cullen.

On arrival in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 30, Mr Tsang will address a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong-New Zealand Business Association and attended by about 150 businessmen and community leaders.

He will meet with the Deputy Minister of Finance, the Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, in the afternoon and go to a dinner hosted by the New Zealand Business Roundtable.

Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong on August 31 (Saturday).

End

Board amends draft Ma On Shan Outline Zoning Plan ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Town Planning Board today (Friday) announced amendments to the draft Ma On Shan Outline Zoning Plan.

A 0.8-hectare site to the north-east of Kam Fung Court at On Chun Street in Ma On Shan Planning Area 100 has been rezoned from ’Govemment/Institution/Community’ (’G/IC') to ’Other Specified Uses (Hotel)' to facilitate hotel development.

An 'Other Specified Uses (Pier)' site which was intended to serve the 'G/IC' site at On Chun Street in Ma On Shan Planning Area 100 is no longer required and thus deleted.

A new set of Notes for the 'Other Specified Uses (Hotel)’ zone has been added.

The amendment plan (No.S/MOS/4) is available for public inspection until September 13 during normal office hours at:

Planning Department 16th floor, Murray Building Garden Road

Central

Hong Kong;

* Sha Tin, Tai Po and North District Planning Office ground floor, Sha Tin Government Offices Tung Lo Wan Hill Road Sha Tin

New Territories; and

♦ Sha Tin District Office

sixth floor. City Link Plaza

Sha Tin Station Circuit

Sha Tin

New Territories.

Any person affected by the amendment plan may submit written objections to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board, c/o Planning Department, 13th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong before September 13, 1996.

Copies of the draft plan are available for sale at the Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong, and the Kowloon Map Sales Office, ground floor, 382 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

End

Draft Area Plan for Ganges Drainage Basin gazetted *****

The Drainage Authority has prepared a draft Drainage Authority Area plan for the Ganges Drainage Basin, one of the most flood prone drainage basin in the territory.

A spokesman for the Drainage Services Department said today (Friday) that the draft plan covered an area of about 24 square kilometres and included mainly Ta Kwu Ling, Ping Che and Hung Lung Hang.

"About seven kilometres of watercourses arc being designated as maincourses on the draft plan," he said.

Upon first publication of the draft plan in the Gazette today, the Drainage Authority is given various powers under the Land Drainage Ordinance to executive drainage works, to enter upon private land for executing drainage works, and to exercise control on erection of structures within the main watercourses.

"These measures are aimed at reducing the threat of flooding in areas covered by the draft plan," the spokesman said.

Any person aggrieved by the draft plan may submit a written statement of objection to the Director of Drainage Services before Tuesday, October 22, 1996.

The objector should clearly set out in his written statement the nature of and reasons for the objection and any proposed alteration that would remove the objection.

The notice (in English and Chinese) together with related plans can be seen at:-

♦ Drainage Services Department Headquarters, 43rd floor, Revenue Tower,

5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong;

♦ Land Drainage Division, Drainage Services Department, 11th floor, Kowloon Government Offices, 405 Nathan Road, Kowloon:

* North District Office,

3rd floor, North District Government Offices,

3 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, New Territories;

* Land Registry,

28th floor, Queensway Government Offices,

66 Queensway, Hong Kong; and

♦ North New Territories Land Registry, second floor, North District Government Offices, 3 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, New Territories.

End

Tenders invited for sewerage improvement works ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Drainage Services Department is inviting tenders for drainage maintenance and construction in the Mainland South Districts.

The contract will include the maintenance and improvement of all existing public sewers, stormwater drains, pumping stations, flood storage ponds and sewage treatment facilities in Kowloon, Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing.

It will also include the construction of minor sewers, drains and drainage structures and plant in these areas.

Works are scheduled to begin in November 1996 for completion in 24 months.

The tender notice was gazetted today (Friday).

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Chief Engineer, Mainland South Division, Drainage Services Department, 15th floor, Kowloon Government Offices, 405 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

The tender closing date is noon on September 13 (Friday).

End

Tenders invited for slope upgrading works * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Buildings Department is inviting tenders for two term contracts for upgrading and stabilising a total of 40 dangerous private slopes and retaining walls throughout the territories.

The tender notice was published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).

The Assistant Director of Buildings, Mr Lau Yiu-wah, said that the slopes and retaining walls are in default of Dangerous Hillside Orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance.

The works are expected to commence in December 1996 for completion in 36 months.

Only contractors on both the list of Approved Suppliers of Materials and Specialist Contractors for Public Works in the category of Landslip Preventive/Remedial Works to Slopes/Retaining Walls and the list of registered contractors under section eight of Buildings Ordinance are eligible to submit tenders.

Mr Lan pointed out that about 200 statutory orders would be served each year over the next five years to require property owners to carry out investigation and remedial works to potentially dangerous slopes.

"If the owners fail to comply with the orders without reasonable excuse, they are liable to be prosecuted under the Buildings Ordinance.

"The Government contractors will carry out works on the owners' behalf and recover all the costs from them," he said.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Buildings Department's Slope Safety Section on the 15th floor of Pioneer Centre, 750 Nathan Road, Kowloon. The enquiry telephone number is 2626 1368.

All tenders, addressed to the Chairman of the Central Tender Board, should be placed in the tender box at the lift lobby on the lower ground floor of the Central Government Offices, East Wing, Lower Albert Road, 1 long Kong. Tender offer will close at noon on September 13, 1996.

End

Kwai Chung government land for sale by tender ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Lands Department is inviting tenders for the sale of a piece of government land at Container Port Road, Kwai Chung.

With an area of about 1,574 square metres, the site is intended for use as a petrol filling station with lubricating services.

The closing date for submission of tenders is noon on September 20.

Tender form, tender notice and conditions may be obtained from the Lands Department, 14th floor. Murray Building, Garden Road, and the District Lands Office/Kowloon, 10th floor, Yau Ma Tei Car Park Building, 250 Shanghai Street, Kowloon.

Tender documents will also be available at the district offices of Sha Tin, Tai Po, North, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, Sai Kung and Islands.

End

Sale of land by Letter A/B or cash tender *****

The Lands Department is inviting tenders by letter A/B entitlements or by cash for a site in Shiu Wo Street in Tsuen Wan.

With an area of about 1,020 square metres, the site is for non-industrial, excluding godown and hotel, purpose.

Details of the tender notice are contained in the Government Gazette published today (Friday).

Application forms, application notices and conditions of grant may be obtained from, and sale plans inspected at, the Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong, the Kowloon District Lands Offices, Yau Ma Tei Car Park Building, 10th floor, 250 Shanghai Street.Kowloon; and the District Lands Office of Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing, Tai Po, North, Sai Kung and Islands.

Applications must be made on the designated application form, addressed to the Director of Lands and placed in the public works tender box at the lift lobby, 34th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensways, Hong Kong , before noon on September 20.

Late applications will not be accepted.

End

- 9 -

Tuen Mun government land for sale by tender ♦ ♦ * * *

The Lands Department is inviting tenders for the sale of a piece of land in area 16, Tuen Mun.

With an area of about 2,919 square metres, the site is designed for godown purpose, offices ancillary and directly related to an industrial operation or godown operation or any combination of the above two .

The closing date for submission of tenders is noon on September 20.

Tender form, tender notice and conditions may be obtained from the Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road; District Lands OfTices/Kowloon, 10th floor, Yau Ma Tei Car Park Building, 250 Shanghai Street, Kowloon .

Tender documents will also be available at the district lands offices of Sha Tin, Tai Po, North, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Tsing , Sai Kung and Islands.

End

Tenders invited for works in Sha Tin villages ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Territory Development Department is inviting tenders for civil engineering works in Ngau Pei Sha, Chap Wai Kon and To Shek villages in Sha Tin.

The contract, as part of a continuing programme to develop Sha Tin New Town, will include construction of platforms for village houses and associated road, sewerage and drainage works.

It will also include building of an electric substation and refuse collection points.

The works will start in December for completion in 18 months.

- 10 -

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Consulting Engineers, Messrs. Maunsell Consultants Asia Limited, 4 Fung Wo Lane, Wo Che, Sha Tin.

The tender closing date is noon on September 13, 1996 (Friday).

End

Replacement of artificial turf to soccer pitch in Tai Po *****

The Architectural Services Department is inviting tenders for the replacement of artificial turf to the soccer pitch at Kwong Fuk Football Ground in Tai Po.

The project will involve a total turfed area of 6,400 square metres.

Works will commence in October this year for completion in three months.

Tender forms and further particulars of the project can be obtained from the Property Services Branch. Architectural Services Department, fifth floor. Main Block. APB Centre, 9 Sung Ping Street, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.

Tender offers will close at noon on September 13.

End

Issue of new pictorial aerogramme

*****

The acting Postmaster General, Mr P C Luk, announced today (Friday) that a new pictorial aerogramme with design featuring various landmarks in Hong Kong will be issued on September 2 (Monday).

The new aerogramme, available at $2.30 each, was designed by Mr Brian Tilbrook and Mr Arde Lam and printed by Mercury-Walch of Australia.

The new aerogramme will be sold concurrently with the existing pictorial aerogramme which was released in 1992.

A hand-back service will be provided on September 2 at all post offices for new aerogrammes bearing a local address. Aerogrammes tendered for the hand-back service must be folded and sealed.

End

Last Liberation Parade for British Forces ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

For the last time before departure from the territory next year, the British Forces will commemorate one of the most significant events in Hong Kong’s history -the liberation from Japanese forces at the end of the Second World War.

Men from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force will form up at the Cenotaph, in Central, alongside Hong Kong veterans during this year's Liberation Parade on Monday (August 26).

A detachment of 53 men from the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles (1 RGR) will be on parade along with four Cenotaph sentries from HMS Tamar and a four-man firing party from RAF Sek Kong.

Music is to be provided by the Pipes and Drums of 1 RGR and by the Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers who are based in the United Kingdom and currently enjoying a short tour of the territory.

Commander British Forces, Major General Bryan Dutton, along with Inspector Hong Kong Military Service Corps (HKMSC), Lieutenant Colonel Nick Southward, will lay wreaths during the parade.

End

- 12 -

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

J • $ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (^million)

Opening balance in the account 1,940 0930 +17

Closing balance in the account 2,259 1000 +17

Change attributable to: 1100 + 17

Money market activity + 19 1200 +19

LAF today +300 1500 +19

1600 +19

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.0* 23.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes/MTRC

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.95 2 years 2808 6.00 99.88 6.16

1 month 4.99 3 years 3907 6.80 100.92 6.55

3 months 5.13 5 years 5106 7.23 100.90 7.12

6 months 5.26 7 years 7305 7.24 99.37 7.49

12 months 5.55 5 years M5O3 7.35 99.83 7.53

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $11,406 million

Closed August 23, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Saturday, August 24, 1996

Contents Page No,

Round-the-clock emergency services for dangerous buildings..... 1

TDS review report for sale..................................... 2

Firing practice in September................................... 3

Sunday, August 25,1996

Contents Page No,

Transcript of FS............................................... 4

Paralympic team congratulated on magnificent achievements...... 5

Survey to identify needs of office development................. 5

Periodic test of electric wiring compulsory.................... 6

Anti-rabies inoculation drive in fishing ports................. 7

Monday, August 26,1996

Contents Page No.

Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine visits Beijing....... 9

Water cut in Yuen Long......................................... 9

Round-the-clock emergency services for dangerous buildings ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Buildings Department had received a total of 574 calls for emergency services to remove dangers from buildings during the 12 months preceding May this year, the acting Deputy Director of Buildings, Mr Ng Hon-keung, said today (Saturday).

About 18 per cent of the cases involved dangerous signs, 13 per cent on structural defects of buildings and about 10 per cent were related to dangerous appendages or canopies.

Other problems ranged from drainage defects, water leakage, dangerous scaffolding to loose external wall finishes.

Mr Ng said the department, in recognition of the importance of public safety, was committed to maintain a 24-hour services to the community.

"The department provides expert advice on private buildings and developments in case of danger. Our professional officers attending an emergency scene will make an initial assessment of the situation and decide what immediate action should be taken in order to restore public safety.

"In many cases, government contractors are called to carry out emergency works to remove dangers from the affected building," Mr Ng said.

During office hours, emergency calls are directed to the relevant case officers, while two professional officers are on emergency call on a rotation basis from the police control and command centre after office hours.

Mr Ng said the department had pledged a performance standard of inspecting and responding to any emergency situation within three hours.

"We are glad that in 1995, we had achieved a successful rate of 97.4 per cent of the response time. The shortfall was mainly due to the engagement of the duty officers in other emergency cases or heavy traffic condition," he said.

When tropical cyclone No 8 warning signal is hoisted or the rainstorm black warning is issued, or during major emergency situation, an emergency duty centre will be set up at the Buildings Department office.

Professional officers will be on duty round-the-clock at the centre to provide and co-ordinate expeditious services to handle problems arising from dangerous buildings, private slopes, scaffolding, or advertising signs.

Noting that the emergency system had been functioning for more than 20 years, Mr Ng said it would be reviewed from time to time to better improve the services.

"Through its 24-hour emergency services, the Buildings Department undertakes to provide a safe and healthy built environment for our community," he said.

End

TDS review report for sale * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A public consultation document entitled "Consolidated Technical Report on the Territorial Development Strategy Review ’96" is now available for sale, a spokesman for the Planning Department said today (Saturday).

Public interest has been drawn to the Territorial Development Strategy (TDS) Review since the announcement of its results by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, on July 16 for a six-month public consultation.

The 179-page full colour publication, available in English language only, is a summary of a three-part final technical report on the TDS Review which provides a comprehensive planning framework for Hong Kong up to 2011, said the spokesman.

"The Report will provide more technical details and background information on the Review to enable the public to give views and comments. Copies can now be purchased at $92 each at the Government Publications Centre on the ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway," he said.

Meanwhile, free copies of the bilingual TDS Review Consultative Digest can still be collected from the Planning Department, 16th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, or any District Offices.

Views on the Review should be sent in writing before the end of December this year to the Planning Department (Tel:2848 2402, Fax: 2877 0389).

End

Firing practice in September *****

Firing practice will take place at the Ha Tsuen/Castle Peak Range on two days next month. The public is advised not to enter the area when red flags are hoisted.

Following are the dates and times for the firing practice:

Date

Time

September 5 (Thursday) 8.30 am - 5 pm

September 12 (Thursday) 8.30 am - 5 pm

End

Transcript of FS * * * ♦ ♦

The following is the English transcript of the media session given by the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, at the airport today (Sunday) before his departure for Jakarta for a duty visit:

Reporter: Mr Tsang, will you discuss the Nattrass controversy with the New Zealand .... or with any people when you go down there?

FS: I will not. It is a matter which is sub judice, you know it is under trial at the moment. And the Chief Justice and Acting Chief Justice are already looking into the matter and they are starting enquiries. It is not a matter which the Administration, which respects fully the independence of the judiciary, going to interfere.

Reporter: Mr Tsang, is the Government going to give the assurance that important legislation like the ones to give Beijing the right to declare trade sanctions in Hong Kong will not be rushed through the LegCo without proper time for examination ?

FS: Well, we will never rush things through Legislative Council. That is a very technical issue. It is nothing peculiar about it. It is part of the localisation of Hong Kong legislation. I am quite sure my colleague, the Secretary for Trade and Industry will explain very fully the import of any such legislation to LegCo before she put it through.

Reporter: Hong Kong will remain in the community of APEC once it becomes part of China?

FS: Definitely. It is part of the idea which is recognised and accepted by all other members of APEC that our membership is not affected by the transition at all. We must remember our membership is derived from the fact that Hong Kong is an autonomous economy. APEC is a conglomeration, it is a collection of economies not of sovereign states. So the change in 1997 for Hong Kong which is a change of sovereignty should not affect that underlying status that Hong Kong is an autonomous economic entity.

Reporter: Mr Tsang, we expect one comment generally on inflation figures. In recent figures, the rate appears to be fairly steady. There are forecasts that the rate may be coming down in the next few months.... I mean.... what are your assessment then?

FS: I am very happy about those figures. It indicates inflation generally is under control. I estimated early in the year that the overall inflation rate for 1996 would be roughly 7.5(%). 1 may have to look at that again. It looks as if we might not reach that figure too. It is very good news.

End

Paralympic team congratulated on magnificent achievements

*****

The acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, extended her warmest congratulations to the athletes on their magnificent achievements at the 1996 Paralympic Games.

In a letter to the Chief de Mission of the Hong Kong Paralympic Team, Mr Silas Chiang, Mrs Chan said the athletes had done exceedingly well and earned international recognition for themselves and for Hong Kong.

"They have shown us all what determination, hard work and perseverance can achieve," she said.

Mrs Chan pointed out that the Team had made a new record in the history of Hong Kong's participation in the Paralympic Games since 1972.

"The personal achievements of Mr Cheung Wai-leung, in particular, have brought great pride and honour to the people of Hong Kong.

"I am sure this year's achievements will encourage our athletes to do even better in future competitions," said Mrs Chan.

End

Survey to identify needs of office development

*****

The Planning Department has commissioned the Survey Research Hong Kong to conduct a survey to identify the needs and opinions of office users on office development.

rhe survey is part of a consultancy study on the propensity for office decentralisation and the formulation of an office land development strategy, a spokesman for the department said today (Sunday).

"The objective of the study is to formulate plans for office development to meet the future needs of Hong Kong."

On the survey, the spokesman said the field work has already started and will complete before end of October.

"It will cover establishment characteristics, business operation/activities, factors affecting the choice of office location and future plans for establishments," he said.

He urged for the full co-operation of the office users who were selected for interviews and that all information would be kept strictly confidential.

"Findings of the survey will serve as an important input in the formulation of a comprehensive office development strategy for the territory up to the year 2011.

"Survey results will assist the government in determining the future locations of office development and the need for the development of new office nodes," he added.

Any queries on the survey can be directed to the Planning Department on 2848 2308.

End

Periodic test of electric wiring compulsory *****

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) reminded the public today (Sunday) that about 60,000 fixed electrical installations are subject to five-yearly periodic test and about 42,000 of them should undergo their first periodic test before June 1, 1997.

"Under the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations which commenced on June 1, 1992. property owners, incorporated owners, estate management agents, occupiers and tenants must have the communal electrical installations in their buildings inspected, tested and certified by a registered electrical contractor at least once every five years.

"This means that if the installations were connected to electricity supply before June 1, 1992, the first test should take place before June 1, 1997.

"This applies to all fixed electrical installations in factories with an approved loading exceeding 200A, commercial and private buildings with an approved loading exceeding 100A, hotels, hospitals, schools and child care centres," he explained.

The spokesman stressed that the requirements were aimed at reducing safety hazards such as fire and electrical accidents caused by improper maintenance of electrical installations.

He urged the public to arrange for the test as soon as possible for their own safety. In doing so, the last minute rush for completing the test in 1997 could also be avoided.

"Failure to comply with the regulations will be liable to a maximum fine of $10,000," he said.

Copies of an information leaflet on the new requirements are available at all district offices and the Customer Service Office of EMSD.

For more information, please telephone 2882 8011 or write to EMSD's Electricity Legislation Division, 98 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

End

Anti-rabies inoculation drive in fishing ports

*****

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) will launch a half-yearly dog inoculation drive in fishing ports later this week so that fishermen can have their dogs immunised against rabies.

Starting from Tuesday (August 27), AFD's mobile dog inoculation teams will go to the territory's fishing ports one after the other and make boat-to-boat visits between 10 am and 4 pm daily. The inoculation programme is as follows:

Port Dale

Shau Kei Wan Cheung Chau Aberdeen Sha Tau Kok Sam Mun Chai Castle Peak Bay Sai Kung

27.8.96 - 28.8.96

29.8.96-30.8.96

2.9.96 - 3.9.96

9.9.96

10.9.96- 11.9.96

12.9.96-13.9.96

19.9.96-20.9.96

The drive, a regular exercise since 1980, is intended to help fishermen who find little time to take their dogs to an inoculation centre or a government kennel for inoculation.

An AFD senior veterinary officer, Dr Liu Kwei-kin said that the drive was part of Government's continuing efforts to prevent the outbreak of rabies in Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong regained the rabies-free area status on July 10, 1989 by having successfully prevented the outbreak of any indigenous rabies case since July 10, 1987," Dr Liu said.

Nevertheless, he stressed that rabies was a deadly disease transmissible from animals to human. Dogs on fishing vessels are particularly vulnerable because of their possible contacts with other animals outside Hong Kong.

It is therefore important that fishermen's dogs are inoculated against rabies, he added.

Under the Rabies Ordinance, all dogs over five months old are required to be licensed and inoculated against rabies. Failure to do so will render the owner liable to a maximum fine of $10,000.

End

Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine visits Beijing

*****

A 28-member delegation of the Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine (PCCM) today (Monday) left for Beijing for a five-day visit.

Led by the Committee's Chairman, Dr Daniel Tse, the delegation will visit various organisations involving in the development and regulations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China.

A spokesman for the Committee said: "It is envisaged that the visit will provide the necessary information for the Committee to draw up recommendations on the development, promotion and regulation of TCM in Hong Kong."

While in Beijing, the delegation will visit the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, universities, research institutes, manufacturers for proprietary TCM and a TCM hospital.

This is the first overseas visit after the committee was formed last year and the delegation will return to Hong Kong on Friday.

End

Water cut in Yuen Long

*****

The fresh and flushing water supply to some premises in Yuen Long will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Thursday (August 29) to 6 am the following day for waste detection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect all premises along Tai Tong Road between Tai Shu Ha Road East and Hop Yick Road.

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Tuesday, August 27,1996

Contents PagsiNo.

Financial Secretary meets President Soeharto............................ 1

Tate's Cairn Tunnel toll increase application endorsed.................. 1

KCRC chairman not to seek further term.................................. 2

Feasibility study on inter-district bus-only lanes...................... 3

Easy access bus service extends to Hong Kong Island..................... 4

Provisional statistics of retail sales for June......................... 4

Fee for Crown rent account enquiry revised..............................

Water storage figure.................................................... 7

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results............................. 7

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 8

Financial Secretary meets President Soeharto * * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, today (Tuesday) paid a courtesy call on President Soeharto of Indonesia and they exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. Mr Tsang also updated the President on the latest development in the territory as well as the preparatory work leading up to the changeover of sovereignty in 1997.

Today's call on President Soeharto concluded the Financial Secretary's visit to Indonesia, which is part of the Hong Kong Government's on-going efforts to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and other members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC).

■ 1 •

Mr Tsang, being the Hong Kong APEC leader, visited other APEC member economies, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, earlier this year.

Yesterday, Mr Tsang held separate meetings with the Minister of Finance, H.E. Mar'ie Muhammad; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ali Alatas; and the Minister of Trade and Industry, H.E. Tungky Ariwibowo. He called on the Governor of Bank Indonesia, H.E. Soedradjad Djiwandono, and the President of the Jakarta Stock Exchange, Mr Cyril Noerhadi.

Earlier this morning, Mr Tsang attended a breakfast meeting hosted by the President of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Aburizal Bakrie.

Mr Tsang will leave Jakarta for Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand this evening.

End

Tate's Cairn Tunnel toll increase application endorsed

*****

The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) today (Tuesday) endorsed the application for an average increase of 30 per cent in tolls by the Tate's Cairn Tunnel Company (TCTC).

In making the recommendation, TAC members took into account the financial problems, the expected toll increase in the original project proposal and accumulated loss of TCTC.

However, members of the Committee requested the tunnel company to submit a comprehensive business plan to the Administration by November. The plan should embrace measures to reduce expenditure, increase revenue including non-toll revenue, improve air quality of the tunnel and fine tune longer term financial management.

The proposed new tolls compared with existing ones are:

Vehicles Existing toll Proposed toll

Private cars, taxis & motorcycles $6 $8

Light buses and light goods vehicles $10 $13

Medium & heavy goods vehicle and buses $15 $20

Extra axle $5 $7

End

KCRC chairman not to seek further term *****

The Government today (Tuesday) announced that the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC), Mr Kevin Hyde, has notified the Government of his decision not to seek another term when his current contract expires on December 23.

The Administration fully respects Mr Hyde’s decision and is now engaging a consultant firm to look for his successor.

Mr Hyde joined KCRC as Chairman and Chief Executive on December 24, 1990. He is now serving his second three-year term.

The Secretary for Transport, Mr Gordon Siu, said Mr Hyde had performed well as Chairman and Chief Executive of the Corporation and had given the Corporation a clear sense of direction and commitment.

During his tenure, the Corporation has made significant progress in customer service, safety, reliability, training and development.

End

- 3 -

Feasibility study on inter-district bus-only lanes ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Transport Department today (Tuesday) commissioned Atkins Haswell Consultants to carry out a $4.6 million feasibility study on inter-district bus-only lanes.

The study is prompted by the Report of the Working Group on Measures to Address Traffic Congestion published in November 1994.

Analysis of the responses to the report reveals strong public support for more extensive public transport priority schemes.

A spokesman for the department said: "As existing bus-only lanes are usually confined to a local district, journey time for related bus routes can only be marginally improved.

"We therefore propose to introduce inter-district bus-only lanes covering major traffic corridors in the territory to further enhance the efficiency of bus services."

The consultant will assess the feasibility of inter-district bus-only lanes on major corridors which rely mainly on bus services.

They will also make recommendations on the design of bus-only lanes and the complementary traffic management schemes.

The feasibility study will take about 17 months for completion in early 1998.

The following major traffic corridors have been pre-selected for the study:

* Aberdeen - Wan Chai - Central;

♦ Kwun Tong - To Kwa Wan/Hung Hom - Tsim Sha Tsui;

♦ Tseung Kwan O - Kwun Tong;

* Sheung Shui - Sha Tin - Tsim Sha Tsui;

♦ Tuen Mun - Kwai Chung - Tsim Sha Tsui; and

* Tsing Yi - Kwai Chung.

"The two corridors between Aberdeen and Central; and between Kwun Tong and Tsim Sha Tsui will be the initial focus of the study.

"One of which will be identified for early implementation in mid-1997," the spokesman added.

End

Easy access bus service extends to Hong Kong Island

*****

The Transport Department announces that an air-conditioned single-deck low-floor bus equipped with ramp and wheelchair space will be put to service on Citybus Route 76 from tomorrow (Wednesday).

This is the second bus route providing such facilities for disabled people following the trial scheme of’’easy access” bus service on KMB 88K from June 15.

The easy access bus of Citybus Route 76, running between Shek Pai Wan and Moreton Terrace in Causeway Bay, will be operated at 90-minute interval between 6 am and 6 pm at Shek Pai Wan and between 6.45 am and 6.45 pm at Moreton Terrace daily.

The bus fares are the same as those for ordinary buses.

It is extra to the normal schedule with a view to strengthening the service of City bus Route 76.

End

Provisional statistics of retail sales for June ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The value of total retail sales in June 1996, estimated at $17.5 billion, increased by 6% when compared with June 1995, according to the provisional figures released today (Tuesday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

After discounting the effect of price changes over the period, total retail sales increased by 1% in volume.

Compared with a year ago, sales in department stores increased by 12% in value and 7% in volume, after registering year-on-year decreases for two consecutive months. Sales in supermarkets also went up by 9% in value and 3% in volume, after year-on-year increases of similar magnitude in May.

Concurrently, sales of most of the other commodities also recorded increases in both value and volume terms. These included motor vehicles (3% in both value and volume); consumer durable goods other than motor vehicles (4% in value and 3% in volume); miscellaneous consumer goods (8% in value and 2% in volume); clothing and footwear (9% in value and 2% in volume); and food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (6% in value and 1% in volume).

- 5 -

On the other hand, sales of jewellery, watches and clocks and valuable gifts registered 1 % increase in value but 2% decline in volume.

Sales of fuels decreased by 6% in value and 13% in volume. This drop in sales of fuels sold in retail outlets was due to a change in consumption preference, as patronage of fuel gas distributed through systems of mains became increasingly popular.

Compared with May 1996 (but bearing in mind that this comparison is affected by seasonal factors), total retail sales in June 1996 decreased by 2% in both value and volume.

Comparing the period from January to June 1996 with the same period in 1995, total retail sales rose by 5% in value and 0.4% in volume. This represented an improvement from the decline of about 1% in volume in 1995.

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 May 1996 and the provisional figure for June 1996.

Table 2 shows the value and volume indices of retail sales in June 1995, May 1996 and June 1996 for all retail outlets and by type of retail outlets, with average retail sales from October 1994 to September 1995 taken as 100.

Comparisons of the June 1996 results with those for May 1996 and those for June 1995, as well as comparison of retail sales in the period from January to June of 1996 with the same period in 1995 are also given.

The report containing the analysis of the June 1996 results is now on sale at $4 per copy at the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, ground floor, Low Block, 66 Queensway; and the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

Enquiries about the survey results may be directed to the Wholesale and Retail Trade Statistics Section of the Census and Statistics Department, Tel 2802 1258.

6 -

TABLE 1 : TOTAL,RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Sales for June 1996 (Provisional Figure) = HK$17,514.5 million for May 1996 (Revised Figure) = HK$17,833.2 million

TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE 1995, MAY AND JUNE 1996

(Monthly average of Oct 94 - Sept 95 = 100)

Index Number % Change

Type

Type of Outlet of June May June Jun 1996 Jun 1996 Jan - Jun 1996

Index 1995 1996 1996 compared compared compared

(Revised (Revised (Provisional with with with

figures) figures) figures) May 1996 Jun 1995 Jan - Jun 1995

(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS (Point) (Point) (Point) (X) (X) (X)

Value 95.2 102.7 100.9 -1.8 ♦6.0 ♦5.4

Volume 93.2 96.3 94.5 -1.9 ♦ 1.4 ♦0.4

■

(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLETS

Food, alcoholic drinks Value 96.1 109.9 102.2 -7.0 ♦6.4 ♦8.0

and tobacco (other than supermarkets) Volcine 96.2 106.3 96.8 -9.0 ♦0.6 ♦2.9

Supermarkets 0 Value 106.6 106.0 116.1 ♦9.5 ♦8.9 ♦8.7

Volume 104.4 98.7 107.6 ♦9.0 ♦3.1 ♦ 1.9

Fuels Value 113.2 104.6 106.3 ♦1.6 -6.1 ♦2.3

Volume 111.3 95.2 96.6 ♦ 1.5 -13.2 -4.8

Clothing, footwear and Value 92.7 117.2 100.6 -14.1 ♦8.6 ♦12.7

allied products Volume 87.7 102.9 89.2 -13.4 ♦1.7 ♦4.7

Consigner durable goods Value 88.8 96.7 92.0 -4.8 ♦3.6 -2.6

Volume 88.2 95.5 90.9 -4.8 ♦3.1 -3.3

- Motor vehicles Value 78.8 86.0 81.3 -5.4 ♦3.2 -16.5

and parts Volume 78.3 85.4 80.8 -5.4 ♦3.2 -16.4

- Consumer durable Value 94.9 103.1 98.5 -4.4 ♦3.9 ♦5.4

goods other than motor vehicles Volume 94.2 101.6 97.0 -4.5 ♦2.9 ♦4.2

and parts

Department stores Value 90.9 94.5 101.5 ♦7.4 ♦11.7 ♦3.8

Volline 87.0 86.3 92.8 ♦7.6 ♦6.7 -1.5

Jewellery, watches Value 96.0 95.2 96.6 ♦1.5 ♦0.5 ♦0.5

and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 94.8 91.6 93.1 ♦1.7 •1.7 -4.2

Other consumer goods Value 95.4 100.6 102.6 ♦2.0 ♦7.5 ♦9.8

not elsewhere classified Volume I 94.7 95.4 96.9 ♦1.5 ♦2.2 ♦4.9

NOTE : 6 Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.

The underlined figures were rounded up to 5.

End

Fee for Crown rent account enquiry revised *****

The fee for enquiry of a Crown rent account maintained by the Treasury will be revised from $60 to $80 with effect from August 31, the Director of Accounting Services announced today (Tuesday).

The revision is to recover the costs incurred in providing such service.

End

Water storage figure *****

Storage in Hong Kong's reservoirs at 9 am today (Tuesday) stood at 96.2 per cent of capacity or 563.636 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 541.699 million cubic metres of water, representing 92.4 per cent of capacity.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results

*****

Tender date 27 Aug 1996 27 Aug 1996

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q635 H672

Issue date 28 Aug 1996 28 Aug 1996

Maturity date 27 Nov 1996 26 Feb 1997

Coupon - -

Amount applied HK$4,680 MN HKS3.640 MN

Amount allotted HK$ 1,500 MN HK$800 MN

Average yield accepted 5.14 PCT 5.30 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.15 PCT 5.32 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 39 PCT About 9 PC I'

Average tender yield 5.16 PCT 5.33 PCT

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the week beginning 2 Sept 1996

Tender date 3 Sept 1996 3 Sept 1996

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q636 Y693

Issue date 4 Sept 1996 4 Sept 1996

Maturity date 4 Dec 1996 3 Sept 1997

Tenor 91 days 364 days

Amount on offer HK$l,500+300MN HKS500+150MN

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 2,259 0930 -299

Closing balance in the account 1,937 1000 -299

Change attributable to : 1100 -299

Money market activity -300 1200 -300

LAF today -22 1500 -300

1600 -300

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.7 *-0.2* 27.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes/MTRC

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 4.98 2 years 2808 6.00 99.63 6.30

1 month 5.02 3 years 3907 6.80 100.55 6.69

3 months 5.15 5 years 5106 7.23 100.21 7.30

6 months 5.31 7 years 7308 7.24 98.48 7.66

12 months 5.65 5 years M503 7.35 99.16 7.70

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $8,918 million

Closed August 27, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Wednesday, August 28,1996

Contents Page

JLG expert group on transitional budget to meet............................. 1

Government's response to SNEOA's judicial review............................ 1

Chinese delegation to visit HK.............................................. 2

Transfer of VMs from Whitehead today........................................ 2

Analysis of external trade statistics by mode of transport.................. 3

$2.5 million donation for country park projects............................ 12

Two New Territories lots to let............................................ 12

Fresh water cut in Yau Tong................................................ 13

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations....................... 14

JLG expert group on transitional budget to meet * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group will hold its eleventh round of expert talks on August 29 and 30 in Hong Kong to discuss the preparation of Hong Kong's transitional budget and related matters.

The British team will be led by the Secretary for the Treasury of the Hong Kong Government, Mr K C Kwong. The Chinese team will be led by the Chinese Representative on the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group, Mr Chen Zuo’er. They will be assisted by experts.

End

Government's response to SNEOA's judicial review ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

A government spokesman reiterated this evening (Wednesday) that the government guidelines on civil servants serving on the Selection Committee strike a reasonable balance and are fair and legal.

The spokesman was commenting on the fact that the Senior Non-Expatriate Civil Servants Association (SNEOA) had been given leave for judicial review on the guidelines.

Stressing that the civil service must remain politically neutral, the spokesman said the government therefore considered it was important that senior and certain other groups of civil servants should refrain from participating in overt political activities.

However, he said the government was unable to comment further until the terms of the challenge were known.

End

Chinese delegation to visit HK ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A Chinese delegation led by Mr Liu Chengxiang, Director-General, Department of Statistics on Investment in Fixed Assets, State Statistical Bureau, will visit Hong Kong from tomorrow (Thursday) to September 7, the Government announced today (Wednesday).

There will be seven other members in the delegation.

A Government spokesman said that this is one in a series of sponsored visits between China and Hong Kong.

’’The objective of the sponsored visit programme is to enhance mutual understanding of Chinese and Hong Kong Government officials on each other's systems,’’ he said.

The delegation will be briefed by senior Hong Kong Government officials on matters relating to trade, intellectual property, finance, census and statistics, survey and mapping, and infrastructure development.

End

Transfer of VMs from Whitehead today ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A group of over 600 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) will be transferred from Section 5 of Whitehead Detention Centre (WHDC) to Victoria Prison (VP) today (Wednesday) in preparation for their return to Vietnam under the Orderly Repatriation Programme.

They will join a small group of VMs in VP for pre-flight documentation and medical checks prior to their repatriation on September 4. 9 and 12.

The remaining 1,600 VMs in Section 5 will be transferred to High Island Detention Centre (HIDC) today. After these transfers, WHDC will be vacated of VMs from North Vietnam.

The transfers to VP and HIDC will be observed by independent monitors.

End

Analysis of external trade statistics by mode of transport *****

The value of Hong Kong’s external trade by ocean accounted for 49% of Hong Kong’s total value of external trade in the first half of 1996, according to statistics released by the Census and Statistics Department today (Wednesday).

Another 25% was transported by land and yet another 20% by air. The remaining 5.8% included shipment by river, postal parcels and accompanied goods of passengers travelling on various means of transport.

Shipment by ocean amounted to $674.6 billion in the first half of 1996, representing an increase of 2.3% over that in the same period in 1995. Shipment by land went up by 3.4% to $349.3 billion in the first half of 1996 while that by air also went up by 5.4% to $280.4 billion.

Table 1 shows details of changes in the value of Hong Kong's external trade analysed by mode of transport in the first half of 1996 compared with the same period in 1995.

The United States remained the largest destination for Hong Kong’s total exports (comprising domestic exports and re-exports) by ocean, accounting for a share of 29% in value terms in the first half of 1996. The value, however, decreased by 3.9% over the same period in 1995.

The value of total exports by ocean to Japan increased by 28% in the first half of 1996 over the same period in 1995. Increases were also recorded in seaborne total exports to the other main destinations: China (+20%) and the United Kingdom (+8.1%).

Japan was the largest supplier of Hong Kong’s imports by ocean, accounting for a share of 22% in value terms in the first half of 1996. The value, however, decreased by 6.6% over the same period in 1995.

The value of imports by ocean from Singapore and the United States, on the other hand, increased by 10% and 5.4% respectively in the first half of 1996 over the same period in 1995.

Table 2 shows details of changes in the value of external trade by ocean with main trading partners in the first half of 1996 compared with the same period in 1995.

In the first half of 1996, the value of total exports by air to the United States accounted for 24% of the value of Hong Kong's total exports by air. The value increased slightly, by 1% over the same period in 1995.

The value of total exports by air to Japan and South Korea increased by 9.8% and 8.6% respectively in the first half of 1996 over the same period in 1995. However, the value of airborne total exports to Taiwan decreased by 7.2%.

In the first half of 1996, the value of airborne imports from the United States, Singapore and Taiwan increased by 16%, 8.3% and 4.3% respectively over the same period in 1995. However, the value of airborne imports from France and Japan decreased by 19% and 12% respectively.

Table 3 shows details of changes in the value of external trade by air with main trading partners in the first half of 1996 compared with the same period in 1995.

More detailed figures on changes in the value of external trade by ocean between the first half of 1996 and the same period in 1995 analysed by principal commodity division are shown in Table 4.

Increases were recorded in the value of re-exports by ocean for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $4 billion or 20%); miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods (by $3.1 billion or 6%); clothing (by $2.9 billion or 9.7%); and footwear (by $2 billion or 7.2%).

An increase was also recorded in the value of imports by ocean for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $2.2 billion or 11%).

However, decreases were recorded in the value of imports by ocean for road vehicles (by $3.4 billion or 16%); and telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $3.2 billion or 11%) and in the value of domestic exports by ocean for clothing (by $2.3 billion or 11%).

Changes in the value of external trade by air between the first half of 1996 and the same period in 1995 analysed by principal commodity division are shown in Table 5.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, significant increases were recorded in the value of imports by air for telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $3.9 billion or 26%); and office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $2.2 billion or 16%).

As regards exports by air, increases were recorded for re-exports of office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $3.5 billion or 34%); clothing (by $1.1 billion or 13%); and photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks (by $1.1 billion or 11%) and for domestic exports of electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $935 million or 9.4%).

However, decreases were recorded in the value of domestic exports by air for office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $2 billion or 36%) and in the value of imports by air for non-metallic mineral manufactures (by $1.4 billion or 9.4%); and photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks (by $1.4 billion or 9.7%).

Changes in the value of external trade by land between the first half of 1996 and the same period in 1995 analysed by principal commodity division are shown in Table 6.

Comparing the first half of 1996 with the same period in 1995, increases were recorded in the value of imports by land for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $3.3 billion or 22%); clothing (by $2.3 billion or by 6.8%); miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods (by $1.8 billion or 6.5%); and footwear (by $1.3 billion or 6.2%).

As regards exports by land, increases were recorded for re-exports of electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $1.3 billion or 15%) and for domestic exports of clothing (by $390 million or 16%).

However, a decrease was recorded in the value of re-exports by land for plastics in primary forms (by $1.2 billion or 10%).

Detailed statistics of Hong Kong's external trade analysed by mode of transport are published in the June 1996 issue of the Hong Kong External Trade report which is now on sale at $129 per copy.

The report can be purchased at either the Government Publications Sales Centre on the ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, or the Publications Unit 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 Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department at 28th Floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Tel 2598 8194, and enquiries on trade statistics to the Census and Statistics Department, Tel 2582 4915.

TABLE 1 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY MODE OF TRANSPORT

MODE OF TRANSPORT/ JAN-JUN TYPE OF TRADE 199g HKD Mn. JAN-JUN YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE 1995 HKD Mn. HKD Mn. %

OCEAN

DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TOTAL BY OCEAN 38,925 299,441 338,366 336,204 674,569 43,745 281,157 324,902 334,263 659,165 4,820 + 18,284 + 13,464 + 1,941 + 15,405 - 11.0 + 6.5 + 4.1 + 0.6 + 2.3

AIR

DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TOTAL BY AIR 32,990 83,566 116,556 163,806 280,362 34,855 75,723 110,578 155,448 266,026 1,865 + 7,843 + 5,978 + 8,358 + 14,336 5.4 + 10.4 + 5.4 + 5.4 + 5.4

LAND

DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TOTAL BY LAND 23,821 116,285 140,105 209,243 349,348 25,496 114,898 140,394 197,590 337,984 1,675 + 1,387 289 + 11,653 + 11,364 6.6 + 1.2 0.2 + 5.9 + 3.4

OTHERS

DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TOTAL BY OTHERS 3,526 51,507 55,033 24,567 79,600 3,976 43,375 47,351 24,056 71,407 450 + 8,132 + 7,682 + 511 + 8,193 - 11.3 + 18.7 + 16.2 + 2.1 + 11.5

ALL MODES OF TRANSPORT

DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TOTAL TRADE 99,261 550,798 650,060 733,819 1,383,879 108,072 515,152 623,224 711,356 1,334,581 8,811 + 35,646 + 26,835 + 22,463 ♦ 49,298 8.2 + 6.9 + 4.3 + 3.2 + 3.7

TABLE 2 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BY MAIN TRADING PARTNER

MAIN TRADING PARTNER

JAN-JUN 1996

HKD Mn.

JAN-JUN 1995

HKD Mn.

YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 13,451 15,858 — 2,408 — 15.2

UNITED KINGDOM 3,045 3,135 -r* • 89 - 2.9

GERMANY 2,913 3,472 - 559 — 16.1

JAPAN 2,363 2,449 — 86 — 3.5

CHINA 2,159 2,026 + 133 + 6.6

ALL COUNTRIES 38,925 43,745 — 4,820 — 11.0

RE-EXPORTS

(DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 85,758 87,408 - 1,650 - 1.9

CHINA 33,545 27,787 + 5,758 + 20.7

JAPAN 26,808 20,368 + 6,440 + 31.6

GERMANY 18,143 16,752 + 1,391 + 8.3

UNITED KINGDOM 12,621 11,355 + 1,267 + 11.2

ALL COUNTRIES 299,441 281,157 + 18,284 + 6.5

TOTAL EXPORTS

(DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 99,208 103,266 - 4,058 - 3.9

CHINA 35,705 29,813 + 5,891 + 19.8

JAPAN 29,171 22,817 + 6,354 + 27.8

GERMANY 21,056 20,224 + 832 + 4.1

UNITED KINGDOM 15,666 14,489 + 1,177 + 8.1

ALL COUNTRIES 338,366 324,902 + - 13,464 + 4.1

IMPORTS

(SUPPLIER) . .*• ■ :

JAPAN 74,532 79,799 — 5,267 - 6.6

TAIWAN 48,707 51,418 — 2,711 — 5.3

UNITED STATES 31,559 29,942 + 1,617 + 5.4

SOUTH KOREA 29,724 31,001 — 1,277 — 4.1

SINGAPORE 24,915 22,570 + 2,345 + 10.4

ALL COUNTRIES 336,204 334,263 + 1,941 + 0.6

TABLE 3 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BY MAIN TRADING PARTNER

MAIN TRADING PARTNER

JAN-JUN 1996

HKD Mn.

JAN-JUN 1995 HKD Mn.

YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES SINGAPORE JAPAN GERMANY TAIWAN ALL COUNTRIES 10,174 4,110 3,382 2,162 1,895 32,990 10,872 4,707 3,368 2,097 2,012 34,855 + + 698 596 14 65 117 1,865 + + 6.4 12.7 0.4 3.1 5.8 5.4

RE-EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 18,331 17,353 + 977 + 5.6

JAPAN 10,733 9,486 + 1,247 + 13.1

TAIWAN 6,122 6,623 — 501 — 7.6

SOUTH KOREA 5,743 5,286 + 457 + 8.7

SINGAPORE 5,028 4,660 + 368 + 7.9

ALL COUNTRIES 83,566 75,723 + 7,843 + 10.4

TOTAL EXPORTS (DESTINATION)

UNITED STATES 28,505 28,226 + 279 + 1.0

JAPAN 14,115 12,854 + 1,261 + 9.8

SINGAPORE 9,138 9,367 — 228 — 2.4

TAIWAN 8,017 8,635 — 618 — 7.2

SOUTH KOREA 6,505 5,988 + 517 + 8.6

ALL COUNTRIES 116,556 110,578 + 5,978 + 5.4

IMPORTS

(SUPPLIER) UNITED STATES 28,238 24,392 + 3,846 + 15.8

JAPAN 26,200 29,684 — 3,484 — 11.7

SINGAPORE 15,878 14,659 + 1,220 + 8.3

TAIWAN 11,510 11,040 + 470 + 4.3

FRANCE 7,780 9,655 — 1,875 — 19.4

ALL COUNTRIES 163,806 155,448 + 8,358 + 5.4

TABLE 4 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY OCEAN BY MAIN COMMODITY DIVISION

MAIN COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1996 HKD Mn. JAN-JUN 1995 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 19,115 21,400 2,285 10.7

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PRINTED MATTER) 3,328 3,804 - 476 — 12.5

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3,234 3,697 - 463 - 12.5

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,850 2,525 - 675 — 26.7

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1,810 1,817 — 6 - 0.3

RE-EXPORTS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 54,611 51,529 + 3,082 + 6.0

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 36,883 38,716 — 1,833 — 4.7

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 33,157 30,217 + 2,940 + 9.7

FOOTWEAR 29,472 27,491 + 1,981 + 7.2

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 23,815 19,810 + 4,004 + 20.2

IMPORTS TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 44,602 46,202 1,600 3.5

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 25,362 28,541 — 3,179 — 11.1

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 22,916 20,703 + 2,213 + 10.7

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 19,111 21,365 - 2,254 - 10.6

ROAD VEHICLES 18,316 21,680 — 3,364 — 15.5

- 10 -

TABLE 5 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY AIR BY MAIN COMMODITY DIVISION

• - > 1 MAIN COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1996 HKD Mn. JAN-JUN 1995 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

HKD Mn. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 10,919 9,984 + 935 + 9.4

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING

ACCESSORIES 6,902 7,392 — 490 — 6.6

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,766 5,198 - 432 - 8.3

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA

PROCESSING MACHINES 3,515 5,517 — 2,002 — 36.3

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS' WARES) 3,311 3,313 — 3 - 0.1

RE-EXPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 20,201 20,449 248 1.2

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA

PROCESSING MACHINES 13,761 10,259 + 3,503 + 34.1

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 11,365 10,276 + 1,089 + 10.6

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING

ACCESSORIES 9,679 8,588 + 1,091 + 12.7

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,442 5,791 + 651 + 11.2

IMPORTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 50,556 48,893 + 1,663 + 3.4

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 18,789 14,936 + 3,853 + 25.8

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA

PROCESSING MACHINES 16,190 13,972 + 2,218 + 15.9

NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 13,785 15,212 — 1,428 — 9.4

? i PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AMD CLOCKS 12,058 14,246 1,388 9.7

TA3LE 6 : EXTERNAL TRADE BY LAND BY MAIN COMMODITY DIVISION

MAIN COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-JUN 1996 HKD Mn. JAN-JUN 1995 HKD Mn. YEAR-ON- HKD Mn. -YEAR CHANGE %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,825 2,829 — 4 — 0.2

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,821 2,431 + 390 + 16.1

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,744 3,443 — 699 — 20.3

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,369 ■ - j 2,406 — 37 — 1.5

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTICS ARTICLES) 1,656 2,087 - 431 — 20.7 . * • r i

RE-EXPORTS », i • *. '1

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 30,312 29,365 + 947 + 3.2

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 10,461 9,130 + 1,330 + 14.6

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 10,252 11,408 - 1,156 - 10.1

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 7,196 7,043 + 153 + 2.2

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 4,571 4,618 - 48 - 1.0

IMPORTS ’< tG <.j.

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 35,806 33,540 + 2,266 + 6.8

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 29,940 28,112 + 1,829 + 6.5

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 22,613 22,901 - 288 — 1.3

FOOTWEAR 22,161 20,867 + 1,295 6.2

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 17,964 14,668 + 3,296 + t; 22.5

End

$2.5 million donation for country park projects ♦ * * * *

A $2.5 million donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is set to enhance the Agriculture and Fisheries Department's (AFD) educational programmes.

AFD is grateful for the donation, which will go towards the production of videos including four on the territory's country parks and one on nature conservation in Hong Kong.

AFD Assistant Director, Mr Frank Lau, said the videos would become an effective means of enhancing public awareness on Hong Kong's country parks and nature conservation.

They will be regularly screened at country park visitor centres. Free copies will also be distributed to schools and interested non-profit making organisations for educational purposes.

The production of videos will commence within the next nine months and is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.

End

Two New Territories lots to let *****

The Lands Department is inviting tenders for the short-term tenancies of two pieces of government land in Tuen Mun and Fanling.

The first lot, located at Area 40, Lung Mun Road, Tuen Mun, has an area of about 2,890 square metres.

It is intended for use as a fee-paying public car park for the parking of private cars, coaches and goods vehicles, including container tractors and trailers.

It can also be used as a garage for the repair or maintenance of motor vehicles and goods vehicles including container, container tractors and trailers.

The tenancy is for three years, renewable quarterly.

- 13 -

With an area of about 6,150 square metres, the second lot is located in Area 20, Luen Wo Hui, Fanling.

It is earmarked for use as a fee-paying public car park for the parking of motor vehicles except container vehicles.

The tenancy is for one year, renewable quarterly.

. The closing date for submission of tenders is noon on September 13.

fender forms, tender notices and conditions can be obtained from the Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, the District Lands Office of Kowloon, and the respective District Lands Offices of Tuen Mun and North.

Tender plans can also be inspected at these offices.

End

Fresh water cut in Yau Tong ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The fresh water supply to some premises in Yau Tong will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Saturday (August 31) to 6 am the following day for waste detection work on watermains.

The suspension will affect all premises in Cha Kwo Ling Road, Sze Shan Street, Shung Yiu Street, Shung Shun Street including no 610 Cha Kwo Ling Road.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,937 0930 +22

Closing balance in the account 2,084 1000 +22

Change attributable to : 1100 +22

Money market activity + 17 1200 +20

LAF today + 130 1500 +20

1600 + 17

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.9 *+0.2* 28.8.96

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes/MTRC

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.00 2 years 2808 6.00 99.68 6.27

1 month 5.01 3 years 3907 6.80 100.66 6.65

3 months 5.16 5 years 5106 7.23 100.46 7.24

6 months 5.30 7 years 7308 7.24 98.78 7.61

12 months 5.63 5 years M5O3 7.35 99.60 7.59

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $ 16,349 million

Closed August 28, 1996

End

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GARDEN ROAD, 5th-8th FLOORS, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Thursday, August 29,1996

Contents Page No.

Transcript of the acting Governor's media session........................ 1

AG assures Canadian business community................................... 2

Judicial Officers (Tribunal) Rules to be gazetted........................ 3

US announcement on textiles disappointing................................ 4

Reward boosted to track down illicit cigarette smugglers................. 6

External trade figures for July.......................................... 7

Residential mortgage survey results for July released.................... 9

Garrison workshop to close after 50 years............................... 15

Friday flea market at Sek Kong to close after 14 years.................. 16

Shing Mun River study commissioned...................................... 17

Monitors' report submitted to CS..................................... 18

Grading of beach water quality.......................................... 18

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 22

- 1 -

Transcript of the acting Governor's media session ♦ * * * *

Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) made to the media by the acting Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after visiting the Regional Services Department this (Thursday) afternoon:

Acting Governor: Good afternoon everyone. I'm delighted to have an opportunity this afternoon to visit the Regional Services Department staff and to see for myself the work of the Regional Council. I think over the years the Council's services have both increased in variety and in quantity and quality. And as I said, I'm delighted to be able to see these for myself.

I haven't had the chance to see you all since I met with the Japanese Foreign Minister yesterday afternoon. So I'd just like to say a few words about our meeting. It was a very useful and productive meeting which I had with Foreign Minister Ikeda. We discussed a wide range of issues of mutual concern. As you all know, Japan is Hong Kong's third largest trading partner and Japan has a huge stake in investments in Hong Kong. The Foreign Minister made it quite clear that they had a deep interest in seeing Hong Kong achieve a smooth transition and seeing maintenance of our current systems and life style after 1997. The Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining business confidence after 1997 and he expressed the view that provided our systems remained intact and our way of life remained intact, then Japanese businessmen would continue to have confidence in investing in Hong Kong. I also took the opportunity amongst other things to raise with the Foreign Minister the question of visa-free access for Hong Kong SAR passport holders. The minister said that his government has not yet taken a final decision on this, but they have already decided given the SAR's special position after 1997, they would treat Hong Kong SAR passport holders differently from PRC passport holders. I very much welcome this assurance from the Foreign Minister and expressed the hope that when the final decision is made it will be favourable.

Question: What do you understand by "differently" given that Hong Kong people now need visas to go to Japan ...?

Acting Governor: I think he made a point that they will not be treating Hong Kong SAR passport holders in the way as they treat PRC passport holders.

Question: But I understand that we both need visas at the moment. So what is the meaning of "differently"?

Acting Governor: Well, I think it remains to be seen what final decision they make. You are of course right in saying that at the moment we require visas. But I think it is also significant that the Foreign Minister did give the assurance that they will distinguish between SAR passport holders and PRC passport holders.

End

AG assures Canadian business community ♦ ♦ * ♦ *

The Attorney General, Mr Jeremy Mathews, told the business community in Vancouver on Wednesday (August 28, Vancouver time) that the rule of law has been central to Hong Kong's economic and social success.

He also assured them that essential elements for the continuation of the rule of law have been included in the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.

These elements are:

* the continuance of the common law and statue law in Hong Kong;

* an independent judiciary with security of tenure;

♦ the use of the English language in the courts, in addition to Chinese;

* reliance on precedents from other common law jurisdictions;

* an independent public prosecution service;

* maintenance of trial by jury;

* maintenance of the principles currently applied in criminal and civil proceedings, and of the rights enjoyed by parties to those proceedings;

* the right to a fair trial without delay and the presumption of innocence;

* continued practice of overseas lawyers and law firms in Hong Kong; and

* a Hong Kong based Final Court of Appeal, which will replace the Privy Council in London as the final appellate court for Hong Kong.

Speaking at a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, Mr Mathews also recounted the achievements of Hong Kong in the economic and social fields, and explained the legal preparations that were being made for a smooth transfer of sovereignty.

The Attorney General is in Vancouver with a Legal Department delegation for the 11th Commonwealth Law Conference which started last Saturday. The delegation comprises representatives from the various Divisions of the department.

He will address the closing plenary session of the Conference tomorrow (Thursday Vancouver time) on Hong Kong's future links with the common law world.

End

Judicial Officers (Tribunal) Rules to be gazetted ♦ ♦ * * ♦

The Judicial Officers (Tribunal) Rules, made by the Chief Justice under section 11 of the Judicial Officers (Tenure of Office) Ordinance, will be published in the Government Gazette tomorrow (Friday).

The Rules set out the procedures for the conduct of inquiries by a tribunal appointed by the Chief Justice to investigate any alleged inability or misbehaviour on the part of judicial officers.

"Judicial officers are subject to the provisions of the Judicial Officers (Tenure of Office) Ordinance for tenure of office and for discipline and removal, instead of civil service regulations and procedures," a government spokesman said.

The Judicial Service Commission has been consulted and has endorsed the Rules.

End

US announcement on textiles disappointing ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

Responding to US Customs' announcement that four categories of Hong Kong garments will be put on a "watch list" from September 1 for alleged illegal transhipment concerns, a government spokesman said today (Thursday) that the Administration was disappointed with the move.

"We have a 30-day programme starting on September 2 for joint visits to Hong Kong factories by Hong Kong and US Customs officers in respect of the 10 categories of Hong Kong garments on which the US Customs have imposed additional import measures.

"We hope that at the end of the programme, the US Customs will conclude that there is no need for any additional import measures on the ten categories and the four categories that will be put on a 'watch list'," the spokesman said.

According to the US announcement published today (August 29, Washington time), the US Customs will put four categories of Hong Kong garments on a "watch list" with effect from September 1, and monitor them for 30 days to determine whether illegal transhipment might be occurring.

The four categories are 331 (cotton gloves), 338/339 (cotton knit shirts), 348 (women's cotton pants), and 350 (cotton dressing gown).

The announcement also stated that if at the end of the 30-day monitoring period the US Customs decided that probability of illegal transhipment exists, they would impose additional import requirements on imports of the four categories from Hong Kong.

Such measures are the requirements for a single entry bond, for original signatures by factories/subcontractors on textile declarations filed by the importers, and for the importer to certify that the textile declarations are accurate.

"The US Customs have told us informally that they had concerns with possible illegal transhipment involving those four categories, and that they were thinking about doing something, including putting them on a 'watch list'," the spokesman said.

"We have invited them to share with us their data leading to their concerns, so that the two sides could corroborate their respective information on these categories.

"We have further said that while such exchanges were in process, the US should not take action such as putting the products on a 'watch list'.

"We are in fact discussing with the US Customs arrangements for such exchange of data. We are disappointed that in the meantime, the US Customs have decided on this 'watch list' action."

The spokesman said the Government would continue to discuss with the US Customs arrangements for the two sides to exchange information and data on the four categories as soon as possible.

"We also hope that whatever concerns the US Customs may have regarding alleged illegal transhipment involving the four categories, through observing Hong Kong's systems against illegal transhipment under the 30-day joint visit programme, the US Customs will come to the conclusion that there is no need for any additional import measures on the four categories," the spokesman added.

The Government earlier announced that under invitation by the Customs and Excise Department, eight US Customs officers will come to Hong Kong for a 30-day programme to observe the territory's textiles export control systems in respect of the 10 categories on which the US Customs has applied additional import measures since June 17.

During the programme, the US Customs and Hong Kong Customs officers will jointly visit factories that consent to such visits. Hong Kong has extended the invitation as part of its effort to persuade the US Customs that such extra measures imposed on the 10 categories are unnecessary .

Last year, Hong Kong's exports to the US of the four categories to be put on the US Customs' "watch list" were $6.7 billion, or 18% of Hong Kong's total textiles and clothing exports to the US.

End

Reward boosted to track down illicit cigarette smugglers ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Tobacco Institute of Hong Kong Limited and Customs and Excise Department today (Thursday) signed an agreement to increase the ceiling of the total amount of this year's reward to be paid to informers of illicit cigarette smuggling activities from $300,000 to $500,000.

The agreement revises an earlier one signed in January under a reward scheme which states that the total amount to be paid by the Institute should not exceed $300,000 in 1996. Up to July, a total of $230,000 reward money has already been paid out in eight cases covering a total seizure of 23.8 million cigarettes.

Recognising that the remaining $70,000 reward money may not be sufficient to cover the remaining months of the year, the Institute agreed to inject an additional amount of $200,000 to the scheme as an initiative to encourage more informers to assist the Customs in enforcement actions against illicit cigarette smuggling activities.

The reward scheme was first launched in 1994. During that year only one piece of information qualified for the reward was received, and a sum of $50,000 was paid out. In 1995, seven seizures were made as a result of information received, and a total of $140,000 was paid out.

As a reminder to the public, information on illicit cigarettes can be provided to Customs either:

(a) by telephoning the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182;

(b) by fax on 2543 4942 (24 hours):

(d) by post to the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (GPO Box 1166); or

(e) by reporting in person at any Customs and Excise Office.

End

External trade figures for July *****

The external trade figures for July 1996 released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department showed that re-exports accelerated in growth while domestic exports had a smaller decline. Imports also recorded some increase.

The value of total exports (comprising re-exports and domestic exports) increased by 7.9% over a year earlier to $131.9 billion in July 1996. The value of reexports increased by 11% to $111.1 billion, while the value of domestic exports decreased by 6.1% to $20.8 billion. Meanwhile, the value of imports increased by 3.5% over a year earlier to $138.6 billion in July 1996.

As the value of total exports in July 1996 was smaller than that of total imports, a visible trade deficit of $6.6 billion, equivalent to 4.8% of the value of imports, was recorded. This was considerably smaller than the corresponding deficit of $11.6 billion, equivalent to 8.6% of the value of imports, in July 1995.

For the first seven months of 1996 as a whole, the value of total exports grew by 4.9% over the same period last year. The value of re-exports rose by 7.6%, while that of domestic exports decreased by 7.8%. The value of imports showed an increase of 3.2%.

In the first seven months of 1996, a visible trade deficit of $90.4 billion, equivalent to 10% of the value of imports, was recorded. This was smaller than the deficit of $99.7 billion, equivalent to 12% of the value of imports, recorded in the same period in 1995.

Commenting on the latest trade figures, a Government spokesman said that the export performance in July 1996 improved considerably from the weak situation in June. Of particular note was the growth rate of re-exports, which returned to a doubledigit level. The visible trade deficit also narrowed significantly. On the other hand, retained imports showed a marked decline, by 8.9% in value terms in July over a year earlier.

A more detailed analysis of Hong Kong's external trade for July 1996, by commodity and country, will be released in mid-September 1996.

Census & Statistics Department. Hong Kong

External Trade Figures for July 1996 (HKS Million)

MERCHANDISE TRADE VALUES for July 1996

Domestic Exports M**o 20,798

Re-exports Mo 111,149

Total Exports »tt±o 131,946

Imports itO 138,568

Trade balance -6,622

COMPARATIVE FIGURES rtMIt?

Change ft ft

July 1996 July 1995 Value %

Same month last year ~A.A.*4-bR -ytAX*-tA 1^4

Domestic Exports 20,798 22,146 -1,348 -6.1

(% of Total Exports) (ttJFttioTO-fc) (15.8%) (18.1%)

Re-exports 111.149 100,119 +11.030 +11.0

Total Exports 131,946 122,265 +9,681 +7.9

Imports ito 138,568 133,836 +4.733 +3.5

Trade balance -6,622 -11,571 +4.949

July 1996 June 1996

Last month

Domestic Exports 20,798 16,903 +3,895 +23.0

(% of Total Exports) (15.8%) (15.5%)

Re-exports 111.149 91,879 + 19269 +21.0

Total Exports 131,946 108,782 +23,165 +21.3

Imports 138,568 123,798 +14,771 +11.9

Trade balance Khtn -6,622 -15,016 +8,394

May 96 to Jul 96 May 95 to Jul 95

Latest 3 months

Domestic Exports 55,318 62,762 -7.444 -11.9

(% of Total Exports) (15.4%) (17.8%)

Re-exports 303,318 290,651 +12,667 +4.4

Total Exports 358,636 353.413 +5.223 +1.5

Imports 392,290 396,165 -3,875 -1.0

Trade balance X f>£n -33,654 -42,752 ♦9,098

Jan-Jul 1996 Jan-Jul 1995

Calendar year to-date

Domestic Exports ♦AAio 120,059 130,218 -10.159 -7.8

(% of Total Exports) (15.4%) (17.5%)

Re-exports 661.947 615,271 +46.676 +7.6

Total Exports 782,006 745,490 +36.516 +4.9

Imports 872,388 . 845,183 ♦27205 ♦32

Trade balance Vhin -90,382 •99.693 ♦9312

Aug 95 to Jul 96 Aug 94 to Jul 95

Last 12 months UMA

Domestic Exports 221,498 233,129 -11,631 -5.0

(% of Total Exports) (MSttioTfrfc) (16.0%) (18.2%)

Re-exports 1.159.146 1.050.872 ♦ 108374 +10.3

Total Exports 1.380.644 1.284,001 +96,643 +7.5

Imports ito 1.518326 1.413.195 +105,131 +7.4

Trade balance KMa -137.682 •129.194 -8,488

Note: Value of domestic exports and value of re-exports may not ti : sb*4(IM3 •*A**a5rOU»X#o5ra •

add up to the value of total exports due to rounding. *<♦*««* o5ra«* a .

This sheet can be obtained free of charge from .

Trade Statistics Dissemination Section

Census and Statistics Department

Address 19/F.. Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road. MM

Wan Chai. Hong Kong = 2582 4915 #£: 2802 1101

Tel 2312 4913 Fax 2102 1101 8/96

Residential mortgage survey results for July released *****

Residential mortgage loans for the purchase of properties in Hong Kong continued to grow at a fast rate in July, according to the results of the latest monthly survey conducted by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).

The latest figures show that the total amount of outstanding mortgage lending by the 33 institutions in the survey increased by 1.5% in July (1.4% in June) to $303 billion. The percentage change has been adjusted to allow for the reclassification of loans by an institution amounting to $0.9 billion during the month.

The growth rate is slightly higher than the monthly average of 1.4% over the last 12 months.

Gross loans advanced during the month grew sharply, but the effect of this was offset by a substantially higher amount of repayments which rose by 23.5% to $13.1 billion during July.

’’These figures reflect the refinancing of existing mortgages as well as demand for new mortgages arising from activity in the primary market in June,” said the Deputy Chief Executive of HKMA, Mr David Carse.

The annualised rate of growth in lending over the last three months decreased to 17.7% from 18% in the three-month period to June. The 12-month average of outstanding loans showed an annualised growth rate of 16.6%, compared with 16.1% in June.

The amount of new loans approved but not yet drawn slightly decreased by $0.4 billion (3.7%) to $10.7 billion in July.

"These figures, coupled with the reduced activity in the primary market in July, suggest that the growth of residential mortgage loans may ease slightly in August," said Mr Carse.

The amount of residential mortgage loans associated with co-financing schemes accounted for 3% of total mortgage lending of the 33 surveyed institutions at end-July. Of the $17.1 billion new loans approved during the month, about 83% were accounted for by properties aged 15 years or below.

Lending for the purchase of properties in China increased by 2.5% to $5.8 billion in July. Gross loans made in July decreased in number (to 344 from 364) but increased in amount (to $235 million from $179 million).

New loans approved in the same month increased in number (to 370 from 308) but decreased in amount (to $269 million from $403 million).

Residential Mortgage Loans in Hong Kong Results of Survey for July 1996

1 33 authorised institutions Jul 1996 HK$ Mn Jun 1996 HK$ Mn

1. Outstanding lending

a. Amount 302,996 297,515

b. Monthly change 1.5% ** 1.4%

c. Twelve-month change 16.5% ** 16.1%

d. Average change (annualized)

Latest three months 17.7% ** 18.0%

Latest twelve months 16.6% ** 16.1%

Associated with co-financing schemes

- amount 9,182 7,986

- number 4930 4292

2. Gross loans made during month

a. Amount 17,659 14,627

b. Number 11873 9280

3. New loans approved during month

a. Amount 17,065 15,636

b. Number 11207 10055

By property age

Property age - 15 years or below -amount 14,186 13,215

- number 9006 8230

Property age - above 15 years - amount 2,879 2,421

- number 2201 1825

Associated with co-financing schemes

- amount 903 1,019

- number 434 476

4. New loans approved during month

but not yet drawn

a. Amount 10,696 11,109

b. Number 6887 7099

Note : ** Adjusted for the effect of reclassification of residential mortgage loans by an institution amounting to HK$0.9 billion.

Chart A

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG (33 institutions)

Outstanding balance at end of month

Remarks : The significant fall of outstanding balance in December 1994 was due to the effect of reclassification, securitization and sale of loans by some institutions.

Monthly growth rate

3-month and 12-month moving average growth rate on annualised basis

Chart B

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG

(33 institutions)

GROSS LOANS MADE DURING THE MONTH

Amount

Thousand Billion

Number of accounts

Chart C

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS IN HONG KONG (33 institutions)

NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN

Amount

Number of accounts

End

</> 23 o x: f-

Garrison workshop to close after 50 years ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Chinese civilian tradesmen with a total of 1,423 years employment with the 50 Hong Kong Workshop, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), will be the guests of honour at the closure ceremony to be held by the unit tomorrow (Friday) at Sek Kong, New Territories

In this, the 50th anniversary year of the Workshop, the tradesmen will attend the parade where Commander British Forces, Major General Bryan Dutton, will take the salute along with Army Director Equipment Support (1), Brigadier Stuart Middleton, who is visiting the Territory from his headquarters in Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom.

Also on parade will be British, Chinese and Gurkha soldiers from the Workshop. Music will be provided by the visiting Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers.

The 50 Hong Kong Workshop was formed in 1946 in Sham Shui Po and remained there until 1984 when it moved to its current location at Malaya Lines, Sek Kong.

At its full strength it employed 77 military and 161 civilian personnel whose jobs involved the manufacture, maintenance, recovery and repair of equipment within the Garrison.

Over the years the Workshop had maintained an excellent rapport with the local population and in 1974 the unit was awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Peace for its service to the local community.

The loyalty of the staff over the last 50 years is unquestioned and by August this year a total of 29 Chinese tradesmen had each served over 20 years in the Workshop. The longest serving employee, Mr Tong Yui. has worked there for 45 years.

End

Friday flea market at Sek Kong to close after 14 years

*****

Hundreds of visitors are expected to flock to Sek Kong tomorrow (Friday), all of them hoping to pick up a last-minute bargain before the Royal Air Force's famous Friday market finally closes after 14 years.

Over 150 hawkers will set up stalls for the last time on the five-acre Married Quarters Estate and Royal Air Force (RAF) organisers are determined to mark the event in style.

The wife of Lt Col Ian Buckley, Officer Commanding the Administration Unit at Sek Kong, Mrs Julie Buckley, and wife of Lt Col Bijay Rawat, Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles, Mrs Aruna Rawat, will perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8.45 am to officially open the last market day.

Later at 11.30 am, Sek Kong Station Commander and Senior RAF Officer in Hong Kong, Wing Cdr Barrie Simmonds, will present a cheque to representatives of a local charity, the Home of Loving Faithfulness, which cares for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

"We're grateful to all the people - Garrison families, locals and even the tourists - for making the market such a huge success over the past few years," said administrator. Flight Lieutenant Paul Rice.

"As a way of saying thank you and putting something back into the community, RAF personnel have been collecting money at the market over the past few weeks and we hope to donate a substantial sum to the Home of Loving Faithfulness at Dill's Corner.

"Three RAF Wessex helicopters will carry out a fly-past over the market and presenters from the British Forces Broadcasting Service will be entertaining the crowds with their "live" roadshow."

The market, which covers the Married Quarters Estate at the bottom of Route Twisk, began in 1979, in a rough and ready form, with RAF taking formal control in 1982.

On every Friday morning, during its opening hours between 9 am and noon, the market attracts about 150-200 licensed hawkers to set up their stalls for trading and over 2,000 visitors, many of them tourists, turn up in search of a bargain.

However, because of the return of RAF families to the UK and the closure of Sek Kong Station in December, it is now no longer possible for the RAF to continue the administration of the market in its present location.

End

Shing Mun River study commissioned

*****

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (Thursday) commissioned a consultancy study on environmental improvement of Shing Mun River main channel and associated nullahs.

"The main objective of the study is to determine the most cost-effective and environmentally acceptable solutions to improve the unpleasant conditions caused by the sediment deposited on the river bed," acting Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Mr John Boxall, said.

It is estimated that over 400,000 cubic metres of contaminated sediment have been deposited along the river, which has been polluted over the years by various types of pollutants, including livestock waste, industrial and domestic wastewater discharges.

"Although the EPD has made steady progress in curtailing the various pollution sources, the organic content of the sediment still adversely affects the water quality and the high metal levels arc a continuing cause for concern." Mr Boxall said.

"The sediment also poses an odour problem to nearby residents."

The consultancy study, scheduled for completion in April 1997, would look at all these problems with a view to finding solutions and restoring the Shing Mun River to a clean and healthy state, Mr Boxall said.

At a cost of $4.6 million, the study has been awarded to Aspinwall Clouston Limited.

End

Monitors' report submitted to CS

*****

The monitors appointed to observe the transfer of Vietnamese migrants (VMs) from the Whitehead Detention Centre yesterday (Wednesday) have submitted their report to the Chief Secretary.

The four monitors comprised two non-official Justices of the Peace, Mr Raymond Pang Hang-yin and Mr Tam Man-kwan; and representatives from two nongovernment organisations, Ms Harriet Sewell from Christian Action and Mr Li Lup-kwan from Caritas.

End

Grading of beach water quality