************************************************************
With effect from April, the Enhanced Flag Raising (EFR) parade at the Golden Bauhinia Square which involves the participation of the Police Band will be held once a month only on the 1st of each calendar month instead of thrice a month, a Police spokesman said today (April 25).
The current EFR practice follows that in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, by the Peopleˇ¦s Armed Police Band. The frequency of the Beijing EFR has been reduced from three times per month on the 1st, 11th and 21st to once on the 1st of each month since June 2004.
ˇ§Following the change in Beijing, the Force conducted a series of reviews on the EFR parade, focusing on protocol issues, pattern and figures of spectator attendances, and efficient utilisation of resources. We then decided to reduce the frequency to once a month with effect from April,ˇ¨ the spokesman added.
He urged members of the public wishing to attend the EFR parade to take note of the new arrangement and said that the Force would continue to work together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to deliver the best service in support of promoting tourism in Hong Kong.
Police report No. 8
Ends/Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:29
NNNN
