Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
Garden Road, 5th-8th Floors, Murray Building, Hong Kong. Tel: 2842 8777
Wednesday, January 7, 1998
CONTENTS
========
1. Transcript of CS's media session at airport
2. Acting CS's transcript
3. Compensation for the slaughter of poultry
4. Task force formed to implement recommendations
5. Findings of contaminated medicine investigation released
6. ICAC Complaints Committee Chairman appointed
7. Update on avian flu
8. HK-Guangdong Environmental Protection Liaison Group meets
9. Review on Glass Panel Balustrade to be carried out
10. Plastic scrap to be examined
11. Hong Kong committed to quality education
12. Emergency relief given to fire victim family
13. HAB seeks public cooperation to telephone survey
14. New Year 'lai-see' for 14,000 people
1. Transcript of CS's media session at airport
*******************************************
Following is the transcript (English part) of the
Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the
airport this (Wednesday) afternoon after the visit to
Beijing:
Reporter: Mrs Chan, can you tell us who is actually in
charge of the task force for the bird flu. Yesterday GIS
press release said that it was the Acting Chief Secretary
and then Mr Suen said today he was the ...
Mrs Chan: Clearly whilst I am away is the Acting Chief
Secretary. I'm back for barely three days before I'm off
for my American and Canadian trip. So during my absence,
Mr Michael Suen as the acting Chief Secretary will be co-
ordinating the necessary work. The task force is in fact
nothing new. The Chief Executive and myself have been
taking a very close interest in this whole avian flu
affair. We've kept very very close touch with all the
government departments. We've been looking at various
aspects but there are tasks that have to be dealt with in
order. Our first task was clearly to make sure that
poultry that may have the virus do not enter Hong Kong
until we're satisfied that there is a full-proof of system
of checking. Secondly that we must follow up with
ensuring that retail outlets and markets are kept clean
and that the health standard is what the community
expects. Then there is a question of how we've conducted
this overall operation, whether particularly on the co-
ordinating side, there is some lessons to be learnt from
this experience and how we can improve matters in future.
So all these matters will be swept up in an order of
priority but our first task now is clearly to ensure that
as and when we resume import of poultry from mainland that
there will be in place a very very good and comprehensive
system.
Reporter: Mrs Chan, exactly what time the suggestion will
come out from the task force. Does it involve any re-
structuring of government departments?
Mrs Chan: I think you have to allow the task force to
examine various aspects first before we can come up with
some concrete proposals. But you can be sure that we will
follow up all aspects.
End
2. Acting CS's transcript
**********************
Following is the transcript (English part) of the
Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Michael
Suen, after attending the opening ceremony of the Hong
Kong Toys and Games Fair 1998 this (Wednesday) morning:
Reporter: ... heading of the task force for a couple of
weeks, what are your priorities and ...?
Acting CS: I think at this moment it's important for us to
ensure that the standard of sanitation in Hong Kong is up
to that sort of level in order to enable us with
confidence to receive the arrival of poultry if we should
decide to take the decision to import new chickens because
at the moment as you're aware we are banning the import of
chickens into Hong Kong from mainland, but this won't last
forever. And at the moment, we are putting in place
various measures to ensure that the standard of sanitation
here in Hong Kong, in the farms, in the wholesale markets
and in all the retail outlets are of sufficient nature in
order to enable the community to have the sort of
confidence to begin resuming their practice of eating
chicken. And of course at the same time, we have been in
touch with the mainland authorities regarding the
surveillance of the standard of cleanliness in the farms
to make sure that in the consignment of chickens and other
poultry being shipped to Hong Kong, there are of
sufficient hygiene standard to boost the confidence of the
community. And also for example in terms of
transportation, the use of wooden cages has been
criticised by many and that is something that we need to
look into urgently to see whether there's any possibility
for us to use, for example, plastic cages to replace it,
to facilitate cleansing. And so all these will require a
lot of work, involving large number of government
departments and hence a need for the Chief Secretary to be
designated to be the co-ordinator of this particular
exercise. It won't go on forever. We hope to be in a
position to decide in a few weeks' time what would be the
next step, but we need to prepare ourselves before we take
that decision.
End
3. Compensation for the slaughter of poultry
*****************************************
The Government announced today (Wednesday) a
finalised compensation package for people directly
affected by the recent slaughter of some 1.5 million
chickens and other poultry.
The package will compensate the owners of the
slaughtered birds and offer financial assistance to those
whose livelihood is affected directly, to tide them over
the period before poultry trading can resume.
The total amount to be paid out under the package is
$104 million. A further $650 million will be available
for low interest (2%) loans.
The Government announced on Monday a package of
proposals for compensation and officials have since had
further meetings with representatives of the poultry
farmers, wholesalers, retailers, transport operators and
other groups.
The Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip,
said: "The finalised package has been drawn up after
taking into account views expressed by the affected
parties and legislators."
The package is, in the Government's view, balanced
and reasonable, taking into account the need to tide the
affected people over this difficult period and to disburse
public funds in a responsible manner.
The Government is aware that the operation may also
have affected the livelihood of workers in various trades
in one way or another.
The Government has not ignored the interests of the
workers. There is a legal responsibility on the part of
the employer to pay workers in his employ or to pay any
laid off employees the wages and other benefits provided
for under the Employment Ordinance and the employment
contract.
If an employer is insolvent, his employees may apply
for ex-gratia payment from the Protection of Wages on
Insolvency Fund. The Comprehensive Social Security
Assistance scheme provides a further safety net.
While the compensation package does not include
direct ex-gratia payments to employees, the Government
urges employers in the poultry trade to discharge their
responsibilities to their employees having regard to the
compensation and financial assistance made available under
the proposed package.
The package at the Annex will be put to the Finance
Committee of the Provisional Legislative Council on
January 9.
Annex
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
I. Chicken farmers
Compensation amount = number of poultry x respective
compensation rate (see Appendix)
Low interest (2% recommended) loans under the Kadoorie
Agricultural Aid Loan Fund (KAALF) (up to $500,000)
Injection of $80 million into the KAALF
II. Poultry wholesalers in Cheung Sha Wan Temporary
Wholesale Poultry Market and Western Wholesale Food Market
Compensation amount = number of poultry x respective
compensation rate (see Appendix)
Lump sum ex-gratia payment of $40 000 for each wholesaler
A new loan fund (of $570 million) to provide low-interest
(2%) loans (up to $5m)
Waiving of rentals for three months
III. Poultry retailers
Compensation amount = number of poultry x respective
compensation rates (see Appendix)
Lump sum ex-gratia payment of $30 000 for each poultry
stall in Provisional Urban Council (PUC)/Provisional
Regional Council (PRC)/Housing Authority (HA) markets
Lump sum ex-gratia payment of $60 000 for each licensed
fresh provision shop (poultry) outside PUC/PRC/HA markets
Low interest (2%) loans from the new loan fund (up to
$300,000)
IV. Poultry transport operators based in Cheung Sha
Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market and Western Wholesale
Food Market
Lump sum ex-gratia payment of $24 000 per lorry
transporting live poultry and having record with AFD.
Lorry owner is expected to share out the payment with the
driver and helpers.
Waiving of rentals for car parking spaces in the wholesale
markets for three months.
Appendix
Schedule of rates of compensation for slaughtered birds
Note: The rates per bird below are inclusive of statutory
compensation and an ex-gratia element where the full value
of the bird exceeds $30. It should be noted that the
locally-reared birds fetch a higher price than imported
birds. The wholesale and retail rates take into account
that 80% of chickens consumed in Hong Kong are imported
birds.
Type of bird Farm rate (rates for Wholesale Retail
chicken includes an rate rate
ex-gratia element for $ $
operating expenses)
$
Chicken Adult 38 30 34
Medium 28 n/a n/a
Small 18 n/a n/a
Hatching egg 6 n/a n/a
Goose 120 120 120
Duck 37 37 40
Pigeon 27 27 30
Quail 7 7 8
Others 45 45 50
End
4. Task force formed to implement recommendations
**********************************************
The report by the Investigation Committee on the
Incident of the Wrongly Dispensed Medicine in the Cheung
Sha Wan Clinic Dispensary and its recommendations released
earlier today (Wednesday) have been accepted by the
Director of Health.
The Deputy Director of Health, Dr P Y Lam, said this
at a meet-the-media session this afternoon to respond to
the investigation report by the independent committee.
Dr Lam thanked the three independent members of the
Investigation Committee, Miss Nora Yau Ho-chun, Dr Stephen
Foo Kam-so and Professor Kenneth Lee Kwing-chin who had
spent their valuable time in conducting a fair and
thorough investigation on the incident.
He announced that a task force under his chairmanship
had been formed to implement the recommendations of the
Investigation Committee with special emphasis on:
* Streamlining the system of communication and
strengthening supervision within the dispensing service;
* Reviewing and developing guidelines for
pharmaceutical and dispensing staff; and
* Instituting disciplinary investigation where
appropriate.
* Reviewing of the staffing situation of the
dispensing service;
He said: "Action has been taken to inform parents of
the children affected of the laboratory results of the
bottles of anti-fever syrup returned for testing and to
follow up on the health status of the children who had
taken the contaminated medicine."
The Investigation Committee was appointed by the
Director of Health following the incident which came to
light on November 25, 1997.
"The appointment of this independent committee is a
demonstration of the Department's commitment to be fully
accountable to the public and to bring about improvement
to the dispensing service," Dr Lam added.
End
5. Findings of contaminated medicine investigation released
********************************************************
The independent committee appointed by the Director
of Health to investigate into the incident of wrongly
dispensed medicine in the Cheung Sha Wan Clinic Dispensary
concluded that the contamination of the anti-fever syrup
with a mouthwash was a single incident which occurred in
the pre-packing process in the Cheung Sha Wan Clinic
Dispensary.
The Investigation Committee also concluded that the
earliest date on which the contaminated anti-fever syrup
was dispensed could have been November 12, 1997 and that
the anti-fever syrup issued by the same dispensary in
October 1997 was in order.
These were revealed today (Wednesday) at a press
conference held by members of the Investigation Committee,
Miss Nora Yau Ho-chun, Dr Stephen Foo Kam-so and Professor
Kenneth Lee Kwing-chin.
The committee held its first meeting on December 8,
1997 to review preliminary evidence collected by the
Department of Health. It completed its investigation on
December 28, 1997 after interviewing key officers involved
in the incident, parents of affected children and visiting
a number of clinic dispensaries and the Kowloon Medical
Store.
At the press conference, Miss Yau gave an account of
the circumstantial evidences which suggested that the
incident was a result of slack supervision on the part of
the dispensing staff in the Cheung Sha Wan Clinic
Dispensary in the pre-packing process involving the
bottling of the anti-fever syrup.
"Circumstantial evidences and laboratory test results
suggested that the incident happened when a partly used
stock bottle of the mouthwash was mistaken to be the anti-
fever syrup," Miss Yau said.
"The mistake could only have occurred under
conditions of slack supervision of the Workman by the
dispensing staff in the Cheung Sha Wan Clinic Dispensary."
She said none of the contaminated anti-fever syrup
tested was issued before November 12, 1997.
The committee also observed that when the
contamination was first discovered on November 25, 1997,
the dispensary staff in the Cheung Sha Wan Clinic
Dispensary, in recalling the contaminated anti-fever
syrup, gave misleading information to the parents of the
affected children, resulting in the situation being
inappropriately handled.
"The committee therefore recommended that the
Department should consider instituting disciplinary
investigation on the dispensing staff in charge of the
Cheung Sha Wan Clinic Dispensary," she said.
Other key recommendations made by the Investigation
Committee included:-
* improvements needed in pre-packing at the Cheung
Sha Wan Clinic Dispensary;
* clear operational guidelines to be issued by the
Department's Pharmaceutical Service for circulation to all
staff in clinic dispensaries;
* a review of the procedures, physical layout,
storage of drugs and dispensing equipment of the Cheung
Sha Wan Clinic Dispensary; and
* a review of the staffing of the Pharmacist and
Dispenser grades in the dispensing service of the
Department of Health.
Also speaking at the press conference, Professor Lee
Kwing-chin observed that of the 123 children returned for
check-up, 77 had shown mild and transient symptoms.
"The amount of contaminated anti-fever syrup taken by
most of them averaged between one and four doses and it
was unlikely that such dosage would give rise to any long-
term ill effect," he said.
"However, to alleviate the anxiety of parents, the
Department should inform the parents involved of the
laboratory results of the anti-fever syrup they returned
for testing and make arrangements for follow-up on
affected children."
Professor Lee said the anti-fever syrup issued in
October 1997 should not be contaminated.
"Some of the parents interviewed had been given the
medication in October and November 1997 after two
different immunisation injections for their babies. They
told committee members that the medicine obtained in
October 1997 was in order," he added.
Another committee member, Dr Stephen Foo Kam-so
commented on the way that the Cheung Sha Wan Clinic
Dispensary had handled the incident and the follow-up
action.
He said: "Inaccurate projections of the date of wrong
pre-packing were made by the Cheung Sha Wan Clinic
Dispensary at different times, leading the Department of
Health to make an inaccurate announcement to the public on
November 29, 1997 and delay in contacting the patients
involved."
In conclusion, Dr Foo said, the Committee accepted
that contacting parents of affected children by telephone
and home visits was an expedient and personal way of
handling the incident.
"In fact, parents were generally satisfied with the
follow-up arrangements made by the Department," he added.
End
6. ICAC Complaints Committee Chairman appointed
********************************************
The Government announced today (Wednesday) the
appointment of Dr the Hon Chung Sze-yuen as the Chairman
of the ICAC Complaints Committee with effect from January
1, 1998 for one year.
The Committee monitors the handling of complaints
against the ICAC, reviews ICAC procedures and practices
which may lead to complaints, and makes recommendations
when necessary.
The Committee is usually chaired by the Convenor of
the Executive Council and consists mainly of Members of
the Executive Council and the legislature. The last
Chairman was the Hon Rosanna Wong Yick-ming.
The Government has also appointed two new members.
They are Professor the Hon Ng Ching-fai and Mr Ip Sik-on,
Simon. Serving members, including Mr Denis Chang Khen-
lee, Dr Huang Chen-ya, the Hon Howard Young how-wah and
the Hon Tam Yiu-chung, have been reappointed for a year.
Mr Andrew So has also been reappointed for a year in his
capacity as the Ombudsman.
End
7. Update on avian flu
*******************
The Department of Health (DH) announced today
(Wednesday) that there was no new case of influenza A
(H5N1) today.
Moreover, Case 3 of yesterday's suspected case list,
involving a seven-year-old boy, has been deleted from the
list.
This brings down the total number of cases to 16
confirmed cases and two suspected cases.
Following is a list of the cases and their latest
conditions:
Confirmed cases
***************
Case 1
Sex / Age: Male / 3 yr
Condition: Died
Case 2
Sex / Age: Male / 2 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 3
Sex / Age: Female / 13 yr
Condition: Died
Case 4
Sex / Age: Male / 54 yr
Condition: Died
Case 5
Sex / Age: Female / 5 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 6
Sex / Age: Male / 37 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 7
Sex / Age: Female / 24 yr
Condition: Under treatment, condition critical
Case 8
Sex / Age: Male / 2 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 9
Sex / Age: Male / 4 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 10
Sex / Age: Male / 1 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 11
Sex / Age: Female / 3 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 12
Sex / Age: Female / 60 yr
Condition: Died
Case 13
Sex / Age: Female / 25 yr
Condition: Under treatment, condition critical
Case 14
Sex / Age: Female / 14 yr
Condition: Under treatment, condition satisfactory
Case 15
Sex / Age: Male / 3 yr
Condition: Under observation, condition satisfactory
Case 16
Sex / Age: Female / 19 yr
Condition: Under treatment, condition critical
Suspected cases
***************
Case 1
Sex / Age: Female / 3 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
Case 2
Sex / Age: Male / 6 yr
Condition: Recovered and discharged
End
8. HK-Guangdong Environmental Protection Liaison Group meets
*********************************************************
The Hong Kong-Guangdong Environmental Protection
Liaison Group (EPLG) held its eighth meeting in Guangzhou
on January 7, 1998. The meeting was co-chaired by the
Director of Environmental Protection Bureau of Guangdong
Province, Mr Wang Yinkun and the Secretary for Planning,
Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung. Both sides agreed
to further enhance their co-operation on environmental
issues of mutual concern.
The EPLG noted and endorsed the reports made by its
Technical Sub-group (TSG) on the work programme carried
out in 1997. It also endorsed the Stage 1 Phase 2 Report
on the Mirs Bay Study Report and Action Plan and the
Further Action Plan for Deep Bay. Both sides also agreed
to set up the Expert Group on the Air Quality in the Pearl
River Delta Region.
Other discussion items include:
- progress of the Deep Bay Water Quality Regional
Control Strategy study;
- the workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment
held in May 1997 in Guangzhou;
- progress of the work of the Study Group for the
Conservation of the Chinese White Dolphin; and
- control on import and export of waste.
At the meeting, both sides exchanged information on
the latest environmental protection work carried out by
them respectively. The Guangdong side introduced the
establishment of the National Environmental Protection
Model Cities, the regional environmental management, the
control of vehicle emission and the implementation of the
Scheme of Control of Total Major Pollution Loadings. The
Hong Kong side introduced the Stonecutters Island Sewage
Treatment Works, the Planning and Development Studies on
North East and North West New Territories, the Consultancy
Study on Sustainable Development for the 21st Century and
the control of the import and export of waste.
The EPLG endorsed the work programme for 1998, which
includes:
- regular audit of and follow-up on the Mirs Bay
Action Plan;
- regular audit of the Deep Bay Action Plan and
exchange of information;
- completion of the Deep Bay Regional Control
Strategy Study;
- organisation of a Seminar on Waste Reduction;
- continuation of the study on Chinese White
Dolphin;
- exchanging information or undertaking joint study
on the air and water quality in the Pearl River Delta;
- continuation of the exchange of air and water
quality monitoring data;
- further enhancement of the liaison on the control
of import and export of waste;
- continuation of the exchange of experience in the
dissemination of Air Pollution Index.
The Hong Kong delegation will visit the sewage
treatment and waste disposal facilities in Panyu and
Shenzhen on January 8 and 9, 1998.
End
9. Review on Glass Panel Balustrade to be carried out
**************************************************
A comprehensive review on the procedures relating to
the design, construction and maintenance of glass panel
balustrades will be carried out by the Housing Department
(HD), a joint meeting of the Housing Authority's
Commercial Properties Committee (CPC) and Building
Committee (BC) decided today (Wednesday).
The meeting accepted recommendations for improvements
to be made at various stages of the glass panel
installation, as proposed by an independent investigation
team of the Housing Department following the failure of a
glass panel balustrade at Ping Tin Shopping Centre on
December 22, 1997.
A spokesman for the Committees regretted the
incident, which resulted in the injury of a boy and
expressed concern for the safety of glass panel
balustrades.
"Following an initial inspection by Housing
Management staff of all 28 shopping centres with glass
balustrades, a further inspection was carried out by HD's
Maintenance Surveyors. So far, no indication of potential
failures has been detected," he said.
He said the HD review is expected to cover the
design, specification, construction, inspection, handover
arrangement and maintenance of the balustrades. Detailed
proposals for implementation would then be considered by
the two Committees.
"We believe all three parties, namely the Housing
Department, the Building Contractor and the Single
Operator of the Shopping Centre could have some degree of
responsibility for the incident. However, we were unable
to reach conclusions as to their individual share of
responsibility," he noted.
"We agreed to take further action, including
consideration of disciplinary action, on the three parties
- the BC on the Building Contractor and the CPC on the
Single Operator, in accordance with procedures established
by the Committees,"
"Regarding Housing Department staff, the Director of
Housing would examine staff accountability and take
appropriate action under Civil Service Regulations," he
said, adding that compensation related to the injured boy
would be settled by the relevant insurance companies.
The report concluded that a combination of factors is
to blame for the failure of the glass panel balustrade -
inadequate anchorage of the glass panel at the top recess;
absence of distance pieces to retain the glass panel
firmly in position; and absence of weld fixing to secure
the handrail from rotation.
"Inadequate anchorage is the result of insufficient
edge cover. Instead of a cover of 9 mm as stipulated
under the Specification Standards, it was believed that
the glass panels only have as-built edge cover of 6-8 mm.
This is a crucial factor leading to the failure of the
balustrade," the spokesman explained.
"The Contractor has also made a number of
modifications on the construction details of the
balustrade without documentation, including changing the
handrail thickness, the base plate fixing method, the
length of inner sleeve and the setting block details."
The Site Inspection Team has not made a step-by-step
check of the installation of the glass panel balustrade,
he noted. "There is no specific inspection checklist for
this as a component although detailed inspection
guidelines for site inspection of metal work and glazing
are available on a trade-by-trade approach."
"As a Management Agent, the Single Operator has not
identified missing sealant in various conspicuous
locations of the glass panel balustrade, and has not
executed timely repairs, during the day to day management
and maintenance of the premises."
He said long term improvements should be made at
various stages to prevent similar incidents from happening
in future, namely:
Design
- issue comprehensive design guidelines with
reference to relevant Building Regulations, Codes of
Practice, Standards, Specification Clauses and Circulars
Specification/Construction
- set out standard specification clauses to require
the Building Contractor to submit shop drawings, with
technical substantiation for the construction of glass
panel balustrades
- provide a full mock up sample prior to mass
fabrication on site for better quality control during
construction
Inspection
- identify critical activities for the construction
of glass panel balustrade and establish a mandatory
specific inspection checklist instead of a trade-by-trade
approach.
Handover to Management
- establish a detailed inspection/maintenance
checklist for glass panel balustrade at the handover as a
maintenance guide.
Maintenance
- a thorough survey of the existing glass panel
balustrade is being carried out which include detail
checking on the condition of sealant, fixing details and
sign of distress
- a regular check on the conditions of all types of
balustrades to be conducted by technically competent
persons.
Control and Supervision of Fitting-out works by Single
Operator
- further define the role of Authorised
Person(s)/Registered Structural Engineer(s) in fitting out
works to include works coordination and supervision duties
in the tenancy agreement
- require Single Operator to submit supervision plan
and records if required for the fitting out works
- require the submission of protective measures
proposal.
End
10. Plastic scrap to be examined
****************************
In response to press enquiries, an Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said the
containers lost after a vessel sank last Thursday (January
1) in the northeastern waters are being treated as part of
a shipwreck and Marine Department is co-odinating the
government's effort to retrieve all the affected cargo.
"Once this has been completed, the cargo will be
brought ashore into a safe compound, where we will be able
to inspect containers which are believed to contain waste,
to investigate whether or not any waste in the containers
is contaminated, or is recyclable plastic.
"The containers cannot be inspected before they are
brought ashore to a safe site, because it would be
extremely hazardous for staff to open containers and enter
them, whilst the containers are at sea or perched on the
rocky shore.
"From our initial investigations, we understand that
the waste has been given formal approval from a mainland-
approved inspection company in Hong Kong for import into
the Mainland for recycling.
"If that proves to be the case, no permit from EPD is
needed.
"However, should it be found on inspection that the
waste is contaminated, and was likely to have been
contaminated before the shipwreck, then prosecution action
will be taken against the owner and shipper of the waste
for not applying in advance for a permit to tranship the
waste through Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
End
11. Hong Kong committed to quality education
****************************************
An audience of world scholars and educators at an
international conference in Manchester was yesterday
(Tuesday) briefed on Hong Kong's commitment to quality
school education.
Hong Kong's Board of Education delegation together
with the Director of Education, Mrs Helen C P Lai Yu,
discussed the Special Administrative Region's commitment
at the Hong Kong Symposium at the 11th International
Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI).
The ICSEI will be held in Hong Kong in the year 2000.
Speaking at the symposium, Mrs Yu said that as Hong
Kong reviews its education services and renews energies
for the future, Government, the education sector, parents
and the community at large must all gear up in a common
commitment to excellence in quality education.
Mrs Yu noted that it has been business as usual after
the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region on July 1, 1997 and that education remains a top
priority for the Government.
"Our education system has served us well over the
decades," Mrs Yu said. "However, as we approach the new
era, we must respond to changing needs and rising
aspirations."
Mrs Yu said that as with many other parts of the
world, the education system in Hong Kong is facing major
challenges ahead.
"Our Chief Executive has set out an extensive agenda
for initiatives in education reform. These include
information technology in education, whole-day primary
schooling, support and development for teachers and a HK$5
billion Quality Education Fund to encourage innovative
improvement projects from schools, educational bodies,
teaching professionals, individuals or groups," she said.
Mrs Yu said that in the mean time, pragmatic
operational measures are introduced to enhance education
effectiveness and accountability in Hong Kong.
She said: "We are instituting quality assurance
inspections on a 'whole school' basis. We are encouraging
school-based management with greater devolution of
authority and responsibility to schools."
Mrs Yu added that the Government is also taking
positive steps to improve the language skills of Hong
Kong's young people.
"We aim to develop young Hong Kong to be biliterate
and trilingual, to be proficient in English and Chinese
including Cantonese (our mother tongue) and Putonghua. We
are enhancing language proficiency overall by a
comprehensive strategy," Mrs Yu said.
The Chairman of the Board of Education (BOE), Mr
Moses Cheng, said that information technology has become
an essential skill of modern citizens.
"It is very important to prepare our students for the
modern world and to equip them with knowledge of applying
information technology in their study and future careers,"
he said.
"We will expand our information technology education
so that our students will be on par with their
counterparts in the most advanced countries in respect of
their knowledge and application of information technology.
We have invested hugely, and will invest more, in
promoting information technology in school."
Mr Cheng said the quality education Hong Kong
provides will enable its students to face challenges ahead
and help plan Hong Kong's long-term future with new
vision.
Also speaking at the symposium, BOE member Mr H L
Tai, looked at the effectiveness of educational
initiatives in Hong Kong schools. He said that through
continuous learning from the experience and research of
both local and international communities, and by
developing a framework for school quality and development,
Hong Kong schools and educators can overcome difficulties
and benefit from ongoing and future educational
initiatives.
"Then the challenges will become great opportunities
for our schools, principals, teachers and students to
achieve quality education in the new century," he said.
Another speaker, Mrs Angela Cheung, pointed out that
Hong Kong is in the process of setting up a General
Teaching Council within two years to enhance the standard
of teaching and the professionalism of teachers.
The council will set criteria for establishing and
maintaining a register of qualified teachers, advise on
the training and qualifications of teachers and on
maintaining and upgrading of professional standards, and
exercise disciplinary powers in cases of professional
misconduct. The ultimate aim is to promote the
development of quality school education and the well-being
of students.
BOE member Sister Bernadette Au named the success
criteria for classroom improvement in Hong Kong. These
include students becoming relaxed and confident in the
process of learning and getting involved for their own
learning; teachers feeling comfortable to be students'
learning companions and their facilitators; teachers only
providing learning skills and reinforcement for learning;
teachers having time to go for in-depth learning and
intensive reading; and teachers being proficient in the
medium of instruction.
At the symposium, there was considerable interest in,
and goodwill towards, Hong Kong among educators the world
over. Many looked forward to coming to Hong Kong for ICSEI
in the year 2000.
The symposium provided an opportunity to clarify
misunderstandings and project positive steps taken by Hong
Kong to enhance quality education.
The ICSEI is made up of educational researchers,
policy specialists and school education experts devoted to
school effectiveness and improvement.
Their first annual international conference was held
in London in 1988. Subsequent meetings have been
organised in various cities around the world, including
Rotterdam, Melbourne, Victoria and Memphis.
End
12. Emergency relief given to fire victim family
********************************************
The family of the deceased in a No. 4 alarm fire in
Electric Road, North Point, has been offered $5,000 in
emergency relief from the General Chinese Charities Fund
by the Eastern District Office this (Wednesday) afternoon.
Giving the cash relief and offering condolences to
the victim's family, Eastern District Officer, Mr Lee Kam-
chung, said staff of the district office and other
relevant government departments would keep close contact
with the family to see if any further assistance was
needed.
End
13. HAB seeks public cooperation to telephone survey
************************************************
The Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) will conduct a survey
on public opinion trends from January 12 to 16 by
telephone interviews with members of households selected
at random from the telephone directories.
The interviews, to be carried out between 6 pm and
10 pm, are designed to monitor public opinion trends
regarding perceived problems in Hong Kong, the
Government's performance and public expectations on
various issues.
The survey is the 74th in the series which was
launched in January 1983.
An HAB spokesman said: "We hope respondents aged
between 15 and 64 from among the households selected would
cooperate with our survey interviewers in providing the
necessary feedback to enable us to monitor public feelings
on a whole range of issues which affect their daily
lives."
End
14. New Year 'lai-see' for 14,000 people
************************************
Forty residents from Wan Chai Sheltered Housing for
the Elderly today (Wednesday) received "lai-see" (red
packets) to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year, thanks to
the Tang Shiu Kin and Ho Tim Charitable Fund.
They were also treated to a lunch banquet and a
series of entertainment performances at the Assembly Hall
of Tung Wah Hospital.
The red packets at $100 each were distributed by the
Director of Social Welfare, Mr Andrew Leung Kin-pong; Dr
Ho Tim, Mr Richard Tang; and members of the fund's
management committee.
Tang/Ho Fund had this year allocated more than $1.4
million to pay for red packets to 906 elderly people and
to 13,108 single-parent families who are receiving
Comprehensive Social Security Allowance.
The fund, administered by the Social Welfare
Department, provides immediate financial assistance to
individuals or families to cope with sudden hardship.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the fund
has, over the years, paid out over $47 million to help
needy people in more than 38,700 cases.
End
PROVISIONAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING SUPPLEMENT
CONTENTS
========
1. Motion on Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance
2. SES moves Airport Authority Bylaw
3. MTR (Amendment) Bylaw 1997
4. KCRC (Amendment) Bylaw 1997
5. North-west Railway (Amendment) Bylaw 1997
6. Disposal of chicken carcasses at strategic landfills
7. Employee benefits will be reviewed periodically
8. Visa policy
9. Assessment of non-local qualifications for civil service appointments
10. Statistics on directorate establishment
11. Travel Agencies' adverts
12. Measures to prevent child abuse
13. Speed limits of vessels
14. Policy on Taiwanese residents to visit HK
15. Wife battering cases in Tuen Mun
16. Government policy on bedspace apartments explained
17. Statistics on foreign workers
18. Special crowd control measures during festive days
19. Rent allowance payable under CSSA explained
20. Good progress made in review on financial crisis
21. Illegal employment in HK
1. Motion on Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance
***************************************************
Following is a speech by the acting Chief Secretary
for Administration, the Hon Michael Suen, in moving a
motion on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance
(Cap 484) in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Madam President,
I move the resolution standing in my name in the
Agenda. The resolution is to the effect that this Council
endorses the appointment of:
Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead; and
Lord Hoffmann
as judges of the Court of Final Appeal from other common
law jurisdictions.
The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance
provides for a list of non-permanent Hong Kong judges and
a list of judges from other common law jurisdictions. The
total number of persons holding offices as non-permanent
judges should not exceed 30. The term of appointment of
such judges is 3 years.
In accordance with the Basic Law, the Court of Final
Appeal Ordinance provides that judges of the Court of
Final Appeal shall be appointed by the Chief Executive
acting in accordance with the recommendation of an
independent commission, the Judicial Officers
Recommendation Commission. The Chief Executive is also
obliged to obtain the endorsement of the Legislative
Council.
On July 23, 1997, Members endorsed the appointment of
11 non-permanent Hong Kong judges and 4 judges from other
common law jurisdictions. Since then, the Judicial
Officers Recommendation Commission has further recommended
to the Chief Executive that Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead
and Lord Hoffmann be appointed as judges from other common
law jurisdictions of the Court of Final Appeal. The Chief
Executive has now accepted the Commission's recommendation
and I now seek Members' endorsement on the appointments as
required by the Basic Law and the Court of Final Appeal
Ordinance.
Under the Court of Final Appeal Ordinance, a person
is eligible for appointment as a judge from another common
law jurisdiction if he is a serving or retired judge of a
court of unlimited jurisdiction in either civil or
criminal matters in another common law jurisdiction, is
ordinarily resident outside Hong Kong and has never been a
judge of the High Court, a District Judge or a permanent
magistrate in Hong Kong.
As explained by the Secretary for Justice in her
speech of July 23, 1997 seeking Members' endorsement of
the appointment of non-permanent judges of the Court of
Final Appeal, the Judicial Officers Recommendation
Commission has initially focused on the retired judges and
it was the intention of both the Chief Justice and the
Commission that the list will be expanded to include
serving judges from other common law jurisdictions. In
this regard, the Chief Justice approached the Lord
Chancellor of the United Kingdom seeking his agreement in
principle for serving Law Lords to sit on the Court of
Final Appeal. In September last year, the Lord Chancellor
visited Hong Kong and indicated to the Chief Justice that
he was agreeable in principle to make two serving British
Law Lords available to sit on the Court of Final Appeal.
The Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission has
unanimously recommended that Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead
and Lord Hoffmann be appointed as judges from other common
law jurisdictions. The two serving Law Lords were
appointed as Lord of Appeal in Ordinary in 1994 and 1995
respectively. Their curricular vitae are laid before you.
The two British Law Lords have pre-eminent
reputations not only in the United Kingdom but in the
whole common law world. As serving Law Lords, they are
pivotal in shaping the development of common law. Their
appointment as judges from other common law jurisdictions
would enhance the standing and international reputation of
the Court of Final Appeal and will be warmly appreciated
by the legal profession and members of the community.
With these remarks, I seek Members' endorsement of the
appointment of -
Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead and
Lord Hoffmann
as judges of the Court of Final Appeal from other common
law jurisdictions. Subject to Members' endorsement and
completion of other formalities, their appointments will
take effect from the Monday following the date of the
Council's endorsement.
I recommend the Motion to Members.
End
2. SES moves Airport Authority Bylaw
*********************************
Following is a speech by the Secretary for Economic
Services, Mr Stephen Ip, in moving a motion for the
approval of the Airport Authority Bylaw in the Provisional
Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
I move the motion standing in my name on the Agenda.
Section 35 of the Airport Authority Ordinance
provides that the Airport Authority (AA) may make bylaws
for regulating the use and operation of the new airport
and the conduct of persons while within different parts of
it. Section 36 of the Ordinance further provides that the
Authority may by bylaws regulate vehicles, their use and
vehicular traffic in specified parts of the new airport.
Pursuant to these two sections, the AA has, in
consultation with relevant Government bureaux and
departments, made the Airport Authority Bylaw now tabled
before this Council. The objective is to facilitate
effective management of the new airport and to ensure
safety and efficiency in operation.
The Bylaw mainly deals with operational matters.
Most of its provisions are modeled on the existing Hong
Kong Airport (Regulations) Ordinance and its subsidiary
legislation which apply to Kai Tak, the Mass Transit
Railway Corporation By-laws and the Kowloon-Canton Railway
Corporation By-laws. The Authority has also taken into
account the particular needs of the new airport. For
example, since the new airport will have a sizable road
network of its own, the Airport Authority Bylaw has
incorporated detailed provisions for the control of road
traffic on the airport island.
I shall now briefly explain the main contents of the
Bylaw. Part I of the Bylaw provides for commencement and
interpretation of terms. Part II specifies the scope of
application of the Bylaw. Basically, the Bylaw applies to
roads designated by the Commissioner for Transport and
other areas within the Airport Area to be delineated by
the Director of Civil Aviation, other than areas under the
control of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation. Part III
deals with regulation of access to different parts of the
Bylaw Area. Parts IV to VI contain provisions relating to
the conduct of persons in the Bylaw Area. The purpose of
the provisions is to prevent certain specified acts which
may undermine the safe and efficient operation of the
Airport.
Parts VII and VIII deal with the regulation of
aircraft operation on the ground, use of vehicles,
vehicular movements and related activities in the
Restricted Area. Part IX relates to vehicular traffic on
designated roads outside the Restricted Area. Part X sets
out arrangements relating to lost properties and their
disposal. Part XI enables the AA to appoint Authorised
Persons to enforce provisions of the Ordinance and the
Bylaw, sets out some general powers of such Authorised
Persons and deals with the penalties for offenses under
the Bylaw and some other miscellaneous issues.
The Bylaw has been examined by a Subcommittee under
the chairmanship of the Honorable James Tien after its
submission to the Provisional Legislative Council. I
would like to thank the Chairman and Members of the
Subcommittee for their prompt examination of the Bylaw. I
would also like to thank the Subcommittee and the Legal
Adviser of this Council for suggesting some drafting
improvements to the Bylaw. I now propose these amendments
as set out in the Agenda.
For the safe and efficient operation of the new
airport, the Airport Authority Bylaw must be put in place
before airport opening. It is also needed for the safe
and orderly conduct of airport trials scheduled to start
in January 1998. I recommend the Bylaw and the amendments
to Honorable Members for approval.
Madam President, I beg to move.
End
3. MTR (Amendment) Bylaw 1997
**************************
Following is a speech by the Secretary for the
Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, in moving a resolution to amend
the Mass Transit Railway (Amendment) Bylaw 1997 under
section 25 of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation
Ordinance (Cap.270) in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
I move the motion standing in my name on the Agenda.
Section 25 of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation
Ordinance empowers the Corporation to make by-laws and
provides that they shall be subject to the approval of
this Council.
The MTR (Amendment) Bylaw 1997 updates the definition
of "conditions of issue" by extending it to cover those
conditions published by other persons on behalf of the
MTRC, in the light of the introduction of the Octopus
system.
The amendment bylaws also seek to extend the
Corporation's powers to require a person who is reasonably
suspected of committing or attempting to breach the MTR
Bylaws to give his personal particulars and proof of
identity to an MTRC official upon request, and to make it
an offence for failing to provide such particulars or
giving false or misleading information.
The Amendment Bylaw was made by the Mass Transit
Railway Corporation on July 29, 1997. The Administration
briefed the Panel on Transport on these amendments on
December 12, 1997. I commend it to this Council for
approval.
Madam, I beg to move.
End
4. KCRC (Amendment) Bylaw 1997
***************************
Following is a speech by the Secretary for the
Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, in moving a resolution to amend
the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (Amendment) Bylaw
1997 under section 31 of the Kowloon-Canton Railway
Corporation Ordinance (Cap.372) in the Provisional
Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
I move the motion standing in my name on the Agenda.
Section 31 of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation
Ordinance empowers the Corporation to make by-laws and
provides that they shall be subject to the approval of
this Council.
On September 1, 1997, the Kowloon-Canton Railway
Corporation introduced, jointly with the Mass Transit
Railway Corporation, Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933)
Limited, Citybus Limited, and Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry
Company Limited, a new ticketing system - the Octopus -
which adopts the contactless smart card technology. The
introduction of the Octopus card is intended to replace
the Common Stored Value Tickets in use on both Mass
Transit Railway and the East Rail and the multi-ride
passes on the Light Rail Transit. Since January 1 this
year, the sale of Common Stored Value Ticket has stopped
and the use of multi-ride tickets has been discontinued.
The main objective of the KCRC (Amendment) Bylaw 1997
is to update the bylaws to ensure more effective control
and regulation of carriage of passengers on the East Rail.
The major amendments include -
(a) refining existing provisions to include smart
cards in the ticketing system;
(b) extending the prohibition against entry and
travel without tickets or travel with inappropriate
tickets to passengers using smart cards; and
(c) refining existing provisions to enable the
Corporation to deduct fares from smart cards held by
passengers and to impose surcharges on smart card holders
who breach the relevant bylaws.
While the amendment bylaws had not been introduced
before the smart card ticketing system started operation,
the existing provisions in the KCRC Bylaws are sufficient
for the Corporation to prosecute passengers using the
Octopus who breach the bylaws. The amendment bylaws will
provide the Corporation with a more direct and effective
means of prosecution.
The KCRC has taken a more lenient approach in the
first few months of the Octopus operation towards
passengers who may have breached its bylaws. Apart from
educating passengers on the use of the new smart card
system, the Corporation has taken the opportunity to
monitor the implementation of the Octopus system and to
consider the need for further provisions. Having reviewed
the situation, the Corporation is keen that the amendment
bylaws should come into force as soon as possible to
ensure the smooth operation of the new ticketing system.
The Amendment Bylaw was made by the Kowloon-Canton
Railway Corporation on August 4, 1997. The Administration
briefed the Panel on Transport on these amendments on
December 12, 1997. I commend it to this Council for
approval.
Madam, I beg to move.
End
5. North-west Railway (Amendment) Bylaw 1997
*****************************************
Following is a speech by the Secretary for the
Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, in moving a resolution to amend
the North-west Railway (Amendment) Bylaw 1997 under
section 31 of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation
Ordinance (Cap.372) in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
I move the motion standing in my name on the Agenda.
The Amendment Bylaw was made by the Kowloon-Canton
Railway Corporation on August 4, 1997, and the amendments
are similar to those in the Kowloon-Canton Railway
Corporation (Amendment) Bylaw 1997. My previous remarks
on the previous motion equally apply, and I commend it to
this Council for approval.
Madam, I beg to move.
End
6. Disposal of chicken carcasses at strategic landfills
****************************************************
Following is a question by Professor the Hon Ng
Ching-fai and a reply by the acting Secretary for
Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Patrick Lau, in the
Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
In an attempt to totally eradicate the influenza A
virus H5N1, the Government has recently taken actions to
slaughter the chickens in the territory. However, the way
the Government buried the carcasses at landfills creates
worry in some members of the public that the virus might
spread further. In this connection, will the Government
inform this Council:
(a) before deciding on such actions, what
environmental and hygiene assessments have been made to
ensure that the virus will not spread by using such a
method; what the details of the assessments are; and
(b) whether it has studied if the method is in line
with the international standards and measures adopted in
handling the source of virus; if it does not fall in line,
what immediate remedial measures are in place to dispose
of the carcasses?
Reply:
Madam President,
I would like to thank Professor Ng for asking this
question as it gives me the opportunity to explain how
chicken carcasses were disposed of at our strategic
landfills.
All the chicken carcasses resulting from the recent
chicken slaughtering operations were disposed of at West
New Territories Landfill, South East New Territories
Landfill and North East New Territories Landfill. Our
strategic landfills are constructed and operated to
extremely stringent environmental standards comparable to
or exceeding those of developed countries by contractors
who are among the world's most experienced in the field.
The landfills are lined with a multiple-layer impermeable
liner at the sides and bases to ensure that pollutants are
prevented from entering groundwater or nearby
watercourses. Any leachate (liquid contaminated by
pollutants from the waste in the landfills) is collected
by pre-constructed drainage channels, pumped out and
treated before final disposal. Waste dumped at the
strategic landfills is compacted and covered, on a daily
basis, with a thick layer of inert material such as soil.
Gases produced by the process of decomposition of the
waste, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are drawn off
by a network of pipes laid within the landfill. The gases
are then either flared off or burned to generate
electricity. These arrangements, which I repeat are
comparable to or exceeding those of developed countries,
ensure that wastes disposed of at the strategic landfills
do not impose any risk to the community or the natural
environment.
Madam President, that is the background. When
considering the possibility of disposing of the chicken
carcasses by dumping at landfills, we had assessed the
environmental and hygiene aspects of this method of
disposal. We concluded that the design, the construction
and the operation of our landfills would be acceptable for
handling the carcasses.
That said, we were acutely conscious of the likely
public concern, and the need to ensure the safety of those
involved in the entire operation. Therefore, we have
adopted extra steps to further enhance the environmental
and hygiene measures, as follows.
When the chicken carcasses were transported to the
landfills, they were already disinfected with chloride of
lime and sealed in industrial grade plastic bags. On
arrival, the bags were immediately placed in pre-excavated
trenches up to 6 metres deep which were covered
immediately with at least half a metre of soil to minimize
exposure to the air. Additional cover materials were then
placed over the trenches to increase the total thickness
of cover material no less than one metre. The whole
procedure was closely supervised by EPD staff. In due
course the covered trenches will be overlaid with more and
more ordinary wastes and be well below the ground surface.
I should add that the disinfectant powder would be
dissolved upon contact with blood and body fluid of the
chicken to form a hyperconcentrated solution which is
powerful enough to kill the viruses in a very short period
of time. The time for the viruses to percolate through
the compacted waste into the leachate collection system
would be more than sufficient for the disinfection to take
place.
Thank you.
End
7. Employee benefits will be reviewed periodically
***********************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Wing-chan and
a reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower,
Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
As there are now 17 days of general holidays in
addition to all Sundays, but only 11 days of statutory
holidays in Hong Kong each year, will the Government
inform this Council:
(a) of the basis for determining the number of
statutory holidays under the Employment Ordinance;
(b) of the reasons for the difference in the number
of statutory holidays and general holidays; and
(c) whether it will gradually increase the number of
statutory holidays to the same as that of general
holidays; if so, when this will be implemented; if not,
why not?
Reply:
Madam President,
Let me first explain the difference between general
holidays and statutory holidays.
General holidays, provided under the Holidays
Ordinance (Cap. 149) are basically "institutional"
holidays for banks, schools, public offices and government
departments.
Statutory holidays, provided under the Employment
Ordinance (Cap. 57), are employment benefits which must be
granted to employees, including those working in banks and
schools, but not to civil servants (since the Employment
Ordinance does not apply to the Government).
I now turn to the specific parts of the question.
(a) The Legislative Council first legislated for
statutory holidays in 1961 under the Industrial Employment
(Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance) Ordinance 1961,
which came into operation in April 1962. The Ordinance
provided that six holidays a year must be given to all
workers employed in industrial undertakings. The holidays
selected under this ordinance were those associated with
traditional Chinese holidays.
With effect from January 1, 1974, the Industrial
Employment (Holidays with Pay and Sickness Allowance)
Ordinance was repealed, and its provisions on statutory
holidays were incorporated in the Employment Ordinance, so
that all employees covered by the Employment Ordinance,
irrespective of whether they were employed in industrial
undertakings, would also be granted statutory holidays.
Amendments were made to the Employment Ordinance to
increase the number of statutory holidays to 10 from 1977
and then to 11 from 1983. A recent amendment to the
Employment Ordinance would increase the number of
statutory holidays to 12 with effect from 1999.
Thus, since the enactment of legislation granting
statutory holidays to workers in 1962, there have been
progressive and significant increases to the number of
holidays.
(b) The difference between the number of general and
statutory holidays has resulted from the difference in
rationale for providing such holidays, and their different
historical development.
(c) The number of statutory holidays in Hong Kong
will rise to 12 in 1999. At the same time, we have taken
a policy decision to maintain the present level of general
holidays at 17 a year. As the number of statutory
holidays i.e. 12 holidays in a year compares favourably
with the number of workers' holidays in our neighbouring
economies of a similar level of social and economic
development, we do not see an immediate need to further
increase this number at this stage. The need to increase
the number of statutory holidays will be examined from
time to time as part of the Government's periodic review
of employee benefits in the light of social and economic
developments in Hong Kong and elsewhere.
End
8. Visa policy
***********
Following is a question by the Hon Wong Siu-yee and a
reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the
Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the countries which offer visa-free entry to
the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
passport holders;
(b) of the countries whose passport holders are
granted visa-free entry into Hong Kong;
(c) of the number of complaints, broken down by
countries, received by the Administration up to the end of
1997, against countries which, despite their agreement to
offer visa-free entry, refused holders of HKSAR passport
to enter or required them to complete visa application
procedures before entry into their territories; and
(d) whether it has any specific plans to further
publicise and promote the HKSAR passport, for the purpose
of obtaining the agreement of more countries to grant visa-free entry treatment to its holders; if so, what the
details are?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) As of December 31, 1997, a total of 44 countries
grant visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders. Please
refer to Annex A for the full list.
(b) As of December 31, 1997, nationals of around 170
countries enjoy visa-free access to HKSAR.
(c) So far, the Immigration Department has not
received any formal complaints from HKSAR passport holders
who have been refused entry or been subjected to visa
requirements despite the country having agreed to grant
visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders. We will
continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to
liaise with the relevant consulate on follow-up action
whenever necessary.
(d) The SAR Government places great importance on
promoting the HKSAR passport. We regularly brief visiting
heads-of-states, diplomatic personnel, foreign officials,
and representatives from the business sector, in
particular the travel industry, on the very stringent
application and processing procedures, and introduce them
to the HKSAR passport's state-of-the art anti-forgery
features. In addition, during official overseas visits,
SARG officials also take the opportunity to promote the
HKSAR passport when calling on foreign leaders.
Annex A
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passports
As at 31.12.97
I. Visa-free Access
The following countries have agreed to grant visa-free
access to HKSAR passport holders:
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Benin
Bermuda
Burundi
Canada
Cape Verde
Congo
Croatia *
Djibouti
Egypt
Ghana
Israel
Jamaica
Jordan
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Island
Mauritius
Namibia
Nepal *
Niger
Northern Mariana Islands
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Republic of Ireland
Republic of Korea
San Marino
Seychelles
Singapore
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Surinam
Tanzania
Thailand
Trinidad & Tobago
Turkey *
Uganda
United Kingdom
Western Samoa
* country grants visa upon arrival
End
9. Assessment of non-local qualifications for civil service appointments
*********************************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Yeung Yiu-chung
and a reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Lam
Woon-kwong, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question: (translation)
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of its current policy on the recognition of
academic qualifications conferred by educational
institutions in the Mainland; whether there are any
differences between the policy at present and that before
the reunification; if so, what the differences are; if
not, whether it will review the policy so that academic
qualifications conferred by Mainland educational
institutions will be appropriately recognised;
(b) of the current number of teachers in government
schools and government-funded schools who only have
bachelor's degrees conferred by recognised Mainland
educational institutions, together with the names of these
institutions; and
(c) whether it has a list of the non-local
educational institutions awarding academic qualifications
recognised in Hong Kong; if so, whether and in what way
the list is different before and after the reunification?
Answer:
Madam President,
Let me begin by clarifying that it is Government's
policy both before and after July 1, 1997 that individual
tertiary institutions and employers are free to exercise
their discretion in accepting individual academic
qualifications for admission or employment. The
Government does not interfere with the acceptance of
qualifications by individual institutions or employers.
Nor do we offer recognition to individual non-local
qualifications or institutions outside Hong Kong. What we
do is to assess non-local qualifications for the purpose
of civil service appointments. Hence I will only respond
to the questions raised by the Honourable Member in the
context of our policy on civil service appointments:
(a) The Government's policy on assessment of non-
local qualifications for civil service appointments has
remained the same after reunification. Under our policy,
all qualifications obtained outside Hong Kong by civil
service job applicants are subject to assessment and will
be accepted only if they are assessed as comparable in
standard to the local qualifications specified for entry.
The policy is applied across the board to all non-local
qualifications. In other words, no distinction is made
between qualifications obtained from mainland China and
other regions outside Hong Kong. This was the case before
July 1, 1997; it is also the case at present.
(b) We have not kept statistics on the origin of
qualifications held by serving teachers in government and
government-funded schools. This is because the focus is
on qualification assessment. Once the qualification held
by the job applicant is assessed as comparable to a local
qualification and as meeting the entry requirement, the
origin of his qualifications is not and should not be a
factor for consideration in the selection process.
Neither do we have a record of which of the applicants are
eventually appointed. Whilst it is possible for us and
the government-funded schools to compile such statistics
by retrieving the data from the personnel files of
individual teachers, I hope our Honourable Member will
appreciate that this will consume considerable resources.
(c) The Civil Service Bureau does not have a list of
"recognised" educational institutions. This is because
assessment of qualifications is carried out on a case-by-
case basis for each civil service applicant having regard
to the standing of the awarding institutions at the time
the qualifications were obtained, programme of study and
advice from education and accreditation authorities. In
other words, we do not accept a particular qualification
solely because it is from a specific institution. Indeed,
it would have been misleading if we were to publish such a
list of institutions, as if any qualification awarded by
those institutions would be accepted as comparable to
local qualifications as a matter of course. To ensure an
accurate and fair assessment, the nature of the
qualification and the circumstances under which it is
obtained must be taken into account.
End
10. Statistics on directorate establishment
***************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a
reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Lam Woon-
kwong, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) how the establishment of each directorate grade
in the civil service on December 1, 1997 compared with
that on January 1, 1997; of the respective personal
emolument of the directorate posts that were created or
deleted; and of the personal emolument of the non-
directorate posts created to support these new directorate
posts;
(b) how the increase or decrease in the
establishment of each directorate grade during the above
period compared with those in the corresponding period in
1996;
(c) of the estimated number of directorate posts to
be created within the remainder of 1997/98, together with
the personal emolument involved; and
(d) of the number of directorate posts created or to
be created, how many are for coping with new demands
arising from the transfer of sovereignty?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) During the period from January 1, 1997 to
December 31, 1997, a total of 47 permanent posts and 12
supernumerary directorate posts have been created. Over
the same period, 10 permanent posts and 26 supernumerary
posts have been deleted. The net NAMS value involved was
$35,326,200. A total of 259 non-directorate posts with a
NAMS value of $89,951,328 have been created to support
these new directorate posts.
(b) In the corresponding period in 1996, 50
permanent posts and 14 supernumerary posts were created.
At the same time, 26 permanent posts were deleted and 3
supernumerary posts lapsed.
(c) We forecast proposals for a further 35 permanent
and 7 supernumerary directorate posts will be submitted to
the Establishment Subcommittee this financial year. The
net NAMS value is $53,949,146.
(d) Since 1996/97, a total of 9 permanent and 5
supernumerary posts have been created to cope with demands
arising from the transfer of sovereignty. There is one
further proposal involving the upgrading of a D1 post and
creation of a supernumerary D1 to handle work arising from
the transfer of sovereignty.
End
11. Travel Agencies' adverts
************************
Following is a question by the Hon Allen Lee and a
reply by the Secretary for Trade and Industry, Miss Denise
Yue, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
Recently, there have been complaints from the public
about misleading advertisements placed by some travel
agencies because the fees actually required for the
relevant tours are higher than those published in the
advertisements. In this connection, will the Government
inform this Council:
(a) whether there is any existing legislation
prohibiting the placing of untrue or misleading commercial
advertisements; if so, of the maximum penalty for such
offences; if not, why not;
(b) of the channels through which complaints against
misleading advertisements can be lodged; and
(c) whether it will step up the monitoring of the
contents of advertisements and impose heavier penalties on
companies placing untrue or misleading advertisements?
Reply:
(a) There are various measures governing
advertisements placed by travel agencies. For instance,
the Travel Agents Ordinance (Cap. 218) stipulates that all
advertising by travel agents has to show the licence
number of the agent.
In addition, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
(or "TIC" in short) has a comprehensive Code of
Advertising Practice for Travel Agents. The Code
requires, inter alia, that "advertisement must be
factually true, and shall not be misleading". It also
stipulates that all brochures and pamphlets to be used by
tour operators for advertising purposes must be filed and
registered with TIC two days in advance before their
despatch and the sale of the tour therein advertised.
This is to prevent travel agents from offering
outrageously low prices to attract unwary consumers with
the aim of defaulting. TIC also periodically issues
binding directives on members. A recent directive issued
in late November 1997, for example, requires all package
tour advertisements to include the full or abbreviated
name or logo of the relevant airlines other than the price
and duration of the tour.
To enforce the Code of Advertising Practice for
Travel Agents, TIC closely monitors the advertisements of
travel agents. Four TIC officers have been specifically
assigned to peruse travel agents advertisements on various
Chinese and English newspapers, scrutinising an average of
some 120 advertisements a day.
TIC members found in breach of the Code will be
liable to a maximum penalty ranging from $10,000 for the
first breach to $100,000 or cancellation of membership for
the third breach. According to information provided by
the TIC, in 1997, there were three cases of breach of the
Code and penalties ranging from $3,000 to $70,000 were
levied. In 1996, there were two cases of breach in which
a warning was issued and a $12,000 fine was imposed
respectively.
(b) Consumers may lodge complaints relating to
advertisements on travel agents with the TIC and the
Consumer Council.
(c) We believe adequate measures are in place at
this stage to guard against misleading or untrue
advertisements placed by travel agents which adversely
affect consumer interest.
End
12. Measures to prevent child abuse
*******************************
Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kong-wah and a
written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare,
Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
According to the records kept by the Social Welfare
Department (SWD), the number of child abuse cases in Hong
Kong has been on the rise, especially those involving new
arrivals. In this connection, will the Government inform
this Council whether:
(a) it will consider distributing publicity booklets
to new arrivals at immigration control points, so as to
facilitate their understanding of the meaning of child
abuse and of the services currently provided by the
Government for the prevention of child abuse;
(b) it will consider providing additional social
workers to the newly developed districts, such as Tuen
Mun, Yuen Long, Tai Po and North District, where new
arrivals usually reside, so as to prevent child abuse; and
(c) the SWD will consider setting up a telephone
hotline to answer questions raised by members of the
public in relation to child abuse?
Reply:
Madam President,
According to the Child Protection Registry of the
Social Welfare Department (SWD), the number of child abuse
cases involving new arrivals was 3 and 10 out of 224 and
311 reported cases in 1995 and 1996 respectively. For the
9-month period from January to September 1997, 297 cases
were reported, of which only 7 involved new arrivals.
(a) To enhance public awareness of the problem of
child abuse, SWD has published a set of five leaflets.
These deal with child abuse in general, child neglect,
psychological abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse and
highlight the various services available from the
Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
During the past two years, over 100,000 sets of leaflets
have been distributed to the public, including new
arrivals, through various channels including the welfare
service units of SWD and NGOs, the various District
Offices of the Home Affairs Department, public hospitals,
housing estates and public clinics. In addition, the
leaflets are also available through the Enquiries and
Information Service operated by the International Social
Service (Hong Kong Branch) at the Tsim Sha Tsui Office of
the Immigration Department where new arrivals apply for
Hong Kong Identity Cards. We will ensure that, in future,
these leaflets are also made available at the relevant
immigration control points.
(b) A comprehensive network of family services
operated by SWD and NGOs is in place to help individuals
and families deal with problems, including child abuse.
The newly developed districts, namely Tuen Mun, Yuen Long,
Tai Po and North District, are currently served by 12
Family Service Centres with over 150 family caseworkers.
As with other Hong Kong residents, new arrivals have ready
access to all services provided at the district level. In
1998/99, additional family caseworkers will be provided to
strengthen the family casework service having regard to
individual district population characteristics and their
current caseloads.
(c) SWD operates a Departmental Hotline Service, in
both Cantonese and Putonghua, to answer enquiries relating
to the welfare services available to deal with various
problems, including child abuse. Since December 1997,
telephone enquiries relating to child abuse are referred
directly to caseworkers in the Department's Child
Protective Service Unit for immediate action during office
hours.
End
13. Speed limits of vessels
***********************
Following is a question by the Hon Miriam Lau Kin-yee
and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic
Services, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Provisional Legislative
Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the current speed limits of vessels in Hong
Kong waters;
(b) whether any vessels are exempted from the speed
limits, if so, of the types of such vessels and the
criteria for exempting them from the limits; and
(c) of the current number of vessels exempted from
the speed limits, which are navigating within the Hong
Kong waters?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) vessels navigating within Hong Kong waters are
regulated by different speed limits, depending on their
lengths and location.
For vessels plying within the Harbour area, the
following speed limits apply:
(i) 8 knots for vessels of 60 metres in length or
more;
(ii) 10 knots for vessels between 15 metres and 60
metres in length; and
(iii) 15 knots for vessels up to 15 metres in length,
but 10 knots within the area between North Point and
Little Green Island.
In addition, vessels navigating within typhoon
shelters are subject to a speed limit of 3 knots and for
those fishing ports (such as Aberdeen, Sai Kung and Castle
Peak), the limit is 10 knots.
There is no speed limit for vessels navigating in
open waters during day time. Specified vessels providing
scheduled ferry services are not allowed to exceed 15
knots in such waters during the period half an hour after
sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
(b) Exemption from speed limits is now granted to
high speed craft and fast ferries on scheduled services
such as catamarans, jetfoils and hovercraft which fulfil
the following requirements:
(i) that in addition to the normal surveys, the
vessel must undertake a "Failure Mode and Effect Analysis"
to show that it can, in all respect, meet the requirements
for safe operation under emergency situations or during
the failure of major system/equipment on board;
(ii) that the master and engineer and watch keeping
personnel of the vessel must be specially trained and
possess a valid Type Rating Certificate for that
particular type of craft on which they serve; and
(iii) that the vessel shall always proceed along its
designated route and within the fairways.
(c) At present, speed restriction exemption permits
are granted to 135 vessels comprising high speed ferries
running between Hong Kong and Macau or the mainland ports
and those serving the outlying islands.
End
14. Policy on Taiwanese residents to visit HK
*****************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Choi-hi and a
written reply by the Acting Secretary for Constitutional
Affairs, Mr Robin Ip, in the Provisional Legislative
Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) which government department is responsible for
co-ordinating matters relating to Taiwan authorities or
non-governmental organisations (NGOs); and
(b) in order to facilitate non-governmental and
commercial exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan, whether
it has planned to set up communication channels with NGOs
in Taiwan and considered relaxing the entry visa
requirements for Taiwanese residents to visit Hong Kong.
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The Constitutional Affairs Bureau is responsible
for coordinating HKSARG matters relating to Taiwan.
(b) There is already a barrier-free environment for
the business and other non-official exchanges between Hong
Kong and Taiwan to take place. There is no need for the
HKSARG to set up specified communication channels with
NGOs in Taiwan for the promotion of such exchanges.
As regards relaxing visa control over entry of
Taiwanese to Hong Kong, the Administration have
continuously made it more convenient for them to travel to
Hong Kong over the past few years. These efforts have
brought about a number of improvements to the existing
system of Taiwan Visit Permits (TVPs), which allows the
Administration to exercise necessary immigration control
over the entry of Taiwanese residents into Hong Kong.
They include -
(i) number of types of TVPs were reduced from 7 to
3 to simplify the application procedure. The 3 types of
permit are Single Journey Visit Permit, standard-size
Multiple Journey Visit Permit and jumbo-size Multiple
Journey Visit Permit.
(ii) processing and issue of TVPs were computerised.
Processing time of applications was reduced from to 5
working days.
(iii) computer-assisted optical character readers
have been installed at immigration control points to scan
machine-readable travel documents, including TVPs.
Immigration clearance time for TVP holders was reduced by
20 seconds to 70 seconds.
(iv) validity of the jumbo-size Multiple Journey
TVPs was extended from 2 to 3 years.
As a result of the above efforts, Taiwanese residents
can now visit Hong Kong on strength of their multiple
journey TVPs valid for 1 or 3 years and good for a stay of
14 days on each landing. They can also make use of the
single journey TVPs, which are valid for and good for a
stay of up to 3 months, to visit Hong Kong.
To further improve the system, the Immigration
Department will also issue multiple journey TVPs with pre-
printed landing conditions in early 1998.
We will continue to regularly review our policies and
explore possible ways to enhance travel convenience to
bona fide visitors from all over the world, including
those from Taiwan.
End
15. Wife battering cases in Tuen Mun
********************************
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Tang Siu-tong
and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and
Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Provisional Legislative
Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is reported that a large number of wife-battering
cases took place in Tuen Mun district in the past 3 years.
In this connection, will the Government inform this
Council:
(a) whether it has examined the reasons for so many
wife-battering cases taking place in the district;
(b) whether it will subsidize the Harmony House in
engaging additional social workers for providing
counselling services; if not, why not; and
(c) of the measures in place to reduce the number of
wife-battering cases in the district?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The Social Welfare Department has not conducted
any empirical study on whether, and if so why, there has
been relatively more wife battering cases in Tuen Mun over
the past 3 years. However, as evident from the practical
experience of social workers, a number of families moving
into new towns, such as Tuen Mun, do encounter adjustment
problems. Such problems, which may be social or
financial, can result in weak marital relationships.
According to the 1996 Population By-census, Tuen Mun has a
comparatively higher population density and a higher
percentage of nuclear families comprising only parents and
children. With less readily available support from other
extended family members, these families can become more
vulnerable to marital conflicts which may on occasion,
result in the use of violence to resolve family disputes.
(b) In 1997-98, government subvention to the Harmony
House (a non-governmental organisation - NGO) is in the
region of HK$2.5 million. The staff strength at Harmony
House is 11. The refuge has a total capacity of 40 places
and the average utilization rate in 1996/97 was about 75%.
The staff strength and utilization rate of Harmony House
is similar to those of the two other refuges run by Social
Welfare Department and another NGO. The Social Welfare
Department closely monitors the workload and utilization
of the existing refuges for women and will consider
improving the staffing complement, as the need arises.
(c) The Government, together with NGOs, has taken
active measures throughout the Territory to prevent and
tackle, the problem of wife battering. At present, the 58
family caseworkers at the 6 Family Service Centres in Tuen
Mun provide counselling and casework services to assist
families in dealing with their problems arising from
interpersonal relationships, including the battered spouse
problem. In addition, there are seven Family Life
Education Workers in Tuen Mun providing community
education programmes. These aim to improve the quality of
family life and prevent breakdown in family relationships.
In 1997, six special programmes and support groups for
battered wives with deep rooted marital problems, were
organised by the Social Welfare Department and the Medical
Social Service Unit of Tuen Mun Hospital in Tuen Mun.
From May 1997, the inter-disciplinary Working Group
on Battered Spouses, with representatives from various
government departments and NGOs, has launched a series of
territory-wide publicity measures. These are targetted at
couples with marital problems and are designed to educate
the public on the destructive forces of domestic violence.
Families at risk are encouraged to seek early professional
advice. The measures include publicity posters, and
Announcements of Public Interest in Chinese and English on
television and radio. The Working Group is also exploring
the feasibility of producing, with the assistance of RTHK,
a TV or Radio programme series on the problem of spouse
battering in the coming year.
In addition, the Social Welfare Department will also
mobilise resources for the planning and refocussing of
community education projects in districts with relatively
more reported battered spouse cases.
End
16. Government policy on bedspace apartments explained
**************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Hui Yin-fat and a
written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David
Lan, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the total number of persons currently living
in accommodation known as "cage homes" in Hong Kong and
among them, the number of those aged 60 or above;
(b) of the number of current "cage homes" lodgers
who are already registered on the General Waiting List,
and whether they will be given priority in the allocation
of public housing flats; and
(c) whether it will impose a total ban on "cage
homes"; if so, what the details of the relevant policy and
the timetable for its implementation are; if not, why not?
Reply:
Madam President,
My reply to the question is as follows:
(a) The total number of persons currently living in
bedspace apartments (or "cage homes") is estimated to be
around 2,300. Director of Social Welfare has advised that
in September 1997, 379 of these lodgers aged 60 or above;
(b) Director of Housing has estimated that there are
some 200 bedspace apartment lodgers on the General Waiting
List and that they have to wait for their turn of
rehousing according to the date of registration. However,
those applicants aged 58 or above will be eligible for
consideration under the Single Elderly Persons Priority
Scheme and Elderly Persons Priority Scheme and they can
normally be offered flats within two years after
registration. Those lodgers with an imminent need for
housing either on social or medical grounds can be
rehoused through Compassionate Rehousing upon
recommendation by Director of Social Welfare. In the past
three years, about 600 bedspace apartment lodgers were
rehoused through this channel; and
(c) Government will not impose a total ban on
bedspace apartments. Government recognizes that there is
a demand, albeit not large, for this type of low cost yet
basic accommodation which is preferred by the lodgers for
personal or economic reasons. To ban such apartments or
to outlaw the renting of bedspaces would deprive the
lodgers of this living option. Government's policy is to
ensure, through legislation, that bedspace apartments meet
certain fire safety and building safety standards. The
Bedspace Apartments Ordinance was enacted in 1994 to
provide for a licensing scheme to regulate the fire and
building safety of bedspace apartments. All bedspace
apartment operators are required to upgrade their
apartments to meet the statutory safety requirements by
July 1998.
End
17. Statistics on foreign workers
*****************************
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Wing-chan and
a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter
Lai, in the Proviosional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the number of persons who came to work in Hong
Kong with employment visas between 1994 and 1996; and;
(b) a breakdown of the data in respect of these
persons by:
(i) sex and age;
(ii) sex and education level;
(iii) age and education level;
(iv) education level and trades in which they
were employed in Hong Kong;
(v) education level and positions held in Hong
Kong;
(vi) age and trades in which they were employed
in Hong Kong;
(vii) age and positions held in Hong Kong?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The statistics on employment visas issued in
1994, 1995 and 1996, are at Annex. The figures include
approved applications for change of status from visitor to
employment.
(b) A breakdown of the statistics by age, sex, trade
and education level is not immediately available.
Annex
No. of Employment Visas Issued
1994 1995 1996
Profession
Technical Professionals 2,485 2,967 2,177
Administrators, managers
and professionals 7,017 6,550 7,650
Others (e.g. representatives
of overseas companies) 6,729 6,521 4,557
Sub-total 16,231 16,038 14,384
Foreign Domestic Helpers 38,363 34,362 32,864
General Importation of
Labour Scheme 4,996 9,853 877
Special Labour Importation
Scheme for the New Airport
and Related Projects 2,333 5,751 4,565
Supplementary Labour Scheme 0 0 281
1,000 Mainland Professionals
Pilot Scheme 45 304 166
Mainland nationals entering
Hong Kong for employment
(lived overseas for over
2 years) 334 298 198
Total 62,302 66,606 53,335
End
18. Special crowd control measures during festive days
**************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Kennedy Wong Ying-
ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Security,
Mr Peter Lai, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
Public places during the Lunar New Year are
particularly crowded. In this connection, will the
Government inform this Council whether it will take
measures to step up the maintenance of order in public
places during festive days, so as to ensure public safety?
Reply:
Madam President,
To ensure public safety, the Police will implement
special crowd control measures in congested public places
during festive days. These measures include road closure,
traffic diversion for pedestrianisation and control of
crowd flow directions. Sufficient police officers will be
deployed to such places to maintain law and order.
In drawing up crowd control plans, the Police will
try to minimise inconvenience caused to the public. The
Police will inform the public of their plans well
beforehand through the mass media.
End
19. Rent allowance payable under CSSA explained
*******************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Elsie Tu and a
written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare,
Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the rent allowance payable under the
Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme,
will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the current number of rent allowance recipients
living in private residential buildings and the total
amount of rent allowance being paid to them; and
(b) the current number of rent allowance recipients
living in public housing and the total amount of rent
allowance being paid to them?
Reply:
President,
A rent allowance is payable under the Comprehensive
Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme to cover the cost
of accommodation. The amount of the rent allowance is the
actual rent paid or the prescribed maximum level,
whichever is the less. Depending on the size of the
household, the maximum rent allowance payable ranges from
$1,420 for a one-person household to $4,970 for a
household with six or more CSSA recipients. At present,
(a) rent allowance totalling $46 million a month is
paid to about 34 000 families living in private housing;
and
(b) $59 million a month is paid to about 72 000
families living in public housing.
End
20. Good progress made in review on financial crisis
************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a
written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services,
Mr Rafael Hui, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of discussions held with academics
and the financial sector since October 23, 1997 on the
linked exchange rate system, the knock-on effect of the
attack on the Hong Kong dollar in the stock market, as
well as the measures adopted during the attacks on the
Hong Kong dollar; and of the contents and outcome of such
discussions;
(b) whether it has considered setting up a mechanism
to strengthen liaison with academics and the financial
sector and to hold regular discussions with them to
examine ways to promote monetary affairs in the territory;
and whether it has considered building an "infrastructure
of knowledge" consisting of Government officers, members
of the public, the financial sector and academics;
(c) of the progress of its review on the financial
crisis and the findings thereof;
(d) whether it has considered setting up an
independent investigation committee to look into matters
relating to the financial crisis; if so, what the plan is;
if not, what the reasons are;
(e) whether the measures adopted to defend the
exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar when it was once
again under pressure in mid-December 1997 differed from
those adopted in late October 1997; if so, how they are
different; and how the authority will improve the ways in
defending the linked exchange rate; and
(f) whether the Financial Secretary has discussed
with any persons or organisations during his visit to the
United Kingdom in late November 1997 matters relating to
the linked exchange rate of the Hong Kong dollar; if so,
what the details are?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) Apart from the Financial Secretary's meeting
with the academics on November 14, 1997, the Hong Kong
Monetary Authority (HKMA) has convened five meetings with
the academics, analysts, bank treasurers and capital
market participants so far. The discussions focused on
the technical aspects of the operation of the linked
exchange rate system as well as the proposals received
from the academics including the US dollar Liquidity
Adjustment Facility (LAF) plus Hong Kong dollar put
option, the AEL (Argentia, Estonia and Lithuania) model
and Dollarization.
Regarding the outcome, there was clear support for
the maintenance of the linked exchange rate system and
general recognition that volatility in interest rates
cannot be avoided in the event of a speculative attack or
an external shock. The discussions on the specific
technical proposals from the academics have helped
identify the objectives, limitations as well as the
technical feasibility of introducing these proposals in
Hong Kong. The HKMA is examining the proposals in detail
and will report the findings to the Financial Secretary.
(b) The Government always maintains close contact
with various sectors to discuss financial issues through a
number of regular fora like various advisory committees.
We therefore at present do not see the need of building an
additional "infrastructure of knowledge" as suggested.
(c) The review on the financial crisis is being
carried out under three principles. First, the linked
exchange rate system remains unchanged. Second, Hong
Kong's position as an international financial centre must
be maintained. Third, we should address the operation of
the financial markets and explore ways to improve the
technical aspects of the mechanism. There has been good
progress of the review. Relevant organisations will be
submitting reports to the Financial Secretary. We hope
that at least some preliminary findings will be available
next month.
(d) We do not consider an independent investigation
committee necessary. Our financial system was proved to
be sound and robust during the turmoil and existing
relevant policies remain appropriate.
(e) The successful defence of the Hong Kong dollar
on October 23, 1997 has clearly demonstrated the
Government's determination and ability to maintain
exchange rate stability under the linked exchange rate
system. Since then there has not been any significant
selling pressure on the Hong Kong dollar, notwithstanding
the ongoing financial turmoil in Korea and Japan. In
fact, there had been net inflow of funds in October and
November as speculators closed their short positions and
some investors switched into Hong Kong dollar to take
advantage of the higher Hong Kong dollar interest rates.
As the interest rates eased in December, there was some
outflow of funds due to the reversal of part of the
earlier inflows as well as the purchase of US dollar by
the note issuing banks to meet the seasonal demand for
additional bank notes during Christmas and the Chinese New
Year.
If the Hong Kong dollar were to come under another
round of speculative attack, it is envisaged that interest
rates inevitably would rise under the currency board
system, thereby creating the necessary monetary conditions
to stem the outflows. Nonetheless, the spike in interest
rates is expected to be less sharp because the
uncertainties regarding the provision of last resort
liquidity through LAF have been largely removed following
the HKMA's clarification on the definition of "repeated
borrowers" on which a penal interest rate may be charged
on LAF borrowing. The relevant regulatory authorities, as
in the past, will continue to maintain close liasion so as
to ensure effective monitoring of market activities.
(f) The Financial Secretary briefed prominent
figures and organisations on Hong Kong's financial markets
during his visit to the United Kingdom in November 1997,
emphasising the Government's determination to maintain the
link. There was strong support of our monetary policy.
End
21. Illegal employment in HK
************************
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Cheung-kwok
and a written reply by the Secretary for Security,
Mr Peter Lai, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the number of people arrested for working in
Hong Kong illegally in each of the past five years,
together with their nationalities and the trades they
engaged in;
(b) the estimated number of people who are now
working in Hong Kong illegally; and
(c) the specific measures in place to prevent people
from working in Hong Kong illegally?
Reply:
Madam President,
Illegal workers include illegal immigrants who
sneaked into Hong Kong to work and people coming in on
valid travel documents but who breach their condition of
stay as they work in Hong Kong.
(a) The numbers of illegal workers arrested in the
past five years are as follows:-
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 5 Years
(Jan-Nov) Total
No.of
arrests 4,937 5,404 5,833 4,560 3,525 24,259
Whilst these figures cannot be broken down by
nationality, it is our experience that the nationalities
of these illegal workers are mainly mainland Chinese,
Philippine, Thai, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Sri
Lankan.
No statistics have been kept in respect of the trades
in which illegal workers were engaged when arrested. The
common places of arrest are construction sites,
restaurants, food stalls, factories, farms, shops and vice
establishments.
(b) We do not have an estimate of the number of
illegal workers in Hong Kong.
(c) A package of measures have been introduced to
tackle the problem of illegal employment. Legislative
amendment was made in October 1996 to remove contract
workers (including foreign domestic helpers) who have
breached their condition of stay from the definition of
"lawfully employable persons" and to require employers to
inspect the travel document of a potential employee if
he/she is not a holder of Permanent Hong Kong Identity
Card.
The maximum fine for breach of condition of stay was
revised in January 1996 from HK$5,000 to HK$50,000. The
maximum fine for employing a person not lawfully
employable was increased from HK$250,000 to HK$350,000.
Administrative measures were introduced in 1995 and
1996. 'W' prefix Identity Cards have been issued to newly
arrived contract workers since December 13, 1995 so that
employers can identify more easily job seekers who are not
free to take up employment without permission from the
Director of Immigration. In addition easy-to-read
bilingual stamps have been put on the travel documents of
contract workers since February 1996. The stamp specifies
that the holder is only allowed to work for a specific
employer under a specific contract and that change of
employer is not permitted.
The provision of 46 additional staff to the
Immigration Task Force in October 1995 has strengthened
the Department's capability to deal with illegal workers.
Tight control are maintained on the entry of doubtful
visitors to prevent potential illegal workers from
entering Hong Kong.
The public are encouraged to report overstayers and
illegal workers through the Immigration Department hot-
line and fax-line. Information leaflets are distributed
to Two-way Permit holders to remind them not to breach
their condition of stay. Notices or letters have been
sent to foreign domestic helpers and their employers to
remind them of the need to report to the Immigration
Department within seven days of their contract
termination.
End
