Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
Garden Road, 5th-8th Floors, Murray Building, Hong Kong. Tel: 2842 8777
Wednesday, March 4, 1998
CONTENTS
========
1. CE's transcript
2. CE arrives in Beijing
3. Secretary for Housing discharged from hospital
4. S for S's speech at special Finance Committee meeting
5. Secretary for the Civil Service meets legislators
6. Inter-district Bus-only Lanes Stage II put on trial
7. Stanley traffic accident victims initially awarded $15,600
8. Health advice as influenza cases rise
9. EIA report on Fo Tan Road widening works released
10. Grants from Disaster Relief Fund
11. Telephone poll to gauge public opinion
12. Sok Kwu Wan Pier No.2 - a new Landmark on Lamma
13. 1998 special stamps issuing programme adjusted
1. CE's transcript
***************
Following is the transcript (English part) of the
media session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee
Hwa, in Beijing this (Wednesday) evening:
Reporter: ... how would these affect the morale of RTHK?
Mr Tung: I shouldn't think that it will affect the morale
about RTHK at all, not at all. There are different voices
in the community. That's what we are in Hong Kong.
Different people say different things about different
issues and this is how we are. Thank you very much.
End
2. CE arrives in Beijing
*********************
The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, arrives in
Beijing today (Wednesday). He will attend the opening
ceremony of the first session of the Ninth National
People's Congress tomorrow.
Mr Tung said: "I am honoured to be invited to attend
the ceremony by the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress. This is my first time to attend the
NPC session in the capacity of the Chief Executive of the
HKSAR. The invitation bears significance to the SAR as it
reflects that the Central Government attaches great
importance to Hong Kong.
"The first session of the Ninth NPC is held at a time
when our country is blessed with bright prospects and
great opportunities. The economy is developing steadily;
people's livelihood is improving; and there is widespread
acclaim for our country by the international community.
"This NPC Session will draw up plans that will lead
our country into the next century and bring about a bright
future for all of us."
End
3. Secretary for Housing discharged from hospital
**********************************************
The Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic S W Wong, left
hospital this (Wednesday) afternoon in very good
conditions.
A small tumour on his vocal cord was completely
removed and the operation was successful.
Mr Wong will resume duty on March 9 (Monday) and will
receive radiotherapy treatment.
Mr Wong expressed deep gratitude to the doctors,
nurses, the management and other staff of the Queen
Elizabeth Hospital for giving him excellent care and
service. He also thanked colleagues, friends and
relatives who expressed concern and support in various
ways during his hospitalisation.
End
4. S for S's speech at special Finance Committee meeting
*****************************************************
Following is the speech by the Secretary for
Security, Mr Peter Lai, at the special Finance Committee
meeting today (Wednesday):
Policy Direction
In the coming financial year (98/99), 9.5 % ($27.3
billion) of total public expenditure will be spent on
security. Of these, about $23.4 billion have been
earmarked for departments under my policy responsibility.
This represents an increase of 4.8% in real terms when
compared with 97/98. Details of the financial and
staffing provisions proposed for each department, and the
major areas of improvement we aim to achieve are set out
in the brief distributed to members before the meeting.
In line with the policy commitments we outlined in
1997 Policy Address, much of the additional resources will
go to funding the following five major initiatives:
-- improving fire safety in buildings;
-- strengthening law and order;
-- providing additional posts for immigration and
customs clearance at the new airport at Chek Lap Kok and
the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun;
-- relieving prison overcrowding; and
-- strengthening the rehabilitation and aftercare
services for prisoners.
I should like to take this opportunity to highlight
to you the main improvements we aim to achieve in the
coming financial year.
I. Improving Fire Safety in Buildings
The Government attaches great importance to improving
fire safety in our buildings and protecting the public
against fire hazards. This will be one of our top
priorities in the coming year. We have been implementing
a package of measures to improve fire safety, through
introducing new legislation, stepping up enforcement, and
encouraging community involvement to promote a fire safety
culture. In 1998/99, we will provide 114 posts to FSD and
23 posts to BD to strengthen their inspection and
enforcement capabilities. The main thrusts of our efforts
in the coming year are outlined below.
Legislation
We introduced the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises)
(Amendment) Bill 1998 into PLC on January 21,1998. It is
now being scrutinised by a Bills Committee. We aim to
have it enacted within the current legislative session.
We are planning to set up a $200 million Fire Safety
Improvement Fund (FSIF) to provide loan assistance to
those owners required under the Fire Safety (Commercial
Premises) Ordinance (FS(CP)O) to upgrade the fire safety
standards of their premises and buildings. Eligible
applicants include the owners of some 500 prescribed
commercial premises identified by FSD in the first phase
of the implementation of the FS(CP)O, and some 400 pre-
1973 commercial buildings to be covered by the Amendment
Bill. We will seek the approval of the Finance Committee
in March 1998.
We will set up a licensing scheme for karaoke
establishments, stipulating the fire safety, building
safety, health and public safety requirements. The two
Provisional Municipal Councils have agreed to be the
future licensing authorities. A three-month public
consultation exercise conducted by USD and RSD has just
commenced. We aim to introduce legislation in the 1998/99
legislative session.
Inspections and enforcement
We have stepped up inspections to commercial,
residential and industrial buildings, and enforcement
actions to ensure that proper fire safety precautions are
taken. FSD and BD will continue to maintain close liaison
when taking enforcement actions against breaches of fire
safety legislation. At the district level, the Home
Affairs Department will co-ordinate various departments'
building inspection programmes to ensure better
communication and achieve optimal sharing of resources.
FSD and BD have conducted over 13,000 inspections to
commercial buildings in 1997, representing an increase of
more than 145% over 1996.
Starting from 9 February, FSD has been inspecting all
pre-1987 non-commercial private buildings in the territory
to identify potential fire hazards which may threaten
lives and properties. Owners and occupants will be
persuaded to remove such hazards voluntarily, failing
which prosecution action will be taken. The inspection
programme is estimated to take about two months to
complete and cover over 60,000 buildings.
In view of the relatively high fire load and people
flow in old commercial/residential composite buildings, BD
is now conducting a sample survey of 40 pre-1987 composite
buildings, focusing on their building fire safety and any
common irregularities and deficiencies. The department
aims to complete the survey in two months. Thereafter, BD
will proceed with a further survey of non-commercial
buildings, with a view to finding out the necessary
remedial measures.
Community involvement and publicity programmes
HAD will encourage community involvement in the fight
against fire. A central steering committee with the
participation of non-officials, and District Fire Safety
Committees under the Building Management Co-ordination
Committees are being set up. We will also launch a major
publicity campaign on fire safety (costing $2 million) in
the coming year.
II. Strengthening Law and Order
Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world
and our overall crime rate in 1997 is the lowest in the
past 24 years. Compared with 1996, our overall crime rate
has dropped by 17% and violent crime rate also dropped by
12%. The good result are attributable to our efforts in
strengthening Police front-line operational strength. We
have deployed about 1,600 Police officers to front-line
duties since 1995/96. In 1998/99, we will provide 235
Police posts as leave reserve so as to further increase
the Police presence on the streets; this brings to a total
of 807 leave reserve posts provided since 1996/97.
Additionally, we will also create 70 Police posts to
enhance the policing of new infrastructures such as the
West Kowloon Reclamation, the Airport Express Line and the
Lantau Line; and 97 Police posts to reinforce the Police's
capability in crime intelligence and detection.
We will also continue to strengthen the operational
capabilities of our Police Force by providing them with
modern equipment. In 1998/99, we will invest $84 million
to replace the Marine Police radio network, $67 million to
procure new patrol launches and upgrading the facilities
of existing launches; and $27 million to enhance the
Police communications systems.
III. Providing Additional Posts for Immigration and
Customs Clearance at the New Airport at Chek Lap Kok and
the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun
New airport at Chek Lap Kok
The new airport at Chek Lap Kok will be a world class
airport providing world class services and with world
class facilities. To cope with the anticipated increase
in demand for passenger and cargo clearance, we have
provided the ImmD and C&ED with 438 additional posts in
1997/98 to facilitate recruitment, training and
orientation. In addition, we will provide another 229
customs posts in 1998/99 prior to airport opening. We
have agreed to provide 39 immigration and customs staff
for the clearance of corporate jets at the Business
Aviation Centre and departing crews at the CPA Building on
a full cost recovery basis. We will also provide six
immigration staff for setting up dedicated immigration
facilities in the VIP suite.
River Trade Terminal (RTT) in Tuen Mun
The RTT will provide a centralised location for river
trade cargo, both break-bulk and containerised, to be
sorted, stored and consolidated before being transferred
to larger vessels for onward transmission to container
terminals and other harbour facilities for onward
shipment. Phase I of the project will be completed in
October 1998. We will provide 120 customs posts to
provide customs clearance for the cargoes and 53
immigration posts to provide immigration clearance for the
crews.
IV. Relieving Prison Overcrowding
Despite a sustained reduction of the overall
overcrowding rate in penal institutions since late-1996,
which has now dropped to under 20%, we still expect the
problem of prison overcrowding to remain with us in the
near future.
We are therefore taking further steps to ease prison
overcrowding. Our redevelopment projects are under way as
planned. For example, the new Pak Sha Wan Prison, as part
of Phase II of the Stanley Prison area redevelopment
project, is expected to be completed by the end of 1998 to
provide 424 prison places. We will provide 183 posts for
operating this new facility.
We are also planning new projects to increase the
supply of penal places in the early part of the 21st
Century, including the construction of a new prison
complex at Yam O, Lantau Island and the expansion of Lai
Chi Kok Reception Centre.
V. Strengthening Rehabilitation and Aftercare Services
Rehabilitation of offenders is a key emphasis of our
penal policy. To better coordinate and develop
rehabilitation services and aftercare services, we have
created an Assistant Commissioner post to head a new
Rehabilitation Division in CSD in January 1998. We will
provide 35 additional posts in 1998/99 to strengthen the
aftercare programmes and the statutory prison sentence
review schemes.
End
5. Secretary for the Civil Service meets legislators
*************************************************
The Honourable Ip Kwok-him, Chairman of the Panel on
Public Service of the Provisional Legislative Council
(PLC), the Honourable Chan Wing-chan, Member of the Panel
and the Honourable Lau Kong-wah, PLC Member called on Mr W
K Lam, Secretary for the Civil Service today (Wednesday).
Mr Lam briefed the members on the disciplinary
actions that the Civil Service Bureau has taken on
Mr Harris Myers' case. He also briefed members on the
further steps being taken against Mr Myers upon his
criminal conviction under the Public Service
(Administration) Order 1997.
The meeting discussed suggestions to enhance
vigilance of the civil service towards potential conflict
of interest situations. Mr Lam stressed, "We attach the
highest priority to upholding the integrity of the civil
service. In cooperation with ICAC, we are taking action
to launch a number of measures to promote good practices
among civil servants and to step up education on the
prevention of corruption."
End
6. Inter-district Bus-only Lanes Stage II put on trial
***************************************************
The Transport Department will try out the second
stage of Aberdeen - Wan Chai Inter-district Bus-only Lanes
(BOLs) Scheme from this Saturday (March 7) onwards.
It includes the designation of sections of BOLs along
Hennessy Road westbound (towards Central direction) and
the implementation of complementary traffic management
measures.
Speaking on the trial today (Wednesday), acting Chief
Engineer, Mr Li Wing-kwong, said the Aberdeen - Wan Chai
BOLs scheme are scheduled to be carried out in two stages.
"It aims to enhance the reliability of bus services
as well as improving bus journey time.
"The scheme is a trial to gain experience for the
introduction of similar inter-district BOLs in the
territory," he added
Stage I of the BOLs scheme, covering Morrison Hill
Road and Wong Chuk Hang Road, was implemented in August
last year.
Stage II comprises of two phases.
Under Stage IIA, three sections of BOLs will be
designated along Hennessy Road westbound between Tin Lok
Lane and Luard Road.
These new BOLs will be operating from 7 am to 9 am
daily except Sundays and public holidays.
Besides, Aberdeen-bound Citybus route nos. 37B, 75,
90 and 97, and CMB route nos. 94X and 590 will be diverted
via Johnston Road instead of Hennessy Road.
The plan of Stage IIB includes modification of the
Hennessy Road junction, allowing buses to turn right from
its eastbound carriageway onto Canal Road.
However, Mr Li noted, the implementation of Stage IIB
is subject to the result of Stage IIA and further
consultation.
Commenting on the effectiveness of Stage I, Mr Li
said: "Surveys conducted by the department reveals an
improvement of bus journey time by 2.5 minutes during
morning peak hours for buses heading for Central.
"The percentage of buses arriving within one minute
of the scheduled time has been increased from 12.5 per
cent to 25.4 per cent."
Traffic surveys will be carried out shortly after the
implementation of Stage IIA on the effectiveness of inter-
district BOLs and its impact on road users.
"The results of the review will be used as a design
reference for other inter-district BOLs under
consideration," Mr Li added.
End
7. Stanley traffic accident victims initially awarded $15,600
**********************************************************
The Social Welfare Department has initially awarded
$15,602 from the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance
(TAVA) Fund to six victims of the serious bus crash in
Cape Road, Stanley last Saturday (February 28).
The injured victims were granted initial amounts
ranging from $1,614 to $3,228.
The department is now processing applications from
the other 11 victims.
A spokesman for the department said today (Wednesday)
that the TAVA scheme was aimed at providing prompt
financial assistance to traffic accident victims or their
dependents, regardless of the means of a family or the
fault element in the accident.
"Beneficiaries under the scheme will retain the right
to make claims for legal damages or compensation from
other sources in the usual way.
"However, those who receive other damages or
compensation relating to the same accident are required to
repay the amount of assistance already received from the
TAVA scheme.
"But in any case, the amount repaid will not exceed
the amount of damages or compensation awarded," the
spokesman said.
Enquiries about the scheme should be made to the
department's TAVA Section at Room 3020, 30th floor, Wu
Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, or on
telephone number 2834 7472.
End
8. Health advice as influenza cases rise
*************************************
The Department of Health today (Wednesday) reiterated
its health advice to the public for their protection
against influenza as Hong Kong is entering the normal peak
season of the illness.
A department spokesman said: "The best protection
against influenza is having good body resistance and this
can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise,
adequate rest and no smoking.
"Good ventilation should be maintained to avoid the
spread of the disease. Avoid crowded places if you are
not feeling well and seek medical treatment if flu
symptoms do not go away. Handwashing after nose-blowing
and sneezing is also important.
"As for the elderly and those with chronic diseases,
they may consult their doctors for the need of
vaccination."
The Department reiterated this advice as it released
the latest statistics in respect of the monthly rate of
influenza-like illness reported by General Out-patient
Clinics (GOPC) and General Practitioners (GP). It was
observed that there was a rising number of patients
presenting with influenza-like illness at GOPC and GP
under the Department's influenza surveillance programme.
According to the statistics just compiled, the
monthly rate of influenza-like illness reported to the
Department stood at 15.0 per 1,000 consultations at GOPC
and 47.5 per 1,000 consultations at GP in February. These
compared with 7.8 per 1,000 consultations at GOPC and 41.9
per 1,000 consultations at GP in January.
These statistics and other updated information on
influenza have been uploaded on the Department's home page
on the Internet (http://www.info.gov.hk/dh/).
The spokesman said influenza is an acute illness of
the respiratory tract characterised by fever, headache,
muscle ache, running nose, cough and sore throat.
Occurring in Hong Kong throughout the year with peak
seasons in February/March and June/July, the disease is
usually self-limiting with recovery in two to seven days.
In Hong Kong, influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) are common.
Similar to many countries in the world, the H3N2 subtype
which is predominant in Hong Kong this year is the Sydney
subtype, slightly different form of the Wuhan subtype
which was previously common in Hong Kong.
"It is expected that the public, through their past
exposure to the Wuhan subtype, would have acquired some
degree of immunity against the Sydney subtype," said the
spokesman, adding that the Wuhan and Sydney subtypes both
belong to the same H3N2 group.
"The Department has stepped up its health education
activities and publicity while keeping the situation under
close surveillance," he said.
Members of the public who wish to know more about
influenza prevention can make use of the hotline service
provided by the Department's Central Health Education
Unit.
The hotline service includes a 24-hour pre-recorded
hotline 2833 0111 and a public enquiry hotline 2833 0112
manned by nursing staff during office hours.
End
9. EIA report on Fo Tan Road widening works released
*************************************************
The Final Report on the Environment Impact Assessment
(EIA) Study on the proposed widening of Fo Tan Road is now
ready for public access.
The Government has proposed to widen Fo Tan Road
between Yuen Wo Road and Kwei Tei Street to dual three-
lane with improvements to the capacities of the adjoining
junctions.
The proposal also covers the extension of Sui Wo Road
from its junction with Fo Tan Road to Kwei Tei Street,
extension of Tat Yip Lane to Kwei Tei Street, and
construction of a two-lane new road connecting Tsung Tau
Ha Road and Min Fong Street.
To identify the potential environmental impacts and
to recommend mitigation measures for the project, the
Highways Department commissioned a consultancy to
undertake the EIA study in October 1996. It was completed
in February this year.
Measures recommended in the EIA Study include a noise
mitigation scheme comprising erection of noise barriers
alongside the new carriageway as well as a landscape and
visual mitigation scheme comprising extensive planting of
woodland tree and shrub species in the affected areas.
Members of the public may read the Final Report and
Executive Summary of the EIA Study at public reference
libraries of the provisional municipal councils.
They can also purchase the Final Report, at $400 a
copy, or collect the Executive Summary free of charge at
the office of the Highways Department/New Territories
Region, second floor, Ho Man Tin Government Offices, 88
Chung Hau Street, Ho Man Tin.
End
10. Grants from Disaster Relief Fund
********************************
The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee has
approved a grant of $0.74 million to Jian Hua Foundation
Ltd for emergency relief for snowstorm victims in Qinghai
Province, China.
Together with the earlier grants of $2.6 million to
Oxfam Hong Kong and $3.5 million to World Vision Hong
Kong, the Advisory Committee has approved in total $6.84
million from the Disaster Relief Fund for various relief
projects to assist snowstorm victims in Qinghai Province.
The Committee hopes that the grants can help to provide
some immediate relief to the victims.
To ensure that the money will be used for the purpose
designated, the Government has required the Jian Hua
Foundation Ltd to submit an evaluation report and audited
accounts on the use of the grant after the project has
been completed.
The Committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary for
Administration. Members are Dr the Hon Raymond Ch'ien,
the Hon Yang Ti-liang, the Hon Mrs Elsie Tu, the Hon Ngan
Kam-chuen, Mr Norman Leung, Ms Sansan Ching, the Secretary
for Health and Welfare, and the Secretary for the
Treasury.
End
11. Telephone poll to gauge public opinion
**************************************
A survey to gauge the public's perception of problems
in Hong Kong will be held by the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB)
over residential telephones from March 9 to 13.
It will be the 75th in the series to monitor public
opinion trends over perceived problems in Hong Kong,
Government's overall performance and expectations about
the local situation.
A respondent from each household aged between 15 and
64 will be contacted from 6 pm to 10 pm using a random
sample of residential telephone numbers contained in the
telephone directories.
Appealing for the public's co-operation, an HAB
spokesman said: "We would like to emphasise that all
information provided by the respondents will be treated
with the strictest confidence and they will be not be used
for any purpose other than the survey.
"The respondents may wish to know that their
assistance would contribute to be a better mutual
understanding between the public and Government. The few
minutes it takes for them to respond to the survey
questionnaires would surely serve the greater good of the
community," he added.
End
12. Sok Kwu Wan Pier No.2 - a new Landmark on Lamma
***********************************************
The Sok Kwu Wan Pier No. 2, with an elegant skylight
roof which resembles a gliding seagull with spanning
wings, will become a new feature of Lamma Island.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the new pier,
the Director of Civil Engineering, Mr Bernard Lam Moon-
tim, said today (Wednesday) that the stylish pier was set
to be another landmark of the popular tourist resort.
The Civil Engineering Department (CED) had taken
thorough consideration of the functional needs and the
environmental concerns in the course of designing the pier
to make it both functionally efficient and aesthetically
pleasing.
The new pier, comprising a 36 metres by 11 metres
pier head with two berths and a 36 metres long catwalk
connecting the pier head to the shore, is more spacious
and exquisite than the existing one.
Works started in February 1996 at a cost of about $28
million.
Instead of resting on solid foundation, the pier is
built on piles to avoid causing hindrance to water
circulation and dredging mud from the seabed.
"These two advantages are especially beneficial to
nearby mariculture activities," Mr Lam said.
"The environmental impact was closely monitored
during construction to ensure stable water quality," he
added.
The new pier, together with the one currently in use
since 1959, provide berthing facilities for both public
and franchised ferries with a view to meeting the
development needs arising from population growth and the
flourishing tourist industry.
End
13. 1998 special stamps issuing programme adjusted
**********************************************
The Postmaster General, Mr Robert Footman, announced
today (Wednesday) that as a result of the change in
opening date of the new airport, the special stamps
issuing programme for the remainder of 1998 will be
adjusted as follows:
Original Revised
Theme Release Date Release Date
----- ------------ ------------
Centenary of the Star Ferry June 7 April 26
Hong Kong Airport April 19 July 5
Hong Kong Scouts July 19 July 26
Hong Kong Designs September 20 September 20
(unchanged)
Hong Kong Kites November 15 November 15
(unchanged)
The "Hong Kong Airport" special stamps will be issued
on July 5, one day before the official opening of the new
airport. In addition, a $5 stamp sheetlet on "Closing of
Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong" will also be issued on the
same day.
As the "Hong Kong Airport" stamps were originally
scheduled for release in April, the empty slot will be
taken up by "Centenary of the Star Ferry" special stamps
which will be issued on April 26. The special issue on
"Hong Kong Scouts" will also be rescheduled to July 26.
"As the opening of the new airport is a major event
in Hong Kong, the rescheduling of the stamp issuing
programme will make the 'Hong Kong Airport' issue much
more meaningful," said Mr Footman.
Also, the advancement of the "Centenary of the Star
Ferry" issue will tie in with the centenary celebration
activities which will reach a climax in April.
End
PROVISIONAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING SUPPLEMENT
CONTENTS
========
1. Government to strengthen supervision of buses
2. Immigration (Amendment) Bill 1998
3. Committee stage amendments of immigration bill
4. Resume second reading of Protection of Harbour (Amendment) Bill
5. Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill committee stage amendment
6. Regulatory system for radioisotope pharmaceutical products
7. Guideline on property lending
8. Complaints against immigration control officers
9. HK dollar deposits
10. Ground settlement problem in Kam Fung Court
11. In-service training courses available for teachers
12. Maintenance of Tsing Ma Bridge & Kap Shui Mun Bridge
13. CSSA Scheme under review
14. Divulgence of confidential documents for ExCo meeting
15. Development of family medicine supported
16. Measures to improve road safety
17. Decision on commercial tenancies arrangements will be
taken
1. Government to strengthen supervision of buses
*********************************************
The Secretary for Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, today
(Wednesday) said that the government had taken a series of
measures to strengthen the supervision of public transport
to ensure that the public could enjoy an efficient and
safe service.
Speaking at the Provisional Legislative Council's
motion debate on "Strengthening the supervision of the
safety measures of public transport", Mr Ng said that the
government was concerned about the recent accidents
involving franchised buses.
He said that since there had been relatively more
accidents involving franchised buses, the Transport
Department had set up a task force in January to review
bus companies' vehicles maintenance and checking
procedures, drivers' training and scheduling programmes as
well as how they handled traffic accidents.
The task force comprises transport officers,
experienced engineers and licensing officers. They had
already started working in Citybus to review the company's
vehicle maintenance and checking procedures and held
meetings with front-line training officers and other
staffs. The task force will extend its work to conduct
visit to other franchised bus companies.
Mr Ng said that to ensure that bus companies would
provide adequate and regular checks to their fleet of
buses and that they were both efficient and safe,
government's vehicle examiners would conduct spot checks
on buses running on the roads.
He said that if they discovered buses that were not
properly fixed, the government would ask bus companies to
make remedy immediately, otherwise, the company would be
prosecuted. At present the number of spot checks on buses
had increased from 10 to 15 daily.
On the other hand, every year before registration,
each bus has to pass a yearly test which includes checks
on the bus's body, doors and windows, seats, control
system, engine and tyre.
Mr Ng said that apart from passing the yearly test,
each bus needed to go through another comprehensive
overhaul according to its year of service. The
examination was thorough and complete; including all
safety related components and parts.
On the training of drivers, the Secretary for
Transport said that since last year, the Transport
Department and Police had been working closely to organise
road safety seminars for drivers. These included seminars
relating to traffic accidents caused by drivers as a
result of following too closely and not driving at the
appropriate speed at certain spots.
Mr Ng said that the government had urged bus
companies to emphasis the safety awareness of drivers in
all their training courses. For instance, at Citybus, the
company would conduct refresher training for its drivers
on defensive driving, anticipation of dangerous situation
and anti-skid techniques.
Mr Ng said that it was the responsibility of
franchised bus companies to provide an efficient and safe
bus service to the public.
He said that bus companies had to maintain a fleet of
quality buses through a set of advanced maintenance
programme and a team of drivers who were both responsible
and aware of the safety knowledge as a result of intensive
training courses. In addition, the company had to
remember the importance of monitoring the daily operation
of its fleet of buses and drivers.
He said that if there was any casualty, either as a
result of mechanical failure or serious accidents, the bus
companies had to review and learn from the lesson.
He said that the number of accidents involving
franchised buses was 1,590 in 1997 which had increased by
7.9 per cent when compared with 1996. At the same time,
the number of franchised buses and the number of routes
both increased by 8.7 and 10 per cent, respectively. The
total mileage of franchised bus in 1997 increased by 8.6
per cent; from 360 million miles to 390 million miles in
1997.
Mr Ng added that the average number of accidents
involving franchised buses in 1997 when compared with 1996
per million mileage in fact had dropped slightly.
Apart from a series of supervision measures, the
government has also stepped up prosecution on traffic
offences.
Mr Ng said that starting from March 8, police would
conduct a 24-hour drive to prosecute bus drivers who
committed speeding, violation of traffic lights and
loading in restricted area. It would be followed by a
review of the operation and any follow-up measures.
The Secretary for Transport said that each time the
government reviewed a bus companies' fare increase or
franchise application, the companies' performance in
vehicle maintenance and accident rate would be some of the
important factors to consider.
He emphasised that the government wanted to enhance
the safety level of buses through these supervision
measures.
End
2. Immigration (Amendment) Bill 1998
*********************************
Following is the speech by the Secretary for
Security, Mr Peter Lai, in resuming the second reading
debate of the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 1998 in the
Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
Hong Kong has acted as a "port of first asylum" ever
since the arrival of the first lot of Vietnamese Refugees
on board the m.v. Clara Maersk in May 1975. Having regard
to changed circumstances in Vietnam, the fact that the
internationally agreed Comprehensive Plan of Action had
formally ended on June 30, 1996, and the public and
Members' support for scrapping the port of first asylum
policy, the Government announced on January 8, 1998 that
the port of first asylum policy be abolished. This means
that, subject to the passage of the Immigration
(Amendment) Bill 1998 by this Council, starting from
January 9, 1998, Vietnamese illegal arrivals in Hong Kong
are no longer entitled to the special treatment provided
for under Part IIIA of the Immigration Ordinance. They
would be treated in the same way as are illegal arrivals
from any other country or region. The Bill before us
seeks to give legislative effect to this change in policy.
I am glad that there is general support for the Bill
by this Council, and would like to thank the Honourable
Howard Young and members of the Bills Committee for their
work. I shall be moving two technical amendments to the
Bill, which has been agreed with the Bills Committee,
later at the Committee Stage.
I have listened very carefully to the views just
forward by Members on the whole question of our Vietnamese
boatpeople policy in this debate today. We will consider
these very carefully in the context of our continuing
efforts to resolve the outstanding problems.
The Vietnamese boatpeople problem has been with us
for over two decades. I am glad that at last we have come
to the final chapter of this long saga. The
Administration will continue to try its best to bring this
whole issue to a satisfactory conclusion. With the
passage of this Bill today, this Council and the Hong Kong
community will be sending a message, loud and clear, to
those who want to come illegally from Vietnam, that they
are not welcome.
Madam President, I recommend the Immigration
(Amendment) Bill 1998 to this Council.
End
3. Committee stage amendments of immigration bill
**********************************************
Following is the speech by the Secretary for
Security, Mr Peter Lai, in moving the committee stage
amendments of the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 1998 in the
Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
I move that clauses 2 and 3 be amended as set out in
the paper circulated to Members.
The amendments to clause 2 seeks to clarify the
meaning of the term "first detained" in the original Bill.
After the amendment, it should be clear that Part IIIA of
the Immigration Ordinance shall not apply to Vietnamese
illegal arrivals intercepted and detained on or after
January 9, 1998, being the day on which the Bill was
gazetted.
The amendment to clause 3 is a technical amendment to
ensure consistency within the Ordinance.
Madam President, I beg to move.
End
4. Resume second reading of Protection of Harbour (Amendment) Bill
***************************************************************
Following is the speech by the Secretary for
Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in
resuming the second reading of the Protection of the
Harbour (Amendment) Bill in the Provisional Legislative
Council today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
First of all, I would like to thank members of the
Bills Committee for their thorough and penetrating study
of this Bill. Members have gone though a particularly
interesting debate on the language of the refined
definition of 'reclamation'. We originally propose the
definition to be 'any works or project carried out for the
purpose of reclaiming land from the sea-bed or foreshore
so that it may be used for dry land purpose'. We have
introduced this definition with a view to reflecting the
normal sense of the word and avoiding the risk of delaying
projects, including the emergency ones, which are non-
reclamation but essential to be carried out in the central
harbour for the normal operation of our economy. We are
glad that members of the Bills Committee understand our
view and share our concern; and based on their advice, we
have finally been able to come up with a mutually agreed
definition which is 'any works carried out or intended to
be carried out for the purpose of forming land from the
sea-bed or foreshore'. This definition makes no change to
the spirit of the Ordinance which is to protect and
preserve the harbour as a natural asset of Hong Kong
people. It only more accurately defines the nature of
works which the word 'reclamation' in the normal sense
should apply to. With the support of the Bills Committee,
I shall move a Committee Stage Amendment to introduce this
new definition. I shall explain in greater detail the
characteristics of this definition in my later speech.
Apart from the definition of 'reclamation', our bill
also seeks to delete from Section 2 those words which make
reference to provisions that have not been enacted by your
predecessors, and substitute the words 'the harbour' with
'the central harbour' in the title of Section 3 and the
remaining Section 2. These drafting amendments will make
Sections 2 and 3 consistent with the intentions of the
Ordinance in regards of the Ordinance's legal impact and
geographical coverage respectively.
For the reasons that I have given, I urge members to
vote for the bill. Thank you.
End
5. Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill committee stage amendment
********************************************************************
Following is the speech by the Secretary for
Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, during
the committee stage amendment of the Protection of the
Harbour (Amendment) Bill in the Provisional Legislative
Council today (Wednesday):
Madam President,
I move that the definition of "reclamation" in Clause
3 of the Bill be amended as set out in the paper
circulated to Members. The amendment seeks to improve the
definition of "reclamation" proposed in the Protection of
the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 1997 in two ways.
First, the new definition covers not only the
physical reclamation works but also the planning stage of
any such work. The practical effect of this change is
that any public officer or body should from the very
beginning of planning a reclamation project weigh
carefully the public benefit against the effect that could
be caused to the harbour. This is in line with the spirit
of the Ordinance.
Second, the new definition gives due emphasis to the
"formation of land", which, I believe, reflects the normal
understanding of "reclamation". This definition is simple
and would avoid unnecessary debate on what type of
projects should or should not come under the purview of
the Ordinance.
The new definition would satisfactorily resolve the
problem arising from the existing broad definition in the
Ordinance and I am most grateful for the Bills Committee's
support for the amendment.
Madam President, I beg to move.
End
6. Regulatory system for radioisotope pharmaceutical products
**********************************************************
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Tso Wong Man-
yin and a reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare,
Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
Recently, some Hong Kong people have been injected
with an radioisotope reagent contaminated by the pathogen
which causes Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. In this
connection, will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the radioisotope pharmaceutical products which
were only registered under either the Pharmacy and Poisons
Ordinance or the Radiation Ordinance in each of the past
five years;
(b) the radioisotope pharmaceutical products which
were registered under both Ordinances annually in the same
period;
(c) the number of prosecutions against importers for
failing to register their radioisotope pharmaceutical
products annually in the same period; and the number of
successful prosecutions; and
(d) the differences between the regulatory system
and registration procedures for radioisotope
pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong and in foreign
countries (such as the USA and Britain)?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) All companies engaged in the importing and
trading of radioisotope products which are used in human
bodies need to obtain a licence in accordance with the
Radiation Ordinance, and this licence has to be renewed
annually. A licence holder can only engage in the
importing or trading of radioisotope products that are
specified in the licence. According to the Radiation
Ordinance, separate registrations of individual products
are not required. At present, three companies are holders
of a relevant licence, which were first issued in 1990,
1991 and 1996 respectively.
During the past five years, no radioisotope
pharmaceutical product was registered under the Pharmacy
and Poisons Ordinance.
(b) In the past five years, no radioisotope
pharmaceutical product was registered under both of the
above Ordinances.
(c) During this period, no importer was prosecuted
for importing, storing or trading in unregistered
radioisotope pharmaceutical products.
(d) In Hong Kong, any person who imports, possesses,
stores, transports or uses any radioisotope must be holder
of a relevant licence issued by the Radiation Board in
accordance with the Radiation Ordinance. A licence holder
must also comply with the licence provisions, such as,
employing management personnel who have received training
on the protection against radiation so that proper
guidance can be given to workers, and arranging radiation
monitoring devises in related premises to protect the
safety of the employees and the public.
In foreign countries, such as the United Kingdom and
the United States, the trading and use of radioisotopes
are subject to the control under the licensing systems
implemented by the relevant radiation authorities. These
radiation authorities are statutory bodies comprising
experts in the field to provide professional advice.
Government officers are responsible for the enforcement.
In this respect, there is no difference between the
regulatory system in Hong Kong and those in these foreign
countries.
Pharmaceutical products, including pharmaceutical
components of radioisotope pharmaceutical products, have
to be registered in Hong Kong under the Pharmacy and
Poisons Ordinance. In some foreign countries such as the
United Kingdom and the United States, radioisotope
products which are used in human bodies, regardless of
whether they are used together with a pharmaceutical
product, are also subject to the control of the local
legislation on pharmaceutical products.
End
7. Guideline on property lending
*****************************
Following is a question by the Hon Kennedy Wong Ying-
ho and a reply by the Secretary for Financial Services,
Mr Rafael Hui, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is learnt that, as a result of the financial
turmoil and the fluctuations in Hong Kong's interbank
rates, some foreign-funded financial institutions have, in
conducting their lending business, reduced the amount of
loans to Hong Kong people as far as possible, and some
have even requested the early repayment of loans. In this
connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it has assessed the impact of this
situation on the economy of Hong Kong and on the business
environment of various trades; if so, what the findings
are; and
(b) whether it has considered adopting any specific
measures (such as relaxing the loan ceiling of some banks
with a Hong Kong dollars deposit basis), so as to
alleviate the impact of this situation on Hong Kong's
economy?
Reply:
(a) Because of the losses suffered elsewhere in the
region by some foreign banks and in the case of Japanese
banks, the need to meet the capital adequacy requirement
by their financial year end, i.e. March 31, some
institutions are cutting back their lending in Hong Kong.
In most cases, this is part of their global strategy where
the reduction in lending is more severe elsewhere.
Although the availability of credit in Hong Kong will be
affected, the effect will depend on the extent to which
the gap is filled by other banks, foreign or local, which
see this as an opportunity to increase their market share.
At this stage, it is difficult to assess the impact.
Overall, we expect some slowing down in the growth in bank
lending in 1998.
(b) In a free economy like Hong Kong, lending
decisions are primarily a matter for individual banks.
Under our supervisory regime, we seek to promote the
general stability and effective functioning of the system
by focusing on key elements such as capital adequacy,
liquidity and risk management. Other than limitations on
exposures to individual borrowers, there are very few
restrictions on bank lending in Hong Kong. For example,
the 40% guideline on property lending issued by the Hong
Kong Monetary Authority is a benchmark, not a ceiling. It
is proved to be an appropriate prudential measure. One of
the causes of the current crises in Asia is the excessive
expansion of bank credit to the property sector in some of
the Asian countries worst affected. This is a lesson Hong
Kong must learn.
End
8. Complaints against immigration control officers
***********************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Choy Kan-pui and a
written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai,
in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government provide a breakdown, by
immigration control points, of the number of complaints
(including verbal and written complaints) against
immigration control officers received in each of the past
three years, and the major issues involved in these cases?
Reply:
Madam President,
A breakdown, by immigration control points, of the
number of complaints (including verbal and written
complaints) against immigration control officers is given
below:
1995 1996 1997
Control
Points Verbal Written Verbal Written Verbal Written
Airport 27 44 19 31 16 30
Lo Wu 16 16 7 15 18 16
Man Kam To 1 0 2 1 0 1
Sha Tau Kok 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lok Ma Chau 1 7 1 3 2 1
Hung Hom 1 0 0 0 1 0
Macau Terminal 9 5 11 14 2 4
China Ferry
Terminal 7 16 0 3 0 4
Harbour
Control 2 1 1 0 0 1
Sub-total 64 89 41 67 39 57
Total 153 108 96
The majority of these complaints related to service
standards, such as long waiting and processing time, poor
staff manner, insufficient manpower and facilities, and
incorrect information given by staff. There were also
some complaints about being subjected to secondary
examination, refused permission to land and granted
shortened limit of stay.
End
9. HK dollar deposits
******************
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Cheung-kwok
and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial
Services, Mr Rafael Hui, in the Provisional Legislative
Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is learnt that Hong Kong dollar deposits within
the territory's banking system in October 1997 registered
a substantial decrease against those in September of the
same year. In this connection, will the Government inform
this Council whether:
(a) it is aware of the major reasons for the
substantial decrease in the aggregate amount of Hong Kong
dollar deposits in October last year;
(b) it has studied the implications of the decrease
in Hong Kong dollar deposits for the economy of the
territory; if so, what the findings are; and
(c) it is aware of any sustained decrease in Hong
Kong dollar deposits; if so, the measures it will adopt to
keep the downward trend in check?
Reply:
(a) Hong Kong dollar deposits dropped by $62 billion
(or by 3.9%) in October 1997. The fall was mainly due to
a combination of three factors. First, economic
activities slowed down as interest rates rose and asset
prices adjusted amidst the currency turmoil in the region.
The adverse economic conditions have reduced the demand
for Hong Kong dollar from borrowers while banks have
become more cautious in granting new loans. Hong Kong
dollar credit contracted by $42 billion (or by 2.3%)
during the month, contributing partly to the fall in Hong
Kong dollar deposits. Second, the fall reflects also the
high base of comparison at the end of September 1997, when
new loans and deposits were created as a result of new
share subscription activities. Hong Kong dollar loans and
deposits expanded by $71 billion and $27 billion
respectively during September 1997, when six new share
flotations received subscription monies totalling $55
billion. When these subscription exercises completed,
banks' loans and deposits restored to the normal lower
levels in October 1997. Third, partly due to the moderate
shift of Hong Kong dollar deposits to US dollar deposits
in October 1997 amidst continued financial market turmoil
in the region and the speculative pressure on the Hong
Kong dollar, US dollar deposits rose by $46 billion during
the month.
It is worth noting that monthly fluctuations are
misleading indicators because monthly variations could be
due to seasonal or other short-term factors such as
flotation of new shares. The following examines the
recent trend and sets the current data in a clearer
perspective. First, while Hong Kong dollar deposits as a
proportion of total deposits stood at 57% at end-October
1997, lower than the 59% at end-September 1997, it is
still higher than the ratio of around 52% in 1994-95.
Secondly, on a year-on-year basis, Hong Kong dollar
deposits at end-October 1997 rose significantly by $193
billion (or by 14.3%) over a year ago, accounting for
57.1% of the total deposits (compared with 56.0% at end-
October 1996). Despite the fall in Hong Kong dollar
deposits during the last few months, Hong Kong dollar
deposits at end-January 1998 is still higher by $73
billion (or 5.1%) than the amount a year ago, accounting
for 56.3% of the total deposits (compared with 57.4% at
end-January 1997).
(b) Part of the decline in Hong Kong dollar deposits
was the result of a contraction in domestic credit. The
shift in Hong Kong dollar deposits to US dollar deposits
has also resulted in tighter Hong Kong dollar liquidity,
which put upward pressure on local interest rates and
slowed the economy. Rising local interest rates are,
however, expected to encourage savings and to attract
funds to switch to Hong Kong dollars, so as to restore the
level of Hong Kong dollar deposits. When this takes
place, interest rates should gradually adjust downwards
accordingly.
(c) Hong Kong dollar deposits fell further by $17
billion in November 1997 but rose by $17 billion in
December 1997. It then dropped again by $34 billion in
January 1998, due to the seasonal huge demand for "lai-
see" cash (about $16 billion) and tax payment, credit
contraction (Hong Kong dollar loans fell by $6 billion)
and a rise in US dollar deposits (by $29 billion). As
mentioned above, the fall in Hong Kong dollar deposits
could induce higher interest rates, if local credit demand
cannot be met. This would, in turn, encourage savings and
attract capital inflow, thus easing the liquidity
situation. In recent few weeks, the softening of
interbank market rates, term rates in particular, will
help ease liquidity. While it is difficult to predict how
soon Hong Kong dollar deposits would resume their
increasing trend, which hinges on financial market
conditions in the region and investors' assessments on
Asia's prospects, the level of domestic interest rates
will work to balance the supply of and demand for Hong
Kong dollars.
End
10. Ground settlement problem in Kam Fung Court
*******************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Henry Wu and a
written reply by the acting Secretary for Housing,
Mr Leung Chin-man, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is learnt that ground settlement occurred in a
newly occupied Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) estate, which
caused great anxiety among the residents. In this
connection, does the Government know:
(a) the number of public housing estates and HOS
estates (including those under the Private Sector
Participation Scheme) in Hong Kong having potential risks
of ground settlement;
(b) of the party responsible for repairing the
ground settlement in these public housing estates or HOS
estates, and the time limit for the completion of the
repair works;
(c) of the party responsible for the repair works
and compensation for the damage to the flats of residents
and the public facilities caused by ground settlement in
these public housing estates or HOS estates, and the time
limit for the completion of the repair works; and
(d) how the relevant authority ensures that ground
settlement will not occur in these public housing estates
and HOS estates?
Reply:
Madam President,
While reclaimed land is subject to settlement, such
settlement is normally stabilised in around ten years
after completion of the construction programme. A total
of 11 public rental housing (PRH) estates, 16 Home
Ownership Scheme (HOS) estates and 10 Private Sector
Participation Scheme (PSPS) estates, which were built on
reclaimed land within the past ten years, fall within this
category.
The Housing Authority is responsible for remedial
work as a result of subsidence in PRH estates and the
expenditure is met by the Authority. Time required for
carrying out repairs would depend on the extent of damage
but immediate repairs will be carried out to essential
services. As regards HOS and PSPS estates, the owners are
responsible for the repair work and such expenditure is
charged to the management funds of individual estates.
In the light of the recent ground settlement problem
in Kam Fung Court in Ma On Shan, the Housing Authority
will take up the necessary investigation and repairs
associated with ground settlement on this reclaimed land.
The Housing Authority will consider to provide the same
repair service at Housing Authority's expense for other
HOS estates in similar situation.
Although reclaimed land is subject to settlement,
this is allowed for in the design and construction of the
housing estates. Any subsequent soil settlement should
not cause damage to the essential facilities, individual
flats and the structural conditions of the buildings which
are constructed on piled foundations.
End
11. In-service training courses available for teachers
**************************************************
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Tso Wong Man-
yin and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and
Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Provisional
Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The Chief Executive has proposed in his Policy
Address that by 2001, the percentage of graduate teaching
posts in primary schools would be raised to 35 per cent.
In this connection, will the Government inform this
Council whether it knows:
(a) the percentage of graduate teaching posts in
junior forms of secondary schools by that time; and
(b) the arrangements that will be made to step up
on-the-job training for Certificated Masters/Mistresses in
junior forms of secondary schools, and in regard to their
promotion prospects?
Reply:
Madam President,
At present, the overall proportion of graduate
teaching posts in a secondary school is not to exceed 70
per cent of the teaching staff establishment, calculated
according to the approved class-to-teacher ratios and the
provision for split-class teaching, if any. There is no
distinction by junior and senior forms.
The Government attaches great importance to on-the-
job training for professional development of teachers,
irrespective of whether they belong to the Certificated
Masters/Mistresses (CM) or Graduate Masters/Mistresses
(GM) grade. The types of in-service courses available
fall into six main categories:
(a) curriculum development and change;
(b) subject knowledge and pedagogy;
(c) school management;
(d) information technology (IT);
(e) language enhancement and language teaching; and
(f) general refresher courses.
The CM and GM grades have their own grade structures,
promotion paths and promotion ratios.
End
12. Maintenance of Tsing Ma Bridge & Kap Shui Mun Bridge
****************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Howard Young and a
written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Nicholas
Ng, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
Would the Government inform this Council whether any
maintenance works have been carried out on the Tsing Ma
Bridge and Kap Shui Mun Bridge since the commencement of
their operation in 1997; if so, of the nature, details and
frequency of such maintenance works?
Reply:
Madam President,
Government is committed to the proper maintenance of
the Tsing Ma and Kap Shui Mun Bridges and indeed all
public roads and bridges. Since they were opened to
traffic in May 1997, the two Bridges have been inspected
and maintained regularly under a set programme
Under the inspection programme, routine inspections
of the Bridges are carried out on a weekly basis. All
components of the Bridges are subject to thorough
inspection which will be carried out in phases once every
two years. Since the opening of the Bridges, the main
cable and anchorages of Tsing Ma Bridge and some of the
deck steelwork and concrete structures of both bridges
have been inspected.
Under the maintenance programme, carriageway is swept
and gullies are cleaned on a daily basis. Cleaning of
bridge parapets, bearing surfaces and movement joints and
lubrication of bearings and tightening of cable band bolts
are carried out once every year. Repair to defects and
damages is carried out as and when necessary. Since the
opening of the Bridges, Government has carried out
maintenance works for the cable sheathings of the Kap Shui
Mun Bridge and road surfacings. Damaged bridge parapet
caused by traffic accidents have been repaired.
End
13. CSSA Scheme under review
************************
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Choi-hi and a
written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare,
Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) public housing tenants receiving the
Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) payments
are allowed to purchase public housing flats under the
Tenants Purchase Scheme; if so, of the criteria adopted by
the relevant authorities for deciding whether such tenants
are allowed to purchase public housing flats;
(b) the tenants concerned will be disqualified from
receiving the CSSA payments after they have purchased
public housing flats and become property owners; and
(c) the Social Welfare Department has assessed the
amount, from the rent allowance received by such CSSA
recipients, which will consequently be used as mortgage
payments?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance
(CSSA) Scheme is non-contributory, funded entirely by
General Revenue. It aims to provide assistance to
financially vulnerable members of our community who for
reasons such as old age, ill health or loss of earning
capability are unable to provide for their basic needs of
living and those of their families. Eligibility criteria
are in place to ensure that assistance goes only to those
who are genuinely in need of public assistance. CSSA is
therefore never intended to be a means to enable
recipients to acquire assets.
(b) "Asset" is one of the criteria for determining
eligibility to assistance under the CSSA Scheme. Under
the existing arrangement, the home that a CSSA recipient
owns and lives in prior to his/her coming onto the Scheme
is totally disregarded in assessing his/her eligibility
under the "asset" test. This practice is being examined
in our review of the CSSA Scheme currently underway.
(c) The issue raised will not arise: rent allowance
provided to recipients living in public housing under the
CSSA Scheme will only be used for rental payment to the
Housing Authority.
End
14. Divulgence of confidential documents for ExCo meeting
*****************************************************
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Cheung-kwok
and a written reply by the Chief Secretary for
Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, in the Provisional
Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Government inform this Council whether,
since the establishment of the Special Administrative
Region, there have been incidents in which confidential
documents for the meetings of the Executive Council had
been divulged before the meetings were held; if so:
(a) whether it has conducted any investigation into
the incidents; if so, what the results are; and
(b) of the responsibilities, including legal
responsibilities, which a person has to bear for divulging
the confidential documents of the Executive Council?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) There are well established arrangements to
ensure the confidentiality of the documents for and
proceedings of the Executive Council. The Administration
is aware of recent media reports which referred
purportedly to the contents of the discussions at the
Council's meetings. We have been monitoring the situation
closely and are taking steps to ensure that the security
procedures regarding the operations of the Council are not
compromised.
(b) Any person who may be involved in the business
of the Executive Council or who may have access to the
Council's documents and deliberations must observe
strictly the rule of confidentiality. All Executive
Council Members must abide by this rule under the Oath of
Fidelity, taken upon their appointment to the Council.
The rule provides that Council Members should not, except
with the authority of the Chief Executive, reveal the
agenda or proceedings of, or any document or matter
related to, the Council. Civil servants are bound by the
requirements under the Official Secrets Ordinance and the
Government Security Regulations, which stipulate that any
unlawful disclosure of classified information may lead to
criminal liability or disciplinary proceedings as
appropriate.
End
15. Development of family medicine supported
****************************************
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:
Will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the present number of medical practitioners
in the territory who are qualified as specialists in
family medicine;
(b) whether it has considered providing additional
resources to strengthen the training in family medicine at
both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in medical
education; if not, why not; and
(c) whether it will consider extensively promoting
knowledge in family medicine to the public; if not, why
not?
Reply:
(a) As at February 1998, there are 107 medical
practitioners in Hong Kong who are specialists in family
medicine.
(b) It is our policy to support the development of
family medicine. The Department of Health, the Hospital
Authority and the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians
are collaborating to provide training in family medicine.
The medical faculties of the two local universities have,
in recent years, strengthened their curricula in family
medicine.
The postgraduate family medicine training programme
lasts six-year, consisting of both hospital-based and
community-based training.
The Department of Health set up an Education and
Training Centre in Family Medicine in 1992 to provide
training to general out-patient clinic doctors. So far,
the Department has provided training on family medicine to
18 doctors; and at present another 14 doctors are
receiving training in this Centre. The Department has
plans to establish another family medicine training centre
to increase the number of trainees.
The Hospital Authority provides hospital-based
training in family medicine. At present, it is providing
a two-year family medicine training programme to 21
doctors. The Authority plans, as a tentative target, to
provide training in this respect to around 20-30 doctors
per year from 1998-2000.
(c) The Department of Health and the Hospital
Authority have been promoting the concept and practice of
family medicine. Qualified family physicians in the
Department of Health adopt the family medicine approach to
provide quality care to patients in some general out-
patient clinics. The Department will extend family
medicine practice to the Department's integrated elderly
health service which is now being planned. The service
will provide comprehensive and multi-disciplinary holistic
care to the elderly.
End
16. Measures to improve road safety
*******************************
Following is a question by the Hon Lee Kai-ming and a
written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Nicholas
Ng, in the Provisional Legislative Council today
(Wednesday):
Question:
It is reported that, on February 22 this year, a
coach crashed down a slope allegedly as a result of
speeding and brake failure, resulting in many passengers
being injured. In this connection, will Government inform
this Council whether:
(a) there is any plan to conduct a safety check on
all coaches in Hong Kong; if not, why not;
(b) it will amend the legislation to impose heavier
penalties for speeding so as to achieve a deterrent
effect; if not, why not; and
(c) there is any plan to organise territory-wide
road safety campaigns to educate drivers and members of
the public with a view to enhancing their awareness of
road safety; if so, what the details are; if not, why not?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) Under the Road Traffic Ordinance, all public
buses are required to be inspected by the Government for
roadworthiness before their licences are renewed each
year. In addition any in-service bus suspected not to be
roadworthy may be called up for inspection by the
Transport Department for further examination. Coaches are
public buses and are therefore included in this category.
The number of public buses which were inspected and
passed the examination conducted by the Transport
Department, compared with the number of public bus
accidents caused by vehicle faults, are as follows:
Year No. of public buses
passed Transport with accidents
Department's examination caused by vehicle faults
1995 9 178 16
1996 9 931 16
1997 10 659 8
The present system already ensures that each coach is
inspected at least once a year. There is no plan to
change the present inspection system.
(b) Under the Road Traffic Ordinance, a driver who
commits speeding offences are liable to a maximum fine of
$4,000. Furthermore, for each speeding offence, a maximum
penalty of 8 points will be recorded against him under the
Road Traffic (Driving-Offence Points) Ordinance. Serious
offenders may be liable to be disqualified from driving by
the court.
Over the past year, the number of convicted speeding
offences has decreased by 4.4%, from 215,853 in 1996 to
206,367 in 1997. There does not appear to be any
indication that the existing penalties are inadequate but
we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
(c) Road safety campaigns and education are
organised regularly under the guidance of the Road Safety
Council. Such activities are targetted at all road users,
including drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Publicity campaigns and education programmes are
organised both at the central and district level by many
Government Departments, including the Hong Kong Police,
Transport Department, Information Services Department,
Home Affairs Department and Education Department. To
elicit the community's interest and participation, these
are often organised in conjunction with District Boards
and voluntary organisations such as the Road Safety
Association.
The Transport Department also publishes a quarterly
newsletter on road safety, which are distributed through
schools, transport trade associations and District
Offices. Seminars and talks for bus operators, transport
trade associations, community centres and schools on
topics related to road safety are also organised
regularly.
Such campaigns and programmes may include activities
such as radio and television messages, carnivals, variety
shows, quizzes, competitions, and exhibitions. In
1997/98, $3.5 million was spent on these campaigns and
programmes, funded mainly by the District Boards and
sponsorships. In addition, the Government will continue
to provide a subvention to the Road Safety Association in
support of its work in promoting road safety. It is
expected that the level of activity in 1998/99 will not be
less than the level in 1997/98.
End
17. Decision on commercial tenancies arrangements will be taken
***********************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Choi-hi and a
written reply by the acting Secretary for Housing,
Mr Leung Chin-man, in the Provisional Legislative Council
today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is learnt that, in view of the recent economic
downturn in the territory, the Housing Authority (HA) has
decided to put a one-year freeze on the rents of its
commercial tenants. In this connection, does the
Government know whether the HA will also freeze the rent
payable by commercial tenants who have renewed their
tenancy agreements before February this year?
Reply:
Madam President,
The Commercial Properties Committee under the Housing
Authority is considering the arrangements for commercial
tenancies which were renewed before February this year. A
decision will be taken soon.
End
