Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
Garden Road, 5th-8th Floors, Murray Building, Hong Kong. Tel: 2842 8777
Friday, March 20, 1998
CONTENTS
========
1. 1,107 nominations received for subsector elections
2. Nominations for Election Committee Subsector Elections
3. CE appoints Commission on Innovation and Technology
4. New airport VIP suite
5. CE meets European Parliament's Vice President
6. Update on cholera
7. Preliminary findings on local property market released
8. Mr Lo Yuk-sui re-appointed as Chairman of HKTA
9. Membership of the Committee on Bilingual Legal System
10. CS supports Hongkong Post customer-focus programmes
11. Fewer young abusers reported in 1997
12. Fire safety talk well received
13. Interception of telecommunications
14. More ambulance depots open
15. More endangered species added to protection list
16. Electronic stamp vending machines installed at two
post offices
17. Basic Law booklets to strengthen civic education
18. TA approves acquisition of P Plus by SmarTone
19. Firing practices from April to June
20. Code of practice to promote the safe use of cranes
21. New reservoir in Tin Shui Wai to meet rising demand
22. Town Planning Board to review two OZPs
23. Upgrading works for 31 slopes
24. Tenderer prequalification for construction works on Tsing Yi
25. Tenders invited for road works in Wong Chuk Hang
26. Water cut in Wan Chai
1. 1,107 nominations received for subsector elections
**************************************************
A total of 1,107 nominations for the Election
Committee subsector elections have been received when the
eight-day nomination period closes today (Friday).
On today alone, 253 nominations have been received.
The breakdown of nominations by subsector is:
Subsector Number of nominations Cumulated total
--------- received today ---------------
---------------------
Catering 2 20
Commercial(first) 9 18
Commercial(second) 12
Employers' Federation 4 14
of Hong Kong
Finance 7 15
Financial services 5 25
Hong Kong Chinese 11
Enterprises Association
Hotel 26 30
Import and export 2 14
Industrial(first) 3 15
Industrial(second) 1 12
Insurance 4 19
Real estate and 6 15
construction
Textiles and garment 1 13
Tourism 9 21
Transport 8 31
Wholesale and retail 10 29
Accountancy 9 39
Architectural, surveying 14 36
and planning
Chinese medicine 3 33
Education 2 36
Engineering 3 48
Health Services 24 26
Higher education 3 27
Information technology 8 53
Legal 11 33
Medical 2 49
Agriculture and fisheries 5 70
Labour 4 49
Religious 40
Social welfare 13 50
Sports 1 11
Performing arts 5 13
Culture 13 25
Publication 11
Chinese People's Political 12 60
Consultative Conference
Heung Yee Kuk 4 23
Provisional District 13 38
Boards for the Districts
in the Urban Council Area
("Hong Kong and Kowloon
Provisional District Boards")
Provisional District 7 23
Boards for the Districts
in the Regional Council Area
("New Territories Provisional
District Boards")
End
2. Nominations for Election Committee Subsector Elections
******************************************************
In response to press enquiries about the nominations
for the Election Committee Subsector Elections, a
spokesman for the Constitutional Affairs Bureau said today
(Friday) that the Bureau was pleased with the number of
nominations put forward for the Elections which will be
held on April 2.
A total of 1107 nominations (including 40 nominations
from the Religious subsector)had been received for the
subsector elections.
The response in some subsectors in which the number
of candidates well exceeded the number of seats available
was particularly encouraging, the spokesman said.
Of the 800 seats which make up the Election
Committee, 77 will be filled by ex-officio members
comprising Hong Kong deputies to the National People's
Congress and members of the Provisional Legislative
Council. 40 seats will be filled by nominees from the
Religious subsector and 683 seats will be returned by
election in the remaining subsectors. The Election
Committee will return 10 members of the Legislative
Council on May 24.
The spokesman called on registered voters to cast
their votes during the Election Committee Subsector
Elections on April 2.
"The polling hours will last from 7.30 am to 10.30
pm," he said.
He also urged employers to support this important
event by encouraging and facilitating their employees (who
are registered voters) to cast their vote on the day of
the subsector elections, which falls on a working day.
Those registered corporate voters should also encourage
and facilitate their Authorised Representatives to vote on
polling day.
End
3. CE appoints Commission on Innovation and Technology
***************************************************
The Government announced today (Friday) the
appointment of the Chief Executive's Commission on
Innovation and Technology.
The Chairman of the Commission is Professor Chang-Lin
Tien. Members of the Commission are Mr Payson Cha Mou-
sing, Professor Leroy Chang Li-gong, Mr Vincent Cheng Hoi-
chuen, Professor Charles Kao Kuen, Professor Liu Pak-wai,
Mr Victor Lo Chung-wing, Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen, Doctor
Wang Mei-yue, Mr Allan Wong Chi-yan, Professor Richard
Wong Yue-chim, the Secretary for Trade and Industry and
the Director-General of Industry.
The Government also hopes to invite one or two more
persons to serve on the Commission in the near future.
Professor Tien was the Chancellor of the University
of California, Berkeley between 1990 and 1997. As a
scientist, he is internationally recognised for his
research in heat transfer technology.
He has interacted actively with industry and
governments as advisor and consultant on many high-tech
issues. He is well-connected with Hong Kong and the
mainland on the promotion of scientific research.
A Government spokesman said, "The Chief Executive is
pleased that the Commission can benefit from the
leadership of such a distinguished scientist and
administrator as Professor Tien, and from the expertise
and advice of so many other prominent persons in the
academia and business community.
"Innovation, adapting to new technologies and
developing new industries are important for our economic
growth. Our objective is to expand and upgrade Hong
Kong's manufacturing and services industries through
product and process innovation," he said.
"The Commission will specifically look into ways to
stimulate the exchange of ideas among our university
researchers, businessmen and customers, so as to drive
forward innovation and turn technological development into
commercial products.
"The Commission will also advise on how Hong Kong can
tap the talents and the results of scientific research in
the Mainland," he said.
The appointment of the Commission follows an
announcement made by the Chief Executive in his Policy
Address last October to set up a high-level commission to
advise on the measures needed to make Hong Kong an
innovation centre, so as to add value to its commercial
and industrial activities and to its economic hinterland.
The Commission will hold its first meeting on March
23. It is expected to submit an interim report to the
Chief Executive before October this year, and to complete
all its tasks within 12 to 18 months. The Trade and
Industry Bureau will provide secretariat support to the
Commission.
The brief occupational background of the members of
the Commission is as follows:
* Professor Chang-Lin Tien
NEC Distinguished Professor of Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
* Mr Payson Cha Mou-sing
Managing Director
HKR International Limited
* Professor Leroy Chang Li-gong
Department of Physics
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
* Mr Vincent Cheng Hoi-chuen
Executive Director
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
* Professor Charles Kao Kuen
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Transtech Services Limited
* Professor Liu Pak-wai
Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Economics
Chinese University of Hong Kong
* Mr Victor Lo Chung-wing
Chairman and Chief Executive
Gold Peak Industries (Holdings) Limited
* Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen
Managing Director
Peninsula Knitters Limited
* Doctor Wang Mei-yue
Chairman and President
China Aerospace International Holdings Limited
* Mr Allan Wong Chi-yan
Chairman
VTech Holdings Limited
* Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim
Director, Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research
University of Hong Kong
End
4. New airport VIP suite
*********************
In response to press enquiries on the VIP Suite in
the new airport, a Government spokesman for the
Administration Wing gave the following reply:
"The original space earmarked for the new VIP Suite
was only about 1260 sq m compared to 1800 sq m of the
existing VIP Suite at Kai Tak Airport. As the allocation
was done back in 1993, the Government has updated its
requirement in the light of experience.
With the operational experience of the increase in
demand for VIP service during the Handover period in
June/July 1997, the World Bank/IMF Conference in September
1997 and the reception of Heads of States after the
reunification, we have anticipated that the original space
earmarked for the new VIP Suite would not be sufficient to
cater for the demand for VIP service in future. We have
since indicated to the Airport Authority that additional
space for the new VIP Suite would be required.
In November 1997, we secured from the Airport
Authority an additional site of about 1240 sq m
immediately next to the original VIP Suite. We have made
use of the additional space to construct additional
facilities including VIP rooms and a much enlarged press
lounge to facilitate the work of the media.
The contract price for the original VIP Suite is
$25.1 million. The contract price for the extension is
$41.5 million. The higher cost for the extension work is
attributed to certain building services work including
diversion of ducts to increase the ceiling height since
the space is not originally intended for the use of
visitors. In general , works have been progressing
smoothly to tie in with the target date of opening of the
New Airport.
There was only one lift in the original plan. The
revised plan provides an additional lift (not two) to
facilitate passenger flow particularly for State visitors
with a fairly large entourage."
On the question of whether the decision was made by
the Chief Executive to suit a small group of people, the
spokesman said that there was absolutely no truth and
there was a well established mechanism to coordinate the
New Airport related projects.
"The extension of the New Airport VIP Suite was based
on need and all the justifications had to be vetted and
approved by the Airport Development Steering Committee
chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration,
attended by the Financial Secretary and relevant Bureau
Secretaries and Heads of Departments."
The spokesman also emphasised the importance of
providing a dignified and user-friendly facility to world
leaders visiting Hong Kong.
"We certainly wish to impress our international
partners the moment they step off the plane by extending
the level of hospitality commensurate with the image of
Hong Kong as a modern and efficient metropolitan city."
End
5. CE meets European Parliament's Vice President
*********************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Friday)
had a meeting with the visiting Vice President of the
European Parliament, Mr David Martin.
At the meeting, Mr Tung briefed Mr Martin on latest
developments in Hong Kong, including the Budget, focus on
quality education and the Legislative Council elections in
May.
Mr Tung told Mr Martin that Hong Kong had been
carrying on with the development of democracy in the SAR
in accordance with the Basic Law.
"The Basic Law has set out a 10-year timetable for
elections both for the Chief Executive and for the
Legislature. The first Legislature Council elected in May
this year will have 60 members, all of whom will be
elected directly or indirectly," he said.
Mr Tung said that Hong Kong people would have an
increasingly larger voice in the selection of the Chief
Executive.
The Chief Executive added that the Basic Law provided
that further democratic evolution after 2007 would depend
on the wishes of Hong Kong people with universal suffrage
being the ultimate objective.
Mr Tung and Mr Martin also exchanged views on Hong
Kong and European Union issues.
Mr Martin expressed support for Hong Kong's case in
lobbying for visa-free access for HKSAR passport holders.
Mr Martin, who visited the Immigration Department
yesterday, said he was impressed by the fool-proof system
of the issue of HKSAR passports.
On the Euro, Mr Tung said: "From my recent meetings
with European political leaders, I am impressed by the
convergence of EU member states on introducing the Euro.
"They have a clear direction and purpose on the
introduction of the single currency."
End
6. Update on cholera
*****************
The Department of Health announced today (Friday)
that two new cholera cases - one imported and one local -
were confirmed today.
The new confirmed imported case involves the 24-year-
old male who was reported as a suspected imported case on
March 18. He was from the fourth tour group which went to
Thailand between March 9 and 15.
The new local case involves the 27-year-old female
living in Yuen Long reported as a suspected case
yesterday.
As of today, the total number of confirmed cholera
cases so far this year is 47, including 31 imported cases
and 16 local cases. There is only one suspected case
which is an imported case.
End
7. Preliminary findings on local property market released
******************************************************
The Rating and Valuation Department today (Friday)
released the preliminary findings of its annual review of
the production and activities in the local property
market.
The preliminary findings, to be incorporated in the
Hong Kong Property Review 1998, cover the major private
property categories in terms of completions, take-up and
vacancy in 1997, forecast completions in 1998 and 1999, as
well as price and rental data.
Further enquiries can be directed to the department
by contacting either the Deputy Commissioner, Mr C S Wong
(2805 7601); Technical Secretary (Information), Miss
Christina Yim (2805 7614), or Assistant Technical
Secretary, Miss Phoebe Chau (2805 7633).
End
8. Mr Lo Yuk-sui re-appointed as Chairman of HKTA
**********************************************
The Financial Secretary, under the delegated
authority by the Chief Executive, has re-appointed Mr Lo
Yuk-sui as the Chairman of the Board of Management of the
Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) for a period of two
years with effect from April 1, 1998.
The re-appointment notice was published in the
Government's Gazette today (Friday).
Mr Lo, having served as a member of the Management
Board since 1988, was first appointed the Chairman of the
HKTA in April 1996.
The Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip,
welcomes the re-appointment of Mr Lo. He looks forward to
continued close cooperation between the Government and the
HKTA under Mr Lo's leadership in furthering the
development of the tourist industry.
End
9. Membership of the Committee on Bilingual Legal System
*****************************************************
The Government today (Friday) announced the
membership of the newly established Committee on Bilingual
Legal System.
The Committee, to be chaired by the Secretary for
Justice, comprises the Chief Judge of the High Court,
senior government officials and five non-official members
from professional bodies.
"The Committee will advise the Government on the long-
term goal of bilingualism in law having regard to the
provisions in the Basic Law concerning the use of Chinese
and English as official languages, and to Hong Kong's
position as a major international trading and financial
centre," a spokesman for the Department of Justice said.
"The Committee will also advise on measures to
promote bilingualism in the legal system and to co-
ordinate efforts of the Judiciary, government departments,
professional bodies and academic institutions in this
area," she added.
The following is the membership of the Committee:
Chairperson
-----------
Secretary for Justice
Members
------
* Chief Judge of the High Court,
* representative of the Secretary for Education and
Manpower,
* Director of Legal Aid,
* Commissioner for Official Languages,
* Law Draftsman of the Department of Justice,
* Mr Alan K K Leong, representative of the Hong Kong
Bar Association,
* Mr Vincent Liang, representative of the Law Society
of Hong Kong,
* Dr Daniel Tse
* Professor Nelson Chow
* Dr Ng Tat Lun
The Secretary of the Committee is the Assistant
Director (Development and Public Relations), Department of
Justice.
The appointments, to be effective from April 1, 1998,
were published in the Gazette today.
End
10. CS supports Hongkong Post customer-focus programmes
***************************************************
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson
Chan, today (Friday) visited Hongkong Post and presented
awards to 15 staff members who contributed to the
"Hongkong Post Customer Service Training" videos and five
winners of the "Keep Hongkong Post Clean and Tidy
Competition".
The Postmaster General, Mr Robert Footman, said: "We
are delighted to receive the Chief Secretary for
Administration's support for our aim to become
increasingly customer-focused.
"To this end, we have just started a department-wide
customer service training programme."
Fifteen staff members, including delivery postmen,
counter staff, philatelic and mail tracing officers, have
voluntarily participated in the production of training
videos.
"To thank them for their contribution to make the
training a success, each one was presented an 'Oscar
Award' by Mrs Chan.
"Hongkong Post has also launched a number of staff
motivation programmes throughout the year that recognise
our staff as our major asset," Mr Footman added.
One programme was the "Keep Hongkong Post Clean and
Tidy Competition" which has been held since January.
This year's award went to the General Post Office,
Peak Post Office, Kwong Yuen Post Office, Ma On Shan
Delivery Office as well as Hongkong Post Stamps Office at
Cheung Sha Wan. Supervisors of these offices also received
a prize from Mrs Chan.
End
11. Fewer young abusers reported in 1997
************************************
Fewer drug abusers under the age of 21 were reported
to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) in 1997, the
Assistant Secretary (Narcotics) of the Narcotics Division,
Mr Lam Ka-tai, said today (Friday).
"A total of 3,135 drug abusers aged below 21 were
reported to the CRDA, 14.3 per cent down on the figure in
1996," he added.
Mr Lam was addressing a seminar for about 200 in-
service and student social workers at the Lady Trench
Training Centre of the Social Welfare Department in Wan
Chai.
Jointly organised by the Action Committee Against
Narcotics and the Social Welfare Department, the seminar,
entitled "Helping the Youth Free from Drugs", was aimed at
keeping social workers informed of the Government's anti-
drugs efforts and on enhancing their skills in helping
young drug abusers.
Mr Lam pointed out that in 1997 there was a drop in
the number of young female drug abusers reported to the
CRDA, as compared with the number in 1996.
"In 1997, there were 752 reported female drug abusers
aged below 21, representing a drop of 10.4 per cent when
compared with the figure in 1996," he noted.
Speaking of abuse of psychotropic substances, Mr Lam
said there was a 1.9 per cent increase in the number of
psychotropic substances abusers in 1997 when 3,451 were
reported, compared with 3,388 in 1996.
In view of this, the anti-drug projects for 1998/99
will emphasise:
* there is no difference between "hard" and "soft"
drugs in terms of its undesirable consequences to
life;
* drug abuse is not a solution to any problem; and
* the benefits of staying away from drugs.
On the promotion of drug education, Mr Lam said the
Narcotics Division publicised anti-drugs messages through
various activities which catered to the needs of different
target groups.
The activities include:
* drug education talks for students of primary and
secondary schools, as well as technical institutes;
* seminars to help parents to realise the harmful
effects of drug abuse and to steer their children
away from drugs;
* production of education and publicity materials,
such as leaflets and teaching kits for schools;
* promotion of community participation in the fight
against drugs;
* broadcasting of "Announcements in Public Interest"
on TV and radio; and
* setting up a home page on the Internet to alert
youngsters of the harmful effects of drug abuse.
With the ever-changing drug abuse trend in mind, the
Narcotics Division regularly revises the contents of the
drug education talks. In January this year, a new video
film for junior secondary students was produced to get the
anti-drugs message across to them using the language they
understand.
"Helping young people to stay away from drugs is a
challenging job, and requires the joint efforts of the
community. You are front-line social workers; let us take
up the responsibility of disseminating anti-drugs messages
so that our clients would not be affected by drug abuse
and would be able to lead a healthy life," Mr Lam told
participants of the seminar.
End
12. Fire safety talk well received
******************************
More than 300 members of owners' corporations (OCs),
mutual aid committees (MACs) and area committees in Yau
Tsim Mong district participated in a fire prevention talk
cum tea reception tonight (Friday) to update themselves on
fire prevention.
Addressing the talk, Yau Tsim Mong District Officer
and Chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong District Fire Safety
Committee (YTMDFSC), Ms Rebecca Pun, reiterated the
Government's commitment to improving fire safety in
buildings.
Ms Pun noted that the Central Steering Committee on
Fire Safety under the leadership of the Secretary for Home
Affairs, and the Yau Tsim Mong, Eastern and Tsuen Wan
DFSCs had already been set up to enhance community
involvement and promote public awareness of fire safety,
adding that other DFSCs would be set up in each of the
other 15 districts in due course.
"Another initiative introduced by the Government is
the setting up of the first Building Management Resource
Centre. Situated at 2 Mau Lam Street in Yau Ma Tei, it
will be open in April to provide comprehensive support
services and professional advice on building management to
building owners, residents and members of OCs and MACs,"
she said.
Stressing that fire safety is a joint responsibility
of building owners, residents, tenants and the Government,
she appealed to the public to attach great importance to
fire prevention so as to reduce fire risks to the minimum.
The talk cum tea reception, co-organised by the YTM
DFSC and the Yau Tsim Mong District Office with
sponsorship from the Yau Tsim Mong Provisional District
Board (PDB), is the first activity organised by the
YTMDFSC since its inauguration last month.
Ms Pun said the YTM DFSC would organise a number of
publicity activities on fire prevention in future and she
urged the participants to give their continued support.
During the three-hour activity, videos on fire
prevention knowledge and actions to be taken during fires
were shown. Following was a talk on fire safety at home
given by the Fire Services Department's Senior Station
Officer, Mr Kwong Shi-man. The participants later
exchanged views on fire prevention and building management
during the reception. They also learned about the
structure and the work of the YTMDFSC.
Other guests at the talk included the FSD's acting
Chief Fire Officer (Kowloon Fire Command Headquarters), Mr
Lee Chee-chung, and the Chairman of the Yau Tsim Mong PDB,
Mr Chow Chun-fai.
End
13. Interception of telecommunications
**********************************
In response to press enquiries, a Security Bureau
spokesman today (Friday) said that the Interception of
Communications Ordinance passed by the former Legislative
Council has a number of unacceptable features which would
seriously hamper the effectiveness of the law enforcement
agencies in carrying out their duties.
"Under the Ordinance, the law enforcement agencies
are only allowed to renew the warrant once for 90 days.
This would adversely affect the effectiveness of the law
enforcement agencies in investigating and detecting
serious crimes such as kidnapping and money laundering,
which usually involve protracted operations," the
spokesman said.
"In addition, the Ordinance does not provide
exemption for law enforcement agencies to intercept
certain radio communications for which it is impossible to
specify the target and the radio spectrum such as those
used in smuggling. The Ordinance also requires
notification of the target after interception takes place,
which conflicts with the clandestine nature of
interception.
"The Government is therefore carefully assessing the
implications of the Ordinance before deciding on the way
forward and has not appointed a commencement date for it.
Our legal advice confirms that the decision of not
appointing a commencement date is legally sound.
"In parallel, we are revising the Government's White
Bill on Interception of Communications taking into account
the wide range of comments received over this
controversial subject during the consultation exercise
last year," he added.
When asked about the current practice, the spokesman
stressed that law enforcement agencies would only be
authorised to intercept telecommunications strictly in
accordance with the law, and that is section 33 of the
Telecommunication Ordinance (Cap. 106).
"In accordance with section 33 of Cap 106, the Chief
Executive only authorises interception of
telecommunications where he considers that the public
interest so requires, for example, to prevent or detect a
serious crime.
"There is absolutely no question of delegating the
authority to approve interception to heads of law
enforcement agencies. Indeed, law enforcement agencies
have standing orders and guidelines which strictly control
the number of persons permitted to have access to
information intercepted to ensure that there is no abuse
of power," the spokesman said.
End
14. More ambulance depots open
**************************
A new ambulance depot in Sham Tseng will soon come
into operation to cater for the need of the new
development in north-western New Territories, the chairman
of the Provisional Legislative Council's Panel on
Security, Mrs Selina Chow, said today (Friday).
Speaking at the passing out parade of 78 recruit
ambulancemen of the Fire Services Department, Mrs Chow
noted that the Tung Chung Fire Station cum Ambulance Depot
was opened last week.
She added that 10 new ambulance-aid motorcycles had
been put in commission in March to provide a quicker
initial ambulance service.
These showed the department's effort to improve their
services to the public, she said.
Mrs Chow said paramedic training developed by British
Columbia, Canada had been introduced to all members of the
ambulance service since 1992.
Over 200 front-line ambulancemen had received a more
professional training of Emergency Medical Assistant
standard and there were a total of 33 paramedic ambulances
available in the territory, she added.
On parade were the ambulancemen who had completed a
24-week basic training course and would soon be posted out
to various ambulance depots.
End
15. More endangered species added to protection list
************************************************
Members of the public are reminded that starting from
today (Friday), a number of species have been added to the
protection list of the Animals and Plants (Protection of
Endangered Species) Ordinance.
This means that possession, import and export of
these species, their parts and derivatives are subjected
to licensing control with immediate effect.
The new control comes into effect a month after the
Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species)
Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules) Notice 1998 was
gazetted in February, so that the public, in particular
the traders affected, could take necessary arrangements.
An Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD)
spokesman said the amendments were made to put Hong Kong's
legislative control on endangered species in line with the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Among those newly added to the control list are some
species of squirrels, deer, ducks, dove and turtles which
have been identified by individual CITES parties as
requiring international co-operation to protect these
species from over-exploitation by trade, he said.
Examples commonly known to people of Hong Kong
include wild duck, Masked Palm Civet and egret.
Also becomes effective is the Animal and Plants
(Protection of Endangered Species)(Exemption)(Amendment)
Order 1998.
Under the order, the possession of crocodile meat for
personal consumption is exempted from licensing
requirement. Exemption for live coral has also been
withdrawn, which implies that licence control is
applicable to the species except for its skeleton.
The spokesman noted that the Endangered Species
Advisory Committee, manufacturers and traders of related
business had been consulted before the decisions of these
amendments.
He also took the opportunity to remind the public
that breaching of the Animals and Plants (Protection of
Endangered Species) Ordinance is liable to a maximum
penalty of $5 million fine and two years' imprisonment
upon conviction when a highly endangered species for
commercial purpose is involved.
Enquiries on the amendments can be directed to AFD's
Endangered Species Protection Section on 2733 2282.
End
16. Electronic stamp vending machines installed at two
post offices
*********************************************************
The Postmaster General, Mr Robert Footman, announced
today (Friday) that the Frama machines installed at the
General Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office will be
replaced by electronic stamp vending machines which have
proved to be more reliable and user-friendly.
The last day of service of the Frama machines will be
March 28, 1998.
Hand back service will be provided at 22 philatelic
offices on March 28 for privately-made covers bearing the
'Last Day' indication.
End
17. Basic Law booklets to strengthen civic education
************************************************
The Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education
(CPCE) has produced two booklets to promote a better
understanding of the Basic Law among the young.
A CPCE spokesman today (Friday) said: "The Government
accords high priority to the promotion of the Basic Law -
the mini-constitution for the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region.
"Tasked with the promotion of civic education among
the public, the CPCE has been promoting the understanding
of the Basic Law in recent years. We see, in particular,
the need for our younger generation to understand the
important document.
"Towards this end, we will launch a Basic Law
Package, comprising a Question and Answer booklet and a
storybook, focusing on the 'One Country, Two Systems'
concept tomorrow to strengthen our publicity efforts among
students and youths."
The Question and Answer booklet explains the
important principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "high
degree of autonomy" and "Hong Kong people ruling Hong
Kong" enshrined in the Basic Law.
With the aid of colourful illustrations, the booklet
explicates the background and important features of the
Basic Law, including the economy, the political system and
rights and duties of the individual of the HKSAR
guaranteed under the Basic Law.
To cater for younger readers, the storybook employs a
comic strip to illustrate the major features of the Basic
Law.
The two booklets form part of the series of reference
materials for the promotion of the Basic Law to the young
people. A CD-ROM has been released earlier.
Copies of the two booklets will be available for
collection from tomorrow (Saturday) at all district
offices; the Civic Education Resource Centre on the second
floor, Tung Sun Commercial Centre, 194-200 Lockhart Road,
Wan Chai; and the Information Services Department's
Marketing Office, 17th floor, Siu On Centre, 176-192
Lockhart Road, Wan Chai.
Free copies will also be distributed to schools and
voluntary agencies.
End
18. TA approves acquisition of P Plus by SmarTone
*********************************************
The Telecommunications Authority (TA) (Acting), Mr M
H Au, announced today (Friday) that, having considered a
joint application made by Star Telecom International
Holding Limited (Star Telecom), Telecom Service Limited
(TSL) and SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited
(SmarTone), he has approved the acquisition of P Plus
Communications Limited (P Plus) by SmarTone.
P Plus is currently licensed to operate a Personal
Communications Service (PCS). Under the arrangement
approved by the TA, SmarTone will acquire all shares in P
Plus from the existing shareholders (Star Telecom and TSL)
and take over control of the operation of all
telecommunication services of the acquired company.
SmarTone will continue to honour all commitments and
obligations under the licences of P Plus including the
performance bond obligations under the PCS licence.
"I have given my approval of the acquisition after
considering whether competition in the market would be
adversely affected, whether the interest of the existing
customers of P Plus has been adequately safeguarded,
whether the regulatory environment has been compromised
and other relevant factors. These factors have been
explained in a paper submitted to the Economic Services
Panel of the Provisional Legislative Council in January
1998," said Mr Au.
"I am satisfied that the level of competition in the
market for mobile phones would not be unduly affected by
the acquisition. Although the number of competing
operators in the mobile phone market is reduced by one,
there will still be three major players and three new PCS
operators which are rapidly developing their networks and
improving their capability to compete. There will
continue to be six PCS networks operated by operators
independent of one another. Hong Kong remains one of the
most competitive markets in the world for mobile phone
services after the acquisition,"continued Mr Au.
"The market concentration would not be substantially
changed by the acquisition as P Plus's market share is
relatively small. I have also considered the effect of
the spectrum constraint on SmarTone on the level of
competition in the market if the acquisition were not
approved. I am of the view that the acquisition would in
the long term enhance competition in the market," said Mr
Au.
"I am also satisfied that consumers' interest would
not be affected. SmarTone is required to take over all
the obligations of P Plus under P Plus's licence. All
existing services of P Plus will continue to be provided
to its customers in a seamless manner without any
disruption," said Mr Au.
"The regulatory environment would not be compromised.
My approval does not amount to 'permitting a loser in the
PCS licensing bid to purchase back the licence'. In the
PCS licence bidding exercise, the selection of licensees
was based on the content of the proposal, not the identity
of the shareholders. The approval of the acquisition was
upon the condition that SmarTone will honour all
commitments in the original bid of P Plus. I am satisfied
that SmarTone has the financial and technical capability
of honouring those commitments. The change of
shareholders of P Plus would therefore not change the
status of the P Plus's licence and the conditions under
which the licence was granted," continued Mr Au.
The possibility of an operator holding a licence for
the 900 MHz band and a licence for PCS has been made known
to the industry since the PCS licence bidding exercise.
It remains the TA's intentions to promote fair and
effective competition between PCS operators with a 900 MHz
licence and those without," concluded Mr Au.
Mr Au added that any future proposal of this nature
would need to be considered on its own merits by the TA.
End
19. Firing practices from April to June
***********************************
Firing practices will take place at the San Wai/Tai
Ling Ranges and the Castle Peak Firing Ranges from April 1
to June 30.
To ensure safety, the public is advised to leave the
firing areas before firing takes place and not to enter
the areas within the period of firing.
Red flags will be hung at proper places around the
firing ranges during daytime practices. During night
practices, red lights will be hung at proper places around
the firing ranges.
Following are the dates and times for the firing
practices in April:
San Wai/Tai Ling Ranges
-----------------------
Date Time
---- ----
April 2 (Thursday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 17 (Friday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 20 (Monday) 8 am to 5 pm
April 21 (Tuesday) 8 am to 5 pm
April 22 (Wednesday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 23 (Thursday) 8 am to 5 pm
April 24 (Friday) 8 am to 5 pm
April 27 (Monday) 8 am to 5 pm
April 28 (Tuesday) 8 am to 5 pm
April 29 (Wednesday) 8 am to 5 pm
April 30 (Thursday) 8 am to 5 pm
Castle Peak Firing Ranges
-------------------------
Date Time
---- ----
April 1 (Wednesday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 2 (Thursday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 7 (Tuesday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 8 (Wednesday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 9 (Thursday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 15 (Wednesday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 16 (Thursday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 20 (Monday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 22 (Wednesday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 23 (Thursday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 29 (Wednesday) 9 am to 5 pm
April 30 (Thursday) 9 am to 5 pm
End
20. Code of practice to promote the safe use of cranes
**************************************************
The Occupational Safety and Health Branch (OSHB) of
the Labour Department has published a code of practice to
promote the safe application and operation of mobile
cranes and tower cranes.
Acting Chief Occupational Safety Officer of OSHB, Mr
Ho Tit-ying, said today (Friday) that the Code of Practice
for Safe Use of Mobile Cranes and Tower Cranes is aimed at
providing practical guidance on how to use the cranes
safely and properly with reference to the general duties
provisions (Section 6A and 6B) of the Factories and
Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (FIUO) as well as the
provisions of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings
(Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulation.
The Code is an approved code issued by the
Commissioner for Labour under Section 7A of the FIUO.
"It recommends a safe system of work for every
lifting operation by cranes, the siting of cranes,
requirements for operators, slingers and signallers, and
the use of signalling system to ensure the safety of all
personnel working with or near the cranes," said Mr Ho.
"A safe working environment for those working with
and near the mobile crane or tower crane can be achieved
by complying with the provisions of the Code, and
accidents and dangerous occurrences arising from work can
be avoided."
He said the safe use of cranes was the responsibility
of the owner, management and supervisor in selecting a
suitable crane for a particular working profile and ensure
that the cranes are tested and thoroughly examined by a
Registered Professional Engineer periodically, after
erection and substantial repair.
"Operators, slingers, signallers and all persons
working in connection with the lifting operation by cranes
are expected to take care of themselves and others.
"They should pay special attention to potential
hazards and the damaging effect of crane accidents. Also,
they should follow the rules and precautions during the
lifting operation, especially in proper use of outriggers,
use of blocking in siting of cranes on pavement or soil
ground, possible overloading and utmost care during
working near overhead cables."
Copies of the bi-lingual Code of Practice are
available for collection from the Advisory and Development
Division of the OSHB on the 25th Floor, Western Harbour
Centre, 181 Connaught Road West, Hong Kong or any branch
offices of the OSHB.
End
21. New reservoir in Tin Shui Wai to meet rising demand
***************************************************
The Water Supplies Department will build a fresh
water service reservoir at Tan Kwai Tsuen North to meet
the demand of a rising population in Tin Shui Wai at the
turn of the century.
A spokesman for the Department said today (Friday)
that the new reservoir would have a storage capacity of
80,000 cubic metres and together with the existing Wang
Chau Fresh Water Service Reservoir, would serve the
housing developments there.
It is estimated that an additional population of
170,000 will move in following the development of areas 3,
30 and 31 of the Tin Shui Wai Development Zone and Tin
Shui Wai Reserve Zone in 2004.
Works are due to start in July this year for
completion in about 28 months.
End
22. Town Planning Board to review two OZPs
**************************************
The Chief Executive in Council has recently referred
two approved Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs) to the Town
Planning Board for amendment, a spokesman for the board
said today (Friday).
They are the Hung Hom OZP and the Tung Chung Town
Centre Area OZP.
"Amendments to the approved Hung Hom OZP are
necessary to revise the boundaries of some sites and to
reflect the latest land use proposals on Hung Hom Bay
Reclamation," the spokesman said.
This OZP (No. S/K9/8) was last approved by the then
Governor in Council on May 6, 1997.
For the Tung Chung Town Centre OZP, amendments are
required to facilitate the provision of land for
residential and village-type developments, and the
associated "Government, Institution or Community"
facilities in the Tung Chung Town Centre Area.
The Tung Chung Town Centre Area OZP (No. S/I-TCTC/2)
was last approved by the then Governor in Council on July
25, 1995.
"Both plans, after revision by the board to
incorporate the latest amendments, will be available for
public inspection under the provision of the Town Planning
Ordinance," the spokesman added.
End
23. Upgrading works for 31 slopes
*****************************
The Civil Engineering Department will carry out
upgrading works on 31 slopes and retaining walls,
including 10 for schools, under the Accelerated Landslip
Preventive Measures (LPM) Programme.
"The upgrading works involve mainly the installation
of soil nails, construction of retaining walls, cutting
back of slopes to a gentler gradient, recompaction of fill
slopes, improvement of drainage and surfacing of slopes,"
acting Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Mr Jerry Ho, said
today (Friday).
"The works are expected to start in June this year
for completion in 24 months," he said, adding that upon
completion, the slopes would meet safety standard set down
in the Geotechnical Manual for Slopes.
The Accelerated LPM Programme to upgrade government-
owned man-made slopes in the 1977-78 Catalogue of Slopes
was launched in April 1995. It aims to speed up the
investigation of and the upgrading works for as many
substandard slopes in the catalogue as possible by 2000.
Eleven more contracts for another 380 slopes will be
tendered later this year. Six upgrading contracts
involving about 200 slopes and retaining walls were let
last year.
End
24. Tenderer prequalification for construction works on Tsing Yi
*********************************************************
The Government is now inviting applications from
contractors to prequalify for tendering the construction
of the Tsing Yi North Coastal Road.
The works, scheduled to commence next January for
completion in early 2002, mainly comprise:
(a) construction of a 2.2-km dual two-lane road
connecting Tsing Tsuen Road near Tam Kon Shan
Interchange and Northwest Tsing Yi Interchange;
(b) construction of two slip roads and two link roads
connecting the proposed road to Tam Kon Shan
Interchange and Tam Kon Shan Road respectively;
(c) construction of a sub-control centre; and
(d) ancillary works including earthworks, drainage,
landscaping works, construction of pedestrian
subways, retaining walls, footpaths as well as
erection of noise barrier and noise semi-
enclosure.
After completion, the road will provide a direct
route between Tsing Tsuen Bridge and Lantau Link. It will
also form part of the principal access to the new airport
at Chek Lap Kok.
Tenders on the works will be called from prequalified
tenderers in October this year.
Interest parties who are on the List of Approved
Contractors for Public Works in Group C for both roads and
drainage and site formation works may apply in writing for
prequalification.
Relevant documents can be obtained from Regional
Highway Engineer/New Territories, Highways Department,
second floor, Ho Man Tin Government Offices, 88 Chung Hau
Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon.
Completed prequalification applications should be
submitted as directed before noon on May 1 (Friday).
End
25. Tenders invited for road works in Wong Chuk Hang
************************************************
The Highways Department is inviting tenders for the
construction of Wong Chuk Hang Road Flyover and associated
road works.
Works are anticipated to commence in June this year
for completion in November 2001.
When completed, the project will help improve the
capacity at the junction of Wong Chuk Hang Road and Nam
Long Shan Road to cope with the traffic growth in relation
to developments in the Southern District.
The works comprise the construction of a dual two-
lane flyover about 550 metres in length along Wong Chuk
Hang Road over its junction with Nam Long Shan Road.
Local road widening, junction improvement, upgrading
of drainage and sewerage systems as well as landscaping
works are also included.
Details of the tender are published in the Gazette
today (Friday).
Interested parties who are on the List of Approved
Contractors for Public Works in Group C for raods and
drainage works may tender for the works.
Sealed tenders, clearly marked with the tender
reference and subject of the tender on the outside of the
envelope, should be addressed to the Chairman, Central
Tender Board and placed in the Government Secretariat
Tender Box at the lift lobby, lower ground floor, Central
Government Offices (East Wing), Lower Albert Road, before
noon on May 1 (Friday).
Late tenders will not be accepted.
End
26. Water cut in Wan Chai
*********************
Fresh water supply to some premises in Wan Chai will
be suspended from 11 pm on March 23 (Monday) to 6 am the
following day for waste detection work on watermains.
The suspension will affect the following premises:
* 210-254 Gloucester Road;
* 377-421 (odd nos) and 388-468A (even nos) Jaffe
Road,
* 375-483 (odd nos) and 376-484 (even nos) Lockhart
Road;
* 375-481 Hennessy Road;
* 17-29 (odd nos) and 8 Percival Street; and
* 8-32 Marsh Road.
End
