Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
Garden Road, 5th-8th Floors, Murray Building, Hong Kong. Tel: 2842 8777
Friday, August 8, 1997 CONTENTS ======== 1. ACP reaches 85% completion mark 2. Govt clarifies West Rail design consultancies 3. Education for children whose status to be established 4. Stage Three of S6 Admission Procedure begins tomorrow 5. ED: Violating admission procedures not acceptable 6. Response to press enquiries on bus fires 7. Gradings of Beach Water Quality Announced 8. EPS service for collection of vehicle licence fees 9. River channels in Sheung Shui to reduce flooding 10. Volume and price statistics of external trade in May 1997 11. AIDS Trust Fund application deadlines 12. Sir Edward Youde Memorial Scholarships for Overseas Scheme 13. Fire safety workshop well received 1. ACP reaches 85% completion mark ******************************* The $156.4 billion Airport Core Programme (ACP) which is providing Hong Kong with a new international airport and related facilities is 85 per cent complete, with government works 98 per cent complete, according to the latest quarterly report covering the progress of the ACP up to the end of June this year released by the New Airport Projects Co-ordination Office (NAPCO). Now that the works directly funded by the Government are close to completion, NAPCO, which has been co- ordinating the ACP, will focus attention on the progress of the new airport and the airport railway. NAPCO has been working closely with the Airport Authority (AA) and the MTR Corporation (MTRC) to ensure that the airport and the railway will -- as with the government ACP works -- be completed on time and within budget, said its Director, Mr Billy Lam. "We are all working towards the target of opening the new airport in April next year, and the airport railway shortly after," he said. Copies of the report have been submitted to the Provisional Legislative Council and the Airport Consultative Committee. The funding position of the ACP is also covered in the report. "With continuous, rigorous cost control and conscientious efforts in tackling claims from contractors, we expect the outturn cost of the ACP will remain within the reduced estimate of $156,364 million announced in October 1996," said Mr Lam. Referring to the figures for claims contained in the quarterly report, Mr Lam said the claims from contractors did not signify anything unusual or causing concern, especially for projects of such size and complexity as the ACP. As at the end of June, the Government, the AA and the MTRC have received a total of 16,294 claims in relation to 152 major ACP construction contracts. Of these, 4,806 have been resolved by way of settlement or withdrawal of the claims by the contractors, leaving 11,488 unresolved claims. The 4,806 claims were resolved at a cost of $2,423 million against the original claimed amount of $9,160 million. The 11,488 unresolved claims are seeking $11,278 million but the Government, the AA and the MTRC have estimated their liability against these claims at $3,643 million. Mr Lam said there was sufficient contingency in the revised estimate for ACP projects for the settlement of claims, while leaving a reasonable balance to meet changes and variation orders for the remaining contract period. The Government, the AA and the MTRC would continue to closely monitor claims for extension of time to ensure that critical contract completion dates would remain unaffected, Mr Lam said. "We will also continue to work conscientiously to ensure that the claims will be settled in a cost- effective and efficient manner, and consideration will be given only to those which are fully substantiated," he added. End 2. Govt clarifies West Rail design consultancies ********************************************* In response to media enquiries regarding Kowloon- Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC)'s plan to invite expressions of interest for the detailed design consultancies in respect of Phase I of the West Rail, a Government spokesman said today (Friday) that detailed design was an essential part of the planning process of the West Rail to bring the design level of the railway from 25 per cent to full design. He said: "Construction of the railway can only start after detailed design is completed but to meet the planned target dates for commencement of construction and completion of the railway, the KCRC needs to invite expressions of interest for the design consultancies now." "However, land resumption and construction of the project could only proceed when we have obtained the authorisation of the Executive Council and the necessary funding from the Finance Committee of the Legislature in 1998," the spokesman emphasised. According to KCRC's timetable, expressions of interest will be invited this month, followed by a pre- qualification exercise to enable a shortlist of detailed design consultants to be drawn up. These consultants will then be invited to tender for five detailed design packages covering the five sections of the railway. Detailed design work will commence in early 1998 and is expected to be completed around end of 1998. While the present pre-qualification exercise by KCRC does not signify that implementation of the railway has received a formal go-ahead, the spokesman reiterated that it was Government's intention to construct the West Rail as soon as possible. "According to the project programme, it is Government's target to complete the railway from West Kowloon to Yuen Long by end of 2002 and to Tuen Mun in the third quarter of 2003," the spokesman added. End 3. Education for children whose status to be established ***************************************************** In view of the imminent commencement of the school year, the Immigration Department (Imm D) and the Education Department (ED) responded to enquiries concerning enrolment in schools by children whose immigration status has not yet been established. The Government policy continues to be that children who have no legal right to remain in Hong Kong will not be allowed to enrol in schools. They will be repatriated in the usual manner. However, for those children whose claims may take some time to verify, we will continue to consider on a case by case basis to allow them to receive education during the time their cases are being examined. Subject to the Imm D's advice, they may temporarily enrol in schools pending the outcome of the assessment of their claims. Upon request by parents of these children, ED's District Education Offices will seek advice from the Imm D before deciding whether the children could be admitted to a school temporarily. For those children who may be admitted to schools temporarily, school places will normally be identified for them within 21 school days from the date of the request. Based on the number of children surrendered to the Imm D, ED estimates that adequate school places could be found. These arrangements are made on compassionate grounds for the welfare of the children. They will in no way affect the outcome of the assessment of their claims nor be construed as a ground against their repatriation if considered necessary eventually. End 4. Stage Three of S6 Admission Procedure begins tomorrow ***************************************************** A total of 6,271 Secondary 6 (S6) places are still available for Secondary 5 (S5) students to apply at Stage Three of the Secondary 6 Admission Procedure which begins tomorrow (Saturday). Up to present, about 17,800 students were successful in acquiring S6 places. Day school students with results satisfying the minimum A-Level entry requirements may apply to their own or linked school which still has vacant places before 11.30 am tomorrow. Successful applicants should register with the schools on the same day. Private candidates and evening school students with results which satisfy the minimum A-Level entry requirements may apply to PLK Vicwood K T Chong Sixth Form College. Prevocational school and past students, however, should not apply at this stage. Meanwhile, the Education Department has received four complaints today (Friday) about schools not following the admission procedure. The department's central hotlines, 2892 5786, 2892 5785 and 2892 5751 and the 19 district education offices handled about 136 and 712 enquiries respectively on the admission procedure today. The hotline will continue to operate from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 noon on Saturdays until August 16 (Saturday). Up to 5.30 pm today, the department's Careers Education Centre had received 353 visitors and handled 139 telephone enquiries on matters relating to the release of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination results. The centre at Room 206, Mong Kok Government Offices, 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, provides students with materials on opportunities for further studies and training and information on various professions. Students are reminded that the centre will extend its opening hours without a break from 8.45 am to 5.30 pm on weekdays and from 8.45 am to 1 pm on Saturday until August 11 (Monday). An educational counsellor can be reached on 2712 7958 during the period. End 5. ED: Violating admission procedures not acceptable ************************************************* The Director of Education, Mrs Helen C P Lai YU, today (Friday) stressed that schools should closely follow the Secondary Six Admission Procedures laid down by the department. Mrs YU said: "Schools must not accept students ahead of schedule. Advance registration is not acceptable. It is unfair to students and unethical in principle and practice. "Our area staff conduct spot checks on schools to ensure compliance with the announced procedures. "We take a serious view of such malpractice and will investigate all complaints," she said. "If a complaint is substantiated, the school concerned will be warned. The extra students enrolled under such circumstances will not count towards the class size." Mrs YU also called on schools to accept students with disabilities where they can be integrated. "It is time-honoured education philosophy to treat students equally regardless of ability or disability. It has been our policy, as far as possible, to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream schools. Schools should do their best to help and encourage such students who wish to continue their education." The S6 Admission Procedures are reviewed every year and all practical areas for improvement will be considered in order to reduce student anxiety over school placement. End 6. Response to press enquiries on bus fires **************************************** In response to press enquiries on the recent spate of bus fires, a spokesman for the Transport Department today (Friday) issued the following statement: "The Transport Department (TD) is very concerned about the recent spate of accidents involving buses of the Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) Company. As in the previous four incidents, the one occurred last night (Thursday) in Tsuen Wan near Tuen Mun Road involving a KMB Route 58M double decker bus is another separate and isolated incident. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. KMB was instructed to submit a report to TD in two days for this incident. TD has instructed KMB to step up its supervision and quality control of its fleet maintenance and inspection programme to assure safety. TD has also issued an instruction to KMB ordering a fleet check for all models within one month. KMB is also required to come up with means to strengthen its maintenance and inspection programme and submit a report to TD within two weeks. In view of these incidents, TD will also inform other public bus companies of the causes of recent fires and advise them to take precautionary actions to assure safety of their fleet." End 7. Gradings of Beach Water Quality Announced ***************************************** The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (Friday) released its latest beach water quality monitoring results to inform swimmers and the public about the water quality of the beaches in Hong Kong. Starting from this week, the beach grading results will be announced weekly on every Friday during the bathing season to coincide with the new weekly frequency of beach monitoring by EPD. Under EPD's monitoring system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the most recent trends in E. coli data collected. Among the 37 beaches, two are found to be in "good" condition (Grade 1), 16 "fair" (Grade 2), 13 "poor" (Grade 3) and six "very poor" (Grade 4). "Grade 1" beaches include: Hap Mun Bay (S) Lo So Shing (S) "Grade 2" beaches include: Hung Shing Yeh (S) Tong Fuk (S) Chung Hom Kok (S) Discovery Bay * Kwun Yam Wan (S) Tung Wan on Cheung Chau (S) Middle Bay (S) Kiu Tsui (S) Repulse Bay (S) South Bay (S) St. Stephen's (S) Pui O (S) Cheung Sha Upper (S) Hairpin (S) Turtle Cove (S) Stanley Main (S) "Grade 3" beaches include: Big Wave Bay (S) Clear Water Bay 1st Beach (S) Deep Water Bay (S) Clear Water Bay 2nd Beach (S) Shek O (S) Tung Wan on Ma Wan (S) Cheung Sha Lower New Cafeteria (S) Golden Beach (S) Kadoorie (S) Butterfly (S) Trio (S) Silverstrand (S) "Grade 4" beaches include: Silvermine Bay (S) Gemini Hoi Mei Wan Casam (S) Lido (S) Old Cafeteria Note: * Non-gazetted beach (S) Shark prevention net installed The grades of Cheung Sha Upper has changed from "1" to "2"; Golden Beach, Kadoorie and Butterfly from "2" to "3"; Old Cafeteria from "3" to "4"; Hairpin, Stanley Main and Turtle Cove from "3" to "2" and Silverstrand from "4" to "3". These changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of these beaches. In addition, however, the recent typhoon and heavy rainfall would have flushed pollutants into many of the beach areas and this would also account for some temporary deterioration in beach water quality. In general, many beaches are likely to be more polluted than the grades suggested during and after periods of heavy rain. Hence, bathers should avoid swimming at beaches, particularly Grade 3 and 4 beaches, for a few days after a storm or heavy rainfall. The public are reminded that Grade 4 beaches are generally considered unsuitable for swimming at any time. At present, five gazetted beaches, namely Anglers', Approach, Ting Kau, Castle Peak and Rocky Bay, are closed to swimmers based on the beach water quality monitoring data for 1996. End 8. EPS service for collection of vehicle licence fees ************************************************** The Transport Department is to extend the Easy Pay System (EPS) scheme for the collection of vehicle licence fees in its Hong Kong Licensing Office from Monday (August 11). The EPS scheme enables members of the public to submit their applications and pay the fees at the same counter to save time and reduce the volume of cash in hand. It has been well received by the public since it was introduced last year for collecting driving licence fees in Transport Department's four licensing offices. A spokesman for the department said: "To further extend the scheme, EPS service will be available from Monday in counters processing renewal of vehicle licences or transfer of vehicle ownership at the Hong Kong Licensing Office on the third floor, United Centre, 95 Queensway." "If public response is good, this alternative method for paying fees will also be available in vehicle licence counters in the other three licensing offices in Mong Kok, Kwun Tong and Shatin in the coming months." End 9. River channels in Sheung Shui to reduce flooding ************************************************ The Government will construct river channels in Sheung Shui to reduce the risk of flooding in the area. The works form part of the long-term river training project in the Indus Basin. They will also bring about significant improvement to the maintenance access to the river channels upon completion. The works will be carried out within about 5.3 hectares of foreshore and sea-bed at Area 30B in Sheung Shui. Apart from constructing new river channels, existing ones between the south of Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works and north of Fu Tei Au Road will be widened. There will also be excavation works and embankments will be built. The works will start in early 1998 for completion in about early 2001. End 10. Volume and price statistics of external trade in May 1997 ********************************************************* In May 1997, the volume of Hong Kong's re-exports increased by 2.2% over a year earlier, while that of domestic exports decreased by 1.8%. Taken together, the volume of total exports increased by 1.6%. Concurrently, the volume of imports increased by 5.3%. The Census and Statistics Department today (Friday) released volume and price statistics of external trade for May 1997. Comparing January-May 1997 with January-May 1996, the volume of Hong Kong's re-exports increased by 5.3%, while the volume of domestic exports decreased by 3.0%. Taken together, the volume of total exports increased by 4.1%. Meanwhile, imports increased by 6.3% in volume. The growth in volume of trade is derived from the growth in trade value with the effect of price changes discounted. Comparing May 1997 with May 1996, the prices of re- exports and domestic exports decreased by 1.7% and 2.1% respectively. Import prices also decreased, by 2.2%. As regards price changes in January-May 1997 over January-May 1996, the prices of re-exports and domestic exports decreased by 1.4% and 2.0% respectively, while import prices decreased by 2.5%. Price changes are reflected by changes in unit value indices which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data. The terms of trade index, defined as the ratio of total export price index to import price index, rose by 0.4% in May 1997 over a year earlier, and by 1.0% in January-May 1997 over the same period last year. The changes in the value, unit value and volume of re-exports by end-use category are shown in Table 1. Analysed by end-use category, increases in re-export volume in May 1997 over a year earlier were recorded for most of the categories, viz. fuels (+31%); capital goods (+9.2%); and raw materials and semi-manufactures (+2.3%). On the other hand, the volume of re-exports of foodstuffs and consumer goods decreased by 11% and 1.3% respectively. Over the same period of comparison, increases were recorded in the prices of re-exports of fuels (+1.2%) and foodstuffs (+0.4%). On the other hand, re-export prices of capital goods; raw materials and semi-manufactures; and consumer goods decreased by 3.7%, 2.9% and 0.3% respectively. The changes in the value, unit value and volume of domestic exports by principal commodity group are shown in Table 2. Comparing May 1997 with May 1996, the volume of domestic exports of electronic components and domestic electrical appliances recorded increases of 23% and 7.9% respectively. On the other hand, the volume of domestic exports of textile made-ups and related articles; and metal ores and scrap both decreased significantly, by 58%. Over the same period of comparison, domestic export prices of metal ores and scrap showed a significant increase, by 9.6%. On the other hand, domestic export prices of electronic components and footwear decreased significantly, by 13% and 6.1% respectively. The changes in the value, unit value and volume of imports by end-use category are shown in Table 3. The import volume of foodstuffs increased by 3.8% in May 1997 when compared with May 1996. Significant increases in import volume were noted of soya bean oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil and lard; and rice. However, notable decreases were recorded in the import volume of animals of the bovine species, live; and vegetables. Over the same period of comparison, the import volume of consumer goods increased by 2.7%. Notable increases in import volume were noted of passenger motor cars and alcoholic beverages. However, the import volume of tobacco manufactures; and radios, television-sets, gramophones, records, tape recorders and amplifiers decreased significantly. The import volume of raw materials and semi- manufactures increased by 4.6% in May 1997 compared with May 1996. Rapid increases in import volume were noted of thermionic, cold cathode or photo-cathode valves and tubes, diodes, transistors etc and parts thereof; and cotton yarn and thread. However, significant decreases were noted of wool and other animal hair; and woven fabrics of wool and mixtures. Imports of fuels decreased by 6.9% in volume in May 1997 compared with May 1996. As regards capital goods, the volume of imports increased by 13% in May 1997 over May 1996. Notable increases were recorded in the import volume of construction machinery; and industrial machinery, other than electrical machinery and textile machinery. The import volume of transport equipment; and textile machinery however decreased. Comparing May 1997 with May 1996, import prices of capital goods; raw materials and semi-manufactures; foodstuffs; and consumer goods decreased by 4.0%, 3.1%, 1.4% and 1.1% respectively. On the other hand, import prices of fuels increased by 11%. Details of the above statistics are published in the May 1997 issue of the "Hong Kong Trade Index Numbers". The report will be on sale around August 11 at $13 per copy at either (i) the Government Publications Centre on the ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway; or (ii) the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department on the 19th floor, Wan Chai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Enquiries regarding regular subscription to this report may be directed to the Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department on 28th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Tel no: 2598 8194) and enquiries on trade indices to the Census and Statistics Department (Tel no: 2582 4918). Table 1 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category Comparing MAY 1997 Comparing JAN-MAY 1997 with MAY 1996 with JAN-MAY 1996 % changes % changes Unit Unit End-use category Value Value Volume Value Value Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Foodstuffs -12.7 0.4 -11.3 -1.2 0.8 -1.3 Consumer goods -2.0 -0.3 -1.3 2.2 -0.3 2.7 Raw materials and -0.6 -2.9 2.3 1.4 -2.8 4.6 semi-manufactures Fuels 31.5 1.2 30.5 26.3 5.4 18.5 Capital goods 4.8 -3.7 9.2 8.1 -2.8 12.1 ALL COMMODITIES -0.1 -1.7 2.2 3.3 -1.4 5.3 --------------------------------------------------------- Table 2 :Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group -------------------------------------------------------- Comparing MAY 1997 Comparing JAN-MAY 1997 with MAY 1996 with JAN-MAY 1996 % changes % changes Unit Unit Commodity group Value Value Volume Value Value Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Clothing -3.1 -1.9 -1.2 -2.2 -0.8 -0.9 Textile fabrics -4.8 0.9 -6.2 -5.3 0.5 -6.5 Textile yarn -23.2 -3.5 -20.4 -14.6 -0.8 -13.8 and thread Textile -59.8 -0.9 -58.2 -62.4 0.5 -61.7 made-ups & related articles Radios of -40.4 -5.5 -37.1 -69.2 -2.8 -68.0 all kinds Electronic 10.4 -12.6 23.3 -3.7 -12.1 5.5 components Footwear -10.5 -6.1 * 47.5 -7.0 54.5 Metal -15.0 -1.3 -14.3 -14.0 -1.0 -14.1 manufactures Metal ores -52.3 9.6 -58.0 -13.9 10.7 -24.6 and scrap Watches -21.1 1.4 -21.8 -16.6 1.4 -17.3 and clocks Travel goods, -40.3 2.1 -39.7 -44.1 0.4 -43.4 handbags and similar articles Domestic 6.5 -0.6 7.9 -5.3 -2.1 -2.4 electrical appliances ALL COMMODITIES -4.5 -2.1 -1.8 -5.4 -2.0 -3.0 --------------------------------------------------------- * less than 0.05% Table 3 : Changes in imports by end-use category -------------------------------------- Comparing MAY 1997 Comparing JAN-MAY 1997 with MAY 1996 with JAN-MAY 1996 % changes % changes Unit Unit End-use category Value Value Volume Value Value Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Foodstuffs 2.5 -1.4 3.8 11.5 -0.7 12.6 Consumer goods 2.8 -1.1 2.7 2.1 -0.9 2.3 Raw materials and 1.5 -3.1 4.6 0.6 -4.4 5.0 semi-manufactures Fuels 7.3 10.6 -6.9 3.1 20.7 -17.0 Capital goods 8.2 -4.0 12.7 12.9 -4.2 17.3 ALL COMMODITIES 3.5 -2.2 5.3 4.2 -2.5 6.3 --------------------------------------------------------- End 11. AIDS Trust Fund application deadlines ************************************* The Council for the AIDS Trust Fund announced today (Friday) the deadlines for the next two rounds of applications for grants from the Fund for the year of 1997/98. Financial support will be given to projects to strengthen medical and support services for people living with AIDS and public education programmes to combat the spread of HIV and to promote a positive attitude towards AIDS. The deadlines for the submission of applications for the next two rounds of applications are August 29 and November 28, 1997. Completed application forms should be sent to the Secretary for the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund, c/o Health and Welfare Bureau, 19-20/F, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong. Applicants are advised to adhere to the appropriate deadlines as it will normally take three to four months for processing. Application forms are available from the Secretary for the Council and the Red Ribbon Centre, second floor, Wang Tau Hom Jockey Club Clinic, 200 Junction Road, Kowloon. Enquiries can be made at telephone 2973 8136 and 2973 8117, or by fax to 2840 0467 and 2869 4376. End 12. Sir Edward Youde Memorial Scholarships for Overseas Scheme ********************************************************* A total of 13 students, including two disabled students have won awards under the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund (SEYMF) this year to pursue their overseas postgraduate and undergraduate studies. A spokesman for the Fund said today (Friday) that the SEYMF Council Members were so impressed by the personal qualities and achievements of the disabled candidates that they endorsed the support of one more disabled student for overseas studies this year. Normally only one disabled student is selected. Both disabled recipients this year will further their studies in the United States, selecting computer engineering and psychology as their subjects respectively. Chairman of the SEYMF Council, Mr Ronald Arculli, today hosted a sending-off party at the China Club to congratulate and bid farewell to this outstanding group of Hong Kong students. Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the SEYMF, Mr John Chan Cho-chak, member of the board, Ms Kathy Chiu, members of the SEYMF Council, Dr Edgar Cheng Wai-kin and Professor Daniel Chan Kwong-on, also attended the party. The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund was established in April 1987 with public donation to commemorate the late Hong Kong Governor Sir Edward Youde. The purpose of the Fund is to provide for and encourage the education or learning of, or research by, the people of Hong Kong. Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships & Scholarships for Overseas Studies and Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship/Scholarship for Disabled Students are two of the seven major existing award schemes administered by the SEYMF Council. The schemes aim at encouraging the achievement of scholastic excellence by Hong Kong students, including an outstanding disabled Hong Kong student, in overseas studies leading to a postgraduate degree or a first degree. During the period 1988/89 to 1996/97, a total of 43 fellowships and 51 scholarships including two for disabled students have been granted. Many of the recipients have now returned to contribute towards the betterment of Hong Kong. A Sir Edward Youde Scholars Association has also been formed to promote solidarity, scholarship and social awareness among its members. End 13. Fire safety workshop well received ********************************** More than 80 members of the owners' corporations (OCs), mutual aid committees (MACs) and the public in Kowloon City joined a building management workshop on fire safety tonight (Friday) to update themselves on fire prevention measures and building repairs. The workshop was organised by the Kowloon City District Office (KCDO) to promote public awareness of fire prevention and the importance of good building management. During the two-hour workshop, a representative from the Fire Protection Command of the Fire Services Department gave talks and shared his experience on three topics, namely "Causation of fire and some notable fire cases in Hong Kong", "Fire prevention and fire escape" and "Fire services installations and its maintenance". An instructional video on building repairs and maintenance was shown. It was followed by an open discussion session during which the participants raised questions and exchanged views on issues relating to building management. The event is part of the building management promotional campaign by KCDO which organises regularly workshops, seminars and certificate courses covering a wide range of topical issues. Among them are maintenance and repairs of slopes and buildings, structural problems of buildings, repairs of public facilities of private buildings, domestic safety, building insurance, operation of OCs and MACs, training of building management staff, as well as fire prevention and anti-corruption. End
