Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
Garden Road, 5th-8th Floors, Murray Building, Hong Kong. Tel: 2842 8777
Wednesday, August 20, 1997 CONTENTS ======== 1. First case of influenza A virus in man discovered in HK 2. High APIs persisted in the territory 3. Administration views recent fires on buses seriously 4. 121 convicted pollution cases in July 5. Taxpayer fined for making incorrect tax returns 6. Temporary post office open in Tung Chung 7. Four applications for VOD services received 8. FSD continues to uphold high standard of service 9. Automatic Weather Stations in full play during typhoon 1. First case of influenza A virus in man discovered in HK ******************************************************* A strain of influenza A virus (H5N1) has been isolated in man in Hong Kong recently, the Department of Health announced today (Wednesday). This virus, known to infect birds primarily, was for the first time ever detected in man. The case involved a three-year-old boy who died in Queen Elizabeth Hospital in May 1997 due to multiple medical complications. Tracheal aspirate of the boy, sent to the government Virus Unit for testing, grew atypical influenza A virus. Isolates were then sent to World Health Organisation Collaborating Influenza Laboratories in the United States of America and the United Kingdom as well as a research laboratory in the Netherlands for further identification. Results from USA and Netherlands showed that the virus was influenza A of H5N1 strain. This is the first time in history this virus was isolated in human being. The World Health Organisation was informed of the recent discovery. Speaking at a press briefing today, the Director of Health, Dr Margaret Chan advised members of the public not to panic as there was as yet no conclusive evidence indicating the virus posed any significant threat to man. Investigations indicated that this was the only case found so far. "In view of the importance of this discovery, a special team has been set up to work closely with local experts, international experts and health agencies to assess the global health impact of this strain of influenza virus in man, and, where applicable, to expedite the development of a new vaccine," Dr Chan said. "Meanwhile, the Department of Health is actively conducting field investigations and laboratory tests with other organisations to trace the source of infection. "On the other hand, a medical team was sent to the deceased's home to collect blood specimen from his family members. Blood tests results showed that his family members had not been infected with the virus and the case is considered to be an isolated incident. "We have also stepped up our influenza surveillance activities and shall continue to monitor the situation closely with international experts/centres," she said. Dr Chan supplemented that the best way to combat influenza infection is to build up body resistance by having a proper diet with adequate exercise and rest. Good ventilation should be maintained to avoid the spread of respiratory tract infection, she added. End 2. High APIs persisted in the territory ************************************ The air pollution continued to be "unhealthy" today (Wednesday) in some parts of the territory but the air quality is expected to improve tomorrow. The air pollution index values recorded today were 108 for the industrial area (including Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan districts), 91 for urban area (including Central/Western, Wan Chai, Eastern, Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin and Yau Tsim Mong districts) and 86 for the new development areas (including Islands, Southern, Sai Kung, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sha Tin, Tai Po and North districts). Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Mike Stokoe, explained: "The poor air quality is due to accumulation of the nitrogen dioxide and respirable suspended particulates since late afternoon yesterday. The very stagnant and calm wind conditions prevent the dispersion of pollutants emitted or formed in the atmosphere by chemical reactions. "When the index exceeds 100, it means air quality is unhealthy. People suffering from asthma, lung or heart illnesses may be adversely affected and are advised to reduce physical exercises or laborious outdoor activities until air quality situation improves. "These pollution incidents will not occur once we have succeeded in reducing the emission from motor vehicles, so that Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives can be achieved." He said the air quality was expected to improve as the weather become more cloudy, windy with heavy showers tomorrow. "The API forecast for the territory (Thursday) is 70 for the urban area, 75 for the industrial area and 70 for the new development area." Members of the public can check the API readings on tel 2827 8541. End 3. Administration views recent fires on buses seriously **************************************************** The Administration takes a serious view of the recent spate of fires on buses while in motion, even though no passengers were hurt, the Secretary for Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, said today (Wednesday). In reply to a written question raised by the Hon Choy Kan-pui at the Provisional Legislative Council meeting, Mr Ng said for the past three years, the number of fires on buses while in motion was 16 in 1995, 15 in 1996 and 15 this year as at July. The main causes were fuel or oil leakage and electrical short circuit. Mr Ng said the Transport Department had worked with the franchised bus companies to investigate the cause of fire in each case and appropriate measures had been taken. "A fleet check was ordered for all buses with the same type of component as the ones found to have failed and caused the fire," he said. "As seven cases of fire this year were due to deterioration of the oil or fuel hose resulting in leakage, all franchised bus companies were required to inspect similar hoses, and replace those which are defective, and those which are approaching the end of their economic life. "The Transport Department has instructed franchised bus operators to tighten up their monthly maintenance inspection of their fleet to provide an early warning on mechanical and electrical defects." To tackle the problems of poor workmanship and cigarette ends which each caused one incident, Mr Ng said franchised bus companies were required to review and improve inspection and quality control procedures and to step up enforcement of the no-smoking restrictions on buses to prevent similar incidents. "In addition, the Transport Department has increased the daily surprise spot checks of in-service buses, from 8 buses a day to 12 buses a day," he said. "Where there are indications of improper maintenance, the bus companies will be required to rectify the situation, and prosecution may also be instituted." Noting that all buses are inspected annually by the Transport Department for roadworthiness before licences are renewed, Mr Ng said franchised bus companies were urged to enhance the training of bus drivers in the handling of emergencies. "The safety of passengers is always the key consideration," he added. End 4. 121 convicted pollution cases in July ************************************* A total of 121 convictions were recorded in the courts in July for breaching anti-pollution legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Department. Of these cases, 26 were convictions made under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO), 45 under the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO), 26 under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO), 22 under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO), and two under the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (OLPO). The fines ranged from $1,000 to $120,000. China State Construction Engineering Corporation was fined for $120,000 for using powered mechanical equipment without a valid construction noise permit. End 5. Taxpayer fined for making incorrect tax returns *********************************************** A taxpayer today (Wednesday) pleaded guilty in the Kwun Tong Magistracy of making incorrect statements in his Tax Returns - Individuals without reasonable excuse, contrary to Section 80 (2) (b) of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. The defendant, Mr Ng Wai Tak, was charged with making incorrect claims for Dependent Parent Allowance in his tax returns for the years of assessment 1993/94 and 1994/95. Despite the death of his mother in June 1992, the defendant still put down his mother's name on his tax returns and claimed for the Dependent Parent Allowance for the aforesaid years of assessment. The defendant was fined a total of $10,000. A spokesman for the Inland Revenue Department today reminded taxpayers that they must file correct tax returns. Under the Inland Revenue Ordinance, a tax evader is liable to a maximum sentence of three year's imprisonment and a fine of $50,000 on each charge, in addition to a further fine equivalent to three times the amount of tax undercharged. End 6. Temporary post office open in Tung Chung **************************************** The Acting Postmaster General, Mr P C Luk, today (Wednesday) announced that a temporary post office in Tung Chung, Lantau Island, will open for business at 9.30 am on August 28 (Thursday). The temporary office, located at ground floor, Tung Ma House, Fu Tung Estate, will provide a normal range of counter services to the residents of Tung Chung New Town, including the delivery of call-for-mail items. "This office will operate until 1999 when the nearby permanent Tung Chung Post Office at the Town Centre in Area Four is open. The temporary office will then be closed," Mr Luk said. "A special hand-back service will be available at this office for philatelists on August 28. Privately made unregistered fully postage prepaid covers bearing the superscription 'First Day Cover' and a local address will be accepted over the counter, impressed with a normal date stamp of Tung Chung Post Office and handed back to customers," he said. The temporary office will operate from 9.30 am to 1 pm, Monday to Saturday (except Sunday and public holidays). The telephone number is 2109 0269. End 7. Four applications for VOD services received ******************************************* Four submissions of proposals for providing video-on- demand programme services in Hong Kong have been received by the deadline at 5 pm today (August 20), a Government spokesman said. The Broadcasting Authority will examine the proposals as soon as possible with a view to making a recommendation to the Chief Executive in Council on the award of the programme service licence(s). End 8. FSD continues to uphold high standard of service ************************************************ The Fire Services department would continue to uphold its traditional objective of helping those in distress as well as providing quality service to the community, the Director of Fire Services, Mr Peter Cheung, said today (Wednesday). Speaking at the department's first passing-out parade since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Cheung said it was necessary for the department to train up highly disciplined professional, perseverant and brave fire-fighters. "With these qualities, they can provide round-the-clock emergency services, including ambulance, fire-prevention, fire-fighting and rescue services; and protection of people's lives and property," he said. Mr Cheung said that over the past year, the Fire Services Department had stood many challenges and yet the difficulties had been overcome one by one with the support from the community and the professionalism and outstanding performances of all Fire Services members. He called upon the graduates on parade to continue learning and keeping abreast of new knowledge to cope with different situations. Noting that in the coming years, the demand for fire services would increase as a result of new developments in the New Territories and West Kowloon; the operation of the new airport; as well as a rise in cross-border trade and economic activities, Mr Cheung said he was confident that the graduating recruits would do their best in contributing to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. On parade were nine Probation Station Officers and 122 Firemen who had completed their respective basic training courses and who would soon be posted out to various fire stations to gain more field experience. End 9. Automatic Weather Stations in full play during typhoon ****************************************************** The visit of Typhoon Victor to Tsing Ma Bridge on the evening of August 2 was captured in full by the Hong Kong Observatory's Automatic Weather Station (AWS) Network. With the dense monitoring network, the centre of Victor can be pinpointed with an accuracy of a few kilometres during its hour-long passage over Hong Kong. The Observatory's AWS Network consists of 25 "full" stations where winds, temperature, humidity, pressure and rainfall are measured continuously while nine stations are dedicated for wind measurement. The Observatory also co-operates with its counterparts in Guangdong and Macau to establish an Integrated Observing Network in the Pearl River Estuary to monitor hazardous weather. In particular, the Huangmao Zhou AWS, which was jointly established by Guangdong and Hong Kong at 50 kilometres south of Hong Kong, has played an important role in monitoring Victor's movement. Victor gave Dr B Y Lee, Senior Scientific Officer, and his colleagues in the Central Forecasting Office an unforgettable experience. "It was the first time I saw the passage of a tropical cyclone directly over Hong Kong during my 18 years of weather forecasting," Dr Lee said. Incidentally, Victor was also the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in Hong Kong since the Observatory started on its AWS Network in 1984. The last time a tropical cyclone got so close was Typhoon Ellen in 1983. However, she just passed the territory to the southwest of Lantau without making landfall. "Besides radar and satellite imageries, wind observations are particularly useful in locating the centre of tropical cyclones," Dr Lee said. "Tropical cyclones in the northern hemisphere are characterised by their anti-clockwise circulation. Thus, when winds at Huangmao Zhou changed from northeasterly to northwesterly between 5 pm and 6 pm on August 2, forecasters could tell that Victor was passing to the east of Huangmao Zhou and moving north towards Hong Kong (Figure 1 (a) & (b))." Victor crossed the Tsing Ma Bridge around 8.05 pm. At that time, a cyclonic (or anti-clockwise) circulation could be clearly seen over Hong Kong, with southeasterlies over eastern part of Hong Kong, northeasterlies over northern New Territories, and northwesterlies over Lantau. During the 10 minutes from 8.00 pm to 8.10 pm, winds in the vicinity of the Tsing Ma Bridge turned from northeasterly to southwesterly (Figure 2 (a) & (b)). As no hurricane force winds were reported by the anemometers, Victor had weakened to a severe tropical storm just before landfall and hence no No. 10 signal was needed. The leader of the electronics maintenance team in the Observatory, Mr K F Ng, was extremely satisfied with the performance of the AWS Network in this occasion. "I am particularly proud of being involved in the design and installation of the AWS at Huangmao Zhou when my colleagues and I landed on this barren rock some 13 years ago. In retrospect, our effort to build this station from scratch has really paid off," Mr Ng said. For further information, please call Mr Y K Chan at 2926 8341. End PROVISIONAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING SUPPLEMENT CONTENTS ======== 1. Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Rules 2. Community has great esteem for national anthem and flag 3. Food business licence not necessary for police canteens 4. HOS owners responsible for maintenance within estate boundary 5. Measures to ensure building safety 6. Public education on keeping HK clean 7. Teachers should have a university degree & trained 8. Measures to meet educational needs of new arrival children 9. No change to visa-free access arrangement for BN(O) 10. Processing of small house applications 11. AIDS Trust Fund 12. Fire incidents on buses 13. Arrangements for book exhibitions 14. Hoisting of national flag and regional flag 15. Concerted efforts to promote moral education for the youth 16. Feasibility study on Ma On Shan railway project 17. School Improvement Programme in progress 18. Ex-gratia allowances for fishermen 19. HK residents' spouses and offsprings living in mainland 20. Review on performance pledges 1. Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Rules ************************************* Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, in moving the motion on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Rules in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Madam President, I move the motion as set out under my name in the agenda. The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Rules Committee made the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Rules (the Rules) on July 1, 1997. The Rules were gazetted on the same day and tabled at the Council meeting on July 9, 1997. The aim of the Rules is to provide for the procedures and practice for appeals to the Court of Final Appeal. I would like to thank the Honourable Ronald Arculli and other members of the sub-committee for their careful scrutiny of the Rules. After consideration, the sub-committee supports the Rules but has made a number of drafting suggestions for the Rules Committee's consideration. I understand that all other substantive queries on the Rules have also been satisfactorily answered by the Judiciary Administrator. We agreed that four technical amendments should be made to the Rules to make the provisions clearer. Madam President, I beg to move. End 2. Community has great esteem for national anthem and flag ******************************************************* Following is a question by the Hon Chim Pui-chung and a reply by the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Since Hong Kong has become the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, will the Government inform this Council whether it has formulated any regulations stipulating that failing to stand up when the national anthem is played at public venues, or showing disrespect when the national flag is raised, is a criminal offence; if not, whether consideration will be given to introducing legislation in this regard? Reply: Madam President, To uphold the dignity of the national anthem and the national flag, when the national anthem is played at public venues, all those present should stand up; when the national flag is raised, those who are present should stand up and regard the national flag in solemn silence. There is no existing legislation stipulating that failing to stand up when the national anthem is played, or showing disrespect when the national flag is raised, is an offence. We strongly believe that the people of Hong Kong have great esteem for the national anthem and the national flag, and they fully understand that no disrespect should be shown when the national anthem is played and the national flag is raised. We hope to further foster the nationals' awareness in this respect through civil education and we would consider introducing legislation if necessary. End 3. Food business licence not necessary for police canteens ******************************************************* Following is a question by the Hon Selina Chow and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: It is reported that the existing 80 police canteens are operating without a licence and that they also serve people who do not work in police stations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the reasons why these canteens are allowed to operate without a licence; (b) as the contracts for operating police canteens stipulate that such canteens should only serve staff members of police stations, of the reasons for the canteen operators not complying with the stipulation; (c) whether it will consider requiring these canteens to apply for a Food Business Licence, given that there are already people who do not work in police stations patronizing these canteens; and (d) whether contracts for operating police canteens are granted by way of an open tender system; and what criteria are adopted by the Police Force to ensure that these contracts are granted in a fair and impartial manner? Reply: Madam President, (a) Canteens (other than a factory canteen) set up in a work place for the exclusive use of the persons employed in the work place do not fall within the definition of "food business" in the Food Business (Urban Council) By-laws and Food Business (Regional Council) By-laws made under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) and are not required to obtain a licence. Since Police canteens are intended for the exclusive use by staff of the Hong Kong Police Force, they fall within this category and are therefore not required to obtain a licence. However, Health Inspectors of the Urban Services Department and the Regional Services Department still inspect these canteens monthly to ensure that they comply with the food hygiene standards stipulated in Cap. 132. In addition, the Police catering division conducts its own monthly check to ensure the hygiene standards of these canteens are satisfactory. (b) & (c) Police canteens are intended for use by staff of the Police Force only. There is no intention to relax this requirement and turn them into licensed food businesses. Some Police canteen operators violate this requirement because they want to increase profit by serving more customers. The Police management will step up supervision of Police canteens to prevent them from serving outsiders. Those found to permit unauthorised persons to dine in for the first time will be given verbal warning. On the second occasion, warning letters will be issued. Subsequent defiance will lead to termination of the contract. (d) Contracts for running Police canteens are granted by open tender. To ensure that these contracts are granted in a fair and impartial manner, the Police management have adopted the following procedures and criteria - (i) inviting tenders from interested parties by placing notice on newspapers. Selection criteria are made known to interested parties before they submit their tenders. The criteria include previous experience of the applicant in running canteens or similar facilities, the applicant's background, proposed menu and prices and the number of staff employed; (ii) forming an assessment panel by the Welfare Committee of the Police formation concerned to consider all tenders received. A Welfare Committee is chaired by a Superintendent and comprises officers of different ranks as members; (iii) assessing tenders on the basis of the selection criteria by using a standard marking scheme; and (iv) selecting the contractor by the Welfare Committee on the recommendation of the assessment panel. End 4. HOS owners responsible for maintenance within estate boundary ************************************************************* Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yuen-han and a reply by the Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Regarding the management of Home Ownership Scheme ("HOS") estates, does the Government know: (a) of the basis for the authority concerned earmarking certain public roads and slopes within the boundary of HOS estates when the estates are under construction; (b) who will bear the maintenance costs of the roads within the boundary of an HOS estate if the roads are used by both the residents of that estate and those of the neighbouring public housing estate(s); (c) of the reasons why fines for illegal parking within the boundary of an HOS estate are collected by the firm responsible for the management of that estate or the Housing Department; and (d) of the reasons why residents of HOS estates have to pay a supervision fee in addition to the management fee; and what is the current average monthly supervision fee paid by each HOS household? Reply: Madam President, Roads designed mainly to serve a Home Ownership Scheme estate are included within its boundary at the planning stage. Adjacent slopes are also included if they have been cut in connection with the formation of the site on which the estate is developed. Owners of flats are responsible for the cost of maintaining roads falling within the boundary of the HOS estate. Fines for illegal parking are neither collected by the private property management agent nor by the Housing Department. They are payable directly to the Government. The monthly management fee paid by residents of HOS estates managed by private property management agents includes an amount of about $30 a month per flat to cover the cost of supervision of management agents by Housing Department staff. Such supervision is necessary to ensure that the services provided meet specified standards. End 5. Measures to ensure building safety ********************************** Following is a question by the Hon Tang Siu-tong and a reply by the acting Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Patrick Lau, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Recently an incident involving the collapse of a canopy of an old building in North Point resulted in the injury of 5 people, and this has aroused the concern of the public over the issue of ageing buildings. In this regard, will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the current distribution of private residential buildings in Hong Kong in terms of the age of the buildings; (b) of the number of old buildings in which parts of their structural components have potential risks of collapsing; and what plans or measures does the Government have in eliminating those potential risks? (c) whether there are any established procedures regarding the inspection of buildings aged over 30 or 40 years, so as to ensure the safety of those buildings? Reply: Madam President, (a) our statistics on privately owned buildings do not make a distinction between residential and non-residential buildings. The numbers of private buildings falling within the age group of "below 20 years", "20-40 years" and "over 40 years" are estimated to be in the range of 25,000, 18,500 and 6,500 respectively; (b) apart from responding to complaints, the Buildings Department (BD) has been proactively seeking out dangers in buildings for action since 1989. A planned survey of all private buildings in Hong Kong was conducted by the BD in 1989-96. A consultancy study was commissioned in 1994-95 on buildings completed between 1946-58. In the course of inspections carried out under the planned survey, the consultancy study and in response to complaints, where parts of structural components of buildings are identified to have potential risk of collapsing, actions such as emergency shoring and urgent removal of the loose parts will be taken immediately, thereby removing the potential risk. Follow up actions, such as the issuing of statutory orders for investigation, repairs or demolition where appropriate, will be taken. In the 6 months ending June 30, 1997, the BD has carried out 4,806 inspections either in response to complaints or following up the findings of the consultancy study. Such inspections resulted in emergency remedial action in 49 cases and the serving of 329 statutory orders to building owners for taking remedial action. These inspections form an ongoing exercise. Other planned measures include the Building Safety Inspection Scheme. At the moment, we are consulting professional bodies on the mandatory Building Safety Inspection Scheme and will start consulting the general public of the scheme in the coming week. (c) the BD has established guidelines on inspection of buildings. Each inspection has to be led by a professional staff and includes checking and reporting on the following - - past defects, repair history and current maintenance conditions; - existence of unauthorised structures/attachments to buildings; - suspected unauthorised construction, alterations and additions; - external elevations, common areas and internal units, where applicable, for structural and non-structural defects; - identification of areas of potential structural danger and needs for further structural investigation; and - overall assessment of building/structural defects and recommendations. Following the recommendations of the consultancy study on post war buildings over 40 years old, further guidelines on inspection of such buildings have been drawn up covering both the inspection cycles, key areas of inspection and the types of tests to be used. End 6. Public education on keeping HK clean ************************************ Following is a question by the Hon Ho Chung-tai and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mrs Rita Lau, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: In recent years, the Government has adopted various measures to prevent flooding, such as improving the designs of sewage pits and stormwater drains as well as strengthening the coordination among various departments. However, there are still some locations in the urban area which are prone to flooding in times of heavy rainfall due to blockage of stormwater drains. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether: (a) the current policy on the promotion of civic education will be reviewed with a view to educating the public about their obligations to keep a clean environment, so as to reduce the chance of stormwater drains being silted up; and (b) any plan is in place to step up prosecutions against those people who litter and to clean streets more frequently? Reply: President, On the basis of information provided by the Urban Services Department and the Regional Services Department, the answers to the Hon Ho Chung Tai's question are as follows: (a) The two Provisional Municipal Councils place great emphasis on educating the public against littering. Since the commencement of the territory-wide Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign in 1986, the two Provisional Municipal Councils have been working diligently to educate the public on the importance of keeping the environment clean through a series of publicity and community involvement programmes. District- based clean up activities are also organised to enhance public awareness against littering. The theme and strategy of the Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign are reviewed regularly to sustain the public's interest in it and to meet the community's needs. (b) The two Municipal Services departments have been taking vigorous enforcement action against those who litter. During the first six months of 1997, some 20,500 litter offenders were prosecuted. In addition to regular enforcement action, the Urban Services Department will in September and October mount a series of anti-littering operations. The first month of the operations will emphasise on publicity whereas in the second month vigorous prosecution action will be taken against offenders. Streets and gullies are cleaned regularly. The frequency is usually higher for busy streets with heavy pedestrian flow and areas prone to flooding. The frequency is further reviewed and increased as necessary during the rainy season, in order to minimize the risk of flooding due to blockage of gullies or stormwater drains. End 7. Teachers should have a university degree & trained ************************************************** Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Cheung-kwok 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 (CE) mentioned in his inaugural speech that in future, primary and secondary school teachers should all possess a university degree and have received teacher training. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the respective numbers of serving teachers in primary and secondary schools who do not possess a university degree, and the proportions of such teachers to the total numbers of primary and secondary school teachers in Hong Kong respectively; (b) of the respective numbers of serving teachers in primary and secondary schools who have not received teacher training, and the proportions of such teachers to the total numbers of primary and secondary school teachers in Hong Kong respectively; (c) of the estimated number of years required for teachers who do not possess a university degree, or who have not received teacher training, to attain through in-service training the standard mentioned by the CE; and the estimated amount of funds required for providing such training; and (d) whether it has any plan to upgrade the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) to university status with a view to providing more graduate teachers, so that the CE's proposal can be put into practice; if so, when the plan is expected to be implemented? Reply: Madam President, (a) According to the findings of a survey conducted by the Education Department in October 1996, there were 15,172 (79.2%) primary school teachers and 4,565 (20.6%) secondary school teachers without a university degree. (b) The same survey also revealed that there were 3,044 (15.9%) primary school teachers and 5,280 (23.8%) secondary school teachers without teacher training. However, the Education Department encourages these serving untrained teachers to receive professional training as soon as possible by introducing a salary bar to their salary scales (Point 19 for untrained Certificated Master/Mistress with the salary scale of Point 14 - Point 24; and Point 22 for untrained Graduate Master/Mistress with a salary scale of Point 17 - 33) and by barring them from promotion before completing the professional training. (c) It is the Chief Executive's new policy objective to require, in the foreseeable future, all new teachers for primary and secondary schools to have a university degree and teacher's training. We have asked the University Grants Committee (UGC) to examine the matter and to advise on how best to meet this major policy objective. The UGC's advice should cover, among other things, the timetable for meeting the policy target, the financial implications, and the effect of implementing the policy on the development of higher education and the future role of the HKIEd. The UGC plans to complete the exercise in the first half of 1998. We will consider the way forward in the light of the UGC's recommendations. (d) We have taken active steps to upgrade the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd). For instance, * we have brought the HKIEd under the aegis of the University Grants Committee (UGC) since July 1996 so that it has become an integral part of the academic community at the tertiary level. We hope that the UGC can nurture the HKIEd and guide it to become a centre of excellence in teacher training. * we are spending $2.5 billion on a new world-class campus for the HKIEd in Tai Po. Our recurrent subvention for teacher education at the Institute this year is around $700 million. * the HKIEd, which is primarily geared at training non-graduate teachers, will start offering a limited number of Bachelor of Education degree and post-graduate diploma places in the 1998-99 academic year, subject to validation of the courses by the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation. The UGC also agrees in principle that the provision of degree and postgraduate level courses should be progressively increased in the next triennium at a steady pace to ensure quality. The future development of the HKIEd will be covered in the UGC review. End 8. Measures to meet educational needs of new arrival children ********************************************************** Following is a question by the Hon Chan Choi-hi and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: In view of a large number of children who have newly arrived in Hong Kong from the mainland, will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the number of primary and secondary schools which the Government plans to build in order to meet the educational needs of these children; and whether this will affect the scheme for whole-day schooling in primary schools resulting in the scheme being delayed; and (b) of the specific plans in place to help these children adapt to the education system in Hong Kong and catch up with the education standard of local school children of their age? Reply: Madam President, (a) The Government has included 7 primary and 9 secondary schools in the School Building Programme to meet the educational needs of new arrival children (NAC). These schools will be completed between 1997/98 and 1999/00 school years. We will also closely monitor the arrival of NAC in future. As we estimate that the number of NAC would increase to 66,000, we have made plan to build another 6 primary and 10 secondary schools by the commencement of the 2001/02 school year to meet the educational needs of these NAC. As for the implementation of whole-day primary schooling, the Government pledged at the end of last year that by the 2001/02 school year, 40% of the pupils in government and aided primary schools would be studying on a whole-day basis. The Chief Executive declared at the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that whole-day primary schooling should be implemented as soon as possible. While we will build new schools for NAC, we will also actively consider speeding up the implementation of whole-day primary schooling. Hence, meeting the educational needs of NAC will not cause any delay to the announced implementation plan for whole-day primary schooling. (b) The Education Department (ED) has been providing education and related support services to help NAC adapt to the local education system and raise their academic standard. These services include: Induction / English Extension Programmes ---------------------------------------- * Since April 1995, a 60-hour Induction Programme has been provided for NAC aged 6 to 15 through non-government organisations (NGOs). The course contents include social adjustment, and learning of Chinese and English languages and homework counselling. * Since October 1995, a 60-hour English Extension Programme has been provided for NAC aged 9 to 15 who have completed the Induction Programme, to improve their standard of English. These Programmes are also run by NGOs. Remedial services in schools ---------------------------- * After admission to schools, NAC with special educational needs can have access to a wide range of support and remedial services in schools, such as personal guidance services and remedial teaching in Chinese, English and Mathematics. * For NACs with more severe learning or adjustment difficulties, ED provides a spectrum of intensive remedial services as well as other assessment and supportive services. Producing resource materials for NAC ------------------------------------ * ED has produced a set of English Language Self- Learning Package (for Primary 1 to Primary 3 levels) to help NAC strengthen their foundation in English. School-based support scheme --------------------------- * A school-based support scheme will be introduced in the 1997/98 school year whereby a block grant will be given to schools with an intake of NAC. The rate is $2,000 per NAC per annum at the primary level and $3,330 at secondary level. * Schools can use this grant flexibly to provide school-based support services such as organising remedial classes/extra-curricular activities, and producing and acquiring teaching material to help NACs in learning and adapt to the school life. End 9. No change to visa-free access arrangement for BN(O) *************************************************** Following is a question by Dr the Hon Leong Che-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: It is reported that some countries which previously offered visa-free entry to British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport holders have ceased to adopt such a practice after July 1, 1997. Will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the reasons for the above countries not offering visa-free entry to the BNO passport holders; (b) whether any of these countries have undertaken to offer visa-free entry to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders; (c) for countries which have visa-free entry agreement with Britain and thus extended such arrangement to Hong Kong before July 1, 1997, under what circumstances will this practice be changed; and (d) of the actions taken by the Government to ensure that the immigration practices adopted by the 80-odd countries or regions before July 1, 1997 in respect of holders of the BNO passport and the Certificate of Identity will be maintained? Reply: Madam President, (a) & (b) As far as we know, no country or territory has withdrawn visa-free access facility offered to BN(O) passport holders after June 30, 1997. In late June, Malaysia announced that HKSAR and BN(O) passport holders would need to have a visa to visit Malaysia from July 1 and October 1, 1997 respectively. We took immediate action to request the Malaysian Government to reconsider their decision. We understand that the UK Government also made a similar request to the Malaysian Government. In early August, we were informed by the Malaysian Government that they were reviewing our request and pending a final decision, HKSAR and BN(O) passport holders would not need to apply for a visa to visit Malaysia. A final decision is expected later in the year. (c) Only one visa abolition agreement, signed by the UK with Argentina, applied specifically to BN(O) passport holders. Under the terms of this agreement, the UK Government granted reciprocal visa-free access to Argentinean nationals to Hong Kong. We understand that there is no expressed provision for the termination of this agreement by a specific date, but because the UK Government cannot continue to offer visa-free access to Hong Kong to Argentinean nationals from July 1, 1997, this agreement has in practice ceased to apply. However, the Argentinean Government have expressed willingness to continue to grant visa-free access for BN(O) passport holders to Argentina on an informal basis. There are eight other Visa Abolition Agreements between the UK Government and other states all of which pre-dated the creation of the BN(O) status and do not refer specifically to BN(O) passport holders, although they cover them in practice. These agreements accord mutual visa-free access to the third country and to UK (but not to Hong Kong) for British nationals and nationals of the third country respectively. These agreements continue in force. (d) The travel convenience of Hong Kong residents holding different forms of travel documents remains a priority concern of the HKSAR Government. Through the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, we have been maintaining a close liaison with the British Government in respect of the travel convenience of BN(O) passport holders. Although no new Certificate of Identity is issued from July 1, 1997, we have monitored the degree of travel convenience of Certificate of Identity holders closely and have taken prompt action whenever necessary. When there were reports that Certificate of Identity holders were not accepted for visa applications to some European countries in July, we took immediate action to clarify with the countries concerned. We were assured that there had been no change to the treatment of Certificate of Identity holders. We will continue to liaise with the UK Government to preserve the visa-free access arrangements for BN(O) passport holders, and take appropriate actions to preserve and (where possible) enhance the travel convenience of Certificate of Identity holders. End 10. Processing of small house applications ************************************** Following is a question by the Hon Tang Siu-tong and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Patrick Lau, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the total number of small house applications which are still being processed as at July 1 this year, together with the number of applications approved in each of the past three years; (b) in regard to the undertaking given by the Government two years ago to examine the possibility of contracting out the vetting and approving work so as to speed up the processing of small house applications, of the outcome of the study in this regard; if the proposal is found to be feasible, of the reasons for not implementing the proposal; and if the proposal is found not feasible, what the reasons are; and (c) whether the Government has any plans to improve and expedite the vetting and approving procedures for small house applications, so as to assist indigenous villagers to resolve their housing problem? Mr President, (a) The total number of outstanding small house applications as at July 1, 1997 is 14,810 cases. The numbers of applications approved with land grant conditions executed are 1,730, 1,540 and 1,910 in 1994/95, 1995/96 and 1996/97 respectively; (b) the study recommends that part of the work relating to setting out of a small house site, preparation of a site plan to be attached to the land grant documents, legal documentation and registration of title deeds may be contracted out to a contractor comprising registered land surveyors and practising solicitors. The Administration accepts the recommendation. The Lands Department is making preparations for the implementation of a pilot scheme in Yuen Long in early 1998 for a period of 17 months. Under the Scheme, an applicant may opt for the contractor's services at the tendered price. If the Scheme proves to be successful, the Administration will consider extending the Scheme to other districts in the New Territories; and (c) to improve the vetting procedures, the Lands Department, after consultation with the Heung Yee Kuk, has introduced a new composite small house application form, with which the applicant will no longer be required to make a separate Statutory Declaration. The Department has also set up a special duties team to screen the applications. If an applicant does not meet the basic requirements under the Small House Policy, the applicant will be given early notification. If an application meets the requirements, it will be passed to the relevant District Lands Office for processing. End 11. AIDS Trust Fund *************** Following is a question by Dr the Hon Leong Che-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Regarding the AIDS Trust Fund which was set up in mid 1993, will the Government inform this Council: (a) of a breakdown of the respective numbers of applications received, approved and rejected to date in respect of the following categories of applications: (i) ex-gratia payment, (ii) medical and support services; and (iii) publicity and public education; (b) of the total payment, as well as the highest and lowest payment for the successful applications in respect of each of the above three categories; (c) of the criteria adopted for determining whether an application should be approved or not; (d) of the longest, shortest, and average time taken in processing an application (from the date of submission of an application to the date of notifying the applicant of the result of the application) in respect of each of the above three categories in each of the years since the establishment of the Fund; (e) of the plans, if any, to streamline the procedures in processing applications; (f) whether people contracting HIV via transfusion of blood or blood products in Hong Kong after 1985 are eligible to apply for the ex-gratia payment; if not, whether consideration will be given to making such people becoming so eligible; and (g) whether the nationality or resident status of a person contracting HIV via transfusion of blood or blood products in Hong Kong is one of the deciding factors in determining the eligibility for receiving ex-gratia payment? Reply: (a) The total number of applications processed by the AIDS Trust Fund is as follows: Category of applications No of applications (as at 4 August 1997) Received Approved Rejected Withdrawn Ex-gratia payments 60 56 4 Medical and support services 29* 23 4 1 Publicity and public education 182 142 33 7 TOTAL 271 221 41 8 *one application is being processed. (b) Of the applications processed, the highest and lowest payments to successful applications in respect of each category are as follows: Approved Application Category Total payment Highest amount Lowest amount $ $ Ex-gratia payments 32,150,000.00 1,000,000.00 300,000.00 Medical and support services 52,519,884.00 27,762,425.00 33,500.00 Publicity and public education 22,239,172.28 2,000,000.00 2,359.40 TOTAL $106,909,056.28 (c) The criteria adopted by the Council for the AIDS Trust Fund (Council) for processing applications to the AIDS Trust Fund are as follows: (i) Ex-gratia Payments Applications for ex-gratia payments will be approved only if the recipients fall within one of the following three groups of persons: (1) residents of Hong Kong who have been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through the transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products in Hong Kong prior to August 1985; (2) spouses and children of the persons mentioned in (1) who have been secondarily infected with HIV; or (3) a family member of the persons mentioned in (1) who have already passed away. (ii) Medical and Support Services To be approved, the proposals contained in the applications must directly benefit the HIV-infected patients or their families and should not duplicate services normally provided by the Hospital Authority and Department of Health. (iii) Publicity and Public Education To be approved, the proposed projects must contribute to the public understanding of AIDS, foster a sympathetic attitude toward those affected by this disease and help to instil a positive approach to the prevention of AIDS. In examining the applications for funds for "Medical and Support Services" and "Publicity and Public Education", the Council also takes into account whether the proposals: - have a clearly defined scope and are self-contained; - are accompanied by an impact analysis and implementation programme; - have ready detailed planning and cost estimates; - are to be implemented by persons or organisations which have a good track record of completing projects without unnecessary delay or cost overruns. (d) There is no readily available information on the longest, shortest and average time taken in processing the applications received since the establishment of the Fund. In accordance with the present vetting procedures, the processing time ranges from a few weeks for urgent cases to six months in cases where additional information from the applicant is required. The average processing time is about three months. (e) Following a review in 1996, the Council has introduced improvement measures to streamline the procedures for processing applications. The Council has now set a fixed schedule for holding four rounds of Sub-Committee and Council meetings a year. The three categories of applications are first examined by the respective Sub- Committees and then by the Council for a final decision. The application deadlines for each round of meeting and the application procedures are announced through the media. A new application form has been introduced to facilitate the applicants in providing the necessary information. Applicants may also be invited to attend a meeting in person to present their applications and provide necessary clarifications. (f) Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust establishing the AIDS Trust Fund, only persons who are Hong Kong residents and who contracted HIV via transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products in Hong Kong before August 1985 and their family members under conditions described in (c) are eligible for receiving the ex-gratia payments. The terms of the Trust do not permit amendment of these conditions. (g) As described in (c), the resident status of the person contracting HIV is a relevant factor in determining the eligibility for receiving ex-gratia payment. The person must be a Hong Kong resident. End 12. Fire incidents on buses *********************** Following is a question by the Hon Choy Kan-pui and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Regarding the recent occurrence within one day of fire accidents on three public buses in motion which has aroused public concern over the safety of bus passengers, will the Government inform this Council of - (a) the number of fire accidents which occurred on buses in each of the past three years, together with the causes of such accidents; and (b) the measures to be taken by the authority concerned to prevent the recurrence of fire accidents on buses in motion, so as to ensure the safety of the passengers? Reply: In each of the past three years, the number of fires which occurred on buses while in motion was 16, 15 and 15 (from January 1997 to July 1997) respectively. The main causes were fuel or oil leakage and electrical short circuit. Details are shown in the annex. The Administration takes a serious view about the recent spate of fires on buses while in motion, even though no passengers were hurt. Transport Department has worked with the franchised bus companies to investigate the cause of fire in each case. More specifically, the following measures have been taken - (a) A fleet check was ordered for all buses with the same type of component as the ones found to have failed and caused the fire. (b) As seven cases of fire this year were due to deterioration of the oil or fuel hose resulting in leakage, all franchised bus companies were required to inspect similar hoses, and replace those which are defective, and those which are approaching the end of their economic life. (c) Transport Department has instructed franchised bus operators to tighten up their monthly maintenance inspection of their fleet to provide an early warning on mechanical and electrical defects. (d) To tackle the problem of poor workmanship which caused one of the incidents, franchised bus companies were required to review and improve inspection and quality control procedures. Internal disciplinary action was also taken against the staff concerned. (e) Franchised bus companies were also urged to step up enforcement of the no-smoking restrictions on buses to prevent recurrence of fire due to cigarette ends left behind by passengers, as in one recent case. In addition, Transport Department has increased the daily surprise spot checks of in-service buses, from 8 buses a day to 12 buses a day. Where there are indications of improper maintenance, the bus companies will be required to rectify the situation, and prosecution may also be instituted. All buses are inspected annually by Transport Department for roadworthiness before licences are renewed. As an ongoing effort, franchised bus companies are urged to enhance the training of bus drivers in the handling of emergencies. The safety of passengers is always the key consideration. End 13. Arrangements for book exhibitions ********************************* Following is a question by the Hon Ho Sai-chu and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mr Tam Wing-pong, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: It is learnt that the book fair held recently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was intended to promote the sale of books as well as to enhance the cultural awareness of the public. However, most of the teenagers who attended the fair rushed to the comics stands, resulting in the venue becoming so crowded that some had even suffered injury. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether: (a) consideration will be given to requesting book fair organisers to hold separate exhibitions at different times for the display of comics and other books in the future; and (b) any specific plan is in place to promote reading among teenagers so as to enhance the cultural awareness of the community? Reply: Madam President, (a) The book fair in question was organized by the Trade Development Council (TDC). According to TDC's past experience of holding similar book fairs, the comics stands were usually very crowded on the first day of the fairs. In view of this, the comics stands section was purposefully separated from the other sections of the TDC's book fair this year. The situation was improved as compared to the past. Admittedly, there were still many visitors, mostly teenagers, swarming towards the comics stands on the first day of the book fair, and the venue was rather crowded. However, for an exhibition with 350,000 admissions within six days, the order was on the whole satisfactory. According to a survey conducted by TDC at the venue during the book fair, both organisers and visitors were generally satisfied with the new arrangements. TDC will monitor the situation closely and adopt measures to ease the flow of people when organising exhibitions of a similar nature in future. It is considered that for the time being it is not necessary to display comics at a different time. (b) All along the Government has been concerned with our students' language proficiency and is keen to cultivate a reading habit among the youngsters. Our policies and specific measures include the following: - In 1986, the government began to encourage secondary schools to adopt the mother-tongue as the medium of instruction and ever since, we have been providing additional resources (including a lump sum grant of $18,000 for purchasing books) to those schools which use the mother- tongue as the medium of instruction. - In 1994, the Language Fund was set up with an injection of $300 million from the Government to finance and promote projects for enhancement of our students' proficiency in both Chinese and English. In the past two years, the Language Fund committed over $13 million to a total of 19 projects on reading and writing (17 projects on Chinese, 1 on English and 1 on cross-language activities), including English and Chinese reading schemes, Youth Literary Awards, poetry writing and essay competitions, as well as reading activities for parents and children organised by various schools. - Over the years, the Education Department has been actively promoting the Extensive Reading Scheme in primary and secondary schools to encourage students to read more good quality Chinese and English books. By cultivating students' interest in reading and helping them develop a reading habit, the scheme aims to improve their language proficiency and broaden their horizons. At present, the Secondary 1 to 3 students of 173 secondary schools and the Primary 5 to 6 students of 84 primary schools have participated in the English Extensive Reading Scheme. Besides, the Primary 5 to 6 students of 34 primary schools have participated in the Chinese Extensive Reading Scheme. The total number of student participants exceeds 111,000. In the 1997/98 Budget, the Government has allocated more than $100 million for extending the Chinese and English Reading Schemes to all levels in government primary and secondary schools in the next four years with a view to promoting reading in schools and thereby into society as well. - A Reading Award Scheme has been jointly organized by the Education Department and the Shun Hing Group since 1988 to encourage students to do more reading and make good use of library resources. A total of 622 primary and secondary schools, with more than 95,000 students, have participated in the scheme this year. We believe the above measures will not only foster reading among teenagers, but also enhance their cultural awareness. End 14. Hoisting of national flag and regional flag ******************************************* Following is a question by the Hon Lau Wong Fat and a reply by the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: The National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance and the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem Ordinance, which strictly regulate the hoisting of the national flag and regional flag, have already come into operation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (a) which government department is responsible for monitoring whether private organisations have complied with the stipulations for the hoisting of the national flag and regional flag; (b) what procedures the relevant department will adopt in advising those private organisations found to have breached the stipulations for the hoisting of the national flag and regional flag to comply with such stipulations; (c) whether any complaints have been received concerning the hoisting of the national flag and regional flag in an improper manner; if so, of the total number of such complaints received; and (d) whether consideration will be given to conducting a large-scale publicity campaign, including the setting up of an enquiry hotline, so as to enable private organisations to have a better understanding of the stipulations for the hoisting of the national flag and regional flag? Reply: Madam President, (a) Under the Stipulations for the Display and Use of the National Flag and National Emblem and the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem made by the Chief Executive under section 3(2) of the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance and section 3(1) of the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem Ordinance, the Director of Administration is responsible for specifying which government offices and organisations as well as other organisations should display the national and regional flags on certain days. The Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office is also responsible for advising these offices and organisations on the display of these flags. As regards whether private organisations comply with the stipulations for the display of the national and regional flags, the Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office will act on complaint when reports of non-compliance with the stipulations are received. (b) Both the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance and the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem Ordinance have clear provisions on the hoisting of the national and regional flags in a proper manner. On request or on complaint, the Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office and the Protocol Office will provide advice to private organisations in this regard. (c) A number of enquiries concerning the display of the national flag and regional flags have been received. However, there have not been any complaints concerning the display of the national and regional flags in an improper manner. (d) The Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office and the Protocol Office will continue to provide advice to private organisations. Any organisation which wishes to obtain such advice can write to the Director of Administration or the Director of Protocol. End 15. Concerted efforts to promote moral education for the youth ********************************************************** Following is a question by Dr Hon David Li and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lee Lap-sun, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: According to a recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups on behalf of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, an increasing number of young people believe bribery is acceptable and one in five of the respondents think there is nothing wrong with breaking the law to make money. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of any plans in place to educate the young people on the values of honesty, integrity and the law? Reply: Madam President, The Government has devised programmes, both in and outside school, to educate students and other young people on the values of honesty, integrity and the law. It has always been the aim and policy of the Government to provide balanced education for our students. Honesty, integrity and the rule of law have been important elements in the school curriculum and in extra-curricular activities. Relevant topics have been included in the existing subjects of Chinese Language, General Studies, Social Studies, Economic and Public Affairs and Religious Education at both primary and secondary levels. The Guidelines on Civic Education in Schools (1996) have also established honesty, principled morality and common good as the built-in core values of schools' civic education programmes. In this context, the Curriculum Development Council will further strengthen references to these important values when syllabuses of the relevant subjects are revised. To assist schools in teaching these important values, the Education Department will provide a number of courses on civic education for teachers during the 1997-98 school year. The Education Department has also produced teaching resources for distribution to schools, including the packages on Personal and Social Education for junior secondary and primary levels. The series on "Moral Education Reference Materials" are issued to schools from time to time. The coming issue, scheduled to reach schools in late 1998, will suggest activities on related topics. The ICAC, Commission on Youth and the Committee on Promotion of Civic Education have also contributed to the moral education of young people. Young people have always been accorded high priority in ICAC's educational and publicity effort. In order to meet the needs of young people of various age groups, products and projects of different formats have been designed to spread anti-corruption messages through a variety of channels. These products and activities include: (a) conduct anti-corruption talks for final year students of secondary schools, technical institutes and tertiary institutions; (b) organise student activities in conjunction with organisations such as School Liaison Committees, Headmasters' Associations, Student Associations, Student Affairs Offices to promote positive values; (c) provide moral education packages for the teachers of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools; (d) promote training on ethics by providing information portfolios for students of different faculties and by co-organising activities with tertiary institutions; (e) inculcate work ethics among young workers through activities such as workshops and seminars; (f) tap the resources of the voluntary agencies and youth organisations to promote ethics among young people by inviting them to participate in the ICAC's Youth Ethics Participation Programme; and (g) create a social atmosphere conducive to the promotion of positive values through mass media publicity such as radio and TV programmes. The Commission on Youth (the Commission) was set up in 1990 to advise the Government on matters pertaining to youth. In 1993, the Commission promulgated the Charter for Youth (the Charter), which enunciates the principles and ideals on youth development such as the development of a proper sense of social values. The Charter provides a point of reference for policy makers, youth service providers and other parties involved in promoting the welfare of youth. To date, more than 390 organisations and around 2,000 individuals have subscribed to the Charter. Apart from promoting the Charter, the Commission is also undertaking a study to examine the moral values of young people today. The objectives of the study are to examine the fundamental issues involved in influencing young people's attitude and social values and to explore the means to convey positive and proper messages to them. The study is expected to be completed by the end of this year where recommendations will be drawn up to Government departments and organisations concerned for consideration and follow-up actions. The Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) promotes responsible citizenship and the rule of law as an ongoing civic education programme. The subjects covered by the Committee's promotional activities under the general theme of "responsible citizenship" include honesty, integrity, self-discipline and self-respect. To this end, the CPCE has produced a handbook for parents (400,000 copies) and has jointly produced a civic education package for youngsters "Towards Good Citizenship" with ICAC in May 1997. The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep under review its educational and publicity programmes in this area. End 16. Feasibility study on Ma On Shan railway project *********************************************** Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Miriam Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Nicholas Ng, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: The Government indicated in March this year that the feasibility study of the Ma On Shan Railway Project (the Project) had been completed. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (a) of the findings of the above feasibility study as well as the proposals relating to route alignment; (b) of the progress to date in examining the findings of the feasibility study; (c) whether, apart from conducting a feasibility study, the Government has drawn up any timetable for carrying out technical and financial studies concerning the implementation of the various proposals of the Project; if so, what the details are; and (d) of the date when a decision on the Project is expected to be made, and the date when the Ma On Shan Railway is expected to be completed? Reply: Mr President, The Ma On Shan to Tai Wai rail link (MOS rail), together with the extension of the Kowloon-Canton Railway from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui, is one of the three high priority projects recommended under the 1994 Railway Development Strategy (RDS). The engineering feasibility study on the project has been completed and the main recommendations in respect of the MOS rail are as follows:- (a) There should be nine stations, namely Tai Wai, Sha Tin Tau, Sha Kok Street, City One, Shek Mun, Chevalier Garden, Heng On, Ma On Shan and Lee On and the depot should be at Tai Wai; (b) It should be a reduced heavy rail system (i.e. 4- car MTR-type trains). Such a system would allow trains to be lengthened if necessary to cater for the possible future extension of the MOS rail into the urban area; and (c) The civil works of the railway should be designed to cater for possible future extension of the railway. The consultants have proposed the adoption of side platforms which can be lengthened in future to cater for longer trains. The Administration is considering the recommendations of the engineering feasibility study, and the appropriate financial and institutional arrangements for implementing the project. The timing for the commencement and completion of the project will be clearer after we have completed such deliberations. End 17. School Improvement Programme in progress **************************************** Following is a question by the Hon Yeung Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: It is learnt that the management of many schools have revealed that there is slow progress in the school improvement projects and that problems occur in many areas, such as the failure of the department concerned to provide schools with lists of furniture items and guidelines for the purchase of such items, the lack of ancillary furniture and equipment in activity rooms, etc. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of the progress of the School Improvement Programme, and whether ancillary facilities such as furniture, equipment and air conditioners will be provided to schools? Reply: President, Based on the recommendation of the Education Commission Report No. 5, the Government has been implementing the School Improvement Programme (SIP) since 1993. SIP aims at improving the teaching and learning environment of existing primary and secondary schools up to the latest standards where practicable. Under SIP, existing primary and secondary schools are provided with additional classrooms and other facilities including libraries, student activity rooms, additional staff rooms, staff common rooms and interview rooms. The Government is implementing SIP by phases at all primary and secondary schools where it is necessary and feasible to carry out improvement works. Up to July 1997, the Government has carried out feasibility studies at 408 schools. It is not suitable to carry out improvement works at 61 schools at this stage for various technical reasons. As for the 347 schools found feasible for improvement works, works at 64 schools have been completed and those at 138 are in progress. Works at the remaining 145 schools will commence soon. Besides, the Government is carrying out feasibility studies at another 59 schools. Schools which participate in SIP are granted an allowance to purchase necessary furniture and equipment (F/E) for the additional rooms. Normally, a few months before the completion of improvement works, the Education Department will send an F/E list to the schools concerned and advise them the procedure for the purchase of the F/E items. According to the existing standards, air-conditioners will be installed in staff rooms, staff common rooms and interview rooms. As for classrooms and special rooms (except the student activity rooms), if they are affected by traffic noise exceeding 65 decibels, they will be provided with air-conditioning under the Noise Abatement Programme. End 18. Ex-gratia allowances for fishermen ********************************** Following is a question by the Hon Ngan Kam-chuen and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Currently the criteria adopted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) for calculating ex-gratia allowances paid to fishermen are based on the types of fish caught outside Hong Kong waters. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether the AFD will consider conducting tests on the response of fish caught in Hong Kong waters to different suspended solid concentrations, and using the results as the basis for determining the amount of ex-gratia allowances granted; if not, why not? Reply: On July 23, 1993, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved a proposal that mariculturists should be eligible for ex-gratia allowances when the concentration of solid matter suspended in the waters of fish culture zones affected by dredging or dumping activities either. (a) reaches 100% more than the highest level recorded at the zone during the five years before commencement of works in the vicinity; or (b) reaches 50 milligrams per litre. In determining these criteria, reference was made to various overseas literature and studies, particularly those related to fish species living naturally in very clear water. The lowest concentration of solid matter known to have a negative impact on the life expectancy of fish is 90 milligrams per litre of water and the lowest concentration known to increase susceptibility to fish disease is 100 milligrams per litre. The criterion of 50 milligrams per litre therefore provides a reasonable margin of safety for local mariculturists, particularly when it is taken into account that the majority of fish cultured in Hong Kong are estuarine species more tolerant to water with higher levels of suspended solids. Since these arrangements were introduced, ex-gratia allowances have been paid to mariculturists in two fish culture zones when the concentration of solid matter suspended in the waters of the zones concerned reached the levels necessary to trigger payments. As the existing arrangements are fair and working satisfactorily, there is no need to conduct tests on the effects of different concentrations of suspended solids on local fish species or to review the basis for determining the amount of ex-gratia allowances granted. End 19. HK residents' spouses and offsprings living in mainland ******************************************************* Following is a question by the Hon Hui Yin-fat and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Provisional Legislative Council today (Wednesday): Question: Regarding Hong Kong residents' spouses and offsprings living in the mainland, will the Government inform this Council of: (a) the numbers of such spouses and offsprings as at the end of last year; (b) the respective proportions of the above offsprings who are of the appropriate age to receive education in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, who are within the age group of 18 to 30, and who are above the age of 30; (c) the number of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients who applied for CSSA in each of the past three years because their spouses were living in the mainland and that they had to give up their jobs in order to look after their children in Hong Kong; and (d) the amount of expenditure in respect of CSSA cases mentioned in (c) above in each of the past three years? Reply: Madam President, (a) As Hong Kong residents are not required to inform the Government of their marriages which take place outside Hong Kong and the birth of children to them outside Hong Kong, we do not have the number of spouses of and children born to Hong Kong residents in the mainland. However, some indicative figures are as follows: (i) the number of one-way permit applications from spouses of Hong Kong residents stood at about 95,000 as at mid-July; (ii) the number of children born in the mainland before July 1, 1997 who will have the right of abode in Hong Kong under Basic Law Article 24(2)(3) and who are below 20 years of age (hereafter referred to as eligible children) is estimated to be about 66,000. (b) We do not have a breakdown by age of the 66 000 eligible children who have applied for one-way permits. Based on the arrival pattern of immigrants aged 20 and under who arrived in 1996, it is estimated that the percentage breakdown by age is as follows: Age Percentage 3 - 5 25 6 - 11 41 12 - 18 25 (c) The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme aims to provide assistance to those financially vulnerable members of our community in meeting their basic needs regardless of their sex, age, family status or background. Any individual or family who is in need and who meets our eligibility criteria will be rendered assistance. The Social Welfare Department therefore does not maintain separate records on CSSA recipients whose spouses are living in the mainland and who have to give up their jobs to look after their children in Hong Kong. (d) Following from (c) above, the SWD does not have separate statistics on payments to the specified category of CSSA recipients. End 20. Review on performance pledges ***************************** Following is a question by the Hon Chan Choi-hi 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 there will be a comprehensive review of the performance pledges of all government departments and public bodies; if so, when and how the review will be carried out? Reply: Madam President, Every government department which serves the public directly and 10 departments rendering internal services have now made Performance Pledges. Since the inception of Performance Pledge in 1992, departments concerned have been pushing for continuous improvements in their respective services by enhancing performance targets, extending pledges to cover new areas and making their services more attuned to customers' expectations. There is, nevertheless, after 5 years, merit in our conducting a more general review of the Government's programme of performance pledges and the extent to which it is being adopted by the public bodies. Such a review will be conducted by the Efficiency Unit later this year. End
