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Friday, September 5, 1997 CONTENTS ======== 1. Hong Kong and Singapore to scale new heights say CE 2. CE's speech 3. CE's transcript 4. First overseas visit trip 'very successful' says CE 5. CE's transcript at the end of his visit to Singapore 6. Ombudsman's recommendations welcomed 7. Hong Kong Observatory's response to Ombudsman's Report 8. Task group to improve textile & clothing industry training 9. Two Lantau Link special bus services to cease operation 10. Revision in Immigration Department Fees 11. Junction improvement proposed to improve traffic 12. Road improvement works in Tin Shui Wai 13. Gradings of Beach Water Quality Announced 1. Hong Kong and Singapore to scale new heights say CE *************************************************** Hong Kong and Singapore are set to scale new heights of achievement in the 21st Century, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has today (Friday) told Singapore's business community. The Chief Executive told the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Singapore that there was 'plenty of room for both of us' in the rapidly expanding Asian economies. "Hong Kong and Singapore have achieved a great deal over the past fifty years. We have done that despite being very different places with different approaches," Mr Tung said in his first keynote address in Singapore since becoming Chief Executive. "But our differences are a stimulus to thought: indeed, we may often learn from each other. In many ways we are, and will remain, competitors but how much duller and more difficult it would be for both of us if there were only one point like us in Asia. "We don't have to worry about competition: there is plenty of room in the region for both of us. The benefits of a competitive, open approach in business and commerce have been realised all around us, and our two cities now stand at the centre of the most rapidly growing economic region on earth. "Despite the recent setbacks, the bottom line is this: ten years ago, the total GDP of the ten leading regional economies was US$3,265 billion, today it is over US$7,000 billion. "China and ASEAN countries will continue to develop, and there is every prospect that we will see a substantial rise in the quality of life for our citizens in the decades ahead, combined with a substantial increases in the opportunities for business and commerce that we can both enjoy. "I know, for both Hong Kong and Singapore, the focus will be on building our cities into centres of excellence. I am confident both of us will scale new heights in achievement in the 21st Century." Mr Tung said Hong Kong and Singapore were often seen as rivals, competing in many areas, but actually gained much from each other. He said Singapore had invested US$7 billion in Hong Kong and that there were around 100 Singaporean companies based in Hong Kong. Singapore was home to about 140 Hong Kong company offices. Mr Tung said it was a great honour for him to address the Chinese Chamber of Commerce as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong. He told the business leaders there was great confidence that the future in Hong Kong would be even better 'for our children and grandchildren'. Mr Tung said there were several reasons for confidence in the future of Hong Kong which, like Singapore, had its heart in Asia but embraces the world. One reason was that China's leaders were fully committed to making the concept of 'one country, two systems' work. "They have complete faith in the ability of Hong Kong people in administering Hong Kong; and have pledged their full support for us," he said. Another reason was that Hong Kong and the Mainland shared long-term interests and 'if Hong Kong succeeds China will benefit and if China is prosperous, Hong Kong will be even better'. He said China's leaders had a 'global outlook' and a clear vision of the future to steer China forward into the 21st Century. The guarantees of a high degree of autonomy contained in the Basic Law, free-market policies, prudent fiscal management, the rule of law, a level playing field, a highly-efficient civil service, and vigorous anti-corruption action were also major factors in Hong Kong's continued success. Mr Tung said his priorities as Chief Executive would include education, housing and care for the elderly. "One of my reasons for coming to Singapore so soon is to have a look at what you are doing in response to common challenges that we face," he said. "Seeing what others are doing helps us to look critically at our own policies. In many ways our cities are complimentary and we face many similar challenges. We give each other a much better yardstick for comparison than any of our neighbours." End 2. CE's speech *********** The following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce luncheon today (Friday): Mr Tay, Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honour to stand here today, before the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Singapore, as the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong. July 1 1997 was a day to which we in Hong Kong had looked forward with pride and confidence. Pride to at last be reunited with China, and to become masters of our own destiny. Confidence that we can and will make our city an even better place for our children and grandchildren. July 1 is a day which Chinese people around the world can remember with a sense of pride. It is a feeling that most people in Singapore and this region can share and understand. Fifty years ago, most of the countries in Asia were colonies. With the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997 and Macau in 1999, 400 years of colonial history in Asia are finally at an end. Most of the countries in this region, having gained independence, have achieved a level of prosperity, liberty and human dignity for their people that few would dare to have dreamed a generation before: successes achieved by the vision and dedication of the leaders, the hard work and sacrifices of the people. Progress was also made possible by the open trading practices of the West, that allowed the free flow of capital, goods and information, and by the relative peace and stability that has prevailed since the end of the Second World War. Fifty years later, Asia is a different place. After our shared colonial history and our outstanding achievements in the recent past, we are ready to take a more constructive role on the world stage, and together with all other nations, shape our common destiny in the 21st century. Already the GDP of the Asian economies is nearly on a par with Europe's and NAFTA's. Asia's voices need to be heard. Our history, our culture and our priorities are different from those of America or Europe, but our unique experiences and societies have much contribute to the development of the global community in the next century. In this respect, I am glad leaders in this region has been speaking out loudly and clearly on this issue. The recent turmoil in Southeast Asian financial and stock markets has come as a blow to many hopes in the region. This is a deep frustration felt by all. And Hong Kong has not escaped the speculative pressures. We can burn the currency speculator, but the investor in need of cash to cover positions elsewhere has turned to our highly-liquid market to find it. And all our markets have suffered as overseas fund managers precipitately change their weightings in this region without taking time to weigh up the fundamentals. I trust that the right lessons will be learned. We should not lose sight of the fact that the opening up of our economies and markets has brought great benefits, but it is important to remember that the process does mean becoming open, as well, to pressures from outside, pressures that can expose internal weaknesses. Hong Kong learned its lesson the hard way a decade ago when we saw our stock market collapse. Some 50% of our market capitalisation disappeared almost overnight. We learned, as a leading financial centre in Asia, that the proper response to these pressures is to regulate properly. Our experience is that the risks of the open market can be managed by making the market operate as transparently and efficiently as possible, by maintaining financial discipline in the public sector, and by ensuring that financial institutions manage their investments and risks properly. The fundamentals of the Asian economies are good. Therefore we should not lose heart. I am sure that we will soon be back on the path to prosperity. But for now, I'd like to focus on Hong Kong. Today, as an Asian leader of a community that, like Singapore, has its heart in Asia but embraces the world, I would like to talk to you about the grounds we have for confidence in our future; about the vision that we have for our city; and about the relationships we seek to build with our Asian partners. The first ground for our confidence is in China herself: in our understanding of what China is trying to achieve, of her ability to do so, and of her commitment to Hong Kong. First, we must remember that the concept of "one country, two systems" was not the brainchild of Hong Kong or London, but of China. It was devised by men who had in mind the fundamental interests of China as a nation and of the Chinese as a people. Today's Chinese leaders are fully committed to making "one country, two systems" work. They have complete faith in the ability of Hong Kong people in administering Hong Kong; and have pledged their full support for us. I can testify to this commitment from my experience over the past eight months. The Central Government has given us a free hand in dealing with our own affairs and has demonstrated flexibility, understanding, co-operation and accommodation. Second, Hong Kong and the Mainland have the same long-term interest. Time and again, Chinese leaders have emphasised the importance of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and the contribution which we can make to the modernisation of the whole country. There is every reason for China to want Hong Kong to succeed. The economic interests of Hong Kong and China are intertwined. I firmly believe that if Hong Kong succeeds, China will benefit. And if China is prosperous, Hong Kong will benefit even more. This complementary relationship provides a solid foundation on which "one country, two systems" will work. Third, the promise of high degree of autonomy under "one country, two systems" is firmly embedded in the Basic Law, which is the constitutional framework for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Basic Law guarantees the continuity of our existing legal, social, and economic systems; preserves the existing freedoms and lifestyle of our people; protects the right of private ownership; maintains a separate currency and customs territory; and it reaffirms the policies of prudent financial management and low taxation. These guarantees are firm and legally binding. Fourth, China has undergone dramatic changes since she opened up to the outside world in 1978. The economy has grown at a remarkable rate, averaging near to 10% per annum. The vitality and energy in China today is there for all to see. Furthermore, today's leaders in China have a global outlook. They have a clear vision of the future and has the ability and the acumen to steer China forward into the 21st Century. It is this ability and acumen that will ensure the implementation of "one country, two systems" and that assures us about their commitment to the continuity of our existing systems and of a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong. To me and to my administration falls the responsibility of leading Hong Kong to scale new heights. Apart from our trust in China, we have much else to base our confidence on. First of all, there is the solid foundation we have in our fiscal management, our civil service and, fundamentally, in the rule of law. The strength of our fiscal management has been shown in the last few weeks. The Asian Wall Street Journal has identified the key thing. It isn't just a matter of having large reserves, although that is important. What matters for us, as for Singapore, is a dependable record of prudent financial management and the quality of our regulation. On top of that, the economic development in Hong Kong remain extremely strong. We expect GDP growth this year of around 5.5%. Inflation continues to decline, even though labour market conditions remain tight. Next year, our new airport opens, greatly improving our quality as an aviation and service hub, and we are following it up with a massive programme of rail and other infrastructure development to further improve our efficiency and productivity. Providing consistent financial management, high quality regulation and forward looking infrastructure planning is only part of what Hong Kong's civil service provides. Overall, it is a model for open, accountable, forward looking public administration, headed by people of the very highest calibre. Anywhere would count themselves fortunate to have them: I can assure you that I am keeping them. Maintaining the quality of the civil service is vital to the confidence that we in Hong Kong and our partners overseas have in our prospects. The rule of law underpins our free market, the work of our civil service and the quality of our community. We will maintain our legal system, grounded, like Singapore's, in the common law. The rule of law has kept our society open, fair and law abiding. A good police force and vigorous anti-corruption body have cracked down hard on anyone breaking the law. We will maintain that effective enforcement and will maintain the principle that no one, Chief Executive included, is above the law. Alongside all specific reasons, my confidence in Hong Kong's future is grounded in the indomitable spirit of the people of Hong Kong. What they have achieved within my lifetime is staggering. What we still hope to achieve together is no less ambitious. In our experienced entrepreneurs and investors, and in the children from our squatter homes and public housing estates who go on to technical colleges or universities, we have the talent and the drive to keep on succeeding in whatever the world holds for us. Hong Kong's prosperity is built on the firm foundation of a free market, free enterprise and free trade, maximum competition and a level playing field. None of these will change under my administration. We will continue to provide a stable economic environment, playing a supporting and facilitating role, in which the private sector can maximise its contribution and make best use of the opportunities available. Like Singapore, we will remain resolutely international in outlook, welcoming foreign investment and the operation of multi-national firms, and working in the WTO and in APEC to promote greater integration in the global economy. Adding to our own strengths and China's support and backing there is tremendous international interest and goodwill towards Hong Kong. We find that in Singapore. Our two cities are often seen as rivals. We compete in many areas. But think how much we gain from each other. You are our fifth largest trading partner - we are your fourth. 70% of your trade with China passes through our port or airport. We are your second most important destination for investment, with over US$7 billion worth placed in our economy. Around 100 Singaporean companies have bases in Hong Kong, while about 140 Hong Kong companies have registered offices here in Singapore. The exchanges are not just in trade and investment. About 304,000 of our citizens visited Singapore last year, while 350,000 of yours came to see us. Around 10,000 Singaporeans are resident in Hong Kong, about the same number of Hong Kong persons living in Singapore. We even have a Singapore International School contributing to the quality and diversity of our education system. One of my reasons for coming to Singapore so soon is to have a look at what you are doing in response to common challenges that we face. I am particularly interested in education and in housing. I hope this visit will help me to reflect further on our approach on these two subjects in Hong Kong. I know that you keep a similar eye on what is going on in Hong Kong, and I'd like to share with you my thoughts about where Hong Kong is heading, and what our priorities are for the next few years. There is no doubt that Hong Kong has reason to be proud of our achievement over the past thirty years, but we have to be alert to challenges which lie ahead. We face keen competition in trade and services, and our competitiveness is threatened by persistent high inflation. We have to meet the challenges arising from a growing and ageing population, satisfy the pressing demand for more and better housing, and deal with employment dislocation due to restructuring of the economy. Maintaining prosperity demands constant, carefully prepared change to respond to new conditions. Our foremost task is to enhance Hong Kong's economic vitality and to sustain economic growth. The creation of wealth gives the hope and the means to improve the livelihood of the people of Hong Kong. My Government will create a business environment and provide an educated and well-trained workforce that will promote the services sector and the development of value-added and high technology industries. As the world moves rapidly into the information era, we will encourage our information industry and infrastructure, and nurture expertise in this area, so that Hong Kong will remain at the forefront of the new age. Education is the key to the future of Hong Kong. It gives opportunities to each individual, and gives to the community the abilities required for further economic development. We aim to give every child in Hong Kong a modern, well-balanced education of the highest quality, to extend opportunities for lifetime learning and retraining, and we trust that Hong Kong may become a centre of excellence in education in Asia. Owning one's own home is an aspiration for many in Hong Kong. Ownership is crucial for personal security and social stability. Housing costs also have a strong bearing on the economic vitality of Hong Kong. The crux of our present problem is inadequate supply of land, causing prices to soar and creating opportunities for speculators. We will be speeding up reclamation and land formation over the next 10 years; extending our mass transit system and other infrastructure to support greater development; and increasing substantially the production of housing units. We will increase overall housing supply at a target rate of not less than 85,000 flats a year, and aim to achieve a home ownership rate of 70% in ten years. We are paying particular attention to the rising proportion of our population who are elderly. Today's senior citizens have built the Hong Kong we enjoy. They deserve respect and care. My Administration has set up a "Commission for the Elderly" and is developing a comprehensive policy to provide them with a sense of security, a sense of belonging and a sense of worthiness. I have been chosen as the first Chinese Chief Executive of Hong Kong for a five-year term by an Election Committee composed wholly of Hong Kong people, drawn from every walk of life. In 2002, my successor will be chosen by a similar committee of Hong Kong people. In May next year, elections for first full Legislative Council will be held. Members of every political party will be welcome to take part; every adult permanent resident will be eligible to vote. Those elected will serve for two years. In the year 2000, the second Legislative Council will be elected for a four-year term, and in 2004, for the third election, half the seats will be returned by direct elections. The framework for electing the Chief Executive and the Legislature that I have described has been firmly fixed in the Basic Law. After ten years, the Basic Law again makes clear that it is for Hong Kong people to decide for themselves how to develop the Executive and Legislative elections, with the ultimate aim of universal suffrage. It is a document drawn up for Hong Kong's condition, providing stability in the organisation of our government while maintaining the steady evolution of democratic institutions. We have a solid foundation and a clear programme upon which we can build our future. We have the commitment and support of our sovereign to make "one country, two systems" a success. All of us in Hong Kong are confident as we move into the 21st Century. This year, after netting off emigration, we expect more than 80,000 people to come back from overseas to live and work in Hong Kong, higher than the balance of more than 60,000 last year. They are coming back because they feel the pride and sense the opportunities. They want to take part in the making of history. What better testimony to our level of confidence. Singapore, too, is a city with much to take pride, much to look forward to. From the uncertainties of the independence years, thanks to the vision and determination of your leaders, the strength of co- operation among your peoples and your hard work you have built a flourishing community. Your GDP per capita is among the highest in the world; the beauty of your city is justly admired, you are a catalyst for growth in our region. This is an extraordinary achievement in which all who have contributed can take great pride, for which all of you deserve much credit. I've come to Singapore to see for myself what you have achieved. I am particularly interested in the fields of education and of housing, which, as I have said, are key concerns for my administration. Seeing what others are doing helps us to look critically at our own policies. In many ways our cities are complementary and we face many similar challenges. We give each other a much better yardstick for comparison than any of our neighbours. Both Hong Kong and Singapore have achieved a great deal over the past fifty years. We have done that despite being very different places with different approaches. But our differences are a stimulus to thought: indeed, we may often learn from each other. In many ways we are and will remain competitors but how much duller and more difficult it would be for both of us if there were only one point like us in Asia. We don't have to worry about competition: there is plenty of room in the region for both of us. The benefits of a competitive, open approach in business and commerce have been realised all around us, and our two cities now stand at the centre of the most rapidly growing economic region on earth. Despite the recent setbacks, the bottom line is this: ten years ago, the total GDP of the ten leading regional economies was US$3,265 billion, today it is over US$7,000 billion. China and ASEAN countries will continue to develop, and there is every prospect that we will see a substantial rise in the quality of life for our citizens in the decades ahead, combined with a substantial increases in the opportunities for business and commerce that we can both enjoy. I know, for both Hong Kong and Singapore, the focus will be on building our cities into centres of excellence. I am confident both of us will scale new heights in achievement in the 21st Century. End 3. CE's transcript *************** The following is the transcript of the stand up interview by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, after his luncheon address in Singapore today (Friday): Question (Cable TV Glenn Van Zutphen): Mr Tung you met with the Education Minister this morning at Chinese High School. What specifically did you realise, did you realise something today that you would like to take back to Hong Kong maybe from back there for the education system. Mr Tung: Well, it is always nice to be talking to another country, to another ministry about issues which we are keenly interested in, to see where are the differences, what improvements we can make to make ours a better system and I thought it was a very useful discussion. I was particularly interested in the language aspect because, as you know, Singapore basically is going on with English and Chinese or English and Malay or English and Indian and in our case, as you know, the Government has announced the mother tongue education for Chinese and we are trying to see how we can make both our English and Chinese better and better still for our future generations. Question (Cable TV): So you would like to keep English going as one of the languages that is used in teaching in schools in Hong Kong. Mr Tung: Absolutely, because we are an international city, English is very important. But so is Chinese. We have got to make both of them very important. Question (Unknown reporter): Are higher interest rates in Hong Kong going to impede economic growth? Mr Tung: Our interest rates has come up a bit recently. You know our fundamentals in Hong Kong really very, very good and it's not an issue of major concern for us. We continue to be optimistic. Our forecast for the year is about five and a half per cent. We have every confidence to achieve that. No, it will not have that effect. Question (Unknown reporter): Mr Tung, Senior Minister (inaudible) has said that Hong Kong has certain kind of buzz which Singapore lacks and it's very vibrant, it's an air of electric, how do you think the two cities compare (inaudible)? Mr Tung: Well, I think that in Hong Kong we do have a buzz, people run around, work very hard. Singapore too, you have some kind of a buzz otherwise you wouldn't be where you are today. Your GDP is one of the highest in the world already (inaudible). Question (Oriental Daily): Mr Tung can you further elaborate the monetary co-operation between Singapore and Hong Kong as you agreed last night with Mr Goh. Mr Tung: Now, I was referring to an agreement which was signed by 10 central bankers some time ago, a repurchasing agreement, which helps each other when in need, when there are currency fluctuations. But I highlighted that as an example of regional co-operation. Question (Deborah Khan, TVB): What are you going to talk about with Mr Lee Kuan Yew tonight? Mr Tung: Well I'm looking forward to seeing him, he's a great statesman whom I respect a great deal. I'm really looking forward to talking with him. Question (Inaudible question on housing): Mr Tung: Well I'm going to visit the Housing Ministry and also some of the housing estates here also, I'm looking forward to it later on. Question (Unknown reporter): Mr Tung you say the ultimate goal in Hong Kong is universal adult suffrage. When do you expect that to happen? Mr Tung: Well I think that as you know the political evolution process for the next 10 years has been defined very clearly by the Basic Law so we will fully implement that process in accordance to the Basic Law. That there will be elections next year for the first legislature and there will be another election for the second legislature in the year 2000 and there will an election for the third legislature at 2004. And I was elected as Chief Executive to serve until 2002 and there will be an election for the next Chief Executive at 2002. Now beyond 2007-2008 the Basic Law says that it really depends on what is the environment at that time, what Hong Kong people want to decide to do so I presume a few years down the road we will look at these things very seriously. My priority now is to make sure that the things that needs to be done quickly shall be done, including the election next year. Question (Unknown reporter): Will you visit Taiwan in the near future? Mr Tung: No, I have no plans to visit Taiwan in the near future. Question (Unknown reporter): Are you going to cut profits tax? Mr Tung: Well, all these decisions will be made closer to the time of the Budget. The Financial Secretary is looking at all the options and I'm sure a very good decision will be made at that time. Thank you very much. End 4. First overseas visit trip 'very successful' says CE *************************************************** The Chief executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (Friday) his first overseas trip has been 'very useful, constructive and successful' and he is confident business and political leaders in Malaysia and Singapore can see it is 'business as usual' in Hong Kong. He believed leaders in Singapore and Malaysia could see that Hong Kong was running smoothly and that Hong Kong's lifestyle remained unchanged. Mr Tung said that of his three-day visit: "I think they were all very happy that the return of Hong Kong and the SAR Government for the last two months have been functioning well, functioning smoothly and the one country, two systems foundation is being laid. In Singapore, he wrapped up his visit with a series of in-depth briefings on the 'common challengers' facing Hong Kong and the Lion City. Major areas of interest were housing, education and information technology. Mr Tung also told a luncheon meeting of business leaders there was 'plenty of room' for both Hong Kong and Singapore in the increasingly important Asian economies. During another full day's programme, the Chief Executive visited the Chinese high School, the Singapore Housing and Development Board (HDB), and visited the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore. Late this afternoon Mr Tung held a private meeting with Singapore's Senior Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. "He is a great statesman whom I respect a great deal," said Mr Tung. "We had some very useful discussions. He's obviously happy to see the transition has been smooth and things going on well in Hong Kong," said Mr Tung. "We also talked about the currency turmoil recently and about the stock market turmoil. It was a very useful and very helpful discussion." On education, Mr Tung was particularly interested in Singapore's languages policy, which stressed teaching in English and mother tongue mediums. "As you know the (Hong Kong) Government has announced the use of Chinese as the teaching medium and we are trying to see how we can make both our English and Chinese better and better still for our future generations," Mr Tung said. Asked whether he would like to see English continue to be taught in Hong Kong schools, Mr Tung replied: "Absolutely, because we are an international city, English is very important. But so is Chinese. We have got to make both of them very important." During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and minister for Defence Dr Tony Tan, Mr Tung discussed expanding application of information technology in schools and the wider community. Familiarising Singapore's subsidised rental and purchase housing developments included a visit to two tenants' homes at the Toa Payoh precinct as well as discussions on upgrading projects. Housing supply and renovation, the quality of housing, tenant facilities and housing design were among the items discussed. Mr Tung said that when he returned to Hong Kong he would sit down with Chief Secretary Mrs Anson Chan and other policy Secretaries 'to go through some of our thoughts with a view to develop further ideas.' Mr Tung returns to Hong Kong tomorrow (Saturday). He leaves for a five-day visit to the United States on Monday morning. End 5. CE's transcript at the end of his visit to Singapore **************************************************** The following is the transcript of the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, to reporters at the end of his visit to Singapore today (Friday): I am going back to Hong Kong tomorrow after I think a very useful, constructive and successful visit here in Singapore. While here I met with leaders of this country and at the same time see business and commercial personalities discuss matters of mutual interest. I think they were all very happy that the return of Hong Kong and the SAR Government for the last two months has been functioning well, functioning smoothly, and one country, two systems foundation is being laid. I had this morning the opportunity to look at Singapore's housing programme, education long-term thinking and all this has been very useful and very helpful to me and when I go back to Hong Kong I will be sitting down with my colleagues in the Government, with Anson and other Secretaries to go through some of our thoughts with a view to develop further ideas. It's been a useful visit. I also spent some time just now with Senior Minister Lee, Lee Kuan Yew, and had some very useful discussions. He's obviously happy to see that the transition has been smooth and things going on well in Hong Kong. We also talked about the currency turmoil recently and about the stock market turmoil. It was a very useful and very helpful discussion. Question (Cliff Bale RTHK): On the question of housing, and price stabilisation in particular, what sort of ideas that you have learnt in Singapore will you be taking back for consideration in Hong Kong? Mr Tung: I think it's a whole range of issues about housing that I have some new knowledge of and I look forward to discussing these issues with my colleagues in Hong Kong and at that time I will make a decision on how to go ahead. End 6. Ombudsman's recommendations welcomed ************************************ In response to media enquiries on the Ombudsman's investigation report on arrangements for closure of schools due to heavy, persistent rain, a spokesman for the Education Department said today (Friday): "We welcome the investigation report and recommendations by the Ombudsman to improve the arrangements for the closure of schools due to heavy, persistent rain. The Ombudsman's understanding of our difficulties in the face of severe and sudden changes of weather conditions is appreciated. "While some of the Ombudsman's recommendations have in fact been put into effect, the rest will be carefully considered with a view to implementing wherever practicable. "The safety of students and school staff remains our prime concern in school closure decisions during inclement weather." End 7. Hong Kong Observatory's response to Ombudsman's Report ****************************************************** The Hong Kong Observatory welcomes the direct investigation report released today (Friday) by the Ombudsman on the arrangement for the closure of schools due to heavy persistent rain. A spokesman for the Observatory said: "A review will be undertaken to critically examine the existing rainstorm warning system and to consider the recommendations included in the Ombudsman's report. "As the implication and impact of any major changes associated with the rainstorm warning system are likely to be far-reaching, the Observatory will carefully study the Ombudsman's proposals in detail in conjunction with relevant Government departments prior to implementation. The Ombudsman will be kept informed of the progress of the deliberation and consultation process. "As long as it is scientifically sound and technically feasible, the Observatory will seek to upgrade its weather warning service. Views will be consolidated and alternatives assessed," the spokesman added. To cater for public expectation reflected by the Ombudsman's report, the Observatory will make an effort to ensure that suitable adjustments relating to the rainstorm warning system and the corresponding school closure decision will be in place before the rainy season of 1998. End 8. Task group to improve textile & clothing industry training ********************************************************* A task group, set up by the Government to identify how best to improve the current training and retraining programmes to ease the labour shortage in the local textile and clothing industry, called its first meeting today (Friday). Chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the Working Group on Training and Retraining for the Textile and Clothing Industry comprises a fair cross section of representatives from manufacturers' associations and workers' unions of the industry as well as the relevant training bodies and Government departments. At today's meeting, the Working Group took stock of the present position on the training and retraining programmes related to the textile and clothing industry and run by the Clothing Industry Training Authority (CITA), the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and the Employees Retraining Board (ERB). A spokesman for the Education and Manpower Bureau said that apart from identifying how best to improve the current training and retraining programmes, the Working Group was also tasked to facilitate the successful placement of trained and retrained workers in the industry and to monitor the adequacy of the labour supply for the industry. "It is hoped that the Working group will play a useful role in easing the labour shortage in the textile and clothing industry which still accounts for the largest share of employment in the local manufacturing sector. "In March 1997, a total of 102,707 workers were employed in the industry -- 58,941 in the clothing and 43,766 in the textile sectors. These represented 33 per cent of Hong Kong's manufacturing work force of 312,619," the spokesman added. The non-government members on the Working Group comprise representatives from the following organizations: The Textile Council of Hong Kong, the CITA, the VTC, the ERB, the Hong Kong Garment Manufacturers Association Ltd., the Federation of Hong Kong Garment Manufacturers, the Hong Kong Woolen & Synthetic Knitting Manufacturers' Association Ltd., the Hong Kong Knitwear Exporters & Manufacturers Association Ltd., the Garment-Making Trade Workers Union and the Hong Kong Weaving Apparel Industry Employees General Union. The Government members include the Government Economist and representatives from the Labour Department, the Trade Department, the Industry Department, the Census and Statistics Department and the Education and Manpower Bureau. End 9. Two Lantau Link special bus services to cease operation ******************************************************* The Transport Department announces that two Lantau Link recreational bus services X21 and X31 will cease operation tomorrow (Saturday) in view of a significant drop in patronage. Other recreational routes X11 and X32 departing from Moreton Terrace and Kwai Fong MTR Station respectively for Lantau Link will continue to operate on Sundays and public holidays. The Saturday services of route X32 will be cancelled. Speaking on the arrangements today (Friday), a spokesman for the department said: "These bus routes were introduced shortly after the opening of Lantau Link to meet upsurge public demand for a tour of the new highways and bridges. "Such demand dropped significantly in the last two months." Routes X21 and X31 depart from Tai Kok Tsui and Tsuen Wan Ferry respectively for Lantau Link in weekends. The patronage of these two bus routes has dropped by more than 90% as compared with those in May this year. In August, these two routes carried an average of 830 passengers on Sundays and public holidays while the average for May is 17,000. "It is not envisaged that the discontinuation of the bus services will cause inconvenience to the public," the spokesman said. Members of the public can make use of E21 and E31, which depart from Tai Kok Tsui and Tsuen Wan Ferry respectively for Tung Chung New Town, to visit the Lantau Link. "The Transport Department will closely monitor the traffic situation and conduct monthly review to assess the need of continuing the remaining two special services," the spokesman added. End 10. Revision in Immigration Department Fees *************************************** Fees for various documents and certificates issued by the Immigration Department will be revised with effect from October 31 this year, an SAR Government spokesman announced today (Friday). The fees cover various services provided by the Immigration Department, such as the issue of visas, re- entry permits, Documents of Identity, replacement identity cards, and birth, death and marriage certificates. The spokesman said that the Government policy is to set fees based on full-cost recovery so that those receiving the services will pay for them and not the taxpayers. The fees for issue of visas and permits have been maintained at the existing levels for the past 10 years. Most of the fees for other services were last increased in July 1996. "A recent costing review has shown that the fees for these services are lagging behind and the cost recovery rate is only 88 per cent overall," he said. Fee increases of seven per cent to 17 per cent are proposed for the services in this revision," he added. The increases in dollar terms are small, mostly ranging from $5 to $45 for services under the Immigration Ordinance and Registration of Persons Ordinance, and mostly below $90 for services relating to registration of births, deaths and marriages. Details of the fee increases which require the approval of the Provisional Legislative Council by resolution have been submitted to Provisional Legislative Council Members for consideration. The Secretary for Security will move such a resolution on September 24, 1997. End 11. Junction improvement proposed to improve traffic ************************************************ The Secretary for Transport today (Friday) proposes to improve the junction of Nam Long Shan Road and Shum Wan Road to facilitate better turning movement. The proposed works involved : * Reconstruction of parts of the existing footpaths along Nam Long Shan road and at the junction of Nam Long Shan Road and Shum Wan Road; * construction of footpaths and carriageway at the junction of Nam Long Shan Road and Shum Wan Road; * permanent closure of parts of the existing footpaths along Nam Long Shan Road and Shum Wan Road to be turned into carriageway; * permanent closure of part of the existing carriageway at the junction of Nam Long Shan Road and Shum Wan Road to be turned into a traffic island; and * ancillary works including landscaping works, drainage works, demolition and construction of a section of a fence wall and of a chain link fence. A notice concerning the proposed road works is published in the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Gazette today. The plan and scheme for the proposed works may be inspected during office hours at: * Public Enquiry Service Centre, Central and Western District Office, Ground Floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong; * Hong Kong South District Lands Office, Southorn Centre, 20th Floor, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; * Public Enquiry Service Centre, Southern District Office, Shop 25, Ground Floor, Mei Fung Court, Aberdeen Centre, 7-11 Nam Ning Street, Aberdeen, Hong Kong. Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both is required to write on or before November 4, 1997 to the Secretary for Transport, Central Government Offices, East Wing, Second Floor, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong. End 12. Road improvement works in Tin Shui Wai ************************************** The Territory Development Department (TDD) plans to improve some road junctions in Tin Shui Wai Development Zone and its peripheral areas. The proposed roadworks will enhance the capacity of the junctions to cope with additional traffic generated from the further development of the new town. The works involve the widening of carriageways and modifying junction layouts. Ancillary works include formation of Light Rail Transit reserve, construction of bus bays and modification of associated footpaths, cycle tracks, road drainage and planting strips. The works are scheduled to start in late 1998 for completion in about 15 months. End 13. 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. The beach grading results are announced weekly on every Friday during the bathing season to coincide with the 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, nine are found to be in "good" condition (Grade 1), 16 "fair" (Grade 2), nine "poor" (Grade 3) and three "very poor" (Grade 4). "Grade 1" beaches include: Hairpin (S) Lo So Shing (S) South Bay (S) Tung Wan on Cheung Chau (S) Cheung Sha Upper (S) Hap Mun Bay (S) Hung Shing Yeh (S) Kiu Tsui (S) Tong Fuk (S) "Grade 2" beaches include: Big Wave Bay (S) Stanley Main (S) Chung Hom Kok (S) Cheung Sha Lower Deep Water Bay (S) Discovery Bay* Middle Bay (S) Kwun Yam Wan (S) Repulse Bay (S) Pui O (S) Shek O (S) Clear Water Bay 1st (S) St. Stephen's (S) Clear Water Bay 2nd (S) Turtle Cove (S) Trio (Hebe Haven) (S) "Grade 3" beaches include: Silverstrand (S) New Cafeteria (S) Hoi Mei Wan Golden Beach (S) Lido (S) Kadoorie (S) Tung Wan on Ma Wan (S) Butterfly (S) Old Cafeteria "Grade 4" beaches include: Silvermine Bay (S) Gemini Casam (S) Note: * Non-gazetted beach (S) Shark prevention net installed The grades of Tong Fuk and Tung Wan on Cheung Chau have changed from "2" to "1"; Big Wave Bay and Clear Water Bay 2nd from "3" to "2"; Silvermine Bay from "3" to "4". These changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of these beaches. 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
