Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
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Thursday, October 16, 1997 CONTENTS ======== 1. Hong Kong and Japan to 'forge deeper friendship' says CE 2. Transcript of Chief Executive in Tokyo 3. FS's transcript 4. Fire safety package announced 5. Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee meets 6. Auction on items bearing connotations of British sovereignty 7. Vacant classrooms fully used where possible 8. Airport Authority HK$5 billion Note Issuance Programme 9. Moves to speed up small house grants 10. HKMA introduces securities lending programme 11. Film Services Office to be set up in April 12. SHA visits Kowloon districts 13. Candidates of the ADC Nomination Exercise announced 14. Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel appointed 15. Textbook grants increased for 1997/98 school year 16. Industrial production index for 97 second quarter 17. Seminar to promote fire safety 1. Hong Kong and Japan to 'forge deeper friendship' says CE ******************************************************** Trade and investment links between Hong Kong and Japan will deepen and benefit in tandem as China's massive economy continues to open up next century, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, told Japan's political and business leaders today (Thursday). Mr Tung said the reform of state-owned enterprises in China would present opportunities for Japanese banking and investment houses in Hong Kong in areas such as raising capital and providing financial management expertise. Japan has a considerable presence in Hong Kong's banking sector, with more than 45 banks licensed to operate and about 30 with representative offices in the SAR. About 50 more restricted-licence banks or deposit taking companies also operate in Hong Kong. In the first full day of meetings on his first official visit to Japan as Chief Executive, Mr Tung encouraged Japanese business chiefs to look for areas in which partnerships could be forged in Hong Kong's fast-developing value-added service industries. Topping the list of ministerial calls was a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Ryutaro Hashimoto, who congratulated Mr Tung on the smooth running of Hong Kong since the reversion of sovereignty on July 1. "The friendship between Hong Kong and Japan is not going to change. If anything, it will only get deeper," Mr Tung said of the meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister. Mr Tung said the importance of a free and open global trade regime was discussed, as well as the important role the World Trade Organisation is set to play within the international community. Mr Tung told Mr Hashimoto, as well as other political and business leaders, that Japanese investments would be thoroughly protected by the rule of law in Hong Kong. He stressed the Hong Kong Government was committed to rooting out and punishing corruption, the maintenance of law and order and prudent fiscal policy. The Chief Executive was asked about Hong Kong's linked exchange rate which he said would be maintained because it provided stability and certainty to Hong Kong's financial markets and trading partners. Other meetings were held with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Keizo Obuchi, the Minister of Finance, Mr Hiroshi Mitsuzuka, and the Minister for International Trade and Industry, Mr Mitsuo Horiuchi. Earlier today, Mr Tung met members of the Japan-Hong Kong Business Co-operation Committee and the influential Japan Federation of Economic Organisations (Keidanren). Mr Tung was also guest of honour at a reception tonight hosted by China's Ambassador to Japan, Mr Xu Dunxin. Meanwhile, business and political groups in Japan expect Hong Kong to continue to prosper as a leading financial and trading hub. The Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League and the Japan-Hong Kong Business Co-operation Committee expressed confidence in Hong Kong's future prosperity under the 'one country, two systems' formula. "It is highly desirable for Japan, as well as China and all other countries, that Hong Kong should continue to brim with vitality as an international trade and financial centre while it enjoys a broad range of autonomy by firmly maintaining the 'one country, two systems' policy," said Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League chairman, Mr Tsutomu Hata, in a 'Japan Times' supplement to highlight the Chief Executive's visit. "I have great confidence in the continued prosperous future of Hong Kong." Japan-Hong Kong Business Co-operation Committee chairman, Mr Tomiichi Akiyama, said it was common knowledge that Hong Kong owed its prosperity to its economic freedom. "I firmly believe that Hong Kong, under the 'one country, two systems' policy, will continue to acquire greater importance as a business gateway to China and as a trading centre in Asia," said Mr Akiyama. "I hope that Japan and Hong Kong will maintain their close relations for many years to come, and also that Hong Kong will keep up its free-wheeling economic activities so that it may attain greater prosperity as an international economic and trading centre." End 2. Transcript of Chief Executive in Tokyo ************************************** Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, to reporters at Okura Hotel, Tokyo, today (Thursday): Reporter (TVB): First of all, why are you not bringing up the question of the Diaoyu Islands and war reparations with the Japanese and secondly how can Japan help in the privatisation of State Enterprises in China? Mr Tung: As I said earlier on in Chinese that this question was not brought up and as I told you in Hong Kong I do not intend to bring the subject up but if it is brought up I will be happy to discuss it. My position is well know, that Diaoyu Islands belong to China and that this is a very strong personal feeling and I also emphasise that while the sentiments of many people in Hong Kong are well known, these are the subjects that best be left to be discussed by the two governments involved, the Central Government in Beijing and also the Japanese Government and I think it would be a more productive way and a better way to proceed with this issue. Reporter (TVB): State owned enterprises? Mr Tung: With regards to the State Owned Enterprises, obviously this is a tremendous undertaking by the People's Republic of China and that there will be requirement from the point of view of fresh capital, expertise and Hong Kong certainly will look forward in participating in those and I imagine that the Japanese companies will be very interested. Reporter (Reuters TV, Tokyo): Of the many places you have been visiting since the Handover, what's most critical about visiting Japan and have you noticed any change, particularly in mind of the way Japan and the United States are renegotiating their defence agreement, any difference in the way they are looking at Hong Kong? Mr Tung: Well this is the fourth country I have visited and I think, as the days go by since I have visited the United States and Singapore-Malaysia, of course we held the World Bank and IMF meetings in Hong Kong, and since that time people see more and more of what's happening in Hong Kong, they are growing more and more confident and I think, I get the feeling in Japan is that more and more confidence is building up that Hong Kong will go well, one country, two systems will be implemented as it is now being implemented. So my job is relatively easier every country I go, I hope. End 3. FS's transcript *************** Following is the transcript of a media session by the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, after officiating at the Ceremony to mark the arrival of the First Airport Express Train this (Thursday) morning: FS: I am very happy to participate in this ceremony to receive the first train set coming from Spain. This is of course part of the Airport Railway projects, and the railway project of course, this Airport Railway is the integral part of the infrastructure serving the new airport. And I 've been up on the train, the cars, the configuration, the facilities. I think it is one of the most modern (train) I've ever seen in perceiving this at the same time. I think by the time it is put into operation Hong Kong people will feel very proud. We in Hong Kong Government as well as the Airport Authority are determined to open the airport for operation in April next year. And the Chairman of the MTRC is currently discussing with us how we are able to dovetail the completion of the airport railway with the airport operation. So that would be ... and he is telling us that he is making very good progress in the construction work and station work, and I am sure it will be finally one of the most beautiful train operations in the world. Question: When will the airport be open? FS: Well, I can tell you the airport will be open for operation in April. End 4. Fire safety package announced ***************************** A package of measures, including introducing new legislation and stepping up enforcement actions, to improve fire safety was announced today (Thursday). Elaborating on details of the package at a press conference, Deputy Secretary for Security, Mr Alex Fong, said the measures were developed by an inter-departmental working group, having regard to lessons learnt in the Garley Building and the Top One Karaoke fires and recommendations made by the Hon Justice Woo in his final report on the Inquiry into the Garley Building fire. "We will adopt a five-pronged approach to improve fire safety, namely, strengthening our legislative and administrative framework to upgrade fire safety standards; stepping up enforcement actions; strengthening the response capabilities of the emergency services; promoting a fire safety culture among building management; and promoting a fire safety culture amongst the community," Mr Fong said. On legislative and administrative framework, Mr Fong said the objective was to upgrade and strengthen the hardware, such as fire service installations(FSI), means of escape and access (MoE and MoA) in buildings, as well as the software, such as better procedures and code of practice, to ensure fire safety precautions were taken. For fire safety in lift and welding works, the SAR Government would introduce among other things legislation in 1998/99 to require, under a mandatory safety training scheme, all construction workers to undergo fire safety training as part of the recognised safety training course. While noting that there was general support for legislative proposals to require the upgrading of FSI, MoE and MoA in old commercial buildings, Mr Fong said the Government also noted concerns expressed by building owners over technical and financial difficulties. "In implementing the new legislative requirements, which may be introduced in early 1998, we will work with building management and owners. "The Government will take a pragmatic and flexible approach in implementation to help building owners overcome some of the problems they might encounter," Mr Fong said. "We are also considering the possibility of providing financial support to buildings through a loan scheme," he said. On Karaoke establishments, Mr Fong said the two provisional municipal councils had agreed to be the future licensing authorities of a new statutory licensing scheme to regulate the health, fire safety, building safety and public safety aspects for these premises. "The relevant trades will be consulted on the proposals shortly, with the aim to introducing the legislation in the 1998/99 legislative session," he said. On enforcement actions, Mr Fong said additional resources had been secured for the coming financial year to support fire safety work. "In order to use the additional resources more efficiently and maximise the impact of actions taken, we are reviewing how enforcement actions amongst departments can be better coordinated, e.g. better synchronisation on the timing of inspections, sharing of information and making cross referrals on fire risks detected during inspections," he said. "We also hope to take a more proactive approach in the inspection of the targeted 400 pre-1973 commercial buildings," he added. On strengthening response capabilities, Mr Fong said improvements to the communication and co-ordination procedures within and between the emergency services would be introduced so that they could share useful information gathered during an operation. A new arrangement, he said, had already been promulgated under which District Officers would coordinate the setting up of an inter-departmental help desk at the scene to handle public enquiries and Government assistance offered to victims and their families. "We are also considering measures to strengthen staff training and improve our equipment," he said. On promoting a fire safety culture among building management, Mr Fong said the Fire Services Department (FSD) had set up a Community Relations Unit to strengthen the interface between the Government and the community in the fight against fire. "We hope to achieve improvements through Building Management Coordination Teams under the Home Affairs Department (HAD), which can be used as the link between various Government departments and Owners' Corporations (OCs) as well as HAD's new Resource Centre, to be established in mid 1998, to provide information and advice on ways to improve the fire safety standards of buildings," he said. As to recommendations on stepping up training for caretakers, he said the Security Guarding Industry Authority had agreed to improve the existing training manual and was considering the idea of whether to require security personnel to pass a test on building management before the issue of permits. On promoting fire safety culture amongst the community, Mr Fong said a major publicity campaign on fire safety, with a budget of about $2 million, would be launched next year. "We plan to carry out a phone survey before, during and after the campaign to assess the public attitudes," he said. While the Fire Safety Ambassadors Scheme, run by the FSD and targeted at boy scouts and girl guides, had been enthusiastically received, Mr Fong said the department had started extending its training to members of the Estate Management Advisory Committees of the Housing Department, who would in turn recruit public housing estate tenants to become Fire Safety Ambassadors. "The HAD is actively considering proposals to strengthen community involvement at the district level, including the setting up of committees with the participation of non-officials to advise on fire safety and prevention matters," he said. Mr Fong called on building management and the community to work together with the Government in developing a fire safety culture. "For our programmes to succeed, the five elements in our strategy needs to be synchronised and the Government and the community have to work together in partnership," he said. End 5. Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee meets ******************************************** Subsequent to consultation between Hong Kong and the Mainland and upon approval of the State Council, the "Hong Kong and Mainland Cross-Boundary Major Infrastructure Co- ordinating Committee" (ICC) was established on October 16, 1997 and held its first plenary meeting in Shenzhen. The meeting discussed and defined the terms of reference of the ICC, confirmed the consensus and progress reached by the previous "Sino-British Co-ordinating Committee on Major Cross-border Infrastructure between Hong Kong and the Mainland", listened to the work progress reports of the panels since the fifth meeting of the previous ICC as well as discussed the arrangements for the next step of work. The ICC, formed by officials from the relevant government departments of the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) comprises of seven members on each side. The Mainland team is led by Mr Zhang Liangdong, Director of the Economic Department of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council; the HKSAR team is led by Mr Bowen Leung, Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands. The terms of reference of the ICC are to exchange views and information on the co-ordination and interface of major infrastructure projects straddling the Mainland and Hong Kong and to seek common views in order to enable the socio-economic benefits of the relevant infrastructural projects to be achieved in a more scientific, rational and effective manner. The ICC does not have a decision-making function. It will respect the decision-making power of the Mainland and HKSAR on their respective infrastructural projects. The meeting formally confirmed the "Memorandum of Understanding on the Progress of Work of the Sino-British Co-ordinating Committee on Major Cross-Border Infrastructure between Hong Kong and the Mainland" signed by the leaders of the Chinese and British teams of the previous ICC on June 28. The ICC will carry out its work on the basis established by the previous ICC. The meeting discussed and confirmed the "Memorandum of Understanding on Flight Procedures and Air Traffic Control Matters in the Pearl River Delta Area by a Technical Working Group of Air Traffic Control Experts of Mainland China, British Hong Kong and Portuguese Macao" (hereinafter referred to as the Memorandum) signed by the previous ICC Air Traffic Control Panel Technical Working Group and the air traffic control department of Portuguese Macao. The Memorandum confirmed that the flight procedures of Hong Kong's new airport at Chek Lap Kok may extend into the flight information region of the Mainland and the requisite airspace will be delegated to Hong Kong to provide air traffic services; the approach and departure routes and flight procedures of Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macao Airports will be revised to cater for the operational needs of the new airport at Chek Lap Kok in Hong Kong; the navigation beacon at Neilingding will be removed and new navigation beacons will be set up in Hengmen, Shekou and Guanlan; the arrival and departure procedures for the airports in the Pearl River Delta will adopt a unified turning speed; the Shenzhen Approach Control area will adopt the same altimeter setting procedures based on QNH for the airports in the Pearl River Delta Area; the transition level and transition altitude of the Approach Control Areas of Hong Kong and Shenzhen will be standardised. The relevant authorities will make arrangements for the implementation of these measures in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum as soon as possible in order to enable the commissioning of the new airport in Hong Kong in April 1998 as scheduled. The meeting also discussed and confirmed the Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 11 by the Mainland, HKSAR and Portuguese Macao sides concerning arrival, departure and missed approach procedures of the Macao International Airport. The authority concerned will implement the measures concerned as soon as possible, so as to facilitate the operation of the new Hong Kong airport in April 1998 as planned. The meeting also considered that by launching shuttle bus services as approved by the previous ICC expert group on Lok Ma Chau - Huanggang passenger crossing, the original target of raising the passenger handling capacity at the crossing had been achieved. The present passenger handling capacity has increased significantly to 23,000 persons per day. For the time being, the ICC has, according to its own need established four panels under it, namely, the Marine Channels Panel, Roads and Bridges Panel, Lok Ma Chau- Huanggang Passenger Crossing Panel and Air Traffic Control Panel. The Marine Channels Panel will continue to conduct in-depth studies on the Tonggu Channel and both the Mainland and Hong Kong are prepared to provide information and other assistance to facilitate the studies concerned; the Roads and Bridges Panel will carry on with each side's respective studies on the Zhuhai Lingdingyang Bridge project and the Shenzhen - Hong Kong Western Corridor project; the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang Passenger Crossing Panel will continue to explore ways to further enhance the passenger crossing capacity; and the Air Traffic Control Panel will follow up and implement the specific issues specified in the Memorandum of Understanding. The date of the next ICC meeting will be decided jointly by the Mainland and Hong Kong sides according to the progress of work. End 6. Auction on items bearing connotations of British sovereignty ************************************************************ A public auction for sale of items bearing connotations of British sovereignty will be held on November 21 and 22, the Director of Government Supplies, Mr Nigel Shipman, announced today (Thursday). At the auction, 1,000 lots of items will be put up for sale. They include revenue stamps; flags; crockery; swords; buttons, badges, insignia and uniforms; and photo-posters and photographic portraits of the British Royal Family. These items are available for inspection on every Saturday and Sunday during the period October 18 to November 9 at 10th Floor, Government Logistics Centre, 11 Chong Fu Road, Chai Wan. "There will be four sessions, with two to be held in the mornings and the other in the afternoons of November 21 and 22. For each of the sessions, 250 lots will be auctioned and about 500 seats will be made available," said Mr Shipman. "Registration will be done on a first come first served basis on November 8 and 9 at the Government Logistics Centre. The applicant or his authorised representative is required to produce the Hong Kong Identity Card or passport of the applicant." The Hong Kong Auctioneers & Estate Agency Limited have been engaged by the Government as the Auctioneer. Mr Shipman said the Government had received enquiries about the sale of items bearing connotations of British sovereignty from interested parties in Hong Kong and from overseas. "We will notify those persons of the auction," Mr Shipman added. "Intending bidders, particularly those from places outside Hong Kong, may authorise the Auctioneer to bid on their behalf. They should obtain a Bid Form from the Auctioneer prior to the auction," he said. The 1,000 items available for sale are published in the Auction List, with full details of the auction set out in the Notice of Auction. The Auction list and Notice of Auction can be obtained from the Government Supplies Department (GSD) at 12 Oil Street, North Point or from the Auctioneer at 4th Floor, Johnson Mansion, 434 Queen's Road West, starting from tomorrow (October 17). Interested parties, both local and overseas, may also obtain information about the auction via internet by visiting the GSD's web site at http://www.info.gov.hk/gsd/auction.htm. Enquiries about the auction can be directed to the GSD (Tel. 2896 9876) or to the Auctioneer (Tel. 2522 9446). End 7. Vacant classrooms fully used where possible ******************************************* The Education Department today (Thursday) clarified that the use of vacant classrooms has always featured in Government's planning for whole-day primary schooling. A department spokesman said that besides building 75 primary schools by year 2002, existing vacant classrooms will be used wherever possible to facilitate the switch to whole-day operation. He pointed out, however, that some of these classrooms cannot be used for whole-day schooling. "Some of them are in remote areas and require unreasonably long time for young kids to travel from other districts," the spokesman said. "Some are in schools scheduled for demolition to make way for redevelopment," he said. "Others are in new schools and they will be filled when students progress through primary schooling. Some schools have vacant classrooms only in the morning or only in the afternoon, but their vacant classrooms are not enough to facilitate conversion to whole-day operation. "We have been taking all steps possible, including use of vacant classrooms, to speed up implementation of whole- day schooling." End 8. Airport Authority HK$5 billion Note Issuance Programme ****************************************************** The Airport Authority announced today (Thursday) the signing of a HK$5 billion Note Issuance Programme arranged by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The Programme will allow the Airport Authority to issue notes with a denomination of HK$50,000 and maturities of up to 10 years. The first issue of HK$500 million is likely to be launched later this year or in early 1998, subject to favourable market conditions. This is the second note issuance programme for which the HKMA acts as the arranger, agent and operator for the issuer. The Programme will be covered by the existing market-making arrangements for Exchange Fund Bills and Notes. At today's signing ceremony, the Chairman of the Airport Authority, Mr Wong Po-yan, reiterated the strength of the new airport business. "The new airport will open next April, on time and within budget," Mr Wong said. "As we get closer to airport opening, we find ourselves heading into a very exciting, dynamic phase in the aviation business. "The overall strength of our business has been widely acknowledged. Apart from a substantial capital injection from our sole shareholder, the Government, we will be inheriting from Kai Tak a fairly solid and flourishing business. Our strength is also built upon our ability to create diversified, nicely balanced and relatively stable streams of revenue comprising airport charges, retail operations and aviation franchises and terminal office rentals. "Of equal significance is our unwavering commitment to running our business on prudent commercial principles and applying stringent measures of cost control. By putting out all our works, service and commercial contracts through open tender on the basis of a level playing field, we have been able to hold costs down without compromising the quality of service to be provided. "The new airport at Chek Lap Kok is being developed innovatively to meet market demands. I am sure the success of our new airport, to which each of you in the financial community has contributed in no small measure, will both mirror and support that of the SAR well into the next century." The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Joseph C K Yam, said: "The Note Issuance Programme should enable the Airport Authority to borrow Hong Kong dollar funds at a lower cost. This is achieved through the market making arrangements and the eligibility for LAF which together ensure a high degree of liquidity and therefore enhance the attractiveness of the paper in the secondary market, enabling the paper to be more finely priced." The Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) launched a similar note issuance programme in 1995 which enabled the Corporation to raise funds at below the interbank interest rates. Under the Airport Authority Note Issuance Programme, notes will be sold from time to time by tender to a group of appointed recognised dealers and market-makers. By extending the existing market-making arrangement of the Exchange Fund Paper Programme to these Airport Authority notes, market-makers are obliged to quote two-way prices for the Airport Authority notes during money market hours. In return the market-makers can go short in any issues of the Exchange Fund paper or Airport Authority or MTRC notes provided they hold sufficient amount of other Exchange Fund paper or Airport Authority or MTRC notes in the system to square off their short positions by entering into a repo transaction with the HKMA at the end of the day. Notes issued under the Airport Authority Note Issuance Programme will be cleared through the Central Moneymarkets Unit and will be eligible for discounting under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility operated by the HKMA. End 9. Moves to speed up small house grants ************************************ The Lands Department has introduced new measures to make processing of application for small house grants more transparent and expeditious. The moves are aimed at enhancing staff safety in the wake of attacks on two Land Executives. One of the measures is to include in the pamphlet on the grants a table setting out item by item the criteria for the issue of a Certificate of Compliance. "This will help applicants provide sufficient information and valid document to support their application," the Director of Lands, Mr Robert Pope, said today (Thursday) at a press conference. "We have also taken the opportunity to state categorically that Land Executives do not have the authority to make any exemption," Mr Pope said. "There are statutory provisions to comply with and standard procedures to follow," he added. To reduce the processing time, Mr Pope said, the Department would launch a pilot scheme under which some of the administrative work would be contracted out to registered land surveyors and solicitors in private practice. "This will include the setting out of a small house site, preparation of a site plan to be attached to the land grant document, legal documentation and registration of title deeds," Government Land Agent (Estate Management), Mr George Chung, explained at the press conference. "Under the scheme, an applicant may opt for the services of the contractors to be provided at the tendered price," Mr Chung said. "Applicants who opt for contractors' services will have their applications processed in a shorter time," Mr Chung said. Mr Chung said the pilot scheme would be introduced in Yuen Long next February. "If proved successful, it may be extended to other parts of the New Territories," he said. Recounting the attacks on two Land Executives, Mr Pope said staff safety was always the number one concern of the Department. "In the light of the result of investigation, both the Police and the Department believe the attacks were related to official duties, probably in connection with applications for small house grants," he said. "We are giving every assistance to the two officers in their application for compensation and the Government has agreed to reimburse all necessary medical expenses to the one who has lost one eye," he said. Since the attacks, the Department has held a series of seminar with Police assistance on safety at work and has drawn up detailed guidelines on staff safety and office security. "We are here to serve the community and if we have done wrong, we are open to criticism and complaint and will do our best to improve, but violence must be condemned," Mr Pope said. End 10. HKMA introduces securities lending programme ******************************************** The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (Thursday) that the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) will launch a Securities Lending Programme for private sector debt securities on December 1, 1997. The Programme aims to enhance the liquidity and settlement efficiency of CMU private sector debt securities, and increase their attractiveness to investors by enhancing the yields for the lenders. Drawing on the success of the market-making system for the Exchange Fund paper, the Programme allows CMU members who are prepared to act as market-makers of private sector issues to borrow securities from other CMU members to cover their short positions. The market-makers will be required to quote two way prices at a reasonable spread during money market hours. The operational framework for the Programme has been finalised after consultation with the Hong Kong Capital Markets Association and the Programme will commence operation on December 1, 1997. "The Programme will enhance the liquidity of CMU private sector debt securities by providing an efficient mechanism to utilise securities held by long term investors for short-term use by the more active market participants," said the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Joseph Yam. The HKMA also announced today that the bilateral linkages between the CMU and the securities depositories in Australia (the Reserve Bank Information and Transfer System for government securities and AustraClear for private sector debt securities) will commence operation on December 1, 1997. Besides helping market development, these bilateral linkages will also help to reduce settlement risk by facilitating cross border delivery versus payment arrangements. "This is a major step forward for cross border securities linkages in the Region. The linkage of domestic depositories will facilitate the clearing of cross border trades in debt securities in Asia. It will enlarge the investor base and broaden domestic debt markets. It is our objective to set up more of such linkages with other systems in the Region," added Mr Yam. Besides Australia, the HKMA is discussing with the People's Bank of China and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand on establishing similar linkages with the central securities depositories in the mainland of China and New Zealand. End 11. Film Services Office to be set up in April ****************************************** A Film Services Office will be set up on April 1, 1998 to co-ordinate and facilitate the film industry in film production, especially with regard to location shooting applications. This was revealed by the Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport, Mr Chau Tak-hay, at the Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Panel meeting this (Thursday) morning to brief Provisional Legislative Council members on the policy commitments of his portfolio in the Policy Address. "The Film Services Office will be an independent unit under the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) and will be working directly to the Commissioner for Television and Entertainment Licensing. "It will be completely detached from the film censorship section of the TELA so as to avoid confusing the role of the TELA in film regulation," he said. As regards the Film Services Advisory Committee to be chaired by the Secretary himself, it aims at providing a direct conduit for dialogue between the film industry and Government to replace the irregular and informal contacts in the past. Representatives of the industry can advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the film industry, including its long-term development and areas where government assistance is required. He said: "It was a fact that our film industry had been hard hit by competition and its business suffered a downturn. To regain its position, our film makers have to be innovative and work hard to attract viewers back to the cinemas amidst the diverse entertainment and information services presently available to them. "What the Government can and should do is not to provide financial assistance or subsidy but to simplify the bureaucratic procedures that film makers have to comply in shooting films." On long-term development, the Secretary noted that the Government has decided to make available for public tender in the 1998 land disposal programme a site at Tseung Kwan O for film shooting and post-production purposes in order to encourage infrastructural investment in film production. This is because the lack of film studio facilities undermines our film production capabilities and indirectly increases the demand for location shooting. Besides, the application of computer technology and the use of advanced audio-visual equipment in producing the special audio and visual effects in films had greatly enhanced the popularity of films. Turning to television, Mr Chau pointed out that there was a need to improve the existing regulatory framework so as to cope with future development. "The forthcoming 1998 Review on Television Environment will be a good opportunity for us to advance this objective, and to take forward our pledge of providing the community with more and better broadcasting and entertainment services," he said. Moreover, the Government is now examining whether the Hong Kong Industrial Estates Corporation's admission criteria could be relaxed to benefit the television industry and related services. As regards arts and culture, Mr Chau said that there had not been a comprehensive cultural policy in Hong Kong because in the past the Government had not placed particular importance on formulating a cultural policy which would promote Chinese culture or a sense of national identity. Second, Hong Kong has all along adopted a policy of minimum interference. Whilst providing public education, the Government does not seek to influence ideas, but allows freedom of thought, speech, information and the press so that people can give full play to their talents and creativity. Nevertheless, he said that due to the joint efforts of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and the two municipal councils, Hong Kong does have, through the organisation of recreational and cultural exchanges and other activities, a sound base for gradually nurturing the public's understanding of national history and culture and for building a greater sense of national identity. "I am sure that the Constitutional Affairs Bureau's review of the three-tier representative government will help define the future roles of the municipal councils on the promotion of arts and culture development, thereby enabling us to allocate and utilise resources more effectively to promote the development of the arts in Hong Kong," he said. End 12. SHA visits Kowloon districts **************************** The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan, is updated on the general situation in Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po and Wong Tai Sin districts during his visit today (Thursday). Mr Lan first visited two bedspace apartments in Jordan Road to see for himself the living environment there. He then proceeded to the site of the purpose-built singleton hostel at Shun Ning Road where he was briefed on the progress of construction works and design of the hostel. The 16-storey hostel, scheduled for completion in mid-1998 to accommodate about 310 lodgers, is constructed by the Home Affairs Department and funded by the Land Development Corporation. Before leaving for Wong Tai Sin, Mr Lan also visited an English class for new arrival children organised by the International Social Services Hong Kong Branch at the Shek Kip Mei Community Hall. Mr Lan concluded his visit with a meeting with some mutual aid committee office-bearers at the Fung Tak Estate Community Centre to show appreciation for their good work in raising funds in estates for charities. He also encouraged them to continue their support in various community affairs, including voter registration, building management and community building. Accompanying Mr Lan were the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, the Yau Tsim Mong District Officer, Ms Rebecca Pun, the Sham Shui Po District Officer, Mr John Leung, and the Wong Tai Sin District Officer, Miss Diane Wong. End 13. Candidates of the ADC Nomination Exercise announced *************************************************** The Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Bureau (BCSB) announced today (Thursday) that a total of 18 candidates have been nominated to take part in the forthcoming Hong Kong Arts Development Council (ADC) Nomination exercise. Registration of voters and nomination of candidates for the exercise closed on October 3. Over the registration period, some 6,000 voters have registered under the 10 arts interests involved, namely, literary arts, music, dance, drama, visual arts, film arts, arts administration, arts education, arts criticism and traditional performances. Polling will be held on November 9, 1997 (Sunday). The elected representatives of the 10 concerned arts interests will be forwarded to the Chief Executive for consideration of appointment to the ADC for the new term commencing from January 1, 1998. Candidates in respect of four arts interests are uncontested. Voters of these arts interests are therefore not required to cast their votes on polling day. The uncontested candidates are:- * Dr Vicki Ooi Cheng-har for Arts Criticism; * Mr Cheung Ping-kuen for Drama; * Mr Gordon Chan Ka-seung for Film Arts; and * Ms Chan Hang-kwai for Traditional Performances Dr Vicki Ooi, Mr Cheung Ping-kuen and Mr Chan Ka-seung are incumbent ADC members. A total of 14 candidates are to run in the other six arts interests. They are:- * Mr Nicholas James and Mr Lee Kin-chun for Arts Administration; * Mr Andrew Lam Hon-kin and Mr Yu Shu-tak for Arts Education; * Mr Chang Jui-yuan, Mr Mathias Woo Yan-wai and Mr Willy Tsao Sing-yuen for Dance; * Mr Woo Chih-wai and Mr Poon Ming-sun for Literary Arts; * Ms Barbara Fei and Mr Yeung Ping for Music; and * Mr Lee Kam-yin, Mr Wong Bok-tsang and Mr Wang Hai for Visual Arts. The nomination agent, PAPC, will organize forums for all candidates who wish to meet voters. These forums will be held at the Government Secretariat Conference Room, first floor, Central Government Offices Main Wing (New Annex), Lower Albert Road on November 1 and 2, 1997. Details of the candidates, their platforms, and arrangements for candidates' forums and polling will be sent shortly by post to registered voters. Eligible voters of the six concerned arts interests, namely, Arts Administration, Arts Education, Dance, Literary Arts, Music and Visual Arts are to vote in person between 9 am and 9 pm on November 9, 1997 at the polling station located at the Heritage Resource Centre of the Antiquities and Monuments Office, 136 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. For enquiries, please contact Miss Kathy Chan of PAPC on 2864 4867. End 14. Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel appointed ************************************************** A SAR government spokesman announced today (Thursday) that the Secretary for Trade and Industry has appointed 17 members, including the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman, to the Appeal Board Panel under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance for a period of two years with effect from October 20 (Monday), 1997. Fourteen existing members, including the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, have been re-appointed. They are Mr Andrew Liao Cheung-sing (Chairman), Mr Larry Kwok Lam-kwong (Deputy Chairman), Ms Alice Chan Lai-hing, Dr Chan Wai-kwan, Dr David Lloyd Crone, Dr George William Greene, Dr Keung Wing-ching, Professor Joseph Lai Ki-leuk, Dr David Lee Ka-yan, Mr Norman Lo Kam-wah, Mr Cliff Sun Kai-lit, Mr Aaron Wan Chi-keung, Dr Chris Wong Ho-ching and Mr Jose Yu Sun-say. The three new members are Mr Irving Koo Yee-yin, Mr Yip Kam-yuen and Mrs Yuen Chan Po-hing. "The Appeal Board is responsible for hearing appeals against enforcement decisions or actions taken by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance," the spokesman said. End 15. Textbook grants increased for 1997/98 school year ************************************************* The textbook grants for the 1997/98 school year have been significantly increased to bring the level of assistance in line with the market price of textbooks. A spokesman for the Student Financial Assistance Agency said today (Thursday) that new benchmark rates of textbook grant had been approved for the 1997/98 academic year to help needy parents to pay for the purchase of essential textbook and stationery for their children. The new rates at $1,029 (full grant) for primary students and $1,683 (full grant) for junior secondary students represent increases of 27 per cent and 14 per cent respectively as compared to similar grant levels in the 1996/97 academic year. Parents who wish to benefit from the Scheme can apply through their children's schools at the beginning of the school year. An applicant who passes the means-test set with reference to a prescribed reckoner will be awarded a full grant or half grant. "The amounts of assistance are adjusted annually by taking into consideration movements in the textbook price index of Consumer Price Index (A) and the findings of a sample survey on the average cost of school textbooks conducted annually by the Agency," the spokesman said. "Parents who are interested are welcome to contact the Textbook Assistance Section of the Student Financial Assistance Agency at 2802 1621 for further details," he added. End 16. Industrial production index for 97 second quarter ************************************************* The index of industrial production for the second quarter of 1997 decreased slightly by 0.8% over the same quarter in 1996, according to the results of a survey released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department. Analysed by industry group, output of the wearing apparel (except footwear) industry and the basic metals and fabricated metal products industry decreased by 5.2% and 3.6% respectively. A decrease of 3.9% was registered in the output of the industry group of electrical and electronic products, machinery, professional equipment and optical goods. Within this group, output of the consumer electrical and electronic products industry decreased by 13.6%, whereas output of the machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components industry increased by 5.9%. However, output of the food, beverages and tobacco industry and the paper products and printing industry increased moderately by 5.6% and 4.3% respectively. Slight increases in output were also recorded in the chemical, rubber, plastic and non-metallic mineral products industry (+1.3%) and the textiles (including knitting) industry (+0.6%). Compared with the first quarter of 1997, the index of industrial production showed a notable increase of 11.9%. This was consistent with the usual pick-up in manufacturing activities in the second quarter. The index of industrial production reflects changes of local manufacturing output in real terms. In other words, it measures the volume of local production after discounting the effect of price changes. More detailed information can be obtained from the "Quarterly Index of Industrial Production, 2nd Quarter 1997" report, which is on sale at $9 a copy at the Government Publications Sales Centre, Ground Floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, or at the Census and Statistics Department Publications Unit, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Regular subscription may also be arranged. Enquiries about the survey results may be directed to the General Economic Surveys Section of the Census and Statistics Department at tel 2805 6643. End 17. Seminar to promote fire safety ****************************** Members of the public, mutual aid committees and owners' corporations in Yuen Long are invited to participate in a building management seminar cum exhibition on fire safety and building maintenance. Organised by the Yuen Long District Office with the assistance of the Fire Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Buildings Department, the seminar will be held on October 25 (Saturday) from 1.30 pm to 4 pm at Yuen Long Town Hall, Tai Yuk Road, Yuen Long while the exhibition will be on display from 10 am to 5 pm. The event is aimed at promoting public awareness of fire prevention and enhancing their knowledge of building maintenance and repairs in private buildings. Senior Station Officer, Mr S W Chow; Senior Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, Mr K H Lo; Customer Services and Installation Manager, Mr C N Wong and Building Surveyor, Mr C K Wong will be among the guest speakers to give talks respectively on Fire Prevention, Electrical Installation, and Building Safety Inspection Scheme. They will also answer questions from the participants. The Deputy Director of Home Affairs, Mr Lui Hau-tuen, will address the seminar. Admission is free. Enquiries can be made on telephone 2470 1121. End
