Issued by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Information Services
Garden Road, 5th-8th Floors, Murray Building, Hong Kong. Tel: 2842 8777
Friday, February 6, 1998
CONTENTS
========
1. CE meets labour representatives
2. No speculations on the 1998-99 Budget
3. Declaration of some infected places cancelled
4. Advice on illegal slimming product containing Fenfluramine
5. Importance of fire safety in buildings stressed
6. Government's response on CMB franchise
7. Statement on blood product collected from a CJD patient
8. Update on avian flu
9. Report on development of financial infrastructure welcomed
10. Shenzhen River training enters its third stage
11. Land resumption in Northern NT to reduce flooding
12. More remote villages get tap water supply
13. Approved Northeast Lantau Port OZP amended
14. New York Office holds spring reception
15. Lifts and Escalators (Safety) (Fees) (Amendment)
Regulation
16. Investigation report of aircraft incident released
17. Teacher recruitment information service activated
1. CE meets labour representatives
*******************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met
representatives of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade
Unions this (Friday) afternoon to listen to their views on
livelihood issues and the major concerns of local workers.
Mr Tung assured the representatives that the
Government would take full and careful account of public
views, present economic climate and prevailing labour
market conditions before making decisions on proposals for
labour importation.
"We care for our workers. They are our key partners
in enhancing economic vitality and sustaining economic
growth for Hong Kong. Our primary consideration must be
their employment interests. We will make sure that job
opportunities go to our workers first," he stressed.
On assistance for the unemployed, Mr Tung said that
the Government would make all efforts to help the
unemployed workers to rejoin the labour market, mainly
through job placement services and training.
He noted that the Education and Manpower Bureau had
formed an inter-departmental working group to strengthen
co-ordination among training institutions and relevant
departments, including the Labour, Social Welfare, Census
and Statistics, and Home Affairs departments.
"We will keep a vigilant eye on the labour market.
With more information, we can tailor the training and
retraining courses for the job vacancies available and
devise further measures to help the displaced workers," Mr
Tung said.
Noting the representatives' support for the
development of value-added industries, Mr Tung said that
the Government would invest $235 billion in a series of
infrastructural development projects in the next four and
a half years in order to provide a conducive environment
for further economic and industrial development.
In this regard, Mr Tung added that the newly
appointed Commission on Strategic Development would look
into the role of the Government in the structural
development of our economy and the development of value-
added industries.
End
2. No speculations on the 1998-99 Budget
*************************************
In response to various media reports which
purportedly reveal Budget proposals, a government
spokesman today (Friday) said: "They are clearly
speculations. We will not comment on the content of such
reports.
"The 1998-99 Budget will be unveiled by the Financial
Secretary in about 10 days' time, on February 18.
Speculation on the content of the Budget prior to that is
pointless and will only mislead the public," the spokesman
added.
End
3. Declaration of some infected places cancelled
*********************************************
The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries today
(Friday) announced the cancellation of infected place
declaration for some of the markets selling live poultry
in Hong Kong.
An Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD)
spokesman said that these areas included the Western
Wholesale Food Market, Section A and Extension T of the
Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Poultry Market and many retail
outlets licensed by the two provisional municipal
councils.
These markets were declared as avian influenza
infected places in accordance with the Public Health
(Animals and Birds) Regulations, Hong Kong Law Chapter 139
from December 28 and 30 last year.
The spokesman pointed out that the declaration was
cancelled as these places had been thoroughly cleansed and
disinfected in the past few weeks.
These markets have already been cleaned up to a
hygiene standard approved by AFD veterinary officers as
suitable for resumption of poultry trade.
Other areas still declared as infected places include
Sections B and C of Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale
Poultry Market, four retail outlets, and all local chicken
farms.
The cancellation order for these places will be
issued once they have fulfilled all hygiene requirements
and requirements such as licensing.
End
4. Advice on illegal slimming product containing Fenfluramine
**********************************************************
The Department of Health today (Friday) advised the
public not to buy and use a slimming product which was
found to contain a western medicine, Fenfluramine, and had
not been registered with the Pharmacy and Poison Board.
Fenfluramine is reported to be associated with heart
disease and the Pharmacy and Poison Board had decided to
de-register all products containing Fenfluramine with
effect from January 1 this year.
A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said DH
had received a complaint recently and samples of the drug
were sent to laboratory for tests which revealed that the
product contained Fenfluramine.
DH had seized a total of 362 boxes of the drug after
visiting the office of the wholesaler, retail outlets and
beauty parlours in the past few days.
The spokesman advised the public to stop taking the
drug.
He urged wholesalers and retailers who are in
possession of this product to refrain from selling it and
surrender it to the Department's Pharmaceutical Service,
18th floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan
Chai, during office hours.
For enquiries, please contact the Pharmaceutical
Service hotline on 2961 8768.
End
5. Importance of fire safety in buildings stressed
***********************************************
The Buildings Department attaches great importance to
safety of buildings, a spokesman for the department said
today (Friday).
The spokesman was commenting on a report in an
English newspaper on "fire safety regulations requiring
older buildings to undergo structural repairs and install
proper fire escapes".
"The newspaper report has apparently confused two
different issues regarding separately the means of escape
and fire installations, and an earlier proposal by the
Government to implement a Building Safety Inspection
Scheme (BSIS)," the spokesman said.
As stated by the Chief Executive yesterday, the
relevant departments will inspect some 60,000 non-
commercial buildings in the next two months to check on
their fire safety related facilities including means of
escape and fire installations.
At the same time, the Buildings Department will carry
out a sample survey of 40 pre-1987 composite buildings to
ascertain the nature and size of the fire safety problems
in this category of buildings. Legislation, if required
as seen from the survey, will then be considered.
"If there are areas in a particular building which
pose fire hazards insofar as the structure of the building
is concerned, the Buildings Department will be notified
and will issue statutory orders to the owners of building
under the Buildings Ordinance.
"With regard to the BSIS, it is government objective
to improve the overall structural safety of buildings for
owners to conduct inspection and repair.
"In the light of the recent motion debate on the BSIS
in the Provisional Legislative Council, the Government is
now considering the way forward on the scheme to see how
it can be modified.
"We must stress the importance for owners to inspect
and maintain their buildings in ensuring safety. We will
also consider introducing as part of the improvement in
the scheme, an urban rehabilitation fund to help owners to
conduct inspections and maintenance if so required," the
spokesman said.
End
6. Government's response on CMB franchise
**************************************
In response to media enquiries on CMB franchise, a
government spokesman said today (Friday):
"During the past three months or so, numerous
discussions and written exchanges were held with CMB and
its representatives over the future bus services
arrangements upon the expiry of its current franchise on
August 31, 1998.
"The Administration's objective in the negotiations
is, first and foremost, to maintain continuous provision
of bus services, while giving due regard to maintaining
healthy competition and improving the overall bus services
on Hong Kong Island and cross harbour routes.
"Neither is it helpful to disclose the
Administration's negotiating position. Suffice to say
that on the part of CMB, it is necessary for the company
to demonstrate, by concrete measures, its willingness and
commitment to continuous investment and service
improvements in order to meet the standards the
Administration is setting. We also see the need for CMB
to implement a more proactive programme of customer
service and public relations.
"We will consult the Executive Council once we are
ready. The Executive Council has the absolute discretion
under the Public Bus Services Ordinance as to the terms
and manner in which a public bus operator is franchised."
End
7. Statement on blood product collected from a CJD patient
*******************************************************
The Department of Health today (Friday) confirmed
that a blood product named "ATGAM" manufactured by
Pharmacia & Upjohn, imported into Hong Kong in 1996, was
found to contain blood from a donor who was diagnosed
subsequently with Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD).
The product is registered with the Pharmacy and
Poisons Board. It is used for the prevention of rejection
after organ transplants and for the treatment of a rare
blood disorder.
This information was confirmed by the Department
yesterday, a department spokesman said.
The importer was immediately contacted and it was
found that 73 vials of one of the affected batches had
been imported into Hong Kong in March 1996. Of the 73
vials, ten was supplied to a private hospital and 63 to a
public hospital in August 1996.
The Hospital Authority and the affected private
hospital were immediately informed and advised to take
appropriate actions. According to information received,
the 73 vials of the affected product have all been used.
"The Department has checked with the importer
promptly and is reassured that no affected product is
available for use in Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
"We also understand that no other affected batches of
the product have been imported into Hong Kong."
In the meantime, the Department has asked the
importer to take immediate steps to ensure that all
available information relating to the affected product is
passed on to the hospitals concerned.
The spokesman said the department had also examined
documents provided by the importer on the manufacturing
and quality control procedures of the product and had
found that they met the relevant requirements laid down by
the US Food and Drug Administration and the World Health
Organisation.
The spokesman added that the risk of developing CJD
through the use of CJD-contaminated blood product is very
remote.
End
8. Update on avian flu
*******************
The Department of Health (DH) announced today
(Friday) that there were no new cases of influenza A
(H5N1) today.
The total number of cases stands at 18 confirmed
cases.
The conditions of these cases remain the same as of
February 3.
End
9. Report on development of financial infrastructure welcomed
**********************************************************
A Financial Services Bureau (FSB) spokesman today
(Friday) welcomed the release of the Report of the
Informal Working Group to study the long-term strategy in
the development of information technology in the financial
markets in Hong Kong.
"The Informal Working Group's report serves as a very
useful blueprint to augment a series of detailed studies
to further pursue some of the initiatives outlined in
which Government may perform a leading or co-ordinating
role, and where appropriate develop implementation plans.
"This is in line with the objective to ensure that
Hong Kong has an efficient and robust financial
infrastructure compatible with its status as a premier
international financial centre," said the spokesman.
The ambitious mission is an integral part of the
Chief Executive's policy programme announced in the last
Policy Address to sharpen the competitiveness of the Hong
Kong financial system.
FSB is in the process of defining the scope of the
feasibility studies with a view to inviting expert
consultants to commence the studies. The studies will
cover the feasibility of upgrading and integrating the
systems of various exchanges and clearing systems to
improve system security and efficiency.
"As a starting point, the consultant will be asked to
develop plans to set up a secure intranet linking
regulators and regulated institutions. The consultants
brief will also cover the longer term goal of developing a
state-of-the-art system where the whole range of financial
services trading and settlement systems are linked up to
facilitate straight through processing of all financial
transactions," said the spokesman.
End
10. Shenzhen River training enters its third stage
**********************************************
The Shenzhen River Regulation Project took a major
step forward today (Friday) with the signing of a
consultancy contract in Shenzhen on the design of works in
Phase II of its third stage.
A spokesman for the Drainage Services Department said
this phase of works consisted of straightening, deepening
and widening a five-kilometre section of the river running
from Liu Pok bend upstream to the confluence of the River
Ganges.
The consultants will design the new river channel,
including modifications to the existing cross boundary
bridges and related facilities at Man Kam To and Lo Wu,
which will be affected by the river improvement works.
The cross boundary traffic will be maintained during the
construction period.
The consultants will also provide design-related
services, such as checking the contractor's alternative
design proposals during the construction period.
They are required to complete their design and study
in the year 2000. Construction works will then begin
following the completion of the Stage II works.
The consultancy contract was awarded to the Planning,
Design and Research Institute of the Changjiang Water
Resources Commission and the Hong Kong Binnie Consultants
Limited at a cost of $7.28 million.
The Shenzhen River Regulation Project aims to reduce
the risks of flooding in the Northern New Territories and
the Shenzhen city. It covers 18 kilometres of the river
between the Deep Bay Estuary and the confluence of the
River Ganges.
Stage I involved the straightening of the meandering
sections near Lok Ma Chau and Liu Pok and was completed in
last April. Stage II began immediately afterwards to
improve the remaining section of about seven kilometres of
the river between Lo Wu and Deep Bay. It is scheduled for
completion at the end of the year 2000.
End
11. Land resumption in Northern NT to reduce flooding
*************************************************
About 2,270 square metres of land will be resumed in
Sha Tau Kok and Yuen Long for flood control works for the
benefit of residents.
A spokesman for the Lands Department said today
(Friday) that 16 agricultural lots with an area of 1,642.8
square metres along Sha Tau Kok River near Tsoi Yuen Kok
Tsuen would be resumed.
"This will pave way for the construction of a 580-
metre-long and three-metre-high embankment along the Hong
Kong side of the River," the spokesman said.
"The project is necessary as heavy rainstorms in 1994
and 1996 caused the Sha Tau Kok River to overflow on
several occasions, resulting in severe floodings in Tsoi
Yuen Kok Tsuen and Chung Ying Street," he added.
If the proposed resumption of land goes smoothly,
construction of the embankment will start in May for
completion in 22 months.
"During the construction period, the existing
drainage systems in Tsoi Yuen Kok Tsuen and Chung Ying
Street will not be affected because adequate stormwater
drains were installed in 1994," the spokesman said.
An embankment on the Shenzhen side of the River has
already been constructed.
Similarly, 13 agricultural lots in Ha Mei San Tsuen,
Yuen Long will be resumed.
The 627.5-square-metre site will provide land for the
construction of internal village drains to complete a two-
stage flood protection scheme for the villagers. The
drains will have a capacity for a 200-year return period
rainstorm.
Under the scheme, rainwater within the village
boundary will be diverted to a flood pond via the new
drains. A pumping station will operate automatically
before the pond starts overflowing to pump water from the
pond into an existing box culvert in the adjoining Tin Tze
Road for discharge into Inner Deep Bay.
The first stage of the flood protection works was
completed in February 1992 with the construction of the
flood pond and the pumping station. They have provided
interim protection to the village against a 10-year return
period rainstorm.
The works for the road embankments under the second
stage began shortly afterwards and will be completed in
mid 1998. They will prevent flood water from entering the
village proper.
End
12. More remote villages get tap water supply
*****************************************
The Water Supplies Department completed the
engineering works for the supply of tap water to another
five remote villages in the New Territories last year.
Speaking at the 19th Customer Liaison Group (CLG)
meeting today (Friday), the Deputy Director of Water
Supplies, Mr Chan Pui-wah, said this brought to 656 the
number of remote villages provided with tap water since
1980.
"We have always been committed to providing adequate
and potable water to villages in remote areas," Mr Chan
said.
In 1980, the Water Supplies Department, in
consultation with the Heung Yee Kuk and the then City and
New Territories Administration, identified 744 villages in
the New Territories for the progressive supply of tap
water.
"To date, only 88 remote villages with a total
population of about 13,700 (or about 0.2 per cent of the
Hong Kong population ) are not served with tap water," Mr
Chan said.
"We will continue our efforts so that tap water
supply will be available to another 42 remote villages in
the next two years," he added.
Another achievement of the department last year was
the installation of a salt water supply system in Tseung
Kwan O New Town.
"The works, now 80 per cent completed, involve the
construction of a salt water pumping station and service
reservoirs to meet the development needs of the new town,"
Mr Chan said.
"Upon completion of the works this summer, about
450,000 people in the area will be benefit from the supply
of salt water for flushing ," he said.
The CLG was set up in 1993 to enhance communication
between the department and its customers as part of its
continuous effort to improve services.
The group meets quarterly, chaired by the Deputy
Director of Water Supplies and comprising 20 members
selected randomly from the database of registered
customers from all walks of life. Fifteen are selected
from domestic customers in different districts while the
remaining from different trades.
The department's newsletter "Waterlink" reports the
outcome on CLG meetings and provides the latest
information on customer services. Copies are available at
the Public Enquiry Centres of the District Offices and the
Water Supplies Department's Customer Enquiry Centres.
End
13. Approved Northeast Lantau Port OZP amended
******************************************
The Town Planning Board today (Friday) announced
several amendments to the approved Northeast Lantau Port
Outline Zoning Plan to facilitate the construction of a
new prison to help relieve the congestion in Hong Kong's
penal institutions.
The amendment involves the rezoning of an area at
Ngong Shuen Au, Yam O, from "Green Belt" to "Other
Specified Uses" ("OSU") annotated "Prison".
A corresponding amendment is to incorporate the
schedule of notes for "Other Specified Use (Prison)" to
the Notes of the Plan.
Other amendments include the rezoning of an area to
the south of Ng Kwu Leng along the Airport Railway from
"OSU" annotated "Ventilation Building and Traction
Substation" ("VBTS") to "Road" ("R") and the rezoning of a
nearby area to the southwest of Tai Chuen from "R" to
"OSU" annotated "VBTS".
The two amendments aim to reflect the as-built
locations of the ventilation building and traction
substation.
The draft plan (No.S/I-NELP/4) is available for
public inspection until April 6 during office hours at:
* Planning Department,
16th floor, Murray Building,
Garden Road,
Central;
* Sai Kung and Islands District Planning Office,
Room 1113, 11th floor,
Chinachem Golden Plaza,
77 Mody Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui East;
* Islands District Office,
20th floor, Harbour Building,
38 Pier Road, Central;
* Islands District Office,
Mui Wo Sub-office,
Ground floor, Mui Wo Government Offices,
2 Ngan Kwong Wan Road,
Mui Wo; and
* Tsuen Wan District Office,
1st floor,
Tsuen Wan Station Multi-storey Carpark Building,
174-208 Castle Peak Road,
Tsuen Wan.
Copies of the draft plan are available for sale at
the Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department, 14th
floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, from
February 6 to March 19, 1998; or at its new office on the
23rd floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road,
North Point, from March 24, 1998 onwards. The plans are
also available at the Kowloon Map Sales Office, ground
floor, 382 Nathan Road, Kowloon.
Any person affected by the amendments may submit a
written statement of objections to the Secretary of the
Town Planning Board, c/o Planning Department, 13th floor,
Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, before April 6,
1998.
End
14. New York Office holds spring reception
**************************************
The Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA,
Mr Kenneth Pang, said today (US time, Thursday, February
5) that the successful implementation of the principles of
"one country two systems" and "Hong Kong people running
Hong Kong" had been much admired overseas.
Speaking at a spring reception organised by the Hong
Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York to mark the Lunar
New Year, the first since the establishment of the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's
Republic of China on July 1, 1997, Mr Pang said the way of
life, rights and freedoms in the territory had remained
unchanged.
Said the Commissioner: "Our economic fundamentals
remain strong; we continue to practise free trade and open
markets; we continue to be the world's freest economy for
the fourth consecutive year as judged by Heritage
Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom.
"Hong Kong has enjoyed very close economic and trade
ties with the United States. I am sure that such ties
will continue to grow and strengthen."
Mr Pang expected 1998 to be another busy and exciting
year for Hong Kong.
"We look forward to May 24 when our Legislative
Council elections will be held; to July 6 when our new
international airport will open; and to the time when we
can show to you that Hong Kong is leading the Asian
economy recovery.
"We are confident that Hong Kong will continue to
prosper in the years ahead," he said.
Together with the Director of Hong Kong Economic and
Trade Office, New York, Mr David Tsui, he wished everyone
prosperity, success and happiness in the Year of the
Tiger.
Held at the Asia Society, the reception was attended
by some 500 guests, including representatives of foreign
consulates, dignitaries from the local political, banking
and business sectors, scholars and journalists.
End
15. Lifts and Escalators (Safety) (Fees) (Amendment)
Regulation
*********************************************************
The Lifts and Escalators (Safety) (Fees) (Amendment)
Regulation 1998 is gazetted today (Friday) to revise the
fees specified in the regulation made in pursuant to the
Lifts and Escalators (Safety) Ordinance.
"Fees are payable for inclusion of persons in the
registers of lift engineers, escalator engineers, lift
contractors and escalator contractors, and on delivery of
certificates of examination and testing of lifts and
escalators under the Lifts and Escalators (Safety)
Ordinance," said a government spokesman.
"These fee items will be increased by about seven
percent in accordance with the movement of the Government
Consumption Expenditure Deflator from 1996/97 to 1997/98,"
he said.
He explained that the government policy was to set
fees at levels sufficient to recover the full cost of
providing the services, adding that the trade had been
consulted and raised no objection to the proposed
revisions.
The amendment regulation will be tabled in the
Provisional Legislative Council on February 11 and the new
fees are expected to become effective from March 20, 1998.
End
16. Investigation report of aircraft incident released
**************************************************
The Government today (Friday) released the report of
the investigation into an aircraft incident which happened
shortly after take-off from Hong Kong on May 28, 1995.
The incident involved a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 747-
467 operating a scheduled flight CX289 from Hong Kong to
Frankfurt.
The investigation, conducted by the Civil Aviation
Department, aimed to identify the cause of the incident
and prevent future recurrence.
The report contains an analysis of the circumstances
surrounding the incident together with conclusions and
recommendations.
During the incident, the aircraft's Number 2 engine
experienced an engine fire and was substantially damaged.
Twenty-two persons suffered from minor injury, mainly
abrasions and lacerations during passenger evacuation
after landing.
Five safety recommendations were made in the report
and they were addressed to the operator of the aircraft
(Cathay Pacific Airways Limited), the Civil Aviation
Department, the Airport Fire Services, the UK Civil
Aviation Authority and Rolls-Royce plc to take remedial
measures.
Copies of the report are for sale at the Government
Publication Sales Centre, Low Block, Ground Floor,
Queensway Government Offices, Hong Kong.
End
17. Teacher recruitment information service activated
*************************************************
The Education Department has reactivated its Teacher
Recruitment Information Service (TRIS) to help local
schools fill teacher vacancies.
The TRIS, now in its sixth year of service, is
activated for several months each year to provide an
information link between schools with teacher vacancies
and people seeking teaching appointments.
During its period of operation last year, the TRIS
attracted over 4,300 applicants. Among them, about 3,000
were degree holders, 930 were graduates from the Hong Kong
Institute of Education and 190 were diploma holders from
approved post-secondary colleges.
The TRIS was approached by both aided primary and
secondary schools for information on the applicants to
fill about 320 teacher vacancies.
Members of the public who wish to join the teaching
profession can register with the TRIS simply by completing
a registration form. Their personal particulars will then
be stored in a computer data bank.
Schools with teacher vacancies may approach the TRIS
for a computer printout of the applicants with the
required qualifications. The schools will then approach
the suitable candidates direct and arrange for interviews.
Whether or not the applicants are selected for
interview or subsequently employed will solely be the
decision of the schools concerned.
Registration forms are now available from District
Offices of the Home Affairs Department and the Labour
Department, as well as District Education Offices of the
Education Department.
Applicants from tertiary institutes including the
Hong Kong Institute of Education may obtain the forms in
their own campuses.
The forms can also be obtained by fax through the
Education Department's Automatic Telephone Enquiry Service
at 2891 0088.
Enquiries may be made on 2892 5751 during office
hours or by fax to 2892 6304.
End
