(B) Classification and Collation of Information
1.14 The assessment work was carried out by assessors in teams, each responsible for maintaining detailed records and making summary reports on submissions.(2) The work between teams was divided by reference to a specific source of submission and to cover various sectors of the community:
Direct source
From individuals
From representative bodies
From organizations and other groups including professional, pressure and community service groups
Survey findings
Indirect source
Print media
(i) Daily newspapers
(ii) Magazines and periodicals
Public affairs programmes radio and television
on
Survey findings as reported in the media
1.15 All submissions were assessed with the exception of anonymous letters or letters ruled to be irrelevant. Anonymous letters were submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, who referred them to the Monitors for verification of their anonymous status. Irrelevant and duplicate letters were referred to the Commissioner by the Deputy Commissioner with full justification before verification by the Monitors.
1.16 On the direction of the Governor under Section (d) of the terms of reference, questions asked and suggestions made which are not relevant to the assessment task have been referred to the Hong Kong Government for attention.
(C) Summary, Analysis and Assessment
1.17 Every submission whether from a direct or indirect source was treated separately and was summarized on a standard form by the assessors. Twice weekly, each assessor provided an overall summary by source of the views received in the preceding period. These overall summaries were considered at assessment round-up meetings, headed by the Commissioner and attended by all assessment staff. The Monitors were invited to attend these meetings and did so. At the meeting the views expressed were com- pared and analysed to determine an overall view and to identify trends. In this way the views collected over the assessment period formed the basis for the conclusions reached in the Assessment Report.
1.18 The arrangements described above worked smoothly and the Office was able to deal with all aspects of its task under its terms of reference.
(2) Computer facilities, as an aid to documentation, were used and its information was made available to senior staff and the Monitors at all times, on request.
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