12
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It is not Government policy to pay fees to commercial companies that are required by law to collect taxes from the public, except in special circumstances. The only example which currently pertains is that where fees are paid to collect
to collect the air passenger departure tax (APDT). This particular case recognises long standing government policy to restrict costs borne by airport users to those costs relating to services and facilities provided or demanded at the airport in accordance with the International Civil Aviation
statements
Organization.
of
the
Accordingly the costs incurred by the airport users in collecting APDT, which is a Government required service, are recompensed.
The only other case with provision for payment of fees is the Cross-Harbour Tunnel (Passage Tax) Ordinance, but no fee has been paid.
ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Paragraphs 7.16
7.25 Station platforms soon costs estimated at $2 not effective and departmental procedures
Subsidence of the University after completion resulting in extra million. Initial site investigation
non-compliance with
prescribed
The Director of Engineering Development advises that a revised technical circular on geotechnical submissions to cover the recommendations set out in paragraphs 7.22 - 7.25
7.25 has been prepared and is being circulated to other interested parties for comments and agreement.
7.35
J
Paragraphs 7.26
Kwai Chung incinerator project. Contractual claims of $7.1 million and delay in completion of 37 months arising primarily from less than satisfactory co-ordination of the plant and civil engineering works
the
The problem of management and co-ordination of complex multi-discipline projects has been extensively discussed in the Engineering Development Department. The department is now formulating a proposal to formalize administration of multi-discipline projects by the appointment of a lead office or department and for financial responsibility to be aligned with administrative and executive responsibility. The possibility of seconding staff of relevant disciplines from other departments to the lead department in suitable cases will also be considered when the need arises.