of Practice setting out what the Director's requirements are likely to be in any given circumstances. Legislation of this nature was required to ensure that so far as is practicable the taxpayer is not forced by the default of 'developers' to carry in full the financial burden of fire defence in private properties which by virtue of their size and complexity in design provide unacceptable life and fire hazards.
92. Whilst 'High Blocks' are for all practical purposes 'small town- ships' there are no sound arguments in favour of non-residents being required to contribute to the costs of internal protection.
HONG KONG STANDARDS
93. The building trade is cosmopolitan in the sense that a percentage of Architects and Engineers cither originate from countries other than Britain, or have obtained the professional qualifications from 'foreign' countries. This factor at times provides a measure of doubt as to what standards apply to certain technical matters, e.g. an American trained architect is more familiar with U.S. standards; a British architect to British, and a Japanese to yet another standard. To assist professions the Department is gradually establishing in leaflet form codes of 'Hong Kong Fire Prevention Standards' covering a wide variety of subjects. In general, codes specify British Standard Specifications but advantage is taken of adopting or devising standards best suited to Hong Kong.
94. When completed, standards will be made available on sale in bound volumes and will simplify greatly the work of private developers and their professional advisers.
NEW PLANS
95. The New Plans Division of the Bureau processed a total of 1,411 plans during the year, representing an increase of approximately 25% over the previous year. This figure is expected to rise in the ensuing year by virtue of new legislation which makes it mandatory for all new plans to be endorsed by the Director of Fire Services before permission to occupy the premises is given by the Buildings Ordinance Office.
ROUTINE LICENSING AND INSPECTION
96. The Special Hazards Division of the Bureau has carried out during the year more than 16,000 inspections, representing some 40,000 hours of field work and some 5,000 hours in the compilation of reports and taking subsequent administrative action. Activities of this nature
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