304
PUBLICATIONS, BROADCASTING AND FILMS
magazine from Britain and documentaries, were supplied to Rediffusion's television circuit for local showing.
PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE
The Public Enquiry Service is one of the numerous organizations of Government for maintaining a close link with the people. Its primary business is to give the man in the street quick and clear guidance and explanation of the various services and functions performed by Government departments, and to help the public understand the many Government rules and procedures. It is also responsible for answering all non-technical inquiries about local storm warning signals. Once the local storm signal No 3 is hoisted, the public can telephone an enquiry centre at any hour to find out the latest weather position.
Every month the Public Enquiry Service deals with more than 12,000 people at two centres, one in Hong Kong and the other in Kowloon. In its work and organization the Public Enquiry Service is somewhat similar to citizens' advice bureaux in other parts of the world and the emphasis in its function is to give a sympathetic hearing, coupled with helpful advice and practical assistance. Both centres have a specially trained staff, each mem- ber of which speaks English, Cantonese and a number of other Chinese dialects. Results show that the Service is a valuable instru- ment for improving Government's relations with the public. To meet ever increasing demands, plans are being drawn up for open- ing a third enquiry centre on an experimental basis.