THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983
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THE BILL REQUIRES THAT A MANIFEST SHOULD CONTAIN PARTICULARS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE BY PUBLICATION IN THE GAZETTE. IN ADDITION, NEW PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO PROHIBIT THE REMOVAL OF ARTICLES IMPORTED IF THE CONSIGNEE IS NOT KNOWN OR IF A DOUBT EXISTS AS TO HIS IDENTITY. IT ALSO ENABLES ARTICLES ON A VESSEL, VEHICLE OR AIRCRAFT TO BE REMOVED ELSEWHERE FOR EXAMINATION, AND MAKES THE UNAUTHORISED INTERFERENCE WITH SUCH CARGO AN OFFENCE.
COMMENTING ON THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CHANGES WILL NOT POSE ANY OBSTACLE TO THE TRADE. ON THE CONTRARY, THEY HAVE BEEN MADE TO FACILITATE CARGO MOVEMENT BY AVERTING UNNECESSARY DELAY, AND TO PROTECT LEGITIMATE TRADERS' INTEREST BY REGULATING IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PROHIBITED ARTICLES.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 29, WITH THE RESUMED DEBATE, COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING TO BE HELD ON JULY 13.
HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME EXPANSION PLANNED
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THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS TO PROPOSE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION AN EXPANSION OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FOR 1984-35 WITHIN THE OVERALL PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME TO MEET THE GREAT DEMAND FOR HOS FLATS FROM LOWER-MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES.
HOWEVER ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS FOR THE NEEDS OF RENTAL CATEGORIES, PARTICULARLY PEOPLE ON THE WAITING LIST AND FROM CLEARANCE, WOULD BE MAINTAINED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID.
AT A MEETING TODAY, MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY DISCUSSED AND AGREED TO A SCHEME WHEREBY A NUMBER OF SUITABLE NEW BLOCKS BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE RENTAL PROGRAMME TO THE HOS PROGRAMME IN 1984-85.
→IN MAKING THE PROPOSAL, MEMBERS ARE SATISFIED THAT THE INTEREST OF NEEDY FAMILIES IS NOT AFFECTED, AS SUFFICIENT RENTAL FLATS, TOTALLING AT LEAST 30 000 AND INCLUDING SUITABLE VACANCIES IN EXISTING ESTATES, WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO RENTAL CATEGORIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AUTHORITY WILL REVIEW THE SITUATION AT THE END OF 1984-85 AND FURTHER DISCUSS THE BALANCE OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAD PROVED VERY POPULAR AND ON AVERAGE EACH PHASE OFFERED FOR SALE HAD BEEN OVER-SUBSCRIBED ABOUT SIX TIMES.
SINCE THE
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