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(b)
It is not possible to forecast how much of the $300M in the Language Fund will be spent on projects aimed to produce short-term as opposed to longer-term benefits. This is because the Language Fund Advisory Committee (of which Mr Wong is a member) does not operate by way of a pre-set quotas or amounts for the various projects. Rather, it wishes to apply the maximum flexibility in assessing and recommending projects on the basis of merits, having full regard to the need to improve equally the proficiency in both Chinese (including Putonghua) and English. The application of this approach has produced a good mix of projects in the first round of allocations from the Fund announced in early December this year. Of the 35 projects approved, seven are on language surveys or research with the remainder on teacher training, curriculum, teaching and learning resource materials and student activity projects. Many of these projects may produce both short and longer term benefits.
End/Wednesday, December 14, 1994
Measures to reduce Lo Wu travellers' waiting time
Following is a question by the Hon Edward Ho Sing-tin and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Alistair Asprey, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question: In view of the long waiting time for travellers to clear immigration and customs formalities through the Lo Wu border, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) any measures have been put in place to improve the present situation; and
(b) consideration will be given to opening additional border crossing points
for travellers crossing on foot?