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In preparing the Draft Estimates for 1995 - 96, and the submissions to Finance Committee and its Subcommittees, we have already implemented many of the recommendations contained in the Director of Audit's Report. I trust Members have found these changes useful. The form and content of the Government's financial and performance reporting to Members is subject to a process of change and evolution. Let me assure Members that the Administration is committed to the on-going development and refinement of performance measures to assist Members to fulfil their function of monitoring Government's use of resources.
Mr President, the Administration is as keen as the Public Accounts Committee to ensure proper and efficient management of its financial affairs, and appreciates fully the importance of the Committee's findings and recommendations. We will continue to work closely with the Audit Department and the PAC in our quest for greater efficiency. I am confident that the measures we have taken, or are planning to take, will go a long way towards achieving this end.
End/Wednesday, May 10, 1995
Telephone (Amendment) Bill
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in moving the second reading of the Telephone (Amendment) Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move that the Telephone (Amendment) Bill 1995 be read a second time.
The purpose of this Bill is to remove those provisions in the Telephone Ordinance which will no longer be required when the Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited is granted a Fixed Telecommunication Network Services or FTNS licence.
When the Hong Kong Telephone Company's monopoly expires on June 30, local fixed network telephone services will be opened to competition. In addition to Hong Kong Telephone, Hutchison Communications, New T & T Hong Kong, and New World Telephone will be licensed to provide local fixed network services, including telephonic and other telecommunications services such as fax and data, on a competitive basis. The four operators will each be granted an FTNS licence to regulate the services they provide.