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41.
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(a)
(b)
what measures it has taken to promote computer knowledge and its usage, particularly in educating the public how to access and use the information available from databases world-wide through computer networks; and
how much resources it plans to allocate for enhancing the knowledge of computer networks and its usage among the young people, so as to keep them abreast of the development of present-day society and have more opportunities to communicate with the international community?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a)
Hong Kong enjoys one of the most advanced and sophisticated telecommunications networks in the world. It can support the most advanced communication and computer services available, allowing companies and the general public to have access to databases world- wide. To promote the knowledge of computer and encourage its usage among the public, the Government has set an example by using computer networks in its services.
Many Government departments have in recent years taken active steps to automate their operations, including the use of computer communication networks and access to databases where particular applications require them. Where such applications have interfaces with the public, the departments concerned will publish information on the availability of these facilities and their usage. Examples are:
the bilingual laws information system which allows private legal practitioners access to Hong Kong ordinances, selected constitutional documents and subsidiary legislation using the information/law service provided by a local service company;
a Land Registry Direct Access Service which enables customers to make, from their offices, on-line searches of the computerised land registers;
access to the Regional Council's library catalogue through telephone lines (scheduled to be available by the end of 1995);
interactive telephone response systems, implemented in several Government departments, which allow the public to make enquiries to databases of departments concerned and to obtain various application forms.