- 12 -
Commenting on a remark that petrol emissions may also cause cancer, the spokesman said: "We are aware that benzene is a known carcinogen. Since 1992, we have been addressing this issue by requiring that all new petrol vehicles to be fitted with catalytic converters which virtually eliminate benzene emissions.
"Also, the oil companies have agreed to keep the benzene content in our petrol within the international standard.
"There is a consensus between the Government and the community that we must do something quickly to contain pollution from diesel emissions.
"Our proposals will bring about early improvement to air quality by gradually phasing out light duty diesel vehicles with cleaner modern petrol vehicles which emit neither RSP nor benzene that may affect our health," the spokesman said.
"Japan has also started a programme of phasing out older diesels in designated urban areas," he noted.
End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995
Insider Dealing Tribunal report on PIIL now on sale
The report of the Insider Dealing Tribunal on Public International Investments Ltd (PIIL) is now on sale, a Tribunal spokesman announced today (Wednesday).
Earlier the Tribunal concluded that insider dealing in PIIL shares took place in December 1992 and had identified three individuals as insider dealers in those shares.
The Tribunal has ordered the insider dealers to pay to the Government the full amount of profit gained by the insider dealing, plus financial penalties and contributions to the expenses of the inquiry.
In addition, the Tribunal has ordered that the insider dealers shall not be a director or take part in the management of any listed company for three or four years.
Copies of the report, at $160 each, are now on sale at the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.
End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995