Question: (on the importance of the park)
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Governor: I think it is very important. I was talking earlier about the fact that we haven't perhaps preserved as much of our heritage as many of us would have liked. But I think that we do see some examples of protecting our heritage here in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a remarkable history. It is a history which we can see in the stones and environment around us. I think we should try to preserve some of those older buildings which are still left. There aren't many of them. When even a building like the Hilton Hotel which has just been knocked down seems old, you realise that there isn't alas enough history in the buildings that we've preserved. But I hope we'll be able to preserve more and I think this will be a great inspiration to everyone. So Sing Dan Fai Lok (phonetic). If you are really energetic tomorrow, you can come to the Fanling show and buy some vegetables. Anyway I'm doing that public function tomorrow, and then putting my feet up for Christmas. Have a nice Christmas.
End
177 applications for Industrial Support Fund received
One Hundred and seventy-seven applications for allocation from the Industrial Support Fund (ISF) for the 1996-97 financial year had been received at the closing date last Friday (December 15).
Subject to the approval of the Legislative Council, the provision for ISF in 1996-97 would be around $250 million. Of this amount, some $130 million has been committed to fund on-going projects approved in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 financial years. This leaves about $120 million for new projects commencing in 1996-97.
Most of the 177 projects will last for two to three years, and the total amount of funds requested is $688.4 million. The amount of funds requested in 1996-97 is $345 million.
As in last financial year, the bulk of applications came from the various tertiary institutions, with 142 applications. The others were from industry support bodies, professional bodies and research institutes, as well as trade and industry organisations. The applications fell into seven categories general technology, information technology, biotechnology, electronics, metals, plastics as well as textiles and clothing.