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The latest type of taximeters have in-built devices that make tampering much more difficult. Transport Department has advised and encouraged taxi operators to install such meters as and when they replace their vehicles. So far about 6 000 taxi owners have complied. We will continue to hold discussions with the taxi trade and urge taxi operators to speed up the pace of conversion.
Meanwhile, to combat meter tempering, the Police have mounted special operations and undertaken spot checks. During the period from January to November 1995, the total number of prosecutions brought by the Police against taximeter offences was 915.
The law provides for maximum penalties of a fine of $10 000 and imprisonment for six months for offences relating to the improper use of taximeters. The actual imposition of penalties is a matter for the courts. We will continue to monitor the situation to see if there is a need to raise the maximum penalties for this type of offence.
End
Elderly services on outlying islands
Following is a question by the Hon Eric Li Ka-cheung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Will the Administration inform this Council of the following:
(a)
(b)
the number of people aged 65 or above living on Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, Ping Chau and Lamma Island respectively, as well as the proportion of these elderly people to the overall population on each of the islands concerned and the number of elderly singletons among the elderly people;
the respective numbers of institutions providing social and medical services for the elderly, such as homes for the elderly, day-time elderly care centres, social centres for the elderly, infirmaries, .convalescent homes, care and attention homes and health centres for the elderly, as well as the number of home helpers stationed on each of the islands concerned to provide such services; and