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TD responds to criticism of COMAC
In response to the criticism of the Office of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (COMAC) on Transport Department's failure to grant first registration tax (FRT) exemption to a disabled private vehicle owner, a spokesman for the department said:
"We noted that COMAC's comment reflects no mal-administration on the part of Transport Department in the case.
"We would like to clarify that as an agent for collection of FRT, Transport Department's role in connection with the case is to carry out the policy set by the Government. This is similar to the collection of contribution to Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme (TAVA) for the Health and Welfare Branch.
"In this particular case, the policy rests with the Finance Branch."
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Bedspace flats operators urged to complete fire safety works
Operators of bedspace apartments (BSA) are urged to ensure that their premises comply with the basic fire safety requirements before December 1.
A spokesman for the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (Monday) that a letter reminding BSA operators to complete the priority works involving fire safety improvement is being sent to the 120 BSAs throughout the territory.
"These improvement works include the installation of fire extinguishers, provision of fire blankets, no human occupancy on the third tier bunk, unobstructed escape routes, and provision of clear 'exit' signs.
"The letter is issued as a reminder to BSA operators since the staff of HAD's Office of Licensing Authority (OLA) in their recent inspections have found that some of the priority works required to be completed by December 1 are still outstanding," the spokesman said.