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Answer:
Mr President,
(a)
(b)
The Macau International Airport (MIA) has commenced operation since November 1995 although it was only officially opened on 8 December 1995. During the 12-month period prior to the operation of the MIA, the number of visitor arrivals from Taiwan to Hong Kong was 1,748,000. During the following 12-month period, the number of visitor arrivals from Taiwan was 1,757,000, representing a small increase of 0.48%.
As regards the number of transfer passengers arriving from Taiwan, the latest data we have available is up to September 1996. During the 11- month period from November 1995 to September 1996, the number of transfer passengers from Taiwan was 791,200 as compared with 810,900 for the period from November 1994 to September 1995, representing a drop of 2.4%.
Visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea and Singapore recorded growth rates of 37%, 18% and 25% respectively over the corresponding 12- month period.
End
Regulations on the safe provision of airbags
Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Lau Kin-yee and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislation Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It is reported that traffic accident statistics in the United States indicate that drivers of short height and children are prone to be killed by the ejection of safety airbags during accidents. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: