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The Code has been operating smoothly since its introduction in March last year. A total of 1,677 requests for access to information were received by departments. Of these, only 52 were rejected and 39 partially declined.
Copies of the Code are available at all District Offices. The full text of the Code, together with its internal guidelines on application and interpretation and the contact details of departmental Access to Information Officers, have also been published at the World-Wide
World-Wide Web Government Information Centre
http://www.info.gov.hk/access/index.htm.
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Increase of ex-gratia payment to outbound travellers
The Travel Industry Compensation Fund (TICF) Management Board, after having consulted with the Financial Secretary, has made rules to increase the maximum rate of ex-gratia payment under the TICF from 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the outbound fare paid upon default of travel agents.
The Travel Industry Compensation Fund (Amount of Ex-gratia Payments and FinancialPenalty) (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules, will be published in the Government Gazette tomorrow (Friday).
The objective of the amendment Rules is to increase the maximum rate of ex- gratia payment under the TICF to 90 per cent so as to enhance protection of outbound travellers upon default of travel agents.
"The revision of the maximum rate has been endorsed by the Advisory Committee on Travel Agents and has also the support of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong," Dr James Kung, Chairman of the Management Board said.
"The amendment Rules will come into operation upon its gazettal on December 20, 1996 so as to enable outbound travellers to benefit from the enhanced rate before the holiday season in Christmas.
"The TICF is now in a healthy state. It has accumulated a reserve of over $220 million and there is no need to revise the rate of levy to cope with the potential liabilities," he added.
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