End
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54
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(e)
(1)
The extension of the application period from four to six months is to cover employees who would otherwise be denied protection because of the delay in making application to the Fund. This is not related to increasing the maximum levels of payment as the latter is to enable eligible applicants to recover a higher percentage of their entitlement.
The maximum levels of payment were only increased substantially in February 1996. The Fund Board and the Administration would need more time to assess the full effect of the revision. We therefore do not intend to revise the ceilings of payments at this stage. We will keep the situation under regular review and consider further improvements as and when necessary in the light of the wage movement and the financial position of the Fund.
District Lands Office checks against illegal use of industrial premises
Following is a question by the Hon Henry Tang and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the problem of illegal use of industrial buildings as office premises, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
whether the Government has taken any actions to arouse public awareness of the illegal use of industrial buildings as office premises beyond the allowable ratio; if so, of the effects of such actions; and the extent of such illegal use throughout the territory, and whether the actions taken by the Government have been effective or adequate in tackling the problem;
of the percentages in respect of the sale, leasing and vacancy positions of industrial and office buildings respectively in Kwai Tsing in each of the past three years according to the records of the Rating and Valuation Department; and whether the illegal use of industrial buildings as office premises in Kwai Tsing has any effect on the compilation of such figures;