XN000022-1993-06-03 — Page 6

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 1993

5.

THE FORUM TO PROCESS ANY BILL INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS THE FULL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ANY BILLS COMMITTEE THAT MAY BE ESTABLISHED BY IT TO DEAL WITH A PARTICULAR BILL.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PANEL DISCUSSIONS CANNOT IN ANY WAY PREJUDICE THE OUTCOME OF THE ONGOING TALKS WITH CHINA ON THE 1994/95 ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.

THE TALKS

AND BOTH THE UK THEY LEAD TO AN WILL BE REGARDED HONG KONG.

WERE PROPOSED BY BRITAIN IN THE FIRST PLACE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HOPE AGREEMENT ON THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH AS OPEN, FAIR AND

TO THE PEOPLE OF

ACCEPTABLE

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REVISES FEES

* *

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL INCREASE FEES FOR A number SERVICES PROVIDED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

OF

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC ON A COST-RECOVERY BASIS UNLESS OTHERWISE JUSTIFIED.

TO

THE LAST REVIEW OF FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT WAS MADE IN MARCH 1991.

AFTER THE SHORT FREEZE ON GOVERNMENT CHARGES IN 1991/92, A RECENT REVIEW OF FEES AND CHARGES COLLECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT SHOWS THAT THERE IS UNDER-RECOVERY OF THE COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED, IN RESPECT OF REGISTRATION OF PERSONS, REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGE, AND ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE REGULAR FEES ADJUSTMENT EXERCISES WERE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT INFLATION AND INCREASED OPERATING COSTS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, RATHER THAN SIMPLY PASSING ON TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ACTUALLY USE THE SERVICES.

ΤΟ DELAY THE INCREASE WOULD EXTEND THE PERIOD OF LOSS ΤΟ THE GENERAL TAXPAYER, AND THE NEW FEES ARE, IN SOME AREAS, STILL BELOW THE COST OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES, HE SAID.

IN MANY AREAS, AND PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH GREAT AND INCREASING PRESSURES OF DEMAND ON SERVICES AND STAFF, THE MUST REINFORCE THE VERY FAIR AND APPROPRIATE PRINCIPLE WHO USE AND CAN AFFORD THE SERVICES SHOULD BEAR THE COSTS,'

,་

VILL BL GTAGMD FOR ALPLICATIO

GOVERNMENT THAT THOSE

HE SAID.

:

..

י

נ

י

LEPORE

TOMORROW.

FOR APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY POST, THE DATE OF THE POST MARK WILL BE TAKEN AS THE DATE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION, HE SAID.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE OF THE DEPARTMENT'S INFORMATION OFFICE ON

824 611.

/Fees and