XN000022-1995-01-25 — Page 42

32 -

In the light of the increasing pressure on Kai Tak and the cost to the economy of turning away so many flights, we believe it is prudent to consider whether further measures should be taken to increase Kai Tak's operating capacity. Unfortunately, the options available are limited and rely heavily on fitting in more aircraft movements at those times of the day when there is still runway capacity available namely, in the early morning and late in the evening.

We recognise that any proposals to increase the number of programmed aircraft movements will, if implemented, cause a degree of additional noise nuisance to those living in the vicinity of the airport. The Administration fully accepts the potential economic benefits of increasing capacity at Kai Tak must be weighed carefully against the environmental implications and the impact on the quality of life of those residents affected by aircraft noise.

As members will be aware, the Administration has recently embarked on a comprehensive public consultation exercise to assess the reaction of the community to the various options for increasing Kai Tak capacity. Particular emphasis is being placed on obtaining the views of residents in those districts most directly affected by aircraft noise, as well as the views of the travel and tourism industries and the business

sector.

is

I would like to assure Honourable Members that the Administration approaching this consultation exercise with an entirely open mind. There is no pre- determined outcome. Our priority, at this stage, is to listen carefully to the views expressed by various sectors of the community, including members of this Council, before considering whether the options put forward should be implemented.

End/Wednesday, January 25, 1995

All trades must keep income and expenditure records

***

Following is a question by the Hon Michael Ho Mun-ka and a reply by the Secretary for the Treasury, Mr Donald Tsang, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

At present, the transactions in some trades in the sales and services sectors in the territory are carried out mainly on a cash basis. As such transactions are not accounted for by formal receipts and a proper accounting system, the incomes earned in these sectors may not be accurately reflected in their tax returns. As a result, the Government is unable to collect the correct amount of tax payable, thereby affecting public revenue and creating social inequity. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: