XN000022-1995-05-03 — Page 66

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(b)

patient support services

15%

(including the cost of radiology,

pathology and pharmacy)

(c)

hotel services

15%

(including the cost of food,

accommodation and administration)

A further 18 semi-private beds are planned to be provided under the pilot scheme in Grantham Hospital on Hong Kong Island in the summer of 1995. The daily maintenance fee will reflect the same 40-60 per cent Government subsidy.

End/Wednesday, May 3, 1995

Warships bounded by Marine Department regulations

Following is a question by the Hon Tam Yiu-chung and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

As it was reported that a US Navy submarine collided with a cargo vessel in Hong Kong waters in mid March, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

Whether the submarine was carrying nuclear weapons at the time of collision; if so, whether the Government has any contingency plan in case of nuclear leakage; and

Whether it is aware of the activities of submarines in Hong Kong waters and able to restrict such activities so as to prevent submarines from colliding with other vessels and ensure water-course safety?

Answer:

(a)

United States Government policy is neither to confirm nor to deny the presence of nuclear weapons on board any specific United States warship. The United States authorities have, however, advised that it is not currently the practice for attack submarines, such as the one involved in the collision, to carry nuclear weapons.