XN000022-1995-05-10 — Page 58

- 35.

Government hot-lines

Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Chief Secretary, the Hon Mrs Anson Chan, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

At present many government departments have set up enquiry hot-lines for the public. However, quite a number of citizens complain about the difficulty in putting a call through during office hours. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

of the total number or government departments having such enquiry hot- lines;

of the average number of telephone lines available on enquiry hot-lines. provided by the government departments, together with the average usage rate in the past six months; and

whether consideration will be given to making performance pledges in respect of these enquiry hot-lines so as to enable easier access to the service?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

At present, 44 government departments are providing a total of 105 enquiry hot-lines to the public.