XN000022-1995-05-26 — Page 25

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Transport to Stonecutters Island by ferry will be provided from Prince of Wales Barracks. Journalists wishing to travel by this means should report to the Main Gate, Prince of Wales Barracks, not later than 10.15 am.

It is hoped to provide a brief opportunity to interview the Governor and CBF. A pool party of photographers will visit HMS Plover during part of the Governor's visit.

Due to limitations on space, HMS Starling is only able to accommodate a maximum of 30 journalists. Places (maximum two per organisation) will be allocated by JSPRS on a first-come, first-served basis. Journalists wishing to participate are requested to contact JSPRS on tel 2588 3313 as soon as possible, and in any event not later than 5 pm on May 31 (Wednesday).

End/Friday, May 26, 1995

Revision in Immigration Department fees

Fees for a number of documents and certificates issued by the Immigration Department are to be revised from July 1, a Government spokesman announced today (Friday).

The fees are charged under various ordinances and cover Immigration Department related charges such as the issue of re-entry permits, seamen's travel documents, and birth, death and marriage certificates.

There will be no increase in the fees for the issue of passports, certificates of identity and documents of identity.

The spokesman said the revision was in accordance with Government's policy that fees should in general be set at levels sufficient to recover the full costs incurred so that those receiving the service, and not the taxpayer, will pay for it. The fees were last increased in 1994.

"A recent costing review has shown that most of the fees are lagging behind- and there is under-recovery ranging from 10 per cent to 26 per cent.

"In proposing the increases, the Government had carefully considered the deficit position of the services and the impact that revision of various fees might have on the public," he said.

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