XN000022-1995-07-17 — Page 11

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Senior Assistant Crown Prosecutor, Mr Michael Blanchflower, had told the Court that the overstatement of purchases reduced net profits of $21.9 million which was on average 60.46 per cent of the full profits and evaded tax of $3.7 million. He also stressed that this was the largest criminal tax evasion case brought before Hong Kong courts.

An IRD spokesman reminded the public that tax evasion is a criminal offence. Upon conviction, the maximum sentence is three years imprisonment and a fine of $20,000 on each charge (or $25,000 for an offence committed after July 31, 1994), plus a further fine equivalent to three times the amount of tax undercharged.

End/Monday, July 17, 1995

Assistance to film industry reaffirmed

The Government reaffirmed its positive support and assistance to the local film industry in its production work at a meeting with the industry's representatives today (Monday).

The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr Fred Ting, and attended by officials from the Trade and Industry Branch, Royal Hong Kong Police Force, Information Services Department, Civil Aviation Department, Civil Engineering Department, Urban Services Department, and Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, was to discuss the film industry's proposal to set up a Film Commission in Hong Kong.

Also attending were four members of the Legislative Council Recreation and Culture Panel, including Mr Man Sai-cheong, Mrs Selina Chow, Mr Chan Wai-yip and Mr Howard Young, and a representative from the Hong Kong Tourist Association.

Members thoroughly discussed and exchanged views on the proposed Film Commission.

On location shooting, members were informed that various government departments had in their own area of responsibilities already taken necessary measures to promote the long-term interests of the film industry and to render assistance to location shooting commensurate with resources available.