XN000022-1995-11-02 — Page 8

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"In the meantime, I will also discuss with District Board chairmen and members to seek their views on the most effective ways to help new arrivals to integrate into the local community as quickly as possible," Mrs Lau added.

During today's visit, Mrs Lau and the DB members were told that each year ISS provided orientation and counselling services to more than 20,000 new arrivals from China who have been here for less than two years.

These programmes include English and Cantonese classes, outings, social gatherings and support groups.

A government-subvented organisation, ISS makes quick contact with new comers from China at the Hung Hom Station and the Immigration Department soon after their arrivals.

"The new arrivals are part of our community, the Government will make all efforts to assist them to assimilate into our community and help them overcome problems," Mrs Lau stressed.

End/Thursday, November 2, 1995

Management initiative explained

In response to press enquiries regarding the views expressed by the Local Professional Officers Association of the Marine Department on a Marine Department management initiative, the Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, today (Thursday) said:

"I find it difficult to understand the stance that the association appeared to have adopted on the issue.

"The management initiative is essentially an internal management approach intended to create a practical framework that will allow the Marine Department to recruit the professional staff it needs to provide the necessary services to the port and the public at large well into the next century.

"It has nothing to do with port integrity and safety which are the principal objective of the Marine Department.