XN000022-1995-12-29 — Page 14

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Insider Dealing Tribunal appointment

The Government announced today (Friday) that the Financial Secretary has appointed Mr Lawrence Tse Kar-leung and Ms Connie Tsui Suet-mui as lay members of the Insider Dealing Tribunal to hear the China Natural Petroleum Corporation (Hong Kong) Ltd insider dealing case.

Mr Tse is a registered securities and commodities dealer. He has extensive experience in corporate finance, investment, manufacturing, retailing and China trade.

Ms Tsui is a solicitor and is experienced in finance and property conveyance, She is also active in community services.

The case involves certain dealings in relation to China Natural Petroleum Corporation (Hong Kong) Ltd (formerly Paragon Holding Ltd) during the period from March 3 to May 7, 1993. Mr Justice Yam who was appointed Chairman in November 1995 will lead the inquiry.

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Monetary statistics for November 1995

According to statistics published today (Friday) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, total deposits fell slightly in November 1995, while total loans and advances rose. Table 1 summarises figures for November 1995 and comparisons with earlier months.

Deposits

Total deposits fell by 0.1% in November, compared to the 0.5% rise in October. This was due to a 2.1% decrease in HK$ deposits, which marginally outweighed the 2.2% increase in foreign currency deposits.

The decline in HK$ deposits in November was broadly based, with demand deposits down by 0.8%, savings deposits by 1.3% and time deposits by 2.6%.