XN000022-1996-01-31 — Page 57

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Visits arranged under Sponsored Visitors' Programme

Following is a question by Dr the Hon David Li Kwok-po and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In regard to the visits to the territory by ministers from overseas countries arranged under the Information Services Department's Sponsored Visitors' Programme, will the Government inform this Council of the following:

(a)

(b)

(c)

what is the total number of such visits arranged by the Information Services Department in the past three years; and what is the number of such visits where the programme of activities has included meetings with Members of this Council;

what is the total amount of expenditure incurred by the Government in connection with such visits in the past three years;

what follow-up actions, if any, have been taken by the visitors in reflecting the territory's political, social, and economic developments to their respective Governments; and

(d)

whether any assessment has been made to determine the value and benefits of such visits?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

The total number of visits arranged by the Information Services Department for overseas VIPs in the past three years is as follows:

Type of Visit

92/93 93/94

94/95

1.4-31.12.95

()

Fully-sponsored

42

38

59

42

(ii)

Partially-sponsored

46

65

31

45

(iii) Programme-only

121*

148*

90(594)*

86(459)*