XN000022-1996-02-28 — Page 5

Judiciary's response to press report

In response to press enquiries about South China Morning Post's story entitled "Judge Chua tries to stop report of court remarks" and similar reports in Sing Tao Daily today (Wednesday), a Judiciary spokesman stated that the judge realised that she erred in asking the press not to report her remarks.

The Chief Justice had asked to see the judge this morning. After speaking with the Chief Justice, the judge acknowledged that it was not appropriate for her to approach the press on the question of reporting as she did.

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Further grants from Disaster Relief Fund approved

The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee today (Wednesday) approved a grant of $2.5 million to the World Vision Hong Kong and $1.18 million to the Salvation Army as contributions to their relief operations for earthquake victims in Lijiang, Yunnan, China,

So far, the Advisory Committee has approved a total of $12.825 million from the Disaster Relief Fund for various relief projects to assist the victims of the earthquake in Lijiang and Zhongdian counties in Yunnan.

Grants previously approved include $4.195 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross, $3 million to the Oxfam Hong Kong, and $1.95 million to the Medecins Sans Frontieres.

"The Advisory Committee is encouraged to see the response from members of the public towards the plight of the people in this earthquake," a government spokesman said.

"It shows that the Hong Kong people are generous towards the less fortunate."

As in the previous cases, the Hong Kong government will require both the World Vision Hong Kong and the Salvation Army to submit an evaluation report and an audited account on the use of the grant to ensure that the money will be used for the designated purpose.

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