XN000022-1996-03-12 — Page 11

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To ensure that the money will be used for the designated purpose, the Hong Kong Government will require Medecins Sans Frontieres to submit an evaluation report and an audited account on the use of the grant.

Noting that public donations and appropriations from general revenue were the main sources of the fund, the spokesman said: "Members of the public are welcome to donate to the fund for general relief purposes."

Enquiries can be made to the secretary to the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee in Room 553, East Wing, Central Government Offices or on 2801 3503.

The Advisory Committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary. Other members are Dr Raymond Ch'ien, Mr JD McGregor, Mr Cheung Hon-chung, Mr Lau Chin-shek, the Secretary for Health and Welfare, and the Secretary for the Treasury.

End

KMB fare rise endorsed

At the meeting held this morning (Tuesday), the Transport Advisory Committee endorsed the Administration's recommendation of a 2.7 per cent fare increase for KMB's local routes to take effect in April 1996. The recommendation will be submitted to the Executive Council for consideration.

The recommended fare increase would mean that about 7.7 per cent of KMB's passengers on local routes would have no increase in fares at all, whilst about 90.7 per cent of them would pay only 10 cents to 20 cents more per trip.

The TAC noted that KMB last increased the fares on its local routes on April 2, 1995 by 8 per cent. The recommended increase of 2.7 per cent is well below the inflation rate of 7.1 per cent since the last fare increase.

The TAC was satisfied that KMB had been providing a good and effective service. The recommended increase, together with the 10 per cent rise in cross harbour fares already implemented on March 3, 1996, would give KMB a weighted average fare rise of 3.6 per cent. This fare increase would provide KMB an incentive to continue to invest and improve its services.

End