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Written comments should reach the US government by June 14. In addition, the US is holding a public hearing on June 6 and 7. The deadline for requesting attendance at the hearing was May 22 and the deadline for submissions to be presented at the hearing is May 31.

"We have been in touch with the four Hong Kong organisations which are sending representatives to the hearing, and providing assistance where we can.

"Our Washington Office will be happy to provide further assistance when the delegates arrive in Washington for the hearing. Representatives of the Hong Kong Government will also attend the hearing as observers," the spokesman said.

End

New heads for housing and trade appointed

The Government today (Tuesday) announced the appointment of Mr Tony Miller, currently Director-General of Trade, as Director of Housing upon the retirement of Mr Fung Tung in July. Formerly Deputy Secretary for the Treasury, Mr Alan Lai, will take over from Mr Miller as Director-General of Trade.

Commenting on the two appointments, the acting Chief Secretary, Mr Michael Suen, said he had full confidence in the two officers.

"They are veteran administrative officers who will continue to lead the two key departments with competence, determination and vision," he said.

Mr Suen also commended Mr Fung for his dedicated and distinguished service in the Housing Department in the past 36 years. Mr Fung will proceed on pre- retirement leave on July 3. Following are the biographical notes of Mr Miller, Mr Lai and Mr Fung:

John Anthony Miller, JP

Aged 46, Mr Miller joined the Government in 1972 as an Administrative Officer and rose to his present rank of AO Staff Grade A in 1993.

During the early years of his career with the Administrative Service, he served in a number of branches and departments including Urban Services Department, Home Affairs Department, Housing Branch, Housing Department, Government House and the former Administrative Services and Information Branch.