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Internet terminals like ATM machines at street corners with links to Government information and services would also be a possible option, Mr Tsang said.

"I think there is room also for district organisations to become involved in providing access to Internet terminals and helping in disseminating information that their local communities want," he added.

Mr Tsang said the Government is also actively reviewing how to improve its support for the business sector.

"Hong Kong's trade in services is growing, and I can see a time when more and more companies see the benefits of doing business on the Internet."

They would need the assurance of security and an assurance that if they invest in the development of Internet-based business, Hong Kong's telecommunications network would be able to keep up with their demands, he said.

Mr Tsang said whilst the Government will need to overcome the challenges that lie ahead of the development of Internet, for the immediate term, he saw a very rapid increase in the Government's services to the public over the Internet.

"Already, we are experimenting to make Hong Kong's laws available on the net, to put consultation papers on the World Wide Web and to allow the public to down-load government standard forms from Internet sites."

"In the longer term, I believe that the difficulties we now anticipate with security and network capacity will be overcome."

End

Successful control of infectious diseases hard-earned: SHW

Hong Kong's success in the control of infectious diseases is hard-earned, the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, said at the opening of the 7th International Congress for Infectious Diseases this (Monday) evening.

"This has been brought about by diligent and unrelenting efforts by people across many disciplines and sectors over a prolonged period of time," she said.

Mrs Fok noted that over the years, Hong Kong had witnessed significant improvements in the living environment brought about by an adequate supply of clean water and enhanced sanitation measures and the reinforcement of health surveillance through a group of capable, committed and hardworking health care workers.