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"These long-term proposals aim at more fundamental changes to the existing urban renewal policy. Given the considerable policy and resource implications, we will consider them in depth before deciding the way forward.

"The package was worked out after we had carefully considered views expressed during a consultation exercise from July 20 to November 15, 1995.

"It will help us deal with the growing urban decay problem caused by the ageing of private buildings. It is estimated that the number of obsolescent private buildings over 30 years old will be more than double from the present stock of 113,000 units to 260,000 units in 10 years.

"The package, which has been approved by the Governor-in-Council, will enable us to take the urban renewal process forward into the next century towards the goal of improving people's quality of life."

Copies of the urban renewal document will be available from District Offices starting tomorrow.

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Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

The Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 1996 will be gazetted on Friday (June 14) and is expected to be introduced into the Legislative Council on June 26, a government spokesman said today (Wednesday).

The Bill amends the Supreme Court Ordinance to enable solicitors to be appointed as recorders and to give the Chief Justice the power to appoint temporary deputy registrars and temporary assistant registrars.

It also amends the Jury Ordinance to abolish the requirement that the Registrar of the Supreme Court must state to the court or the judge his reasons for excusing a person from attending on a jury.

The spokesman said: "The Bill proposes to repeal the Secretary of State for Defence (Succession to Property) Ordinance, the Air Armament Practice Ordinance, the Defence Works Protection Ordinance, the Compulsory Service Ordinance and the China Fleet Club Incorporation Ordinance.