XN000022-1996-07-10 — Page 80

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(b)

(c)

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To ensure that all cases are dealt with fairly, the Transport Department has drawn up guidelines for processing exemption applications. These guidelines cover the range of conditions and reasons which can be put forward by applicants for exemption, how the applications are to be substantiated, e.g. by a medical practitioner, and how the applications are processed within the Department.

As to arrangements for seeking exemption from wearing seat belts, the Transport Department will review the matter after gathering more experience in processing exemption applications before deciding whether to introduce new procedure.

Since the end of 1995, the Transport Department has been publicising and educating motorists and passengers on the rear seat belt requirement through information leaflets and the Road Safety Quarterly which are distributed through schools, District Offices, Transport Department Licensing Offices, petrol stations, etc. As from May 1996. announcements have also been made on television and radio to publicise the matter. In addition, the Road Users' Code which is distributed free to all applicants of driving tests is being updated to include diagrams illustrating the proper wearing of seat belts and the use of seat belts for children and pregnant women.

Out-patient services

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Huang Chen-ya and a reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council (today):

Question:

With regard to the out-patient services provided by the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority respectively in the past three years, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a) the respective numbers of patients seeking treatment and their

attendance in each year; and

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