XN000022-1996-07-26 — Page 5

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The consultation document on the White Bill will be available for collection from the Planning Department, Government Publications Centre and district offices from tomorrow.

Views on the White Bill can be sent in writing on or before December 31, 1996 to the Planning Department, 16th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong (Fax: 28770389 or E-mail: [email protected].)

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Oil spill compensation for Ma Wan mariculturists settled

Agreement has been reached between mariculturists and Hong Kong United Dockyards (HKUD) over the compensation for the Ma Wan Fish Culture Zone affected by the recent oil spill.

At yesterday's meeting chaired by the District Officer, Tsuen Wan and participated by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD), the parties concerned tentatively agreed on an amount of $3.25 million as compensation.

Commenting on the issue, an AFD senior fisheries officer, Dr Patsy Wong, said that she was pleased with the speedy settlement, adding that it was a result of the strenuous efforts from all parties concerned.

She was particularly appreciative of HKUD and Chairman of the Ma Wan Fishermen's Rights Association, Mr Fok Hei for their conciliatory and co-operative attitude during their discussions in the past few weeks.

Thanks should also go to members of a July 19 tasting panel who had helped ascertain the 'no tainting' for the cultured fish from Ma Wan, she said.

Dr Wong took the opportunity to express her gratitude to relevant government departments including the Tsuen Wan District Office and Marine Department without which the issue would not have been settled as smoothly as it was now.

She admitted that apart from acting as an arbitration party in the compensation discussions, AFD had been giving expert advice, technical assistance and logistic support to affected mariculturists ever since the oil spill. Necessary data and assistance were also rendered to HKUD so that the issue could be settled in a fair and appropriate manner.

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