XN000022-1996-09-28+29 — Page 6

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There's considerable interest in Hong Kong's transition and a good deal of goodwill and support for a successful transition. In my meeting with the Prime Minister, we discussed a range of issues of concern to both sides. In particular I raised with the Prime Minister the question of granting visa-free access for Hong Kong passport holders - SAR passport holders - after 1997. The Prime Minister assured me that he fully appreciated the need for ease of travel for Hong Kong people going in and out of Australia, given the very strong and increasingly strong links that we have with Australia, and he would do everything possible to facilitate the application and processing of visas. I understand that the Australian government is considering certain arrangements that will indeed speed up application and issue of visas. So we very much look forward to the Australian government reaching a conclusion on these new arrangements and of course we look forward to an early announcement.

In addition to opening the Hong Kong Sydney Economic and Trade Office, I also signed with the Attorney General a very important legal agreement that would provide for a range of mutual assistance in the investigation and prosecution of criminals.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the very strong links between Australia and Hong Kong, not only on the trade side, but also in terms of Hong Kong people settling in Australia and also Hong Kong students studying in Australia, particularly in tertiary institutions.

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Pilot control scheme for display of publicity materials

The Lands Department today (Sunday) reminded the public that applications for display of publicity materials at the 100 designated locations in Wan Chai should be made on or before noon on Tuesday (October 1).

Applications should be made on the standard application forms and returned to the District Lands Office, Hong Kong West, 19th floor, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.

A spokesman for the department explained that this was part of a trial scheme to be launched in Wan Chai in November to control the display of publicity materials in public places in the district.