XN000022-1996-10-02 — Page 24

- 13.

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include:

Programmes to make Hong Kong a better place in which to live and work

A safety charter and new safety legislation to come.

Improved mediation procedures in industrial disputes and promotion of employees' rights.

Positive changes to the Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme flats, and an increase in the Sandwich Class Housing Scheme income limit, plus a further phase of low-interest loans under this scheme.

Transport improvements would include a Smart Card System for public transport, more spaces for goods vehicle parking, a trial park-and-ride scheme, possible new measures for reducing rail and road noise, and the phasing out of noisy diesel and steam hammers in built-up areas.

Stronger action would be taken on smoky vehicles.

Support for athletes would be increased through the Sports Development Board and the Hong Kong Athletes Fund.

End

Skills and stewardship keys to success

Chinese skills and British stewardship were key components in Hong Kong's success, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, told the Legislative Council when he delivered his fifth and final Policy Address today (Wednesday).

He listed a combination of factors involved in the territory's success, starting with the hard work and skills of its Chinese inhabitants, and a British stewardship which had tried to adhere to political values institutionalised in the rule of law and a meritocratic, politically neutral Civil Service.

"The localisation of the public service has necessarily been speeded up since 1992, but not, I hope, at the expense of acknowledging the role that has been played and will continue to be played by expatriates," Mr Patten said.