XN000022-1996-12-20 — Page 13

- 11 -

To enhance monitoring of tropical cyclones, a co-operative programme to establish automatic weather stations (AWS) on Chinese islands in the vicinity of the Pearl River Delta region commenced in the mid-1980s. The first AWS was set up in 1985 at Huangmaozhou, an island located about 40 kilometres south of Lantau Island. Two more AWSs were set up recently, one at Neilingding Island to the west, and one at Tuoning Islands to the east, of Hong Kong.

Since 1985, a seminar on hazardous weather in the Pearl River Delta region is held each year alternately in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Macau. Commencing 1996, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Macau exchange information on warnings issued on tropical cyclones and rainstorms affecting south China and its coastal areas. Experience has been exchanged through these activities, which play a positive role in improving the forecasting and warning of hazardous weather.

The Memorandum of Understanding will lay the ground for further co- operation in the future. Its implementation will further advance the meteorological services in Hong Kong and the mainland of China, enhance the standard of services, safeguard lives and property, and effect the socio-economic benefits that meteorological services can contribute to the economic prosperity and social stability of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.

End

Disability Discrimination Ordinance comes into full force

The following supercedes press release GIS961220008 issued at 11 am today. Please note that the last paragraph should read:

"Also taking effect today are the provisions relating to building approvals. A public authority shall not approve building plans unless the authority is satisfied that access as is reasonable in the circumstances to the buildings in question will be provided for persons with a disability. The public authority may refer to the "Design Manual: Access for the Disabled 1984" drawn up by the Government, the spokesman noted."

The Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO), which was enacted on August 3 last year and has been brought into effect in phases since May this year, came into full force with the gazettal of the commencement notice today (Friday).