XN000022-1997-01-09 — Page 2

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Visit by The Prince of Wales welcomed

In response to the announcement in London today (Thursday) about the visit of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to Hong Kong in June this year, a Hong Kong Government spokesman said,

"We warmly welcome the presence of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales as the representative of Her Majesty The Queen at the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong and associated events."

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Garley fire preliminary hearing to be held on January 16

The Commission of Inquiry into the Garley Building Fire will hold a preliminary hearing on January 16 (Thursday).

The commission of inquiry was set up on December 17 last year and Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing was appointed as the commissioner.

The terms of reference of the commission will be set out in a notice in the Government Gazette tomorrow (Friday).

"Mr Justice Woo has already started work on the inquiry and the purpose of the preliminary hearing is for any person who wishes to make representations to the commission to attend and inform the commissioner of his interest in the inquiry," a spokesman for the commission said.

"Any interested party should contact the Secretary to the commission on 2921 8833."

A hotline has also been set up to enable any member of the public to ring in with any information concerning the fire, the rescue operations or any suggestion or recommendation to prevent the recurrence of the tragedy.

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The hotline 2921 8833 - is manned from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 9 am to noon on Saturdays.