XN000022-1997-01-23 — Page 24

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Enhanced control on the import and export of waste in Hong Kong under the Waste Disposal Ordinance came into operation on September 1, 1996.

Any person who imports or exports hazardous or non-recyclable waste (including municipal waste) without a permit issued by the EPD is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment upon first conviction.

End

Consumer price indices for December 1996 released

Consumer price inflation, in terms of the year-on-year rate of increase of the Consumer Price Index (A), was 6.7% in December 1996, as compared with the corresponding figure of 5.8% in November 1996.

The year-on-year rates of increase in the Consumer Price Index (B) and Hang Seng CPI were also higher in December than in November - 6.5% against 6.1% for the CPI(B); and 6.7% against 5.8% for the Hang Seng CPI.

The Composite CPI, which is compiled based on the combined expenditure pattern of all households, showed a year-on-year increase of 6.6% in December 1996, against 5.9% in November.

The Census and Statistics Department released today (Thursday) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for December 1996.

A government spokesman said the faster increases in the CPI(A) and CPI(B) in December than in November were largely due to a low base of comparison in the preceding year, particularly in respect of some fresh food items and miscellaneous consumer goods. Moreover, higher prices of fuel as well as higher public housing rentals also contributed to the pick-up in consumer price inflation.

As for the Hang Seng CPI, the faster increase in December than in November was mainly due to faster increase in the prices of outerclothing.

Analysed by component, faster year-on-year increases than the overall average in December were recorded for clothing and footwear (11.7% in CPI(A) and 12.5% in Composite CPI); housing (9.6% in CPI(A) and 9% in Composite CPI) and fuel and light (8.7% in both CPI(A) and Composite CPI).