XN000022-1997-02-03 — Page 11

- 10.

"It sets out the obligations of FTNS operators in the delivery of pay-per-call services so as to maintain a common industry standard for the benefit of the public."

The code includes rules designed for the protection of consumers such as requirements for a pre-recorded announcement of the fees chargeable and an automatic mechanism to cut off the call after 10 minutes so as to avoid exorbitant bills arising from a caller forgetting to hang up his telephone.

The code also provides content control with measures to prevent children from accessing adult messages. All adult messages have to begin with a forewarning against accidental connection by children.

"In order to enforce the code, a Complaints Advisory Committee has been set up to deal with complaints. The committee is empowered to recommend disciplinary action ranging from warning, suspension to termination of the information provider's connection with FTNS operators' systems," the spokesman added.

The committee is chaired by Mrs Peggy Lam with Mr T L Tsim and Mr Paul Wong as members.

End

Welfare payment arrangements for Lunar New Year holidays

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Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) under the bank payment system will receive their payments on Wednesday (February 5) if their pay days fall on the coming Lunar New Year public holidays (February 6 to February 8).

"Special payment arrangements will also be made for recipients of Social Security Allowance whose pay days fall within this period," a Social Welfare Department spokesman said today (Monday).

"Those who have bank accounts in Hongkong Bank or Hang Seng Bank can receive their payments on Wednesday (February 5) whereas those with accounts in other banks will get their payments next Monday (February 10)," he added.

In case of doubt, recipients are advised to contact their respective social security field units.

End