XN000022-1997-02-26 — Page 33

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(c)

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As recommended in the Education Commission Report No. 6, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) will need to study in a comprehensive manner the effectiveness of various forms of supporting facilities for language learning through an interactive mode, such as language laboratories and multi-media technology. On the basis of SCOLAR's advice in due course, we will review our policy on the provision of supporting facilities to schools to enhance language learning.

As a very rough estimate, the capital and annual operating costs for fully subsidising language laboratories for all public sector secondary schools $104 million will amount to approximately $340 million and respectively. This does not include staff training or expenses for building works, which may vary considerably from school to school.

Use of mobile phones well regulated

Following is a question by the Hon Ngan Kam-chuen and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In connection with a research which shows that the signals emitted by mobile phones may interfere with the operation of other electronic devices, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

how the Government regulates the specifications in respect of the installation of carphones;

whether, in order to prevent mobile phones from interfering with the operation of the braking, driving and other electronically controlled systems of vehicles, the Government will strengthen its regulation over the installation of carphones and the use of mobile phones while driving; if so, what the specific details are; if not, why not; and

whether the Government will follow the example of the United Kingdom by prohibiting the use of mobile phones within the confines of hospitals; if not, why not?