XN000022-1997-02-26 — Page 39

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Commemorative stamps for the Year of Ox

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

Question:

Reply:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Mr President,

of the reasons why the commemorative stamps for the Year of the Ox could not be issued before the Lunar New Year;

whether the delay in putting the commemorative stamps on sale will result in additional expenses for the Government;

whether the organisation engaged in printing the commemorative stamps have to compensate the Government for the delay; if not, why not; and

whether consideration will be given to improving the present queuing arrangements for the purchase of commemorative stamps when putting such stamps on sale?

The rescheduling of the issue date of the commemorative stamps for the Year of the Ox from 17 January to 27 February 1997 was due to the late delivery of the stamps caused by breakdowns of the machines used for printing the stamps.

The postponement of the date of issue has resulted in the Post Office incurring additional expenditure of approximately $360,000 to cover media advertising, re- printing of associated souvenir covers and presentation packs, and printing of corrigendum sheets for First Day Covers and stamp booklets already printed. Steps are being taken by the Government to seek liquidated damages from the stamp printing company concerned.

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