XN000022-1997-03-14 — Page 14

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Western Harbour Crossing Regulation gazetted

The Western Harbour Crossing Regulation was published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).

A Government spokesman said the Regulation set out the obligations and responsibilities of the Western Harbour Tunnel Company Limited in operating the Western Harbour Crossing.

"With the aim of ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the tunnel, it covers such aspects as the safe and continuous provision of facilities, safety of persons using the tunnel, lighting and visibility in the tunnel, noise generated by ventilation equipment, powers of company staff and records required to be kept by the Company," the spokesman added.

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Fee revision proposed for fire services certificates

The Government proposes to revise the fee for the issue of a Fire Services Certificate (FSC) in respect of matters relating to fire risks or fire precautions.

The Fire Services Department (Reports and Certificates) (Amendment)(No. 2) Regulation 1997, which sets out the new fees, is gazetted today (Friday).

Under the Fire Services Department (Reports and Certificates) Regulations, the Director of Fire Services may issue an FSC to any person applying for one in writing, and upon payment of the appropriate fee, in respect of matters relating to fire risks or fire precautions connected with any premises, vessels or other property.

A Government spokesman said that it was Government policy that fees should in general be set at levels sufficient to recover the full cost of providing the services.

He noted that the existing fee of $280, set at nominal level, has been in force since November 1994.

"The Director of Audit has observed that the existing fees for FSCs are substantially below cost. He recommended in April 1995 that the Fire Services Department (FSD) should carry out a detailed costing exercise for the various certificates and consider achieving the objective of full cost recovery, in line with Government policy.