TNAG-0620-FCO40-768-Annual-accounts-of-Hong-Kong-Government-for-year-ending-1976-1977 — Page 8

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estimated assessments were made by the Inland Revenue Department in

the absence of profits tax returns; these assessments tend to be difficult

to collect.

Thirdly, there was a shortage of inspectorate staff resulting

in a backlog of District Court writs requiring action.

Paragraph 11: Arrears of repayments of interest free loans made to

4.

teachers in training

As a result of improvements in follow-up procedures recently

instituted by the Director of Education on outstanding loans to teachers

in training, the arrears at the end of October 1976 had been reduced

by almost $90,000. The Director is considering legal action in certain

cases of default.

Faragraph 12: Head 5 - Fines, Forfeitures and Penalties,

5.

Subhead 030 Penalties - Fixed renalty scheme

Arrears of fixed penalties, and of associated court costs,

attach to the vehicle and not to the registered owner's other assets.

Amending legislation is being considered to make the owner of the vehicle

personally liable for the penalty. In the meantime, administrative and

operational procedures for recovery have been improved, following a

successful pilot scheme in which settlement was achieved in 70% of the

cases involved.

Paragraph 14: Head & Fees and Receipts, Subhead 580 Parking

5.

o reduce the loss of parking meter revenue to the minimum,

the Commissioner for Transport is examining means of improving the

present system, including the installation of better locks to existing

parking meters, the change-over to a new type of parking meter and the

establishment of a special maintenance squad to carry out operations at

night in those areas where jamming of meters is most prevalent. kegarding

increased vigilance and surveillance on the streets, the Traffic Warden

Corps, introduced on an experimental basis in four areas of Hong Kong

/in.....