The Lands Department announced today (May 28) that demand notes for Government rent in excess of $100 per annum for the half year ending June 24 in respect of properties subject to the Government Leases Ordinance (Cap. 40) and certain other properties have been issued.

     Payers can settle Government rent through various electronic means including autopay, bank automated teller machines (ATMs), e-Cheque/e-Cashier's Order, payment by phone service (PPS), and bill payment services provided by banks and PPS on the Internet. Payment may also be made in person and in cash at designated convenience stores. For details, please visit the Treasury's website at www.try.gov.hk.

     Payment may be made by sending a crossed cheque to PO Box No. 28000, Gloucester Road Post Office, Hong Kong, or in person to any post office. Please ensure sufficient mailing time and postage to make the delivery in order. Underpaid mail will be rejected. For locations of post offices and their opening hours, please call Hongkong Post's enquiry hotline at 2921 2222 or visit its website at www.hongkongpost.hk.

     Government rent payers who have not received their demand notes should enquire at the Government Rent and Premium Unit of the Lands Department at 1/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, or call 2231 3033.

     Purchasers of properties are strongly advised to instruct their solicitors to ensure that Government rent has been paid to date at the time of purchase. Enquiries on outstanding accounts can be made at 2231 3033 or by email to landsd@landsd.gov.hk. An enquiry fee is payable for each property if a written confirmation of accounts position is needed.

     The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered a restaurant in Yuen Long to suspend business for 14 days as the operator repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending the business area illegally.
 
     The restaurant, located at Shop N on the ground floor of Ho Fat Building, 18 Sai Yu Street, Yuen Long, was ordered to suspend business from today (May 28) to June 10.
 
     "Two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the shop this March. A total fine of $3,000 was levied by the court and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department's demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day licence suspension," a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.
 
     The licensee of the shop had a record of two convictions for storing open food improperly on the premises and extending the business area illegally in September 2019 and last November respectively. A total fine of $4,800 was levied and 15 demerit points were also registered. The breaches led to licence suspension for seven days this January.
 
     The spokesman reminded the licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.
 
     Licensed food premises are required to exhibit a sign, at a conspicuous place near the main entrance, indicating that the premises have been licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/index.html).

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (May 28) released the new 2019/20-based Consumer Price Indices (CPIs).

     The existing series of the CPIs are compiled based on the expenditure patterns obtained from the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) conducted in 2014/15. Based on the data collected in a new round of HES conducted in 2019/20, the CPIs have been rebased. The expenditure ranges and weighting patterns of the CPIs have been updated, as given in Table 1 and Table 2 respectively.  

     The expenditure weights of the CPIs as shown in Table 2 represent the average shares of different commodities/services in the total expenditure of the households concerned.

     A spokesman for C&SD said, "The data collection of the latest HES was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020, during which consumer behaviour was severely affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. While household spending on some commodities/services during the survey period should have deviated significantly from those under normal circumstances, C&SD has nonetheless updated the CPI expenditure weights using the latest HES results in accordance with the international standard of updating the weighting patterns every five years. This also ensures that the CPIs can accurately reflect the inflation currently experienced by the households under the epidemic."

     "However, to mitigate the episodic effects arising from COVID-19 epidemic, C&SD will conduct special reviews on the CPI expenditure weights annually based on up-to-date data before the next round of full-scale rebasing exercise in 2024/25. Adjustments to the CPI weights will be made as appropriate to ensure that major shifts in expenditure patterns caused by changing impacts of the epidemic or resumption of normalcy can be timely taken into account in compiling the CPIs," the spokesman added.

     "Differences of the CPI weights between 2014/15 and 2019/20 should be carefully interpreted as they are the combined results of normal shifts in expenditure patterns, the special consumer behaviour under the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as the changing socio-economic conditions of Hong Kong. Take "Housing" as an example, while it continued to take up the largest weight of 40.3% in the 2019/20-based Composite CPI and was 6.0 percentage points higher when compared with the 2014/15-based Composite CPI, the difference was not only due to the rise in housing rentals during the five-year period, but also the decrease in relative spending on other categories of goods and services amid the COVID-19 epidemic," the spokesman further explained.

     "While housing was largely a fixed cost of a household's budget, spending on items such as meals out, entertainment, local and cross-boundary transport, package tours, and clothing and footwear was lowered to different extents due to the unprecedented social distancing measures, suspension of face-to-face learning, work from home arrangements, etc. in the survey period."  

     "Food" was the second largest commodity/service section, with a weight of 27.4% in the 2019/20-based Composite CPI, marginally higher by 0.1 percentage point when compared with the 2014/15-based Composite CPI. Within "Food", "Meals out and takeaway food" had a weight of 17.1% (0.7 percentage point lower) while "Basic Food" had a weight of 10.4% (0.8 percentage point higher), largely reflecting households were eating out less during the epidemic. 

     For the remaining sections, relatively large difference in expenditure weights were recorded in "Miscellaneous services" (2.7 percentage points lower, at 13.1%), "Transport" (1.8 percentage points lower, at 6.2%), "Clothing and footwear" (0.8 percentage point lower, at 2.4%) and "Durable goods" (0.7 percentage point lower, at 4.0%).  

     The new 2019/20-based CPI series and their year-on-year rates of change for the reference months from October 2020 to April 2021 are presented in Tables 3A and 3B. Compared with the old (2014/15-based) CPI series, the new (2019/20-based) CPI series show mostly slight differences in year-on-year rates of change. The general trend in consumer prices from October 2020 to April 2021 is consistent between the new and old series for all the four CPI series, viz. Composite CPI, CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C).

Further information

     It is an established practice in Hong Kong to conduct a HES once every five years to collect up-to-date information on expenditure patterns of households (excluding households receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance) for updating the weights for compiling the CPIs. The latest round of HES was conducted in 2019/20 with about 7 100 households participated in the survey. The data obtained from the HES are also useful for various studies on the consumption behaviour of households in Hong Kong.

     C&SD compiles different CPI series for reflecting the impact of consumer price changes on households in different expenditure groups. The CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) are compiled based on the consumption patterns of households in the relatively low, medium and relatively high expenditure ranges respectively. The Composite CPI is compiled based on the aggregate expenditure pattern of all of the households covered by CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) taken together for reflecting the impact of consumer price changes on the overall household sector.

     To maintain the comparability of the various CPI series, the new 2019/20-based series of CPI(A) continues to relate to about 50% of households in the relatively low expenditure range; CPI(B) to the next 30% of households in the medium expenditure range; and CPI(C) to another 10% of households in the relatively high expenditure range. About 10% of households in either the very low or the very high expenditure range are excluded from the CPIs.  

     The new 2019/20-based CPIs for the reference month of May 2021 onwards will be published in future press releases and CPI monthly reports. Concurrent with the new CPI series, the old 2014/15-based CPI series will continue to be compiled and published monthly until the reference month of December 2021.

     Details on the rebasing of the CPIs and the results of the 2019/20 HES will be presented in the report on "2019/20 Household Expenditure Survey and the Rebasing of the Consumer Price Indices". Users can download the report on C&SD's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp290.jsp?productCode=B1060003) from around mid-June 2021.

     For enquiries about the new 2019/20-based CPI series, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk). For enquiries on household expenditure statistics, please contact the Price Analysis & Research Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7384 or email: hes@censtatd.gov.hk).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 0.00am, May 28, no new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been recorded, and that the number of cases in Hong Kong remained at 11 837 so far (comprising 11 836 confirmed cases and one probable case).
 
     A total of 20 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (May 14 to 27), including five local cases from unknown sources and one possibly local case.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on other confirmed cases announced earlier are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).
 
     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to the compulsory testing notices (CTNs). The Regulation also requires all household members of close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within a specified period according to CTNs published in the Gazette. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop and undergo testing as soon as possible.
 
     The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).
 
     The CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. The CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
 
     The spokesman said, "Given that the situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and that there is a continuous increase in the number of cases including mutant strains reported around the world, members of the public are strongly urged to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
 
     "The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Moreover, vaccination may help keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19, and, generally speaking, vaccines can also reduce the chance of transmission by those who have been vaccinated. People vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine can also generate herd immunity. Members of the public are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and book their vaccination appointments at the website (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp).
 
     "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps). After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs."
 
     Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.
 
     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
 
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, at the "Mediate First" Pledge Event 2021 entitled "Mediate First – Anchoring the Future" today (May 28):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. On behalf of the Department of Justice (DoJ), it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the "Mediate First" Pledge Event 2021 today. I am glad to see that we have over 1 300 registrations from 14 jurisdictions joining us today.

     We started the "Mediate First" Pledge campaign in 2009. As you all know, the "Mediate First" Pledge is a non-legally binding commitment where the pledgee pledges to explore the use of mediation first before resorting to other means of dispute resolution.

     Up to this year, we have now over 700 pledgees in Hong Kong from different sectors. I wish to express my gratitude to all the pledgees for their immense support. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the 34 "Mediate First" Pledge Star Logo awardees for their active involvement in this meaningful campaign.

     Today's theme is "Mediate First – Anchoring the Future". In order to anchor a successful future, one needs to do a lot to pave the path. The Department of Justice has started paving the path for a prosperous future for the mediation community for more than a decade. We have put in place a strong regulatory framework with the implementation of the Mediation Ordinance and the Apology Ordinance, coupled with an industry-led accreditation body for mediators, the Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited, to ensure the quality of mediators in Hong Kong.

     The department's past initiatives have been well received by the mediation community. Mediation has been undergoing rapid development and the DoJ has spared no effort in promoting mediation both locally and internationally. May I take this opportunity to highlight a few to you.

Investment Mediation and the CEPA Mediation Agreement

     Mediation as a flexible dispute resolution means that emphasises on harmony and achieving a win-win situation that is apt for investor-state disputes. It allows host states and foreign investors great autonomy to control the mediation process. A well-trained and professional investment mediator will be able to facilitate the parties to reach mutually beneficial, creative and forward-looking settlement arrangements. The most special feature of mediation is that remedies are limitless and they are not limited to monetary damages, i.e., the mediated solution can be "multi-dimensional". Mediation allows parties' non-monetary needs and interests to be taken into account when reaching a settlement, and by having a frank discussion about the issues, the parties will have a greater chance of restoring their relationship and continuing to collaborate in the future.

     Recognising these benefits, a Mediation Mechanism has been established under the Investment Agreement under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) for settlement of investment disputes between Hong Kong and the Mainland. A set of CEPA Investment Mediation Rules are in place, and there are 43 Hong Kong mediators designated under this Mediation Mechanism.

     With a view to building up a team of investment mediators in Asia to handle international investment disputes, the department brought to Hong Kong a capacity building and training programme on investment mediation in 2018. Together with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL), we have been co-organising the Investment Law and Investor-State Mediator Training in Hong Kong. Government officials and legal and mediation practitioners attended the training and had intellectual and professional exchanges on investment mediation.

     Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the department is considering to hold the next Investment Law and Investor-State Mediator Training in the last quarter of 2021.

Mediation in the Greater Bay Area

     Hong Kong has been serving as a bridge or a springboard for inbound and outbound investment into and from the Mainland. Given Hong Kong's unique "one country, two systems" and our well-developed and impartial legal system, Hong Kong's position as an international legal and dispute resolution services hub will be further enhanced with the opportunities presented under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

     In this respect, the department has been working closely with the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province and the Secretariat for Administration and Justice of the Macao Special Administrative Region in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference on the establishment of a GBA Mediation Platform. The GBA Mediation Platform would be an authoritative platform for high-level exchange and co-operation among the legal departments of the three governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, established to discharge the role of a standard-setting body with a view to promoting the wider use of mediation within the GBA.

     The DoJ has already provided a draft of the proposed qualification and accreditation for mediators in the GBA to our counterparts for their consideration. A draft set of code of conduct has also been prepared by the department for comment by the other two sides. We hope that these drafts will be further discussed in the Working Group meeting soon and for them to be approved before the next meeting of the Joint Conference later this year.

West Kowloon Mediation Centre

     Locally, the Department of Justice implemented the Small Claims Mediation Pilot Scheme in November 2018 at the West Kowloon Mediation Centre with the objective of promoting more extensive use of mediation to resolve disputes and enhancing public awareness of mediation as a means of dispute resolution. The Mediation Pilot Scheme provides mediation services to litigants of cases referred by the Small Claims Tribunal, as well as other suitable cases at a nominal fee of $200 per party.

     With the support of the Judiciary, up to April 30, 2021, 966 cases were referred by the Small Claims Tribunal and 56 per cent of those cases submitted an application for mediation. The success rate has been around 50 per cent.

     The Mediation Pilot Scheme will end in January 2022 and the Department of Justice will review its effectiveness and sustainability and decide the way forward. The department will also continue to devise new initiatives to further promote mediation to the general public of Hong Kong.

Today's Event

     Returning to today's programme line-up, besides the keynote speeches from the President of the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, you will also hear about the use of mediation in the private wealth sector. As the title suggests, big money comes with big problems, and the most wealthy family surely may prefer settling the disputes confidentially, which is one of the most precious elements of mediation, rather than in a forum that would be attracting public attention.

     Following on we will look at how mediation can help resolve healthcare disputes. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which is straining our healthcare services sector, it elevates the need for disputes relating to healthcare services to be dealt with amicably. The appropriate use of mediation and sometimes an apology may be an apt prescription in easing disputes, particularly in dealing with patients' relationships.

     Last but not the least, the benefits of mediation in employees' compensation claims cannot be understated. Speakers will share with us their insights based on their real life experience in dealing with both the employees and the employers in such claims, and how to better facilitate effective communications among parties to achieve an amicable settlement using mediation skills.

Conclusion

     I am sure that the panellists will offer in-depth discussions on each of the topics. I look forward to hearing their insightful sharing today. Undoubtedly, mediation has much potential for us to explore and capitalise on in the future. The Department of Justice will continue our efforts in promoting mediation locally, regionally and internationally in order to anchor a successful future for Hong Kong.

     On this note, it is my great pleasure to open the "Mediate First" Pledge Event 2021. May I wish this event every success. Thank you very much.