LegCo urges govt to forge closer ties with Taiwan

The Legislative Council (LegCo) passed a non-binding motion yesterday asking the SAR government to take proactive measures in the financial, trading and travel industries in view of opportunities that will arise when the "three direct links" between Taiwan and the mainland materialize.

It also urges the government to strengthen contacts with Taiwan.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam said yesterday the impact of the three direct links is expected to be temporary and minimal.

Tourists more satisfied with HK than in 2005

A Tourism Board survey has found visitors' overall satisfaction rate grew to 8.2 points on a scale of 10 last year from 8.0 in 2005. Visitors wishing to revisit Hong Kong grew to 90 percent from 85 percent in 2005, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam said.

She told the Legislative Council yesterday the survey conducted last year showed Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland and A Symphony of Lights were some of the most popular attractions.

Meanwhile, patronage of the Ngong Ping 360 exceeded 600,000 in the first four months this year.

Man jailed for stealing human remains

The Fanling Magistracy yesterday sentenced a man to six months in jail for stealing human remains from a cemetery in Fanling, northern New Territories, in February.

The 21-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to removing human remains from their resting places and taking them out of the cemetery without permission.

The presiding magistrate pointed out this is a very serious case but decided on a light punishment considering it was the defendant's first run-in with the law.

Income, education play a role in domestic harmony

Family income, education standard and the length of stay in Hong Kong are factors that have a direct bearing on harmony in marriage, a survey of 316 people aged 21 or above conducted by Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre from March to May found.

The center urged the government to pay more attention to the livelihood of low-income families.

The survey also found disharmony in sex life one of the main reasons for conflicts among couples.

China Daily

(HK Edition 06/05/2008 page1)