Test shows avian flu virus not mutated

Under Secretary for Food and Health Gabriel Leung said the initial result of gene sequencing of the avian flu virus that infected a Yuen Long farm chickens last week shows the virus has not mutated.

But to confirm whether there is a virus mutation, the government still has to wait for the interim and final results, he said.

He also added that retail outlets could resume selling live chicken from December 30 but they would closely watch the risk of avian flu on the mainland.

Smuggling ring busted in HK and Shenzhen

Hong Kong and Guangdong law enforcement departments busted a smuggling ring in a joint operation earlier this week and arrested 11 suspects on both sides of the boundary between Hong Kong SAR and Shenzhen.

The Customs & Excise Department and the police said yesterday the joint operation was carried out after they learned a criminal gang was smuggling consumer electronic products from Hong Kong to Shenzhen via a drainage ditch on Shenzhen side and a cross-boundary pipe underneath the fence.

74.6% homes have PC in SAR: Survey

About 1.7 million households, or 74.6 percent of all Hong Kong homes, had personal computers (PC) in 2008, the Census & Statistics Department said, maintaining the city's position as one of the world's digital capitals.

The department conducted two surveys on the usage and penetration of information technology in Hong Kong homes and businesses in May through September 2008. Of the households with PCs, 1.6 million had their systems connected to the Internet, representing 70.9 percent of all Hong Kong households.

Urban renewal strategy study backed by L&B panel

The Land & Building Advisory Committee has backed the launch of the Urban Renewal Strategy study in view of changing social values and public aspirations.

At its meeting yesterday some committee members suggested more efforts be made in rehabilitation, revitalization and preservation alongside Urban Renewal Authority's redevelopment works.

Some members stressed the need to balance urban renewal and preservation of traditional and special trades.

China Daily

(HK Edition 12/19/2008 page1)