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Executive
Summary
The Hong Kong Government accords a high priority
to the maintenance and development of systems
of official statistics. The Census and Statistics
Department (C&SD) maintains, while bringing
about constant enhancements to, major demographic,
social and economic statistical systems on various
aspects of the territory, including the population
and demographic situation; macro-economic developments;
social conditions; labour; industry, distribution
and services; external trade; and prices and
household expenditure.
The 1996 Population By-census was conducted
in March 1996 and summary results have been
released in November 1996. More detailed data
and their analyses will be released in stages
within the ensuing six months. The vast amount
of data will be widely used for many purposes.
The Survey of External Investment in Hong
Kong's Manufacturing Industries has been conducted
annually to produce relevant data on inward
direct investment in local manufacturing companies.
To supplement this survey, C&SD has since
1994 conducted the Annual Survey of External
Investments in Non-manufacturing Undertakings.
Statistics of inward direct investments in non-manufacturing
companies for the reference years 1993 and 1994
were published in May 1996.
To cope with the increasing volume of trade,
the existing paper-based trade declaration systems
are considered inadequate and the Electronic
Data Interchange (EDI) service on trade documents
will be launched in early 1997.
For many years, only Gross Domestic Product
estimates are available. The first set of Gross
National Product estimates, in respect of the
reference year 1993, were made available in
November 1995. Thereafter, GNP estimates are
to be produced annually with the time lag gradually
shortened.
With regard to 1993 SNA, detailed studies
on affected compilation systems have been made
and modifications/enhancements will be implemented
in 1998. Currently, C&SD is undertaking
a study relating to the compilation of a complete
Balance of Payments account and the results
will provide a firm basis on determining the
way forward as regards implementation.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong has decided to subscribe
to the Special Data Dissemination Standard established
by the IMF, and is gearing itself up to meeting
the requirements. Accordingly, a lot of work
will be put into enhancing different systems
so as to meet the standards in regard to data
coverage, frequency, timeliness and quality.
C&SD is also strengthening its statistical
management. On the co-ordination of statistical
matters in Hong Kong, it assumes a leading role
in the government and works to promote standardization
and to enhance coverage, quality, compatibility
and timeliness of statistics that are required
for policy formulation and implementation. Also,
the department is increasing its emphasis on
serving the community and making statistical
services more accessible while trying to promote
statistical literacy and proper application
of statistics among the general public. Meanwhile,
the use of the Internet in data dissemination
is also exploited.
November 1996
PART
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Hong Kong accords a high priority to the
development of official statistics and over
the years efforts have been made to this end.
The development of statistical activities and
the enhancement of existing systems have been
carried out with due consideration to the value
of statistics produced, burden on raw data suppliers
and professional standards of compilation. The
application of advanced statistical techniques
and modern technology has been instrumental
to the production of timely and accurate statistical
data. This report gives a brief description
of the major activities in official statistics
and major developments during the past two years
(mid-November 1994 to mid-November 1996). It
also covers some statistical management issues.
PART
II. MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN STATISTICAL SYSTEMS
A.
Population and Demographic Statistics
2. It has been established practice in Hong
Kong to conduct a population census once every
ten years and a population by-census in the
middle of the intercensal period. The population
by-census is a sample survey of a very large
size enquiring on practically the same set of
questions asked in a population census. The
latest by-census was conducted during the nine-day
period from 16 to 24 March 1996. One-seventh
of the population in Hong Kong were selected
and census officers visited the sampled households
during the period to collect the required data.
3. In view of the large scale of the operation,
some 7 800 school teachers and students were
employed as temporary field staff. To facilitate
teachers and students to participate in the
work of the 1996 Population By-census, the Education
Department recommended the inclusion of By-census
Holidays between Monday, 18 March and Friday,
23 March 1996 in the school calendar of both
secondary and primary schools. This was met
with very good co-operation. Some tertiary institutions
also made special arrangements for the release
of their students to take part in the work.
4. Preliminary population estimate based on
the 1996 Population By-census was released in
June 1996 while the summary results were announced
on 5 November. Detailed results will be released
in the form of reports by phases starting from
December 1996. In view of the large volume of
data, a set of 275 "standard tabulations" will
be released in the form of CD-ROM. With a storage
of 650 MB, all data files of the standard tabulations
can be put into one CD-ROM. It is easy to appreciate
the convenience of handling just one CD-ROM
instead of 350 diskettes required to store these
standard tabulations.
5. The vital and arrival/departure statistics
systems are maintained. The 1996 Population
By-census provides a benchmark for revising
estimates of the population made for the years
1992 to 1995. Based on the results of the 1996
Population By-census and the most up-to-date
information on fertility, mortality, arrival
and departure, a new set of population projections
for the period 1997-2016 will be prepared. It
is planned to have the new set of population
projections ready for release in the early part
of 1997.
B.
Labour
6. Labour statistics are obtained from a continuous
survey on households (the General Household
Survey [GHS]) and another series of surveys
on establishments. To meet the increasing demand
for detailed statistical data on employment
and unemployment, the sample size of the GHS
was increased by 50% as from August 1995 and
a further increase by 33% as from April 1996.
Consequently, more and better unemployment statistics
have been compiled for analysing and monitoring
the labour market situation in Hong Kong and
for conducting studies with a view to devising
measures to improve job-matching between job
seekers and employers.
7. Data on employment and vacancy are collected
from establishments through the Quarterly Survey
of Employment and Vacancies and other related
surveys. As part of the continuous effort to
improve the compilation of employment and vacancy
statistics, an integrated computer system will
be developed with the aim of enhancing the data
quality and efficiency of the survey operation.
Specifically, the existing Computer Assisted
Telephone Interviewing (CATI) computer system
has been used for seven years and it is planned
to overhaul the system.
8. Wage and earnings statistics continue to
be collected from the Labour Earnings Survey
and the Survey of Salaries and Employee Benefits
- Managerial and Professional Employees (Excluding
Top Management). The former produces statistics
on wage and payroll of various trades in major
economic sectors while the latter produces data
relating to salary rates and fringe benefits
of middle-level managerial and professional
employees.
C.Social
Statistics
9. There is also a special topics section in
the questionnaire of the General Household Survey
mentioned in para. 6 above. Topics are included
at the request of different government departments
and some recent topics include the following:
- Health status of the population
in Hong Kong;
- Doctor consultation;
- Demand for childminding
service;
- Sick leave and maternity
leave patterns of employees; and
- New immigrants' awareness
of educational and welfare services.
10. The fifth Crime Victimization Survey was
conducted in January 1995 under the auspices
of the government's Fight Crime Committee. Data
were collected on particulars of criminal acts
which happened to the respondents in 1994. Such
survey data supplemented the police administrative
records on crime. Findings of the survey helped
assess the attitude of victims towards crime-reporting,
the effectiveness of anti-crime measures and
the level of success in encouraging the public
to report crime. Results of the survey were
released in September 1995.
D.
Industry, Distribution and Services
11. Annual economic surveys are conducted to
provide information for monitoring structural
changes in various activities of the economy
and together with data from other sources, for
updating estimates of the Gross Domestic Product.
The programme of annual economic surveys comprises
separate surveys covering the following economic
activities:
- industrial production;
- building, construction
and real estates;
- wholesale, retail and import/export
trades, restaurants and hotels;
- transport and related services;
and
- storage, communications,
financing, insurance and business services.
12. Fieldwork for the 1995 (reference year)
round of annual economic surveys has commenced,
while the results of the 1994 (reference year)
surveys have been published in the third quarter
of 1996. The annual economic surveys are supplemented
by various quarterly and monthly economic surveys,
with the former concentrating on the structure
and operating characteristics of different economic
activities and their contribution to the GDP
while the latter on current performance and
business outlook.
13. A new Survey of External Investments in
Non-manufacturing Undertakings has been mounted
by the Census and Statistics Department. Results
for the reference years 1993 and 1994 were published
in May 1996. This survey covers inward direct
investment in local non-manufacturing undertakings
and supplements a counterpart survey, the Survey
of External Investment in Hong Kong's Manufacturing
Industries, which has been conducted for quite
a number of years by the Industry Department
and covers inward direct investment in local
manufacturing undertakings.
E.
External Trade
14. External trade statistics are compiled
from trade declarations lodged by importers
and exporters. Very detailed statistics on trade
are available by commodity, country, mode of
transport, etc. Analytically, various trade
indices are also compiled. They include value
indices, unit value indices and quantum indices.
The methodology for the compilation of quantum
indices for the various trade aggregates are
based on general international practices with
minor modifications to suit the local situation.
15. The World Customs Organisation proposed
some 700 amendments to the Harmonized System
of Commodity Classification and Coding (HS)
and contracting parties of the HS Convention
were expected to implement these amendments
as from 1 January 1996. Although Hong Kong is
not a contracting party of the HS Convention,
Hong Kong has implemented the amendments with
effect from 1 January 1996. The 1996 edition
of the Hong Kong Imports and Exports Classification
List (Harmonized System) was published accordingly
for use by importers/exporters.
16. A study was carried out to review the
existing, trade-weighted Effective Exchange
Rate Indices (EERI) and to explore the technical
feasibility of compiling Real Effective Exchange
Rate Indices (REERI) for the Hong Kong dollar.
Such indices are useful in studying the competitiveness
of Hong Kong's external trade. Areas which came
under review for the EERI included weighting
scheme, type of index to be used, basket of
currencies to be included and base period of
the index. The new EERI series has been released
on a daily basis since 1 April 1995.
F.
Electronic Data Interchange Services on Trade
Documents
17. The existing paper-based trade declaration
system is considered not adequate to cope with
the increasing volume of trade and it is intended
that they will be phased out. A plan is in hand
for an orderly and smooth transition from paper
declaration to electronic declaration within
the government's wider plan on Electronic Data
Interchange (EDI) services for trade documents.
It has been decided that the full launching
of EDI service for submission of trade declarations
should be effected in April 1997.
18. It is also planned that full (i.e. 100%)
take-up would be effected within three years
after the commencement of the service. As a
result, the existing submission of paper declarations
will be phased out by April, 2000. A migration
plan is being worked out to ensure an orderly
and smooth transition from paper declarations
to electronic declarations.
19. A consultancy study has been carried out
to examine the requirements of Chinese language
support in the EDI project. It is planned to
start providing Chinese language support to
the Trade Declaration Sub-system about one year
after the commencement of its full commercial
service.
G.
National Accounts
20. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at both current
market prices and constant market prices
are available from the expenditure approach.
They are available as quarterly and annual estimates.
From the production approach, only annual estimates
at current prices are available.
21. Revised estimates for 1994 and 1995 and
preliminary estimates for the first quarter
of 1996 of expenditure-based GDP were published
in August 1996. Both the quarterly and annual
estimates for 1994 and 1995 were revised to
incorporate source data that were not available
earlier. The annual estimates of the production-based
GDP for 1994 were also revised and published
at the same time.
22 In regard to the implementation of the
1993 System of National Accounts (1993 SNA),
a comprehensive review of affected compilation
systems is being conducted. A checklist of items
requiring methodological enhancement has been
drawn up for further studies, and these have
now reached a fairly advanced stage. It is planned
that implementation will take place within 1998.
23. In recent years, Hong Kong has experienced
a phenomenal growth in external direct investment
activities (both inward and outward) and there
has been a growing demand for Gross National
Product (GNP) statistics. A detailed study was
conducted in 1993 to identify technical problems
relating to the compilation of GNP estimates.
In March 1994, a decision was made to proceed
with the compilation of GNP statistics. A survey
"Survey of External Factor Income Flows (SEFIF)"
was launched in October 1994 and it covered
about 21 000 Hong Kong companies in various
businesses including financial institutions,
commercial companies and manufacturing firms.
Using results of the latest revised GDP estimates
and results of the SEFIF, GNP estimates were
produced.
24. The first set of GNP estimates (in preliminary
form), in respect of the reference year 1993,
were released in November 1995. The corresponding
final estimates were released in March 1996.
Data collection for the second round of the
SEFIF in respect of the reference year 1994
started in October 1995 and was completed by
July 1996. Preliminary estimates for the reference
year 1994 were made available in August 1996
and revised estimates in November 1996. The
1995 round of the SEFIF was launched in August
1996 and preliminary estimates of the GNP for
1995 will be released in May 1997.
H.
Prices and Household Expenditure
25. Three series of CPIs are compiled and
published, relating to the relatively low, medium
and high expenditure groups (comprising respectively
about 50%, 30% and 10% of households). A Composite
CPI data series compiled based on the expenditure
patterns of all these households taken together
is also published. In compiling accurate CPIs,
price data of good quality are most important.
Each month, some 40 000 price quotations of
relevant goods and services are collected in
a continuous pricing survey.
26. A new round of the Household Expenditure
Survey (HES) was conducted during the period
from October 1994 to September 1995 to collect
up-to-date information on the expenditure patterns
of households for rebasing the CPIs. Additional
data on consumption patterns of individual
household members were also collected to facilitate
in-depth consumption studies. Results of the
HES and the new 1994/95-based CPIs were released
in April 1996.
27. Import and export price indices continue
to be compiled monthly in respect of about 350
selected Standard International Trade Classification
(SITC) commodity items which are relatively
heterogeneous in nature such that unit values
are rather inadequate proxies for prices. They
are compiled based on data collected from import
and export price surveys. These price indices
are incorporated into the unit value index system
to give a better measure of price movements
in imports, domestic exports and re-exports.
Review of the coverage of commodity items is
undertaken periodically.
I.
Balance of Payments
28. For many years, Hong Kong has been compiling
statistics on external transactions of goods
and services, and from 1993 statistics on external
factor income flows. While the availability
of data on external factor income flows and
GNP estimates represents a big step towards
a better coverage of key economic and financial
data, there has been an increasing demand for
complete Balance of Payments (BoP) statistics
for Hong Kong.
29. BoP is a statistical statement that systematically
summarizes, for a specific period (typically
a year or quarter), the economic transactions
of an economy with the rest of the world. A
complete BoP account comprises (i) Current Account,
i.e. all the goods and services, incomes and
current transfers an economy receives from or
provides to the rest of the world; and (ii)
Capital and Financial Account, i.e. capital
transfers and changes in an economy's external
financial claims and liabilities.
30. BoP data are important for monetary and
financial monitoring and policy deliberations
in both territorial and international contexts.
Such data are useful for analytical studies
on income growth, external orientation of the
economy, relationship between trade in goods
and services and direct investment flows, links
between the exchange rate and the current and
financial accounts, international banking transactions,
assets securitisation and financial market developments,
external debt situation, and so on.
31. To enhance Hong Kong's position as an
international financial centre with a high degree
of transparency, a detailed study has been launched
in September 1996 to establish appropriate survey
methods for compiling a complete BoP account
for Hong Kong. The study will take 18 months
to complete, and the results will provide a
firm basis on determining the way forward as
regards implementation. It is expected that
the first set of annual BoP account by broad
components for the reference year 1997 will
be available by end 1998 or early 1999.
J.
Special Data Dissemination Standard of the IMF
32. The Special Data Dissemination Standard
(SDDS) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
was formally established in April 1996 as a
guide to economies in the provision of economic
and financial data to the public. The idea for
establishing the Standard is that with economies
providing timely, comprehensive and reliable
statistics and making statistical activities
more transparent, the necessary surveillance
of the financial market can be much more effectively
conducted. Although the SDDS is a voluntary
standard, Hong Kong accords high priority to
this matter and has decided to subscribe to
the Standard.
33. The SDDS consists of the following four
dimensions:
- the data dimension - which
refers to coverage, periodicity and timeliness;
- access by the public;
- integrity of the disseminated
data; and
- quality of the disseminated
data.
34. Data are categorized into four sectors,
i.e. real sector, financial sector, fiscal sector
and external sector. For each dimension, the
IMF has specified some monitorable elements.
Three agencies in Hong Kong are involved in
supplying the required data, viz. the Census
and Statistics Department (C&SD) for data
in the real sector and the external sector (except
data on international reserves), the Hong Kong
Monetary Authority (HKMA) for data in the financial
sector and data on international reserves, and
the Finance Branch (FB) of the government Secretariat
of the Hong Kong government for data in the
fiscal sector.
35. The IMF has made available a transition
period for economies wishing to subscribe to
the SDDS. The transition period began with the
opening of subscription in early April 1996
and will end on 31 December 1998. During this
transition period an economy may subscribe to
the SDDS even if its dissemination practices
are not fully in line with the SDDS at that
time. The transition period thus gives subscribing
economies time to adjust their practice according
to a plan that is to be publicly presented to
bring them in line with the Standard. Economies
that do not avail themselves of the transitional
arrangements will be expected to observe the
SDDS from the time of subscription.
36. A detailed study of IMF's Guide reveals
that three of the dimensions in the SDDS are
practically met in full, viz. access by the
public, integrity of the disseminated data and
quality of the disseminated data. However, in
respect of the first dimension, i.e. that on
data coverage, periodicity and timeliness, there
are a number of areas in which additional work
and resources will be needed for Hong Kong to
meet the requirements specified in the SDDS.
In all, it is considered technically feasible
for Hong Kong to become a subscribing economy
to the SDDS within the transition period. Funds
have been tentatively allocated to C&SD
to implement the necessary statistical activities
but meanwhile opportunity is taken to rationalize
existing activities so as to effect the maximum
economy in the use of existing and new funding.
PART
III. STATISTICAL MANAGEMENT ISSUES
A.
Statistical Co-ordination
37. The Government Statistical Service (GSS),
which comprises the Census and Statistics Department
(C&SD) and statistical units established
in various government departments, represents
a well knitted network for the provision of
government statistical services. At present,
C&SD is at the hub for co-ordinating statistical
standards within the government. It takes the
lead in developing standard definitions, classifications
and counting rules and promoting their general
adoption in the government. In designing and
implementing statistical standards, international
recommendations such as those promulgated by
the United Nations Statistical Commission are
adhered to as closely as possible. Nevertheless,
within the framework laid down by international
organisations, there is scope for adaptation
and refinement to take into account of local
circumstances and user requirements.
38. A Statistics Advisory Board is appointed
by the government comprising statistical scientists,
economists, sociologists, trade association
personnel, entrepreneurs, senior employees from
various sectors and selected government officials.
The Board advises on work plans of the Census
and Statistics Department and, given its composition,
is able to provide opinions from the points
of view of statistics users, raw data providers,
methodology researchers and so on. Co-ordination
is obviously one issue which is often addressed.
39. To ensure that statistics
required for policy formulation and analysis
across the government are produced and are available
in a form best suited to such needs, a Committee
on Statistics was formed in early 1995.
The Committee comprises senior officials from
various government policy branches and departments
and serviced by C&SD. Its terms of reference
are :
- to identify ways for
enhancing the coverage, quality, compatibility
and timeliness of the statistics that are
required for policy formulation and implementation
and to promote application of such statistics;
and
- to co-ordinate
between policy branches and departments with
a view to devising and implementing measures
towards improvement.
40. Operationally, C&SD has the role of
ensuring quality in statistical work across
the GSS. Professional staff in the statistical
units in various departments are under the control
of C&SD in regard to such matters as recruitment,
training, posting and promotion and their work
is periodically audited. Accordingly, there
is ample channel for C&SD to provide guidance
and instruction in order to ensure quality statistical
work is performed. For departments not having
statistical units, it is a common practice that
they will approach C&SD for assistance and
advice as need arises.
B.
Use of Official Languages in Statistical Work
41. Both English and Chinese are official
languages in Hong Kong. An Official Languages
Agency exists in the government to co-ordinate
efforts for promoting the proper use of English
and Chinese languages.
42. Census and Statistics Department places
great emphasis to enhance staff capability in
the use of the official languages in statistical
work. Both languages are used in correspondence
with the public as necessary. Notification letter
to sampled households or establishments and
survey questionnaires are also in bilingual
form. Other documents in bilingual form include
press releases publicising surveys or announcing
statistical findings. All the major statistical
publications of the department are now published
in bilingual format.
43. A Committee on the Use of Official
Languages in Statistical Work has been set
up within the Census and Statistics Department.
It has drawn up a plan on measures to improve
the standard of languages in statistical work.
On the forefront are the preparation of a manual
entitled "Collection of Terms, Phrases and Sentences
Commonly Used in Statistical Work", acquisition
of additional dictionaries, glossaries and other
reference materials and the issue of an in-house
bulletin on language use for reference by colleagues.
To improve the language skills of staff in both
English and Chinese, training courses are organised.
C.
Performance Pledge to the General Public
44. The Hong Kong Government launched what
the so-called Serving the Community Scheme in
1992. The objective is to improve the services
which government departments deliver to the
public by enhancing openness and accountability
and by developing a customer-based culture in
the public sector. Government departments are
required to set out performance pledges, including
the types and standards of services provided.
45. In the case of the Census and Statistics
Department, three types of services have been
identified for inclusion in the department's
Performance Pledge. These are:
- services for helping
the public to fulfil their legal and social
obligations of furnishing timely and accurate
data to government for the purpose of compiling
statistics;
- services for supplying
statistical information to the public; and
- services for assisting
the public in the interpretation and application
of statistics.
46. The standards of services are mainly in
terms of the time taken for providing such services
such as the time taken for answering enquiries
and meeting requests for assistance which may
be raised through telephone, mail, fax or personal
visit. To handle the large volume of telephone
enquiries on various trade matters, a computerized
interactive voice processing system has been
installed to provide the public with a more
efficient telephone answering services in respect
of enquiries on trade matters.
47. The success of the scheme depends on the
support and commitment of the management of
the department and the full participation of
all staff members. Officers have been appointed
as Service Managers, to whom customers can approach
for a prompt explanation in case they find that
the services do not meet the standards set in
the pledge. The Service Managers are also responsible
for actively establishing contacts with customers
to get their feedback on whether performance
meets the targets and where improvements are
needed. To facilitate staff members in adapting
to the customer-based culture, training and
briefing sessions have been organised.
48. Feedback from customers is essential in
monitoring the quality of services provided
and identifying areas for improvements. In this
regard, the department carries out customer
surveys to gather customers' views and opinions
on the department's services. Effective monitoring
is a key element in ensuring that the performance
pledge, as a management initiative, achieves
its objectives.
49. The first Performance Pledge of the department
was announced in September 1993 and since then
a revised Performance Pledge has been published
every year. The fourth Performance Pledge was
just released and as in previous rounds, the
parameters of service standards were reviewed
and higher targets were set for a number of
services.
50. To enhance the spirit of serving the community,
the government is organising a "Serving the
Community Week" during the period 1 to 7 December
1996. The theme of the event is "The Service
You Deserve. The Community We Serve." The objectives
of the event are to provide a platform for departments
to promote existing services and launch or announce
planned improvements; to raise the awareness
among staff of the importance of their contributions
to the community; and to generate recognition
of their efforts. The programme will start off
with a Carnival on 1 December. Various government
departments will organise activities during
the week. In addition to participating in the
Carnival, Census and Statistics Department will
hold an exhibition of statistical work and data
on December 6 and 7.
D.
Access to Statistical and Related Information
51. The Hong Kong Government recognizes the
need for the community to be well informed about
the government, the services it provides and
the basis for policies and decisions that affect
individuals and the community as a whole. To
this end, the Code of Access to Information
is promulgated to define the scope of information
that will be provided, sets out how the information
will be made available either routinely or in
response to a request, and lays down procedures
governing its prompt release. The Code is not
a piece of law but is an administrative set
of rules binding government officers in providing
information to the public. The underlying principle
of the Code is that information held by government
departments will be made available to the general
public on request unless there are valid reasons
related to public, private and commercial interests
to withhold the information.
52. The Census And Statistics Department was
placed under the Code from 1 December 1995.
A Senior Statistician is appointed as the Access
to Information Officer of the Department and
is responsible for promoting and overseeing
the applications of the Code in the department.
All staff are encouraged to give full support
to meet the requirements specified in the Code.
53. Results of statistical surveys and studies
carried out by C&SD are released in different
forms, subject to consideration of reliability
of the statistical data concerned and the need
to preserve confidentiality of data pertaining
to the individual firm/household/person. For
surveys of common interest, press releases are
issued to the mass media. The date schedule
for issuing such press releases of a regular
nature in a given year is made known to the
media in December of the preceding year.
54. Statistical data and relevant methodological
details are presented in printed reports which
are available to the public. A free booklet
entitled "How to Obtain Publications of the
Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong"
is widely distributed. It contains a full account
of the reports published, the prices of the
publications and how they can be purchased.
55. Other media are also used for dissemination.
For the 1991 Population Census, statistical
data are also available on CD-ROM. For trade
statistics, they are also disseminated in Computer
Output Microfiches. The use of a wider range
of media is constantly being explored.
56. For some detailed statistical data, these
may not be published on account of limitations
in the size of publications and market demand.
Nevertheless, users can gain access to detailed
statistics upon request. Users can also make
special request to customize their tabulation
needs. For such services, a charge which depends
on the exact requirements will be levied.
57. It is the department's practice not to
release the raw data tapes of sample surveys,
even with the identity of individual records
removed. There are two main reasons for this.
First, there is some risk for the individual
records to be identified. At least, there is
perceived risk of such. Second, the surveys
are normally designed with certain objectives
in mind such that the results of these surveys
are valid essentially for such objectives only,
particularly in aspects like levels of precision
and degrees of fineness in classifications.
Nevertheless, on special request (and with the
payment of some reasonable charges), researchers
or other parties may be provided with specially
prepared tabulations based on the survey results.
58. As for population censuses and by-censuses,
it is the department's practice to release sample
data tapes with individual identities purged.
For the 1991 Population Census, a 1% sample
data tape has been made available; in some special
cases, requests for a 5% sample data tape may
be entertained.
59. Applicants requesting for the sample
data tapes are required to sign an undertaking
and express the use of the data asked for. If
the statistics are intended to be published,
incorporated into any academic paper for presentation
to an audience, or made accessible to the public
in any form, request must be made to the department
to compile such statistics from the full
tapes. The purpose is two-fold. First, it is
one method to guard against breach of confidentiality
of data relating to individual household or
person. Second, it is to ensure that only consistent
statistics from a single data source are circulated,
to avoid unnecessary confusion caused to users
or the general public.
E.
Promotion of Statistical Literacy in the Community
60. The department makes much effort in increasing
the awareness and promoting the use, especially
proper use, of official statistics among the
general public. Pamphlets like "How to Conduct
a Sample Survey", "Statistics and You" and "Hong
Kong in Figures" are available to the general
public free of charge.
61. The department has keenly supported the
Statistical Project Competition for Secondary
School Students, an annual event organised by
the Hong Kong Statistical Society. A teaching
kit "Living with Statistics" has also been prepared
for distribution to all secondary schools free
of charge. The kit is updated from time to time.
It is believed that statistical education is
important to ensure that there are good respondents
to surveys and good suppliers of raw data to
other data gathering activities and that statistics
are used properly and effectively in the community.
62. In March 1993, the department made arrangement
with the Young Post, which is a section in the
widely circulated newspaper, the South China
Morning Post, to open up a column in their newspaper
for implementing statistical education. The
column appears on every other Tuesday and aims
to arouse secondary school students' interest
in official statistics.
63. The department continues to collaborate
with the School of Professional andContinuing
Education of the University of Hong Kong to
organise the Course "Hong Kong Statistics for
Business". This evening course covers sources,
concepts and application of official statistics.
It aims to promote the awareness and use of
official statistics among business executives.
The course has been well received by participants
and since 1993, the frequency of the course
has been increased from once a year to twice
a year.
F.
C&SD Home Page on the Internet
64. The C&SD Home Page on the Internet
was launched in March 1996. Its address is http://www.info.gov.hk/censtatd/
. The establishment of the Home Page signifies
an important step in the electronic dissemination
of information and data, allowing Internet users
in Hong Kong and world-wide to access up-to-date
statistics on social and economic conditions
of Hong Kong.
65. The Home Page is arranged in a hierarchical
structure with four modules as follows :
(a) Introduction to Census and Statistics
Department
This module introduces the Government Statistical
Service, describes C&SD's service standards
and presents up-to-date news.
(b) Hong Kong Statistics
This module presents key statistics for easy
reference and comprises three sections. The
section on Hong Kong in Figures, a reproduction
of the data card issued annually, is a quick
overview of major social and economic aspects
of Hong Kong. Frequently Asked Statistics
provides up-to-date time series data for selected
statistics frequently asked by users. Press
Releases on Statistical Data provides updated
figures with analytical commentary for selected
statistics.
(c) Publications
This module comprises three sections, namely,
List of Publications, which lists available
publications together with some description
on contents and prices; Introduction to New
Publications, which draws attention to publications
recently issued by the department; and How
to Obtain Publications, which details ordering
procedures and arrangements.
(d) Service Desk
This module serves to direct users to information
of various kinds available on the C&SD Home
Page that they may need, such as:
- Overview of the C&SD
Home Page
- Statistics on the C&SD
Home Page
- Publications List and
Obtaining Publications
- Guide to Lodgement
of Import/Export Trade Declarations
- Exchange Rate of the
Hong Kong Dollar
G.
Corporate Image
66. The department is conscious of the need
to take a close look at its position in the
government and in society. It is important to
make known the functions of the department in
a positive manner to users of its services,
including government departments, Legislators,
the mass media, analysts and researchers, the
business community, the general public and foreign
and international organisations.
67. To convey more effectively the department's
image and identity, a departmental logo was
launched in May 1996. (The logo can be seen
on the front cover of this report.) The logo
serves as a corporate symbol of the department
in communication with data users, survey respondents
and the general public, so that the department
can immediately be recognised. The logo comprises
three elements : line graph, square and circles.
68. The logo reflects the nature of work of
the department and its role - producer of statistics
and adviser on statistical matters. This is
symbolised by a line graph, which is a modern,
commonly used way to present statistics. It
also conveys the scientific and professional
image of the department. The line graph progresses
upwards, indicating that the department is always
upward-moving.
69. The logo symbolises the way in which the
department works. It has the shape of a square
inside circles. The square in the middle indicates
its impartiality, integrity and objectivity
while the embracing circles stand for user friendliness
and communicative ability. The design summarizes
the department's capability of co-operating
smoothly with outside parties while it manages
its affairs justly and properly, emphasizes
professionalism and works on the basis of scientific
theories and principles.
70. There are black-and-white and coloured
versions of the logo. For the coloured version,
red colour is used, symbolising the department's
vitality and reflecting its enthusiasm in serving
the public by providing the required statistical
support within the shortest time frame.
November 1996 |
