Attention TV/radio announcers:
 
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
 
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (June 14) that because of sightings of dead fish from unidentified sources at Pui O Beach in Islands District, the red flag has been hoisted and the beach has been closed until further notice. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.
 
     The Environmental Protection Department, the Marine Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department have been contacted for follow-up action. Site clearance by LCSD staff is under way. The LCSD will closely monitor the situation and will take further action as necessary.

     According to the provisional results of a survey released today (June 14) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2019 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 1.2% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The corresponding producer price index also increased by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2019 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     The index of industrial production for sewerage, waste management and remediation activities increased by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2019 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 5.0% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The corresponding producer price index also increased by 1.2% in the first quarter of 2019 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Indices of industrial production reflect changes in the volume of local industrial output after discounting the effect of price changes. The price changes are measured by the producer price indices compiled from data on producer prices of selected industrial goods/services collected in the same survey.

     Comparing the industrial production in respect of major manufacturing industries in the first quarter of 2019 with that a year earlier, increases in output volume were recorded mainly in the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+2.0%); and the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry (+0.4%). On the other hand, decreases in output volume were recorded in the paper products, printing and reproduction of recorded media industry (-3.3%); and the textiles and wearing apparel industry (-0.1%).

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 1.1% in the first quarter of 2019 compared with the fourth quarter of 2018. 

     Producer price indices reflect changes in the prices of local output. They measure changes in the actual prices (net of any discounts or rebates allowed to buyers, plus any surcharges) received by producers for their output. Transportation and other incidental charges are not included.

     Comparing the first quarter of 2019 with a year earlier, increases in producer prices were recorded mainly in the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+2.2%); the paper products, printing and reproduction of recorded media industry (+2.1%); and the textiles and wearing apparel industry (+1.0%). On the other hand, a slight decrease in producer price was recorded in the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry (-0.2%).

     Table 1 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the indices of industrial production by selected industry grouping. Table 2 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the producer price indices for the industrial sector by selected industry grouping.

     The revised figures on indices of industrial production and producer price indices for the industrial sector for the first quarter of 2019 will be released at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/bbs.jsp) and relevant publications of the Department starting from July 19, 2019.

     Users can download the reports "Quarterly Index of Industrial Production, 1st Quarter 2019" (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp310.jsp?productCode=B1070002) and "Quarterly Producer Price Index for Industrial Sector, 1st Quarter 2019" (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp280.jsp?productCode=B1070003) free of charge at the website of the C&SD.

     Readers who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7247; fax: 2123 1048; email: ind-production@censtatd.gov.hk).

     The Census and Statistics Department has commenced a new round of the Quarterly Survey of Employment and Vacancies to collect data on employment and vacancies in major industry sections of the economy in respect of June 2019. This survey is conducted quarterly. The survey results are useful in serving as short-term economic indicators and providing information on the latest changes in the labour market.          
        
     This round of the survey covers about 29 000 establishments which are drawn from various industry sections including industrial sections (such as mining and quarrying; manufacturing; and electricity, gas and waste management) and the services sections (such as import/export, wholesale and retail trades; accommodation and food services; transportation, storage, postal and courier services; information and communications; financing and insurance; real estate; professional and business services; and social and personal services). Information on the number of persons engaged and vacancies, together with the characteristics of job vacancies, as at June 28, 2019, will be sought from each selected establishment.   
           
     Questionnaires are being sent by mail or by fax to selected establishments. In accordance with the Census and Statistics Ordinance, these establishments are required to complete and return the questionnaires to the department within the specified period. If individual establishments have any difficulties in completing the questionnaires, they may contact the department for assistance at 2234 3800.

     La Companyia del Príncep Totilau from Spain will present the multimedia puppet and music theatre production "Monsieur Croche: The Dreams of Composer Claude Debussy" for family enjoyment in August.
 
     Blending classical music with human actors and appealing puppets, intriguing lighting and large-scale video images, rippling movement and dance, the programme presents a mysterious and exhilarating realm of discovery.
 
     French 19th century composer Claude Debussy is renowned for his atmospheric impressionist works. In the programme, audiences can enjoy a live piano performance of Debussy pieces, including favourites "Clair de Lune" and "Deux Arabesques No. 1".
 
     The story revolves around Monsieur Croche, who is dreaming during an afternoon nap. As his pillow slowly rises, he and his wife float towards a mesmerising enchanted island. Accompanied by a playful, blue-haired, horned fairy, they meet magical giant-eyed elves and a huge insect that swallows musical notes, and have a tussle with a mermaid amid the tossing sea, as their inspirational journey draws them into the joyous world of creativity.
 
     "Monsieur Croche: The Dreams of Composer Claude Debussy" is one of the programmes of the summer festival International Arts Carnival (IAC). Details are as follows:
 
Dates and time: August 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday), 8pm
Venue: Hong Kong City Hall Theatre
Prices: $140, $220 and $280
 
Date and times: August 3 (Saturday), 5pm and 8pm
Venue: Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre Theatre
Prices: $140, $220 and $280
 
Date and time: August 4 (Sunday), 5pm
Venue: North District Town Hall Auditorium
Prices: $140 and $240
 
     Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hk/2019/en/debussy.html.
 
     The IAC, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will run from July 5 to August 18.

        

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (June 14) launched an operation at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre to combat illicit activities by persons in custody.

     At around 3.53pm yesterday (June 13), five male remand persons in custody were found fighting inside a dayroom. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the fight and called for reinforcement. During the incident, five persons in custody sustained minor injuries to the head, the back and elbows etc. After examination and treatment provided by the institution Medical Officer, they did not need to be sent to a public hospital. Investigation revealed that the fight broke out in relation to illicit transaction of food among persons in custody. During the course of the incident, 20 persons in custody refused to return to their cells and demanded the management to rescind any further investigation. After warning and further reinforcement, they voluntarily left the dayroom and were removed from association for investigation.

     According to intelligence, some persons in custody attempted to incite others and organise collective activities with a view to acting against the management. After assessment and detailed planning, the CSD deployed the regional response team, a dog unit and support teams to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre to conduct searches of target locations and persons. During the operation, three remand persons in custody, who were found in possession of unauthorised articles or suspected of engaging in illicit activities, were removed from association and put under investigation. The present atmosphere at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre is stable. The CSD will continue to closely monitor the development and the persons in custody concerned.

     In order to assist persons in custody to rehabilitate in a safe and orderly environment, the CSD spares no effort in combating illicit activities of all kinds in its institutions.

     Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre is a maximum security prison for the detention of male adult persons in custody who are mostly on remand.