Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam has urged the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data to consider carefully the Director of Audit's observations and recommendations and take proper follow-up action.

Mr Lam wrote to the office earlier today when audit report No. 53 was tabled at the Legislative Council, saying it should review its internal guidelines, procedures and control mechanisms to ensure good governance, and efficient and economical use of resources.

The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau said great importance is attached to the report regarding the office's administration and operation, which is subvented by the Government, while respecting the independent statutory body's autonomy. It will work closely with the office to ensure proper follow-up actions on the report.

It accepted the report's three recommendations for the bureau and will implement them. One is about reviewing the purchase of its office car in 2003-04.

As the purchase did not have proper approval, the bureau considered the act a breach of the requirement and has reminded the office to exercise prudence and strive for economy in considering its expenses, including procuring equipment and services.

The bureau will work out arrangements on another recommendation about requiring the office to return to the Government the earmarked fund for computer installation to implement the Data User Registration Scheme.

It is also working with the office to develop proper outcome and productivity indicators, including indicators on promotional activities and the number of codes of practice or guidelines the office approves or issues. They will be included in the bureau's controlling officer's report next year.