IN the story in yesterday's South China Morning Post, about the Hongkong Bank's response to the tragic Shek Kip Mei arson attack, the headline, ''Bank puts call for fire safety officer on hold'', was incorrect. The bank has hired Mr Choi King-sang, a 28-year veteran of the Fire Services Department, to serve as Manager of Fire Safety, a fact stated in the story's 10th paragraph. The bank has set aside $130 million to improve fire standards over the next three years. Rather the story's top half is devoted to the fact that the bank has not yet employed a full-time health and safety officer, a step recommended by Mr Gregory Southeard, our international fire consultant. The bank's top priority after the fire was to address fire safety and training. Employing a health and safety officer is a less immediate objective that can be achieved once more urgent matters have been dealt with. The fact that it is a less pressing priority is reflected in Mr Southeard's report, which lists it as the last in a long list of recommendations. Each of the other points is being addressed. Finally, readers might like to know that we are donating the premises that contained the Shek Kip Mei branch to the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. PAUL SELWAY-SWIFT Executive Director Hong Kong and China Hongkong and Shanghai Bank
