The Central People's Government has, on the nomination and recommendation of the Chief Executive, approved the appointment of Deputy Secretary for Security Timothy Tong to Commissioner of Customs & Excise.

Mr Tong will take up the post from September 29, succeeding Raymond Wong who became ICAC Commissioner last month.

The Government also announced the following senior appointments:

* Director of Social Welfare Carrie Lam will become Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands (Planning & Lands) on November 1;

* Deputy Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Stanley Ying will become Permanent Secretary for Security on October 13; and,

* Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Paul Tang will become Director of Social Welfare on November 1.

Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong said: "The appointed officers have amassed rich experience in public administration through various postings in their career in the civil service. I have full confidence in their leadership abilities. I am certain that they are capable of leading their team to take forward various initiatives in the development of Hong Kong on various fronts and enhancing public services."

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Audit Johnsman Au will act as Director on a temporary basis until further notice, as Dominic Chan goes on pre-retirement leave from today.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said: "Since Mr Chan took up the appointment of Director in 1995, he has provided professional and quality audit services to public sector organisations, which contribute significantly to enhancing the efficiency and performance of Government departments."

Mr Wong, also thanked Mr Chan for his 34 years of dedicated service, saying he displayed exemplary commitment, integrity and leadership.

Mr Tong said he is honoured to be appointed Commissioner and will work for the support and co-operation of his new colleagues.

Mr Tang said he looked forward to working with colleagues in the Social Welfare Department and the welfare sector, and the job challenges ahead.

Timothy Tong, 54, joined the Government in November 1972, serving initially in the Executive Officer Grade and later the Trade Officer Grade. He joined the Administrative Service in April 1992 and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in July 2002.

Carrie Lam, 46, joined the Administrative Service in August 1980 and was promoted to her present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in January 2001. She has served in various bureaux and departments, and was Deputy Secretary for the Treasury from May 1996 to July 2000 and took up her current appointment as Director of Social Welfare in August 2000.

Stanley Ying, 43, joined the Administrative Service in August 1983 and was promoted to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in January 2001. He has served in various bureaux and departments, and was Deputy Director-General of the former Trade Department from March 1997 to January 1999, and has been Deputy Secretary for the Treasury (later renamed Deputy Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury on July 1, 2002) since July 2000.

Paul Tang, 47, joined the Administrative Service in October 1978 and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in July 2002. He has served in various bureaux and departments, and was Deputy Secretary of the former Environment & Food Bureau from January 2000 to April 2001. He has been Deputy Secretary for Transport (later renamed Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works on July 1, 2002) since May 2001.