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3.16
This system will soon be augmented by the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme to be introduced in May 1979. The scheme will be financed in equal proportions from three sources: levies on vehicle and driving licences and from General Revenue. It will be adminis- tered by the Social Welfare Department and will provide cash assistance to victims of traffic accidents, irrespective of whether the victim was at fault or not. Payments will be based on the rates and criteria applicable to the Emergency Relief Fund, and will be subject to a refund should the victim subsequently receive common law damages or other forms of compensation because of the injuries sustained. It is proposed that appeals against the Department's decision will be heard by the Social Security Appeal Board.
3.17
All three schemes provide short-term support, designed to tide a family over a serious and unforeseen setback which will strain its resources because of reduced or lost earnings or because of additional outgoings. The accident compensation system is not intended to provide long term support, since that is the function of other social security schemes.
3.18
The Government is in discussion with the Accident Insurance Association of Hong Kong on the establishment of a Motor Insurers' Bureau in Hong Kong. The Bureau will provide better protection for third parties who are injured or die as a result of motor vehicle accidents where individual insurance companies are not liable for compensation. It will enable the victim to obtain "full damages" in circumstances where he is not at present able to do so. "Full damages" is the compensation awarded by a court or paid by way of settlement and would contrast with the more limited ex-gratia payments made under the "no fault" Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme.
3.19
The Government does not propose any further development of accident compensation not arising out of employment at this stage, but will review the position in the light of future developments in accident compensation schemes elsewhere in the world.
Occupational Benefits
3.20
Occupational benefits provided by employers, either voluntarily or statutorily, have a definite role to play in the social security structure. Their flexible nature, which can be modified and developed to match the circumstances of particular companies or industries, can bring substantial benefit to scheme members and may be much valued by them. Occupational benefit schemes are therefore a valuable supplement to the social security system developed by the Government. However, the Government does not see occupational benefits as playing a pre- dominant role in the overall social security framework although there may be room for improve- ments in these benefits in line with the general prosperity of Hong Kong and the rising aspirations of its people.
Sickness, Injury and Death Benefit Insurance Scheme
3.21
The proposals for a voluntary contributory sickness, injury and death benefit scheme in the Green Paper on Social Security Development have been the subject of wide debate, and comments from various quarters, including both employers and employees have been received. A group of employers has also proposed an alternative scheme to cover the same risks. Whilst the Government accepts the desirability of the coverage, it has not yet reached a conclusion on what the best method of proceeding would be given the wide measure of cover for the lower income groups already provided by the Public Assistance and Special Needs Allowance schemes, and by statutory occupational benefits. Consideration of this matter will continue separately in order not to delay publication of this White Paper.
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