HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 14 March 1984
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Section 109 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Chapter 374) refers to the way Code, any alterations to which must be approved by the Governor in Council and the Legislative Council. A change in its contents is effected by way of a Resolution in this Council, but a Bill is necessary to alter its title as quoted in the Ordinance.
This Bill proposes to change the title from Highway Code to 'Road Users' Code', reflecting a significant change of emphasis in its contents. The present code is almost exclusively addressed to drivers. However, the majority of road users in Hong Kong are pedestrians and passengers; and some 34% and 31% of traffic accidents respectively involve these two groups. Cyclists also are a vulnerable group. The revised code therefore, which is indeed very compre- hensive, will have chapters for pedestrians, passengers, cyclists and for the parents of young children, as well as for drivers. It will also reflect the provisions of the new Road Traffic legislation which is to be implemented in August this year.
Sir, I move that the debate on this motion be adjourned.
Motion made. That the debate on the second reading of the Bill be adjourned— SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.
Question put and agreed to.
EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1984
COMMISSIONER For Labour moved the second reading of:-‘A bill to amend the Employment Ordinance'.
He said: Sir, I move the second reading of the Employment (Amendment) Bill 1984. This Bill seeks to improve the provisions on severance pay in the Employment Ordinance.
Part VA of the Employment Ordinance which provides for this subject was passed by this Council in August 1974. It provided for severance pay at a flat rate of one-third of a month's pay for every year of service subject to a qualifying period of two years' service and to a maximum payment not exceeding twelve months' pay.
In June 1977 the rate of severance pay was raised to its present level of half a month's pay for every year of service. For workers on piece rates the equivalent rate is 13 days' pay for every year of service. Claims for severance pay must be made in writing to the employer within one month of the date of termination or lay-off, or within such extended time as the Commissioner for Labour may agree. In practice this time limit often has to be extended because many employees do not know the rule and fail to serve notice in time.