Annual Debate on the Governor's Address Reply by the Hon. N.W.H. Macleod, JP, Secretary for Trade and Industry, in Legislative Council on 11 November 1987
SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY:
Sir,
le
Whilst a considerable number of Members
spoke
on industry, science and technology, and trade, I am in
the fortunate position that our basic approach on these
vital subjects is widely accepted. What has emerged are
useful suggestions, and differences of emphasis, not
This consensus bodes well for
views are more varied on the
fundamental disagreements.
the future. By contrast,
other topic which I shall address, namely the current labour
shortage.
Industry
7.
In relation to industry, we shall continue to
take what I would describe as a modest and pragmatic
approach modestly aware of our own fallibility, and the
undesirability of civil servants getting over-involved
five in industry, in grandiose-year plans and the like but
at the same time pragmatic enough to research systematically
to identify gaps and weak spots, and to
and weak spots, and to take action where
some intervention or assistance by Government is required.
3.
I was encouraged by the recognition by most of
those who spoke on this subject of what we are now doing
/in terms