- 7
Supplementary to Question No.
upplem
in Legco on 9.12.87
MR. SOHMEN : Sir, when did the Government become aware of
the backlog being faced by the Office of the Commissioner
for Securities?
FINANCIAL SECRETARY : Sir, we have been aware of this for
some time. Indeed, I think it is perhaps worthwhile
giving details of the increases in the establishment of
the office over the last few years. The total
establishment of the office increased by 10 per cent in
the year 1985-86; by a further 15 per cent in 1986-87.
And, if we take account of the 21 posts that I just
mentioned, by 38 per cent in 1987-1988.
these increases must be seen against the 2.5 per cent
general guideline for increases in the establishment of
the Civil Service as a whole. The backlog of work and the
workload itself falling upon the office has in many ways
been a reflection of the activity and success of Hong Kong
as a financial centre. Inevitably there is likely to be a
As I have said,
time lag between the receipt of new work, the increase in
the burden, and the availability of staff to deal with
that burden. But we are tackling it.
ster