made
to the Executive
Council on the results of the limited consultation;
(b) an adjournment debate has been scheduled for
13 May and no decision has been
been or will be taken until Legislative Council members have had an opportunity to express their views;
(c) the Government is conscious that there is a widespread concern about the question of financial security in old age but also that there is a wide divergence of views on the need for and desirability of a compulsory provident fund scheme.
(d)
(e)
(£)
further
These
two working groups
have been established within the Administration to examine the feasibility of alternatives to a compulsory provident fund scheme. groups will consider in particular the adequacy of the existing framework of social security provision and means of promoting establishment of provident fund schemes voluntary basis;
to proceed
if it is eventually decided with a compulsory scheme, the advice of the relevant advisory bodies and of Legislative Council members will be sought on any alternative measures which may be proposed.
wider public consultation at a later stage
has not been ruled out.
Public reaction
22
There is likely to be continuing pressure from labour and social welfare groups for establishment of a commission with outside representation and
and criticism of the lack of public consultation. Announcement of the adjournment debate will, however, enable
enable those interested to lobby Legislative Council members.
23
Members are asked to note the contents of this
memorandum.
9 March 1987
(EMB CR 4/2321/84 IV)
COUNCIL CHAMBER
CONFIDENTIAL