1484
HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - 25 May 1988
amount of compensation generally awarded is about $50,000 to $60 However, given the fact that people showing the symdrome of pneumoconiosis are, in most cases, incapacitated and aged workers, the amount of compensa- tion can only meet their daily expenses for three to four years, not to mention their need to receive long-term medical treatments. In dealing with the huge surplus accumulated in the fund, I feel that, in addition to the provision of compensation, the board should consider making available long-term support to the pneumoconiotics so as to finance their livings and the medical expenses incurred.
Secondly, while further legislation was enacted by the Government in 1986 to control the use of asbestos and provide that employers are required to arrange regular medical examinations for their employees, it must be noted that the use of asbestos is not the only cause of pneumoconiosis. Prevention is better than cure. It would be more desirable if annual medical examinations could be provided for all workers who have a higher chance of contracting pneumoco- niosis. Indeed, many fellow workers have expressed their worry over the possibility of contracting this disease. They would like to have prompt and timely knowledge of their health conditions. Hence, it appears that the accumulated surplus of the fund may well be utilised in the provision of this service.
Furthermore, as it is now within the authority of the fund board to organise or sponsor educational, publicity and research programmes on pneumoco- niosis, I hope that, in addition to inviting academic organisations to participate in research work, the board will also assist in other related publicity, pro- motional and educational activities by way of offering support to voluntary bodies.
Apart from the above, some organisations have proposed the provision of a convalescent home for the pneumoconiotics so that they can be given profes- sional care and treatment for a longer period of time. This will, on the other hand, help centralise the research work on new treatment and convalescent programmes.
All in all, I believe that a surplus in the Fund will contribute towards the general development of preventive and remedical measures. It should not constitute a problem, and should not lead to a reduction in the rate of levy.
Sir, with these remarks, I do not support the motion.
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, I would like to thank Mr. Ho and Mr. TAM for their comments.
I fully share their enthusiasm for prevention. It is obviously much better to prevent someone falling ill than to compensate him afterwards. I will therefore be very happy to consider their proposals for further measures.
I do not myself think it is likely that the incidence of the disease will increase in future. The preventive measures we have already taken have met with most