49
I
91.
The
application of modern information technology to
improve productivity and to compensate for labour shortages
crucial. This is an area where the Government has
will be
much
to
learn from
the
private sector.
Investments in
upgrading essential office
service
to
achieve the
equipment will enable the civil
productivity gains which are
necessary if we are
standards
to
meet new demands and maintain
at а time of minimal growth in manpower.
is now an integral part of long-term
And more civil servants
levels will be trained in the use of
Computerisation
planning in Government departments.
at different
computers.
92.
I am,
There is also a need to pay careful attention to
civil service morale. This goes beyond maintaining a fair
system for determining pay and conditions of service.
example, conscious of the concerns which many civil
the security of their pensions. We
are secure: they are now a statutory
for
servants express about
believe that pensions
right and there are firm commitments to their payment in
both the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.
Nevertheless,
we are looking to see if there are other measures which
might be taken to address staff worries. But I must caution
that any changes which require substantial resources will
not be possible in the short term.
93. Civil