9.104
The Unit has assumed responsibility for the design of traffic control and surveillance systems for tunnels and elevated roads. Investigations are proceeding in the fields of incident detection by computer, closed circuit television and similar techniques.
STAFF, TRAINING AND WELFARE
9.105
The problem of staff shortages continued to exist in almost every Division in the Office. There were unfilled vacancies in both the professional and assistant professional grades throughout the year, although 14 engineers, 10 recruited overseas, were appointed while 9 engineering graduates were promoted to the assistant professional grade.
9.106
Thirty-six members of the staff retired during the year, 26 of them having over 20 years service.
Training
9.107
One Engineer resumed duty after completing a one-year's attachment to consulting engineering firms in the U.K. and another Engineer returned to duty after completing a post-graduate course in Transportation and Traffic Planning at Birmingham University in England and one Engineer proceeded on study leave to undertake a similar course at the same university. Two Engineers returned to duty on completion of no-pay study leave in France.
9.108
One Assistant Engineer resumed duty after successfully completing a two-year course in Civil Engineering at the University of Hong Kong. One Assistant Engineer was seconded for nine months training in the Street Lighting Department of the City of Glasgow.
9.109
Four Foremen Rank II proceeded on no-pay study leave to undertake a degree course in Civil Engineering at the Sunderland Polytechnic in the U.K.
9.110
Nine Engineering Graduates of the University of Hong Kong, employed under agreement in accordance with the Regulations of the Institution of Civil Engineers, were rotated amongst the various Divisions of the Office for practical training.
9.111
Facilities were provided to train the newly recruited Foremen Rank III in the Works Divisions.
Welfare
9.112
Quarterly meetings of the Joint Staff Discussion Groups continued between representatives of the management and the staff of the Office at divisional level. Problems and suggestions of mutual interest were discussed and management policies explained.
9.113
Six outings to Cheung Chau were organised for the staff of the Office and Civil Engineering Office in March 1974. A total of 1,300 persons from the Office took part.
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