HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):-The reply to the last part of the question mentioned that all items of staff establishment were carefully considered by the Departmental Establishment Committee. Were the 1009 posts discussed in all committees and were they carefully discussed at the meeting of the Administration Select Committee? How was the practical need for the 1009 posts actually worked out? In actual fact, why was the manpower increase warranted?
MR. SUEN KAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):---Mr. Chairman, the 1009 posts just mentioned come from the Departmental estimate for posts in 1996/97. In case they are to be opened, each new post will be vetted by the Administration Select Committee. Therefore, the posts are only estimates, not posts already vetted and required to be established. The Administration Select Committee will look at each individual case and it has the power to veto.
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):—I want to ask if the direction and planning of such estimates can be handed over to the Administration Select Committee for detailed and comprehensive consideration. It would be better than for individual committees to be responsible for certain posts and different meetings to study different posts. I think the present method makes it difficult to have an overall observation of the annual rate of increase. I can see that for the additional 1009 posts for the year 1996/97, salary expenditure of $231 million will be involved. It is indeed a huge sum. For an estimate of this size, we are certain to be given an explanation and only then will a comprehensive plan evolve. I also agree that all cases of additional posts have to go to the Administration Select Committee for scrutiny.
MR. SUEN KAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese):--In fact, each and every member receives, on a regular basis, memos from the Administration Select Committee about staff establishment and data on actual manpower. The memos detail the distribution and number of posts in the entire Department. We have an establishment of 17207 posts and the number of posts actually created is only 16071. So we have not filled all vacancies on establishment. The above information reflects the overall manpower situation of various grades within the Department. Should members require more detailed information, I will do my best to supply it through the Department.
MR. LEE KWOK-KEUNG (in Cantonese):-Allow me to follow up on the question just raised. The information just given on manpower refers to the present manpower situation of the Department. Some posts facing recruitment difficulties are still on the establishment and the 1009 posts for 1996/97 already created will be included in the future establishment. Even if there are not enough people to fill the new posts, the 1009 posts will still be added to the existing 17000 odd posts. The concern is not about recruitment, rather it gives rise to the question as to why the Administration Select Committee has not discussed the situation following the
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