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* Second, the monthly interim payments of compensation payable to the family members of a deceased pneumoconiotic pending final settlement of compensation for death. At present, interim payments are required to be paid in equal shares. We propose that these interim payments should be distributed amongst these family members in the same proportion as the distribution of other compensation items under the Ordinance. This will serve to uphold the original intention underlying the provision of interim payments that the aggregate of such payments to the family members of a decreased pneumoconiotic should not exceed the total amount of the compensation for death to which they are entitled. It will also prevent cases of overpayments which have occurred as a result of the two different distribution systems under the existing Ordinance.
To finance the above proposed improvements to the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Scheme, we will submit to the Finance Committee of this Council a proposal to provide an interest-bearing loan of $80 million to the Fund Board to enable it to overcome its cashflow problems arising from such improvements. It is also necessary to increase the rate of levy imposed on the value of construction works exceeding $1 million and of quarry products from 0.3% to 0.4% so that the Fund Board will have sufficient funds to meet its long-term commitments. I intend to move a resolution of this Council under Section 36 of the Ordinance to give effect to such an increase after the enactment of the Bill.
Thank you.
End
Noise Control (Amendment) Bill
Following is the speech by the acting Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Canice Mak, in moving the second reading of the Noise Control (Amendment) Bill 1995 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move that the Noise Control (Amendment) Bill 1995 be read the second time.