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I also pointed out that under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, Hong Kong's economic and social system were to stay the same after 1997, and the economic and social system, today, is one in which there are these 129,000 people working so well for us. So I hope that they will be reasonably reassured. We will continue to operate our labour policy until 1997, looking at applications for new contracts as they arise, and it will be for the SAR Government to do so afterwards.
Perhaps I can add one point. President Ramos went out of his way to express his gratitude to Hong Kong for the way in which we offer a warm welcome to domestic helpers and ensure, by and large, that they work within the terms of the International Labour Conventions and with the full protection of the law. I think that many Filipinos would wish that their domestic helpers in other countries were protected as well as they are in Hong Kong.
Miss Emily Lau: Mr President, just a very short follow up. Right now, of course, the Government has its own reasons for not allowing mainlanders to come to Hong Kong to work as domestic helpers. Do you think those reasons will still be valid after 1997, and hence there will still be a need for us to employ domestic helpers from the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia?
Governor: I imagine that by and large the same civil servants will be writing submissions on these issues after 1997. And the submissions that I would receive today on the question would, I am sure, point to the difficulties of the immigration tale which would follow if you were to try to replace 129,000 Filipino domestic helpers with domestic helpers from the mainland. I am sure that the same arguments would be put after 1997, but I have to be careful not to sound as though I am making post-1997 decisions.
President: Before I adjourn the council for the Christmas break, may I take this opportunity to wish the Governor, honourable members and public officers and their families, a very holy Christmas and a most successful 1997-- I mean 1996. I'm in a hurry.
Governor: I am sure next year will flash past - but we seem to have disposed of the Preparatory Committee. I am sure it won't pass that quickly.
Can I wish the President a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Can I wish all honourable members the same. And can I wish some of those who would choose not to be spending Christmas in the circumstances in which they will find themselves, a Happy Christmas and a Happier New Year than the one they have only recently, alas, enjoyed.
End