4.
It added that "where discrimination is found to exist, the study could serve as an important basis for the development of solutions".
Commenting on the observations, a government spokesman said the Administration would take careful note of the Committee's views and would respond to all of them in the 14th report.
"The UK Government aims to submit its report to the Committee in August this year. We will ensure that our contribution, which will deal with all the points raised by the Committee, is ready in good time to ensure its inclusion," the spokesman said.
On the Committee's comments about the population census, the spokesman said the 1991 Census included questions about place of birth and usual language (these were included in the 13th report). It did not include direct questions about racial or ethnic origin as such questions might themselves be construed as racist and give rise to unease amongst some members of the community.
"Clearly, it is too late to take account of the Committee's views in the 1996 By- Census which starts this month. But we note that the United Kingdom included such information in its most recent Census and we will keep an open mind on the subject," the spokesman said.
With respect to the two-week rule, the spokesman said the rule existed to deter overstaying and job-hopping which had been serious problems before its introduction. It applied to all domestic helpers and imported workers whatever their country of origin and did not entail any element of racial discrimination.
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"If termination is not the helpers' fault for example, if they have suffered maltreatment or if their employers are in financial difficulties or are emigrating- they can, with the agreement of the Immigration Department, change employers without leaving the territory. Helpers with claims against their employers can also remain here pending the outcome of their cases.
"As to the need for measures against racial discrimination on the part of private individuals, groups or organisations, this is something that the Government will look at later this year in the course of its study of and subsequent consultation on - racial discrimination," said the spokesman.
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Commenting on the Committee's recommendation on citizenship for the ethnic minorities the spokesman said the Hong Kong Government's stance on citizenship for this unique group was well known.