-
37 -
The review on the ERS and the consultancy study being conducted on the Vocational Training Council are expected to be completed this summer.
"Together, their findings should provide a solid basis for the Government to draw up a coherent and visionary blueprint for the development of our vocational training and retraining programmes into the next century," Mr Wong said.
On promoting industrial safety, he reassured the Legislative Council that the Government was committed to implementing the recommendations in the 1995 Consultation Paper on the Review of Industrial Safety in Hong Kong.
"We recognise the vital role of the Occupational Safety and Health Council. We will work closely with the Council to ensure that its expanded programme of activities in the coming years will complement the Government's efforts in this important area," he said.
4
End
SEM on Budget debate
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, at the resumption of the Budget debate in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr Deputy President,
I am grateful for the interest expressed by Members in the education and manpower programme in the Budget Debate last week. I appreciate their supportive and constructive comments. I hope what I am going to say will address their main
concerns.
Education
Let me first deal with education. I entirely agree with Members on the importance of education. Our fundamental aim in education is to develop the potential of every child so that he or she will become an independent-minded and socially- conscious person, to make positive contribution to the community, to possess knowledge and skills and at the same time, also to develop their different interests, guide them to love and lead a full life. Investing in our education is investing in our future - a continuing stable and prosperous future and a meaningful life.