End
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(a)
(b)
We last invited applications under the General Labour Importation Scheme in early 1994 when the minimum wages for the various jobs. were based on the September 1993 wage figures. This Scheme was replaced by the Supplementary Labour Scheme which commenced in February this year and which has been using the September 1995 wage figures in setting the minimum wages for the various types of jobs. Comparing these two sets of figures, the average annual increase in the minimum wages is 9.5%, while the average annual inflation rate in the same period is 8.8%.
The minimum wages for the various jobs under the Supplementary Labour Scheme are set at the same level as the corresponding median wage levels compiled by the Census & Statistics Department at half- yearly intervals. The median wage statistics are computed from the results of the half-yearly Labour Earnings Survey on the actual wage levels of the respective jobs reported by employers, including small and medium-sized businesses.
Incidents involving unidentified gases
Following is a question by the Hon Allen Lee and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Incidents involving unidentified gases hitting schools have frequently occurred in recent years, and a similar incident has recently occurred in a school near the Tai Po Industrial Estate. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council:
(a)
(b)
whether it has traced the source of the unidentified gas in the above incident, and whether the gas originated from the Tai Po Industrial Estate:
whether it will formulate guidelines to advise the management of schools (including schools for the disabled) on taking emergency evacuation measures effectively in the event of a gas attack; and