12.
Governor: Well, I think it was the question of a list was a sort of sub-text to the honourable gentleman's main anxiety, but certainly we have no list which contains the name of Legislators who we think represent a threat to the security of this astonishingly stable community.
Mr Henry Tang: Mr President, Governor, I'd like to ask a question regarding employment of the disabled. I was very encouraged to hear that the Governor is prepared to commit the Hong Kong Government to taking a leading role in employing disabled persons.
After the last summit I must say that I was overwhelmed by the response I received, especially from disabled groups that they do not see themselves as a burden on the society, they do not like to receive welfare and they like to be able to contribute to the community as much as anybody else.
So as far as what I proposed in the last summit, if the Government were to be able to co-operate together with the disabled people then I'm prepared to co-ordinate. to open convenience stores in Government institutions such as schools, hospitals and other Government institutions. Now judging from the overwhelming response. I think it is something that they'd very much like to pursue.
I'd like the Governor to clarify for me today whether you are prepared to commit the Education and Manpower Branch or the Health and Welfare Branch, that those facilities would become available if I can come up with the capital and the disabled groups who are prepared to do that and employ predominantly disabled people?
Governor: The honourable gentleman's response last week to that point when it was put. I think by Sir Harry Fang, was extremely encouraging and of course we would want to give that initiative a fair wind. I suggest that perhaps the Secretary for Education and Manpower should get in touch with the honourable member with perhaps the Secretary for Health and Welfare. There may be a number of ways in which we can help, not just by the provision of facilities but also by trying to target supported employment places on a scheme like that. But I'm very grateful for the positive response which the honourable gentleman has made.
I know that there are other employers, like the MTR who have been extremely positive in the view they've taken of the employment of people with a disability and the MTR like the honourable gentleman, and like other employers, I mention ATV again, find the truth of what disability groups have said to the honourable member. That is, that people with a disability are tremendous contributors to the work-force and to the rest of society whenever they're given the opportunity.