Mr President, it is through reasoned debate, in an open society where people are free to express their views, that we hope to reach conclusions as to how best to define these sensitive concepts of treason, sedition, secession and subversion to meet the wishes of the community. Given the importance of these matters, the Bill deserves the most careful scrutiny by members of this Council. I hope that all members of this Council would discharge their duty to their constituents, by taking part in this process of scrutiny. A successful conclusion to this process of discussion and debate will strengthen public confidence in the law, and the commitment of an elected legislature to uphold the law.
Thank you, Mr President.
End
Occupational Safety and Health Bill
Following is a speech by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in moving the second reading of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I move the second reading of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill.
The Occupational Safety and Health Bill proposes to extend for the first time occupational safety and health protection to employees in the non-industrial sectors. It is a piece of milestone legislation in enhancing the occupational safety and health standards for employees in Hong Kong.
At present, there are about 3.1 million people at work in Hong Kong. Some 800,000 of them are employed in industries covered by the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, namely manufacturing, construction and catering. Most of the remaining 2.3 million workforce are employed in the non-industrial sectors and are not covered by that Ordinance.