a)
b)
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relaxing the disability requirement for compensation by lowering the minimum level of hearing loss (deafness threshold) from 50dB to 30dB; and
revising upwards the scale of degree of permanent incapacity by reference to noise- induced hearing loss, and increasing the present maximum percentage of permanent incapacity for the purpose of compensation from 60% to 100%.
A Government spokesman said today (Tuesday): "If implemented, the Bill will exhaust the funds of the Occupational Deafness Compensation Board within one year, and result in a deficit of $60 million in 1997/98. This is totally unacceptable."
"It would be irresponsible of the Government to allow such a Bill to go forward which will wipe out the financial resources of the Board and put the Scheme in jeopardy," the spokesman stressed.
"Without adequate financial resources, the Board will not be able to discharge its statutory duty to pay compensation to the eligible claimants as payments become due. Ironically, the Bill will cause hardship in the end to the claimants," he said.
The spokesman explained that the Government was conducting a comprehensive review of the Occupational Deafness Compensation Scheme with a view to improving its provisions. "We will take full account of the financial implications of any improvement proposals before drawing up the recommendations. We will also consult extensively on such proposals.
"We see no ground for rushing through the proposals under the Bill at this point in time. Indeed, by drawing the Board's financial resources, the Bill will practically preclude the Board from implementing any improvements arising from the review," he added.
The spokesman pointed out that the Hon Leung Yiu-chung had agreed that the Bill should be considered by the Labour Advisory Board (LAB) before it was taken further at the Legislative Council.
"It is important that the matter be fully deliberated at the LAB amongst Government, labour and employer representatives," the spokesman said.
End