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You have responsibilities too in other directions.

There are

many aspects of engineering which have their dangers both for the workforce and for the public, whether it be in the use of machinery on the factory floor, the control of sites and the erection of temporary structures during civil engineering works or during the construction of high building. We have legislation and safety requirements which can meet part of the problem but in the last resort it is the exercise of prudence and good management discipline, often on the part of engineers, which can help to keep such operations safe. We have also legislation either in force or under consideration to cover various types of pollution from dust, chemical substances or noise. Engineering skill, good management, and imaginative selection of equipment can do much to complement that legislation and prevent the pollution from occurring in the first place to the undoubted long term benefit of the community as

a whole.

I will, therefore, Mr President, leave you with an assurance and an expression of confidence. The assurance is that the Government does indeed attach great importance to your profession and to the work of your Institution. The expression of confidence is that you for your part will recognise your responsibilities to the community and the part you can play in making Hong Kong a better and more prosperous place for

the benefit of all.