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The present scheme does not apply to certain professions and public offices where the public has a right to expect the highest standard of probity. Following this principle, we now propose further exclusions to the scheme. These include certain proceedings under the Banking Ordinance and the Insurance Companies Ordinance; and the staff of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

We also propose to exclude proceedings relating to the determination of an application as a foster parent from the scheme, so as to allow the Director of Social Welfare to consider admitting any evidence relating to spent convictions of a person in assessing his or her suitability as a foster parent. This will better protect the interests of those children who will be placed under foster care service.

Mr President, the proposals I have outlined above seek to strike the right balance between allowing more people to benefit from the rehabilitation scheme, and ensuring that public expectations of probity in certain positions will not be at stake.

End/Wednesday, November 22, 1995

Training of local professionals for PAA

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Samuel Wong and a reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Since the establishment of the Provisional Airport Authority (PAA) in 1990, the bulk of the planning, design and administrative work on the new airport at Chek Lap Kok has been carried out by expatriate professionals from overseas. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether adequate training opportunities and facilities have been provided within the PAA to effect the "transfer of technology" to local professionals; and

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