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Governor: I'll be explaining what we have been doing to ensure that domestic helpers get as fair and decent a bargain as possible. And there is a report coming out on domestic helpers tomorrow which will, I think, underline the importance of making sure that their contracts have stressed the sort of living conditions which they have when they are in Hong Kong. I'm sure the President and others will ask me about the situation after 1997. Obviously that is going to be a matter for the SAR Government. But I will point to them that under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, a labour policy is entirely a matter for the SAR Government. And of course as the case today Filipinos make a very substantial contribution to our economy and I am sure they will continue to do so.

Question: (inaudible)

Governor: As I've said, I'll be raising that with President Ramos.

Question: (on Au's case)

Governor: I've already said that is what I am going to do.

Question: (on domestic helpers)

Governor: No. They have, as you know, a very good consulate here and take up cases that come to their attention where there are problems with some of the Filipino community. I have been involved in one or two charitable activities to provide better facilities for Filipinos, but I can't think of a specific case which has been raised with this. The Philippines Government is concerned in general about the welfare of their citizens not just in Hong Kong, but in the region and around the world. I think here in Hong Kong we can say that we give Filipinos as good and cheerful a welcome as anybody in the world does.

Question: (inaudible)

Governor: That hasn't been raised with me. Whether it will be raised on this visit we'll see. But I think the main questions will be about the implications of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law and 1997 for what is a substantial community, 129,000 people helping us.

End