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We also propose to raise the maximum daily rate of reimbursement of medical expenses from $120 to $160 to take account of the increase in fees charged by public hospitals and clinics since 1994.

Finally, we propose to revise the amount that is deemed to be the minimum earnings per month for the purpose of calculating compensation from $2,250 to $2,450. This proposed increase serves to keep the deemed minimum earnings of an injured employee broadly in line with the existing rate of payment to a singleton under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme.

These proposals have been endorsed by the Labour Advisory Board and I recommend them to this Council for approval.

Mr President, I beg to move.

End

Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in moving the resolution of the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

I move the motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The purpose of this resolution is to revise the levels of compensation and certain compensation-related items under the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance. The Ordinance provides for payment of compensation for persons who were diagnosed after I January 1981 to be suffering from pneumoconiosis. We propose that the revised rates should take effect as from 1 January 1996.