XN000022-1995-12-13 — Page 19

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We propose to raise the ceilings in respect of two items of compensation under the Ordinance to take account of inflation and wage movements since July 1993. First, we purpose to increase the amount for calculating the monthly compensation for total incapacity, from $2,100 to $2,570. In this respect, it should be noted that under the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) (Amendment) Bill which was introduced into this Council on 6.12.95 (i.e. last Wednesday), the amount of $2,100 was proposed to be a made a separate compensation item for pain, suffering and loss of amenities which would be paid to all eligible pneumoconiotics regardless of their degree of incapacity. Therefore, if this proposed revision is approved, we will move a Committee Stage Amendment to the Bill to revise the amount to $2,570. Secondly, we prepare to increase is the amount of compensation for care and attention from $3,500 to $4,050.

Separately, we also propose to revise the rates of funeral expenses and medical expenses payable under the Ordinance which have always been identical to those specified in the Employees' Compensation Ordinance. As the rates of such expenses under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance have just been raised by a resolution of this Council, I propose that the levels of these two items be similarly revised.

The 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

Stamp Duty Ordinance amendment

Following is the speech by the Secretary for the Treasury, Mr KC Kwong, in moving a resolution on Stamp Duty Ordinance Amendment to section 291(1) in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Mr President,

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