XN000022-1996-01-24 — Page 61

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Importation of labour

Following is a question by the Hon Tsang Kin-shing and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

With regard to the recent agreement reached between the Government and the labour sector on the issue of importation of labour, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

why the Government has held negotiations on the Supplementary Labour Scheme with representatives of the labour sector only without including the political parties within this Council;

whether there is any trade-off in the negotiation process; what is the rationale for setting 2,000 imported workers as the trigger point for review and not some other figure; and whether this arrangement is contrary to the policy of fixing the ceiling at 5,000 imported workers mentioned in the Governor's Policy Address;

what are the reasons for not establishing any mechanism for reviewing the ceiling of foreign workers imported for airport-related projects; and

how the Government has sought the public's views during the negotiation period and whether the Government has taken such views into consideration?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

The

Government conducted extensive consultations on the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS) proposal since its announcement in October 1995. We had discussions with the Labour Advisory Board, employer and employee groups, political parties within the Legislative Council and individual Legislative Councillors.