XN000022-1997-04-07 — Page 7

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"What do I see as lying ahead for the 'S. S. Hong Kong"? New waters certainly. But we have a sound ship. An engine powered by the spirit of free enterprise. And the right crew on board.

"We can set forth with confidence on our historic journey, rather than discovering uncharted islands," he said.

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"Hong Kong has the skills in languages, financial intermediation, management and technology the creativity and drive to make the best of the opportunities which abound in the fastest growing region in the world," Mr Tsang concluded.

End

Premature for Hong Kong to introduce paternity leave

It would be premature for Hong Kong to introduce legislation on paternity leave in the absence of international standards, a Government spokesman said today (Monday).

Commenting on the Employment (Amendment) (No.4) Bill 1997 -- a Member's Bill sponsored by Hon Mok Ying-fan and to be introduced into the Legislative Council this Thursday (April 10) the spokesman said that there were no international labour standards on paternity leave, either in the form of International Labour Convention or Recommendation.

The spokesman said the Government did not support the Bill which would require employers to grant seven days' paternity leave to all married male employees with continuous contract of employment and to grant paternity leave pay at the rate of four-fifths of normal wages to married male employees with continuous employment of not less than 40 weeks immediately before the date of confinement of the spouse.

"The proposal to grant paternity leave to all married male employees with continuous contract of employment deviates from the existing principle of granting leave benefits under the Employment Ordinance. Specifically, the entitlement to any leave with pay such as annual leave, statutory holiday, sick leave and maternity leave now rests with an employee who is directly employed by the employer.