RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS
At the resumed debate on the Governor's address in the Legislative Council on October 27
and 28, the Unofficials spoke on a wide range of topics. Their speeches attracted 22 editorials in the Chinese Press last week. Topics that evoked extensive comment included the proposal for a central provident fund, increased benefits for workers including seven days' paid holidays a year, more power
for the Consumer Council and the tax structure.
The gazetting of the Employment (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill on October 30 proposing four more paid holidays every year for workers drew editorial comment from four papers.
A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND
Nine editorials commented on the proposal for setting up a central provident
fund for manual workers.
The HONG KONG ECONOMIC JOURNAL, in two editorials (October 29 and November 2), welcomed the proposal.
The paper said it believed that the proposal would meet with strong opposition from the majority of employers in the commercial and industrial circles, but it felt that in a society with a special structural set up, employers should not complain when they were asked to make a little contribution for the public good.
It said there were several reasons for supporting the proposal.
"Firstly, refugees who came to Hong Kong in the 1940s and 50s have grown old. They have accounted for a large number of Hong Kong's workers but they cannot retire because of lack of a provident fund system. The hopes they had for the future when they were young will turn into discontent," the paper said.
"Secondly, a man's ability will deteriorate when he grows old. If the older workers cannot retire, it will not only affect the speed in production but will also block the employment opportunity for younger workers," the paper added.
"Thirdly, some factories have a welfare system while others have not. Therefore, the former can recruit more capable workers while the quality of workers in the latter may be poorer. The setting up of a central provident fund will solve this problem," it went on.
Finally, the paper noted that China had been attempting to improve the livelihood of the people by developing industries and agriculture.
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