TNAG-0622-FCO40-770-Budget-of-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 62

and overseas indicates that we should come close to filling most if not all

of the vacancies over the next few months.

In the Civil Engineering field the professional staff deficiency

in April 1975 was running at over 15%. Fortunately recruitment during the

latter part of 1976 was so successful that by the 1st March 1977 strength

matched establishment. The full effects of this improvement should become

evident during the current financial year.

We are continuously examining the adequacy of staff to meet works

programmes and are, for example, at present producing detailed assessments

of staff requirements to implement the 10-year Medical Development Programme.

We are also constantly reviewing our procedures and organisation

with a view to providing a more efficient public service and are being

assisted in this task by a departmental Management Services Unit staffed by

officers of the Organisation and Methods Division of Finance Branch.

Sir, I consider that the Public Works Non-Recurrent provision for

1977/78 does realistically reflect the capacity of the Public Works Department

and I feel confident that we can achieve our aims.

i

Sir, I support the motion.

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