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planned for. There are bound to be situations where productivity cannot be further stretched and the current total establishment ceiling needs to be exceeded. A case in point is the inability to implement the scheme of community service orders although it has been approved to go ahead. Social work and its related services are essential in improving social welfare and Hong Kong can hardly afford to be lagging behind in these services in our continuing efforts to achieve stability and prosperity for the community. I hope, therefore, the Controlling Officers concerned will be allowed to exercise flexibility and discretion in the implementation of this policy.

With these words, Sir, I support the motion.