TNAG-1611-FCO40-2214-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 24

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Supplementary to Question No.

upplem

in Legco on 9.12.87

MR. SOHMEN : Sir, when did the Government become aware of

the backlog being faced by the Office of the Commissioner

for Securities?

FINANCIAL SECRETARY : Sir, we have been aware of this for

some time. Indeed, I think it is perhaps worthwhile

giving details of the increases in the establishment of

the office over the last few years. The total

establishment of the office increased by 10 per cent in

the year 1985-86; by a further 15 per cent in 1986-87.

And, if we take account of the 21 posts that I just

mentioned, by 38 per cent in 1987-1988.

these increases must be seen against the 2.5 per cent

general guideline for increases in the establishment of

the Civil Service as a whole. The backlog of work and the

workload itself falling upon the office has in many ways

been a reflection of the activity and success of Hong Kong

as a financial centre. Inevitably there is likely to be a

As I have said,

time lag between the receipt of new work, the increase in

the burden, and the availability of staff to deal with

that burden. But we are tackling it.

ster