TNAG-1735-FCO40-2448-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 45

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL — 25 May 1988

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e proposed amendments to the long service payment scheme will provide for payment on grounds of ill health, old age, or on the death of the employee. Drafting has proceeded smoothly in general, except that it has proved rather complicated to set out in legal language the provisions for payment upon the death of an employee and to make sure that the payment went to the right person. After careful consideration and four drafts of the Bill we are now satisfied that we have got it right. Members will be able to judge for themselves within the next few weeks.

The Occupational Safety and Health Council is to be funded by a levy on employees' compensation insurance premia. The mechanism for collecting the levy has required extensive discussion with those concerned, and it was not until earlier this month that agreement was finally reached.

MR. TAM (in Cantonese): Sir, does the Government know that some old or ill workers are waiting for the amendment to the long service payment scheme in order to get the sum they deserve? The delay has resulted in unfair treatment to the workers. What remedial measures will the Government take?

SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND Manpower: Sir, we are, indeed, anxious to get on with the legislation as fast as we can. I think that is all we can do, Sir.

MR. TAM (in Cantonese): Sir, will the Government consider giving the proposed amendment retrospective effect so that the workers can get back pay for the long service payment?

SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, we do not normally include retrospective provisions in legislation of this sort.

MR. MARTIN LEE: Sir, will the Administration inform this Council whether it intends to introduce unfair dismissal legislation to ensure that employers will not be able to take advantage of the many loopholes in the present law?

SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, we do not have in mind to introduce unfair dismissal legislation.

Employment of the disabled

8. MR. NGAI asked (in Cantonese): Will the Government inform this Council the latest statistics of handicapped people employed in the industrial sector and the publicity programmes undertaken at the moment to encourage more manufac- turers in light industries to employ handicapped people in the production process?

SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, disability statistics are much more difficult and complicated than may appear at first sight and no country has

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