TNAG-1735-FCO40-2448-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 50

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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 25 May 1988

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It sometimes happens that where a particular item does not warrant a scale press conference, and a press release is issued, a radio or television station may request an interview with the subject officer in order to provide sound and visual materials to accompany the presentation of the news. Depending on the circumstances of each case, such requests may be granted. But what an official says in front of the camera or on the tape recorder is based on the original text of the press statement which has already been issued to all the media.

Review on matters relating to Tso and Tong in the New Territories

10. MR. TAI asked: Will Government inform this Council of the progress in the review of matters relating to Tso and Tong in the New Territories Ordinance?

SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: Sir, the working group on the New Territories Ordinance, which was set up by the Regional Secretary (New Territories) in October 1986 has recently completed its review of the Ordinance. The review covered a wide range of areas which included Tsos and Tongs in the New Territories. The working group has made a number of recommendations which are being considered by relevant government departments. When the Administration is able to take a view on these recommendations, consultation with bodies like the Heung Yee Kuk will be carried out before any major changes are to be proposed.

Government Business

Motion

PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE

THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER moved the following motion: That the resolution made and passed by the Legislative Council on 3 December 1980 as amended be further amended by deleting '0.05 per cent' in paragraphs (a) and (c) and substituting in each place '0.02 per cent'.

He said: Sir, I move the resolution standing in my name on the Order Paper.

Pneumoconiosis is a very unpleasant and debilitating disease caused by inhaling silica or asbestos dust. It mainly affects construction and quarry workers and in 1979 there were over 1 600 workers suffering from the disease. We therefore enacted the Pneumoconiosis (Compensation) Ordinance to pro- vide a compensation fund for the victims.