TNAG-1856-FCO40-2631-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-memoranda-and-minutes-of-me-1989 — Page 215

28 June 1989

79

HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

香港立法局 ·九八九年六月二十八日

Valedictory to Mr. R.G.B. BRIDGE

HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT: Honourable Members, as this is unfortunately the last sitting of the Council which will be attended by Mr. BRIDGE, I should like to pay tribute to his valuable contribution not just to the work of this Council but to Hong Kong as a whole.

Mr. BRIDGE was first appointed to this Council in August 1977. In total, he has been a Member for over five and a half years and in three different capacities. That latter point says a deal for his versatility.

Mr. BRIDGE has been a member of the Civil Service for 32 years. As Commissioner for Labour and also in his present appointment, he has worked extremely hard to promote industrial safety and health at work. As Members will know, he has piloted important labour legislation through this Council in order to provide better protection for the workforce and his interest and determination have led to the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Council which came into being last year. Extension of the scope of both the Long Service Payment Scheme and the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund in the last few years have but been due in no small measure to his concern for the welfare of the workforce in Hong Kong.

Mr. BRIDGE's contribution in the education field is equally impressive. He has steered the development of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the setting up of the Open Learning Institute; the establishment of both these institutions will provide the kind of high technology and managerial skills that Hong Kong so badly needs for its long-term stability and prosperity. He has also played an important role in assisting in the work of the Education Commission, which will have far-reaching effects on Hong Kong's educational system.

I am glad that he has had an opportunity to speak today in the debate. Even though he has not had the last word, he has had one of the last words.

Although Mr. BRIDGE is leaving Hong Kong, the fruits of all his hard work will remind us of his dedication, impartiality, wisdom and sound judgement. He has worked for many causes which will have a long-term impact for good in Hong Kong.

I am sure too that Members like me will treasure the memory of the Secretary for Education and Manpower during question time; when there is a