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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, on standard working hours and the Old Age Living Allowance after attending the opening ceremony of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund 10th anniversary forum this morning (November 23):
Reporter: Does the Government have any stance on standard working hours? Do you have any appeal to the League of Social Democrats for not filibustering today?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: On standard working hours, the timetable is quite clear. We will consult the Labour Advisory Board next week on the findings of the policy study. After that, I will hold a press conference to announce the details and answer questions from the media. In mid-December, we will approach the Manpower Panel of the Legislative Council to brief members fully on the findings of the study. Let me stress that the policy study is meant to provide a solid and objective basis for the community to conduct an in-depth and informed sort of discussion. It is important for the community and the general public to have an understanding and discuss the issue thoroughly. The whole basis is the report. It will provide a firm, solid and objective basis for public discussion. The Government has no pre-conceived idea on whether legislation should be introduced on standard working hours. We keep an open mind. I think the essential thing is to educate the community, and to reach a consensus on the way forward.
I sincerely appeal to the individual LegCo member who has decided to put forward the motions. We still have 133 motions to clear this afternoon. I really hope that we can make full use of the two hours available to clear all the backlog and to ensure that we can reach a vote as quickly as possible. It is important for us to get voting done as quickly as possible. We are talking about the benefit and interest of over 400 000 needy elderly citizens in Hong Kong. The earlier we would have it approved, the earlier we can roll out the scheme.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, November 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:48
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