*************************************************

Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joseph W P Wong, today after hosting the second meeting of the Working Group on Civil Service Pay Adjustment and Related Issues (January 15):

Secretary: I just had a second meeting of the Working Group which, of course, comprises representatives from our major staff associations. We discussed the paper I put to them on the timetable for doing a pay level survey. We had a full exchange of views.

I have impressed on them the need to tackle this matter with a sense of urgency. There is a great expectation not just within this government but also in the community that the government and the civil service should really work together to resolve this matter. I have told them that the next meeting which we will hold next week will be the final meeting at this stage. After the final meeting, I hope I can draw certain conclusions and make a report to the Chief Executive. Ultimately, the Government will have to take a decision on the way forward, which is in the best interest of the community and the civil service.

Reporter: The unions have expressed concerns that the Government is moving in haste...?

Secretary: I absolutely do not agree that the Government is moving in haste. Indeed, I believe that there is a feeling that the government is not really addressing the matter with a great sense of urgency. I have kept repeating to the public as well as to our civil service colleagues that we face a very serious problem and this problem needs to be addressed. We really need to resolve this matter with a sense of urgency. There is a high expectation in the community that we should get on with it. That is why I have impressed on them the next meeting will be the final meeting. I expect to draw some conclusions after the final meeting. We will make a report to the Chief Executive and at the end of the day the government will have to make a decision which is in the best interest of the community.

(Please also refer to the Chinese transcript)

End/Wednesday, January 15, 2003

NNNN