The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Government Laboratory today (December 5) to learn more about the work of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.

     Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Government Chemist, Dr Della Sin, and the directorate staff. He noted that the main role of the Government Laboratory is to provide a wide range of analytical, investigatory and advisory services and support to enable government bureaux and departments as well as other public bodies to meet their responsibilities for law and order, public health and safety, environmental protection, government revenue and consumer interests.

     Mr Cheung then visited the Trade Descriptions Section of the Analytical and Advisory Services Division to better understand how it provides analytical and advisory services to support the Customs and Excise Department in the enforcement of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance for consumer protection. Later, Mr Cheung toured the Additives, Contaminants and Composition Section, which offers analytical and advisory services to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in ensuring food safety for the protection of public health.

     When visiting the Forensic Science Division, Mr Cheung chatted with staff and learnt that the Controlled Drugs Sections provide a round-the-clock urgent drug laboratory examination service and expert advice on issues related to drug control. Mr Cheung also toured the Forensic Toxicology Sections, which are responsible for analytical toxicology, urinalysis, drink and drug driving analysis, and hair drug testing to assist relevant departments in criminal investigations of cases and enforcement of drug monitoring programmes.

     Before concluding his visit, Mr Cheung met staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on issues of concern. He praised colleagues for their dedication and effort, and encouraged them to continue to provide the community with quality analytical, forensic and advisory services.

Ends/Monday, December 5, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:47

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