Extra translators now employed by the Government as Chinese-language officers may be seconded to the office of the Chief Executive-designate, Tung Chee-hwa, it emerged yesterday.
The Director of Administration, Richard Hoare, said 28 officers - five directorate-grade and 23 non-directorate - had already been seconded to Mr Tung's office, where their combined salaries for the first six months of this year will total $6.1 million.
Another senior official, who did not want to be named, said: 'It's easier to look for a Chinese-language officer to translate law than to look for a law-drafting officer.' The Government is believed reluctant to second the latter to draft bills for tabling in the provisional legislature.
Additional departmental expenses incurred by Mr Tung's office for the period January to June are estimated at $11.3 million. 'Other staff would also be seconded such as some Chinese-language officers but it is still under discussion,' Mr Hoare said.