Borrison/hk-legicost huggingface dataset:
權衡輕重之下，我們無法安排另一次會議，很坦白說，因為不能為了一項遲來的修訂而令整個審議程序再拖延兩三個月。
I did weigh the pros and cons and concluded that another meeting could not be arranged . Honestly it is undesirable to delay the processing of the Bill for two to three months due to a late submission of amendments
我們要對議會負責、對我們的市民負責。
We have to act responsibly for the legislature and the public
然而，大家都知道，拖延太久才舉報，入罪的難度就更高。
Yet we all know that conviction will be made more difficult when a report is made after a long time
如果因為表面上想給員工多些時間舉報，最後卻令無良中介逃之夭夭，可能本末倒置，幫錯對象。
If we take the advantage on the surface that the extension will allow employees to have more time to make reports yet it turns out giving more room for employers to go scots free we may be putting the cart before the horse and offering assistance to the wrong target
所以，既然政府衡量輕重後願意把檢控期由6個月延長至12個月，我們應該暫且接受相關修訂。
Since the Government is willing to extend the time limit for prosecution from 6 months to 12 months after considering the pros and cons we should accept the relevant amendment for the time being
我覺得這樣對議會理性議事，以及為議員補充一些現實資料很重要。
I think the provision of supplementary information about the reality for Members is very important for the rational discussion in the legislature
理念的確需要，但不能不顧現實，否則就會"離地"。
We do need to have vision but not in disregard of the reality . Otherwise it will be unrealistic
如何將理念和現實結合，才是議會要做的工作。
It is the task of the legislature to converge vision with reality
本來，應由我們勞工界的陸頌雄議員和何啟明議員負責向大家闡述我們工聯會的立場，但由於他們兩位出外處理勞資糾紛，來不及出席，所以便由我們代他們發言。
Initially Mr LUK Chung - hung and Mr HO Kai - ming from the labour sector would be responsible for explaining the position of The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions FTU to Members . But since the two Members have gone out to handle a labour dispute and are unable to attend the meeting in time we will speak on their behalf
今天這兩項決議案，都是關於上調醫療費用和每日最高限額，一項是《僱員補償條例》，另一項是關於《肺塵埃沉着病及間皮瘤條例》，兩項的上調收費均因應公立醫院收費上調而作出更改。
These two resolutions today seek to increase the maximum daily rates of medical expenses . One of them concerns the Employees Compensation Ordinance and the other pertains to the Pneumoconiosis and Mesothelioma Compensation Ordinance . The upward adjustment of the rates of expenses under the two motions is introduced in accordance with the increase in public hospital charges
對於該兩項醫療費用的上調，我們表示支持，因為現時遇到工傷及患肺塵埃沉着病的工友，大部分均主要依賴公營醫療服務，而公營醫療服務的收費，早在2017年6月調升了，因此我們希望有關決議案能夠盡快通過，以收窄有關收費和津貼之間的差距。
We support the increase in the rates of medical expenses under the two motions because most workers suffering from work injuries and pneumoconiosis rely mainly on public health care services at present . Public health care service charges were raised as early as June 2017 . Therefore we hope that the resolutions concerned can be passed as soon as possible to narrow the discrepancy between the relevant charges and subsidies
不過，上述的醫療費用只佔整個工傷及職業病康復療程裏的一個很小很小部分。
However such medical expenses merely account for a tiny portion in the whole process of recovery treatment for work injuries and occupational diseases
整個補償安排有許多需要檢討的地方，原因為何？
Many aspects of the overall compensation arrangement warrant a review . Why?
因為這項《僱員補償條例》已經實施了60年——比我還要年長，因此有需要盡快進行完整的檢討。
It is because the Employees Compensation Ordinance has been implemented for 60 years which is even older than I am . It is therefore necessary to conduct a holistic review as soon as possible
回看肺塵埃沉着病補償基金，在網上最新看到2015年的帳目，每年大約有3億元......
Let us look at the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund the Fund
2015年收入 3億5,000萬元，支出是2億4,000萬元，每年大約有接近1億元盈餘，而整個基金總共應有20億元儲備，換言之，其實財力是充裕的。
Its latest online accounting records for 2015 show that every year around 300 million that in 2015 it recorded an income of 350 million an expenditure of 240 million and an annual surplus of nearly 100 million with the reserves of the whole Fund probably standing at 2 billion in total . In other words its financial resources are actually abundant
然而，如何善用這些基金，令現時在生但受到病情影響的工友可以得到生活的改善？
But how should the Fund be used properly to improve the livelihood of workers who are affected by their medical conditions?
他們提醒我要特別向政府當局指出，現時雖然可以申請覆診的交通津貼，但手續繁複。
They have reminded me to raise one particular point with the Administration . While they may apply for transport subsidies for their follow - up consultations at present the application procedure is cumbersome
他們很多人由於身體越來越虛弱，呼吸系統正面對着不可挽回或不能康復的情況，身體狀況越來越差，輪椅出入基本上是少不免，但未能使用一般交通工具，例如巴士和小巴，所以一定要電召車輛，現時也難以在街上搭的士，所以希望有關部門留意。
Many of them have turned weaker and weaker and their respiratory systems are plagued by irreversible or irrecoverable conditions . Due to deteriorating physical conditions the use of wheelchairs for access to various places has become basically inevitable . But they are unable to use ordinary modes of transport such as buses and minibuses so they must rely on on - call transport services
此外，除了今次通過增加醫療費用之外，他們希望將來的檢討可以將資助涵蓋呼吸機的費用。
Besides owing to their current difficulties in finding a taxi on the streets they hope that the relevant departments can be aware of their needs . And apart from hoping to see the passage of the increase in the rates of medical expenses this time around they also wish to see that the scope of the subsidy will be expanded to cover breathing apparatus expenses in future reviews
此外，對於一些肺癌的自費藥物可以考慮提供一些支援，以至他們日常生活需要的照顧費用，亦希望當局能夠多作考慮。
Furthermore they hope that the authorities can consider the provision of subsidies for certain self - financed drugs for treating lung cancer and even the expenses incurred from taking care of their daily life . They also hope that the authorities can give more consideration to these respects
代理主席，其實回看現時香港的僱傭關係，數十年來已有很大改變，近年出現很多自僱者或自由工作者，他們其實不受《僱傭條例》的保障，如在工作上遇到意外或患上職業病的話，其實不會得到任何保障。
Deputy President when we look at the existing labour relationship in Hong Kong we can see some major changes over the past few decades . The recent years have seen the emergence of many self - employed persons or freelancers . They are not protected by the Employment Ordinance
因此，工聯會一直倡議設立"中央職業保險補償基金"制度，基金的涵蓋範圍包括所有不受《僱員補償條例》保障的僱員，尤其為一些高危行業的僱員提供較佳的保險保障。
If they encounter accidents or contract occupational diseases in their work they will not receive any protection . Therefore FTU has been advocating the setting up of a central occupational insurance compensation fund all along and it should cover all employees who are not protected by the Employees Compensation Ordinance . In particular better insurance protection should be provided to employees in certain high - risk industries
因為現時工傷僱員在判傷時，會判訂有多少百分率的永久傷殘，然後給予一個定額，那便是僱員可以得到的賠償。
The reason is that in assessing an employees work injuries the authorities will ascertain the percentage of permanent incapacity and subsequently determine a fixed sum . This sum is the compensation for the employee
但是，受職業病或工傷困擾的僱員取得一筆補償後，根本未能彌補或cover他們接受長期治療的費用。
But the compensation for an employee who is troubled by occupational diseases or work injuries is utterly not enough to compensate for or cover the expenses on his prolonged treatment
很多時候你有多少百分率的工傷，取得補償後便了事，無法再追，但醫療費用一直滾下去，而且他們很多時候由於康復程度未如理想，根本即使取得部分醫療費，亦不是全數，所以對他們來說，對生活造成巨大壓力，以及精神上的困擾。
Very often after an employee receives his compensation which is computed on the basis of a percentage relating to his work injuries his case will be concluded and he is unable to pursue any further compensation . His medical expenses nonetheless continue to accumulate . In most cases due to unsatisfactory recovery progress and partial instead of full subsidies for their medical expenses they face immense livelihood pressure and mental anxiety
其實，工傷康復的元素是幫助工友面對病情之餘，亦要考慮他們整個康復過程。
In fact apart from helping workers face up to their medical conditions work injury rehabilitation should also take their whole recovery process into account
所以，我們認為政府應該採取更積極和主導的角色，提供全面的工傷康復服務，包括工傷個案的管理、復康進度的評估、工作能力強化的訓練和復工後的支援服務等，凡此種種均有助受傷僱員及早重投工作，關心他們的未來是否可以繼續自食其力。
Therefore we think that the Government should play a more active and leading role and provide comprehensive work injury recovery services including work injury case management recovery progress assessment training for enhancing working abilities and the provision of support services upon resumption of duties . All these can help injured workers return to work as early as possible and are also ways to show concern for their ability to remain self - subsistent in the days ahead
另外一項值得關注的便是防止工傷職業病的發生，防患於未燃，相信沒有工友希望工傷，因為一旦發生意外，補償多少也彌補不了，自己及一家人的生活、情緒均受到極大打擊和影響。
Another issue warranting our concern is the prevention of work injuries and occupational diseases by nipping them in the bud . I do not believe that any worker wants to get injured at work . In case of an accident no compensation amount can make up for the loss as the livelihood and emotion of his whole family including the injured himself will sustain a tremendous blow and huge impacts
根據工聯會的統計，剛剛過去的2017年，發生嚴重工業意外160宗，42名工人因此身亡，較去年大增24人，過半數來自建造業。
FTUs statistics show that in 2017 the past year 42 workers lost their lives in 160 serious industrial accidents registering a drastic increase over the figure of 24 in the previous year . Over half of them came from the construction industry
要防止職業傷亡，必須對於違反法例的僱主予以嚴懲。
In order to prevent occupational injuries and deaths law - breaking employers must be penalized severely
根據法例，任何僱主無合理辯解而故意違反本條例的規定，即屬違法，最高可判處罰款50萬元，以及監禁6個月。
Under the law any employer who contravenes the provision of the ordinance wilfully and without reasonable excuse commits an offence and is liable to a maximum penalty of a 500,000 fine and six months imprisonment
但是，根據審計署在去年10月公布有關勞工處的職業安全及健康的審計報告，每宗致命個案只向僱主罰款平均28,000元，懲處水平和阻嚇性極低，相比於數千萬元、以至數百億元的工程來說，連九牛一毛也談不上，當局必須加強懲罰違例的僱主。
But according to the audit report released by the Audit Commission in October last year concerning the Labour Departments promotion of occupational safety and health the employer involved in each fatal case was merely fined 28,000 on average . The punitive and deterrent effects of this amount are extremely low . Compared to those works projects worth dozens of millions or billions of dollars it is even less than a drop in the ocean
勞工及福利局局長表示有必要加重違例僱主的刑罰，並且考慮將最高罰款金額上調至與被定罪者的財務承擔能力掛鈎的水平，讓法庭可以判處極具阻嚇性的懲罰。
The authorities must impose heavier penalties on law - breaking employers . According to the Secretary for Labour and Welfare it is necessary to increase the penalties on law - breaking employers and consideration will be given to raising the maximum fine to a level pegged to the financial affordability of a convicted person so as to enable the Court to impose a penalty with extremely high deterrence
不過法例檢討一說便無了期，正如強積金對沖般經歷數年也未完成，但職業傷亡個案隨時發生。
When it comes to a legislation review however its completion date is always indefinite . As in the case of the offsetting mechanism concerning the Mandatory Provident Fund the relevant review remains incomplete although several years have passed . However cases involving occupational injuries and deaths will occur anytime
我們期望政府盡快提交相關建議，讓勞工顧問委員會討論，並且敦促資方代表以正面積極的態度參與磋商，盡快改善法例，以提升對工人的職安健保障。
We hope that the Government can expeditiously present the relevant proposals to the Labour Advisory Board for discussion and urge its employers representatives to participate in discussions with a positive and active attitude so that the law can be improved as soon as possible and in turn enhance the protection of workers occupational safety and health
我由今早一直聽這場辯論，我有理由相信沒有甚麼人的發言異於常人，亦沒有甚麼人是亂說的，大家對整件事情也是出於好意。
I have been listening to this debate since this morning . I have reasons to believe that all the speeches are normal and no one is making nonsensical comments . Members are expressing concern about the incident out of good intentions
應否把檢控期限由6個月延長至12個月？
Should the time limit for prosecution be extended from 6 months to 12 months?
大家當然舉手贊成，這是由政府提出的，肯定沒有問題。
Members will definitely raise their hands in agreement . As the proposal is proposed by the Government there should not be any problem
那麼，再延長1倍至24個月好不好呢？
Yet how about doubling the length of the period to 24 months?
如果受害人作出舉報，對自己會有甚麼後果？
If a victim reports the case what consequences will the victim face?
其實我不會理會性別上的差別，性罪行也會有男受害人，外傭也會有男性。
In fact I give no regard to gender . Men can also be victims of sexual crimes where foreign domestic helpers may also be of the masculine gender . We should give them more time to think over their cases
特別是我們現在主要討論的是外傭，重點在"外"這個字，是外國，牽涉其他地方或國家的程序和過程。
This is particularly so in the present discussion which mainly involves foreign domestic helpers . The key is the word foreign . It is about other foreign places where procedures and processes of foreign countries are involved
外傭來港後發生了甚麼事情、有甚麼人牽涉其中、曾簽署甚麼文件、文件內容有甚麼條款等，是需要時間調查的。
There are a lot of issues to investigate say what has happened after the foreign domestic helpers arrival in Hong Kong who are involved what kind of documents have the foreign domestic helper signed what is the content of the documents involved and so on . It all takes time
我看到勞工處處長的答覆，真的嚇了一跳，他言下之意，就是不論在人手、時間、資源等方面最重要是公帑他們均會吃不消。
When I saw the reply of the Commissioner for Labour I was shocked . He implies in his reply that they cannot cope with such changes in terms of manpower time and resources where public money is the primary concern
民事訴訟的檢控一般是有期限的，錢債案的期限應該是大約6年，意外傷亡索償則是3年，受害人不可以在10年後才說10年前誰導致意外發生，現在才索償，這是有時限的。
For monetary cases the time limit is around six years . For accident victims claims the time limit is three years . The victim cannot make a claim now for an accident that occurred a decade ago
在1980年代初或許更早，但我的印象最早是在1980年代初香港開始有外傭，當時我時常聽到樓上的鄰居說其"外傭姐姐"怎樣以前不是稱為"姐姐"，但不要緊，大家都知道我用的是現代的字眼，我們多數稱外傭為"姐姐"，很親切。
Foreign domestic helpers started working in Hong Kong in the 1980s or earlier and my impression is that they started working in the early 1980s . Back then I often heard my neighbours upstairs talk about their Sister Maid―they were not greeted as sister back then yet it does not matter for Members should know that I am using the current term . Now we usually call our foreign domestic helpers sisters for it sounds friendlier
我曾經在一年級小學生的公民教育課堂上，問誰家中有外傭，他們都不太明白，沒有人回答，原來他們不認識"外傭"這個字眼，因為小學一二年級的小朋友全部稱外傭為"姐姐"。
I once sat in at a civil education class of Primary One . When I asked which of them had foreign domestic helpers at home they did not understand my question and did not give any answer . I then learnt that they did not understand the term foreign domestic helpers for these kids of Primary One or Two all called their foreign domestic helpers sisters
問他們家中有沒有"姐姐"，便有人舉手，可見那種語言和氣氛已隨時代改變。
When I asked them who had sisters at home some of them raised their hands . It is evident that language and atmosphere have changed over time
話說回頭，以前經常聽人提及"外傭姐姐"欠人錢，很麻煩；又說有警察上門，又可能有黑社會、"大耳窿"等騷擾其僱主家庭。
Back to the point in the past we often learnt about foreign domestic helpers causing troubles by borrowing money where the police officers would come to the door or triad members and loan sharks would harass their employers families
我以前與很多人一樣，覺得外傭欠債，是否因為賭博？
In the past like many other people I wonder if foreign domestic helpers were in debt because of gambling
很快到了1990年代，我們開始聽聞，原來有些中介公司極度無良，收取她們5個月、6個月，甚至12個月的薪酬作為費用，又或是每月收取她們超過一半的月薪等。
Soon we came to the 1990s and we started hearing that certain employment agencies had acted unscrupulously by charging foreign domestic helpers fees amounting to 5 to 6 months or even 12 months of their salaries or a monthly payment amounting to more than half of their salaries . Members should have heard of these cases
受害人受到雙重壓迫，會感到很害怕。
The victims will be frightened as they are subject to pressure from both sides
但是，如果政府如此不樂意將檢控期限由12個月延長至24個月，也不要緊，法例是可以修訂的，我們現在便正要作出修訂。
However if the Government is so reluctant to extend the time limit for prosecution from 12 months to 24 months it does not matter . Since legislation is subject to amendment we will propose such an amendment
我覺得我們無謂再在此糾纏，我希望政府能真心幫助外傭，彰顯法治，讓國際社會看到香港在外傭的議題上認真提供協助，促進基本人權。
I think we need not be entangled in this argument . I hope the Government is sincere in helping foreign domestic helpers and manifesting the rule of law demonstrating to the international community that Hong Kong is serious in providing assistance to foreign domestic helpers and promoting basic human rights
香港將會變成一個沒有記憶的城市。
Hong Kong will become a city without memory
我也知道他很難回答，因他並非律政司官員，所以他亦不置可否。
I well understood that he had a hard time answering it because he was not an official from the Department of Justice and therefore he did not commit himself to my question
我自己也曾參與其中，最少已有5年。
I have involved myself in the issue for at least five years
大家或會問為何要索取這麼多資料，但這其實很重要，政府如何制訂政策，以至決策過程如何，為何香港人無權知道？
You may ask why the people need so much information . This is very important indeed . Why Hong Kong people should be denied the right to know the way in which our Government formulates policies and its decision - making process?
這實在不能 置信。
This is really unbelievable
黃定光議員可能沒做好功課，其實我已盡了作為法案委員會委員的責任，做法也符合程序公義。
Mr WONG Ting - kwong probably has not done his homework properly . I have in fact fulfilled my responsibility as a member of the Bills Committee and what I did is in compliance with the principle of procedural justice
我們一直鼓勵罪行受害人、受屈人盡早舉報，讓當局得以及早搜證，提出檢控。
We always encourage victims of crime and aggrieved parties to file complaints as soon as possible which would facilitate early evidence collection and prosecution by the authorities
這是普通常識，有別於蔣麗芸議員剛才所說的。
This is common sense unlike what Dr CHIANG Lai - wan said just now
我只能說她的話違反常理。
I can only say her remarks are a far cry from common sense
即使香港人、本地人大多數不知道罪行控檢期有多長，更何況外傭？
Most people do not have any idea about the exact time limit for prosecution of an offence . This is true even for Hongkongers and the locals not to mention foreign domestic helpers
事情發生後，受害人當然應該盡快舉報，讓當局作出調查。
Upon the occurrence of an offence the victim should certainly make a report as soon as possible so that the authorities can investigate it
然而，受制於很多不同因素或環境，當事人或受屈人未必能及早舉報。
However constrained by circumstances or many different factors the aggrieved party may not be able to make a report early
如果他們舉報中介公司，會否影響自己的工作呢？
Will their jobs be affected if they make a report against their employment agencies?
絕對有可能，因為中介公司有時跟僱主合謀，僱主和中介公司是否有關，外傭並不清楚。
There is a distinct possibility given that employment agencies sometimes collude with employers and foreign domestic helpers will not be able to tell whether the two are connected
坦白說，撫心自問，我也認為6年較適合，正如梁耀忠議員所言，他們每兩年簽署一份合約，不希望自己在香港的工作受到影響，到第三份合約可能才認為是時候舉報。
Honestly I too with all conscience consider 6 years more appropriate . As pointed out by Mr LEUNG Yiu - chung with a contract signed every two years they would not want to jeopardize their jobs in Hong Kong by making a report unless they are already in perhaps their third contract
但證據會否流失呢？
However will evidence be gone?
例如中介公司、職業介紹所要保存相關紀錄多久呢？
For instance for how long are intermediaries and employment agencies required to keep the relevant records?
這視乎政府當局的要求，現行規定是會計年度結束後12個月。
It depends on the requirement imposed by the Administration which is 12 months after the expiration of each accounting year under the existing law
勞顧會是諮詢架構，有勞方和資方代表，當政府有一些法案、新政策或一些影響勞工的重要議題，勞顧會作為諮詢架構就此作出討論，很正常，也沒有問題。
LAB is a consultative framework comprising representatives of employers and employees . It is normal that when the Government comes up with some Bills or new policies or confronts some important issues with implications to labour they will be discussed in the consultative framework of LAB . I hold no grudges against that
但這是諮詢，政府才掌握主導權，政府難道沒有立場，只當中間人，指揮交通嗎？
This is however only a consultative process while the initiative rests with the Government . Does the Government not have any stand on matters merely playing the role of an intermediary and controller of traffic?
所有關乎勞資雙方的事宜難道就交由勞方和資方自行商妥？
Should all matters concerning employers and employees be left to the two sides to battle it out?
這並不合邏輯，完全違反整個制度，完全將立法會矮化。
This is illogical a complete violation of the entire system and an utter debasement of the Legislative Council
政府不單要延長檢控期，更應增加資源，與警方、香港入境事務處和勞工處三方合作，認真對待問題，打擊無良中介公司。
Not only should the Government extend the time limit for prosecution it should take this matter seriously and allocate more resources in a bid to facilitate tripartite collaboration between the Police the Immigration Department and the Labour Department in the crackdown on unscrupulous employment agencies
代理主席，我希望各位支持我的修正案，謹此陳辭。
Deputy Chairman I hope Members will support my amendment . I so submit
主席，我嘗試釐清事實。
Chairman I will try to clarify the facts
剛才有數位議員，包括黃定光議員和何啟明議員對兩項法案有點混淆。
Earlier on several Members including Mr WONG Ting - kwong and Mr HO Kai - ming have confused two Bills
同時，議員提到另一項有關復職權的法案，但該項法案其實已被政府撤回。
Meanwhile a Member mentioned another Bill which is on the right to reinstatement but that Bill had actually been withdrawn by the Government
本會今天討論的法案，主要是針對職業介紹所，我們要打擊無牌經營或濫收佣金的職業介紹所，它們的主要對象為外籍傭工。
The Bill under discussion in this Council today mainly targets employment agencies . We have to combat employment agencies that operate without a licence or charge excessive commission and the target of these employment agencies are mainly foreign domestic helpers
第一，有關勞工顧問委員會和立法會的角色；第二，關於我提出的修正案，將檢控限期由現時的6個月延長至24個月的程序有否違反程序公義。
First the roles of the Labour Advisory Board LAB and the Legislative Council; second whether the amendment proposed by me of extending the time limit for prosecution from the present 6 months to 24 months has violated procedural justice
在政府提出法案或對法案作出修訂時，立法會議員有權作出修訂，但這些修訂不但受時間限制，內容也受規管。
When the Government introduces a Bill or amendments to a Bill Members of the Legislative Council have the right to propose amendments but these amendments are subject to not only a time limit but also regulation of their contents
我提出討論的要求，也符合法案委員會所設的時限。
My request for discussion is also in line with the time limit set by the Bills Committee
我想指出，政府這項修正案，其實也須經過法案委員會討論後才能提出。
I wish to point out that this amendment of the Government had also been discussed by the Bills Committee before it could be proposed
建制派認為可以接受這個現實，但我們卻認為不能接受，這便是我們之間的最大分歧。
This is the reality . The pro - establishment camp considers such reality acceptable but we consider it unacceptable and this makes the biggest difference between us
我們不但獨立於政府，而且不會服膺於這個架構。
We are not only independent of the Government but we also do not yield to this structure
況且，立法根本是立法會的職權範圍，從來不應由政府委任的諮詢架構壟斷，甚至完全控制修改法例的事宜。
Moreover the enactment of legislation is primarily within the scope of responsibilities of the Legislative Council . It should not be monopolized by a Government - appointed advisory framework; nor should matters relating to legislative amendments be fully brought under the control of such
另一方面，對於政府不肯將檢控限期由6個月延長至24個月，局長的答覆實在很離奇，應該說十分離譜。
On the other hand in explaining the Governments refusal to extend the time limit for prosecution from 6 months to 24 months the Secretarys reply was indeed outlandish or more accurately outrageous
局長真的很厲害，他已估計到為數37萬的外傭可能成為投訴人，因為她們都被濫收佣金。
The Secretary is awesome indeed as he can already expect that as many as 370 000 foreign domestic helpers may become complainants because they have all been overcharged
現時政府的法案的說法是由"罪行發生的日期後"開始計算，而並非由舉報的日期後開始計算。
The prosecution time limit in the Bill introduced by the Government starts to run after the date of the commission of the offence but not after the date of the reporting of the offence
事實上，很多法例也訂明是按舉報日期開始計算的，因此法案委員會的法律顧問也曾就此去信勞工處，要求解釋。
As a matter of fact the prosecution time limit in many laws does start to run after the date of the reporting of the offence
信件內容便是問就着《2017年僱傭條例草案》，為何政府會使用"罪行發生的日期後"來開始計算檢控時效呢？
In this connection the Legal Adviser of the Bills Committee has written to the Labour Department to seek clarification on why the approach of after the date of the commission of the offence was adopted by the Administration in regard to the prosecution time limit which is different from other laws
便是中介公司在外傭與僱主簽約後，要求他們承擔債務，可能是要他們到財務公司簽署借貸合約，以超高息率借貸1萬多元，然後須每月還款，這項罪行便是在當天發生，是由這天開始計算12個月。
The offence is committed when an employment agency asks a foreign domestic helper to undertake debts possibly through taking out a loan from a financial company after signing an employment contract . The offence is committed on the day when a foreign domestic helper is asked to take out a loan of more than 10,000 with extremely high interest rate repayable in monthly instalments
因為，到僱員作出舉報時，事件往往可能已經發生了一段時間，例如發生了9個月或12個月。
Nine or 12 months have passed by the time the employee makes the report at which point the Labour Department may say that the prosecution time limit has expired
我們希望市民也理解清楚，事情便是那麼簡單。
We hope the public can clearly understand that it is as simple as that