About 80% of civil servants have a good understanding of or some knowledge of the Basic Law according to surveys conducted in 2000 and 2002, Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam says.

The 2000 survey found 0.3% of civil servants had never heard of the Basic Law, whereas in 2002 all respondents knew of it.

Replying to questions in the Legislative Council today, Mr Lam said tailor-made training programmes are offered to civil servants having regard to their operational needs or in accordance with the Government's policy directions.

Public understanding of Basic Law increasing

People aged 15 or above who claimed to have a good or some knowledge of the Basic Law soared from 25% in 2000 to 48% in 2002. The number of people who claimed to have heard of the Basic Law also went up from 80% in 2000 to 90% in 2002.

Mr Lam said a variety of channels have been used to promote the Basic Law since the reunification, with $28.5 million allocated for promotion over the past six years.

As the Basic Law is closely related to the Government's policy formulation and implementation, the Government will ensure the Basic Law is strictly adhered to, he said.