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With reference to its previous comments, the Committee regrets to note that no progress has been achieved in the revision of the Workmen's Compensation Act of 1923, to which the Government has been referring since 1967.

In its report, the Government indicates that important changes have been made since September 1988 as regards the political, economic and social structure. It stresses in particular that Myanmar is in the process of establishing a multi-party democratic system in place of the existing single-party political structure. The socialist economy has recently been replaced by an open economic policy. Labour laws are once again in the process of being revised to bring them into conformity with the changes. The Government reconstituted the Labour Laws Reviewing Committee in July 1989. Consequently, the comments of the Committee of Experts will be taken into consideration throughout the revision process.

The Committee notes this information. It trusts that the above modifications will be made as rapidly as possible so that the national legislation will provide:

(a) in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, that the compensation payable to the injured workman or his dependants, where permanent incapacity or death results from the injury, shall be paid in the form of periodical payments, provided that it may be wholly or partially paid in a lump sum if the competent authority is satisfied that this will be properly utilised;

(b) in conformity with Article 10, that no maximum amount shall be fixed for the supply and normal renewal of such artificial limbs and surgical appliances as are recognised to be necessary.

The Committee requests the Government to indicate any progress achieved in this respect. [The Government is asked to report in detail for the period ending 30 June 1991.]