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"The agreement accords with the ability of Hong Kong to pay
a larger contribution toward a garrison than in the past."
He said that in planning government expenditure for the
next year, it had been estimated that $205 million would be required for
Hong Kong's defence contribution. This figure was arrived at before
the terms of the new agreement were negotiated.
"If the economy continues to pick up there is no reason why
the Government cannot absorb the additional contributions without
seriously affecting the long-term planning of our social services
programme, "Mr. Jeaffreson said.
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