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than 80% of recurrent revenue (Guideline (2)), it is
too high relative to total expenditure (Guideline 4)).
11.
(c) Expenditure
The Draft Estimates for 1978-79 adequately provide for the continuing implementation of all approved policies and programmes (and, of course, our capital works programmes)
and allow for such new recurrent services as:
Social welfare programmes (rehabilitation, services
for the elderly, youth services and improved social security)
Increases in rates of public assistance
Free junior secondary education
Reduced working hours for firemen and ambulancemen
Increases in ex-gratia domestic removal allowances
Expansion of Hong Kong Regiment by one squadron
Award of costs in criminal cases in District Courts
and High Court
Establishment of District Boards in the New Territories
Increased pay for Auxiliary Police
Expansion of Police Force by 1,987 posts (over and
12.
above the approved establishment of the Force at
1st April 1978 of 22,076)
Further expansion of Prison industries
Extension of legal aid in all criminal cases to
District Courts
Silicosis Compensation Scheme
(d) Revenue Proposals
I have no revenue proposals in mind specifically designed to raise additional revenue in 1978-79 for either fiscal or monetary reasons but that does not mean, unfortunately, that fiscal questions can be ignored. So, after reviewing
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/fiscal.....
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