4.
Our consultations with Her Majesty's Government
this issue have been continuous and intensive, and Ministers in
London, including the Prime Minister herself, have emphasised
the importance which they attach to this process of
consultation. Unofficials of the Executive Council were able
to make their views and the views of their Unofficial
colleagues in this Council known directly to British Ministers
when they visited London in July. The Minister of State with
responsibility for Hong Kong affairs, Mr. Richard
discussions with a wide cross section of people
particular
Luce, had
during his
recent visit, recent visit, and during that visit he reaffirmed
once again the firm commitment of the British Government to the
search for a solution. As Members know, I shall be leaving
tonight with the
the Unofficial Members of the Executive Council
for further talks in London with the Prime Minister, with the
Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, and with other Ministers, as part of this continuing series of discussions.
5.
Honourable Members will understand why in such
circumstances it would be difficult for me to say more on this
issue in this address. It will be to the benefit of all for
the talks to be conducted in an atmosphere of calm and
deliberation. As I have said on many occasions, it was not to be expected, given the complexity and importance of the issues, that they could reach quick results. But we remain determined
to do all within our power to pursue them to a successful
conclusion.
6.
(b)
Tasks for Next Year
On the domestic front, we have made good progress with
major public works projects and we have pursued our long-term social programmes. Total public expenditure on all capital
works this financial year is forecast to be $13.3 billion, an
increase of 13% over the previous year's expenditure which was itself the highest ever. The bulk of this expenditure has been directed towards the development of new towns and upgrading of
our road system. But social programmes have not been
/neglected
:
2
A