40.
In an effort to make the total budget package more
readily understood, new material has been provided this year to
illustrate the distribution of resources between programmes
(18). As well as providing historical data, it also forecasts
changes in the balance of spending in the light of current plans
and commitments.
41.
In
Let me draw attention to some of the major
features. Since the beginning of this decade there has been a
steady shift in emphasis towards the social services.
particular, Education, Medical and Social Welfare programmes
have each significantly increased their share of total
spending. The forecast indicates that this
this trend is set to
continue. There are measures to improve welfare assistance for
the elderly and the disabled who require constant attendance, a planned expansion of various welfare services, and major new facilities coming on stream such as the Hong Kong University of
Science and Technology, the Tuen Mun Hospital and the Pamela
Youde Hospital at Shaukeiwan. Taken together these result in a
growth pattern in respect of social services that will ensure
this sector an increasingly large slice of the cake in the
coming years. Although we should accept this trend as a
reflection of the aspirations of
aspirations of a developing community as it grows more prosperous, the burden on our budget is something we must recognise and plan for. Also, when considering my revenue proposals, or indeed any possible revenue measures in future, it is important to bear in mind that this increased expenditure largely benefits the less affluent members of our community.
(18) Appendix B.
/42. For