23
Wednesday, March 14, 1973
If people were reluctant to use subsidised hospitals for this reason,
he said, the Government would be taking a retrograde step in its social
development by raising its hospital fees.
"I do not object to the increase of fees in the first and second
class wards, but I do feel strongly, like many people do, that fees in the
third class ward in Government hospitals should not be raised.
"In fact, I would like to see the present charge for the third
class removed so that we in Hong Kong will be able to claim the provision
of free but good medical services to those less fortunate section of our
community.
Taxation
"It is wrong in the modern concept of social development for Government
to reduce taxation on the one hand and increase charges on medical services
on the other."
On taxation, Dr. Chung asked the Financial Secretary to explain
the reasons for adopting a policy of growing dependence on direct as against
indirect taxation.
"After all, what is the target ratio between direct and indirect
taxation in the Government policy and how is this target ratio derived?" he
asked.
Dr. Chung went on to say that he supported the views of his fellow
Councillors that the allowance for dependent parents should be retained.
"With
On the proposed abolition of life insurance relief, he said: due respect, I think the Honourable Financial Secretary has overlooked one
very important aspect of life insurance.
/The prime