12

"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.

!

H

"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

Jeaff

programme," Mr. Jeaffreson said.

113

Share This Page