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Governor talks about authority of government
Hong Kong has to ensure that everything it does supports rather than undermines the authority of government and government continues right through 1997, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said this (Saturday) morning.
Speaking to reporters after taking the salute of a passing-out parade at the Police Training School, Mr Patten said: "What we have to ensure is first of all that everything we do is in line with the Joint Declaration.
"Secondly, we have to ensure that everything we do is in the best interest of Hong Kong.
"I'm concerned about the authority of government and the credibility of government before 1997 and obviously there are those who will be concerned about the authority and credibility of government after 1997."
In response to questions about the fall of property prices, the Governor said: "I think that much as people were worried about property prices soaring last year, in my experience and the experience of other communities, in North America, in Europe for example, something that worries people even more than property prices going up too fast is property prices falling too rapidly, specially when people's assets, when their savings are very often tied up in their property.
"So, I think it's always a question of trying to ensure, in so far as you can, that you strike a reasonable balance."
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Mr Patten, however, reiterated the Government's commitment to meet the housing needs of Hong Kong people as far as possible.
"We have to go on as far as we can as a government, making home ownership available to as many people as possible and we have particular schemes for helping those who are on the margins financially in being able to afford their own homes," he added.
End/Saturday, January 7, 1995