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As you know, we have had a number of Secretaries already speaking on their own areas and that will continue next week. And as we detect the need for more discussion on a particular item, we are very happy to arrange extra briefings by experts in the field. So we will go on explaining ourselves and hope to go on getting the good response which we've got so far.
Any questions?
Question and answer session
Question: Has China been informed of your successor and have they given their approval?
FS: I don't know the answer to that. I did read something in the newspaper about it but I'm not actually the person who deals with (the question of) my successor, although of course I know who it is, so I don't know the mechanics of it.
Question: Director Lu Ping has just said that the SAR Chief Executive - the British Government should let the SAR Chief Executive participate in making the 1997-98 Budget. How do you feel about that?
FS: I have no problems with that. In fact I was asked the same question by LegCo Members. If there is a wish for the Chief Executive Designate to take part in the talks about the 1997-98 Budget, I don't have any problems with that.
Question: So the two countries should make the 1997-98 Budget together for Hong Kong?
FS: Well again, I am not going to be pinned down to particular words. As I've said before, having answered your specific question, we really need to talk to China on this. We are trying to be practical and helpful and I'm sure we can have a sensible discussion.
Question: So you have no doubts to let the Chinese participate in the 1997-98 Budget?
FS: I'm not adding to what I've said already but I've said very clearly that we are ready to consult and consult is much more than briefing.