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Speech by Secretary for Transport on budget debate
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport, Mr Haider Barma, on budget debate in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
May I start by thanking especially the Honourable Miriam Lau and the Honourable Zachary Wong for devoting their entire speech to transport-related issues. In so doing, they have reflected the views of their respective parties. This is most helpful. May I also acknowledge the constructive comments made by other Members and the interest they have shown during the special session of the Finance Committee on the transport portfolio.
Many of the points raised by Members in this debate have been raised by them before. No doubt this has been for emphasis and, indeed, most comments have focused on our proposals in the two strategy documents on traffic congestion and railway development.
It was, perhaps, to be expected that, as in past years, some members of the public queued up for hours at our licensing offices in an attempt to beat "anticipated" increases in vehicle licence fees. But what I found a little amusing was the few quizzical looks in this Chamber when several Members realised there was in fact no mention by the Financial Secretary in his Budget Speech of any move in that direction. The simple fact is that the proposed increases in annual licence fees and first registration tax are purely for transport reasons and not to generate revenue per se. I have made this point very clear on general occasions and indeed during the motion debate on traffic congestion. At this point in time, all I can say is that we are now evaluating feedback from the consultation exercise and we shall certainly take careful note of the points made by Honourable Members. I expect to be able to present firm recommendations on the Administration's package to tackle traffic congestion, or perhaps announce decisions, within the next 2 to 3 months. This will, of course include the implementation of electronic road pricing which has received such strong support. Honourable Members will appreciate and must recognise that fiscal, and legislative, measures require the approval of this Council and if we are to tackle traffic congestion, as we must, then unpopular decisions are unavoidable, difficult though they may be in an election year.