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*FS: I don't believe there are any differences of principle, as I said, because what we are doing is actually precisely what Ambassador Guo asked us to do back in June 1994. So I don't think there are any real issues here whatsoever.
Question: So, while you are puzzled, do you have any impression that the whole issue is now being (inaudible)?
FS: Sorry, I missed the last bit?
Question: Do you have an impression that the whole thing is now trying to shift from purely practical things to political issues?
FS: Well, I hope not. I mean if this is handled sensibly, these arguments will blow over and we will get down to the real discussion which is: procedures for the next budget and consultation on the transitional Budget. That is where we should be.
Question: And the Chinese side said that there should be a full consultation of the 1996-97 Budget and (that) should be before the draft. Is it possible once the Chinese side there is an objection of the 1996-97 Budget, the Government will do it unilaterally?
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FS: The Chinese side will have to explain why they have suddenly changed their view. The fact is, they didn't ask for consultation on the 1996-97 Budget, they asked for a briefing on the procedures. That is what we are giving them. So there isn't a problem unless someone wants to create one. There really isn't a problem. What we are doing is what they asked us to do. Thank you very much.
End/Friday, March 31, 1995
Compassionate rehousing for 24 fire victims
The Government has completed processing all applications for compassionate rehousing from fire victims of the bedspace apartment at Yeung Uk Road in Tsuen Wan, a Government spokesman said today (Friday).
Of the 41 lodgers, 26 have been assessed by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to be eligible for compassionate rehousing on the basis of their age, health and income.