36 -
1996-97 Budget consultation
Following is a question by the Hon Fred Li Wah-ming and a reply by the Financial Secretary, the Hon Sir Hamish Macleod, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
It was reported that in his recent meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, the British Foreign Minister indicated that the Hong Kong Government would consult the Chinese government on the 1996-97 Budget. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council -
Reply:
(a)
(b)
Mr President.
whether the Government has changed its stand regarding its reiterations that there was no need to consult the Chinese side on the 1996-97 Budget; and
if the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, what are the reasons for changing its previous stand; and what the specific mechanism for consultation will be?
I am glad to be able to reassure Mr. Li that the answer to the first part of his question is 'No'. As I have already made clear on the record, in response to media enquiries on 20 April, there was no truth whatsoever in the news report that there had been a change in our stance over discussions with China over the 1996-97 Budget.
We have handed over to the Chinese side a detailed programme of proposed activities. One stage of this programme involves a Chinese team observing the planning and preparation process for the 1996-97 Budget. A later stage involves consultations on the 1997-98 Budget.
We hope to hold further meetings with the Chinese side at mutually convenient times as soon as possible.
As there is no change in our position, the second part of Mr Li's question does not apply.
End/Wednesday, May 3, 1995