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Question: Mr Patten, you say that you want endorsement from China. The basic argument of the Chinese officials is that they are saying that the public is still very diversified as to MPF scheme?
Governor: Well, that's what they're saying about the pension scheme. You know we actually have to recognise that Government and responsible government is about making hard and difficult choices and the choice that we are talking about in this case is a choice for an MPF. We will pass, we hope, the enabling legislation which will then allow us to work out all the details and to discuss all the details with the Chinese side, the Chinese officials. But if we don't put in place the enabling legislation, then nothing at all can happen for three years. And what your editorial writers will do, and what the Legislative Council will do, and what the community will do is say: "Why they are sitting on their hands? Why aren't they doing anything? Why aren't they showing sincerity in working for the interests of the elderly?" We are determined to make it possible for the introduction of an MPF which is as broadly based as possible in the community at the earliest possible moment. But of course the details have to be discussed with the community and with Chinese officials.
Question: How about the call for a JLG meeting to talk about this MPF scheme?
Governor: It's been discussed throught the JLG mechanism and the JLG machinery. I'm sure will be. If what Chinese official is saying is that they want more expert talks on the MPF, that's fine by us. We'll talk almost until the cows come home or the pigs come home. But we are not going to talk the issue out for so long that we don't have the time to at least make it possible to put in place an arrangement which is good for Hong Kong's retired people. One more question.
Question: If the Chinese side doesn't like the..
Governor: Let's be clear about this. You can't dream up a new proposal every six months. Against the pensions, against the MPF. What next? We have the interests of the elderly of Hong Kong at heart. I think other people should think about the elderly and not about politics. You can have one more question on another subject.
Question: All the diplomatic units in Hong Kong are invited to meet with Lu Ping except the British side. Is it true?
Governor: I'm not responsible for Director Lu's programme, but so far as I know, that isn't true. If it were true, I think it would be regarded by the community as, let me be careful and diplomatic with what I say, as not a very sensible way to behave. But I don't believe it is true.