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What we won't, I think, see in the next year or so is any decrease in our competitiveness. We came third in the World Economic Forum's Table that is up one on where we were last year. That seems to me to represent pretty good progress.
In the property sector we have seen prices in the secondary market fall by about a quarter from their peak in April of 1994; we have seen the prices of new properly decrease by between 30 and 40 per cent from the peak, though prices are still above where they were in January 1993. So I think we have managed to dampen down property prices pretty successfully.
Overall, there is always more to do and always new challenges to rise to, but I think at the end of the day, the success of the economy speaks for itself. And I am sure that at least a part of the success of the bank which the honourable member chairs with such distinction, is due to the success of the Hong Kong economy as a whole.
One can always, when one looks at one's term's report, see ways in which we can do better. But I don't think, in examining ways in which we can do better, we should forget just how well we have done - not the Governor of Hong Kong but his officials and those who actually make the economy hum.
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Miss Emily Lau: Mr President, I want to ask the Governor a question about the future of the is it 140,000? - Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong, and whether that question was discussed during his recent visit. I am sure the Governor is aware of a lot of speculation within the community about their future. Many of these people think that they do not have a future. In fact some have, a few years ago, begun emigrating to Canada - like the rest of the more fortunate Hong Kong people. And some Hong Kong people, including members of this council, have said that the Government should not allow them to come, even before 1997. And maybe people on the mainland have said that there is this pot of gold, why should we allow foreigners to take advantage of it.
So there is all this speculation. Of course you will probably say that after 1997 is none of your business. But I don't know whether you can share with this council the current thinking of the Administration. Because, after all, I think we owe these people something: to tell them, as far as we can see, what their future is, especially for those whose contracts may run out next year whether their contracts will be renewed, whether the Government is in a position to renew their contracts, and whether you have been given any indication by the Chinese authorities that they are going to stay or they will all definitely be kicked out.