I
FS's conclusion on the Appropriation Bill
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, the Hon Donald Tsang, in concluding the debate on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill 1996 in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
Introduction
I would like to start by thanking the community, and Members of this Council in particular, for their generous remarks and the very positive way they have received my first Budget.
My Budget Speech bore the title of "Building Our Prosperous Future" for three reasons. First, I wanted to lift the community's sights above the immediate horizon of 1 July 1997. Second, I wanted to focus the community's attention on Hong Kong's bright prospects over the next five years and beyond into the next millennium. Third, I wanted to offer the community a vision of Hong Kong's prosperous future. To identify the opportunities, as well as the challenges, which lie ahead.
In describing my vision of the future, and developing a strategy to get us there, I emphasised that we must work together and have confidence in ourselves as a community. I said that the Government would strive to make itself more accountable and more business-friendly. My colleagues and I are grateful for the solid support Members have given us in developing our plans. Our proposals for a science park, a fourth industrial estate and the package for the promotion of the service sector have all received the full support of the Council. I have listened carefully to Members' contributions to the debate, and I am greatly encouraged by the recognition that our plans for the service sector are only the start of our work. They are the basis for a renewed consensus on Hong Kong's economic development. A consensus involving the whole of our business community, the Government and this Council. Following this debate, I think we can go forward with confidence to build Hong Kong's prosperous future together.
While sharing my optimism for the future, some Members of this Council have expressed concerns about our immediate economic prospects and about the particular revenue and expenditure proposals I have laid before this Council. This is as it should be - before one can dream, one has to be able to sleep soundly. My colleagues covered many detailed issues at the Special Finance Committee meetings held earlier, and this afternoon they have again addressed all the key points raised. My task now is to respond to four general points of overriding importance.