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23
"When people attack our alleged welfarism, I suggest that you ask them which group of the elderly, the disabled, the infirm should have their welfare programmes
axed.
"Ask them to be specific about which welfare services they regard as luxuries that Hong Kong's economy can ill-afford.
"And ask them, too, whether they do not recognise that one reason for Hong Kong's stability and for the moderation of our public life is that we do respond to the social needs of the community," he said.
Mr Patten said it was also argued that Hong Kong should not distract itself from its economic goals by an excessive preoccupation with the protection of its civil liberties.
He said: "But those liberties are part of the reason for our economic success. Infringe those liberties and you make Hong Kong less attractive to international business and investment, and less attractive as an open market economy.
"That's why we will complete our programme of bringing all our laws into line with the Bill of Rights and the two International Covenants on human rights. We have done about 80 per cent of the work and we will invite this Council to help us finish the job.
"We will also press the Chinese Government to recognise that its reporting obligations under the International Covenants are an integral part of its duty to apply those Covenants to Hong Kong.
"Naturally, the best way to clear up any confusion- few things would give Hong Kong a better sense of confidence in its future - would be for China itself to sign up to the two Covenants."
End