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Continuing to provide CSSA to those who need financial help.
"In 1996/97, we are spending $7 billion on CSSA - an increase of 35 per cent in real terms over 1995-96 and we expect a further increase of 11 per cent in real terms in 1997-98," he said.
Mr Tsang said the Government was committed to helping new arrivals from China integrate smoothly into Hong Kong life.
"In 1996, around 60,000 new arrivals from the mainland made Hong Kong their new home," he said.
"Programmes to help the new arrivals begin the moment they arrive. For example, they are offered general advice and assistance at Hung Hom Railway Station," he said.
"They are given information directories, in simplified characters, on the services available to them.
"We offer special orientation programmes, as well as counselling and referral services. Around 30,000 new arrivals in 1996 benefited.
"As for the children, we help them fit into our schools with special support services and remedial English programmes."
He said in 1997/98, around $168 million would be spent on new-arrival children an increase of more than 150 per cent in real terms over 1996/97.
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Mr Tsang said a 5.7 per cent increase in health spending would be used to raise still further the standards of health care, said Mr Tsang.
In the 1997/98 financial year, the Government will provide an extra 669 hospital beds, which include 126 from the opening this year of North District Hospital first phase.
The Government will complete one new general outpatient clinic and expand five others to cater for an extra 90.000 patient consultations a year.
An extra 57 staff for the student health service will also be provided within this fiscal year.
End