XN000022-1994-12-08 — Page 4

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So what does that mean? Does it mean that we simply wash our hands of the problems facing the elderly for the next couple of years and hope that the future SAR Government will deal with the problem, facing exactly the same challenges, working within exactly the same parameters, though they might be a little more difficult, that we have to cope with today. I don't think that's a tolerable way of proceeding. We are therefore intent, after considering all the submissions that we've received, on considering first of all in the Executive Council what we will believe is the best way forward and I trust we will be able to do that at the beginning of the New Year and announce our proposals straightaway. I do not intend to preside over Administration which is not capable of dealing with a major social problem as quickly and compassionately as possible. There are elderly in our community in need and we have to address that need as rapidly as we can, while retaining good economic sense and prudent housekeeping.

I'm sorry to respond at length to the Honourable gentleman but I just wanted to make two things clear. First that the exercise we have been engaged in has been a genuine consultation exercise. Secondly, that we don't intend consultation to turn into indecision.

Mr Hui Yin-fat: Mr President, could I ask the Governor whether he could be more explicit in saying that even with the objection or the disagreement of the Chinese Government, we will proceed with an amended, proposed scheme?

Governor: What I can certainly tell the Honourable gentleman is that we will go forward with a policy to help the elderly cope with their financial problems during the course of the coming months. We will put forward proposals to the Executive Council very soon and we will announce the result of our consultations in the Executive Council early in the New Year.

I repeat that it would be unrealistic for us to try to proceed if we (a) thought that we couldn't get our proposals through this Legislative Council, (b) didn't think we could carry the business community and trade union leaders and (c) were receiving a substantial thumbs down from the future sovereign. In those circumstances, if that was the case, a sensible Administration would refuse to find itself tied hand and foot in a cul-de-sac, it would look for other ways of dealing with an urgent social problem.