XN000022-1995-02-27 — Page 2

1 -

Transcript of the Governor's media session

The following is the transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after opening the TWGH Wu York Yu Care and Attention Home today (Monday);

Governor: I am delighted to have been able to open this excellent home today. It's an example of the improved facilities that we want to give to all the elderly in Hong Kong. As you know, we had the report of the working group on the elderly last August, and we committed ourselves to implementing all their recommendations which include the provision of many more places and homes like this. So I am delighted to see a good home and hope that we can provide many more in Hong Kong.

Question: Governor, about the budget on March 1, have you already sent a copy to the Chinese side?

Governor: We will be doing what we normally do, which is to let the Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office know some of the details in advance, and to make sure that he receives, say, copy of the budget, just before it is delivered by Sir Hamish.

Question: But at this time already sent on...

Governor: I have written a letter to Director Lu which I think he should receive, I think tomorrow. But obviously, as we've made clear, the closer we get to 1997, the more we'll want to involve Chinese side in discussions about our budget because plainly the 1997 budget, for instance, will have to represent our joint assessment of the need of the Hong Kong economy.

Question: (on the agreement between USA and China on intellectual property protection)

Governor: I think it's a good day for China and a good day for the United States, and therefore a good day for Hong Kong. Obviously, the negotiations were difficult and demanding. But I'd like to congratulate both sides on hammering out an agreement which is in everyone's interest candidly. I think the issue of intellectual property and the theft of intellectual property is a very important one as we have growing trade around the world and particularly growing service sectors in every country. It's, I think, important to try to work out these problems by agreement, and when you are in the position that we are in, to take the toughest measures against those who are guilty of theft of intellectual property. That's why we are increasing the resources available to our Customs and Excise, and that's why we are going to ask the Legislative Council to legislate for tougher penalties on those who are guilty of intellectual property theft. So we've got to do our bit. But I very much welcome what Chinese and American negotiates have done after some pretty tough and demanding negotiations. I congratulate them unreservedly.