XN000022-1995-12-06 — Page 27

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Reply:

Mr President,

The Hong Kong Government's position is that British citizenship should be granted to all Hong Kong British Dependent Territories Citizens. We have stated our position clearly on a number of occasions in this Council, including at the debate on a motion moved by the Hon Emily Lau in October last year.

We will continue to put our position to the British Government, as effectively as we can and whenever the opportunity arises. As Honourable Members are aware, the British Government's position is that the grant of British Citizenship to 50,000 heads of household and their dependants was the right response. It does not accept the case for granting British citizenship to all Hong Kong BDTCs.

We believe that the best way to allay public concern about a smooth transition is to ensure that Hong Kong continues to be the place where Hong Kong people wish to remain. To this end we will seek to preserve its way of life, its prosperity and stability, and the rule of law; and ensure that the safeguards for these provided for in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law are honoured in full.

End

Salaries tax system

Following is a question by the Hon Eric Li Ka-cheung and a written reply by the Secretary for the Treasury, Mr Kwong Ki-chi, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Regarding the territory's salaries tax which is shouldered by a small number of salary earners and which is based on a system with a high degree of progressivity, will the Government inform this Council: