XN000022-1996-02-02 — Page 4

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Question: If the dark horse is going to be a civil servant or....

Governor: I can't, you know perfectly well, that I can't comment on the speculation about the Chief Executive (Designate). I just wish whoever is chosen the best of luck. It will be difficult job that one which I'm sure will be done with great integrity and commitment..

Question: Is Government delaying the appointment of the new AG in order to leave the matter for the Chief Executive (Designate) to decide?

Governor: No.

Question: Will you suspect his or her loyalty?

Governor: No. That is a good straight answer for you, isn't it? No.

Question: (on expert talks on the budget)

Governor: That's the sort of issue that we'll want to be talking to Mr Chen and the team that we've been briefing about our budgetary processes. And it is the sort of point which we'll of course want to discuss with the Chief Executive (Designate). But I'm sure that everyone in Hong Kong will support the two objectives which I mentioned this afternoon. First of all, to ensure as smooth a transition as possible in our financial and economic affairs, and secondly, to safeguard the financial and economic autonomy of Hong Kong, because that is a crucial feature in, for example, the way that the rest of the world treats us, the way that the rest of the world, Americans and others, accepts our position in the World Trade Organisation and other international economic bodies.

Question: (on the appointment of the new AG)

Governor: I don't think that there is any particular reason why on this Friday afternoon in the beginning of February I should be contemplating announcements about the Attorney General later in the year. When it is appropriate to make an announcement, we'll make one. But the Chief Secretary has already, I think, made it clear what the general timing we've got in mind.

Question:... is it going to be towards the end of the year?

Governor: That means that it will be within 1996. Thank you very much.

End