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"With a forecast trend economic growth rate of 5% a year in real terms, we are able once again to make significant improvements to services in the areas where they are most needed and to do so whilst still living within our means," he said.

"The estimates represent a further step towards achieving the improvement targets for the future set by the Governor in his policy addresses since 1992. They also provide the funds to meet the commitments published by policy secretaries in October last year," he said.

Total government expenditure, including expenditure by the funds, for the new financial year will rise to $183.7 billion.

Mr Kwong explained that, of the total of $183.7 billion, $137.9 billion is for recurrent expenses on existing and new services and $45.8 billion on capital projects.

"Our spending priorities have been decided after consultations held by the Financial Secretary with members of the Llegislative Council and community groups during the past year," he said.

billion.

Some examples are:

On social welfare, the Government recurrent spending will grow to $16.5

The Government will be providing :

*

**

For the elderly:

an extra 1594 residential places

43 social centres

3 day care centres and

6 multi-service centres;

For people with a disability:

an additional 384 residential places and

848 day places;

For children with a disability:

an additional 537 pre-school places;