XN000022-1996-03-08 — Page 3

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Transcript of CS's media session

Following is the transcript of the remarks (English) to the media by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, after attending the International Women's Day Luncheon this (Friday) afternoon:

Question: Do you think it is appropriate for civil servants to sit on the selection committee which would choose the future chief executive?

CS: I think the selection committee, the way in which the selection committee will be organised is clearly laid down in the Basic Law. On the part of the Hong Kong Government, we have said that we fully intend to co-operate with the Preparatory Committee. The exact modality for co-operation is a matter that remains to be discussed with our side and the Chinese side. In the meantime of course, as you know, we have set up the liaison office and we are ready at anytime to discuss actual proposals for co-operation with the Chinese side.

Question: Some people are still not satisfied with the budget, among them seems to be the elderly, the unemployed and the disabled. Do you think they have a case?

CS: I think that the Financial Secretary will be extremely surprised if he doesn't receive some criticisms on his budget. But I think that to a very large extent he has met the needs and the wishes of different sectors of the community, bearing in mind that our resources are limited and it is not possible in fact to meet the demands of every sector. I think this is an extremely good budget. It does take into account the needs of different sectors. It on the one hand not only improves social services, particularly social security payments for the elderly which is a matter that is of great concern to the community, but at the same time it enables Hong Kong to maintain our competitive business environment, so that we can continue to enjoy the economic growth that enables us to improve our services across a wide range.

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