XN000022-1997-01-23 — Page 5

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But obviously, the future of social policy in Hong Kong is an extremely important political issue now and over the next few years and this community, like others, will need to find ways in which it can share its growing wealth with those in need without pushing up taxes so as to choke-off further growth.

Mr Fred Li (in Chinese): I do not intend to dispute with the Governor what is the definition for poverty but the fact is many people are having a very low standard of living. So my question, to follow-up, is: Because poverty involves many government branches and departments - EMB and HWB - I would like to know whether an inter- departmental working group will be set up in order to look at these reports and then to come up with a response?

Governor: These reports, inevitably, involve government in looking across departments at the impact of our overall policies on those groups concerned, and I am sure that will be done in this particular case. I don't seek to belittle the importance of the honourable gentleman's argument in pointing out that for most people in Hong Kong over the last few years the standard of living has risen very substantially. Most people have shared in the spectacular economic growth which Hong Kong has enjoyed. But all of us have to be aware of those who have been left behind while the economy has surged forward and I agree with the honourable gentleman that we have to try to ensure that our welfare policies help them too.

Mr Lee Wing-tat (in Chinese): Mr President, I would like to ask a question in relation to human rights. About ten days ago, when the Vice Premier of China visited France, he said China was considering whether she would accede to the two International Covenants. The Democratic Party supports such a move. But one week later in the Preparatory Committee, the Legal Sub-group recommended that two laws should be repealed, one is the Public Order Ordinance and the other is the Societies Ordinance. This created some confusion in the international community and that is they do not know whether China wants to improve the human rights situation in Hong Kong rather than restrict human rights in Hong Kong.

So I would like to ask you, Mr Governor, a question. I am sure you have received all these two messages. I don't know whether you get confused as well. And have you asked the Chinese Government through diplomatic channels what the Chinese Government is up to; whether China wants to improve the human rights situation in Hong Kong or restrain or hobble Ilong Kong's human rights?