"We are doing all these things because we believe they are in the best long term interests of the community and they are to the immediate advantage of the business community.
"I hope, therefore, that in resisting criticism of the Budget, we can look to the business community for support. If you remain silent, or muted, then this Budget, with the pro-Business principles on which it is based, will be at risk."
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No amnesty for IIs
To refute the rumours of amnesty for illegal immigrants in Hong Kong, a Government spokesman today (Tuesday) reiterated that the Government is determined to combat the problem of illegal immigration.
"The current immigration policy has not changed. There will be absolutely no amnesty for illegal immigrants (IIs)," the spokesman said.
"All IIs, regardless of their post-1997 status, will be repatriated."
At present, the Chinese Government is operating the One-way Permit Scheme whereby residents in China can come and settle in Hong Kong.
The spokesman said that the one-way permit quota was increased to 150 on July 1, 1995 with 66 places for children who would have the right of abode in Hong Kong on July 1, 1997.
"We reckon that the revised quota should enable eligible children to come to Hong Kong in an orderly manner without waiting for too long.
"Illegal immigration is extremely dangerous, it is especially risky for children. Since there is a proper channel for these children to come to Hong Kong legally within a reasonable time frame, parents should not risk the lives of their children to arrange their entry into Hong Kong illegally," the spokesman stressed.
"The Immigration Department and the Police will step up their operations against the snakeheads and will continue to cooperate with the Chinese authorities on anti-illegal immigration measures," he added.
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