TNAG-0761-FCO40-965-Budget-of-Hong-Kong--1978-1979-1978 — Page 75

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than 80% of recurrent revenue (Guideline (2)), it is

too high relative to total expenditure (Guideline 4)).

11.

(c) Expenditure

The Draft Estimates for 1978-79 adequately provide for the continuing implementation of all approved policies and programmes (and, of course, our capital works programmes)

and allow for such new recurrent services as:

Social welfare programmes (rehabilitation, services

for the elderly, youth services and improved social security)

Increases in rates of public assistance

Free junior secondary education

Reduced working hours for firemen and ambulancemen

Increases in ex-gratia domestic removal allowances

Expansion of Hong Kong Regiment by one squadron

Award of costs in criminal cases in District Courts

and High Court

Establishment of District Boards in the New Territories

Increased pay for Auxiliary Police

Expansion of Police Force by 1,987 posts (over and

12.

above the approved establishment of the Force at

1st April 1978 of 22,076)

Further expansion of Prison industries

Extension of legal aid in all criminal cases to

District Courts

Silicosis Compensation Scheme

(d) Revenue Proposals

I have no revenue proposals in mind specifically designed to raise additional revenue in 1978-79 for either fiscal or monetary reasons but that does not mean, unfortunately, that fiscal questions can be ignored. So, after reviewing

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/fiscal.....

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