TNAG-1361-FCO40-1807-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 87

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For the current Budget, there is a cartoon which shows the "god in charge of wealth" dressed up in the ancient Chinese mandar in attire a black official headpiece and a robe - leisurely sipping beer and soft drink at the same time with two straws. It is remarkably descriptive. The situation in Hong Kong this year is different from that of last year. As uncertainties on the future have been cleared, people have set their minds on the administration of local affairs again. Hence, they greet the Budget Day with greater interest. the day, Hong Kong was rife with rumours. There were fears that the Government would increase taxes and charges sharply in order to cover government expenditure without dipping into the

fiscal reserve.

Be fore

On 27 February, the Financial Secretary made public his Budget which he concluded with a quotation about "happiness" and "misery". Although some people, myself

included,

felt slightly uneasy at the re-introduction of a duty on non-alcoholic beverages, the general public were much relieved. Nevertheless, hardly has one wave subsided when another rises. The public is again faced with increases in consumer goods and services and higher charges by the public utilities. In fact, some corporations were more tactful than in the past. Their managements have learned to fly kites by leaking news of possible price increases through the mass media and by giving speeches at regular luncheon meetings to test the reaction of the public. As a result, we could hear news about

price increases almost every day.

With regard to increases on consumer goods and services, citizens have, to some extent, the right to choose and select and demand will affect prices. However, when the franchised utilities raise their charges, citizens find themselves quite helpless and have to rely on public outcry and criticisms of pressure groups to fight their case. UMELCO Members have done a lot in this respect by reflecting the wishes of the people. The debate on the monitoring of public