TNAG-1449-FCO40-1953-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 356

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Although the Council will be in a better position as a result of the new financial arrangements, I must emphasize that Urban Councillors and the Urban Services Department will

continue to be ever conscious of the need to economise.

Select Committees will all be at great pains to

scrutinise each and every project whether it be large or small, to ensure that the Council's funds are wisely and productively spent in the creation of a better lifestyle for the people of

Hong Kong.

The Department has been the Council's staunch ally in devising these economies, working steadily to achieve higher

productivity and more value for money. The Urban Council is committed to this belt-tightening policy now and in the ensuing

years.

I would furthermore assure the ratepayers of Hong Kong that the high standard of municipal services they have come to expect and take for granted will be maintained.

As a result of the new financial package arrived at with the tight-fisted but understanding and progressive-minded

Financial Secretary, the Urban Council will now be able to continue its capital works programme with anticipated cash

expenditure of $1.57 billion for the period 1985/86 to 1989/90

i.e. 1 1/2 times that which it has spent in the previous 12 years to provide still more modern facilities for our city, and thus meet the rising aspirations of our dynamic community.

...

Taking all this into account, I support the Bill.