stet
done on the detail before we are in a position to consult
Members of this Council in Finance Committee on the
financial acceptability of the new arrangements.
I am not
therefore able to give a full response to Members' comments today, but I can say that the new Defence Costs Agreement will
be built around a reduction in Hong Kong's share of the
apportioned costs.
Trade and industry
25.√
No fewer than 13 Members spoke on industry. Members
will recollect that I referred to the vital contribution to our
economic success made by this sector when I delivered my Budget
le speech.
it/se et / se 30.1
Wyle
Lai Mr. Richard
commented upon the
absence of a
comprehensive industrial development plan. The question is: do
we need one? I continue to believe that market forces must be
the prime determinant of the direction to be taken by our manufacturing industries. Businessmen, not bureaucrats, should make business decisions. It is partly because businessmen enjoy this freedom in Hong Kong that our manufacturing industries have
been so successful.
But
that
This does not mean
mean our manufacturers lack Government
support or that the support is unplanned. We give a high priority to providing an adequate infrastructure We also provide manufacturers with services aimed at improving both
productivity and quality. We do this in a rational manner,
keeping the quality and level of such support under review in the Industry Development Board under my chairmanship, and maintaining for this purpose the programme of industrial studies
which have been very helpful in identifying areas where
improvements are needed.
and the necessary training facilities. A well-trained labour force is of importance.
/32.
- paramona
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