32.
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On recurrent expenditure, I would like to refute the
repeated charge that we are cutting social services etc. We are not,
as I made clear in my Budget speech. If we are dealing in this debate with myths, as one speaker suggested, then this is the myth we must demolish.
33.
The quality of life is therefore not only being well safeguarded. The ACP will materially enhance our quality of life. To argue that the ordinary public will not benefit is like arguing that the only people who benefitted from the MTR are the contractors who
built it.
34.
There will, of course, be sceptics, even cynics, here and elsewhere, who will try to talk us out of this or that aspect of the Airport Core Programme. To slow it down, or even to abandon it. I am confident that they are wrong. That to refuse to rise to the challenge, to oppose change, is to opt for stagnation and decline. To proceed confidently with the ACP is the way to ensure a growing economy, and with it a growing ability to fund social services and the other items which will not just safeguard but further improve the quality of life of the people of Hong Kong.
35.
I appeal to this Council to give a lead to the community by sharing this vision and supporting the Airport Core Programme.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.