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COMPRENTAL
4
10.
(a)
(b)
(c)
foreign airlines given 5th freedom rights to Hong Kong:
the interest rates cartels organised by the banks broken since these resulted in a reduced level of service offered to the public;
an old age pension introduced for the half million people aged over 65 in Hong Kong. They proposed that a universal pension of $1,800 to be funded by employers and employees from a 2% levy should be set up. This system could be implemented quite quickly. The Foundation's philosophy was to take care of the poor, the old, the sick and to educate the young. But it was important that Hong Kong's low tax climate be maintained. To this end, Government's current policy to prevent public expenditure rising above a certain percentage of GDP growth should also be maintained.
Mr Oram said that it was important that citizens of Hong Kong be able to participate in ownership of property. It was increasingly difficult for people to be able to afford to buy a home even under the Home Ownership Scheme. This was because the Home Ownership Scheme was set at 30% below the current prices applying in the private sector. Something should be done to stabilise house prices so as to enable the sandwich class to buy their own homes. This would result in improved confidence on the part of the professional backbone of Hong Kong.
11.
to
Dr Shiu said that the water quality of the harbour was low.
The incidents of hepatitis had increased
the point that Hong Kong was now one of the ten worst affected places in the world. Even if Government's sewage strategy scheme were implemented it would take ten years for any real improvements to be made. The Governor said that he hoped to say something in his LegCo Address on the environment. It was an important issue. However, it was also important that people understood that there was no cost free option for environmental improvements.
12.
Dr Shiu said that he was delighted with the Governor's idea of Citizens Charters. He hoped to see a charter on the health system in Hong Kong.
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