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allocated to the Council, and breached the principle of the financial arrangements between the Central Government and the Urban Council, we have every right to seek supplementary provision from the Central Government. It is not an additional provision but our entitlement. I consider that the Council should urgently confirm its deficit budget in light of the actual expenditure on the improved services and accelerated progress of projects, the financial provision and fiscal reserves. We must approach the SAR Government to reclaim the sum of $3.8b. The purpose is to render assistance to the Government because it has indicated that it will provide 100,000 job opportunities.
There are three things we need to accomplish and there are justifications for seeking supplementary provision from the Government. Firstly, there is a need to increase the number of posts required for front-line municipal operations, such as street-cleaners, venue clerks and maintenance workers. Secondly, there is a need to fill urgently the vacancies in the Council's establishment in order that it may fulfil its performance pledges. Thirdly, there is a need to advance the completion of planned projects and services, such as phases III and IV of some projects, including the installation of air-conditioners in markets, and provision of manpower required for the extended opening hours of libraries.
Mr. Chairman, there is one more point I wish to raise. I remember that at the forum of the Urban Council candidates for the Legislative Council, I asked Mr. Ambrose CHEUNG, who took part in the election, whether there was any chance to set up flea markets or temporary hawking areas under the prevailing policy on hawkers, and whether any practicable way could be worked out to allay the general public's hardship. Meanwhile, I hope the Chairman will advise the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee to study, as early as possible, the way to allow more people to run some small business and identify ways for them to make a living so that we all may tide over the difficulties.
Mr. Chairman, since the economic recession of Hong Kong will remain for several quarters, I consider that we should get down to work immediately. I sincerely call upon Members to endorse and support the motion of Ms. Grace Au of the Democratic Party. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Eric Wong Chung-ki (in Cantonese):—I wish to speak in support of Ms. Grace Au's motion.
While the people of Hong Kong have paid the rates in full, the Government has not allocated adequate provision to the Council. This has not only affected the operation of the Council, but also brought about a vicious cycle to the economy of Hong Kong at this time of financial difficulties. We initially forecast a deficit of $3.86 for the Council and after quite some time in the new triennium, it seems that the forecast is becoming a reality. The financial liquidity of the Council is getting tight. I can recall that when we were first
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allocated to the Council, and breached the principle of the financial arrangements between the Central Government and the Urban Council, we have every right to seek supplementary provision from the Central Government. It is not an additional provision but our entitlement. I consider that the Council should urgently confirm its deficit budget in light of the actual expenditure on the improved services and accelerated progress of projects, the financial provision and fiscal reserves. We must approach the SAR Government to reclaim the sum of $3.8b. The purpose is to render assistance to the Government because it has indicated that it will provide 100 000 job opportunities.
There are three things we need to accomplish and there are justifications for secking supplementary provision from the Government. Firstly, there is a need to increase the number of posts required for front-line municipal operations, such as street-cleaners, venue clerks and maintenance workers. Secondly, there is a need to fill urgently the vacancies in the Council's establishment in order that it may fulfil its performance pledges. Thirdly, there is a need to advance the completion of planned projects and services. such as phases III and IV of some projects, including the installation of air- conditioners in markets, and provision of manpower required for the extended opening hours of libraries.
Mr. Chairman, there is one more point I wish to raise. I remember that at the forum of the Urban Council candidates for the Legislative Council. I asked Mr. Ambrose CHEUNG. who took part in the election, whether there was any chance to set up flea markets or temporary hawking areas under the prevailing policy on hawkers, and whether any practicable way could be worked out to allay the general public's hardship. Meanwhile, I hope the Chairman will advise the Markets and Street Traders Select Committee to study, as early as possible, the way to allow more people to run some small business and identify ways for them to make a living so that we all may tide over the difficulties.
Mr. Chairman, since the economic recession of Hong Kong will remain for several quarters, I consider that we should get down to work immediately. I sincerely call upon Members to endorse and support the motion of Ms. Grace Au of the Democratic Party. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Eric Wong Chung-ki (in Cantonese):—I wish to speak in support of Ms. Grace Au's motion.
While the people of Hong Kong have paid the rates in full, the Government has not allocated adequate provision to the Council. This has not only affected the operation of the Council, but also brought about a vicious cycle to the economy of Hong Kong at this time of financial difficulties. We initially forecast a deficit of $3.86 for the Council and after quite some time in the new triennium. it seems that the forecast is becoming a reality. The financial liquidity of the Council is getting tight. I can recall that when we were first
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