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In response to press enquiry, a Government spokesman made the following clarification regarding the discussion at today's (Monday) LegCo Financial Affairs Panel Meeting:

In replying to the Hon Cheung Man-kwong's enquiry, the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, said that given the deficit budgets in the past two years and the importance of returning to a balance budget in the medium term, there was a need for Government to consider revising fees and charges, and raising taxes. It should, however, be noted that no decision has yet been made on any revision to fees & charges and taxes.

End/Monday, December 6, 1999

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