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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council will hold a meeting this Wednesday (February 27) at 2.30 pm in the Chamber of the Legislative Council Building. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on expectations for the 2002-03 Budget.

The motion, to be proposed by Hon SIN Chung-kai, states: "That this Council hopes that, in formulating its Budget for the next financial year, the Government will refrain from raising taxes or reducing social services in order to address the problem of budget deficit, and that the Government will implement more measures to alleviate people's hardship and create more job opportunities, so as to promote the recovery of the economy."

Members will also debate a motion on promoting community spirit. The motion, to be moved by Hon TAM Yiu-chung, says: "That, as the economy is in the doldrums and people are under immense pressure, with suicide and family violence incidents occurring repeatedly recently, this Council urges the Government to allocate additional resources to improve services and actively promote the development of the 'third sector', so as to optimize the social capital, promote community development services, encourage self-help and mutual support among the public, strengthen the community support network, enhance the capabilities of individuals and families in solving their problems in life and prevent family violence, for the purposes of cultivating the community spirit of mutual support, care and love among residents."

On bills, Second Reading debate on the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2001 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will then go through the Committee Stage and be read the third time.

The Employees Compensation Assistance (Amendment) Bill 2002, meanwhile, will be introduced into the Council for First and Second Readings. Debate on the Bill will be adjourned.

During the meeting, Members will ask the Administration 20 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.

The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the Legislative Council InfoFax Service (Tel.No.: 2869 9568) or the Legislative Council web site (http://www.legco.gov.hk).

Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Legislative Council Chamber. They may reserve seats by calling 2869 9399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

End/Monday, February 25, 2002

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