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Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joseph W P Wong, today (November 2) on the review of civil service allowances:

Reporter: ... review of civil service allowances...?

Secretary: We have been reviewing the fringe benefit type of allowances for some time now. We have been in close consultation with the unions. It is my intention to issue a consultation paper for wide response and feedback, perhaps in the early part of next month. In carrying out this review, we adhere to the principle that on the one hand we should examine whether certain types of allowances continue to be justified in present day circumstances and whether certain changes are necessary and on the other hand to also consider whether or not it is the most appropriate use of public funds. We aim to strike a balance between the interest of the civil servants on the one hand and the wider interest of the community on the other. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, November 2, 2004

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