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Following are the remarks (English portion) by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, to the press after attending a radio phone-in programme this morning (January 2):
Reporter: ...tax exemptions and possibly tax reductions?
Financial Secretary: There are many voices and there are many views as to both reduction as well as non-reduction of salaries taxes. I can say that I understand, I appreciate where those views are coming from, and my duty is to adhere to Basic Law Article 107, meaning living within our means, as well as considering the overall interests of the community in general. I think prudence is still necessary. Although I appreciate the community's views, I still believe that prudence here is important.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Issued at HKT 10:44
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