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Following is a question by Dr Hon Philip Wong Yu-hong and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, in the Legislative Council today (November 28):
Question:
Given that there are currently eight candidates running for the Legislative Council by-election for the Hong Kong Island geographical constituency to be held on December 2 this year, will the Government inform this Council whether it has assessed if the expenditure on this by-election will exceed the estimate of $26.6 million; if an assessment has been made, of the outcome; if the estimate will be exceeded, of the expected amount in excess, and whether sufficient resources have been set aside to cover the extra expenditure concerned?
Reply:
Madam President,
Regarding the Legislative Council by-election for the Hong Kong Island geographical constituency to be held on December 2, 2007 and taking into account various developments, the latest estimated expenditure is $27.8 million, which is $1.2 million over the estimated expenditure worked out before the nomination period ($26.6 million).
We will strive to meet the relevant expenditure within the financial provision for the 2007-08 financial year. We will consider whether additional allocation is needed upon confirmation of actual expenditures for this by-election and other elections in this financial year.
Ends/Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:54
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