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Regarding tonight's (October 31) media report on the boycott of Policy Address and Budget consultation by members of the "lunch-box meeting" of the Legislative Council's (LegCo) pan-democratic camp, a government spokesman responded as follows:
"The Policy Address and the Budget are important documents outlining the social and economic strategies and measures for Hong Kong in the coming 12 months. During the annual formulation process, the Chief Executive and the Financial Secretary conduct comprehensive consultations, including meeting and conducting dialogues with LegCo members from all political parties. This year is no exception.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government understands that pan-democratic LegCo members attach great importance to the issue of constitutional development, which the Government will listen extensively to the views of various sectors in the second phase consultation. Apart from constitutional development, the Government should not and could not overlook other important policy areas such as economic development, housing, poverty alleviation, care for the elderly, environmental protection and the nurturing of youth. The HKSAR Government would like to exchange views and conduct dialogues at consultation sessions with all LegCo members on these important issues regarding the economy, society and people's livelihood.
Ends/Friday, October 31, 2014
Issued at HKT 22:30
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