CS urges budget bill approval

May 13, 2013

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam has urged lawmakers to withdraw their amendments to the Appropriation Bill for the Budget and stop filibustering. She said some government departments will not have enough cashflow to operate, affecting the provision of public services, if the bill cannot be passed on May 15.
 
Speaking to the media today, Mrs Lam said the Financial Secretary has announced an inter-departmental meeting will be held on May 16 to discuss contingency plans if the bill is not approved on May 15.
 
She said the Government will put people’s welfare first, and will ensure that social security assistance allowances are not affected.
 
On Legislative Council President Jasper Tsang's decision to end the filibuster of the budget by combining the amendments, Mrs Lam said she believes he considered the legal issues when he determined the action was legitimate. She said the Government will respect the president’s decision.