Borrison/hk-legicost huggingface dataset:
此外，有委員關注到，有報章報道聲稱在《條例》刊憲後，會出現18個月真空期，而在該段期間市場將沒有龕位供應。
In addition a member is concerned about the press report which alleges the existence of an 18 - month vacuum period upon the gazettal of the Ordinance during which there will be no supply of niches in the market
就此，委員詢問在該段期間的龕位供應情況，以及當局如何應付公眾在該段期間對龕位的需求。
In this connection members ask about the supply of public niches in that period and how the public demand for niches therein could be met
政府當局表示，該項聲稱毫無根據。
The Administration has advised that the allegation is unsubstantiated
政府當局已就《條例草案》獲通過後的龕位供應及相關事宜，向食物安全及環境衞生事 務委員會提交文件，並已得到該事務委員會同意，安排在2017年5月9日的會議上討論相關事宜。
The Administration has already provided a paper to the Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene on the supply of niches and related issues after the enactment of the Bill . The Panel has also agreed that the matter will be discussed at its meeting on 9 May 2017
現時會議廳內一位民主黨議員也沒有，但我希望稍後會有民主黨議員聆聽我的發言，特別是黃碧雲議員，因為我會作出回應。
There is not even one Member of the Democratic Party present in the Chamber now but I hope that they especially Dr Helena WONG will listen to my speech as I am going to make a response
不過，我會先討論今天這項《私營骨灰安置所條例草案》。
Nonetheless I will start with the Private Columbaria Bill the Bill under discussion today
無論是和合石墳場或是將來的沙嶺墳場，北區區議會都很支持政府的擴建計劃。
The North DC has rendered strong support to the expansion proposals of columbaria be it WHSC or the future Sandy Ridge Cemetery
因此，我希望食物環境衞生署和食物及衞生局能夠與地政總署商討，如何協助將來獲發牌或合法經 營的業界，令那些等不到公營龕位而要購買私營龕位的家屬會有較好的安排。
Therefore I hope that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department FEHD and the Food and Health Bureau will liaise with the Lands Department to see what kind of support can be provided to licensed or legitimate operators with a view to providing better arrangements for descendants who do not wish to wait for allocation of public niche and want to buy private niches instead
有街坊告訴我，他已抽過數次，合共等了七八年，最終也是眼睜睜看着很多新推出的公營龕位被其他人抽了，原因是現時公營龕位的抽籤制度並不是先到先得，也不是像公屋般可以輪候，而是每次都要重新抽籤。
According to a kaifong he has participated in the allocation of niches for several times and has waited for as long as seven to eight years . He felt distressed when seeing new public niches being allocated to other applicants . The point is public niches are not allocated on a first - come - first - served basis nor is there a queuing system similar to that for the allocation of public housing
因此，我建議政府改善這個制度，包括加入計分制，讓一些曾抽籤但抽不到的申請人可以加分，或是在第一次抽不到之後，可在第二次抽籤時獲兩次抽籤機會，甚至在第二次也抽不到時，還有第三次抽籤機會。
Rather a new balloting exercise will be conducted each time . In this connection I suggest that the Government should refine the allocation system by introducing inter alia a points system under which points would be awarded to applicants who were unsuccessful in the previous ballot or they would be given another chance of ballot . And if he fails again in the second time he might be given the third chance
雖然暫時未有新的公營龕位供應，但如果政府能夠在新的龕位推出前完善有關法例，訂明相關的規矩，我覺得對市民也會有幫助。
Although there will be no supply of new public niches for the time being if the Government can fine - tune the relevant legislation before the next batch of new niches and set out the necessary rules I think this would be of great help to members of the public
我們並不像有些政黨般盲目反對，但我們也不是盲目支持。
Unlike some political parties which blindly opposed all proposals we did not blindly support all proposals either
當政府要在地區推動龕場的擴建計劃時，我們會先研 究該計劃對附近的居民和持份者有何影響，並收集他們的意見，然後再與政府討論所涉位置可否稍作改善。
When the Government put forth the proposal to expand WHSC we first examined its implication on the residents and the stakeholders in the vicinity collected their views and then negotiated with the Government to see if further refinements could be made
這是民建聯實事求是的作風。
This is indeed the practical attitude of DAB
其實，我當初與居民商討支持政府的擴建龕場計劃時，亦聽到市民對我說過類似的話，我覺得很有道理，因為所有人終有一天會離開這個世界。
The residents had said something similar to me when I approached them to solicit their support for the proposed expansion of WHSC . I think it makes perfect sense because we will leave this world one day
我曾翻查紀錄，顯示2016年綠色殯葬的申請宗數為4,904宗，較2012年的2,814宗增加了1.74倍，但我相信政府也會認同這只是一個小數目，相對於今天龕位的需求而言，這真的微不足道。
Of course the Government should also step up its promotion . I have looked up the record and found that the number of application for green burial had increased by 1.74 times from 2 814 in 2012 to 4 904 in 2016 . And yet I think the Government would also agree that the number is still small and negligible with regard to the present demand for niches
所以，藉着今天的立法會會議，如果全港市民和區議會均有收看的話，我希望大家都能夠實事求是。
Therefore seizing the opportunity of todays Council meeting I urge members of the public and DC members who are watching the live broadcast to be more pragmatic
所以，現時私營龕場可說是良莠不齊。
It is indeed true that the existing private columbaria are of varying standard
所以，我希望《條例草案》可獲得立法會內跨黨派議員的支持。
Hence I hope the Bill will have cross - party support from Members of the Council
雖然政府已作出否認，但我想在這裏跟政府計一計時間。
Although the Government has dismissed such an allegation I would like to do some calculations for the Government
在時間方面，6個月加3個月，然後再有若干時間給發牌委員會審批申請，我估計要批出私營龕場的牌照，最快可能也需時一年半載。
I reckon that it will take at least 12 months before the relevant licenses can be granted by the Licensing Board
所以，雖然報章報道的18個月真空期可能過長，但我覺得這段期間亦不會太短。
So while the 18 - month vacuum period stated in the press report is perhaps too long I think the transitional period will not be too short either
在這段真空期內，政府如何解決私營市場的龕位供應問題，確實至關重要。
Thus it would be most important for the Government to adopt suitable measures to address the lack of supply of private niches
誠然，這些措施有助解決部分問題，但社會上的實際情況又如何？
While such measures can indeed solve part of the problem what is the actual situation in society?
主席，現時不少龕場經營者將龕位視為奇貨可居。
President many operators of private columbaria are now regarding niches as sought after rarities
我們現在經常說，香港人不能成家立室，因為沒有錢置業，我擔心日後我們想做孝子賢孫的機會也沒有，因為我們確實負擔不起這些300多萬元的私營龕位。
Now we often say that Hong Kong people cannot get married because they cannot afford home ownership . I am afraid that in future we cannot be filial descendants even if we want to because private niches with a price tag of 3 - odd million are indeed beyond our affordability
現時一個基本的私營龕位可能要30萬元、40萬元，之前亦有一些龕位以過百萬元成交，更不用說我剛才提到價值340萬元的龕位。
At present a standard private niche can cost up to 300,000 to 400,000 while some private niches have been sold for over 1 million not to mention the niche I mentioned just now with an asking price of 3.4 million
與此同時，我留意到有報章報道指，一些合資格龕場的營辦者正就着若干項目向政府申請改劃土地用途，但在商討補地價過程中卻面對着"天價"。
Meanwhile I note from some press reports that some qualified columbarium operators have applied to the Government for land use rezoning in respect of certain sites . But when negotiating the land premium to be paid the Government is demanding astronomical sums
事實上，當局透過這兩個類別，已大致掌握個別私營龕場是否有違規情況，或是否符合土地使用規定等，而日後當發牌委員會考慮向哪些龕場發出牌照時，總不可能全部100多個龕場一次過進行檢視，一定要訂出優先次序。
In fact the authorities already have a good grasp of the operation of individual private columbarium through these two categories that is whether there are any contraventions or breach of land requirements and so on . When the Licensing Board considers the applications in future it cannot practically review the cases of all the 100 - odd columbaria in on go
如果當局能夠先檢視"表一"的龕場，讓它們早日獲發牌照，便可早些解決議員現時所擔心的真空期問題；這亦是我對《條例草案》，或日後發牌委員會的工作所提出的另一個要求。
If the authorities can review the Part A columbaria first so that they can be issued with a licence in the first instance Members concern about the vacuum period can be resolved earlier . That is my expectation for the Bill or the work of the Licensing Board
最後，我想告訴局長，雖然當局在推動綠色殯葬方面的工作已見一點成效，但仍然不足夠，因為現時採用海上或紀念花園撒灰的綠色殯葬只佔約10%。
Last but not least I would like to tell the Secretary that although results have indeed been achieved in respect of green burial as promoted by the Administration there is still much room for improvement because so far green burial only accounts for about 10 % of cremations
如果政府在這方面多加推動，我認為會有助解決現時公營和私營龕位不足的問題。
With more efforts made by the Government in this regard I am sure that it will help address the inadequate supply of niches in both the public and private sectors
我支持《條例草案》。
With these remarks I support the Bill
代理主席，我相信建制派、泛民主派或反對派的議員，大家都各有理想，我不信議員在審議財政預算案或立法會的工作時，會以"拉布"癱瘓政府為己任。
Deputy President I believe that Members of the pro - establishment the pan - democratic or the opposition camps have their own ideals and I do not believe that Members when examining the Budget or carrying out the work of the Legislative Council would regard it their responsibility to paralyse the Government by means of filibustering
這樣不單不利於社會運作，社會亦須付出沉重代價。
This will not be conducive to the operation of society and society has to pay a high price
我希望泛民主派或反對派的議員能看到出現了甚麼問題。
I hope that the pan - democratic or opposition Members will realize what has gone wrong
現時並非立法會沒有權力，而是有些議員濫用他們作為代議士的身份，在此大放厥辭。
It is not that the Legislative Council has no power; only that some Members have abused their status as representatives of public opinions to make irresponsible comments
這是今屆政府最後一份預算案，首先，我會就醫療衞生和交通發言。
This is the last Budget of the current Government . First I would like to speak on health care and transport
就過去數年的公共財政開支而言，醫療方面的確有所增加。
The public expenditure on health care in the past four years has been on the increase
2007年的醫療開支為350億元，而2017年的開支為573億元，還再加上2,000億元重建醫院基金。
The expenditure on health care in 2007 was 35 billion and in 2017 the expenditure has been raised to 57.3 billion coupled with a provision of 200 billion for hospital redevelopment
"治未病"這概念，有些人可能以為中醫學才會有，其實不然。
Some may think that the concept of preventive treatment of diseases is unique to Chinese medicine but it is so
整個醫療體系都應體現這概念。
The entire health care system should adopt this concept
我舉一個例子，在前天的立法會衞生事務委員會會議上，我們討論罕見疾病，罕見疾病的問題源於甚麼呢？
Let me cite an example . Two days ago we discussed rare diseases at the meeting of the Panel on Health Services of the Legislative Council . What is the origin of rare diseases?
很可惜，今年是我第五年擔任立法會議員，但我們提出的產前檢查建議，政府只接受了當中一小部分，逐步在醫院推行，但卻仍源用之前的做法，例如檢驗胎兒是否患有唐氏綜合症，仍然使用照超聲波、度頸皮或刺穿抽羊水的方法，為孕婦帶來風險。
This is my fifth year as a Legislative Council Member and to my regret the Government has only accepted a small part of our proposals on antenatal examination and is gradually implementing them in hospitals . However some old practices are still adopted . For example in examining the babys risk for Down syndrome the method of ultra - sound nuchal translucency screening or the invasive procedure of amniocentesis are used which would increase the risk of pregnant women
可是，我們的周邊地區早已設立罕見疾病資料庫，備有全套治療方法和防預方法的資料，為何我們直至今天仍未做呢？
However our neighbouring places have already set up databases for rare diseases together with detailed information on treatment and prevention . Why are we still lagging behind?
關於罕見疾病，我們希望政府可以"治未病"，盡快就罕見疾病進行防治，以及就藥物進行立法，並就認知、防禦、診斷、治療及社會服務各方面作出完整規劃，防止有人因為醫療措施不足而要付出沉重代價，這便是"治未病"的精神。
In respect of rare diseases we hope that the Government will offer preventive treatment . It should expeditiously look for ways to prevent and treat rare diseases . It should also legislate for the drugs and make comprehensive planning on various aspects such as recognition prevention diagnosis treatment and social services so as to ensure that no one will have to pay a high price because of the lack of health care measures
大家都知道，現時所有醫院的病床爆滿，特別是精神科的病床。
It is a well - known fact that at present all hospital beds are fully occupied the situation in psychiatric wards is especially serious
所有醫生都知道，官員也應知道，絕大部分精神病人均不喜歡服藥，他們認為自己沒有事，不願服藥，繼而發病，發病了一次、兩次、三次後，他們便會失去自理能力，成為永久精神病人。
All doctors as well as government officials should be aware that most mental patients do not like taking drugs . They all think that they are alright and refuse to take drugs and then they will relapse . After relapsing for a few times the patient will lose their self - care power and becomes mentally ill permanently
雖然針劑較為昂貴，但計及所有醫療開支，其實可以節省很多金錢，亦可以節省很多病床的開支。
Although these medicines are more costly taking into account the cost of hospital treatment the high costs of inpatient services can be saved
民建聯向政府爭取成立一個50億元的中醫藥發展基金，提出至今已是第三年，預算案依然隻字不提。
It has been three years since DAB first requested the Government to set up a 5 billion Chinese medicine development fund but the Budget is still silent about it
我希望政府把"治未病"的概念用於公營醫療體系上，市民所遭受的醫療對待不應變成惡性循環，而應從惡性循環中抽出來，令所有市民能有尊嚴地獲得醫治，否則，即使政府繼續興建醫院或投入資源，由350億元增至573億元，接着可能又要增至1,000億元，那怎麼辦？
I hope that the Government will adopt the concept of preventive treatment of disease in the public health care system so that a vicious cycle will not be formed for people receiving medical treatments . We should break the vicious cycle so that all members of the public can receive medical treatment in a dignified manner . Otherwise even if the Government builds more hospitals or allocates more resources by increasing the expenditure from 35 billion to 57.3 billion or even to 100 billion will the problem be solved?
那便要市民掏腰包、公營融資或醫療融資，但這樣是無法解決問題的，有好的方法便應採用。
By then people will have to pay their own expenses or we may have to resort to public or private health care financing but still the problems remain unresolved . We must adopt a better approach when there is one available
所以，我希望下屆政府重新檢討整個醫療體系的定位。
Hence I hope that the Government of the next term will re - examine the positioning of our health care system
由於時間有限，我要談一談交通問題。
Owing to time constraint I wish to talk about the issue about traffic now
日前港鐵觀塘線出現嚴重事故，令超過60萬名九龍東居民非常彷徨。
A few days ago a serious incident happened in the MTR Kwun Tong Line which affected over 600 000 Kowloon East residents
在下班的黃金時間內出現這種事故，實在是一場災難，亦敲響了警鐘。
The occurrence of such kind of incident during the evening peak hours was indeed a big disaster and has set off an alarm
香港人口非常稠密，大部分人都依靠鐵路運輸，而香港的整體運輸政策以鐵路為骨幹，說得難聽一點，政府希望以一鐵獨大來處理所有交通問題。
Hong Kong is extremely densely populated and most people rely on railway transport services . Hong Kongs transport policy relies on the railway system as its backbone which means that the Government depends heavily on the dominating means of railway transport to address all traffic problems
我知道，近年反對派議員經常指所有基建均是"大白象"，但大家試想想，沒有基建，市民出入又靠甚麼？
In recent years opposition Members regard all infrastructure projects as white elephants but may I ask without these infrastructures what can people get around?
我希望政府盡快落實興建東九龍線，以服務部分市民。
I hope that the Government will finalize the construction plan of the East Kowloon Line as soon as possible to provide service for local residents
結果，未來新界西，洪水橋、古洞北、元朗南及錦田南的人口，再加上屯門沿線、北環線接駁至西鐵，計算起來，將增加70萬人口，等於新界西多了一個屯門，結果是迫爆鐵路車站。
As such in future the total population in Hung Shui Kiu Ku Tung North Yuen Long South and Kam Tim South in New Territories West together with the population along the route of Tuen Mun Link the Northern Link to be connected to the West Rail will reach 700 000 . It is like having one more Tuen Mun in New Territories West . All railway stations will be packed in that region
屯荃鐵路是為了讓屯門部分居民可以經屯荃鐵路迅速到市區，但政府卻否決了。
The construction of the Tuen Mun to Tsuen Wan Link will provide some residents in Tuen Mun with another route to reach the urban area quickly but the proposal was vetoed by the Government
今天我再向局長提出一個新概念，稱之為新界鐵路，由屯門、荃灣、葵青至沙田，在新界東鐵路與新界西鐵路之間接駁一條橫向的鐵路，提高整個鐵路系統的應變能力，一旦某地區出現問題，便可以透過這條中間線將乘客轉移到另一條線，同時亦可紓緩未來人口增長的運輸需求。
Today I would like to put forth another proposal to the Secretary the New Territories Railway which goes from Tuen Mun Tsuen Wan Kwai Tsing to Sha Tin providing an east - to - west link between railway lines in New Territories East and New Territories West to enhance the flexibility of the entire railway system . Once a problem arises in a certain district passengers can readily change to another line by means of this link . It can also address the transportation demand of the future population growth
雖然有其他議員提出，希望興建第三條跨海鐵路，但此建議會受中部填海限制，相信30年內都未必成事。
Some other Members have requested for a third cross - harbour railway but as land reclamation is required in the central part the railway line may not be built even after 30 years
香港現時面對的鐵路問題相當嚴峻，我們慎重提出這要求，希望政府考慮。
The railway systems in Hong Kong are faced with very serious problems and we prudently put forward this request for consideration by the Government
同時，我亦希望政府優化行人友善政策，至於能否讓行人"行得醒、行得通、行得妥"，亦須注資，希望政府能成立一個50億元的"上坡電梯基金"。
At the same time I also hope that the Government will improve the pedestrian - friendly policy . Whether the facilities can make it smart make it connected and make it safe investment is needed . I hope the Government will provide funding to set up a 5 billion Uphill elevator and escalator fund
近數年，政府設置了很多升降機和電梯，這是德政，但如果乘搭要排長龍，人們又會說是"大白象"工程，這樣，恐怕永遠都不能成事，長者行動不便，仍無升降機或扶手電梯可用。
In the past few years the Government has provided many elevators and escalators which is a good initiative; but if people have to wait in a long queue they would regard the projects as white elephants . As such I am afraid that nothing can be done; no elevators or escalators can be installed to facilitate the elderly people who have mobility problems
所以，我希望政府成立"上坡電梯基金"。
Hence I hope that the Government will set up an uphill elevator and escalator fund
主席，首先我要多謝法案委員會主席及各位同事，特別是政府的同事，大家都知道《私營骨灰安置所條例草案》的審議已經歷數載，我經常看到首席助理秘書長黃淑嫻星期六、日都加班，非常辛苦，我要多謝他們的努力。
President first of all I have to thank the Chairman and other Honourable colleagues of the Bills Committee on Private Columbaria Bill the Bill especially government officials . We have scrutinized the Bill for several years and I am aware that Principal Assistant Secretary Miss WONG always works overtime on Saturdays and Sundays . It is very hard work and I must thank them for all their efforts
說來說去，都是土地供應問題。
It is all related to the issue of land supply . We have been plagued by the short supply of niches for many years
骨灰龕位供不應求已纏繞我們多年，有同事剛才提到上屆特首說過要"區區有龕場"，當時我是區議會副主席，聽到特首這話，我非常懷疑是否可行。
Some colleagues have just mentioned the remarks made by the former Chief Executive of having a columbarium in every district . At that time I was the deputy DC chairman . When I heard this remark I strongly doubt if that was feasible
葵青區居民的骨灰可否安放在葵青區？
Can ashes of Kwai Tsing residents be interred in Kwai Tsing?
希望大家明白，大家都不想再聽到"生時無屋住，死後無位葬"的說話，因此各黨派同事應更理性處理公營龕位的供應問題。
I hope Members will understand that no one wishes to hear the saying we live without a decent home and die without a burial place again . Hence colleagues from various political parties and groupings should deal with the supply of public niches more rationally
公營龕位長期供應不足，而且剛才有同事說，決定是否得到龕位是靠抽籤而非輪候，因此該名很喜歡開玩笑的同事又會經常說："生時不能中六合彩，死後也不能抽到龕位"，情況很糟。
Owing to the long - standing shortage of public niches and the allocation of public niches by drawing lots and not by queuing as pointed out by Honourable Members just now the colleague who likes to make jokes thus says we live without winning Mark Six Lottery and die without getting a niche by drawing lots . The situation is that bad
在2014年，政府向立法會提交《條例草案》，但很可惜，無論政府官員及立法會同事如何努力，經過兩年審議，去年因為有1名同事為了阻止香港醫務委員會的改革而"拉布"，因而亦拖垮了該項《條例草案》。
In 2014 the Government introduced the Bill into the Legislative Council . Regrettably despite the all - out efforts made by government officials and the colleagues of this Council and after two years of scrutiny the Bill could not get passed because a colleague filibustered to stop the reform of the Medical Council of Hong Kong
今天終於有機會恢復二讀，我們定必支持。
Finally today the Second Reading of the Bill will resume and we will definitely support it
有報道甚至指出，6個月成立發牌委員會，加上3個月接收申請書，再加上不知多少個月審批發牌，最終應該要18個月後才會再有龕位發售。
According to some reports it will take six months to establish the Licensing Board to be followed by three months for the Board to receive applications and then God knows how many months for the vetting and approval of applications . Hence niches are only available for sale at least 18 months later
就這真空期問題，我特別在法案委員會審議時去信要求政府提供補充資料，後來亦曾與政府會面。
Concerning the vacuum period during the Bills Committees scrutiny of the Bill I wrote to the Government asking for additional information and I also met with government officials later
理論上，如果發牌委員會在法例生效6個月後成立，最好第七個月便能處理發牌申請，縮短真空期。
In theory if the Licensing Board is formed six months after the enactment of the relevant legislation it would be ideal if the Board can process the applications in the seventh month so as to shorten the vacuum period
政府一定要清楚告知市民，不要胡亂購買龕位。
The Government must clearly tell the public not to buy niches hastily
"我也有認真地聽，看那人有否違反《商品說明條例》，但很難指他違反該條例，因為政府從未公布真空期有多長。
I advise you to buy now . I listened very carefully to see if that person had violated the Trade Descriptions Ordinance but it was very hard to accuse him of violating the Ordinance because the Government had never announced how long the vacuum period would be
他說有10多個月，這數目真的可以計算出來。
He said it would be over 10 months and that could be derived through simple calculation
所以，政府必須發出清晰的信息。
Hence the Government must convey a clear message to the public
所以，希望政府將真空期盡量縮短，希望局長稍後能夠回應我們這問題。
Hence I hope that the Government will keep the vacuum period as short as possible . I hope the Secretary will respond to this question later on
所以，我們認為政府要推出不同的解決方法，包括推廣綠色殯葬等。
Hence the Government must introduce various solutions including the promotion of green burials
我亦想藉此機會談談工聯會議員的投票立場。
I would also like to take this opportunity to talk about the position of the Members of FTU in voting
因此，我們希望在處理誰人有權領取骨灰的問題上，能夠盡量方便他們，減少爭拗。
Therefore in dealing with the issue of who has the right to claim for the return of ashes we should try our best to facilitate them and avoid disputes
關於議員同事的修正案，包括他們對"親屬"定義的修訂，或在條文中加入優先次序等，我們認為這方面需要取得社會共識，並進行更充分的討論。
In respect of our colleagues amendments including their revision to the definition of relative or prescribing the priority of claimants in the provisions and so on we think that social consensus must be obtained and the matter should be thoroughly discussed
因此，我們決定支持政府的建議，這並不表示我們認為同性伴侶無權替其伴侶處理骨灰或後事，我們只是認為，在"親屬"定義上，大家需要有更清晰、更詳細的討論，然後讓社會建立共識。
Hence we decide to support the Governments proposals . However that does not mean we do not recognize the right of the same - sex partner of the deceased person to handle the ashes or arrange for the funeral of the deceased person . We only think that the definition of relative needs clearer and more thorough discussions so as to forge a consensus in society
我 們認為政府現時的做法比較可取，亦顧及有關人士的需要。
We consider the Governments present approach more desirable and it also takes into account the needs of the related persons
我們會支持經政府修正的《條例草案》。
We will support the Bill as amended by the Government
代理主席，在疫情下，本港的經濟已經歷連續兩年衰退，失業率高企，達到7.2%，就業不足率亦上升至4%。
Deputy President under the pandemic Hong Kongs economy has already experienced recession for two consecutive years . The unemployment rate now stands high at 7.2 % while the underemployment rate also rises to 4 %
在這份財政預算案的諮詢期間，新民黨建議政府推出為期半年的失業援助計劃，向在疫情下的失業人士提供每月6,000元的援助，但很可惜未獲司長接納。
During the consultation period of this Budget the New Peoples Party suggested the Government to roll out a half - year unemployment assistance scheme to provide an assistance of 6,000 per month to people who lost their jobs amidst the pandemic . But regrettably this suggestion was not accepted by the Financial Secretary FS
但是，失業援助是否真的能幫助市民？
However can unemployment assistance really help people?
有調查指去年2月有13萬人失業，13,000人申請失業援助；但今年2月，失業大軍已增至26萬人，而申請失業援助的卻只有19,000人，佔整體失業人數不足7.5%。
A survey indicates that there were 130 000 unemployed persons with 13 000 applicants for unemployment assistance as in February last year; yet in this February the number of unemployed persons increased to 260 000 with only 19 000 applicants for unemployment assistance accounting for less than 7.5 % of the overall unemployment population
即將完結的財政年度的赤字超過2,500億元，下年度的赤字估計也會超過1,000億元。
The fiscal year ending soon has a deficit of over 250 billion and next years deficit is estimated to be over 100 billion
即使有赤字，政府的財政儲備至2021年3月31日仍處於9,027億港元的穩健水平。這亦充分顯示出港府的財政和總體經濟實力。
Even with a deficit the fiscal reserve of the Government still stands at a robust level of 902.7 billion as at 31 March 2021 which amply indicates local Governments financial and aggregated economic strength
很可惜，今年的預算案不但未有幫助中產階層人士，反而向他們開刀。
Very regrettably not only does this years Budget fail to help the middle - class people it even victimizes them
政府接納我們的建議，向市民發放5,000元電子消費券，規模達到360億元。
The Government accepted our proposal to release electronic consumption vouchers of 5,000 to the citizens with the scale reaching 36 billion
當然，政府亦解釋目的是注入消費力在本地經濟體系內流轉，讓市民以至企業同時受惠。
Certainly the Government also explained that the purpose of this measure is to stimulate consumption in the local economy so as to benefit both members of the public and enterprises