Debate on Motion of Thanks for Policy Address(4) (28 October 2005)

MR JAMES TIEN (in Cantonese): Madam President, I know I have only some 50 seconds of speaking time left, but as the issue of poverty alleviation is mentioned in this session, so I would like to speak again.

Mrs Sophie LAU has talked on behalf of the Liberal Party about our position on the topic of poverty alleviation. Of course, in terms of social justice, we think that as a political party of the business sector, the most important thing to foster growth in business so that more people can be hired. If employers have difficulties in hiring employees, that would mean that the employees will certainly have a good chance to look for another employer and greener pasture. This would not be a problem if the economic situation is good. But I understand that some poor people do exist in society and they need help from society.

Madam President, in order to respond to this demand, the Liberal Party has set up a poverty alleviation fund. So far we have received some 500 applications, of which some 100 have been approved. Most of these applications came from poor students lodging an application to get the money to buy books. The Liberal Party will continue with our efforts on this. Thank you, Madam President.