The Government's spending in April amounted to $21.5 billion and revenue was $18.3 billion, resulting in a deficit of $3.2 billion, the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau announced today.

The fiscal reserves stood at $491.2 billion as at the end of the month.

The deficit for the period was mainly because most revenues - including salaries and profits taxes - are collected mostly towards the end of the financial year.

The total Government debts were $16.62 billion as at April 30. They include toll revenue bond of $1.93 billion to be repaid to Hong Kong Link 2004 Limited by the net toll revenue receivable of government tolled tunnels and bridges.

The debts also include institutional notes of $14.69 billion and guarantees provided under various finance schemes.