The quality of disciplined services will stay despite a 1.7% spending cut in 2005-06, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says, adding preparatory work on security issues relating to the World Trade Organisation Sixth Ministerial Meeting to be held in Hong Kong in December is underway.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mr Lee noted the spending on security issues in 2005-06 will be about $23.2 billion, a dip of 1.7% over a year earlier.

He stressed the Government's spending cut measures in recent years have not affected frontline services, as the overall crime rate keeps falling and immigration services remain efficient.

On security measures relating to the WTO Sixth Ministerial Meeting, Mr Lee said preparatory work is now underway.

Police have already liaised with organisations which staged petitions during past meetings, informing them that Hong Kong allows peaceful and orderly demonstrations.

Mr Lee stressed Hong Kong, upholding the 'one country, two systems' principle, handles immigration cases on an individual basis.

Turning to drug abuse in Hong Kong, Mr Lee noted education has been the most effective way to tackle the problem, in particular among youngsters, adding anti-drugs education will be stepped up to spread the message.