LOWER HOUSE ADOPTS BUDGET REVISION

( Editorial: --> 4033 ) ZAGREB, June 26 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House of Representatives unanimously adopted the state budget revision on Friday. The budget revision was supported by 68 MPs from the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Croatian Party of Rights (HSP) and part of independent and Opposition MPs, while a large part of Opposition representatives, dissatisfied because their amendments were not adopted, walked out and did not vote. The revised budget envisages growth of current revenue amounting to US $968 billion, which will decrease foreign debts by US $312 million and leave 656 million dollars for expenditure. The revised budget also envisages the reduction of taxes on salaries by US $117 million. Pension and disability insurance funds will be allocated US $140 million, and the health fund will be given US $92 million. Another US $101 million will be set aside for the financial reorganisation of Dubrovacka banka, that is, for payments to its depositors. By adopting some of a total of 160 amendments at today's lower house session, the Government has increased transfers to counties, towns and municipalities. Minorities also received more funds than was proposed. Despite disagreement from the Government, the lower house adopted an amendment of the Committee for Finance and State Budget, allocating US $ 23 million for the financing of housing. After Finance Minister Borislav Skegro said that there was no money in the budget for that, Djuro Njavro said he could not give up the amendment on behalf of the Committee. With its amendment the Government has secured an additional US $78 million for pension adjustment, which will be carried out if Parliament adopts two government bills which are to be discussed at a special session in July. Amendments proposed by the Government and Committee for Labour, Social Policy and Health have secured an additional US $13.5 million for stimulating employment. The budget revision has also secured additional funds for subsidies in agriculture and for universities in Rijeka and Osijek. The lower house also adopted a law enabling an increase of funds for state guarantees from US $156 million to 547 million. (hina) jn rml/bag 261950 MET jun 98