GOVERNMENT SENDS BUDGET DRAFT TO PARLIAMENT FOR SECOND READING

ZAGREB, Dec 10 (Hina) - The Croatian government on Tuesday reviewed the draft 1997 budget and sent it to parliament for the second reading, the government's public relations office said in a statement. The government made changes to the expenditure side of the budget as a result of discussion during the first reading of the draft in parliament. Expenditures would be increased for road construction, civil servants' salaries, financing of the entrepreneurial activities of demobilized persons, and care for disabled war veterans. Expenditures were cut for entertainment and the purchase of furniture and cars. During the discussion, members of the government stressed that the budget was oriented towards social welfare and development. The government also sent to parliament a final bill on budget execution and supporting documents, the statement concluded. (hina) vm jn 101814 MET dec 96