Public eager to know more about government spending

How much does the government spend a year on overseas travel by officials, their business cars and business banquets? Asked the question at the National People's Congress, Minister of Finance Lou Jiwei said there is no clear accounting, and he "roughly estimated" the spending as more than 40 billion yuan ($6.4 billion) dismissing the popular estimation of 300 billion yuan as "nonsense". Comments:

Similar questions have been asked before, and Lou has made a better answer than most of his predecessors by supporting his claim with some data. The problem is, as the senior official in charge of the budget of the whole nation, he, or his ministry, is responsible for getting the details through strict accounting, instead of "roughly estimating". We hope the senior officials can be more professional.

Beijing News, March 7

Whatever the actual data is, a general trend is to cut the official budget for cars, receptions and overseas travel of officials. The government should never waste a single cent and it is responsible for providing public service without wasting taxpayers' money. Unlike in the recent past, officials should be prepared for not-so-luxurious lifestyles at the public's expense.

Beijing Times, March 7

Opinions might differ on Lou's answer, but it at least sets a good example for benign interaction between an official and journalists. Instead of avoiding the questions as some of his colleagues had, he bravely faced the challenging questions and talked reasonably with the media.

Qianjing Evening News, March 7

Besides the "300 billion yuan", people have other guesses about the public spending, too, which reflect their deep concerns about how the money taken out of their pockets is used. The government should do detailed accounting of official spending and publish the results without any hidden information. As long as such information lacks transparency, people's guesses will continue even though a minister says the speculation is nonsense.

dahe.cn, March 7

The public shows concern about unnecessary public spending, not only because it is too heavy a burden, but also because the money is often used improperly. Instead of speaking sentimentally, the minister and his subordinates should supervise better to prevent officials from continuing wasting taxpayers' money.

xxcb.cn, March 7