Following is a transcript of a media session by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, after attending a radio programme this morning (November 15):
Reporter: Can you just tell our English-speaking audience what you will intend to do about the Court of Appeal's ruling about the rent next week? What will happen if you win? What will happen if you lose?
Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands: I think a lot depends on the actual court ruling. If the court rules against us then very clearly we've got to follow the provisions in the Housing Ordinance to reduce rent. But in case the court rules in our favour, a lot depends on the actual ruling of the court, what it says about the particular provision in the Housing Ordinance whether in fact it accepts our argument in which case we will have to examine very carefully the actual ruling with a view to coming up with a suitable form of relief for the residents in terms of their rent.
Reporter: But even if the Government loses, there is some form of relief?
Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands: If we lose, it is quite clear cut, we have to follow the ruling. If we win, as I have said, we will consider some sort of measures to relieve the pressure on them.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion)
Ends/Monday, November 15, 2004
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