Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session after attending a radio interview this morning (May 30):
Reporter: Is it wise to merge housing and planning and lands?
Secretary for Development: I think in every term of government, it is only legitimate to reorganise the Government's activities and businesses to reflect the priority of the Government of the day. It is beyond doubt that housing will be the "top-top" priority of the Chief Executive-elect and hence this suggestion, which actually reverts back to the pre-2007 situation, where housing, planning and lands are put together, is I think a very reasonable proposition. In fact, many of the housing land supply in the medium to long term are all subject to planning studies. So I believe that this would be a better way to make sure not only that we are geared up to supply the land, but the public would get a very clear signal and message from the next government that housing is really the top priority.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:09
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