Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui, to the media at the Legislative Council Building this (July 6) afternoon:
Today I come back to this chamber. The first time I worked here was actually 20 years ago in 1985 - as the Assistant Secretary General of the then Umelco. 1985 was the first year we had indirect elections. Since then, of course, we have seen Hong Kong progressing, developing socially, progressively and economically. I hope that in terms of political development, Hong Kong will continue to move forward.
The consultation period for the West Kowloon development just ended on June 30. It was a six-month consultation period and we have received a lot of views. In terms of written submissions we have received over 400. I think over 200,000, 300,000 people have visited the various exhibitions. The findings of this consultation are now being collated and analysed by a third party academic institution. This will take some time. I also understand that the first report of the Legco special group will release their first report this afternoon. I have not yet read the report but I am very interested to read it as soon as possible. I understand there would be a second report later on. I have already said I intend to attach great importance to the views contained in the report by Legco members in deciding on the way forward and in formulation of the strategy as to how we take the project to its next phase. So we need a little bit of time to analyse, to discuss internally before we come to a very clear and specific decision on where do we go from there. When that time comes we will inform the public and we will of course brief Legco as and when we are ready.
Reporter: Do you envisage the canopy idea to be feasible or do you think that's not going to happen any more?
Chief Secretary for Administration: I think so far from various sectors, and if you look at the media and various interested bodies, there is, in fact, a fairly significant body of support for the canopy. There have been some views expressed regarding its cost, its technical feasibility and so on, but in terms of design as a very attractive international landmark, this canopy has a lot of support. Equally there has also been disagreement as to whether we need such a canopy at all. So at this stage, as of today, I cannot say categorically whether there will or will not be a canopy. We need to further consider the views expressed, come to a clearer conclusion and then announce the conclusion as soon as possible.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Wednesday, July 6, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:17
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