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A Commission of Inquiry was appointed by the Chief Executive-in-Council today (Tuesday) to inquire into the operation of the new Hong Kong International Airport.

Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing has been appointed Chairman and Dr Edgar Cheng Wai-kin a Commissioner. The Commission is expected to finish its inquiry in around six months and may call experts from local and overseas for assistance.

The Commission of Inquiry is a judicial proceeding appointed in accordance with the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance (Cap. 86). It is a thorough inquiry with statutory powers to summon persons to give evidence and produce documents.

The Commission will have the following terms of reference -

* To examine the planning and preparation for the opening of the new airport including the adequacy of communication and coordination between all interested parties.

* To examine the decision to open the new airport on July 6, 1998 and the extent to which it was ready to begin operation on that date.

* To examine the operation of the new airport since it opened on July 6, 1998 (including but not limited to flight information display system, franchised air cargo services, ramp handling, baggage handling and air side security) and to identify the roles of the various parties involved.

* To identify problems encountered in the operation of the new airport and to establish their causes and where the responsibility for each of them lies.

The terms of reference do not include matters to do with civil liability or quantification of loss or damage. The exclusion is necessary as otherwise the Commission will be asked to investigate and determine individual contractual claims which would be extremely time-consuming and which should be considered by the ordinary courts.

The Chief Executive said, "The appointment of an independent statutory commission demonstrates clearly our determination to find out what went wrong, to establish where the responsibilities lie, and to help prevent similar incidents from happening again."

"We have decided to appoint Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing and Dr Edgar Cheng for their standing in the community and their record of public service," the Chief Executive said.

Mrs Marion Lai Chan Chi-kuen, Administrative Officer Staff Grade B, has been appointed Secretary to the Commission. The Secretariat is located on the 14th floor of Guardian House, Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai.

End/Tuesday, July 21, 1998

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