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Following is the transcript of a media session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Central Government Offices this (June 20) afternoon:

Reporter: Mr Tung, are you concerned about the proposals . . .the companies to increase their charges . . .?

Mr Tung: As I said earlier on, as the Chief Executive, obviously I am concerned about all livelihood issues. At the last meeting of the Legislative Council, I specifically mentioned that under the principle of prudent financial management, we as a government, should not be putting additional burden on the population. And when we do these things, we need to consider the impact on the overall economy and the affordability of the community as a whole to take on this increase. So obviously, yes, we are concerned. The suggestion of increasing fares has to go through a normal process of consultation. It is now before the Transport Advisory Committee. And I hope and I am sure the two railways will listen very carefully to the views of the population at large, and I hope that consideration will be given to the overall economic recovery, the status of that recovery as well as the affordability of the community.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)

End/Wednesday, June 20, 2001

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• Transcript of FS' stand-up briefing (19.06.01)

• TAC discussed MTRCL & KCRC fare increase proposals (19.06.01)