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Following is the transcript of the media session by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, after a meeting with the representatives of the civil service staff unions this (June 7) afternoon:
Reporter: Mr Tsang, do you have an English statement?
Mr Tsang: Well, I haven't got one, but I am quite happy to provide a translation afterwards. What I have just said is that I know although many civil service colleagues are agreeable to a pay reduction, they have certain strong reservations regarding the legislative route that we have proposed. So I have taken the opportunity to listen to their views and explain why we have to do this, because we believe that unless we go through legislation as advised by the lawyers, we are likely to face with long litigation involving public expenses and likely to harm the reputation of the civil service in the long run.
Reporter: Why you would now willing to consider the commission of inquiry?
Mr Tsang: The setting up of a Committee of Inquiry was provided for in the agreement with staff. But this can only happen under certain conditions. The staff have requested one. We have the obligation to put the matter to the Chief Executive and this is what we are going to do.
(Note: Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
End/Friday, June 7, 2002
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