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Following is a transcript of a stand-up briefing by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, after speaking at the civil service management forum today (August 28):

Reporter: (question inaudible)

SETW: The popularity poll has, to certain extent, reflected the idea, the public's idea about the government. But I wouldn't take that as bible. You know, we have to consider what are the factors that cause it. The economic downturn obviously has caused a lot of pain and suffering of our people. But as respect to my portfolio, obviously, I have many challenges that I have to face. The reason why I kept talking about polluted-pays is because the acceptance by the society is not there. I have spoken repeatedly on this principle. But I haven't seen any media actively reporting it. Right?

Reporter: (question inaudible)

SETW: Yes, of course. We are going to put in the landfill charges proposal to the Legislative Council once it resumes. It will be a process of drafting bill to enable us to do that. We have worked for many many months with the truck drivers who shift all these to the landfill, and also the owner of such waste, such as the developers and the contractors. And I think we have got a model that should work. And now we need the community's support. You know it's not the money that we are talking about. But it is the principle that when we produce waste, there is a cost to it.

Reporter: (question inaudible)

SETW: Well, it is not yet on our horizon. I hope we can do it through the citizen's social responsibility. We can do it through that angle.

End/Wednesday, August 28, 2002

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