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In response to press enquiries on a report in the latest issue of the Next Magazine, which claimed that the Government had already given support for a proposal by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to construct the South Island Line (SIL), a spokesman for the Environment, Transport and Works said today (February 26):

"The Administration is still awaiting a proposal from the MTRCL on the SIL. There is no question of the Government making a decision one way or the other at this point in time.

"In January 2003, it was decided that the North Island Line would be deferred. At the same time, the MTRCL has proposed to combine the SIL and the West Island Land. The Administration has asked the MTRCL to examine further the feasibility of its proposal with a view to arriving at a more cost-effective option.

"MTRCL recently indicated that the proposal would be submitted to the Administration in the second quarter of 2004. We have undertaken to carefully review MTRCL's proposal when it is received.

"In considering support for a new rail line, one of the important considerations is whether it is by itself commercially viable."

The spokesman added: "The Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, had not met Southern District Council members to seek their support for the MTRCL's SIL proposal as reported by the magazine."

Ends/Thursday, February 26, 2004

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