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Following is a transcript of a media session by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, after attending the Legislative Council meeting this afternoon (October 13):

Dr Liao: We heard from MTRCL earlier on. It explained the incident this morning as well as announcing the hiring of an independent expert to study the entire system. I think it is very timely in view of the recent spate of events. It is very important that we do look for professional help to see whether there is any systematic reason for such incidents and look for solutions to improve the situation.

Reporter: Years ago, the corporation had conducted some kind of investigations.... Yet problems persist. ... Do you think this one ... is sufficient?

Dr Liao: We need different kinds of expertise at different period of time. The railway has expanded since that time. The new Tseung Kwan O Rail for example has added parameters to the entire system. It is a very timely thing to have an expert to look at the entire system again.

Reporter: Would the repetition of small problems suggest there might be a larger problem of the system?

Dr Liao: There is always accident prevention. We'll have to look at that direction. Whether it is true or not, it depends on what the findings of the study will determine.

Reporter: Who will be doing the ...

Dr Liao: The Lloyd's Register Rail is a world-renowned risk assessment (agency) for railways and various transport agencies.

Reporter: Will they be doing it by themselves or assisted by ...?

Dr Liao: They will be assisted by the railway staff to understand how the system works, and to look at the complexity of the entire system.

Reporter: Are you worried about the safety of the system?

Dr Liao: No.

Reporter: What exactly will Lloyd's Register Rail ...? The whole system?

Dr Liao: It will assess the safety system, its operation, the machinery of the MTRCL system.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion)

Ends/Wednesday, October 13, 2004

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