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¡@¡@Following is a transcript (English portion) of the remarks by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, today (October 13) after attending a radio programme.
Reporter : What is the possibility that there will be some new gas stations near border check points? Is it necessary for the mainland to lower its diesel price...?
Dr Liao : First of all, it is only a suggestion. We need to look into how feasible it is to provide extra gas filling stations near the border. At the moment, we already have one at Lok Ma Chau. There are suggestions that we should have more along Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok. But it has to do with land issues and other planning issues. I can't answer you now on whether we can do it or not. The other thing is about price. I mean the price differentiation is going to exist. I don't think we can say it from now that we can pull the prices to the same level. On the other hand, we are also working with the Mainland authorities and urge them to go for cleaner fuel. That's the process they are undertaking to look at. Indeed, I think that will be the best solution. Of course, that will take time. I am not saying that this is going to happen tomorrow.
Reporter : (Replacement of old pre-Euro and Euro I diesel vehicles)
Dr Liao : It will be over a period of three years for the Euro I and 18 months for the pre-Euro ones. We will give time for the drivers and owners to consider their viability of replacing their cars and it is a totally voluntary programme. We hope people would take it up, especially those who are on the verge of buying a car and also those who want to contribute to reducing pollution. This is an encouragement programme. We won't be forcing anyone. As evidence from the taxi conversion plan to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) shows, the take-up rate has been 99% for that scheme.
Reporter : So you think you will have a ...
Dr Liao : We hope people will pick it up.
Reporter : Will districts be consulted in switching off their vehicle engines voluntarily and then followed by legislation?
Dr Liao : Yes, it is one way to go. How extensive do we want this legislation to go? It is the next test. This is something quite controversial. If we cannot enforce it properly, it is all going to waste. So we want to make sure that it is enforceable at the district level.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion)
Ends/Friday, October 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:58
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