**********************************************
Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, to a question by the Hon Cheung Hok-ming in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
Question:
The Government has decided to reduce the coverage of the Frontier Closed Area ("FCA") substantially from about 2,800 to about 800 hectares. However, the land to be released as a result of the measure will not include the Sha Tau Kok ("STK") town because the authorities consider it necessary to maintain the FCA restrictions at the town. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it will further release land from the FCA, particularly that of the STK area; if it will not, of the reasons for that;
(b) how it will revitalise the STK town, which is still within the FCA, in order to invigorate the economy of the locality; and
(c) whether it has plans to promote the inclusion of STK in ecotourism routes; if it has, of the details, if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
The Frontier Closed Area ("FCA") has been an important security measure in maintaining the integrity of the boundary between Hong Kong and the Mainland and in combating cross-boundary illegal activities. Since the Reunification, the law enforcement agencies of Hong Kong and Shenzhen have strengthened cooperation and effectively combated cross-boundary crimes. Therefore, from the security point of view, the coverage of the FCA could be reduced. In September 2006, we announced the proposal to reduce the land coverage of the existing FCA from about 2,800 hectares to about 800 hectares. Following extensive public consultation, we have accepted comments from various parties and decided to further reduce the coverage of the FCA, releasing the Lok Ma Chau Loop, Hoo Hok Wai, and two patches of land northwest of Lin Ma Hang Village and north of Pak Fu Shan respectively from the FCA. The revised land coverage of the FCA will be substantially reduced to about 400 hectares, and is expected to take effect between the end of 2010 and the end of 2012 in phases.
We need to retain the Sha Tau Kok ("STK") town within the FCA, primarily because of the unique physical setting of Chung Ying Street. Chung Ying Street is a narrow street. There is no physical barrier to delineate the boundary between Hong Kong and the Mainland, nor are there any proper boundary control facilities. In addition, smuggling and illegal immigration activities conducted via Chung Ying Street persist. Given these security considerations and physical constraints, we cannot completely excise STK from the FCA. We shall, nevertheless, move the southern boundary of the FCA at STK northward to the entrance of STK town.
We would like to clarify that retaining the STK town within the FCA would not hinder the development of the area. Planning Department has already drawn up a layout plan to provide development guidelines for the area. The local community may make reference to the layout plan in taking forward any commercial activities. The planning authorities will keep the layout plan under review to keep in step with the changing development situation.
Meanwhile, we shall actively consider opening up the STK town on a limited basis so as to encourage tourism development in the area. Indeed, we have been in discussion with the STK residents on various options with a view to opening up the STK pier as soon as possible, so as to facilitate tourists' access to the islands in northeastern New Territories and promote the development of eco-tourism. On the premise that boundary security would not be compromised, we consider that a certain number of organised tour groups may be permitted to use the STK pier during weekends and public holidays. However, due to the unique physical setting of Chung Ying Street, in opening up STK town for tourism development, we have to ensure that the associated security measures will be acceptable to the local residents and can facilitate the Police in maintaining effective boundary management.
Although we have not yet reached a consensus with the local representatives on the area to be opened up and the associated security measures, we shall continue with our consultation with a view to drawing up an arrangement acceptable to all parties concerned as soon as possible.
Ends/Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:02
NNNN
