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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a stand-up media session at the Legislative Council Building today (July 2):
Reporter: (about number of poultry traders leaving the industry)
Secretary for Food and Health: We will see how many of them would really like to leave the trade by July 24, which is the last day that they can indicate their interest. I think it is important to note that this package was launched and considered when the trade said that they could not survive with this new regulation (no overnight stocking of live poultry at retail outlets).
Reporter: Will you consider meeting people from the live poultry trade today? Will you say that the Government's direction is no bargaining or communication with the trade?
Secretary for Food and Health: In fact, we have been negotiating for the last two weeks with different trades. I will be meeting some of the representatives today, particularly the concerned legislators. And our departments will also meet some of the trade representatives today on whatever issues they want to raise. But as I've said earlier, I think the limit of compensation has reached the ceiling that the Government has intended to address the issue. I think it is important that the trade should be more pragmatic and realistic when they try to ask for anything more.
(Please also refer to the Chinese session of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:51
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