*********************************************************
Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, after inspecting the tree management work at Victoria Park this afternoon (April 20) (English portion):
Reporter: ... Do you think it's actually a job that can be handled by a senior official who is not as senior as you?
Chief Secretary for Administration: I think it's important that we strike the right balance between conservation and safety against fallen trees. It was a very unfortunate and sad incident that a university student with a bright future was killed by a tree, and I think the Government can place no less emphasis by appointing me to oversee the exercise.
Reporter: Do you think the trees in Hong Kong will be safe during the upcoming typhoon season?
Chief Secretary for Administration: During a typhoon season, I'm sure all of us have experienced many of them in the past, inevitably some trees will be felled by strong winds. So I urge everyone in Hong Kong that in times of typhoons, stay indoors, stay safe and do not go out unless it is absolutely necessary.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript of remarks.)
Ends/Monday, April 20, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:10
NNNN
Windows Media format
Real Media format