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Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after meeting the representatives of local live poultry trade this afternoon (January 28):
Reporter: (on the suggestions raised by live poultry trade at the meeting)
Secretary for Food and Health: The industry proposed that the Government should consider establishing another poultry wholesale market, so that imported poultry population can be separated from local poultry population. The Government has reservation in establishing another wholesale market. We pointed out to the industry that barring other policy considerations, there are genuine technical difficulties in identifying a suitable place for such a purpose. On top of that, even if we come up with a possible site for such a purpose, we anticipate resistance or objection from various districts with reasonable grounds. Therefore, it will not be easy. However, we do reckon that if possible, we should explore a mechanism so that when the imported poultry is awaiting the test results, they do not have to be placed at the same site with local poultry.
Regarding the long term policy as to whether Hong Kong would still like to have live chicken supply, I think it is time for the whole community to rethink in the light of the recent incident.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 22:14
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