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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, at a media session after attending the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Airport Career Expo 2015 today (June 5):
Reporter: Mr Cheung, LegCo (Legislative Council) members severely criticise the CAD regarding the new traffic control system. Was the Government closely monitoring the CAD (Civil Aviation Department) to ensure that there'll be no further delays in the implementation of the system ...?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: The Government is very concerned about the latest report produced by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the new Air Traffic Control System to be installed by the CAD. Of course, we know that LegCo members are seriously concerned about the delay in completion. But at the same time, we have to ensure that safety is the paramount consideration.
We have urged the CAD to talk closely to the provider to ensure that the system be installed without further delay. The latest estimated timing is that the system will be fully replaced by the first half of 2016. We want the CAD to closely liaise with the contractor to make sure that this is the schedule to be complied with. At the same time to ensure that safety, efficiency, effectiveness are the prime considerations in taking the whole project forward.
Of course, we know that the PAC has expressed disappointment about the delay. The very lengthy report produced by the CAD (should be PAC) is something that we would read carefully. We'll see whether there's any area that warrants special attention. But I can assure PAC that we would very closely follow up the recommendations made by the PAC and we will fully explore the various observations made by the PAC.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, June 5, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:11
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