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SDEV speaks to the media
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (February 6):

Reporter: Secretary, is this the time to lift the property market cooling measures?

Secretary for Development: No, this is not the right timing for lifting any of the property market cooling measures. We have been monitoring the market very closely. We do believe that there is no room for such an adjustment at this stage.

Reporter: When will the Government consider to remove the property market cooling measures? When do you think it is the time?

Secretary for Development: It is not appropriate for me to elaborate all the considerations that we will take into account in considering whether to lift any of the property market cooling measures. But I can assure you that firstly, this is not the right timing to do anything; secondly, we have been monitoring the market very closely; thirdly, the situation at the moment is an orderly adjustment. There is no cause for alarm.

Reporter: Secretary, regarding the indigenous villagers' rights, when do you think the Government will review the small house policy?

Secretary for Development: The small house policy is under constant review. But as I said, this is not my top priority at the moment for a number of reasons. Firstly, the possible legal disputes, and consequently prolonged legal proceedings. Considering the possible prolonged litigation, any change to this policy would not help me in terms of seeking medium-term or even long-term land supply. Secondly, as I said, it is not my policy objective to find enough land to satisfy all the indigenous villagers' rights. I am limiting the land supply to control the situation. So in the remaining term of this Administration, I think we will stick to this stance.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Saturday, February 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:56

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