In response to press enquiries on the future use of Government House, the Chief Executive's Office issued the following statement today (Monday):

"The Chief Executive's Office announced in May this year that the Chief Executive had decided to make Government House, a building of significant historical value, more accessible to the public after the handover.

The Chief Executive has decided to continue living in Grenville House and not in the Government House as he feels that it would be a more appropriate way to mark the beginning of a new era after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The Chief Executive has accordingly asked the Administration to prepare a proposal on the long term uses of the Government House, including the feasibility of converting part of the Government House into a museum.

The Administration is presently examining various options regarding the long term uses of the Government House. In line with usual Government policy on uses of historic monuments, advice of the Antiquities Advisory Board will be sought.

In the course of deciding the long term uses of the Government House, we will also consider the frequency of opening the Government House to the public.

We will of course take into account any views that the public might wish to express on the matter. It is expected that a final decision on the matter will be made in the first quarter of 1998.

Meanwhile, the Government House is being used by the Chief Executive and Mrs Tung for official functions. In addition, the Chief Executive welcomes applications by Government bureaux and departments, charitable organisations and other public organisations to host major events which promote public interests.

Based on the existing staffing resources available at the Government House, we envisage that the Government House could be open for such uses roughly twice a month. The relevant selection criteria and application procedures are being worked out by the Administration. We would make an appropriate announcement on the details in the near future."