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Following is a question by the Hon Fred Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr W K Lam, in the Legislative Council today (November 8):

Question:

The Government indicated in May this year that it was contacting Dr Sun Yat-sen's descendants with a view to formulating long-term maintenance plans for the grave of Dr Sun Yat-sen's mother situated in Sai Kung. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the progress made in formulating the maintenance plans; the anticipated time for carrying out the repairing work and the estimated costs per annum; and

(b) whether it has plans to declare the grave as a monument; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

My replies to Hon Fred Li's questions are as follows:

(a) Emergency repair works to the grave of Dr Sun Yat-sen's mother to protect the grave from exposing to the elements was completed in October 2000. The Antiquities and Monuments Office will continue to monitor the condition of the grave. Repairs will be carried out as and when necessary with the consent of Dr Sun's descendants.

(b) The Antiquities Advisory Board is undertaking studies to consider whether to declare the grave a monument.

End/Wednesday, November 8, 2000

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