************************************************************
Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing (STH), Ms Eva Cheng, on transport arrangement at the airport at a stand-up session this afternoon (July 16) (English portion):
Reporter: (You have been accused of giving in to the taxi drivers, what is your reaction to that?)
STH: I think it's important that we realise that the new arrangement has been standing for months, and different sectors have known about the details. It is important that most of us when we go to the airport, we take the airport railway, buses, and taxis, it's important that anything done in the airport area is lawful. There have been some unlawful activities going on. It's important that we have effective measures to tackle those incidents. The overall arrangement is for the orderly operation of the airport. What happened now is that maybe on certain details, they have had some exchanges on improvement, but we do not expect any major amendments to the arrangement which have been planning and in dialogue for months. I think a lot of people are aware that this is actually for the good of operation of the airport.
Reporter: (How would you describe the blockade incident and will the Government take action to prevent such activity again?)
STH: I think the case is now in the hand of the Police. It is important that we recognise that any of such activities that affects the smooth operation of the airport is unacceptable.
Reporter: (Are you suggesting that we should take action against such activity?)
STH: Action is now in the hand of the Police and I am sure they will deal with it appropriately.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, July 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:28
NNNN
