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Following is a transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session after attending a radio programme at Radio Television Hong Kong today (October 15):
Reporter: (About the timetable of the $2 transport concession scheme)
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: It depends on the time we take to negotiate with the operators. Also, we need the proposal to be approved in the context of the Budget next year because it forms part of the Budget and is subject to the approval of the Finance Committee of the LegCo. All these take time. But I promise that we will compress the time frame to ensure that the scheme will take off as quickly as possible.
Reporter: Would it be possible to roll out the easier part (of community care service voucher scheme) first?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I can keep an open mind on that but much depends on whether the infrastructure is ready or not. We are talking about a rather long-lasting programme. We are not talking about a short-term programme. Sustainability is important. Viability is important. As soon as we are ready, I promise you that we would get it out as quickly as possible.
Reporter: One more thing on negotiation with transport operators. The Government is the biggest shareholder of MTRC. Do you think you stand an advantage in the negotiation?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I am sure all the operators discharge corporate social responsibility. I hope that they would do the best and co-operate with the Government. We are talking about joining hands with the operators to build an inclusive and compassionate society in Hong Kong. It is good for Hong Kong in the long term as well. We are talking about a more cohesive and inclusive society here.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, October 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:50
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