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In response to media enquiries about the Government's arrangement of issuing press releases last night (February 8), a Government spokesman gave the following reply today (February 9):
Upon receipt of media enquiries about Mr CY Leung's participation in the West Kowloon Reclamation Concept Plan Competition, the Home Affairs Bureau proceeded to review its old files. The Executive Council (ExCo) Secretariat had also reviewed its relevant meeting minutes. After the facts had been ascertained, the Government issued a press release immediately to set out the relevant facts.
The media also asked the Government about the declaration of interest by Mr Henry Tang in relation to the reduction of duty rate on alcoholic beverages. After reviewing the relevant 2007 ExCo meeting minutes, the ExCo Secretariat issued a press release immediately to set out the relevant facts.
It is the Government's responsibility to answer media enquiries and provide relevant information under the guiding principles of protecting public interest and complying with the confidentiality requirements.
Ends/Thursday, February 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:36
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