Transcript of remarks by STH
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Reporter: Mr Chan, concerning the express rail, some lawmakers said they would ask as many questions as they can if you take. Are you worrying that it will delay the passage of the bill and that the terminus cannot be opened in September?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: We are confident that we would be able to complete the legislative vetting process with due consideration, because as we understand, you know it, if you have the opportunity to look into the draft legislation, you would realise that there are only a few articles. There are altogether three chapters and eight articles which are very factual and necessary, and on those items, we do not envisage much debate. Based on our experience in the Shenzhen West Corridor (Shenzhen Bay Port), which (the legislative process) was completed in a two-and-a half-months’ time, I would envisage more or less the same time duration to be required, if not more.
Reporter: How would you convince the legislators to speed up the process?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: We will try to explain with reasons and details so as to assure them that the bill is basically enabling the introduction of the co-location arrangement, and nothing political inside.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, February 3, 2018
Issued at HKT 13:21
Issued at HKT 13:21
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