The following is issued on behalf of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project:

     The Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project (the Commission) conducted a preliminary hearing today (May 6) in relation to the expanded part of its terms of reference at the hearing room on 1/F of the former Tsuen Wan Law Courts Building, 70 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong.

     As revealed in the opening address by the Counsel for the Commission, the Commission has issued letters requesting witness statements and other documentation from a number of relevant parties. The Commission has also served "Salmon letters" (letters giving advance notice to entities that might be the subject of criticism) on the parties listed below.

(1) Transport and Housing Bureau;
(2) Highways Department;
(3) Development Bureau;
(4) Buildings Department;
(5) MTR Corporation Limited;
(6) Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited;
(7) Wing & Kwong Steel Engineering Co Limited; and
(8) PYPUN-KD & Associates Limited.

     These parties have been asked to consider participating in, and having separate legal representation at, the substantive hearing in relation to the expanded part of the Commission's terms of reference.

     The above-mentioned parties have provided/will provide witness statements and documents to the Commission. Unless notified otherwise, all individuals providing witness statements to the Commission will be required to give evidence at the substantive hearing.

     The Commission also dealt with other procedural matters at the preliminary hearing, including the default language of the hearing, access to documents and use of materials provided by the Commission, written witness statements and responsive statements, participation and legal representation of the parties, the hearing procedure and seating arrangements in the hearing room.

     The Commission will conduct the hearings in English, and will provide simultaneous interpretation services when appropriate. Unless otherwise directed, all hearings will be open to the public. No photography or audio/video recording is allowed at the hearing venue.

     The Commission will hold the substantive hearing to take factual evidence in relation to the expanded part of the inquiry at the above-mentioned hearing room from May 27 to June 19 inclusive. The substantive hearing shall be subject to any adjournments that the Commission may consider necessary from time to time. Unless otherwise directed by the Commission, the substantive hearing will be held from 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 5pm on weekdays. The Commission may consider holding the substantive hearing on Saturdays during the said periods if necessary.

Ends/Monday, May 6, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:00

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