Following is a transcript of the media stand-up by the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands, Mr Michael Suen, after the High Court has handed down the judgment regarding the application of interim injunction in relation to Central Reclamation Phase III today (October 6):
Reporter: Will reclamation work be resumed immediately?
Mr Suen: We know that the court has handed down the judgment which allow us to resume work. But there are a number of different considerations that we ought to take into account. For example, we have said earlier that we are undertaking a study of the extent and urgency of the works undertaken in Central in accordance with the three criteria laid down by the judge handling the case of the judicial review of the Wan Chai Reclamation. That particular study is nearing completion. We are also aware of the fact that there is an ongoing JR case of the Central Reclamation which will be heard early next year. So these are relevant factors that we ought to factor in before deciding what to do. Taking everything into consideration, I will be reporting all this to the Executive Council and we will decide what will be the next step to take.
Reporter: Does it mean that reclamation will be put on hold until you decide on the next step?
Mr Suen: The next step will be coming out very soon and so I won't use the word "put on hold".
Reporter: Will the next step be coming out tomorrow?
Mr Suen: I can't say for sure but it will be very soon.
Reporter: You talk about your own review of what will be done to the Central Reclamation ... what role will public opinion play in your decision making, and to what extent you are delaying ... concerning public reaction ... possible demonstration?
Mr Suen: Of course, these have to be taken into account. That's why, we need a bit of time to see how we can take proper account of the public opinion received.
Reporter: ... about the compensation, are you paying the contractor for works suspended ... a million a day?
Mr Suen: That's the maximum allowable under the contract. Of course actual damage depends on the actual situation. Earlier we've been asked a question as to what provision there is in the contract for compensation and what is the maximum amount that is payable and that was the answer given.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
End/Monday, October 6, 2003
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