Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (October 19):
Reporter: Secretary, you said in the radio programme that the housing target is still 60 000 to 70 000 short. Can the government achieve that 470 000 units or you will look for other land?
Secretary for Development: Well, in terms of land supply, we have basically secured all the land necessary for implementing the targets as announced in the Policy Address. But as you know, the figure indicated in the (Long Term Housing Strategy) consultation paper is much higher than those indicated in the Policy Address. The difference is about 60 000 to 70 000 units. In terms of finding suitable land to support that particular target, we have, in the Development Bureau, undertaken a number of measures, including the review of various parcels of land under short-term tenancies, or under short-term allocation, as well as completed the second phase of Green Belt sites review. We have identified a substantial number of sites that could be considered for rezoning for development into housing sites. We have completed the internal circulation among Government departments and will be conducting technical studies in respect of these sites. When we completed these technical studies, then we will approach relevant District Councils to seek their agreement and support for these lands to be rezoned into residential use. Then we will go to the Town Planning Board. If we can have the support from the local community, we are confident that we can meet the target. The challenge is the response of the local District Councils when we consult them.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, October 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:10
NNNN