Reporter: Secretary, how would the Government analyse the heritage conservation with the cost to it?
Secretary for Development: Well, as you have noted from the paper and also the discussion in the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB), in principle we try our best to conserve the archaeological remnants in-situ. But in regard to Well J2, when compared with the other two that have been uncovered, this particular well, in terms of its archaeological value, is relatively less important. We note that there are different aspirations and different expectations in the community. That is why we set out four options for members of the public and members of the AAB to consider. At the end of the day, I think we need to take into consideration not just the archaeological values, but also the additional cost, and possible delay to the Shatin to Central Link. We have to make a balanced choice. Over the next two weeks, we will be listening to views of the relevant Legislative Council Panels, as well as views expressed by the public.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, November 20, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:45
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