Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Mr Paul Chan, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (June 25):
Reporter: What will be the role of the Development Bureau in the cross-bureau investigation?
Secretary for Development: The Buildings Department is one of the departments under the Development Bureau. The responsibility of this department is building safety. So our contribution in this joint-department workforce is primarily building safety.
Reporter: Is it true that the Development Bureau has neglected some of the possible dangers in re-developing industrial buildings, especially for mini-storage usage? Do you think it has some shortages and neglected some of the dangers?
Secretary for Development: Well, the use of the existing industrial buildings for mini-storage purposes itself does not involve re-development. But I accept that the regulation of mini-storage has room for improvement. That is why under the leadership of the Security Bureau, the Government has set up an inter-departmental task force to tackle the issue. We will diligently and speedily proceed with the work under that particular task force.
Reporter: Can you suggest some improvements?
Secretary for Development: Well, at this stage it is premature to comment on the specific mitigation measures and improvements. For sure, we will look at this matter seriously, and try our best to find out short-term mitigation measures and long-term solutions. If we need to legislate, we will seek the agreement of the Legislative Council to put through the necessary legislation.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, June 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:52
NNNN