Following is the transcript of remarks at a media session by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, after attending a radio programme this morning (February 23):

Reporter: Mr Wong, can you tell us the reason why the Government is not developing the remaining 140 hectares of the Fanling Golf Course? On the other end of the spectrum, how do you respond to that "it is a populist decision"?
 
Secretary for Development: It is not an easy decision. It is a decision made by the Chief Executive in Council after having very carefully balanced different views. On one hand, the 32 hectares of land to the east of Fan Kam Road can give us land supply mainly for public housing within a short to medium term. We all know about the housing shortage faced by Hong Kong. On the other hand, if you look at the Fanling Golf Course in particular, if you look at the outcome of the review done by the Home Affairs Bureau, the Fanling Golf Course has been making major contribution to sports development, golf development, in Hong Kong. In terms of the extent of its openness, it is actually rather high. At the moment, you can say that it is up to 40 per cent open to individual members of the public. Also, I think it is the best place for hosting major international golf tournaments in Hong Kong. So, having balanced all the factors, the decision is to take back the 32 hectares of land upon the expiry of the current lease in August 2020. Then there will be a hold over agreement for three years for the 32 hectares of land. As regards the 140 hectares of land, the Government will not at this stage seek to change the land use. In other words, it will continue to be used as a golf course. The Home Affairs Bureau in its paper has also announced the decision that the lease for the 140 hectares will be renewed up to the end of June 2027. 

     You asked about the different spectrums. I think we respect that. We do understand that, in particular, if the Government takes a decision that represents a balancing of the interests of different parties in the community, there will still be individual parties at either end of the spectrum who will not be satisfied. If you talk about the possibility of the Fanling Golf Course being used as a hosting venue for major international golf tournaments, I think right now, given that the decision has been made, the important point is to look ahead and see what pragmatic issues need to be dealt with for the 140 hectares of the remaining land and the 40 something holes to be used in this regard. I understand that the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, has already started his dialogue with stakeholders to see if there are obstacles and challenges that need to be overcome. If the Government can provide assistance, we are happy to do so.

Reporter: Given the controversial nature of the reclamation, can you tell us how are you going to convince the public over the plan when you don't even have a rough budget on it? How are you going to convince the District Council?

Secretary for Development: I think even if we have the figures now, it will also be controversial. We are working on those preliminary figures, and hope to have them ready before we make our submission to the Panel on Development of the Legislative Council. But at the moment, the overall position remains very clear that if you look at the figures, the income side in particular, Hong Kong is able to afford this project. This remains very clear. We do not have any doubt on that.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will leave for Beijing tomorrow (February 24).
 
     During her stay, Ms Cheng will meet with representatives from the Supreme People's Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss matters relating to dispute resolution services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road related regions.
 
     Ms Cheng will return to Hong Kong on February 26.

     Correctional officers at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre stopped a fight among persons in custody yesterday (February 22).

     At 8.46pm yesterday, two male persons in custody, aged 47 and 54 respectively, were found fighting inside their dormitory. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the fight and called for reinforcement.

     During the incident, one of the person in custody sustained an injury to his eye while another person in custody sustained injury to his chest. The former was required to be referred to a public hospital for further examination after receiving treatment at the institution hospital. He was subsequently escorted back to the institution after receiving medical treatment at the public hospital.

     The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

     The two persons in custody were sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of possession of a dangerous drug and being employer of a person who is not lawfully employable respectively.
 

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (February 24).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.