Following is the transcript of remarks at a media session by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, after attending radio programmes this morning (June 30):

Reporter: Mr Secretary, there is criticism that the six measures announced by Government yesterday do little to address the crux of the matter, that is the home prices remain out-of-reach for most people.  What do you have to say to this criticism?

Secretary for Transport and Housing: We have to make it very clear that the policy objective of the six initiatives are basically to enhance the linkage between affordability of those who are going to buy subsidised units, and also to enhance the supply of subsidised housing as well as to provide mitigation or relief measures for those who live in inadequate housing situation.  The last two initiatives are basically to foster a more efficient delivery of built private flats for purchase or for rental usage.  Therefore, as far as those six initiatives are concerned, they basically fulfil their policy objectives.  The pricing issue is a different issue, which is different from what the six initiatives are aiming at.

Reporter: So you are saying these criticisms are not fair?  

Secretary for Transport and Housing: I would say that the criticism is not related to the six initiatives as well as those policy objectives that we are aiming at.

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

     The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will depart for Beijing tomorrow afternoon (July 1) to attend the Forum on the Belt and Road Legal Cooperation.

     The forum, under the theme of "Joining Hands for Building Belt and Road – Rules and Coordination", is co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the China Law Society. Ms Cheng will give a speech at the panel session on "The Belt and Road Initiative and International Dispute Settlement".

     Ms Cheng will leave Beijing in the evening on July 3 and arrive in Hong Kong in the early hours on July 4.

     The Hong Kong Space Museum's new 3D dome show, "Asteroid: Mission Extreme 3D", will be launched tomorrow (July 1). The 3D show takes visitors on a space mission with astronauts to reach an asteroid and use it for human purposes, along the way learning how such an extraordinary adventure can benefit humankind.
 
     Asteroid impacts on Earth can trigger catastrophes and even lead to extinctions, so it is no wonder that scientists are exploring ways to prevent asteroids from hitting Earth. On the positive side, some scientists see them as playing a role in space exploration. The hydrated minerals within some asteroids may be potential sources of water and fuel, solving much of the logistics problem of space travel. If it works out, asteroids could be developed into way stations in space for exploring other worlds in the solar system.
 
     As with any new venture in space, the challenges involved in making this idea a reality are enormous. However, a mission this extreme could ultimately help us learn how to protect our planet and how to successfully inhabit other worlds.
   
     The 25-minute show will be screened until December 31 at the museum's Stanley Ho Space Theatre. It will be screened daily at 2.40pm and 6.10pm. An additional show at 11.10am will be available on Sundays and public holidays.
 
     Tickets priced at $24 (front stalls) and $32 (stalls) are available at the Hong Kong Space Museum Box Office and URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). The museum is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays).
 
     For detailed information, please visit hk.space.museum or call 2721 0226.

      

     A man who went missing in Kwai Chung was located.

     Chan Lap-ming, aged 42, went missing after last seen on Kwai Chung Hospital Road on June 28 morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.

     The man was located on Ta Chuen Ping Street last night (June 29). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 30) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Pui O Beach in Islands District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.