Transcript of remarks by STH

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, at a media session after attending the meeting of the Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways today (March 29):

Reporter: About the CoI Report, the members remain skeptical about the findings of the CoI Report. They say it really can't allay people's concern, what do you have to say about this? And secondly, the MTR says it's going to offer concessionary fares from May 11 to 13, are you happy with this arrangement?

Secretary for Transport and Housing: First of all, we have to appreciate the Commission of Inquiry has indeed conducted a very thorough and serious investigation into the Hung Hom Station saga. During the process, they have interviewed and heard a lot of evidence given by those experts as well as witnesses who provided the facts for them to consider. In the process and in the report, they have clearly spelt out the reason and consideration as to whether or not the structural safety is in fact true. I would hope members of the public and fellow Legislative Councillors would look into chapter 9 (of the Interim Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project) in which there are very detailed and comprehensive elaboration on how the determination was made.

     As regards the fare adjustment, I have personally talked with the MTR Corporation to see whether or not they can do something on top of the existing fare adjustment mechanism, so as to enable fellow citizens to enjoy a better deal this year.

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