Transcript of remarks by STH

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, after attending the Legislative Council Panel on Transport meeting today (March 20):

Reporter: There were some lawmakers questioning the necessity of creating three new directorate positions to oversee bus safety. Could you explain why it is needed? And second question about the Hong Kong Express: Would the Government offer any assistance to the aviation industry at this time when the businesses are severely hit? 

Secretary for Transport and Housing: Firstly, I have to emphasise that the Independent Review Committee (on Hong Kong's Franchised Bus Service) has made it very clear that there is room for improvement to enhance franchised bus safety in Hong Kong. It also recommends the Government to act proactively and comprehensively, to take proactive actions to enhance the training, planning and implementation of those safety measures with a view to improving the condition of work, working hours, manpower planning and also application of technology in these aspects. Therefore, there are a host of reasons to establish these new posts to take forward all these recommendations.

     In the case of the Hong Kong Express, we are given to understand that the company will take good care of the passengers and also their staff despite the decision to suspend air flight operation from now (should be March 23) until end of April.

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