2-23-03 1992-03-03 13:56
INFORMATION SERVICES DEPT
852 521 7725 P. 11/12
10
ENGLISH MEDIA AIRPORT
The award of the new airport terminal design contract to the British-based Mott Consortium was prominently reported by both English dailies. The reports noted that the company, comprising a subsidiary of Sir Norman Foster and Partners, offered the most expensive bid on the shortlist. The Post quoted one source as saying that they were very surprised at this choice, particularly with Norman Foster's track record of designing the HK Bank HQs with construction cost much higher than expected, and all the controversy over the HKUST. Meanwhile, PAA chief executive Richard Allen denied national interest was a factor in making the choice. He said the consortium would have to redesign at its own expense if the construction cost exceeded the budget. The Post said some Legco members expressed concern about the contract. Samuel Wong questioned whether there was a lack of expertise in HK since all the shortlisted consortiums had strong British interest. Gilbert Leung urged the authority to introduce a system to vet any change to the design of the airport.
In another development, the Post said airport consultative committee members were denied copies of the new airport master plan. Committee member Dr Wang Lianghuew said this made it impossible for them to monitor the progress of the airport projects.
In an editorial, the Post said despite the excellent credentials of the Mott group, the PAA would have its work cut out in justifying its judgement, and selling the winning design to the HK public and to Peking.
LORD CAITHNESS
Remarks by visiting FCO Minister Lord Caithness in which he reaffirmed Britain's commitment to HK and that it would not kowtow to Peking to ensure a smooth handover were highlighted by both papers in the front pages. His other remarks on the CFA and corporatisation of government departments were also carried. During a dinner with Omelco members, Lord Caithness told legislators that Britain was, pending an assessment by the HK Government on the 1991 direct election, to decide how to persuade Peking to accept more directly-elected Legco seats. The Post said Legco members Henry Tang and Lau Chin-shek expressed disappointment on the lack of commitment on the part of the British Government to strive for a faster pace of democracy for Meanwhile, Lord Caithness' visit to the Shek Kong camp was reported in good news and pictorial coverage.
HK.
HKUST
Yesterday's PAC meeting on the cost overrun of HKUST was reported in good coverage by both papers. The reports played up the Government's admission of knowing the cost overrun a year before informing the Finance Committee for additional funding. The Post in an inside page reported remarks by Sir S.Y. Chung in which he hit back at allegations by Jose Lei. Meanwhile, PAC chairman Stephen Cheong said the final decision on whether there would be another hearing would, be decided by the whole committee.