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"Our experts have been discussing these matters with their "Chinese side counterparts in a friendly and positive manner and we hope an agreement will be reached as soon as possible so that the PAA and MTRC can launch their borrowing programmes to support their works," he reiterated.
Commenting on cost control, the Financial Secretary said the Government would keep up its efforts in taking the ACP forward with a stringent and fair approach to letting contracts in order to benefit from the highly competitive bids internationally.
He believed that the Airport Consultative Committee and the Legislative Council also had an important role to play in monitoring costs and progress of the programme. They would continue to be updated and consulted regularly.
"The public can rest assured that the funds committed on the ACP will prove to be a sound investment underpinning Hong Kong's economic development in the next century."
On the progress of construction work on the ACP, Sir Hamish saw for himself during a year-end visit to Chek Lap Kok the completion of 82 per cent of the airport platform and at the Lantau Fixed Crossing 65 per cent completion of the Tsing Ma Bridge.
He also noted that foundation work for the passenger terminal building was almost completed and the contract for building the superstructure would be let soon.
Sir Hamish, who is also chairman of the PAA, was accompanied on his visit last Friday by the Secretary for Works, Mr James Blake; the Director of the New Airport Projects Co-ordination Office, Mr Billy Lam; and the Chief Executive Officer of the PAA, Dr Henry Townsend.
End/Monday, January 2, 1995