As regards CMB's franchise, the approach advocated by the Honourable Miriam Lau is in fact also what the Administration is now pursuing. An example of this is when 26 of CMB's routes were curtailed in September 1993. These were then put to tender. Mr President, the Administration supports the motion proposed by the Hon Miriam Lau and the Official Members will vote in favour of this amendment.
Thank you, Mr President.
End/Wednesday, February 15, 1995
Motion debate on traffic congestion
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport Mr Haider Barma in the motion debate on traffic congestion in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
I welcome this motion debate. Traffic congestion affects everyone. Traffic speeds are declining. There are signs of gridlock at several major black spots and in other busy districts delays are becoming more frequent. The Administration is convinced that action needs to be taken now if we are to prevent total traffic chaos in the years ahead. It is therefore imperative that we debate the problem and identify solutions. We have chosen to consult. That is why we released the Report of the Working Party on Measures to Address Traffic Congestion.
I have been very encouraged by the reaction from Honourable Members; the views expressed by the political parties and district boards; the submissions by many organisations, including the Motor Traders' Association and the Hong Kong Automobile Association; the many letters from individuals and last, but not least, the extensive coverage given by the media. I am grateful. Indeed, the response has been overwhelming and vocal.