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Question: It's reported that Mr Wiggham in America turned down an invitation from Mr Lu, can you explain the reasons why he did that?
Governor: I don't think that the Commissioner in Washington had an invitation from Director Lu. I think you will find that he was invited by an institute to which Director Lu was speaking. So there was no snub meant to Director Lu and I am sure that no snub was taken.
Question: What do you think about Mr James So's retirement because he is the third secretary level official to leave the civil service in two years. Do you think it's a serious blow to the civil service?
Governor: Well, of course, one of the reasons why there have been changes at the top of our civil service is because we have been completing, as I promised we would, the localisation of senior posts in the civil service as rapidly as possible. That isn't, of course, the reason for the retirement of Mr James So. We knew of his intention to retire some time ago. He will be retiring in September, until then he'll be continuing with his work and part of his work will be to help us in learning lessons from the COMAC report and in applying those lessons and ensuring even better co-ordination within the Government and between the Government and the Urban Council.
Question: When did you learn about his intention to retire?
Governor: Several weeks ago.
Question: Is that before the report?
Governor: Yes, it is before the report, and just to make one thing clear, COMAC is entirely independent. I do not see COMAC's reports before they are published. I did not see this report before it was published and I am sure COMAC himself would make that absolutely clear. COMAC is independent, has been, is and will remain independent.
Question: But it did cause some embarrassment?
Governor: It's certainly ensured that the government will have to look very carefully at the way we co-ordinate our activities, particularly those with the Urban Council.
Question: Would you appoint a Chinese official to replace Mr So?
Governor: Of course.