+

3 -

I think that in an economy as sophisticated as Hong Kong's, it is very important for us to make sure that we have flexible programmes to match the unemployed with vacancies, and that we have flexible and comprehensive programmes not just for training people but for retraining people to teach them new skills as well. If we can do that and retain our overall approach to economic policy, with prudent spending, low taxes, international confidence in our economy and our prospects, then those will be the best ways of making sure that all the people who are here at the local employment service today can get jobs - good jobs, well-paid jobs, jobs that will last.

Question: How about the shark... in Sai Kung, is there any measure to tackle it?

Governor: I think that the first thing to be said is that everybody should heed the advice they have been given and avoid swimming off the Sai Kung coast in the next days and weeks. The Regional Council have of course taken additional measures, we are stepping up patrols, they are looking at the introduction of new anti-shark nets on some of the beaches which they manage. But for the time being, I think the sensible advice that people should heed is to swim in pools, not in the sea. We didn't have problems last year but we had problems the year before as well in a similar area and'I think that people should listen to the advice which is given by the experts. Of course we can do more to protect some of our beaches but until that is done then I think that the sensible thing for people to do is to consider the implications of swimming in conceivably dangerous waters, the implications not only for their own well-being and lives but for their families too.

Question: Do you support the idea of bringing in experts from Australia or Hawaii who understand sharks to... why they are coming in?

Governor: I think there is quite a lot of expertise here in Hong Kong. We have, for example, one of --

Question: claimed to be experts.

Governor: I think we have one of the best marine biology departments at Hong Kong University and while of course we can consult others and seek advice from elsewhere, I don't think there is going to be a magic solution. I have read in your papers all sorts of speculation which seemed quite sensible about why there may have been these sharks off our shores and why there may have been these attacks. Whatever the speculation, we first of all clearly have to take some additional measures to protect our beaches. But secondly, people have to behave sensibly. One reason why there have, I think, been fewer fatalities from swimming accidents with sharks in Australia in recent years is that people are much more careful and listen to the advice that they are given by the experts much more readily. I'm sorry that it sometimes needs accidents to make people listen to the advice which they are given about their own safety. I very much hope that everybody will listen to the advice that is now being given and that there won't be any more fatal accidents.

Share This Page