-
30 -
Second runway at new airport
Following is a question by the Hon Martin Barrow and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday);
Question:
Regarding the plans for the second runway at Chek Lap Kok Airport, will the Government inform this Council:
on what basis and under what criteria a decision will be made on the second runway;
(a)
(b)
how the actual Kai Tak traffic over each of the past five years compares with the original forecast (1989-1994);
(c) whether there is a revised forecast for each of the next 10 years (1995- 2004) and how this compares with the forecast done when decision was made to delay the building of the second runway;
હ
(d)
(e)
(f)
whether the Government plans to consult the travel and tourism industry on the timing of the building of the second runway;
how many months will it take to complete the second runway after a decision is made; and
whether the Government will take into account the economic cost of delay when deciding on the timing of the building of the second runway?
Reply:
Mr President,
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning The Construction Of The New Airport At Hong Kong and Related Questions (MOU), the British side will consult the Chinese side within the Airport Committee before the Hong Kong Government proceeds with any major airport project other than those in the Annex to the MOU. Such projects will only be initiated if the two sides have reached a common view concerning them. The second runway is not included under the Annex to the MOU. A decision on the timing of the second runway for the new airport will take into account factors such as the forecast air traffic demand, capacity of the first runway, time required for the construction and commissioning of the second runway and the financial and economic implications involved.