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Indeed, there is spare capacity. There is no need, and we therefore have no plans, to expand Tuen Mun Ferry Pier.
Transport Department has a 24 hour hotline with all major transport operators and, in fact, contingency plans to provide emergency transport services have been drawn up. Transport operators have been very co-operative. For example, during the partial closure of Tuen Mun Road in late August and early September, because of the danger of landslips, extra ferry services between Tuen Mun and Central were provided. On that occasion, a pontoon was tied to a viewing platform to the west of the Tuen Mun Ferry Pier to provide a temporary facility. This arrangement worked well and can be adopted again should circumstances so warrant. A special ferry service between Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan was also provided.
With the temporary closure of one of the six lanes with effect from last Saturday, to facilitate slope stabilisation and climbing lane works at Sham Shing Hui and So Kwu Wat, HYF is providing 3 special ferry trips from Tsuen Wan to Tuen In addition, HYF bas standby Mun during the evening peak on weekdays. arrangements to lay on extra sailings from Central to Tuen Mun to cope with the evening rush should there be such a demand.
End
Refusal of visas by United Arab Emirates to HKCI holders
Following is a question by the Hon Selina Chow and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
In regard to the refusal by the United Arab Emirates recently to grant visas to holders of the Hong Kong Certificate of Identity, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether prior notification of the refusal was given to the Government; if so, whether the Government has lodged a protest against the United Arab Emirates' action; and