Transcript of the Governor's media session
The following is the transcript of the media session of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, aftering visiting Yiu Tung Estate today (Tuesday):
Governor: I am delighted to have had the opportunity of another visit to Chai Wan and to Eastern District - I was here just the other day - and I am particularly pleased that I have been accompanied today by Mr Fatchett, the Labour Party's spokesman on Hong Kong, who is paying another visit to Hong Kong. He is with us for about three days and is having a wide-ranging number of meetings, as I think you know.
I have been pleased to see another example of what our Housing Authority is doing and to see the facilities for the elderly and young people.
Question: Some of the complaints made by some parents that a couple of babies ... after receiving some treatment in the Princess Margaret Hospital... Do you think it is necessary to make an application for an inquiry board to investigate these complaints?
Governor: Obviously, the parents concerned are making a very serious point and it will need to be investigated. It has not been raised with me before but I will certainly make enquiries about it.
Question: Governor, will the civil servants who will be sent to help the Chief Executive designate belong to the secretariat grade?
Governor: It is of course tempting to share with you some of our ideas about co- operation with the Chief Executive designate, but I think it is probably more sensible for me to talk to him first of all because as I have said on a number of occasions before, and say again, we have a number of ideas that we would like to discuss with him but obviously we do not want to impose any particular set of plans on the Chief Executive.
He will have his own views about the sort of supporting staff and the logistical support he needs and we would obviously like to go forward in co-operation with him, responding to his requests rather than imposing anything on him. We wouldn't seek to do that.
Question: While talked to the 400 Selection Committee members last week, Mr Tung had been asked by the Committee member whether he would go into your premises after he had been elected. He said your premises's 'fung shui' was not good and it was too crowded. Do you think he is teasing on you or ...?