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Question: ......under way to accommodate and deal with the 6,000-plus journalists that are coming to Hong Kong to cover 1997? And perhaps also as a follow-up to that, what we might be able to do as professionals what we might be able to help with as professional communicators?
Chief Secretary: We do anticipate that the degree of media interest in Hong Kong and everything that happens in Hong Kong will increase very rapidly in the remaining months of the transition. And as you say, it is anybody's guess as to how many journalists and reporters and whatnot will actually descend on Hong Kong round about June 30. We estimate that it will be at least probably several thousand- 4,000 or 5,000. We are going to deal with these journalists in exactly the same way as we deal with journalists now and if there is an accreditation system it will be according to international standards.
We do intend to provide a press and broadcasting centre that will cater to the needs of the different media groups - the electronic media, the press and whatnot- and we are busily sorting out the details. And from that point of view we would welcome communication and discussions with including your association, so that we can on the one hand tell you what we have in mind but also get very important feedback from you as to how you think the demands of your particular members can be met nearer the time.
Question: Do you remember the one time in 1996 that was very interesting, amusing, as a communicator?
Chief Secretary: I think I need notice of that question. So much has happened to me in the year. I will give you an answer later.
Question: (inaudible)
Chief Secretary: No, quite. I promise to give you a reply before the end of 1996.
End