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Mrs Lam (in Chinese): The under-spending in the Capital Works Reserve Fund in the Revised Estimates of 1996-97 is about $5 billion. But I do not agree that it shows that we have not improved on the under-spending situation or the progress of the works. In the early 90's, in terms of under-spending it was 30% or 35%. In the revised estimates for 1996-97, the under-spending factor, if we discount certain delays involved in land matters, is as low as 6% in terms of our capability to proceed on our works expenditure. This is the best performance since the early 90's, I can say.
Reporter (in Chinese): Does the increased expenditure on resumption of land include the West Rail?
Mr K C Kwong (in Chinese): In terms of resumption of land we do not just look at individual lots and what lots we have to resume in 1997-98. It is not like that. We follow a trend on the approximate amount of land to be resumed. As for the actual areas of land to be resumed, the compensation and the timing, we can only have a clearer picture nearer the time.
Reporter (in Chinese): What is the rental for the Chief Executive's Office in a year? How is it covered?
Mr K C Kwong (in Chinese): I'm afraid I don't have specific figures for the rental for the CE's Office.
Reporter (in Chinese): A follow-up in terms of resumption of land. There has not been major resumption of land in the past few years. You say that you follow the trend in doing your calculations. Does it mean that you exclude the West Rail?
Mr K C Kwong (in Chinese): As I said, it is hard to say whether we include or exclude the West Rail. For example, if there is a need for resumption, say in early 1998, we will proceed in the year of 1997-98. If there is no need for a certain lot, we may have other needs. Resumption of land was not something to be decided specifically when we formulated the budget. We didn't have the number of lots in mind.
Reporter: (in English) There isn't any mention of either the West Rail or the Tseung Kwan O extension in the estimates. Does that mean the projects are on hold?
Mr K C Kwong (in English): With respect to the West Rail and the Tseung Kwan O Railway proposals, the detailed planning work is at present being carried out by the two corporations. Of course there will be a need for some additional resources in government departments like Transport Department, Highways Department, Transport Branch and so on, to take forward the consideration of these proposals. So the planning process is proceeding apace but we have not specifically earmarked funds for the purpose of injecting equity or extending loans to the two corporations. The main reason is the detailed proposals, including the financing package, have yet to be worked out.