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Reporter: Will the Conservative Party be calling on your expertise in winning elections?
Governor: No, because they know that my expertise, such as it is, is required to go on governing Hong Kong.
Reporter: There have been reports that the ICAC might have to drop the "Independent" post-handover. Would you like to comment on that?
Governor: I must say that I am worried about those reports and I can't think that they reflect any intention to undermine the role of the ICAC. There was a report the other day, a survey the other day, which made it clear that one of the things which concerned people about the future was an increase in corruption. I think that was highlighted in the transition project survey. And we all know from our personal experience that that is a concern that people have. It is therefore, I think, imperative to underline our commitment as a community to the continuing effectiveness of the ICAC. The ICAC today is Independent in name and independent in action. It is not subject to political manipulation.
It is made clear in the Basic Law that the ICAC should continue to be independent and I think that if there are impressions that that may not be the case it is important to move to correct them very speedily.
I want to make it clear that I don't believe for one moment that the Chief Executive (designate) is less committed to the fight against corruption than I am. I am sure that he would agree with everything I have said about the importance of fighting corruption vigorously and having a credible Commission to conduct the fight. But it is obviously important that people should not get the impression that there is any weakening of resolve.
I have already found myself being asked questions by foreign media about the position of the ICAC and I think that was just a reflection of how these things can so easily give the impression of a change in Hong Kong's commitment in an important area. So I hope this can be sorted out in a way which does not undermine a policy which I am sure we all share.
Reporter: Mr Patten, would you like to comment on the recent corruption case relating to the Jockey Club?
Governor: I don't want to. The Commission have conducted an operation in their usual independent way and I don't think, not least given what I have just said, that it is appropriate for me to comment on a particular case. I will just say that the ICAC has very considerable public support and I am sure that the public will be right behind the ICAC in all their efforts to get rid of corruption in every walk of life in Hong Kong.