XN000022-1995-03-17 — Page 4

In Beijing, the delegation will call on the counterpart departments of the Trade and Industry Branch and its group of departments.

Other members of the delegation are: the Principal Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, Mr David Lan; Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Lawrence Li; Principal Assistant Secretaries for Trade and Industry, Ms Sally Wong and Ms Au King-chi; Assistant Director-General of Industry, Ms Windy Kwok; Assistant Director-General of Trade, Ms Jennifer Mak; Assistant Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mr Wallace Lau and a Chinese Language Officer, Mr Rueben Leung.

End/Friday, March 17, 1995

Statement by Secretary for Housing

The Secretary for Housing, Mr Dominic Wong, today (Friday) urged rooftop occupants of Kingland Apartments in Mong Kok to remain calm in pursuing their case relating to the clearance of their illegal structures.

Mr Wong said: "Staff of the Housing Branch and the Housing Department have met them twice in the last two weeks, and are prepared to meet them again in small groups for further discussions on rehousing arrangements before demolition of their illegal structures by the Buildings Department."

"It is unfortunate that they refused to meet us yesterday. However, we are willing to meet them again in Housing Department premises next week.

Mr Wong reiterated that it was the Government's policy to offer rehousing to those in need prior to any clearance or demolition. No one would be made homeless under this policy.

"Problems arise only when occupants refuse to accept the type of rehousing to which they are eligible. Clearly, it is in their own interest to co-operate with the Housing Department. To do otherwise will only delay the rehousing process, and in any case will not change their eligibility status.'

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Commenting on this morning's incident, Mr Wong said: "The Building Management requested the protesters to remain outside the building following receipt of complaints from tenants about the noise the protesters made yesterday morning and afternoon outside the Housing Branch office on the ninth floor of the building.