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On concessionary fares for the elderly we shall continue to encourage public transport operators to improve on what is already in place, but it must be recognised that this is a voluntary scheme. If concessionary fares were to be made a mandatory requirement, then it would be difficult to resist the argument from operators that the costs to them should be recovered through the adjustment of fares for other passengers.

As regards improvements in ferry services as a means of addressing road congestion, this is also high on our agenda. The Hong Kong Ferry Co Ltd now deploys 3 high speed catamarans on the Tuen Mun to Central route, each with capacity of 400 people. More such vessels will be brought into service. We are now close to the completing negotiations with the company to allow property development above their new piers in Central District, which in turn will provide for a part of the profits from the developments to be channelled into a fund for ferry service improvements.

Mr President, transport affects everyone in the community. Different schemes impact on commuters in different ways. Whilst some benefit, others may be disadvantaged. Thus, some controversy is inevitable. The Tuen Mun bus-only lane experiment, now in hand, illustrates this very point. The Administration's fundamental approach has always been to adopt policies and pursue objectives that serve the widest public interest. This is precisely what we will continue to strive for. Thank you.

End/Wednesday, March 29, 1995

Speech by Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands on budget debate

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, on budget debate in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday);

Mr President.

Harbour Reclamations

Quite a lot has been said, both in this debate and elsewhere recently about harbour reclamations. I would like to briefly reiterate the Administration's position on the subject.