XN000022-1995-07-19 — Page 4

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Question: How close do you think we are to agreement on Container Terminal 9?

Governor: As far as the Hong Kong Government is concerned, we've on the table for some years now perfectly sensible proposals. I very much hope that we can see progress right across the board in the development of our port and our container capacity. Our objectives in discussing the matter with Chinese officials remain what they've always been. First of all we want to see the port developed as rapidly and effectively as possible. Secondly we want to see that done in a way which maximises competition and the provision of facilities in the port. Thirdly we want to see that that is done so that we retain the integrity of our public procurement process and fourthly we have to take account of the impact on the environment, particularly obviously the development of container terminals 10 and 11.

Question: How can you react to Ambassador Zhao's remarks saying this premature ...?

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Governor: Too premature? It can't be too premature after all these years of discussions.

Question: Will more details be supplied to the Chinese?

Governor: Well I haven't seen Ambassador Zhao's remarks. But I certainly don't think anybody could regard our proposals as premature. I think people who are actually using the port regard its development as being anything but premature.

Question: Does the Prime Minister or Deputy PM have any plans to come to Hong Kong?

Governor: They don't have plans to come to Hong Kong at the moment though they would both be very welcome were they to wish to do so. Mr Heseltine was in Hong Kong about a year ago. He spent a weekend with me. He walked in Hong Kong, he looked at birds in Hong Kong. He looked at things like the development of the airport in Hong Kong. But I hope when he comes another time, we will be able to do a good deal more than that to see some of our trading and commercial successes. Both Mr Henley, the new Minister of State and Mr Rifkind obviously hope that they will be able to visit Hong Kong in the reasonably near future.

Question: How can you justify the celebrations for the 50 anniversary of Liberation Day?