XN000022-1996-04-29 — Page 4

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Governor: I think a Labour Government would have as much to offer Hong Kong as the present Government given that the Labour Party policy and the Conservative Party policy have been very similar. There're differences, there're differences on one or two issues that affect Hong Kong, but by and large I think that they have been important underlining similarities. I think these are probably questions which you should address to Mr Cook. He is going to hold a press conference later in the week, and he is also speaking to the Legislative Council. He's got a question and answer session for I think about an hour on Wednesday morning with them which is of course an open one.

Question: Mr Governor, what is your reaction on the recent issues against the Correctional Services Department?

Governor: I think those were criminal attacks, let us be under no doubt about it, and the sooner those who perpetrated them are brought to justice the better. We've established a task force to try to deal with the problem. And I hope it's successful very quickly. Of course, if anybody has complaints about some aspect of policy in the Correctional Services Department, then there are established means of dealing with those sort of complaints. And those are the channels that people should use, nothing justifies criminal behaviour.

Question: How will you assure that Hong Kong people that there is no secret deal between Director Lu Ping and your number two Mrs Chan?

Governor: Because I trust my Chief Secretary and my Chief Secretary trusts me.

Question: There's been wide report concerning the private meeting between Anson Chan and Director Lu Ping.

Governor: Are you saying that ..., I mean what exactly you're suggesting?

Question: While reports are speculating what happened during the ten minutes plus private meeting between ...?

Governor: Mrs Chan told me what happened this morning.

Question: So what happened?

Governor: I mean, as I said I think you're all charming but you're seriously supposing that I am going to tell you what was discussed between Anson and Director Lu at their private meeting. Absolutely potty, come on. Any other questions?