XN000022-1996-05-31 — Page 5

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Governor: Well, I don't know how often you come around with me. But on most of my trips there is a very considerable amount of contact with the public. And when you weren't able to be with me on my way into the yards, I stopped and talked to a crowd of about a hundred people who'd gathered there. I talked to them about the petitions they were giving me. But if you want to come out with me on my ... next Wednesday, you'll see me talking to lots of people, and I hope you'll show the pictures on your programme.

Question: How do you see MTR compares with the London underground?

Governor: I think without any doubt at all, but it is very considerably better, it's more comfortable, it's more efficient, it's faster. And I think it's probably cheaper as well. I used to use, first of all, the train I used most when I was commuting in London, was the northern line which had a reputation as the worst line in London. It was called the misery line. It was so uncomfortable, and I'd to travel on the misery line everyday. And I'm jolly glad that I don't have to travel on it today.

Question: Governor, as you know, more candidates have come up to compete for the Chief Executive (Designate) post..?

Governor: I don't think I can really comment on the candidates for Chief Executive (designate). All I can say is that whoever is eventually selected by the Selection Committee, when he or she travels on the MTR, will be travelling on an extremely efficient train. Okay, anything else?

Question: That candidate is too young for the post

for he is three years younger ...

Governor: Well, whom am I to talk about at my advanced age to talk about other people's relative youth.

Question: Do you think that Anson should come up as well?

Governor: I, as you know, I have studiously avoided ever commenting on individual candidates. And now in order to satisfy our tall friend in the red tie on the right, I am going to go and talk to some people other than the press. Thank you very much.

End