XN000022-1996-09-14+15 — Page 5

-

4

Governor: Well, I have always been reluctant, as you know, to answer questions before they arise. But if there were any members of the Executive Council chosen for the Selection Committee, I would want to discuss that with the individuals concerned and with my Executive Council colleagues as a whole, to consider whether it was the general view that there would be any conflict of interest. As you know, one of our Executive Councillors for a time was also on the Preparatory Committee and then felt that it was difficult to go on without there being some conflict of interest. So it is important, I think, to take an intelligent view of these issues and to discuss them with those concerned. It is, I think, a little more difficult to draw up hard and fast rules in advance.

Question: Some Hong Kong citizens will go to the Diaoyu Islands, do you think the British Forces have an obligation to ensure their safety in case of confrontation with the Japanese?

Mr Hanley: I do recognise the sensitivity on this issue that is felt by so many people here in Hong Kong but it is not an issue that I can comment on, it is a matter for the parties themselves to resolve and I hope they will do so amicably.

Question: Governor, will there be consular protection if people involved in the Diaoyu Islands protest have some personal safety matters?

Governor: I very much hope that questions of personal safety won't arise over an issue on which I know people locally feel very strongly. I hope that they will be able to express their views in a way which does not in any way risk their personal safety. And we all hope that the dispute in question about which very strong views have been held for a very long time can be resolved amicably by those concerned.

Mr Hanley: May I thank you again very much indeed. Thank you.

End

SHW to attend rehabilitation congress

The Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, left Hong Kong today (Saturday) for Auckland, New Zealand, to attend the 18th World Congress of Rehabilitation International.

She is accompanied by the Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Mr Augustine Choi, and four senior officers from the Social Welfare, Labour and Education departments.