XN000022-1996-11-07 — Page 3

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Transcript of Governor's media session

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Following is a transcript of the media session given by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after officiating at the foundation stone laying ceremony at the Yan Chai Multi-Services Complex in Tsuen Wan today (Thursday):

Governor: Couldn't disappoint you because you've been standing out in the sun for so long without your hats on. This is a terrific project. You heard what I said about it and I think one of the remarkable things is how quickly the Yan Chai Hospital have got on with it. It is obviously going to make a very great contribution to life in Tsuen Wan.

Question: Mr Patten can you comment on legislative councillors endorsed a motion calling China to release Wang Dan?

Governor: No, it's a matter entirely for the Legislative Council how it conducted its affairs, I think clearly as I said last week what the Legislative Council have said reflects a great deal of concern which is felt in the community. And I think they've expressed in a way that legislature would right around the world.

Question: over thousands of civil servants are enjoying double housing benefits?

Governor: I don't want to add anything to what has already been said in the response to the Director of Audit Report. Thank you very much.

End

Hong Kong's foreign reserves reach US$62 billion

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (Thursday) that the amount of foreign currency assets held by the Exchange Fund, including forward transactions which had not yet been settled, amounted to US$62.1 billion as at the end of September 1996.

This represents an increase by 8.6% or US$4.9 billion over the position of US$57.2 billion at the end of December 1995 and an increase of 3.5% or US$2.1 billion in the third quarter.