XN000022-1996-11-20 — Page 3

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I've been to the scene of this evening's tragedy. And I want to come after that to the hospital, to the QE where most of the victims have been brought. Just over forty were brought here and thirty-four have been admitted to the hospital. And about twenty-six are at Kwang Wah. I wanted at the scene of the disaster to thank the Fire Services and the other emergency services for the extremely competent and brave and professional job which they have done. And here I wanted to thank all those who cope with this emergency for the equally good job that they have done. It is an awful thing when our emergency services need to be tested. It does seem that tonight our Fire Services, our Police, our Ambulance and our medical staff have behaved extremely well, with great professional skill and with enormous hard work and dedication. Obviously, as I said at the scene of the disaster, there will need to be investigations into what's happened. And I also said at the scene of the disaster that I very much hope that the legislation which were at present putting through the Legislation Council to improve the standard of safety against the hazards of fire will now be passed as rapidly as possible. It's been discussed quite properly, comprehensively in the Legislative Council, but obviously what's happened today underlines the importance of this tightening up on the safety regulations against fire.

I want once again to thank every one tonight, particularly those who risk their lives in order to save others for what they have done for the community and I want here at the QE hospital to thank all the medical staff. I've been to the QE hospital before and seen for example the intensive care unit when it's not been cope with a disaster but it was very impressive to see the staff tonight and to see every thing that they were doing. I spoke to a fireman who's been burnt and expressed to him on behalf of every one in Hong Kong our gratitude for what he's done today, to rescue his fellow men and women. I hope that after those remarks from me. You remember that while a free press is extremely important, while you've got your job to do in getting across Hong Kong the news which everybody in Hong Kong will want to know about. I hope you'll also remember that even more important job being done by the doctors and medical staff in saving lives and looking after those who have been injured. Thank you very much indeed.

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JLG experts to meet on preparation of transitional Budget

The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group will hold their fourteenth round of Expert Talks on November 21 and 22 in Hong Kong to discuss the preparation of Hong Kong's transitional Budget and related matters.

The British team will be led by Mr K C Kwong, Secretary for the Treasury of the Hong Kong Government. The Chinese team will be led by Mr Chen Zuo'er, Chinese Representative on the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. They will be assisted by experts.

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