XN000022-1996-11-21 — Page 6

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Governor's question-and-answer session in LegCo

Following is a transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's question-and-answer session in the Legislative Council today (Thursday):

Mr Eric Li (in Chinese): Mr Governor, I am sure all colleagues in this Council would join me in supporting you for the efforts you have made in this appalling fire and we would also like to join you to pay tribute to the emergency services, including the Fire Services officers. And also to the injured and to the families of victims, we would also like to express our sympathy. But to fulfil my duty as a member of this Council I have to ask a difficult question and I hope the Governor could answer it.

A simple question. Now, last night, Mr Governor, you went to the scene of the fire. Did you join in the supervision of the fire-rescue work?

Governor: No, certainly not. The job is one for the Operational Commander on the spot. When I visited the scene of the fire it, I think, appeared to those who had been fighting it that all those who were alive had been got out of the building. When I arrived the fire was still being fought but I think I am right in saying that there was no indication of any people who were still alive who needed to be rescued.

But I am bound to tell the honourable gentleman that I was impressed, as ever, by the quiet competence and bravery of those who briefed me about what had happened and who told me what they thought the position was.

Mr Eric Li (in Chinese): Mr President, Mr Governor went to visit the scene of the fire; he also gave encouragement to those involved in the rescue operation and I could fully appreciate that. But, today, I have heard some comments from the public, i.e. towards the evening last night, when there were the highest number of casualties, that was the time when many dignitaries went to visit the scene, so that was the time when there were the highest number of casualties and fatalities. Now, I do not know if that is true but, Mr Governor, could you conduct a thorough investigation to see if that is a fact?

And also, in future, under similar circumstances, would you be able to ensure that when dignitaries visit the scene of the fire they would not be in any way hindering the rescue operation? Because maybe officers would have to brief you and that would distract them from their rescue operations, so could you lay down some clear principles or guidelines for that purpose?