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We trust that these measures will create additional capacity to cope with the extra traffic generated by the opening of the WHC prior to the completion of Smithfield Extension.

The Second Comprehensive Transport Study updated in 1993 saw the need for the section of Route 7 between Kennedy Town and Aberdeen to be commissioned by 2007-2011. From an engineering perspective, it is technically feasible to construct Route 7 independent of the Green Island Reclamation, by means of an elevated flyover or tunnel. However, to implement this major transport facility separate from the reclamation will jeopardise the eventual land use in the reclamation area, and impose considerable development constraints. It would therefore be prudent for us to look for an arrangement which would best serve the community's interests. In this respect, we will soon commission the Third Comprehensive Transport Study (CTS-3) which will, inter-alia, re-examine the timing of Route 7 to see if this would need to be advanced in light of the latest population forecasts and developments. The initial findings of the CTS-3 study are expected to be available by late 1998; we would then be in a better position to assess when and how this project should be implemented.

End

Overall unemployment rate declined

Following is a question by the Hon Lee Cheuk-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council of

(a)

the respective quarterly unemployment and underemployment rates in various trades and industries in the past two years; and

(b)

the respective reasons for a high unemployment rate in the three trades or industries with the highest unemployment rates last year?