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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (September 7):
Reporter: Can you explain why you are not going to scrap the two property measures?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: Well, the two rounds of demand management measures introduced last October and this February, they are intended to stabilise the property market, to reduce the asset bubble risk. It is not just about the property market, but any undue turbulence will affect our macro-economic and financial stability. On the need for these measures, the Government's position is very clear: we are going to stand firm on those measures. But of course we realise that in the Legislative Council Bills Committee, there are suggestions from some LegCo members as to whether some of the measures could be modified. They have come up with some suggestions for exemptions. From the Government's perspective, we have responded to legislators by saying we have to be very careful about any so-called refinement that might be considered because we do not want to see any modifications which might negate the whole purpose of the bills, of those demand management measures, and we have to handle any suggestions for whatever exemptions very very carefully.
Reporter: ...... licensing for the subdivided flats...... included in the consultation document?
Secretary for Transport and Housing: The feasibility of introducing licensing or registration scheme for subdivided units is included in our consultation document because within the Steering Committee on Long Term Housing Strategy, there are members who advocate firm measures in terms of licensing or registration in order to safeguard safety in terms of building or structural safety, in terms of fire prevention because life is so important. In fact, those members have put up a paper for discussion at the Steering Committee. Of course there are other members who are concerned about the side effects of whatever licensing or registration measures to be introduced, that is why in our consultation document, we say that this is something for exploration. I am sure in the coming few months, in the public consultation, we will listen to views from various quarters of the community.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, September 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:05
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