Transcript of remarks by SEN
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Reporter: Do you think it was wrong for the Chief Executive to ask EPD (the Environmental Protection Department) to locate sites that are suitable for housing development in the country parks as its duty should be protecting the environment?
Secretary for the Environment: My understanding is that he (the Chief Executive) is asking the relevant departments and bureaux to look into the said matter. Certainly, different departments, including the AFCD (Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department), have their respective roles. So he is not asking a particular department to look for sites, but relevant departments should exercise their duties.
Reporter: Do you think the EPD or the AFCD would have a say in deciding which country parks should be given up?
Secretary for the Environment: As I said earlier in Cantonese, various departments and bureaux will have their roles to play with respect to this issue. But certainly different departments will have their respective roles.
Reporter: Will the Chief Executive respect their views?
Secretary for the Environment: There is an established system. We have to respect it. Different bureaux and departments will participate in one way or the other to support the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, February 5, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:18
Issued at HKT 18:18
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