**********************************************
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, visited Eastern District today (December 22).
Mr Tang was briefed by staff of the Planning Department on the development planning for the former North Point Estate site and the Hong Kong Island East Harbour-front Study.
Mr Tang said, "The waterfront is our precious land resource and the Government will make proper planning for the use of the waterfront, making the promenade accessible, continuous and vibrant for the public."
Mr Tang then visited the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf Jockey Club Hong Kong Centre to learn more about the support services for hearing-impaired persons.
The Hong Kong Council of Social Service arranged for Mr Tang to meet people from different backgrounds to listen to their views and concerns. They included hearing-impaired persons, persons with muscular dystrophy, single parents who are new arrivals or holding two-way permits, and members of ethnic minorities. The information gathered will provide valuable reference for the Community Care Fund.
As today was the winter solstice, Mr Tang shared with the participants of the seminar the dumplings prepared by the hearing-impaired persons at the Centre and the egg waffles he purchased from a renowned shop in North Point.
Ends/Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:59
NNNN