Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (September 11):
 
Reporter: Mrs Lam, regarding the high-speed rail, have you been in talks with Beijing authority over the Wi-Fi privacy and, you know, is there any blacklist of the passengers? And secondly, about your upcoming Policy Address, are there any big changes, or what is your major emphasis there?
 
Chief Executive: On the upcoming Policy Address, which will be delivered in almost exactly four weeks later, I am afraid I cannot disclose any details. But like every Policy Address of the Chief Executive, this is an annual occasion for the Chief Executive to take stock of what the Government has achieved over the past 12 months, and what further measures and initiatives the Government will implement in order to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of Hong Kong. But it is beyond doubt that the number one issue that is of major concern to the people of Hong Kong is housing. So, I have already said that, in this Policy Address, there is no question of not addressing the issue of housing, which means that I need to be able to say something about land supply, because without land supply, there is no way that I could build more flats, whether for sale or for rental, to meet the needs of the people.  Particularly on June 29 this year, I have already announced a series of housing policy measures, so we are now waiting for land supply to fulfill those promises in the new housing policy.
 
     As far as other operational issues concerning the high-speed rail, I am sure my colleagues in the Transport and Housing Bureau, as well as the MTR Corporation, will address your concern. As I said here last Tuesday, the most important thing in the lead-up to the commissioning of the high-speed rail is for us to be even more transparent, even more speedy, in responding to any queries members of the public have.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)  
 
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

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     The Civil Engineering and Development Department today (September 11) announced that as the Standby Signal No. 1 has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Chai Wan Public Fill Barging Point will be closed at 12.40pm until further notice.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     As Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 has been issued, the Marine Department reminds vessel owners, masters and persons-in-charge of vessels that they should take precautionary measures immediately and properly secure their vessels at safe locations.
 
     In case of an accident, a report should be made immediately to the Vessel Traffic Centre at 2233 7801.

     The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, today (September 10, San Francisco time) began his itinerary in San Francisco, the United States, visiting the California Academy of Sciences and meeting with Hong Kong students studying in the city.

     Upon arriving in San Francisco, Mr Wong first visited the academy, where he met with the senior management of the institution and its natural history museum, and exchanged views on environmental conservation and sustainability issues. He also viewed the green building features and was briefed on the operations of the academy. Substantially rebuilt in 2008 and regarded as one of the greenest buildings in the world, it was awarded the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum rating and subsequently the LEED platinum rating in the Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance category. Afterwards, he paid a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco, Mr Wang Donghua.

     In the evening, Mr Wong dined with Hong Kong students studying at a local university to learn about their daily life. Mr Wong encouraged them to consider returning to Hong Kong after graduation to contribute to the city's sustainable development.

     Mr Wong will continue his itinerary tomorrow (September 11, San Francisco time).

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Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 11) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.