(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today announced the appointment of Judge David Lok as chairman of the independent committee tasked with reviewing the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

Mr Lee said early this month that an independent committee would be set up to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review on the blaze, in order to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

He revealed today that the independent committee is expected to submit its review report in nine months.

“Nine months (to submit the report) is a very challenging time indeed, but I want to solve the problem as quickly as possible.

“So I want to give what I regard as a time frame while ensuring the examination is just, they can streamline the procedure, and are given more flexibility, so that they can finish their work within the nine months.

“And I also have given them a reserve power, that is, if the independent committee considers while examining all these complicated issues, there may be one (issue) which they think, by exercising the powers given to a statutory commission of inquiry will help them complete their work, then I am very willing to consider a recommendation by the independent commission to appoint them as the commission of inquiry.”