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No routine access to airport's accounts

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THE Director of Audit will only be allowed access to the accounts of the Airport Corporation in the event of serious Government concern.

It was revealed in the White Bill published yesterday that the Government will deny the Director of Audit such power under normal circumstances, despite legislators' opposition.

The Secretary for Economic Services, Gordon Siu Kwing-chue, yesterday said Governor Chris Patten could authorise an audit in the public interest.

But United Democrat legislator Albert Chan Wai-yip said he could not accept such an arrangement.

He and other legislators said last month that they would seek to amend the bill if it did not allow the Director of Audit such powers.

The corporation - which will run the new airport at Chek Lap Kok - should be under the scrutiny of the Director of Audit because he could actively and independently conduct value-for-money studies, said Mr Chan.

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