The Government will consult the public, especially the industry, and seek a consensus before banning the sale of live poultry, the Chief Secretary said. He added there would not be a ban for at least six months.

In an interview on ATV World's "Newsline" programme, Donald Tsang said he understood the impact of a complete ban on thousands of workers in the industry. 

However, he said, a new policy could  lead to the creation of jobs - and the key would be helping these people to change their occupation. 

He said Team Clean had already started phase two of its tasks, and measures would be implemented in three to six months. 

The SARS epidemic has made the public more aware of the importance of personal and environmental hygiene, he noted. It has also made them more sympathetic of Team Clean's 'no tolerance approach'.

In the long run, people have to change their personal habits and lifestyles to make Hong Kong one of the cleanest cities in the region, Mr Tsang said.

As chairman of Team Clean, he is fully involved in its work.  However, he said, as Chief Secretary, he cannot focus on the task force's work for a long period.

All measures would be implemented on a district basis at a later stage, he said.