The Government will temporarily suspend all marine works under Central Reclamation III from tomorrow, says the Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen.

The decision was based on the High Court's planned hearing for an application for an interim injunction against the project on October 3. The court's decision is expected soon thereafter.

The Society for the Protection of the Harbour Limited applied for an interim injunction on September 25.

Mr Suen said in a statement that the costs of suspending the project are about $1 million per day according to terms and conditions of the contract, which will be subject to assessment. 

"In suspending the marine works, the Government has taken into account that the time and costs of suspension will be limited if the injunction application is determined expeditiously," he noted.

His bureau respects the rule of law, he stressed. "Once the Court has ruled on the interim injunction, the Government will act in accordance with the decision of the Court."

Should the Court rule in the Government's favour, it will resume the marine works immediately, he said.

"The temporary suspension is made without prejudice to the rights of the Government to oppose the application and to the stance of Government which we have maintained at all times that the reclamation works currently ongoing in Central are lawful," he said.

He added that he is confident of the bureau's chances in the court case.