Under review: Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says it is important to maintain a consistent and predictable housing policy.

The Government is reviewing the Application List system to improve its operation, Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says.

Speaking on an RTHK talk show today, Mr Suen the aim of the review is to ensure a smooth running of the system, adding that no conclusion has been made at this stage.

He reiterated that the Government will not sell land cheaply.

Mr Suen said the Administration has no plans to resume the sales of Home Ownership Scheme flats before the end of next year.

He stressed that it is important to maintain a consistent and predictable housing policy, adding that the Government should not lightly alter the policy in response to short-term market changes.

He said the market will adjust itself should an unhealthy situation occur.

Mr Suen said the Government has not reached any decision on the proposal to stop young singletons from applying for subsidised housing.

Public housing policy may need adjustment

Noting that with more than half of Hong Kong people living in the Government subsidised flats, Mr Suen said it is time to consider whether our public housing policy needs to be adjusted.

Responding to prospective buyers' complaints that they could obtain the price list for a residential development in Sheung Shui only one hour before the sale began, Mr Suen said if the delay in the release of price lists existed, it showed that there is still room for the developer to improve.