Authorities answer concerns of the public

Departments and ministries under the State Council, China's Cabinet, have responded to a wide range of public concerns in the past week, in areas that include the quality of school running tracks, real estate registration, illegal loans, cross-border capital flows and the cultivation of innovative talent.

In response to the recent "toxic running track" incidents that drew wide public concern nationwide, education ministry officials said they had paid great attention and have taken effective measures. Educational authorities at various levels will inspect and test school running tracks, and any that pose a risk to students' health will be dismantled and rebuilt. Those responsible for the defective tracks will be dealt with according to the law and relevant regulations, the ministry said. Meanwhile, a revised national standard for running tracks will be discussed to guarantee students' health.

The Ministry of Land and Resources said it will launch a special inspection into the real estate unified registration system in 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. According to the inspection plan, by the end of this year all concerned cities and counties will issue a new real estate registration certificate. Any local authorities failing to implement the real estate registration system in a timely manner will be reported to the State Council.