The Hong Kong government has denied allegations that its surveyors conspired with a contractor to conceal flammable materials used in a deadly fire, suggesting a lack of time for a deception plan.

A lawyer for the Hong Kong government has rejected “groundless” assertions that its surveyors conspired with a renovation contractor at the centre of the city’s deadliest fire in decades to conceal flammable materials used at the site, suggesting the firm did not have enough time to plan a deception before a crucial inspection. But Jenkin Suen SC on Tuesday acknowledged the need for authorities to review their shortcomings in supervising minor construction works and handling complaints after...