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the Hong Kong Junior Chamber of Commerce and largely handed over to the Government for management, and I believe there are about 23, if not more, children's libraries. Mr. Hilton CHEONG-LEEN, Mr. Roger LOBO and Mr. Peter P. K. NG can certify to that.
MR. BERNACCHI: I was referring, of course, to children's libraries under our control.
DR. BELL:—Mr. Chairman, would I be right in thinking in France they don't have the problem that we have here, there's so much gold there. (Laughter).
MRS. ELLIOTT: Mr. Chairman, may I answer Mr. BERNACCHI'S question?
CHAIRMAN: -It's on a new matter again, Mrs. ELLIOTT.
MRS. ELLIOTT:-I was just going to say these children's libraries now come under Social Welfare, and not under us.
MR. SALES: -But there are children's libraries in several of our playgrounds, Mr. Chairman, offhand, at Victoria Park and Argyle Street.
(12) MRS. E. ELLIOTT asked the following question:
(a) Was the Government informed of the recommendation of the Chairman of the Resettlement Policy Select Committee, Dr. Alison BELL, to utilize the spaces between resettlement blocks for play areas for children?
(b) What consideration has been given to fencing in areas now to be cleared of obstructions in resettlement estates, and to providing swing, basket-ball stands and other equipment for the recreation of children and young people on the estates.
MR. A. de O. SALES, CHAIRMAN OF THE PARKS, RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE replied as follows:-
This question concerns the development of small areas of land as children's playgrounds between resettlement estate blocks.
In the discussion following my reply to an earlier question on this subject raised in the last meeting of this Council, it was agreed that this proposal originally made in the Resettlement Policy Select Committee would be referred for consideration in the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee.
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This was done on 15th March when Members agreed with the desirability of providing play equipment in courtyards situated between resettlement blocks once they have been cleared of obstructions. The Urban Services Department was asked to liaise with the Resettlement Department in an effort to co-ordinate action and to frustrate, if possible, any subsequent obstruction and I am told that the two departments have already been in discussion.
The degree to which the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Division of the Urban Services Department will be able to implement the proposal will depend upon the extent of clearances by the Resettlement Department and the availability of play equipment. Members will appreciate that bulk orders of play equipment are made against known commitments and that large quantities cannot be diverted without disrupting the main development programme. I can however assure Members that all reasonable requests will be met and that such equipment as may be necessary will be ordered when more information is available as to requirements.
The question of fencing these small areas will also be examined. The installation of play equipment may, by itself, prevent further obstruction but, if it proves an inadequate deterrent, fencing may be necessary. In this event, and if a large number of areas were to be developed, it could emerge as an expensive scheme which the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee would have to consider carefully, together with all other competing claims on its limited financial resources.
MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, may I ask the Chairman of the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee through you whether, if this matter is delayed, as the obstructions are already being demolished, it will not be too late. There will be hawkers and all kinds of other obstructions in their places?
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, once the principle has been accepted by the Select Committee concerned, the implementation of that programme is in the hands of the two departments concerned, and I think this matter ought to be referred to the department I'm quite sure that they must be conscious of this danger and all adequate steps should be taken in this direction.
MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, would it be possible for the Resettlement Department to delay until the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee are ready to carry this out?
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