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of a more elaborate building, incorporating a theatre and costing about $354,000, could not at present be accepted, particularly if this was to be the prototype for similar facilities in other densely populated areas.
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, is it not a fact that the Government put this proposal to the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club for them to defray the cost of it?
CHAIRMAN: I believe that is being pursued, Mr. SALES.
MR. SALES: In the circumstances, Mr. Chairman, how do you reconcile that attitude on the part of the Government with your statement that they could not accept this enlarged scheme which the Urban Council put forward?
CHAIRMAN: As I have already said, Mr. SALES, this was to be the prototype for quite a number, and I think the position would be clarified once one is up and running, and we could see whether it was meeting our requirements or not.
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, in the light of the circumstances, is their refusal to carry out this project by use of Government funds not actually motivated by the fact that it would mean increased cost rather than the principle of an enlarged building?
CHAIRMAN: I do not think so, Mr. SALES.
MR. SALES: In the circumstances, why did they put it forward to the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. Could you please answer me, Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN: They saw this as the best way of getting your project off the ground reasonably quickly, Mr. SALES.
MR. SALES: So it means that while Government thought the project might be worthwhile to carry out, Government was not prepared to pay for it, but would have it built if the Jockey Club could find the money for it. Am I not right?
CHAIRMAN: Possibly, Mr. Sales.
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, why did Government object to the more ambitious scheme put forward by the Urban Council, particularly as the Urban Council explained that second thoughts on the subject were due to the fact that there was increasing demand for facilities for staging Cantonese opera in our playgrounds?
CHAIRMAN: I think, Mr. SALES, one of the reasons could have been that you did maintain that this was to be the prototype for quite a number, but left the number unspecified.
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MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, what has the question of a prototype of a number of such halls got to do with the principle of having it in one particular park?
CHAIRMAN: Government must know what the eventual commitment is, Mr. Sales.
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, surely the Government could turn down at any future date any future proposal for just such a building if the Government did not find it expedient to put it up?
CHAIRMAN: You are arguing for the case which has just been stated, Mr. Sales.
MR. SALES: Which case has just been stated, Mr. Chairman?
CHAIRMAN: That they do not feel that it is the time for them to spend this money on this project.
MR. SALES: But they think well enough of the project to suggest that a "fairy godmother" might be found to defray the cost of it. Am I not right?
CHAIRMAN: Correct, Mr. SALES.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, what is Government's objection to have a theatre incorporated in this new project?
CHAIRMAN: I do not think it is objection to the theatre, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, it is a different concept away from the original one which was a simple covered games area. Now we are asking for a theatre with seating accommodation and the usual facilities and a hall, not a covered area, and it is the extra cost that has made Government think twice about approving this project.
MR. SALES: Mr. Chairman, may I, in supporting Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, suggest to you that in your answer you did specify that even in the original concept there was going to be a stage.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, if there were a proved need for a theatre in the Kai Tak area, which is one of the most densely populated areas in Kowloon, would the Government accept the increased project as has been put forward in this paper?
CHAIRMAN: Sorry, I must rule that one out of order, Mr. CHEONG-LEEN, I think that this particular subject has been fairly well answered so far.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN: Mr. Chairman, could I ask this additional supplementary in seeking further clarification from you? If this was
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