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during the same season? What feasibility studies have been done in regard
to using Solar Energy instead of fuel to heat swimming pool water?
MR F. K. HU VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): At present, three of the public swimming pool complexes managed by the Council have heated main pools in the winter, namely, Morrison Hill where there is a heated indoor pool, and Aberdeen and Tai Wan Shan where there are heated outdoor pools. Water for both pools and for showers is heated between early November and late March by means of oil-fired boilers and at Morrison Hill there is a warm air fan ventilation system, which keeps the swimming hall at a comfortable temperature.
The fuel costs for boilers totalled approximately $40,000 for each of the two outdoor pools and $80,000 for Morrison Hill, where the cost is greater because the heating of the swimming hall results in heavier fuel consumption. Turnstile receipts totalled $16,746.80 at Tai Wan Shan, $8,159.60 at Aberdeen, and $87,447.80 at Morrison Hill during the period 1 November 1977 to 31 March 1978.
Turning to the second part of this question, which deals with the possible use of solar energy to heat swimming pools, in February 1978, Professor E. A. BRUGES, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University of Hong Kong, was commissioned by the Director of Public Works on behalf of the Urban Council to carry out a feasibility study on the use of solar energy to supplement the use of conventional fuel for heating swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, and also for heating water in public bathhouses. Professor Bruges has now completed his first report on the heating of outdoor pools and this is being studied in the Public Works Department. A further report on the Morrison Hill pool is expected in about a month or so. When his reports have been evaluated by the Public Works Department, the matter will be presented to the Urban Council for further consideration.
MR YOUNG (in English): Mr Chairman, as the figures listed in the second paragraph of the answer show that the gate receipts at Morrison Hill do in fact cover the fuel costs whereas they do not at the other two, will the Council look into the question of increasing the viability of the other pools and apart from making them an attractive amenity, also encourage greater use of them to recover more costs?
MR HU (in English): Mr Chairman, actually a study is at present being carried out into the feasibility of providing the two heated outdoor pools with movable superstructures, and the new complex to be built at Sham Shui Po Park will also incorporate a movable superstructure which could be used to cover the heated pool. I think that may increase the attendance at those pools.
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MR YOUNG (in English): Mr Chairman, regarding the second part of the answer, as the report has not yet been received by the Council, we cannot evaluate the cost of Solar versus fuel energy. However, when the report is received in due course, will the Council please look at it not only from the costing point of view but also from the combating pollution and conservation of energy points of view as well?
MR HU (in English): bear those points in mind.
MRS GRACE HO (in English): Mr Chairman, can Mr HU also confirm that in considering Professor Bruges' report the Committee will also look at other places where they already have solar heating for public pools, and not just rely on his report alone?
MR HU (in English): Yes, Mr Chairman, I can assure Mrs Ho that this point will also be looked into.
MR KIM Y. S. CHAM asked the following question (in English): To what extent, in terms of finance and frequency, did this Council sponsor swimming galas last year? In swimming galas sponsored by the Urban Council, will the Council consider awarding to the winners seasonal swimming tickets as prizes in order that the winners can be encouraged to improve further?
MR F. K. HU, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): Whilst the Urban Council plays a significant role in the promotion of swimming both as a sport and as a recreation, it has not sponsored swimming galas, as such, to any great extent. During the financial year 1977-78, only one swimming gala was directly sponsored by the Council, namely, the 1977 Asian Schools Invitational Swimming Championship, which was organized by the Hong Kong Schools Sports Council in December 1977. This was a large-scale regional event in which more than 160 boys and girls representing Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Macau, and, of course Hong Kong, took part. On this occasion, the Council provided the Tai Wan Shan Swimming Pool as the venue for the event and also made a financial contribution of $35,564 towards the cost of organizing.
Apart from this, the Council's role in the promotion of swimming events consists mainly of making public swimming pools available to the various organizing bodies. For example, the Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association, governing body for the sport, is given free use of Council facilities for its annual championship competition and for training representative squads. Booking procedures and hire charges for swimming pools under the Council's management are...
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