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Additionally, I would like to talk about the construction of the Museum of Science and Technology for Hong Kong. The Urban Council invited the Association of Science and Technology Centres' Consultants' team to make a visit to Hong Kong to propose a plan for the construction of the said museum. The proposed plan was accepted, and the cost of the construction is approximately forty million Hong Kong dollars. It is disappointing to find out that the Hong Kong Government has not released funds for the construction of this project.
I would like to take this occasion to point out that the exhibits of advanced technology and science will have a tremendous contribution and influence on our society, especially industry, commerce, and education. Delaying the construction of the project would, of course, undoubtedly increase the construction cost in our inflationary economy today. In honour of our international reputation, I surely do hope that the Government of Hong Kong will speed up the release of funds for this particular project. Otherwise, I would like to make a petition to The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club to contribute sufficient funds for this project, for the benefit of Hong Kong society. All of us are looking forward to the Museum of Science and Technology for Hong Kong coming into reality soon.
I support the motion.
THE HON. F. K. Hu (in English):-Mr. Chairman, through years of hard work by this Council, Hong Kong has finally established its reputation as one of the most advanced and active Cultural Centres in the East, which can only be achieved through determined efforts on all fronts. The quality and standard of local cultural organizations, including Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, and many other cultural organizations receiving regular support from the Council, have increased appreciably, as verified by the favourable criticism that has appeared in the local media and newspapers and the fact that attendance at each performance has been increasing or practically achieving full houses throughout the year. The Council is always keen to encourage newly formed cultural organizations, especially those involving talented local artists, to perform in public through financial and administrative assistance, which has helped to cultivate new blood in this field. The Council has also managed to increase the standard of appreciation by the local public through regularly organizing performances by world-renowned artists and performing groups in the City Hall at prices within the reach of ordinary people in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Council is continuously improving the quality of equipment and facilities under its management to keep pace with current development so that maximum enjoyment can be derived for both performers and audiences.
The Council's outdoor entertainment programme has certainly developed rapidly in recent years. To implement this expanded entertainment programme, the need was felt for acquiring stage equipment of better quality and efficiency. Three kinds of stage set-ups were being used for outdoor performances - mobile stage, portable steel stage, and wooden stage. The portable steel stage, which was put into use in 1978, was found to be more durable and good-looking than the wooden stage. Its capability for height adjustment, particularly, made it very useful in many different ways. Bearing in mind the higher efficiency and capability of this new stage set-up, the wooden stage would be replaced gradually over the next few years.
The Council will continue the detailed planning and construction of the Ko Shan Road Open-Air Theatre - the first properly equipped open-air theatre in Hong Kong. The availability of this venue, together with the two multi-purpose indoor stadia, Queen Elizabeth Stadium and Hung Hom stadium in the future, will launch the Council's entertainment programme into a new era of greater sophistication and spectacular enjoyment.
In the meantime, consideration is being given to improving the Morse Park Open-Air Theatre to facilitate the presentation of entertainment programmes there. This would involve the provision of an extension stage and other stage equipment to overcome the existing physical limitations.
The Third Hong Kong International Film Festival took place from 25 June to 8 July 1979. Within two years, the Festival has established itself not only as a major cultural highlight in Hong Kong but also as an important event on the calendar of International Film Festivals. The Film Festival is affiliated with the International Federation of Film Producers' Association in Paris. 82 overseas and local films were screened at the Festival. 32,909 spectators attended 128 screenings, and 47,406 visitors watched two exhibitions in the City Hall Exhibition Hall and Gallery. Attendance at the Festival has shown that such an event enjoys the support and interest of the local public. The Festival has helped promote the idea that films are not just commercial entertainment but also worthy of serious attention and consideration. By seeing the films, reading about them and their background in the Festival publications, and engaging in forums with film professionals, the audience's level of appreciation will hopefully be raised.
The Fourth Hong Kong International Film Festival will take place from 3-18 April 1980, and planning for the Festival is now underway. An International Section, an Asian Section, and a survey of Hong Kong Kung-fu films will constitute the programme for 1980. In addition, a poster and stills exhibition will be staged in the Exhibition Hall. Besides using the City Hall facilities, the Film Festival office is planning to hire the King's Theatre for a period of four days for the Film Festival so that more screenings can be arranged for the enjoyment of a greater number of spectators.
The Council has carried out a number of significant improvement projects in the City Hall during the year, including:
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