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Secondly, in the reply it is said that Phase I and Phase II were launched in 1992 and November 1995 respectively and a review would be conducted in 1996/97. However, as far as I can see from the reply, the purpose of review is only to consider whether the system should be enhanced. I think the premise is that such computerised booking system should be convenient for the public to use. Thus there is no doubt that the system is popular with Members and the public. The Regional Council will soon announce the implementation of their computerised booking system 'the Leisure Link' which may include cross-venue booking by means of telephone or at the MTR Station. So I would like to ask, in the forthcoming review, should we focus on how to improve the operation of our computerized booking system instead of whether the system should be enhanced?
Ms. Grace Au Yuk-har (in Cantonese): With regard to the 2 questions raised by Mr. TAM, the answer for the first question is clear. The answer is 'yes'. Computerized booking service is provided at all venues managed by the Urban Council, and the 10 district offices and 2 telephone booking centres mentioned above. The public can use this service for booking sports and recreational facilities and activities. Bookings for the Lei Yue Mun Park can also be made through telephone computerized booking now.
The second question concerns the plan for 1996/97. At present, there is plan for conducting a review to consider enhancing the system. The review will cover the cost-effectiveness of the system since its operation, improvements suggested by the public, and other restrictions on the system. We must review all these aspects first. I think a review is necessary and enhancement is necessary. We will be positive and forward looking. The suggestions given by Mr. Tam just now will definitely be incorporated in the review and concrete actions will be taken to achieve the goal.
(3) Mr. Wu Chi-wai asked the following question (in Cantonese): A study has pointed out the slow pace of replacement of library books in Council libraries and the long lapse of time between the dates of shelving of really acquired books and the dates of their publication. I have the following questions:
(a) What is the procedure for purchase of library books and how much time is required for completing each procedural step?
(b) Are the procedures for purchase of Chinese and English books the same?
(c) Are the Council's present procedure and method for purchase of books the only way for acquisition of books? If the answer is negative, please detail other methods of acquisition of books, and compare their advantages and disadvantages with the Council's procedure for purchase of books.
(d) Can the present procedure for purchase of books be further simplified so as to shorten the time taken for shelving of newly acquired books? If the answer is affirmative, what are the detailed improvement measures? If the answer is negative, what are the difficulties involved?
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