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Wednesday, October 17, 1973
SPECIAL BODY TO CO-ORDINATE EXPANSION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
A Council for Recreation and Sport is to be set up to give new
impetus to the provision of more and better recreational facilities for
the people of Hong Kong.
The proposed Council will be headed by the Secretary for Home
Affairs and will have its own secretariat so as to provide it with some
administrative muscle. It will bring together a high-level group of
persons with the special experience of the public and private organisations
controlling the main recreational facilities and services in existence.
Outlining the functions of the Council, the Governor, Sir Murray
MaoLehose, told the opening session of the Legislative Council that it
would be the "chosen channel" for advising the government on recreational
facilities, particularly on how to expand them and maximise their use,
increase supervision of activities, and on the extent and direction of
financial assistance to amateur sport.
"It will also make recommendations on any special services and
facilities it considers necessary to meet the leisure time needs of young
people."1
He added: "I hope it may bring new purpose, new impetus and new
thinking into what is being done in this field."
The Governor hoped that the proposals would find favour with
Legislative Council Members and that they would agree that "adequate funds
should be made available to implement the council's recommendations."
/Sir Murray
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