XN000022-1973-10-17 — Page 7

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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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