XN000022-1996-04-03 — Page 85

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Water sports facilities

Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr T H Chau, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In response to my question at the LegCo Sitting on 5 July 1995 concerning the pollution of beaches, the Government indicated that an inter-departmental committee was looking into various water sports facilities at the time and that it would also examine the need for the feasibility of developing new beaches. Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

of the progress of the committee's study on developing and opening up new beaches; and

whether consideration has been given to opening up new outing resorts, such as by developing more outlying islands and reinforcing the ferry services linking these islands to urban areas, so that people will have more places to go to spend their leisure in a healthy and inexpensive way?

Reply:

Mr President.

The working group looking into water sports development has identified over 20 beaches which might be suitable for further development. The group is now conducting research into the circumstances of the beaches, taking into account ease of access, water quality, texture of beach deposits and other related issues. The working group aims to complete its research this year, following which it will make recommendations on the development of potential new beaches.

Separately, the Regional Services Department is considering opening up beaches at Lung Mei (near Tai Po) and at Gordon Hard, which joins the Old and New Cafeteria Beaches at Tuen Mun.