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(b)

The acquisition of all such services is governed by the Stores Regulations in the usual way.

We did plan originally to issue a bulk tender to procure ISP services. However, in the light of the rapid developments in the market and the high degree of competition in the industry, we have reviewed our original plan. We now feel that we should not issue a bulk tender because this would tie us to a single provider. Even if the contract had provision for price adjustments, this would not be as flexible as having the ability to obtain services from several different providers. Accordingly we are now formulating a revised ISP procurement strategy. We expect to draw up for departments' reference early next year a short-list of suppliers who can provide such services.

Facilities in Government-aided primary and secondary schools

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Law Cheung-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

whether the facilities in government-aided primary and secondary schools (such as school halls, playgrounds and classrooms etc.) are open for public use outside school hours; and

(b)

whether it has formulated any policy regarding making such school facilities available for public use; if so, what the details are?