XN000022-1997-02-19 — Page 36

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(c)&(d)

Starting from 1995, a library has been incorporated in the schedule of accommodation for standard design primary schools. The first batch of four standard design primary schools which have a library will be completed in August 1997. For a new standard design primary school, the cost of constructing a library forms part of the school building project estimates for which adequate funding will be provided as a package.

Also starting from 1995, and where technically feasible, a number of existing public sector primary schools have been provided with a library under the first two phases of the SIP. About $65 million was spent on constructing 45 libraries in Phase I of the SIP and another $110 million has been approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for constructing 70 libraries in Phase II. Subject to availability of funds, the Government plans to extend the SIP to cover all public sector schools. If the plan is implemented, a further 470 libraries would be provided in existing primary schools in the subsequent phases of the SIP. The additional funds required are estimated to be $1,044 million.

Employment of children

Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

To take advantage of the recent boom in the property market, many real estate agents step up publicity by hiring children of ten or so to distribute promotional leaflets to passers-by in busy districts during holidays. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

whether it is in breach of law for the real estate agents to hire children under the age of 13 to distribute promotional materials; if so, of the number of prosecutions brought against real estate agents for such offences in the past year together with the number of successful prosecutions; and