1968 — Page 21

Urban Council Proceedings 市政局議事錄 All AI Reviewed

Page 21 of 243

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

(c) Space has been reserved by the Housing Authority for a branch library in the Ping Shek Estate at Kai Tak. Details of space allocation have not yet been worked out as this building is to be included in the second stage of the estate's scheme for which tenders have not yet been invited. It is estimated that the building should be completed in 18 months' time.

MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, in your reply you have admitted that it can be said that the Government is well aware of the shortage of libraries and then later you go on to say that the need for more information, particularly on possible means of financing this programme, is being awaited. Am I to understand that our programme on libraries is being held up until the Select Committee considers how they can raise their own finance for libraries?

CHAIRMAN:- I don't think this is necessarily the case, Mrs. ELLIOTT, but obviously Government must look to see where it can find money for the various schemes in the overall planning of Government programmes, and if the Library Select Committee can come up with any suggestions for producing finance so much the better.

MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, I have the impression that this scheme, this 5 year plan, is being delayed until we suggest some means of getting money. Now, as the Urban Council is not in any way capable of handling finance,-I don't mean capable, I mean allowed (laughter), under our present terms we are not capable I just wonder why, if the Financial Secretary could be asked to explain, why the Select Committee in this case has been asked on this question of raising funds?

CHAIRMAN:- I don't think this necessarily applies only to this particular Select Committee, Mrs. ELLIOTT. The Financial Secretary must obviously ask all departments if they can assist in any way or suggest any means of raising funds for the various programmes. In this particular case, the proposals of your own Committee should go up shortly to Government and once they are considered and accepted there shouldn't be any further delay once funds are allocated for the programme that you envisage.

MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, may I ask you if you can ask the Government if they can assure us that our programme will not be held up, waiting for funds through us, I mean through our suggestions.

CHAIRMAN:- I think they are bound to look at our suggestions Mrs. ELLIOTT, and if our suggestions are inadequate to meet the purpose then obviously they must think again to see if they can produce funds. If the funds are not there, then the programme must be held up or delayed somehow.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, is there any other programme in the Urban Council that's held up until the Select Committee makes a suitable suggestion for funds?

CHAIRMAN:

Not that I know of, Mrs. ELLIOTT.

MRS. ELLIOTT:- Well, may we have the assurance of the Government that our programme will not be held up, waiting for us to suggest ways of raising funds?

CHAIRMAN:- I cannot, of course, give that assurance, Mrs. ELLIOTT, the Government can speak for itself; but once your proposals go forward they will be considered and I don't see any reason why there should be any considerable delay now at this stage in getting your programme on its way.

MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman I am not asking you to give us assurance, I am asking if you'd ask the Government to give us assurance.

CHAIRMAN:- I can put this view forward, Mrs. ELLIOTT.

DR. BELL:- Mr. Chairman, are these libraries free or do they pay a small fee for the books?

CHAIRMAN:- They do not pay, except for keeping books too long and such things.

DR. BELL:- I see. Mr. Chairman, am I right perhaps in pointing out that when the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee was considering what was to happen to Whitfield Barracks and some of the very fine buildings that were inside, that one of them was to be set aside to be a library? Would it be that the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee are going to fill the library with books out of their fund for recreation?

CHAIRMAN:- This is really a new matter you know Dr. BELL, and I can't give an answer to this but I will look into it.

DR. BELL:- Yes, and could you note this suggestion then- Mr. Chairman. At least you didn't mention it in your list of the different libraries which you have put here.

MR. BERNACCHI:- Arising out of the question, as I have to do under Standing Orders, I saw a very good documentary on TV the other evening on children's libraries in France. Has the Government and the Library Select Committee of this Council gone into the question of children's libraries and the provision of special facilities for children's libraries?

MR. SALES:- Mr. Chairman, may I remind Mr. BERNACCHI through you that children's libraries in Hong Kong were started in 1950-51 by

Page 21 of 243

Edit History

2026-05-14 03:56:09 · NVIDIA / meta/llama-4-maverick-17b-128e-instruct

Live

View comparison

AI Proofread

Page 21 of 243 24 24 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL (c) Space has been reserved by the Housing Authority for a branch library in the Ping Shek Estate at Kai Tak. Details of space allocation have not yet been worked out as this building is to be included in the second stage of the estate's scheme for which tenders have not yet been invited. It is estimated that the building should be completed in 18 months' time. MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, in your reply you have admitted that it can be said that the Government is well aware of the shortage of libraries and then later you go on to say that the need for more information, particularly on possible means of financing this programme, is being awaited. Am I to understand that our programme on libraries is being held up until the Select Committee considers how they can raise their own finance for libraries? CHAIRMAN:- I don't think this is necessarily the case, Mrs. ELLIOTT, but obviously Government must look to see where it can find money for the various schemes in the overall planning of Government programmes, and if the Library Select Committee can come up with any suggestions for producing finance so much the better. MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, I have the impression that this scheme, this 5 year plan, is being delayed until we suggest some means of getting money. Now, as the Urban Council is not in any way capable of handling finance,-I don't mean capable, I mean allowed (laughter), under our present terms we are not capable I just wonder why, if the Financial Secretary could be asked to explain, why the Select Committee in this case has been asked on this question of raising funds? CHAIRMAN:- I don't think this necessarily applies only to this particular Select Committee, Mrs. ELLIOTT. The Financial Secretary must obviously ask all departments if they can assist in any way or suggest any means of raising funds for the various programmes. In this particular case, the proposals of your own Committee should go up shortly to Government and once they are considered and accepted there shouldn't be any further delay once funds are allocated for the programme that you envisage. MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, may I ask you if you can ask the Government if they can assure us that our programme will not be held up, waiting for funds through us, I mean through our suggestions. CHAIRMAN:- I think they are bound to look at our suggestions Mrs. ELLIOTT, and if our suggestions are inadequate to meet the purpose then obviously they must think again to see if they can produce funds. If the funds are not there, then the programme must be held up or delayed somehow. HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 25 MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman, is there any other programme in the Urban Council that's held up until the Select Committee makes a suitable suggestion for funds? CHAIRMAN: Not that I know of, Mrs. ELLIOTT. MRS. ELLIOTT:- Well, may we have the assurance of the Government that our programme will not be held up, waiting for us to suggest ways of raising funds? CHAIRMAN:- I cannot, of course, give that assurance, Mrs. ELLIOTT, the Government can speak for itself; but once your proposals go forward they will be considered and I don't see any reason why there should be any considerable delay now at this stage in getting your programme on its way. MRS. ELLIOTT:- Mr. Chairman I am not asking you to give us assurance, I am asking if you'd ask the Government to give us assurance. CHAIRMAN:- I can put this view forward, Mrs. ELLIOTT. DR. BELL:- Mr. Chairman, are these libraries free or do they pay a small fee for the books? CHAIRMAN:- They do not pay, except for keeping books too long and such things. DR. BELL:- I see. Mr. Chairman, am I right perhaps in pointing out that when the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee was considering what was to happen to Whitfield Barracks and some of the very fine buildings that were inside, that one of them was to be set aside to be a library? Would it be that the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee are going to fill the library with books out of their fund for recreation? CHAIRMAN:- This is really a new matter you know Dr. BELL, and I can't give an answer to this but I will look into it. DR. BELL:- Yes, and could you note this suggestion then- Mr. Chairman. At least you didn't mention it in your list of the different libraries which you have put here. MR. BERNACCHI:- Arising out of the question, as I have to do under Standing Orders, I saw a very good documentary on TV the other evening on children's libraries in France. Has the Government and the Library Select Committee of this Council gone into the question of children's libraries and the provision of special facilities for children's libraries? MR. SALES:- Mr. Chairman, may I remind Mr. BERNACCHI through you that children's libraries in Hong Kong were started in 1950-51 by Page 21 of 243

Baseline (Original)

Page 21 of 243 24 24 HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL (c) Space has been reserved by the Housing Authority for a branch library in the Ping Shek Estate at Kai Tak. Details of space allocation have not yet been worked out as this building is to be included in the second stage of the estate's scheme for which tenders have not yet been invited. It is estimated that the building should be completed in 18 months' time. MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, in your reply you have admitted that it can be said that the Government is well aware of the shortage of libraries and then later you go on to say that the need for more information, particularly on possible means of financing this programme, is being awaited. Am I to understand that our programme on libraries is being held up until the Select Committee considers how they can raise their own finance for libraries? CHAIRMAN: —I don't think this is necessarily the case, Mrs. ELLIOTT, but obviously Government must look to see where it can find money for the various schemes in the overall planning of Government pro- grammes, and if the Library Select Committee can come up with any suggestions for producing finance so much the better. MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, I have the impression that this scheme, this 5 year plan, is being delayed until we suggest some means of getting money. Now, as the Urban Council is not in any way capable of handling finance,-I don't mean capable, I mean allowed (laughter), under our present terms we are not capable I just wonder why, if the Financial Secretary could be asked to explain, why the Select Committee in this case has been asked on this question of raising funds? CHAIRMAN:-I don't think this necessarily applies only to this particular Select Committee, Mrs. ELLIOTT, The Financial Secretary must obviously ask all departments if they can assist in any way or suggest any means of raising funds for the various programmes. In this particular case, the proposals of your own Committee should go up shortly to Government and once they are considered and accepted there shouldn't be any further delay once funds are allocated for the pro- gramme that you envisage. MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, may I ask you if you can ask the Government if they can assure us that our programme will not be held up, waiting for funds through us, I mean through our suggestions. CHAIRMAN:-I think they are bound to look at our suggestions Mrs. ELLIOTT, and if our suggestions are inadequate to meet the purpose then obviously they must think again to see if they can produce funds. If the funds are not there, then the programme must be held up or delayed some how. HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL 25 MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, is there any other programme in the Urban Council that's held up until the Select Committee makes a suitable suggestion for funds? CHAIRMAN: Not that I know of, Mrs. ELLIOTT. MRS. ELLIOTT:-Well, may we have the assurance of the Govern- ment that our programme will not be held up, waiting for us to suggest ways of raising funds? CHAIRMAN: -I cannot, of course, give that assurance, Mrs. ELLIOTT, the Government can speak for itself; but once your proposals go forward they will be considered and I don't see any reason why there should be any considerable delay now at this stage in getting your programme on its way. MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman I am not asking you to give us assurance, I am asking if you'd ask the Government to give us assurance. CHAIRMAN: --I can put this view forward, Mrs. ELLIOTT. DR. BELL:Mr. Chairman, are these libraries free or do they pay a small fee for the books? CHAIRMAN:-They do not pay, except for keeping books too long and such things. DR. BELL:-I see. Mr. Chairman, am I right perhaps in pointing out that when the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee was considering what was to happen to Whitfield Barracks and some of the very fine buildings that were inside, that one of them was to be set aside to be a library? Would it be that the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee are going to fill the library with books out of their fund for recreation? CHAIRMAN:-This is really a new matter you know Dr. BELL, and I can't give an answer to this but I will look into it. DR. BELL:-Yes, and could you note this suggestion then-Mr. Chairman. At least you didn't mention it in your list of the different libraries which you have put here. MR. BERNACCHI:-Arising out of the question, as I have to do under Standing Orders, I saw a very good documentary on TV the other evening on children's libraries in France. Has the Government and the Library Select Committee of this Council gone into the question of children's libraries and the provision of special facilities for children's libraries? MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, may I remind Mr. BERNACCHI through you that children's libraries in Hong Kong were started in 1950-51 by

2026-05-14 03:56:09 · Baseline

View content

Page 21 of 243

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, in your reply you have admitted that it can be said that the Government is well aware of the shortage of libraries and then later you go on to say that the need for more information, particularly on possible means of financing this programme, is being awaited. Am I to understand that our programme on libraries is being held up until the Select Committee considers how they can raise their own finance for libraries?

CHAIRMAN: —I don't think this is necessarily the case, Mrs. ELLIOTT, but obviously Government must look to see where it can find money for the various schemes in the overall planning of Government pro- grammes, and if the Library Select Committee can come up with any suggestions for producing finance so much the better.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, I have the impression that this scheme, this 5 year plan, is being delayed until we suggest some means of getting money. Now, as the Urban Council is not in any way capable of handling finance,-I don't mean capable, I mean allowed (laughter), under our present terms we are not capable I just wonder why, if the Financial Secretary could be asked to explain, why the Select Committee in this case has been asked on this question of raising funds?

CHAIRMAN:-I don't think this necessarily applies only to this particular Select Committee, Mrs. ELLIOTT, The Financial Secretary must obviously ask all departments if they can assist in any way or suggest any means of raising funds for the various programmes. In this particular case, the proposals of your own Committee should go up shortly to Government and once they are considered and accepted there shouldn't be any further delay once funds are allocated for the pro- gramme that you envisage.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, may I ask you if you can ask the Government if they can assure us that our programme will not be held up, waiting for funds through us, I mean through our suggestions.

CHAIRMAN:-I think they are bound to look at our suggestions Mrs. ELLIOTT, and if our suggestions are inadequate to meet the purpose then obviously they must think again to see if they can produce funds. If the funds are not there, then the programme must be held up or delayed some how.

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman, is there any other programme in the Urban Council that's held up until the Select Committee makes a suitable suggestion for funds?

CHAIRMAN:

Not that I know of, Mrs. ELLIOTT.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Well, may we have the assurance of the Govern- ment that our programme will not be held up, waiting for us to suggest ways of raising funds?

CHAIRMAN: -I cannot, of course, give that assurance, Mrs. ELLIOTT, the Government can speak for itself; but once your proposals go forward they will be considered and I don't see any reason why there should be any considerable delay now at this stage in getting your programme on its way.

MRS. ELLIOTT:-Mr. Chairman I am not asking you to give us assurance, I am asking if you'd ask the Government to give us assurance.

CHAIRMAN: --I can put this view forward, Mrs. ELLIOTT.

DR. BELL:Mr. Chairman, are these libraries free or do they pay a small fee for the books?

CHAIRMAN:-They do not pay, except for keeping books too long and such things.

DR. BELL:-I see. Mr. Chairman, am I right perhaps in pointing out that when the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee was considering what was to happen to Whitfield Barracks and some of the very fine buildings that were inside, that one of them was to be set aside to be a library? Would it be that the Parks, Recreation and Amenities Select Committee are going to fill the library with books out of their fund for recreation?

CHAIRMAN:-This is really a new matter you know Dr. BELL, and I can't give an answer to this but I will look into it.

DR. BELL:-Yes, and could you note this suggestion then-Mr. Chairman. At least you didn't mention it in your list of the different libraries which you have put here.

MR. BERNACCHI:-Arising out of the question, as I have to do under Standing Orders, I saw a very good documentary on TV the other evening on children's libraries in France. Has the Government and the Library Select Committee of this Council gone into the question of children's libraries and the provision of special facilities for children's libraries?

MR. SALES: -Mr. Chairman, may I remind Mr. BERNACCHI through you that children's libraries in Hong Kong were started in 1950-51 by

1968 — Page 21

Edit History

Comments

Private Research Note