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as items to be financed by Government. However, as each project in its own way is a new venture in the field of recreational provision, feasibility studies are necessary before detailed design work can be undertaken.

At its meeting on 19th October, 1973 the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee decided to adopt one of two feasibility schemes for the Morrison Hill Indoor Games Centre prepared by a firm of private architects. A de- tailed schedule of accommodation based on the adopted scheme is now being drawn up by the department. The schedule will be forwarded to the private architects for finalization of the detailed design to the extent that a firm estimate of cost can be prepared. It is not possible at this stage to say when tenders are likely to be invited for construction of the Games Centre.

An Investigation Report on the Causeway Bay Velodrome and Sports Training Centre, together with feasibility plans. and an order of cost, was submitted to the Colonial Secretariat in August 1972. The financial and manage- ment aspects of the project were then discussed and in May 1973 it was agreed that the Velodrome and Sports Training Centre should be planned, financed and con- structed by Government and managed by the Urban Council. Since then, action has been in train to finalize the site boundaries and to produce estimates of recur- rent costs. As soon as these matters are settled financial approval of the project will be sought. Again, it is not yet possible to forecast when tenders for construction are likely to be invited.

I do not accept, Mr. Chairman, that progress on these projects has been unduly slow. The Morrison Hill Indoor Sports Centre was included in Category B of the Public Works Programme at the Third Review of 1971; and the Cause- way Bay Velodrome and Sports Training Centre was included in Category B a year later. Given the novelty and complexity of the projects and the need for detailed investigation of the design and the financial and manage- ment implications, I consider that progress to date has been reasonably satisfactory.

MR. PETER P. K. NG (in English):-Thank you for such a com- prehensive answer, but I think I am a little confused concerning the

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use of the words "Category B". In February 1971, I asked a similar question. It was you, Mr. Chairman, who made the answer and you said, which I quote: "The Council recommended on 21st August, 1970, that an item for the development of the site which comprises 9.7 acres be included in Category B of the 1971-72 Public Works Programme,' and so forth. And on the same question asked by you yourself in March of this year, it was answered by the then Chairman of the Urban Council saying that the projects for Causeway Bay Sports Centre had been included as an investigation item in Category B of the Public Works Programme so that the orders of cost could be established with a view to approaching the Finance Committee for approval. And now in this answer, it is almost the same wording. Can you make some clarification please?

MR. KENNETH T. C. Lo (in English):-I am not clear what Mr. NG's point is. As the date when the project was put in Category B and so on are stated, I am not clear about the point involved.

MR. PETER P. K. NG (in English):-It appears to me that the project is forever in Category B. What significance would it have then?

CHAIRMAN (in English): - May 1 clarify the position for you. First, my memory as Chairman does not go back beyond April 1973, it does not even go as far back as March 1973 (Laughter). Nevertheless, it is my understanding that it takes about 3 years for a project to be elevated from Category B to A, and that is the period when studies are carried out. As regards Morrison Hill Games Hall, the Select Com- mittee recently examined the position and now it is with the Public Works Department as you have been told. As regards Causeway Bay, although the project was approved a great many months ago, I believe it is still dependent upon certain factors being clarified, and the Select Committee should in fact receive a report on the progress of that project in a short time, and I would suggest that the particular Select Committee go into it much more closely now that it has reached this particular stage.

MR. PETER P. K. NG (in English): --Well, Mr. Chairman, if you do not have that good a memory, can I let you have a copy of the "Hansard", which I copied, concerning the dates. But anyhow, my major concern is: the answer is always Category B. We would hope that maybe a more definite answer could be given saying that plans are being prepared, and it should be able to do something.