1979 — Page 21

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

THE SECRETARY (in English):-Television cameras, Sir.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-The television camera is directly aimed at M BERNACCHI. He should not object to it. (Laughter). Will you please proceed

Mr F. K. Hu?

MR HU (in English):-This ticket selling computerization system will have quite a number of ticket selling outlets.

4 MR JOHN MACKENZIE asked the following question (in English): -What is the system of booking reservations for the Wan Chai Sports Stadium and what precautions are being taken to ensure that there is no damage to the track and central area through improper or excessively heavy use and particularly, through use under wet conditions?

MR KENNETH T. C. LO, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English):-The first part of this question deals with the booking system for the Wan Chai Sports Ground.

The general policy for the use of the Wan Chai Sports Ground was approved by the Recreation and Amenities Select Committee at its meeting on 4 December 1978. Under this policy, the use of the Wan Chai Sports Ground is restricted to the following categories of users:

(a) The Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association and its affiliated Clubs; (b) The Hong Kong Schools Sports Association;

(c) The New Territories Schools Sports Association; (d) The Recreation and Sport Service;

(e) The Education Department.

This sports ground is the first athletics venue in Hong Kong of international standard and because of this it is the policy to restrict its use at this stage and applications are considered only from the organizations I have men- tioned. The policy will be reviewed once experience is gained of the usage of the Sports Ground and the wear and tear on its facilities under the present arrangements.

I table a paper setting out in detail an account of the booking procedure currently being followed.

The second part of the question deals with the care of the facilities.

Precautionary measures have been taken to ensure that the track and the central area are properly used by athletes. The conditions of use are clearly stated in the letter which is sent to applicants confirming a reservation of the ground together with other papers used in the procedure for applications for reservations. Also, notices with the same information are displayed prominently inside the sports ground. Checks are made by departmental

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staff during the meeting to ensure that the conditions are being fully observed and all spiked running shoes are inspected by departmental staff before contestants are allowed onto the track. The length of spikes is carefully measured and for this purpose callipers are used.

During inclement weather the ground manager will decide (after consulting Regional Headquarters if necessary) whether or not a meeting can be held and will close the ground if he considers that its continued use in such conditions will cause damage. When the ground is closed a red flag is dis- played. In such cases applicants can ask for a refund of hiring charges or an alternative date will be arranged, if possible.

(Mr Chan Chi-kwan arrived at this point.)

MR MACKENZIE (in English):--My question is prompted by close observa- tion of the central area being used in the very wet and solid conditions which may have been described elsewhere as 'heavy going' if it is in use. May I recommend to the Select Committee that they keep this matter under careful observation? It is my feeling that this ground has been abused.

MR LO (in English): —Yes, Mr Chairman, the Committee will certainly keep this matter under consideration, not just the use of the central area but the whole question of the amount of usage which we can allow at this venue.

CHAIRMAN (in English):-Mr BERNACCHI, Mr FORSGATE, in that order of seniority. (Laughter).

MR BERNACCHI (in English):-What precautions are being taken to ensure that the inhabitants of Wan Chai have first place on the booking reservations? I see the list of associations (e), the Education Department, what precautions are being taken to ensure that the residents of Wan Chai in fact have the first priority on the playground?

MR Lo (in English):--Mr Chairman, I think I have indicated in my reply that the sports ground is of international standard. It is not meant to be a district activity, it is not meant specifically for the Wan Chai District. It is for the whole territory of Hong Kong. That is why you even have New Territories sports associations and so on.

MR BERNACCHI (in English):—I have finished my supplementary.

MR H. M. G. FORSGATE (in English): Has any damage been done to the surface of the very expensive track that is laid for running?

MR LO (in English):-Mr Chairman, as far as I am aware, no damage has been done, but of course, the track has been only in use for about a month

or so.