1994 — Page 77

Page 77 of 115

Page 77 of 115

147

146

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

you have such information? If the answer is in the negative, could you perhaps prepare a paper to the Libraries Select Committee in a month or two for discussion so that a good coordination between the construction and the necessary requirement can be worked out simultaneously.

MR. JOESPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):-Mr. MAN's suggestion will be followed-up. But on our recent study visit to overseas libraries, including a few well-established ones in North America, we did not see any toy library corners in their libraries. If resources permits, we do have plans to provide a toy library corner in the Hong Kong Central Library and we will certainly take on board Mr. MAN'S suggestions and refer to overseas experience in its provision. In the USA, in particular, not much importance has been accorded to this area of service but in museums or rehabilitation centres for children, toy library service is normally provided. In normal libraries, they do not see the need to provide a toy library. In Hong Kong, as the voluntary agencies or non-government organisations do provide some sort of children centres, toy libraries are usually provided therein.

MR. MA LEE-WO (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, two questions. First, in the reply, I think there is inconsistency. Paragraph I says that the current policy is not to set up this type of library but then in the new Central Library, there will be such a provision. Does this mean that there is a change in policy? Secondly, in the past, the Libraries Select Committee did look into this issue. What was the result of the study?

MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese): With regard to the current policy, it has not been changed. For district libraries, there is still no provision for toy libraries due to resources consideration and the fact that the voluntary agencies have already provided this service. For the new Central Library, however, there will be provision of this service because at the time when we discussed the planning of the Central Library, some members suggested that we should set up a toy library corner. That is why the provision of a toy library has been incorporated into the Central Library.

In the past, I understand the Libraries Select Committee has discussed this issue. As I have said, due to resources consideration to develop district libraries, we will not be able to spare resources to develop toy libraries i the district because they are not regarded as an urgently required service.

During the course of discussions, some members felt that in a well developed economy, most children would have toys provided by their families. It was more useful to provide a book library rather than a toy library. Thirdly, we have to be careful about the hygienic condition of toys because they are handled by many children. Books are different, you just read instead of play with them. But toys are often touched by children so there could be hygenic problems. For example, you might need to clean the toys constantly to keep them hygienic. Since it was not regarded as an urgently required service and

Page 77 of 115

HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

also because this facility had already been provided by many voluntary agencies, we decided to leave the voluntary agencies to make this provision and we would concentrate our resources on the development of our libraries, especially in their full computerization.

THE HONOURAble Man Sai-CHEONG (in Cantonese):-I support one point in the reply. Although it is true that there is no specific library management expertise in relation to toy libraries but toys play an important educational role. Sometimes we may need to rely on expert's advice to choose the right toys for children. Under the current policy, this service would not be provided but this does not mean that this will be the case in the future too. I do support that this service should start with the Central Library. If the pilot scheme proves successful, we could promote and extend that service further.

Although Mr. CHAN has made some negative remarks just now in his reply, I have talked to some librarians who believe it is worthwhile to try out the scheme. We understand that some voluntary agencies provide both the normal library and toy library service. So, I hope the Libraries Select Committee would reconsider this and implement the scheme as soon as possible.

MR. JOSEPH CHAN YUEK-SUT (in Cantonese):-The provision of a toy library corner will be implemented in the Central Library. If we find that to be successful, we may consider extending that service to other district libraries. I think that is something we will have to pursue further.

4. MR. CHAN CHOI-HI asked the following question (in Cantonese):-Some residents in my district complained that the lighting of the Shek Tong Tsui Urban Council Complex had caused nuisance to the residents nearby at night. After receiving the complaints, the Department has undertaken to reduce the luminosity there. I would like to ask:

(a) Does the Department have any data analysis of its expenditure on energy

(including electricity and gas, etc) for the last 3 years?

(b) Will the Department carry out an Energy Efficiency Audit?

(c)

Will the Department implement an energy saving programme in the facilities under its management?

MR. PAUL YOUNG TZE-KONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTION SELECT COMMITTEE, replied as follows (in English): Mr. CHAN has asked three questions in relation to the use of energy. Yes, the Department does have past data on its expenditure on energy including electricity and gas. In 1991/1992, total expenditure on electricity, gas and fuel for installations under the heading fuel, light and power amounted to $92.4 million, $103.4 million in 1992/1993 and $115.7 million in 1993/1994. Actual expenditure on electricity during the same three years amounted respectively to $86.3 million, $96.6 million and $108.4 million, while the figures for gas were $2.3 million, $3.8 million and $4.1 million.

Page 77 of 115