1995 — Page 48

Page 48 of 485

Page 48 of 485

· 45+ 40 01 485

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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

MR. CHAN KWOK-LEUNG (in Cantonese):—The Select Committee Chairman has declined the proposal to build another civic centre on the basis of low utilization rate. However, have we considered why the utilization rates are low especially that of the hirers? What organizations will make use of the facilities of the civic centres? In fact, the local arts groups are the prime users. Has the Council established any policy to nurture the development of local talents and local arts groups? If the question is in the negative, then the problem does not lie with the type of hirers, but with the Council.

Mr. Pao Ping-WING (in Cantonese):—I am not going to answer the question of supporting local art groups because this is not related to the original question. As regards whether we have studied the low utilization rates and the reasons for lack of hirers, the Council has instructed the USD to conduct a study on the matter. If Members are interested in the issue, I will ask the USD to give you a briefing at the meeting of the Culture Select Committee.

Mr. Leung Kam-tao (in Cantonese):—I agree that utilization rate is a very important indicator in deciding whether we should further build civic centres. My question is: will the Culture Select Committee consider defining high and low utilization rate and the level at which the Culture Select Committee considers the construction of another civic centre justified?

MR. PAO PING-WING (in Cantonese):—Yes, we will consider Mr. LEUNG'S suggestion.

MR. CHRISTOPHER CHUNG (in Cantonese):—I would like to ask a follow-up question. The Director of Audit recommended that there should be a moratorium on the building of more civic centres until utilization of existing centres increased to a satisfactory level. What is meant by a satisfactory level? What utilization rate should it be? Does it refer only to the theatre or other ancillary facilities?

Mr. Pao Ping-WING (in Cantonese):—This is a question similar to the one asked by Mr. CHAN Kwok-leung. I will ask USD to give a briefing to members at the meeting of the Culture Select Committee to explain the questions on utilization rate and its former studies etc.

Mr. Lai Hok-lim (in Cantonese):—In replying questions, Mr. Pao only stressed on utilization rate. It appears that we have not taken into account the increase in population, the development of our community and increase in citizens' demand. So apart from utilization rates, should we not consider the overall development needs of the community? As mentioned by many Members, the review was done in 1987, seven years ago. Is it the case that there has been no development in culture and increase in demand by citizens in the society? Will these factors also be included in future reviews in addition to the utilization rate?

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