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MR. ALBERT LAI WING-LIN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, when comparing 1997 with 1996, the total number of swimmers dropped by 700,000, while there was a decrease of 900,000 for June to October from the corresponding period last year. Did the Department try to find out why it was so? At the same time, I wish to find out the approximate number of swimmers for the period from June to October in 1998. Can the figure be provided?
MR. RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU (in Cantonese):—Mr. LAI, thank you for your question. There were many reasons and factors for the drop in the number of swimmers but I don't have the information with me now. I could ask the Department to find out the reasons and perhaps deliver the information to Mr. LAI after the meeting.
As for the total number of swimmers for June to October 1998, as the swimming pools are still open, the statistics are not yet available. However, based on the mid-term report, I estimate that the total number of swimmers this year will be less than those of previous years, because there have been some incidents, such as the rumour that there are viruses in the pool water, and they do affect the number of entrants. As for the exact figure, I will give it to Mr. LAI after the meeting.
MR. CHRISTOPHER CHUNG SHU-KUN (in Cantonese):—I want to follow up on the issue about insects flying into the pool water. In fact, some swimming pools (such as the Chai Wan Swimming Pool) are surrounded with trees. Lots of insects and even fallen leaves would fly or drift into the pool areas especially in summer. In connection with this, would the Department consider covering up the pools with nets when they are closed at nighttime, so as to minimize the chance of small creatures (such as insects) flying into the water? I also worry that the water might be too rich in protein after the insects are soaked in the water for the whole night.
Furthermore, some swimmers put on too much suntan lotion while some go into the pool water in shorts and tee shirts instead of swimsuits. This would bring about the problem of contamination. The written reply indicates that only some routine cleaning procedures are carried out every week or every day after the pools are closed. What is the effect of the suntan lotion within the confined environment on human beings? Would the Chairman of the Select Committee agree to refer the matter to the Recreation Select Committee in due course for discussion in detail?
MR. RONNIE WONG MAN-CHIU (in Cantonese): Mr. Chung, thank you for your recommendation. I consider that the problem of suntan lotion can be discussed in detail at the Recreation Select Committee meetings.
As for the idea of covering up the pool surface with nets to prevent insects from flying into the water, the Department should be asked to prepare a feasibility report on the cost-effectiveness and the actual effect of dead insects.
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MR. ALBERT LAI WING-LIN (in Cantonese):—Mr. Chairman, when comparing 1997 with 1996, the total number of swimmers dropped by 700 000, while there was a decrease of 900 000 for June to October from the corresponding period last year. Did the Department try to find out why it was so? At the same time, I wish to find out the approximate number of swimmers for the period from June to October in 1998. Can the figure be provided?
MR. RONNIE Wong Man-CHIU (in Cantonese):—Mr. LAI, thank you for your question. There were many reasons and factors for the drop in the number of swimmers but I don't have the information with me now. I could ask the Department to find out the reasons and perhaps deliver the information to Mr. LAI after the meeting.
As for the total number of swimmers for June 10 October 1998, as the swimming pools are still open. the statistics are not yet available. However, based on the mid-term report, I estimate that the total number of swimmers this year will be less than those of previous years, because there have been some incidents, such as the rumour that there are viruses in the pool water, and they do affect the number of entrants. As for the exact figure, I will give it to Mr. LAI after the meeting.
MR. CHRISTOPHER CHUNG SHU-KUN (in Cantonese):-/ want to follow up on the issue about msects flying into the pool water. In fact, some swimming pools (such as the Chai Wan Swimming Pool) are surrounded with trees. Lots of insects and even fallen leaves would fly or drift into the pool areas especially in summer. In connection with this, would the Department consider covering up the pools with nets when they are closed in the nighttime, so as to minimize the chance of small creatures (such as insects) flying into the water? I also worry that the water might be too rich in protein after the insects are soaked in the water for the whole night.
Furthermore, some swimmers put on too much suntan lotion while some go into the pool water in shorts and tee shirts instead of swimsuits. This would bring about the problem of contamination. The written reply indicates that only some routine cleaning procedures are carried out every week or every day after the pools are closed. What is the effect of the suntan lotion within the confined environment on human beings? Would the Chairman of the Select Committee agree to refer the matter to the Recreation Select Committee in due course for discussion in detail?
Mr. Ronnie Wong Man-chIU (in Cantonese): Mr. Chung, thank you for your recommendation. I consider that the problem of suntan lotion can be discussed in detail at the Recreation Select Committee meetings.
As for the idea of covering up the pool surface with nets to prevent insects from flying into the water, the Department should be asked to prepare a feasibility report on the cost-effectiveness and the actual effect of dead insects
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