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In response to media enquires today (August 5) regarding the outsourcing of the public swimming pools, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department issued the following statement:

"The Department has contracted out management of six sports centres, one of which includes a leisure pool, and the experience so far indicates that the service level has been maintained.

In addition, the release of staff under Voluntary Retirement Scheme II also requires our review on venue management.

At the present moment, the proposal to contract out the management of swimming pools is being examined and the staff side has been briefed on the proposal and their comments invited.

In exploring the idea, safety standard will not be compromised and there will not be any forced redundancy of existing staff.

We would continue the discussion with staff concerned as we examine the viability of the proposal."

End/Tuesday, August 5, 2003

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