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    Following is a question by the Hon Li Kwok-ying and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, in the Legislative Council today (May 25):

Question:

    For many years, Tai Po District Council has been striving for the construction of a heated public swimming pool in the district, but so far little progress has been made.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the progress of its study on converting the main pool at Tai Po Swimming Pool into an uncovered outdoor heated pool, and when the study results will be published;

(b) whether it has looked for another location outside Tai Po Swimming Pool but within the district for the construction of a heated swimming pool; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(c) whether it will construct a heated public swimming pool in Tai Po; if so, of the anticipated implementation date for the construction works; if not, whether it is attributable to the lack of resources?

Reply:

Madam President,

    The Administration's response to the three parts of the question are as follows:

(a) As regards the proposal on provision of heating to the main pool of the Tai Po Swimming Pool (TPSP), the Administration has completed a preliminary study which considers that the works are technically feasible, but the main pool will need to be completely closed during the construction (including a period of time within the swimming season).  According to the record of Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the usage rate of outdoor heated pools in winter is relatively low.  The Administration has also studied the feasibility of incorporating a permanent or retractable cover to the main pool of TPSP, but the findings reviewed that this is technically not feasible.  The Tai Po District Council has been informed of the findings on March 5, 2005.

(b) According to the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, a swimming pool complex should be provided for every 287 000 population.  With a current population of about 300 000 in Tai Po district, the Tai Po Swimming Pool should be able to cope with the demand of local residents.  Therefore, the Administration has no plan to provide another site in Tai Po for construction of a heated swimming pool.

(c) The Administration proposes to provide heating facilities to the main pool of TPSP and is working on the scope of development.  A concrete timetable for the works will be worked out upon the approval of funding.

Ends/Wednesday, May 25, 2005

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