Following is a question by the Hon Ma Fung-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, in the Legislative Council today (February 8):

Question:
 
     Quite a number of members of the public have relayed to me that the places of the swimming training courses offered by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) have been persistently in short supply.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of (i) the numbers of places and (ii) the numbers of times by which the application figures exceeded the numbers of training places, in respect of the swimming training courses offered by LCSD at various public swimming pool complexes respectively for different categories of persons in each of the past three financial years (set out such information in tables of the same format as Table 1); 

Table 1
Financial Year:

Public swimming pool complexes	Swimming training courses offered for the following categories of persons:
	Adults		Children or youth		Elderly		Persons with disabilities
	(i)	(ii)	(i)	(ii)	(i)	(ii)	(i)	(ii)

 
(2) of (i) the numbers of places and (ii) the numbers of times by which the application figures exceeded the numbers of training places, in respect of the swimming training courses offered by LCSD respectively at the regular swimming pools and heated swimming pools of various public swimming pool complexes in each of the past three financial years (set out such information in tables of the same format as Table 2);
 
Table 2
Financial Year:

Public swimming pool complexes	Swimming training courses offered at:
	regular swimming pools		heated swimming pools
	(i)	(ii)	(i)	(ii)

 
(3) of the criteria used by LCSD for determining the respective numbers of swimming training courses offered in summer time (April to October) and winter time (November to March);
 
(4) whether LCSD will consider offering more swimming training courses in winter by utilizing the heated swimming pools at public swimming pool complexes; if LCSD will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(5) whether LCSD will consider offering more swimming training courses for the elderly and persons with disabilities; if LCSD will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(6) of the criteria used by LCSD for selecting coaches of swimming training courses; whether LCSD has drawn up a list of qualified coaches; if LCSD has, how frequent the list is updated; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(7) of the number of swimming training courses cancelled by LCSD in each of the past three financial years and the reasons for cancellation; whether LCSD paid coach fees or other compensation to those coaches who had reserved time for teaching such training courses?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
(1) and (2) The LCSD has always promoted "Sport for All" and organised diversified recreation and sports programmes for local community members through the District Leisure Services Offices (DLSOs).  The numbers of places in swimming training courses offered by the LCSD at various public swimming pool complexes for different categories of persons in each of the past three financial years are at Annex 1.  For the numbers of places in swimming training courses offered by the LCSD respectively at the regular swimming pools and heated swimming pools of various public swimming pool complexes in each of the past three financial years, please refer to Annex 2.
 
     At present, places in the swimming training courses offered by the LCSD are allocated either on a first-come-first-served basis or by ballot.  Where enrolment is on a first-come-first-served basis, the computer system does not accept new applications once all the places have been filled, and records of application figures exceeding the numbers of places are therefore not available.  Where places are allocated by ballot, members of the public may submit a form indicating their choice of swimming courses.  Successful applicants are only allocated one place out of their choices.  As such, the total number of applications made cannot reflect the actual demand for different swimming courses.  The LCSD does not have records of application figures exceeding the numbers of places. 
 
     The LCSD offers swimming courses for children, youth and adults.  These courses are open to persons with disabilities (PWDs).  The elderly are also eligible for enrolment in swimming courses for adults.  In addition, swimming courses especially for the elderly and PWDs in accordance with the different types of disabilities are also offered by the LCSD. 
 
(3), (4) and (5) The LCSD organises diversified recreation and sports programmes through DLSOs for local community members of different age, levels of ability and needs, including the elderly and PWDs.  The numbers of swimming training courses offered to the elderly and PWDs, and of those offered in summer time, winter time and at heated swimming pools each year are worked out after thorough consideration of various factors and are approved by respective District Councils (DCs). 
 
     In planning the programmes and their numbers for the coming year, the DLSOs review the provision of programmes in the past year, taking into consideration various factors including the size of different age groups in the district, the demand of local community members such as the elderly and PWDs for recreation and sports programmes, the provision of recreation and sports facilities (including heated swimming pools) in the district, the popularity of each recreation and sports programme among the local community, the development trend of individual sports, and also comments from national sports associations (NSAs), district sports associations and respective DCs.  With these considerations in mind, the DLSOs set out plans for recreation and sports programmes (including swimming training courses) for the district in the coming year to make sure that the type, numbers and quality of such programmes fit the needs of the local community.  Moreover, the DLSOs have to submit their plans for recreation and sports programmes to the respective DCs every year for consideration and funding approval.  The LCSD will keep a close eye on the needs of the community and make suitable plans for the provision of swimming training courses accordingly.
 
(6) The LCSD currently engages holders of instructor certificates issued or recognised by the relevant NSAs as instructors in recreation and sports programmes, including swimming training courses.  It also keeps a register of part-time instructors to ensure there is sufficient qualified manpower to help conduct activities when the operational need arises.  Information about the instructors is stored in a centrally-managed part-time staff management computer system.  If instructors are to be engaged, the responsible staff will have to contact the instructors in the order set out on a list produced by the system for discussion of hiring matters.  The LCSD reviews the register on an annual basis and updates it in a timely manner.
 
(7) The numbers of swimming training courses cancelled by the LCSD in the 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 financial years, are 59, 80 and 58 respectively.  The main reason being insufficient enrolment.  After deciding to cancel a course, the LCSD will notify the instructor as soon as possible or at least seven days before the commencement of the course in accordance with the terms set out in the "Contract of Employment of Part-time Contract Staff" signed with the instructor.  The fees payable by the LCSD to instructors are determined by the actual hours of service provided.

Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:55

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