HC Deb 02 July 1986 vol 100 cc562-3W
Sir Paul Bryan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the level of provision of facilities in Hong Kong for the teaching of the performing arts; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Satisfactory training and coaching facilities for students of the performing arts are provided by the Hong Kong Government and various voluntary associations and private organisations. There are over 100 independent arts institutions which provide training in dance and drama. The Hong Kong Government's music office also provides training in musical instruments, both Chinese and Western, for approximately 4,000 young students.

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, a prime example of private and public sector co-operation, has been established since September 1984 as an independent institution which aims to provide and encourage training, education and research in the performing arts and related technical fields. The facilities in the academy are among the most advanced in the world. At present, the academy has 205 full-time students and 120 part-time junior students, and on full establishment will provide training for 600 full-time students in the four major disciplines of dance, drama, music and technical arts. In its latest admission exercise which closed in May, over 2,000 applications for 140 places were received.

Sir Paul Bryan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the level of provision of facilities for outdoor leisure pursuits in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Chalker

Outdoor leisure pursuits are the most popular form of recreational activity in Hong Kong and the territory's population are now able to pursue a greater variety of activities than ever before. Government planning standards aim to ensure that in spite of the territory's land shortages each district is adequately provided with open space and recreational facilities. Opportunities exist for participation in practically every outdoor sport. Increasing use is made of Hong Kong's 21 country parks, covering 40 per cent. of the land area of the territory, for hiking, camping and related activities.