I refer to the letter from Li Chi-fong headlined, 'Urbco booking facilities lack co-ordination' (South China Morning Post, September 9).

Members of the public can enrol in most of the Provisional Urban Council (PUC) recreation and sports programmes through the council's Sportix system by telephone. However, there are certain programmes where we require the applicant to do the booking in person. We feel that some important details such as age limits, training particulars and dates, time and places of attendance, can be better explained to the applicants in person before they submit the application. In Mr Li's case, we apologise that there was an oversight in the October issue of the council's Community Recreation and Sports Programme booklet which indicated that booking by phone through Sportix was possible.

When Mr Li approached our staff at the counter of Yau Tsim District Recreation and Sports Office, he was referred to the information contained in another PUC publication, District Recreation and Sports Programmes leaflet which contains the correct information, that is, application must be made in person. Had our staff been aware of the mistake made in the council's Community Recreation and Sports Programme booklet, we would have clearly explained the situation to Mr Li. We have reminded our staff to be patient, courteous and attentive in answering inquiries from members of the public.