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Social Services
3. Hong Kong's project for the housing of squatters and
refugees in large resettlement estates is probably the
greatest single rehousing operation that has taken place
in Asia since World War II. Just under 40% of a total
population of 4 million are accommodated in housing built
either directly by the Government or with the aid of
Government funds. But despite spectacular achievements in
this field, the Hong Kong Government still face the formi-
dable problems of satisfactorily rehousing the remaining
squatter population and of refurbishing many of the older
estates. They are currently reviewing their housing plans
for the next few years.
4. Free primary education in Government and Government-
aided schools (except English language schools) was intro-
duced on 1 September 1971 and a compulsory school attendance
scheme has also been introduced. New proposals for the
expansion of Government assisted post-primary places were
approved in May 1971 with the aim of progressively making
available, with Government assistance, at least three years
of post-primary education to all children in the 12-14 age
group, and to achieve, as a first stage, 50% of that goal
by 1976.
5.
Revised arrangements for public assistance (allowances
in cash in place of dry rations) were introduced at the
beginning of 1971. Further improvements were announced in
this year's Budget in particular a 60% rise in the scales
of assistance and higher allowances for rent. The Hong Kong
Government have recently prepared a comprehensive five-year
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