SOCIAL AFFAIRS
CONFIDENTIAL
30/2/1
1.
In October 1972, in his first major speech to the
Legislative Council, the new Governor outlined a "new deal" of
measures towards his declared goal of prosperity with social progress.
In particular, he announced a new housing target: to give every
inhabitant in Hong Kong self-contained accommodation in a reasonable
environment within ten years. This will involve building new
2.
housing and associated infrastructure for nearly two million people.
He also announced a further expansion of education, with
the main emphasis on secondary and technical education and on
increasing and broadening the opportunities of tertiary education.
Free primary schooling is already available for all. In October 1973
the newly reconstituted Board of Education tabled its first report
on future secondary education policy. It recommended the provision
by 1984 of secondary school places for all children aged 12-14 and
of five-year places in government and fully-aided secondary schools
for 40% of those aged 12-16. Interim targets (of 80% and 36% for
the same categories) were also set, to be reached by 1981.
3.
The Governor also proposed, in his 1972 speech, major new measures in social welfare. Subsequently, in April 1973, a White
Paper "Social Welfare in Hong Kong: The Way Ahead" and a corresponding five-year plan (1973-78) were passed through Legislative Council.
The White Paper, which was worked out in association with the
voluntary sector, presented firm guidelines for social programmes
covering social security, community development, facilities for the
disabled, aid to the elderly, rehabilitation of young offenders and
probationers, welfare services, and effective supporting services in
training, planning, research and evaluation.
CONFIDENTIAL