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variety of drug addiction, detoxification and after-care treatment contres. Sone success has been achieved, notably in reducing the number of young people taking to drugs, and in law enforcement action which has severely curtailed the supply of illicit drugs. The Hong Kong Government cooperates closely with international efforts to control drug trafficking, and it is believed that the territory no longer acts as an international centre for the world narcotics market as it once did.
HOUSING
7, Hong Kong's housing problem stems from the fact that the population has increased more than sevenfold since 1945. What is more, Hong Kong is faced with an acute shortage of land suitable for development. The Hong Kong Government first started building public housing in 1954: its aim now is to ensure that every family has a permanent, self-contained home at a rent it can afford.
By the end of 1978, public housing was available for 48% of the population some 2.2 million people. New homes in the government sector are
by British standards These homes are, however, very small now being built at the rate of about 35,000 units per year. In the private sector, about 30,000 new units are planned for each year, 1979-80. At the same time there is a steady improvement in standards, with more space, better facilities and improved amenities such as shopping and recreational centres.
8. In the meantime, however, demand continues to exceed supply, and in 1978 there were estimated to be nearly 400,000 people in · tempory squatter accommodation, and a further 60,000 people living on boats. The present high level of immigration from China will place further considerable burdens on the Government's housing programme, in spite of the current building of the 3 principal New Towns on the minland, Sha Tin,Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun (illustrated booklets are available). SOCIAL WELFARE
9.
Although Hong Kong does not yet have a comprehensive social security scheme, there is a non-contributory means-tested Public Assistance scheme designed to bring the income for a single person or a family up to a level at which essential needs can be met. In addition to the basic scale (which is revised regularly), supplementary assistance may be given to cover rent, school expenses,
An old-age supplement is special diets and other circumstances,
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