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3.4
There is a comprehensive public health programme to combat tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, malaria and other controllable
diseases. Infant mortality, at 9.9 per 1,000 live births in 1982, is lower than in many developed countries, and life expectancy is one of the highest in the world. The birth rate, at 16.5 per thousand
population in 1981, means that the natural rate of increase of the population is just over 1%.
HOUSING
its
3.5 Hong Kong's housing problem stems from the fact that the population has increased 8 times since 1945. What is more, there is an acute shortage of land suitable for development.
The Hong Kong Government first started building public housing in 1954:
aim now is to ensure that every family has a permanent, self-
contained home at a rent or price it can afford. At present over
2,100,000 people, (over 40% of the population) live in public housing, and the Housing Authority constructs about 35,000 flats a
year. Another 27 - 30,000 units a year are being constructed by the private sector Rents are much lower in public housing where some
40% of tenants paid less than HK$100 (£9.50) a month rent and 70%
paid less than HK$ 200 (£19) in 1981. There is also a steady improvement in spatial standards and amenities, such as duppl.j recreational centres. However, partly because of the influx of refugees since 1973, demand for permanent housing has continued to exceed supply, and there are over 500,000 people living in squatter
areas.
SOCIAL WELFARE
3.6 There are a number of social security schemes operated by the
Social Welfare Department. The Public Assistance Scheme, which is
means-tested and non-contributory is designed to provide a basic
level of income for individuals and families in need. Able-bodied
applicants must register for work whilst claiming. The basic scale is HK$450 (£40) per month for a single claimant, with a reduced rate
for additional family members. Supplements increasing this by HK$225 (£20) per month are paid to the disabled, and those aged over
60. Additional grants are given for rent and annual replacement of
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